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AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pulmonary ridge (PR) coverage on both clinical and imaging follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). METHODS AND RESULTS The study included consecutive patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAO with disc and lobe devices. Patients were classified into two groups according to the PR coverage. A total of 147 patients were included. Among these, the PR was covered in 109 (74%) and uncovered in 38 (26%). Successful implantation was achieved in 98.6%. No differences in procedural outcomes were observed between the groups. The rate of procedural major adverse events was 3% (only major bleedings and/or vascular access complications). No device embolisation, cardiac tamponade or in-hospital mortality was observed. After a mean follow-up of 1.77±2.2 years, the annualised ischaemic stroke and major bleeding rate was 1.3%/year and 6.5%/year, respectively, without differences between groups. At follow-up, patients with a covered PR presented a lower incidence of device-related thrombosis (DRT) (1%) than those with an uncovered PR (27%); p

Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains one of the leading causes of mortality for women, increasing with age. There is an unmet need regarding this condition in a fast‐growing and predominantly female population, such as nonagenarians. Hypothesis Our aim is to compare sex‐based differences in ACS management and long‐term clinical outcomes between women and men in a cohort of nonagenarians. Methods We included consecutive nonagenarian patients with ACS admitted at four academic centers between 2005 and 2018. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of each center. Results A total of 680 nonagenarians were included (59% females). Of them, 373 (55%) patients presented with non‐ST‐segment elevation ACS and 307 (45%) with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Men presented a higher disease burden compared to women. Conversely, women were frailer with higher disability and severe cognitive impairment. In the STEMI group, women were less likely than men to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (60% vs. 45%; p = .01). Overall mortality rates were similar in both groups but PCI survival benefit at 1‐year was greater in women compared to their male counterparts (82% vs. 68%; p = .008), persisting after sensitivity analyses using propensity‐score matching (80% vs. 64%; p = .03). Conclusion Sex‐gender disparities have been observed in nonagenarians. Despite receiving less often invasive approaches, women showed better clinical outcomes. Our finding may help increase awareness and reduce the current gender gap in ACS management at any age.

Introduction: Infection remains a major complication among heart transplant (HT) recipients, causing approximately 20% of deaths in the first year after transplantation. In this population, Aspergillus spp. can have various clinical presentations including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), with high mortality (53-78%). Objectives: To establish the characteristics of IPA infection in HT recipients and their outcomes in our center. Methods: Among 328 HTs performed in our center between 1998 and 2016, we identified five cases of IPA. Patient medical records were examined and clinical variables were extracted. Results: All cases were male, and mean age was 62 years. The most common indication for HT was non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Productive cough was reported as the main symptom. The radiological assessment was based on chest X-ray and chest computed tomography. The most commonly reported radiographic abnormality was multiple nodular opacities in both techniques. Bronchoscopy was performed in all patients and Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in four cases on bronchoalveolar lavage culture. Treatment included amphotericin in four patients, subsequently changed to voriconazole in three, and posaconazole in one patient, with total treatment lasting an average of 12 months. Neutropenia was found in only one patient, renal failure was observed in two patients, and concurrent cytomegalovirus infection in three patients. All patients were alive after a mean follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions: IPA is a potentially lethal complication after HT. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of aggressive treatment are the cornerstone of better survival. Resumo: Introdução: A infeção continua a ser uma complicação major nos recipientes para transplante cardíaco (TC), causando cerca de 20% de mortes no primeiro ano após o transplante. Nestes doentes, o Aspergillus species pode levar a várias apresentações clínicas incluindo a aspergilose pulmonar invasiva (API), com uma mortalidade elevada (53% a 78%). Objetivos: Estabelecer as características da infeção por API nos recipientes para TC e os respetivos resultados no nosso serviço. Métodos: Dos 328 transplantes cardíacos realizados no nosso centro entre 1998 e 2016, identificámos cinco casos de API. Foram examinados os registos dos doentes e foram identificadas variáveis clínicas. Resultados: Em todos os casos os doentes eram do sexo masculino com idade média de 62 anos. A indicação mais comum para TC foi a miocardiopatia não isquémica dilatada. O principal sintoma foi tosse produtiva. A avaliação radiológica baseou-se na radiografia e na TAC torácicas. A alteração radiológica mais comum foi a densidade nodular múltipla em ambas as técnicas. A broncoscopia foi realizada em todos os doentes e o Aspergillus fumigatus foi isolado em quatro casos de cultura BAL. O tratamento incluiu anfotericina em quatro doentes com alteração subsequente para voriconazol em três doentes e posaconazol num doente, tendo o tratamento durado uma média de 12 meses. A neutropenia foi encontrada num doente apenas, a insuficiência renal foi observada em dois doentes e a infeção por CMV ocorreu em três doentes. Todos os doentes sobreviveram após seguimento de 18 meses. Conclusão: A API representa uma complicação potencialmente mortal após o TC. Um diagnóstico precoce e a iniciação de um tratamento rapidamente agressivo constituem a pedra angular para uma melhor sobrevivência. Keywords: Heart transplantation, Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, Immunosuppression, Palavras-chave: Transplante cardíaco, Aspergilose pulmonar invasiva, Imunossupressão

BACKGROUND Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is common in patients with diabetes mellitus. Data on the long-term outcomes after treatment of CTOs in this high-risk population are scarce. AIM To compare the long-term clinical outcomes of CTO revascularization either by coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus optimal medical treatment (MT) alone in patients with diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 538 consecutive patients with diabetes and at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. In the present analysis, patients were stratified according to the CTO treatment strategy that was selected. MT was selected in 61% of patients whereas revascularization in the remaining 39%. Patients undergoing revascularization were younger, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower ACEF score, and more positive myocardial ischemia detection results compared to the MT group (p

This is the case of an 84-year-old woman with a past medical history of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to thrombotic occlusion of the right coronary artery treated at a different center with a bare-metal stent. The transthoracic echocardiography and thoracic computed tomography scan performed showed a rounded calcified mass at the posterior portion of the mitral annulus that induced mild mitral regurgitation (figure 1A, black arrow). Figure 1. A month later the patient was admitted to our center with recurrent inferior STEMI with total occlusion of the right coronary artery (figure 1B). We performed mechanical thrombus aspiration—that resulted in postprocedural TIMI flow grade 3—and obtained a white fibrous substance (figure 1C). We thought the occluding substance was not just a thrombus but rather a caseous degenerative material from the posterior mitral mass. Therefore, we decided to send it to the pathology laboratory. The pathological examination of the material showed thrombosis and microcalcifications of caseous appearance (figure 1D, red arrow). Therefore, the current STEMI was possibly associated with a coronary embolism due to caseous calcification of the mitral valve (CCMA). CCMA is a rare evolution of a calcified mitral annulus due to the caseous transformation of the inner material. It is often an...

The optimal antithrombotic strategy following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is not yet clearly established. Low-dose non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) might represent a valid alternative, but data regarding their usage is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of low-dose NOAC compared to single (SAPT) or dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPT) after LAAO. We included consecutive patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAO and received low-dose apixaban, SAPT, or DAPT at discharge. The primary objective of this study included an efficacy endpoint (thromboembolic events and device related thrombosis (DRT)) and a safety endpoint (incidence of major bleeding) within the first three months after LAAO. A total of 139 patients were included. This group involved SAPT in 26 (18%), DAPT in 73 (53%), and apixaban in 40 (29%) patients. Follow-up at three-months showed no significant differences in the primary efficacy endpoint (2 (8%) SAPT, 3 (4%) DAPT and 0 (0%) apixaban, p value = 0.25). In contrast, the primary safety endpoint occurred more frequently in DAPT patients (7 (10%) DAPT, 0 (0%), SAPT and 0 with apixaban, p value = 0.03). Combining both efficacy and safety outcomes, low dose apixaban had a lower rate of events (2 (8%) with SAPT, 9 (12%) with DAPT and 0 (0%) with apixaban, p = 0.046). Low-dose apixaban after LAAO may be a valid alternative to DAPT and SAPT as depicted by the reduction in the occurrence of major bleedings and combined DRT/major bleedings respectively. Randomized data will be necessary to validate this strategy.

AIM: To investigate key aspects of the problem of myocardial revascularization failure (MRF) and repeat or secondary myocardial revascularization (SR) in contemporary practice.; METHODS: The registry of secondary revascularization (REVASEC) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective registry enhanced with data monitoring and independent event adjudication (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03349385). It includes patients with prior revascularization referred to coronary angiography for suspected MRF with broad inclusion criteria. The main objectives are to describe the characteristics of patients with prior revascularization referred for repeat angiography, to describe and the rate and mechanisms of MRF (stent or graft failure, coronary artery disease progression or residual coronary artery disease); to evaluate the management including medical treatment and SR of these patients; and to assess the prognosis according to the outlined causative mechanisms. The registry has one year follow up for the primary endpoint (Patient-oriented composite endpoint including all-cause death, any myocardial infarction or any new unplanned revascularization according to subsets of MRF), but extended follow-up will be carried out up to 5years.; CONCLUSION: The REVASEC Registry will provide updated data on the characteristics, patterns of treatment, and 1-year outcomes of patients with MRF and SR in contemporary clinical practice. Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Sodium restriction is recommended for patients with heart failure (HF) despite the lack of solid clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials. Whether or not sodium restrictions provide beneficial cardiac effects is not known.The present study is a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of stable HF patients with ejection fraction ≤ 40%. Patients were allocated to sodium restriction (2 g of sodium/day) vs. control (3 g of sodium/day). The primary outcome was change in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at 20 weeks. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and adverse safety events (HF readmission, blood pressure or electrolyte abnormalities).Seventy patients were enrolled. Median baseline sodium consumption was 3268 (2225-4537) mg/day. Adherence to the intervention based on 24-hour urinary sodium was 32%. NT-proBNP and quality of life did not significantly change between groups (p0.05 for both). Adverse safety events were not significantly different between the arms (p0.6 for all). In the per protocol analysis, patients who achieved a sodium intake2500 mg/day at the intervention conclusion showed improvements in NT-proBNP levels (between-group difference: -55%, 95% confidence interval -27 to -73%; p = 0.002) and quality of life (between-group difference -11 ± 5 points; p = 0.04). Blood pressure decreased in patients with lower sodium intake (between-group difference -9 ± 5 mmHg; p = 0.05) without significant differences in symptomatic hypotension or other safety events (p0.3 for all).Adherence assessed by 24-hour natriuresis and by the nutritionist was poor. The group allocated to sodium restriction did not show improvement in NT-proBNP. However, patients who achieved a sodium intake2500 mg/day appeared to have improvements in NT-proBNP and quality of life without any adverse safety signals. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03351283.

An 83-year-old man with significant background comorbidities was admitted with an inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. During primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a giant aneurysm is seen in the right coronary artery. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are present in more than one third of older patients with myocardial ischemia, but controversy remains about the best therapeutic approach.To compare long-term survival after CTO revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) versus medical treatment (MT) alone in patients aged 75 and older.A total of 1,252 consecutive patients with at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. Patients were stratified by age (75 years vs. ≥75 years) in the present analysis. All-cause and cardiac mortality were assessed at a median follow-up of 3.5 years. In the older subgroup (26%), patients were more likely to be treated with MT alone (71% vs. 43% of younger patients; p 0.001). Patients undergoing revascularization were younger and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and lower age, creatinine, ejection fraction (ACEF) score (age/LVEF +1 if creatinine2.0 mg/dL), compared to the MT group (p 0.05). As compared to MT, revascularization predicted lower rates of cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality in older patients, both in the subgroups treated with CABG (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.71; HR 0.39, 95%CI 0.18-0.81) and PCI (HR 0.57, 95%CI 0.33-0.98; HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.28-1.2). No differences in mortality were observed according to type of revascularization procedure.Among patients aged at least 75 years with a CTO, revascularization (PCI or CABG) rather than MT alone may portend a better outcome in terms of all-cause and cardiac mortality.

BACKGROUND Data on the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on clinical outcomes in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients is scarce, and the optimal treatment strategy for this population is not well established. This study aims to compare differences in CTO management and long-term clinical outcomes, including all-cause and cardiac mortalities, according to baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR). METHODS All patients with at least one CTO diagnosed in our center between 2010 and 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical data were registered. All-cause and cardiac mortalities were assessed during a median follow-up of 4.03 years (IQR 2.6-4.8). Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with CKD (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and without CKD (GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). RESULTS A total of 1248 patients (67.3 ± 10.9 years; 32% CKD) were identified. CKD patients were older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and severe left ventricular dysfunction compared to patients with normal renal function (p < 0.05). Subjects with renal dysfunction were more often treated with MT alone, compared to patients without CKD (63% vs 45%; p < 0.001), who were more likely to undergo PCI or surgery. During follow-up, 386 patients [31%] died. CKD patients had a higher rate of all-cause and cardiac mortalities compared to patients without CKD (p < 0.001). The independent predictors for all-cause mortality were age, GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, Syntax Score I, and successful revascularization of the CTO (CABG or PCI-CTO). Among patients with CKD, advanced age, eGFR

OBJECTIVES: To describe imaging assessment, procedural and follow-up outcome of patients undergoing left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion (LAAO) using a "sandwich" technique.BACKGROUND: The presence of a LAA with chicken wing morphology constitutes a challenge that sometimes requires specific occlusion strategies like the "sandwich" technique. However, procedural and follow-up data focusing on this implanting strategy is scarce.METHODS: This multicenter study collected individual data from eight centers between 2012 and 2019. Consecutive patients with chicken-wing LAAs defined as an early (90°) who underwent LAAO with Amplatzer devices and using the "sandwich" technique were included in the analysis.RESULTS: Overall, 190 subjects were enrolled in the study. Procedures were done with the Amulet device (85%) and the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (15%). Successful implantation was achieved in 99.5% with ≤1 partial recapture in 80% of cases. Single (46.2%) and dual antiplatelet therapy (39.4%) were the most used antithrombotic therapies after LAAO. In-hospital major adverse events rate was 1.5% with no deaths. One patient (0.5%) had cardiac tamponade requiring percutaneous drainage. With a mean follow-up of 19.6 ± 14.8 months, the mortality and stroke rates were 7.7%/year and 2.5%/year, respectively. Follow-up transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at 2-3 months showed device-related thrombosis in 2.8% and peri-device leak ≥3 mm in 1.2% of patients.CONCLUSIONS: In a large series of patients with chicken wing LAA anatomies undergoing LAAO, the use of the "sandwich" technique was feasible and safe. Preprocedural imaging was a key-factor to determine specific measurements.

Nonagenarians are a fast-growing age group among cardiovascular patients, but data about their management and prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. This study aimed to analyze characteristics of nonagenarian patients with ACS and to compare in-hospital and 1-year clinical outcomes between those treated with medical treatment (MT) alone and those receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Multicenter observational study.We included consecutive nonagenarian patients with ACS admitted at 4 academic centers between 2005 and 2018. Only patients with type 1 myocardial infarction were included.Standardized definitions of all patient-related variables, clinical diagnoses, and hospital complications and outcomes were used. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. Long-term survival was compared between patients undergoing PCI and those managed with MT alone. Given differences in baseline characteristics could substantially interfere in outcomes, 3 sensitivity analyses were performed to adjust for confounders.A total of 680 nonagenarians were included (59% females). Of them, 373 (55%) patients presented with non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) and 307 (45%) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A coronary angiogram was performed in 115 (31%) of NSTE-ACS and in 182 (60%) of STEMI patients with subsequent PCI in 81 (22%) and 156 (51%), respectively. Overall mortality rates were 17% in-hospital and 39% at 1-year follow-up. PCI was independently associated with a decreased risk of 1-year all-cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35, 0.95; P.05], mainly observed in those patients without disability (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37, 0.94; P.01) and lower Killip class (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28, 0.89; P.001).The prognosis of nonagenarians after an ACS was associated with comorbidities and the therapeutic approach. Although PCI appeared to be a safe and effective strategy, it is still necessary to refine the decision-making process in this high-risk population group.

Background A gender gap has been known to exist in the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, it is not well described how these differences pertain to the management of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries. The aim of this study was to compare sex-based differences in CTO management and long-term outcomes. Methods We included all consecutive patients with CTO diagnosed in an academic center between 2010 to 2014. There were no exclusion criteria. We collected demographic, clinical, and management data. All-cause and cardiac mortality were assessed during a median follow-up of 4.03 years (IQR 2.6–4.8). Results A total of 1248 consecutive patients (mean age 67.3±10.9 years; 23,5% females) with at least one CTO receiving either revascularization or optimal medical treatment (MT) were identified. The female group included 198 patients (23.5%). Women were older, had a higher prevalence of type 2 DM and a lower ventricle ejection fraction compared to their male counterparts (p Conclusions In our cohort, female patients with a CTO were significantly older and presented more prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Women with CTO were more often treated with MT alone, compared to their male counterparts, who were more likely to undergo invasive strategies - PCI or surgery. Female gender was associated with higher cardiac mortality on our cohort regardless of CTO treatment in a long-term follow-up. Figure 1 Cardiac Survival Rates Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Myocardial infarction (MI) in nonagenarians is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, this population has typically been underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of nonagenarian patients presenting with MI who underwent either conservative or invasive management. Methods We retrospectively included all consecutive patients equal to or older than 90yo admitted with non-ST segment elevation (NSTEMI) or ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) in four tertiary care centers between 2005 and 2018. Patients with type 2 myocardial infarction were excluded. We collected patients' baseline characteristic and procedural data. In-hospital and at 1-year follow-up all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events were assessed. Results 523 patients (mean age 92.6±2 years; 60% females) were analyzed. Overall, 184 patients (35.2%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), increasing over the years, mostly in STEMI group (from 16% of patients in 2005 to 75% in 2018). PCI was preferred in those subjects with less prevalence of disability for activities of daily living (p Conclusion An invasive approach was performed in over a third of nonagenarian patients, carrying prognostic implications and with a few numbers of complications. PCI seems to be the preferred strategy for STEMI in this high-risk population in spite of age. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Sex differences in coronary artery disease presentation and outcomes have been described. The aim of this study was to compare sex disparities in chronic total occlusion (CTO) management and long-term outcomes.All consecutive patients with at least one CTO diagnosed in our center between 2010 and 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical data were registered. All-cause and cardiac mortality were assessed during a median follow-up of 4.03 years (IQR 2.6-4.8).A total of 1248 patients (67.3 ± 10.9 years; 16% female) were identified. Women were older, had a higher prevalence of type 2 DM and a lower ventricle ejection fraction compared to men (p .05). Although women had major proportion of positive result for severe ischemia-viability test (86% vs. 74%; p = .01), they were more often treated with MT alone compared to male (57% vs 51%; p = .02). During follow-up, 386 patients (31%) died. Women presented a higher rate of all-cause and cardiac mortality, and hospitalizations for heart failure independently of treatment strategy, compared to men (p .001). In multivariable analysis female sex was associated with higher cardiac mortality [HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10-2.57; p .001]. Among women, the independent predictors for all-cause and cardiac mortalities were age, MT of the CTO and ACEF (age, creatinin and ejection fraction) score.A significant sex gap regarding CTO treatment was observed. Female sex was an independent predictor for cardiac mortality at long-term follow-up. More data are needed to support these findings.

Background: Serum soluble AXL (sAXL) and its ligand, Growth Arrest-Specific 6 protein (GAS6), intervene in tissue repair processes. AXL is increased in end-stage heart failure, but the role of GAS6 and sAXL in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unknown. Objectives: To study the association of sAXL and GAS6 acutely and six months following STEMI with heart failure and left ventricular remodelling. Methods: GAS6 and sAXL were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at one day, seven days and six months in 227 STEMI patients and 20 controls. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance was performed during admission and at six months to measure infarct size and left ventricular function. Results: GAS6, but not sAXL, levels during admission were significantly lower in STEMI than in controls. AXL increased progressively over time ( p1) had higher values of sAXL at day 1 (48.9±11.9 vs. 44.0±10.7 ng/ml; pConclusion: sAXL levels increased following STEMI. Patients with heart failure and left ventricular remodelling have higher sAXL levels acutely and at six month follow-up. These findings suggest a potential role of the GAS6–AXL system in the pathophysiology of left ventricular remodelling following STEMI.

In the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention, mechanical complications after acute myocardial infarction are extremely rare, with an incidence of less than 0.5%. Rupture of the ventricular septum is the least frequent occurrence. Nevertheless, current mortality remains high and a prompt diagnosis and treatment are imperative to increase survival. Despite early surgical repair, mortality still remains high.

Background Developed countries are facing a sustained increase in life expectancy. Elderly people represent the fastest growing portion of cardiovascular patients. However, nonagenarians with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are often underrepresented in clinical trials as prolonged follow-up may be compromised by limited life expectancy. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the clinical presentation, risk factors, co-morbidities, outcomes of nonagenarian patients presenting with STEMI. Methods We included all consecutive nonagenarians presenting with STEMI admitted in 2 academic centers between 2007 and 2017. There were no exclusion criteria. We collected demographic, clinical, and procedural data. All-cause mortality was assessed in-hospital, at 6 months and at 1-year follow-up. Results A total of 140 patients (mean age 91.6 years [91.3–92]; 59% females) were included. The number of patients increased over the years (from 6.5 cases per year before 2012 to 14.4 cases per year after 2012). One out of 5 patients presented disability or dependence for activities of daily living (ADL). Emergent catheterization was performed in 70% of our patients, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in 57% (n=80). The use of bare metal stent was preponderant (72%) in this cohort. Successful revascularization of the culprit vessel was achieved in 90% of patients. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel was used in 97% of patients. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 22%, increased up to 27% at 6 months and up to 34% at 1-year follow-up. In-hospital mortality was lower in pPCI group than in conservative group (13.7% versus 31.6%, adjusted OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.67, P Conclusions STEMI in nonagenarians is becoming more and more common. pPCI may be also the preferred strategy in this high-risk cohort. The hemodynamic compromise (Killip class III/IV), the presence of complications related to myocardial infarction and early revascularization may be related to prognosis of these patients.

Although older adults are the fastest-growing age group among cardiovascular patients, nonagenarians with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are under-represented in clinical trials. The aims of this study are to analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of nonagenarian patients presenting with STEMI and to compare in-hospital and 1-year clinical outcomes between those treated with optimal medical treatment alone and those receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). We included all consecutive nonagenarians presenting with STEMI admitted in 2 academic centers between 2006 and 2018. There were no exclusion criteria. All-cause mortality was assessed in-hospital and at 1-year follow-up. In total, 167 patients (mean age 91.9 ± 0.17 years; 60% females) were included. Emergent catheterization was performed in 60% of our patients, and pPCI was performed in 50% (n = 83). Overall mortality was 22% in-hospital and 41% at 1-year follow-up. The pPCI group had lower mortality than the medical treatment group: 12% versus 32% in-hospital (p0.01) and 26% versus 45% at 1-year follow-up (p 0.01), respectively. Multivariable analysis identified 4 independent predictors of all-cause mortality at 1 year: mechanical complications (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 9.25, p 0.01), Killip class III/IV (adjusted OR 4.22, p 0.01), serum creatinine at admission (mg/dl; adjusted OR 1.8, p 0.01), and pPCI (adjusted OR 0.52; p 0.05). In conclusion, STEMI in nonagenarians is becoming increasingly common. pPCI may be the preferred strategy in this high-risk cohort when a high grade of disability is not present. Hemodynamic compromise, the presence of complications related to myocardial infarction, renal impairment, and early revascularization may be related to prognosis in these patients.

The evidence about the effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulation in patients on hemodialysis is conflicting and scarce. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has demonstrated to be a valid alternative therapeutic option for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of percutaneous LAAO in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis and NVAF in our center. We conducted a retrospective review of clinical records, demographics, LAAO procedure, complications, and outcomes of patients with NVAF and ESRD on hemodialysis who underwent a percutaneous LAAO in our center between January 2017 and January 2019. In the period of the study, eight patients with ESRD on hemodialysis underwent a percutaneous LAAO in our center. The overall mean age was 67.5 years (range 56-81; SD ± 7.2). All patients had permanent NVAF. The total mean dialysis duration was 8.49 years (range 0.83-14.8; SD ± 6.2). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were high (4.75 [SD ± 1.16] and 4.62 [SD ± 0.91], respectively). All patients had history of a major hemorrhagic event (BARC Score ≥3). Most patients (n = 6) showed left ventricular hypertrophy, and the average LVEF was 54% (SD ± 6.5). All devices were implanted successfully. Postprocedural antithrombotic regimen prescribed was based on antiplatelet therapy. No deaths, cardioembolic events, or major bleeding (according to the BARC scale) were reported during a mean follow-up of 14.24 months (SD ± 9.44). Percutaneous LAAO could be of particular interest in patients with NVAF and CKD in hemodialysis. Further studies will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Heart transplantation (HT) is the treatment of choice for selected cases of advanced heart failure. There is an increasing rate of emergency HT in our country. The aim of this study was to determine the cost of HT in our hospital according to emergent vs. elective transplantation status. METHODS The costs of all consecutive HTs performed in our center between January 2010 and May 2015 were analyzed. The cost of elective and emergent HT was compared. RESULTS HT mean cost at our institution was €62 203 ± 47 976. Elective HT mean cost was €47 540 ± 25 140, whereas emergent HT cost was €102 733 ± 68 050 (emergency status 1, as regional priority, was €66 077 ± 28 067 and emergency status 0, as the highest national priority, was €136 056 ± 77 080; P

Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent and often misdiagnosis of a non-atherosclerotic cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It is an important cause of ACS in young women, responsible for up to 25% of all cases in women

Introduction: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is an infrequent finding. Revascularization is recommended in the presence of demonstrated viability or ischemia. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has long been considered the preferred option. Patients with previous CABG due to LMCA disease with occlusion of one graft and progression of the LMCA to CTO constitute a special population, as just one ischemic artery remains. For these patients, there is no other option for revascularization other than cardiac surgery (requiring resternotomy) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the LMCA. Methods and Results: Out of 620 patients with CTO diagnosed in our center, we identified five with previous CABG due to LMCA disease for a retrospective case series. They had occlusion of one graft and progression of the LMCA to CTO. All five underwent PCI. Each patient received a functional classification for angina, myocardial ischemic tests, and a follow-up coronary angiogram during a median follow-up of 63 months. Coronary angiogram showed CTO of the semi-protected LMCA lesions with two CABGs previously performed in all patients, one occluded and the other patent. Three patients had occluded saphenous vein grafts to the circumflex coronary artery, and the rest had left internal mammary artery-left anterior descending artery CABG failure. Ischemia and viability were demonstrated. Surgery was ruled out due to high surgical risk. PCI due to CTO of the LMCA with drug-eluting stents was performed. In a five-year follow-up period, four patients remained asymptomatic and event free. One post-PCI death occurred from non-cardiovascular cause. Conclusions: PCI due to CTO of the LMCA following CABG can be successful and safe and can provide sustained clinical improvements in selected cases. Resumo: Introdução: A oclusão crónica total (OCT) do tronco comum (TC) coronário é um achado pouco frequente. A revascularização é recomendada na presença de viabilidade ou de isquemia comprovada. A coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) tem sido durante muito tempo a opção preferencial. Os doentes com CABG prévia devida a doença do TC com oclusão de um enxerto e progressão para oclusão crónica total do tronco comum constituem uma população especial, uma vez que fica apenas uma artéria com isquemia. Para esses doentes não existe outra opção de revascularização além da cirurgia cardíaca – com necessidade de reesternotomia – ou a intervenção coronária percutânea do tronco comum. Métodos e resultados: Dos 620 doentes com oclusões coronárias totais diagnosticadas no nosso centro, identificamos como séries de casos retrospetivos, cinco com CABG prévia devida a doença do TC, que tinham uma oclusão de um enxerto e progressão da doença do TC para oclusão crónica total. Os cinco foram submetidos a intervenção coornária percutânea (ICP). Cada doente recebeu a classificação funcional de angina, de testes de isquemia do miocárdio e o seguimento com angiografía coronária durante o tempo médio de 63 meses de seguimento. O angiograma coronário mostrou oclusão coronária total das lesões semiprotegidas do TC com duas pontagens previamente feitas em todos os doentes, uma ocluída e a outra permeável. Três doentes tinham enxertos de veia safena para a artéria coronária circunflexa (Safena-CX) ocluídos e os restantes tinham insuficiência da pontagem com mamária interna esquerda para a artéria coronária descendente anterior (MIE-DA). Foi demonstrada isquemia ou viabilidade. A opção cirúrgica foi recusada devido ao elevado risco cirúrgico. Foi feita a ICP da oclusão coronária total do TC com stents revestidos de fármaco. Em cinco anos de seguimento, quatro doentes permaneceram assintomáticos e livres de eventos. Ocorreu uma morte após ICP devido a causa não cardiovascular. Conclusões: A ICP de oclusão crónica total do TC após CABG pode ser bem-sucedida, segura, e pode fornecer melhorias clínicas mantidas em casos selecionados. Keywords: Chronic total occlusion, Left main coronary artery, Coronary artery bypass grafting, Palavras-chave: Oclusão crónica total, Tronco comum coronário, Cirurgia coronária

OBJECTIVES Moderate chronic renal insufficiency is often found in patients evaluated for heart transplant. Recovery of cardiac output after heart transplant might lead to improvement of renal function. In this study, our aim was to identify predictors of improvement of renal function after heart transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study included a cohort of heart transplant patients treated from 2011 to 2016 whose main outcome was improved renal function, defined as glomerular filtration rate at 6 months after heart transplant of ≥ 10% compared with baseline (before transplant). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. RESULTS Our study included 83 patients, with 29% having improvement in renal function. Multivariate analyses identified baseline glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio of 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.98; P = .005), absence of hypertension (odds ratio of 4.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-17.8; P = .015), and elective heart transplant (odds ratio of 13.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-141; P = .028) as independent predictors. A scale developed with independent predictors showed good accuracy (area under the curve of 0.76). The probability for improvement in renal function was 7%, 23%, and 58% in patients with low, medium, and high scores, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with heart transplant, baseline glomerular filtration rate, absence of hypertension, and elective heart transplant were independent predictors of improvement in renal function after heart transplant.

Background Right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) is associated with serious complications in the short-term. Worsening renal function (WRF) is a frequent and dangerous complication. We investigated if right atrial pressure (RAP) predicts WRF in these patients. Methods We prospectively studied patients with RVMI. RAP was obtained invasively at admission to coronary care unit. Blood samples were extracted from patients at baseline and every 24h for creatinine measurements for seven days. We defined WRF as an increase of 25% or 0.5mg/dl in serum creatinine during the first seven days compared to baseline creatinine. Results We included forty-five patients (age 68±10years, male 71%). WRF occurred in 51%. The best cut-off value of RAP for WRF prediction was 11mmHg. RAP ≥11mmHg was associated with WRF at univariate analysis (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.27–24.3, p =0.023) and multivariate analysis (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.07–35.4, p =0.042). RAP ≥11mmHg improved reclassification and discrimination after usual prediction with the Mehran score (net reclassification improvement 64.8%, p =0.030; integrated discrimination improvement 7.5%, p =0.037). Conclusion In patients with RVMI, RAP ≥11mmHg predicted WRF and improved discrimination.

Background Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) and mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) have been linked to increased risk of Stent Thrombosis (ST) in comatose survivors who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this sense, there is no formal recommendation about which antiplatelet regimen should be used in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) after OHCA. Aims To compare the incidence of probable/definite ST and bleeding events between ticagrelor and clopidogrel, in patients with ACS under MTH after an OHCA. Methods and results From January 2010 to August 2016, 144 patients underwent MTH after an OHCA. Overall, 114 had an ACS (79%) and 98 (67,3%) were treated with primary PCI and stent implantation. Among them, 61 (62,2%) were treated with clopidogrel, and 32 (32,6%) with ticagrelor. During hospitalization, the incidence of probable or definite ST was significantly higher in patients receiving clopidogrel compared to ticagrelor (11,4% vs. 0%; p: 0.04), and no significant differences in any (28,6% vs. 25%; p: 0.645) or major bleeding (BARC 3 or 5) (11,4% vs. 12,5%; p: 0.685) were found. Hospital mortality did not differ between groups (26,2% vs. 25%; p: 0.862). Conclusions In this study, as compared to clopidogrel, ticagrelor was associated with a lower rate of ST, without differences in haemorrhagic events in patients with OHCA for an ACS under MTH. Similarly to other settings, ticagrelor might be a valid alternative to clopidogrel in these patients.

We read with interest the article published by Schurer et al. [(1)][1] in which they evaluated the relationship between the prognosis of methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM) and methamphetamine (MA) consumption. They suggest that the cessation of MA abuse together with medical therapy

Myxoma is a rare cause of severe mitral stenosis. We describe a challenging case of severe mitral stenosis and reversible pulmonary hypertension produced by a giant left atrial myxoma. The greatest risk is a diagnostic delay due to focus on discarding a pulmonary etiology of dyspnea. Physical examination and early echocardiographic assessment are the keys to avoid overlooking this uncommon pathology.