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Purpose: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) has been shown to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in several clinical conditions, including heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We have designed a study aiming at: characterizing the echocardiographic morphology of the tricuspid valve apparatus and the pathophysiology of FTR in heart failure with reduced, mid-range or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF) and in PAH patients; correlating the morphologic characteristics of tricuspid valve apparatus with hemodynamic severity of FTR; correlating the severity of FTR with the clinical condition and outcome. Methods: The study will be a non-interventional, prospective, international, multicenter, longitudinal study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05209919). The minimum number of patients which are expected to be enrolled is 300 HF patients, including HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF patients, whereas 100 PAH patients will serve as control. The patients will be enrolled in 20 centers in Europe, North America and Saudi Arabia. Standard echocardiographic parameters will be analyzed by local investigators; strain measurements will be performed in a single central core-lab. Conclusions: This study has been designed to improve our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical relevance of FTR across all HF phenotypes. The results could potentially allow a more appropriate selection of heart failure patients with FTR for tricuspid valve intervention by percutaneous or surgical repair or replacement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION 228 II. THE CURRENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR DATA SECURITY IS NEBULOUS--BUT THE THREAT OF BREACH IS VERY REAL 230 A. U.S. Federal Circuits Are Divided [...]

Although not associated with clinical outcomes, hypertension (HT) seems to modify the long-term effectiveness of pharmacological treatment in patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS).Beta-blockers improved the overall survival of TTS patients with HT and should be considered as first-line therapy in this patient population.The effectiveness of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors on long-term outcome was not significant regardless of the history of HT.

Long-standing hypertension leads to the development of aortic remodelling. In particular, the haemodynamic overload due to high blood pressure may contribute to the development of ascending aorta (AscAo) dilatation. With present study we analysed, in treated hypertensive patients, the spectrum of AscAo dilatation using different anthropometric criteria reporting the clinical and echocardiographic correlates: Indexing AscAo for body surface area (BSA) leads to inconsistent negative association with obesity and other metabolic abnormalities while AscAo and AscAo indexed for height present consistent pathophysiologic profile.In sensitivity analysis, AscAo and AscAo indexed for height are significantly associated with incident cardiovascular events while indexation for BSA is not, strongly suggesting the use of AscAo/BSA should be discouraged.

Reports regarding sex heterogenicity in acute aortic dissection (AAD) are not exhaustive and in part even conflicting. Sex differences in clinical features, management, and outcomes were investigated among patients with type A AAD through a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature.A female sex phenotype appears to be evident in type A AAD implying the need for a personalized management patient approach along with tailored preventive strategies. Interestingly, while in-hospital surgical mortality did not differ between sexes, 5- and 10-year survival was higher among men.In the near future, definitive sex-specific data from international clinical registries and trials are expected.Graphical AbstractBMI, body mass index; BSA, body surface area; ICU, intensive care unit; ♂, men; ♀, women.

Studies exploring the extent of aortic root dilation across the different types of sport are limited. We aimed to define the physiological limits of aortic remodelling in a large population of healthy elite athletes in comparison with nonathletic controls.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading etiology of heart failure (HF) and serves as a significant therapeutic target to ameliorate HF-associated morbidity and mortality.

The expansion of tricuspid valve (TV) interventions has underscored the need for accurate and reproducible three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) tools for evaluating the tricuspid annulus and for 3D normal values of this structure. The aims of this study were to develop new semi-automated software for 3D TTE analysis of the tricuspid annulus, compare its accuracy and reproducibility against those of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) reference, and determine normative values.

During the sixth World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension, the threshold of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) for the definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been lowered to a value of greater than 20 mmHg, measured by means of right heart catheterization at rest. In this review, we aim at describing the impact of the new definition of PH, analyzing the available data from the latest scientific literature concerning subjects with mPAP between 21 and 24 mmHg (defined as “mildly elevated PH”), discussing the impact of the new threshold for mPAP in the clinical practice, and highlighting the new perspectives in this field.

Anabolic deficiencies play a pivotal role in left-sided heart failure. Little is known about their impact on idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of multiple hormone-metabolic deficiencies on clinical features and outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We have demonstrated that the assessment of anabolic hormone levels in patients with iPAH allows the identification of a subpopulation with worse exercise capacity, pulmonary hemodynamics, right ventricular size, and function generating the hypothesis about the potential role of hormonal replacement therapy. These data should be confirmed by larger studies.

In recent years, several observations reported that intolerance of physical exertion and other cardinal symptoms in heart failure (HF) are closely related to the functionality of the right ventricular (RV), regardless of left heart. It has been demonstrated that the RV dysfunction complicates the course, aggravates the quality of life, and increases the mortality of HF patients. The present review is aimed to report tips physicians about the current therapeutic management of right HF during acute stage and chronic phase, shedding light on the RV and its failure and providing physicians with essential information for everyday clinical practice.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a very common clinical entity with clinical symptoms that range from no symptom to complete hemodynamic collapse, sometimes with similar-appearing clot burden on computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram. Given highly variable clinical presentation, the authors wanted to investigate if there is clinical correlation based on the age of a clot with microscopic examination to clinical presentation. Thirteen thrombectomy aspirates from patients with an acute PE were microscopically analyzed. The goal was to age the thrombus based on histologic features and correlate it to clinical course.

This study investigates the relationship between production efficiency in financial intermediation and financial system size. The study predicts and tests for the existence of 'systemic scale economies' (SSE) effects, whereby value-maximizing intermediaries operating in large systems are expected to have lower costs of production, risk absorption, and reputation signaling than intermediaries operating in small systems. The study explores the mechanics of SSEs and estimates their quantitative relevance using a large cross-country banking data panel. The study shows strong evidence in support of SSEs and finds that the institutional environment, risk environment, and market concentration affect significantly the production efficiency of financial intermediation services. [JEL D21, G14, L16], In this study we formulate and test empirically what we call the 'systemic scale economies' (SSE) hypothesis, whereby the production of financial intermediation services shows increasing returns in the scale [...]

The specialness of banks in the light of electronic services and other changes is discussed in detail. The implications of structural changes and policies are described.

This article investigates the relationship between polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and insulin resistance among older Italian adults and centenarians. Findings indicate that the genetic polymorphism is associated with increased insulin resistance in both older Italians and centenarians.

This study develops an approach to analyze the integrated functions of banking and finance in a monetary production economy.

Byline: Eduardo Bossone, Fernando J. Martinez, Richard I. Whyte, Mark D. Iannettoni, William F. Armstrong, David S. Bach Abstract: Background: Lung volume reduction surgery has been proposed as a bridge to lung transplantation and as definitive therapy for advanced chronic obstructive lung disease. However, patient selection criteria and optimal preoperative assessment have not been clearly defined. Objective: We investigated the feasibility, safety, and value of dobutamine stress echocardiography as a predictor of major early cardiac events in patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery. Methods: The study population consisted of 46 patients (21 men and 25 women, mean age 59 [+ or -] 9 years) who underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography (maximum dose 40 [mu]g * kg.sup.-1 * min.sup.-1 plus atropine if needed) 180 days or less before lung volume reduction surgery. Adverse cardiac events were prospectively defined and tabulated during hospitalization after the operation and at subsequent outpatient visits. Results: Dobutamine stress echocardiography was interpretable in 45 of 46 (98%) patients. There were no adverse events during testing. The studies revealed normal left ventricular systolic function at rest in all patients and normal right ventricular function in all patients but one. Thirteen patients had right ventricular enlargement. Estimated right ventricular systolic pressure was mildly elevated (>40 mm Hg) in 5 patients. Four patients (9%) had stress tests positive for ischemia. There were no perioperative deaths. Follow-up was available for 44 of 45 patients at a duration of 20.0 [+ or -] 7.0 months. Two major adverse cardiac events occurred in the same patient in whom the results of dobutamine stress echocardiography were positive for ischemia (positive predictive value 25%, 95% confidence interval 0% to 83%; negative predictive value 100%, 95% confidence interval 90 to 100%). Conclusion: Despite end-stage chronic obstructive lung disease and poor ultrasound windows, dobutamine stress echocardiography is feasible and safe in patients undergoing evaluation for lung volume reduction surgery. It yields important information on right and left ventricular function and has an excellent negative predictive value for early and late adverse cardiac events. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:542-6) Article History: Received 9 October 1998; Revised 19 February 1999; Revised 5 April 1999; Accepted 26 May 1999 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology,a and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine,b and the Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery,c University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., [star][star] Address for reprints: David S. Bach, MD, University of Michigan, L3119 Women's -- 0273, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0273 (E-mail:dbach@umich.edu )., a 0022-5223/99 $8.00 + 0 12/1/100276

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often complicates chronic left-sided heart failure, with a remarkable impact on quality of life, exercise capacity, and survival. PH in chronic left-sided heart failure (PH-LHD) is not only caused by backward transmission of pressures but also involves impairment of atrial function, inflammation, and vasoconstriction. Once the left atrium loses its reservoir capacity, usually pulmonary vascular resistances increase. Right atrial dilation commonly represents the first sign of PH-LHD, before right ventricle dilatation and systolic dysfunction develop, leading to right heart insufficiency, and ultimately, right heart failure.

ObjectiveThe advantage of beta-blockers has been postulated in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) given the pathophysiological role of catecholamines. We hypothesised that beta-blocker treatment after discharge may improve the long-term clinical outcome in this patient population.MethodsThis was an observational, multicentre study including consecutive patients with TTS diagnosis prospectively enrolled in the Takotsubo Italian Network (TIN) register from January 2007 to December 2018. TTS was diagnosed according to the TIN, Heart Failure Association and InterTAK Diagnostic Criteria. The primary study outcome was the occurrence of all-cause death at the longest available follow-up; secondary outcomes were TTS recurrence, cardiac and non-cardiac death.ResultsThe study population included 825 patients (median age: 72.0 (63.0–78.0) years; 91.9 % female): 488 (59.2%) were discharged on beta-blockers and 337 (40.8%) without beta-blockers. The median follow-up was 24.0 months. The adjusted Cox regression analysis showed a significantly lower risk for all-cause death (adjusted HR: 0.563; 95% CI: 0.356 to 0.889) and non-cardiac death (adjusted HR: 0.525; 95% CI: 0.309 to 0.893) in patients receiving versus those not receiving beta-blockers, but no significant differences in terms of TTS recurrence (adjusted HR: 0.607; 95% CI: 0.311 to 1.187) and cardiac death (adjusted HR: 0.699; 95% CI: 0.284 to 1.722). The positive survival effect of beta-blockers was higher in patients with hypertension than in those without (pinteraction=0.014), and in patients who developed cardiogenic shock during the acute phase than in those who did not (pinteraction=0.047).ConclusionsIn this real-world register population, beta-blockers were associated with a significantly higher long-term survival, particularly in patients with hypertension and in those who developed cardiogenic shock during the acute phase.

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a systemic disorder resulting from the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils of misfolded transthyretin protein in the heart. ATTR-CA is a life-threatening disease, which can be caused by progressive deposition of wild type transthyretin (wtATTR) or by aggregation of an inherited mutated variant of transthyretin (mATTR). mATTR Is a rare condition transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner with incomplete penetrance, causing heterogenous phenotypes which can range from predominant neuropathic involvement, predominant cardiomyopathy, or mixed. Diagnosis of ATTR-CA is complex and requires integration of different imaging tools (echocardiography, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance) with genetics, clinical signs, laboratory tests, and histology. In recent years, new therapeutic agents have shown good efficacy and impact on survival and quality of life in this subset of patients, nevertheless patients affected by ATTR-CA may still carry an unfavorable prognosis, thus highlighting the need for new therapies. This review aims to assess cardiovascular involvement, diagnosis, and management of patients affected by ATTR-CA.

[Re. 'Many Waters to Cross,' by James E Byrne Jr., March 2019:] The famous painting by Emanuel Leutze, 'Washington Crossing the Delaware,' on P. 22, contains many flaws: 1) The [...]

The aorta is the ‘greatest artery’, through which oxygenated blood is delivered from the left ventricle to end organs with each cardiac cycle (200 million litres of blood transported in an average lifetime). The aorta can be affected by a wide spectrum of acute factors (such as cocaine use, weight lifting and trauma) and chronic acquired and/or genetic conditions (such as systemic arterial hypertension and phaeochromocytoma), which variously lead to increased aortic wall stress. The medial layer of the aorta can also be subject to abnormalities (such as Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, inflammatory vasculitis, atherosclerosis and infections). Despite important advances in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, data derived from registries and population-based studies highlight that the burden of aortic diseases remains high. Therefore, specific resources need to be allocated to design and implement preventive strategies (healthy lifestyles, modifications to cardiovascular risk factors, and educational and screening programmes) at individual and community levels. In this Review, we discuss the epidemiology, management and outcomes of the most common aortic diseases, namely, aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes.

We evaluated the impact of weight loss (WL) using a Mediterranean diet and mild-to-moderate–intensity aerobic exercise program, on clinical status of obese, symptomatic patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Compared with nonresponders, responders showed a significant reduction of left atrial diameter, left atrial volume index (LAVI), E/Eʹaverage, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and a significant increase in Vo2max(%) and peak workload. Body mass index changes correlated with reduction in left atrial diameter, LAVI, E/Eʹaverage, PASP, and increase of Vo2max(mL/Kg/min), Vo2max(%), peak workload. Mediterranean diet and aerobic exercise is associated with clinical-hemodynamic improvement in obese symptomatic HCM patients.

This review describes the current role and potential future applications of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for the management of heart failure (HF). CMR allows noninvasive morphologic and functional assessment, tissue characterization, blood flow, and perfusion evaluation. CMR overcomes echocardiography limitations (geometric assumptions, interobserver variability and poor acoustic window) and provides incremental information in relation to cause, prognosis, and treatment monitoring of patients with HF.

Using a stock-flow consistent ISLM open-economy model, this article shows that, unless very specific country circumstances hold, modern money theory (MMT) cannot work as an effective and sustainable macroeconomic policy program aimed to achieve and maintain full-employment output through persistent money-financed fiscal deficits in economies suffering from Keynesian unemployment or underemployment. Specific country circumstances include cases where the economy enjoys very high policy credibility in the eyes of the international financial markets or issues an international reserve currency; under such circumstances, the adverse outcomes of MMT policy can be prevented and expansionary demand shocks can be effective. Short of such features, an open and internationally highly financially integrated economy that implements MMT policy would either see its money stock grow unsustainably large or would have to set domestic interest rates to levels that would be inconsistent with the policy objective of resource full employment and that would cause instead economic and financial instability. The article explains why ISLM analysis is used to support the arguments developed in it.

A right heart catheterization with measurements of pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) may be necessary for the diagnosis of left heart failure as a cause of pulmonary hypertension or unexplained dyspnea. Diagnostic cutoff values are a PAWP of ≥ 15 mm Hg at rest or a PAWP of ≥ 25 mm Hg during exercise. However, accurate measurement of PAWP can be challenging and heart failure may be occult. Left heart catheterization, with measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, may also be indecisive. Measurements are then best repeated in stress conditions. Exercise is an option, but the equipment is not universally available, and interpretation can be difficult in patients with wide respiratory pressure swings. An alternative is offered by a fluid challenge. Studies have gathered data supporting infusion of 500 mL or 7 mL/kg saline and a PAWP of 18 mm Hg as a diagnostic cutoff. The procedure is simple and does not take much catheterization laboratory time. Combining echocardiography with invasive measurements may increase the diagnostic accuracy of diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac output after a fluid challenge may be of prognostic relevance.

Right heart and pulmonary circulation disorders are generally caused by right ventricle (RV) pressure overload, volume overload, and cardiomyopathy, and they are associated with distinct clinical courses and therapeutic approaches, although they often may coexist. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides a noninvasive accurate and reproducible multiplanar anatomic and functional assessment, tissue characterization, and blood flow evaluation of the right heart and pulmonary circulation. This article reviews the current status of the CMR, the most recent techniques, the new parameters and their clinical utility in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management in the right heart and pulmonary circulation disorders.

Background: Takotsubo syndrome is an increasingly recognised cardiac condition that clinically mimics an acute coronary syndrome, but data regarding its prognosis remain controversial. It is currently unknown whether acute coronary syndrome risk scores could effectively be applied to Takotsubo syndrome patients. This study aims to assess whether the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score can predict clinical outcome in Takotsubo syndrome and to compare the prognosis with matched acute coronary syndrome patients.Methods: A total of 561 Takotsubo syndrome patients was included in this prospective registry. According to the GRACE score, the population was divided into quartiles. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoints were cardiocerebrovascular events (a composite of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, recurrence of Takotsubo syndrome and stroke).Results: The median GRACE risk score was 139±27. Takotsubo syndrome patients with a higher GRACE risk score mostly have a higher rate of physical triggers and lower left ventricular ejection fraction on admission. During long-term follow-up, all-cause mortality rates were 5%, 11%, 12% and 22%, respectively, in the first, second, third and fourth quartile (P<0.001). After multivariate analysis, the GRACE risk score was found to be a strong predictor of all-cause mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.20; P=0.001) and cardiocerebrovascular events (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.26–2.11; P=0.001). Moreover, all-cause mortality in Takotsubo syndrome patients was comparable with the matched acute coronary syndrome cohort.Conclusion: In Takotsubo syndrome, the GRACE risk score allows us to predict all-cause mortality and cardiocerebrovascular events at long-term follow-up.

The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) study was conducted to describe echocardiographic normal values in adults and to compare races and nationalities using a uniform acquisition and measurement protocol. This report focuses on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common acute cardiovascular condition, and its prevalence increases over time. D-dimer has a very high negative predictive value, and if normal levels of D-dimer are detected, the diagnosis of PE is very unlikely. The final diagnosis should be confirmed by computed tomographic scan. However, echocardiography is the most available, bedside, low-cost, diagnostic procedure for patients with PE. Risk stratification is of utmost importance and is mainly based on hemodynamic status of the patient. Patients with PE and hemodynamic stability require further risk assessment, based on clinical symptoms, imaging, and circulating biomarkers.

Cardiovascular emergencies represent life-threatening conditions requiring a high index of clinical suspicion. In an emergency scenario, a simple stepwise biomarker/imaging diagnostic algorithm may help prompt diagnosis and timely treatment along with related improved outcomes. This article describes several clinical cases of cardiovascular emergencies, such as coronary stent thrombosis-restenosis, takotsubo syndrome, acute myocarditis, massive pulmonary embolism, type A acute aortic dissection, cardiac tamponade, and endocarditis.