Elevated Troponin T Research Articles

Value of troponin and NT-proBNP to screen for cardiac amyloidosis after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is crucial due to the promising effect of disease-modifying treatment. This calls for screening strategies to identify CA patients with so-called “red flags”, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ObjectivesThis study aims to assess Troponin-T (TnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) as predictors for CA in patients with a history of surgery for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, a population suitable for systematic screening. MethodsSubjects with a history of surgery for bilateral CTS 5–15 years prior, identified using national registries were investigated for CA as per international recommendations. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were assessed, and receiver operating curves were generated using logistic regression. ResultsAmong the 250 participants, 12 were diagnosed with CA, all with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis. Elevated TnT levels (≥13 ng/L) were found in all CA patients and 25.6% (±2.8) of non-CA patients. The negative predictive value (NPV) of TnT <13 ng/L was 100%. For NT-ProBNP the NPV was 99.1% when age dependent cutoff levels were used. A combination of both biomarkers yielded an NPV of 99.1% and sensitivity of 99.7%. Early disease (Mayo or NAC stage 1) was found in 83% of identified patients with CA. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the utility of TnT and NT-ProBNP as negative predictors to exclude CA in a screening population with a history of surgery for CTS.

Predictors of long-term survival in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis.

e24026 Background: ICI-associated myocarditis carries a high morbidity and mortality, with close to half of patients experiencing major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Risk factors previously associated with short-term MACE include troponin T (TnT), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictors of long-term survival. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 37 patients diagnosed with ICI-associated myocarditis at Massachusetts General Hospital between March 2016 and March 2022. We collected demographics, diagnostic results, and myocarditis treatments from the electronic medical record. Patients were grouped by survival time: short-term ( &lt; 30 day), intermediate (30 to 360 day), or long-term ( &gt; 360 days) survival. We used chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests for descriptive statistics. Cut-off points of continuous variables were determined by ROC curve. Predictors of survival were analyzed by logistic regression models. Results: The cohort consisted of 29 males and 8 females with a median age of 75 years (IQR 68-79), and median follow-up of 5.6 months (IQR 0.5-14.9). The median time from ICI start to myocarditis onset was 50 days (IQR 36-91). Ten, 14, and 13 patients were in the short-term, intermediate, and long-term survival groups, respectively. By univariate analysis, predictors of long-term survival included initial NT-proBNP ≤ 450, NLR ≤ 4.44, ALC ≥ 1122, normal EKG QTc interval (≤ 450 ms in male or ≤ 460 ms in female), and TnT decrement ≥ 42% by day 8 of immunosuppression (Table 1). All patients with long-term survival presented with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 55%), which made it uninterpretable using logistic regression models. Normal LVEF was significantly associated with long-term survival by using chi-square test (p = 0.002). While TnT elevation &gt; 75x the upper limit of normal (ULN) was strongly associated with short-term survival (p = 0.001), it was not associated with long-term survival (p = 0.23). The use of second-line immunosuppression in addition to corticosteroids did not have a significant impact on long-term survival (p = 0.69). Conclusions: NLR, ALC, NT-proBNP, QTc interval, and a substantial decrease in TnT at day 8 after immunosuppression are all associated with long-term survival in ICI myocarditis. [Table: see text]

Review of the Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of Cardiac Markers in Diabetes

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in people with diabetes (PWD). We aimed to explore the role of troponin T (TnT) and probrain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) as screening and prognostic indicators of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in PWD in the existing literature. Methods This review paper is a focused narrative nonsystematic review of the literature which examined relevant publications pertinent to the significance of cardiac biomarkers. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of cardiac TnT (cTnT) and cTnI in addition to proBNP in diabetes and the prognostic value of cTnT and proBNP in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The process of searching through literature was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023. Searches were done across PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant articles published from January 2001 to April 2023. The selected were entered into EndNote 20 software to extract the title and abstract. Results A total of 75 articles were identified in Google Scholar in addition to 32 articles from PubMed. After a thorough review, only a total of 22 articles were selected, pointing out those which discussed the pathophysiology and diagnostic, prognostic, and screening values of the types of Tn and proBNP markers. The value of TnT in PWD, specifically T2D, is threefold higher than in healthy patients. Individuals with high levels of high-sensitivity (hs) cTnI or cTnT were at the highest mortality risk. Nonetheless, N-terminal (NT)-proBNP and TnT function independently as predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion TnT is an important early screening tool prognostic indicator. Elevated TnT was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in PWD. hs-cTn may help diabetes-related clinical care for older persons by identifying those at high mortality risk; furthermore, in diabetic individuals, NT-pro-BNP appears to be 92% sensitive and 90% specific for the diagnosis of heart failure.

Abstract 16233: Paradoxical Coronary Embolus Associated With Right Atrial Thrombus in Cardiac Amyloidosis

Introduction: This case highlights amyloidosis’ risk for intracardiac thrombosis with an atypical presentation of paradoxical coronary embolism due to right atrial thrombus. Clinical Presentation: An 87-year-old male with atrial fibrillation not on anticoagulation, HFrEF, severe mitral regurgitation, CKD3B, and recent medically managed NSTEMI, presented with shortness of breath. Labs showed elevated Troponin-T HS (174 ng/L) and proBNP (11,955 pg/mL). Echocardiogram revealed EF 25-30% with new lateral and anterior wall akinesis, concerning for NSTEMI I. Coronary catheterization revealed possible thrombus in the left circumflex artery (Figure 1A), but distal perfusion was intact. CT angiogram was negative for coronary artery dissection, providing clearance to initiate treatment with Eliquis. Intriguingly, cardiac MRI suggested intracardiac thrombus within the right atrial appendage and patent foramen ovale (Figure 1B), and possible amyloidosis from delayed gadolinium uptake. Despite negative serologic amyloid workup, pyrophosphate scan confirmed transthyretin amyloidosis. The patient was diuresed for decompensated heart failure but hypotension and acute-on-chronic kidney disease limited Guidelines-Directed Medical Therapy at discharge. Discussion: This case elucidates the importance of recognizing the thromboembolic risk in cardiac amyloidosis patients. Studies indicate up to 30% of cardiac amyloidosis patients have intracardiac thrombi, particularly those with primary amyloidosis subtype. Notably, no correlation exists between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and atrial fibrillation. Despite the left atrial appendage being twice more susceptible to thrombus formation, the right atrial appendage requires attention. Timely screening in high-risk patients could enable early thrombus detection, potentially improving prognosis.

COVID-19-Associated Acute Myocarditis: Risk Factors, Clinical Outcomes, and Implications for Early Detection and Management.

Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus causing acute respiratory distress with multisystem complications, including cardiac complications. Acute myocarditis is onepossible complicationof coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Previous studies revealed that mortality from COVID-19 was higher in patients with cardiac complications. Objectives We aim to identify if patients with COVID-19 developmyocarditisand if this condition is associated with an increased incidence of ventilatory support and mortality. We also aim to identify if preexisting cardiac conditions are associated with an increased incidence of ventilatory support and mortality in those who developed COVID-19. Methods This is a multicenter, retrospective study including patients aged 18 years and older. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the incidence of in-hospital mortality and ventilatory support in COVID-19-positive patients with and without myocarditis. In this study, we defined myocarditis using elevated troponin-T (TnT) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels as proxy. Results A total of 8,162 patients with a positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testwere identified. Of those, 1,643 (20.1%) were found to have new-onset acute myocarditis. The risk of ventilation and mortality in these patients was significantly elevated (p<0.001) compared to patients without acute myocarditis. Underlying heart failure was associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality, which was 1.6 times greater when compared to patients without heart failure. The odds of in-hospital mortality were 2.33 times as likely for those who had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy as opposed to those who did not. Conclusion Myocarditis is a serious and potentially fatal complication of COVID-19. The results of this study highlightthe importance of routine testing of troponin-T and BNP levels to identify those at risk. Furthermore, underlying heart conditions are associated with a worse outcome, and those patients should be watched closely.

A changing heart in tako-tsubo syndrome.

A 63-year-old female presented with acute chest pain and ECG showing T wave inversion in the anterior and inferior leads. Troponin T (TnT) was significantly elevated (peak 1378 ng/L; normal <14 ng/L), as was NT-proBNP (3091 ng/L; normal <400 ng/L). Invasive angiography showed unobstructed coronary arteries with mid-ventricular ballooning and hypokinesia on ventriculography (see Supplementary data online, Video S1) and echocardiography (see Supplementary data online, Video S2), suggesting a mid-ventricular tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was booked but the patient was unable to attend. Focussed history using the InterTAK diagnostic score assessment revealed no emotional or physical triggers. The patient re-presented six months later with similar symptoms and elevated TnT. Inpatient echocardiography showed a reverse TTS pattern (see Supplementary data online, Video S3) and CMR at 1.5T showed basal hypokinesia with matching elevated native T1 (1220 ms; normal 950–1100 ms) and T2 (69 ms; normal <48 ms) (Panels A–B). Quantitative perfusion maps following adenosine stress perfusion to investigate microvascular disease showed basal to mid circumferential hypoperfusion with normal apical myocardial blood flow, not suggestive of specific coronary artery territory ischaemia (Panel D) and no late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (Panel C), confirming a reverse TTS. The patient further presented two months later with chest pain and TnT elevation. Repeat inpatient CMR on this occasion showed a classic TTS pattern with apical hypokinesia and elevated T1 and T2 (1261 ms and 81 ms, respectively) at the mid to apical segments with no LGE (Panels E–G). The case was further explored but no triggers, including neurological or psychiatric abnormalities were found. Recurrent TTS with different phenotypes has previously been described but is rare, especially without a trigger. Our case illustrates the utility of multimodality imaging in the investigation of TTS; in particular, multiparametric tissue mapping by CMR. Furthermore, the novel quantitative perfusion maps characterising myocardial blood flow added diagnostic utility.

Troponin-T and age as predictors for mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation at the emergency department

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Grants from Region Östergötland County Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden Background Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) is a common heart arrhythmia and medical condition at the emergency room, making up approximately 1-2% of the visits and hospital admissions. Previous studies have shown an association between elevated Troponin-T levels and mortality (1). However, there is limited data in whether mildly elevated Troponin-T levels together with age correlates with an increased mortality. Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyse the usage of Troponin-T and its prognostic value for mortality together with age in patients with AF at the emergency department. Methods A comparison of when Troponin-T was used and when multiple sampling occurred was made. A comparison of Troponin-T together with age was also made to analyse potential associations with mortality. Patients were identified through the ICD-10 code for AF (I48) and the data was collected through medical records and diagnostic registers. Patients were divided in three groups based on Troponin-T (&amp;lt; 15 ng/L, 15-50 ng/L and &amp;gt; 50 ng/L) and four subgroups based on age (&amp;lt; 60, 60-69, 70-79 and &amp;gt; 80 years). Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year. The association between Troponin-T, age and mortality were analysed through hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results 771 patients with AF at the emergency room were included in this cohort study (median age 72, 44,6% female and median AF duration 1,3 years). There was a significant difference in Troponin-T levels between patients admitted to hospital compared to discharge (p &amp;lt; 0,001). All-cause mortality was 1,9% (n = 15) at 1 month and 7,7% (n = 59) at 1 year. The hazard ratio (HR) was 9,86 (95% CI 1,23-78,82, p = 0,031) for Troponin-T 15-50 ng/L and 32,98 (95% CI 3,85-282,29, p &amp;lt; 0,001) for Troponin-T &amp;gt; 50 ng/L at 30 days compared to Troponin-T &amp;lt; 15 ng/L. The HR at 1 year was 7,98 (95% CI 3,10-20,51, p &amp;lt; 0,001) for Troponin-T 15-50 ng/L and 20,88 (95% CI 7,52-57,98, p &amp;lt; 0,001) for Troponin-T &amp;gt; 50 ng/L compared to Troponin-T &amp;lt; 15 ng/L. For age, the HR at 1 year was 2,67 (95% CI 0,54-13,23, p = 0,229) for age 60-69 years, 3,59 (95% CI 0,82-15,80, p = 0,091) for age 70-79 years and 12,79 (95% CI 3,05-53,68, p &amp;lt; 0,001) for age &amp;gt; 80 years compared to age &amp;lt; 60 years. Conclusions Troponin-T appears to influence several decisions taken at the emergency room for patients with AF, such as whether admission or multiple sampling is required. Troponin-T and age appears to independently indicate the risk for all-cause mortality. Higher Troponin-T were also associated with increased mortality in most age groups.

Myocardial Injury in Hospitalized Patients with Myasthenia Gravis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of myocardial injury in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: We retrospectively searched medical records to screen hospitalized patients with MG at our hospital. The troponin T (TnT) levels were deemed necessary to be performed based on the patient’s clinical symptoms and were used as biomarkers of myocardial injury. The patients’ demographic and clinical information were collected. Death was the primary outcome. Results: A total of 336 patients with MG measured TnT levels and were included in the final analysis. The male MG patients with elevated TnT levels had a higher prevalence of infection (56.8% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.001) and myasthenic crisis (37.5% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.001) than those with normal TnT levels. Meanwhile, the female MG patients with elevated TnT levels were older (56.0 (16.6) vs. 49.2 (17.2)) years old, p = 0.007] and had a higher prevalence of infection (65.4% vs. 32.1%, p < 0.001), myasthenic crisis (33.6% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.015), and thymoma (38.5% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.001) than those with normal TnT levels. Older age (coef. = 0.004; p = 0.034), infection (coef. = 0.240; p = 0.001), myasthenic crisis (coef. = 0.312; p < 0.001), thymoma (coef. = 0.228; p = 0.001), and ICI therapy (coef. = 1.220; p < 0.001) were independent risk predictors for increasing log TnT levels. Thirty-seven patients died during hospitalization. High log TnT levels (OR = 8.818; p < 0.001), female sex (OR = 0.346; p = 0.023), thymoma (OR = 5.092; p = 0.002), and infection (OR = 14.597; p < 0.001) were independent risk predictors of death. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the surveillance of myocardial injury biomarkers in MG patients might be beneficial.

New-Onset Myasthenic Crisis with Prodromal Elevation of Troponin-T after AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination.

New-Onset Myasthenic Crisis with Prodromal Elevation of Troponin-T after AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination.

Feasibility of prehospital identification of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction by ECG, troponin and echocardiography

BackgroundPrehospital identification and selection of treatment strategy in patients with suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy...

Principal component analysis of categorized parameters in periprocedural myocardial injury following percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective: The elevation of troponin-T (Trop-T) or creatinine kinase myocardial isoform (CKMB) is very common during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A study was attempted to determine the correlation between elevated Trop-T or CKMB and the parameters of PCI by using multivariate analysis, especially principal component analysis (PCA). Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out among 100 patients who underwent PCI for stable coronary artery disease in which 31 and 37 patients were found to have elevated Trop-T and CKMB (&gt;3 times) following PCI. The correlation was studied between Trop-T or CKMB (dependent variable) and different parameters, viz., total stent length (mm), fluoroscopy time (min), lesion strength, left ventricular (LV) function, procedural complications, type of lesions, vessels treated with drug eluting stent (DES), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as independent variables. Results: For Trop-T, the principal component (PC)-1 and PC-2 obtained 63.49% and 30.88% of the original variation. For PC-1 and PC-2, maximum positive loading was recorded for stent length followed by fluoroscopy time and for LV but negative loading for the type of lesion and type of stent (DES vs bare metal stent [BMS]). For CKMB, the PC-1 and PC-2 obtained 61.22% and 32.08% of the original variation. For PC-1 and PC-2, maximum positive loading was recorded for stent length and fluoroscopy time followed by vessel treated but negative loading for the type of stent and MACE, and maximum positive loading recorded for LV function but negative loading for the type of lesion. Conclusion: This study indicates which factors are most important in preventing periprocedural myocardial injury during PCI and may be a suitable tool to prevent myocardial injury and for subsequent less MACE and better patient outcomes.

Niveles plasmáticos de troponina T y de la fracción aminoterminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral y su relación con mortalidad en COVID-19

IntroductionCardiovascular compromise in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) does not necessarily present with the classic symptoms described in myocarditis. There is growing evidence demonstrating subclinical cardiovascular compromise in the context of the intense inflammation unleashed, the cytokine storm involved, the baseline prothrombotic state, and the consequent endothelial dysfunction. We set out to analyse whether Troponin-T (TT) and the amino-terminal fraction of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) determined at hospital admission, are related to mortality during the hospitalization of these patients. Material and methodsAnalytical, observational, retrospective cohort and cross-sectional study. It included subjects with COVID-19 hospitalized for moderate-severe illness, from 20/03/20 to 15/11/20. The TT and NT-proBNP obtained in the first 24 hours from admission were analysed. Altered TT was considered if ≥.014 ng/dl and altered NT-proBNP if ≥300 pg/ml. ResultsOne hundred and eight subjects were included, 63.2% men, age 51.5 years (59-43), 28% were admitted to the Critical Unit and 25% died. The group with elevated TT presented higher mortality (OR = 3.1; 95%CI = 1.10-8.85; p = .02). The group with elevated NT-proBNP also show higher mortality (OR = 3.47; 95%CI = 1.21-9.97; p = .01). On multivariate analysis, only NT-proBNP ≥300 pg/ml remained an independent risk factor. ConclusionsNT-proBNP levels ≥300 pg/ml at admission in patients with moderate-severe COVID-19 were associated with higher mortality.

Elevated Troponin-t after Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: One of the characteristics of ischemic myocardial attacks is elevated serum troponin. It has been detected in some individuals complain of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The significance of serum troponin high level is controversial. The aim of this research is to discover the elements of high level of troponin and its relation with ischemic stroke severity in Baqubah city, Diyala province. Methods: Between August 2018 and December 2018, fifty consecutive participants suffered from (AIS) Acute Ischemic Stroke has been contributed in this study at Baquba Teaching Hospital. MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging has been don for all the patients to confirm the diagnosis. The serum level of troponin – T was investigate routinely on admission. Based on the criteria of ''National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale'' (NIHSS), ECG was done the severity of the stroke has been assessed for all contributed individuals. Results: The percentage (80%) of ischemic type of stroke and (20%) of haemorrhagic type of stroke, and troponin elevation in ischemic more than haemorrhagic ischemic stroke patients divided into mild (13%) moderate (25%) sever (62%) after using special scoring system at admission. Conclusion: Stroke severity associated with higher troponine level in ischemic stroke patients depend on type not on cause.

Clinical implications of troponin-T elevations following TAVR

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Baseline and post-procedural elevations in serum troponin-T levels are associated with increased morbidity and mortality following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the prognostic impact of change in serum troponin-T level following TAVR remains unknown. Methods Among the patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR, those with baseline serum troponin-T level ≥51.5 ng/L were excluded. The impact of increases in serum troponin-T level to an abnormally high range (≥51.5 ng/L) following TAVR on 2-year cardiovascular death or heart failure readmissions was investigated. Results Among 189 included patients (median 86 years old, 28% men), serum troponin-T level increased in 79 patients following TAVR. An increase in serum troponin-T was associated with a higher rate of 30-day adverse events, predominantly due to pacemaker implantation for complete atrio-ventricular block, and a higher 2-year cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 3.97, 95% confidence interval 1.51-10.4, p = 0.005) adjusted for the use of balloon-expandable valve and post-TAVR pacemaker implantation (Figure 1). Conclusion Post-procedural increase in serum troponin-T level was associated with adverse clinical outcomes following TAVR. Abstract Figure. Cumulative incidence of endpoint

Abstract 11298: Tablet-Based Echocardiography is a Valuable Tool to Effectively Evaluate Patients with Sars-Cov-2 While Limiting Sonographer Exposure

Background: The SARS-Cov-2 virus and the associated Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) can cause myocardial injury, cardiac dysfunction, and coronary dilation. This makes echocardiography a key component during clinical evaluation. To improve technician safety, we implemented a protocol utilizing a tablet-based echocardiography (TBE) system to evaluate patients who had active COVID-19 or whose testing was pending. We hypothesized that appropriate clinical evaluations could be completed with TBE while having a shorter exposure time for personnel. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 35 patients at a tertiary, pediatric hospital between March 2020 and May 2021 who underwent TBE. We compared the TBE findings and duration to comprehensive echocardiograms done on average two weeks later with a traditional machine. A complete study included evaluation of ventricular function, coronary artery diameter, and pericardial fluid assessment. Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) and troponin-T levels were reviewed. Subjects were divided into two groups based on an elevation in troponin-T as a surrogate for myocardial injury (Trop + and Trop - ). Results: Eight subjects had cardiac dysfunction with 6/12 being from the Trop + group and 2/23 in the Trop - group. The mean troponin-T elevation was 0.32 ng/mL. Pro-BNP levels were elevated in all but 1 of the 35 subjects but were ten times higher in the trop + group (mean 18,055 vs 1,888 pg/mL; p = 0.001). Three subjects with MIS-C had coronary dilation noted by TBE (2 in Trop + and 1 in Trop - ) with one persistently dilated at follow up. TBE findings such as coronary dilation or cardiac dysfunction guided medical therapies and no clinically relevant findings were missed when compared to studies at follow up. TBE was on average 29 minutes shorter (41 ± 18 vs 12 ± 5 min; p &lt; 0.001). One patent ductus arteriosus was found by TBE and this was confirmed on repeat imaging. Conclusions: TBE allows for experienced sonographers to limit exposure time to potentially contagious patients and easier decontamination while not compromising essential clinical information. This study shows TBE is a useful tool to effectively evaluate patients during highly contagious viral respiratory outbreaks.

Can cholesterol be too low? A retrospective correlation of cholesterol lab values to other markers of cardiovascular disease risk

Abstract Introduction/Objective Most recommendations for lipid panel reference ranges are one-sided (desirable total cholesterol is &amp;lt;200 mg/dL, optimal LDL cholesterol [LDL-C] is &amp;lt;100 mg/dL). However, recent studies suggest risks for cardiovascular diseases or mortality at very low cholesterol values. In this retrospective study, we investigated the association between lipid panel results and surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease to test the hypothesis that very low cholesterol levels are associated with increases in cardiovascular risk. Methods/Case Report Patients with lipid panels reported from April 2020-March 2021 at LAC+USC Medical Center were included. Lipid panels (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides) and laboratory results representing risk factors for cardiovascular disease (troponin T (TnT), NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP)) were collated. Lipid panel values were compared against the percentage of patients with non-optimal laboratory results for the cardiovascular risk markers. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Decreasing total cholesterol levels vs. the percentage of patients with high TnT or BNP showed a U-curve with a nadir at 200-240 mg/dL (elevated TnT: 15%, BNP: 49%) and further increased with lower cholesterol levels &amp;lt;60 mg/dL (TnT: 56%, BNP: 92%); HbA1c (U-curve, nadir: 160-180 mg/dL); and CRP (90% at cholesterol &amp;lt;60 mg/dL; 43% at 220-240 mg/dL). Decreasing HDL-C against all markers of cardiovascular disease demonstrated a continued downtrend below optimal HDL-C levels. Decreasing LDL-C vs. the percentage of high TnT showed a U-curve with a nadir at 120-140 mg/dL; BNP (uptrends in the optimal range of LDL-C); HbA1c (U-curve, nadir: 90-100 mg/dL); and CRP (uptrends with decreasing LDL-C). TnT and BNP decreased with increasing triglycerides, while HbA1c increased with increasing triglycerides. Data points (TnT: n &amp;gt; 5,000; BNP: n &amp;gt; 3,000; HbA1c: n &amp;gt; 29,000; CRP: n &amp;gt; 4,500). Conclusion Very low concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol are associated with elevated markers of cardiovascular risk. Laboratories may wish to consider incorporating low ends to total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol reference ranges.

Clinical implications of troponin-T elevations following TAVR: Troponin Increase Following TAVR

BackgroundBaseline and post-procedural elevations in serum troponin-T levels are associated with increased morbidity and mortality following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the prognostic impact of change in serum troponin-T level following TAVR remains unknown. MethodsAmong the patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR, those with baseline serum troponin-T level ≥51.5 ng/L were excluded. The impact of increases in serum troponin-T level to an abnormally high range (≥51.5 ng/L) following TAVR on 2-year cardiovascular death or heart failure readmissions was investigated. ResultsAmong 189 included patients (median 86 years old, 28% men), serum troponin-T level increased in 79 patients following TAVR. An increase in serum troponin-T was associated with a higher rate of 30-day adverse events, predominantly due to pacemaker implantation for complete atrio-ventricular block, and a higher 2-year cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 5.24, 95% confidence interval 1.64-16.8, p = 0.005) adjusted for the potential confounders. ConclusionPost-procedural increase in serum troponin-T level was associated with adverse clinical outcomes following TAVR.

Comparison of clinical and laboratory profile of survivors and non-survivors of SARS-CoV-2-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome of childhood in India: An observational study.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is characterised by multiple reports of paediatric multisystem inflammatory disease or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with Kawasaki disease-like features often complicated by myocarditis, shock and macrophage activation syndrome. Certain clinical and laboratory markers may be used to identify high risk cases. All sequentially admitted patients hospitalised between April 2020 and October 2020, who met the WHO case definition for MIS-C were included. Data included patient demographic information, presenting symptoms, organ dysfunction and laboratory parameters. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by nasopharyngeal swab real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and/or rapid antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 as recommended. The clinical and laboratory criteria were compared in the survival and non-survival groups. A total of 29 patients with MIS-C were treated during the study period. There were 21 survivors and 8 non-survivors. The non-survivors had more neurocognitive and respiratory symptoms along with increased incidence of myocarditis compared with survivors. The serum levels of CPK-MB, D-dimer, ferritin and triglyceride were significantly raised in non-survivors as compared to survivors. The non-survivor group had higher CPK and greater proportion of children with troponin-T elevation indicating higher incidence of myocardial injury and necrosis. The D-dimer, ferritin and triglyceride were also higher in the mortality group, indicating the greater extent of inflammatory damage in this group.

Comparison between myocardial function assessed by echocardiography during hospitalization for COVID-19 and at 4\xa0months follow-up

In patients hospitalized for corona virus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) it is currently unknown whether myocardial function changes after recovery and whether this is related to elevated cardiac biomarkers. In this single center, prospective cohort study we consecutively enrolled hospitalized COVID-19 patients between 1 April and 12 May 2020. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) evaluation during hospitalization and at a median of 131 days (IQR; 116–136) follow-up. Of the 51 patients included at baseline, 40 (age: 62 years (IQR; 54–68), 78% male) were available for follow-up TTE. At baseline, 68% of the patients had a normal TTE, regarding left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes and function, compared to 83% at follow-up (p = 0.07). Median LV ejection fraction (60% vs. 58%, p = 0.54) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (23 vs 22 mm, p = 0.18) were comparable between hospitalization and follow-up, but a significantly lower RV diameter (39 vs. 34 mm, p = 0.002) and trend towards better global longitudinal strain (GLS) (− 18.5% vs − 19.1%, p = 0.07) was found at follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed no relation between patients with and without elevated TroponinT and/or NT-proBNP during hospitalization and myocardial function at follow-up. Although there were no significant differences in individual myocardial function parameters at 4 months follow-up compared to hospitalisation for COVID-19, there was an overall trend towards normalization in myocardial function, predominantly due to a higher rate of normal GLS at follow-up.

Predicting peri-operative troponin elevation by advanced electrocardiography

BackgroundPeri-operative mortality remains a global problem and an improved pre-operative risk assessment identifying those at highest risk for peri-operative myocardial injury might improve postsurgical outcomes. AimsTo determine whether pre-operative measures of advanced electrocardiography (A-ECG) could predict elevated serum troponin T (TnT) in patients undergoing elective, major non-cardiac surgery. Material and methodsThis observational cohort study included 257 surgical patients who underwent elective major non-cardiac surgery between the years 2012–2013 and 2015–2016 at Karolinska University Hospital. All selected patients were ≥ 18 years of age [median age 70 (63–75) years], had a pre-operative digital 12‑lead ECG < 6 months prior to the procedure and a postoperative high-sensitivity cardiac TnT (hs-cTnT) sample. A-ECG confounders including atrial fibrillation or flutter, abundant premature atrial or ventricular contractions, bundle branch blocks, QRS duration >110 ms, heart rate > 100 beats/min and paced rhythms were excluded. Previously validated A-ECG diagnostic scores that detect cardiovascular pathologies were calculated and compared in patients with and without peri-operative myocardial injury, defined as hs-cTnT >14 ng l−1. ResultsPre-operative left ventricular systolic dysfunction by A-ECG was more probable in patients with than without peri-operative myocardial injury (p = 0.03). ConclusionsWhile a pre-operative A-ECG score for LVSD was able to differentiate between patients with versus without elevated peri-operative TnT levels, it did not add any further utility to standard clinical parameters for predicting troponin-related events in the studied population.