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Background Acute heart failure (AHF) is a common serious condition that contributes to about 5% of all emergency hospital admissions in Europe. Hypothesis To assess the type and chronology of the first AHF symptoms before hospitalization and to examine the French healthcare system pathways before, during and after hospitalization. Material and Methods A retrospective observational study including patients hospitalized for AHF Results 793 patients were included, 59.0% were men, 45.6% identified heart failure (HF) as the main cause of hospitalization; 36.0% were unaware of their HF. Mean age was 72.9 ± 14.5 years. The symptoms occurring the most before hospitalization were dyspnea (64.7%) and lower limb edema (27.7%). Prior to hospitalization, 47% had already experienced symptoms for 15 days; 32% of them for 2 months. Referral to hospital was made by the emergency medical assistance service (SAMU, 41.6%), a general practitioner (GP, 22.3%), a cardiologist (19.5%), or the patient (16.6%). The modality of referral depended more on symptom acuteness than on type of symptoms. A sudden onset of AHF symptoms led to making an emergency call or to spontaneously attending an emergency room (ER), whereas cardiologists were consulted when symptoms had already been present for over 15 days. Cardiologists referred more patients to cardiology departments and fewer patients to the ER than general practitioners or the SAMU. Conclusion This study described the French healthcare system pathways before, during and after hospitalization AHF. AHF clinic network should be developed to provide adequate care for all HF patients and create awareness regarding AHF symptoms.

OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the safety and potential benefit of administrating glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) on top of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors. BACKGROUND A number of clinical trials, performed at a time when pretreatment and potent platelet inhibition was not part of routine clinical practice, have documented clinical benefits of GPI in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients at the cost of a higher risk of bleeding. METHODS We used the data of a prospective, ongoing registry of patients admitted for STEMI in our center. For the purpose of this study only patients presenting for primary percutaneous coronary intervention and pretreated with new P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor) were included. We compared patients who received GPI with those who did not. RESULTS Eight hundred twenty-four STEMI patients were included in our registry; GPIs were used in 338 patients (41%). GPI patients presented more often with cardiogenic shock and Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade

Background An accurate estimation of the duration of atrial fibrillation is critical for its safe management. Recent studies suggested that copeptin, carbohydrate antigen-125, galectin-3 and growth differentiation factor-15 are increased in atrial fibrillation. We examined the ability of these markers to identify patients presenting with atrial fibrillation of ≤48 versus >48 h duration. Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospective study that included patients with atrial fibrillation of known duration. Results A total of 98 patients were analysed, 47 with atrial fibrillation ≤48 h and 51 with >48 h. In patients presenting with atrial fibrillation of ≤48 versus >48 h duration, the mean carbohydrate antigen-125 concentration was 16.9 ± 12.5 versus 30.9 ± 36.3 U/mL ( P = 0.01), and growth differentiation factor-15 concentration was 1320 ± 889 versus 2608 ±2163 pg/mL ( P Conclusion The plasma concentrations of carbohydrate antigen-125, growth differentiation factor-15 and copeptin, but not galectin-3, are higher in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation of >48 h duration than in those with atrial fibrillation ≤48 h. The ability to discriminate recent atrial fibrillation offered by carbohydrate antigen-125 and growth differentiation factor-15 seems high.

AimsNo data exist concerning the clinical performances of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) atrial fibrillation (AF) detection algorithm. We aimed to study the performances and implications of the latter in a ‘real-world’ setting.Methods and resultsBetween July 2017 and August 2019, 155 consecutive S-ICD recipients were included. Endpoint of the study was the incidence of de novo or recurrent AF using a combined on-site and remote-monitoring follow-up approach. After a mean follow-up of 13 ± 8 months, 2531 AF alerts were generated for 55 patients. A blinded analysis of the 1950 subcutaneous electrocardiograms available was performed. Among them 47% were true AF, 23% were premature atrial contractions or non-sustained AF, 29% were premature ventricular contractions or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, and 1% were misdetection. Fourteen percent (21/155) patients had at least one correct diagnosis of AF by the S-ICD algorithm. One patient presented symptomatic paroxysmal AF not diagnosed by the S-ICD algorithm (false negative patient). Patient-based sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were respectively 95%, 74%, 38%, and 99%. Among patients with at least one correct diagnosis of AF, 38% (8/21) had subsequent clinical implications (anticoagulation initiation or rhythm control therapies).ConclusionThe S-ICD AF detection algorithm yields a high sensitivity for AF diagnosis. Low specificity and positive predictive value contribute to a high remote monitoring-notification workload and underline the necessity of a manual analysis. Atrial fibrillation diagnosis by the S-ICD AF detection algorithm might lead to significant therapeutic adjustments.

An increase in left ventricular volumes between baseline and follow-up imaging is the main criteria for the quantification of left ventricular remodelling (LVR) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but without consensual definition. We aimed to review the criteria used for the definition of LVR based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in STEMI patients. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library from January 2010 to August 2019. Thirty-seven studies involving 4209 patients were included. Among these studies, 30 (81%) used a cut-off value for defining LVR, with a pooled LVR prevalence estimate of 22.8%, 95% CI [19.4-26.7%] and a major between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 82%). The seven remaining studies (19%) defined LVR as a continuous variable. The definition of LVR using CMR following STEMI is highly variable, among studies including highly selected patients. A 20% increase or a 15% increase in left ventricular volumes between a baseline and a follow-up CMR imaging were the two most common criterion (13 [35%] and 9 [24%] studies, respectively). The most frequent LVR criterion was a 20% increase in end-diastolic volumes or a 15% increase in end-systolic volumes. A composite cut-off value of a 12 to 15% increase in end-systolic volume and a 12 to 20% increase in end-diastolic volume using a follow-up CMR imaging 3 months after STEMI might be proposed as a consensual cut-off for defining adverse LVR for future large-sized, prospective studies with serial CMR imaging and long-term follow-up in unselected patients.

Aims The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of a personalized discharge checklist (PCL) based on simple baseline characteristics on mortality, readmission for heart failure (HF), and quality of care in patients hospitalized for acute HF. Methods and results We designed an algorithm to generate PCL, based on 2016 HF European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and the screening of common comorbidities in elderly HF patients. We prospectively included 139 patients hospitalized for HF from May 2018 to October 2018. A PCL was fulfilled for each patient at admission and 24 to 48 hours before the planned discharge. A control cohort of 182 consecutive patients was retrospectively included from May 2017 to October 2017. The primary composite endpoint was mortality or readmission for HF at 6 months. The secondary endpoints were mortality, readmission for HF, and quality of care (evidence‐based medications, management of HF comorbidities, and planned care plan). There was no difference among baseline characteristics between PCL and control cohorts; mean age was 78.1 ± 12.2 vs. 79.0 ± 12.5 years old (P = 0.46) and 61 patients (43.9%) vs. 63 (34.6%) had HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

Purpose We aimed to compare different methods for semi-quantitative analysis of cardiac retention of bone tracers in patients with cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Methods Data from 67 patients with ATTR who underwent both conventional whole-body scan and a CZT myocardial SPECT (DSPECT, Spectrum Dynamics) 3 h after injection of 99mTc-labeled bone tracer were analyzed. Visual scoring of cardiac retention was performed on whole-body scan according to Perugini 4-point grading system from 0 (no uptake) to 3 (strong cardiac uptake with mild/absent bone uptake). A planar heart-to-background (H:B) ratio was calculated using whole-body scan (wb-H:B). CZT SPECT was quantified using three methods: planar H:B ratio calculated from anterior reprojection (ant-H:B), left anterior oblique reprojection (LAO-H:B), and 3D-H:B ratio calculated from transaxial slices as mean counts in a VOI encompassing the heart divided by background VOI in the contralateral lung. Interventricular septal thickness was obtained using echocardiography. Results H:Bs obtained from planar and reprojected data were not statistically different (wb-H:B, 2.05 ± 0.64, ant-H:B, 1.97 ± 0.61, LAO-H:B, 2.06 ± 0.64, all p = ns). However, 3D-H:B was increased compared to planar H:Bs (3D-H:B, 4.06 ± 1.77, all p r = 0.45, p Conclusion 3D semi-quantitative analysis of CZT SPECT optimized the assessment of 99mTc-labeled bone tracer myocardial uptake in patients with cardiac amyloidosis.

Summary Background The use of a discharge checklist may decrease heart failure readmission rate. Aims We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a checklist in patients hospitalized for heart failure, in terms of mortality, cardiovascular mortality and readmission rates, and quality of care, including therapeutic optimization and careplan planning. Methods We prospectively used a discharge checklist in 103 patients hospitalized for heart failure between July 2015 and January 2016. Quality of care and outcomes were compared with a retrospective cohort of 137 patients with same inclusion criteria, hospitalized between June 2014 and December 2014. The primary endpoints were total and cardiovascular mortality and readmissions for heart failure at 6 months. The secondary endpoint was quality of care rendered, measured by evidence-based medications, appropriate medication uptitration and planned discharge care. Results At 6 months, there were no differences between the checklist and control cohorts in the rates of all-cause mortality (10.7% vs. 13.1%; P = 0.57), cardiovascular mortality (8.7% vs. 10.9%; P = 0.58) and readmission (29.1% vs. 32.1%; P = 0.62). Follow-up after discharge was better planned in the checklist group. The use of the checklist yielded therapeutic optimization with a higher dose of beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, especially in patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction ( Conclusions The use of a simple discharge checklist in patients with acute heart failure showed no benefit in terms of readmission and mortality rates; however, it yielded better quality of care, including therapeutic optimization and careplan planning.

Aims The risk and incidence of cardiovascular (CV) immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients remain unknown. Methods and results We systematically reviewed all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) including at least one ICI-containing arm and available CV adverse event (CVAE) data in cancer patients in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry, Medline, and the Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, up to 31 August 2020 (CRD42020165672). The primary outcome was the summary risk of 16 different CVAEs associated with ICI exposure vs. controls (placebo and non-placebo) in RCTs. CVAEs with an increased risk associated with ICI exposure were considered as CV irAEs. Summary incidences of CV irAEs identified in our primary outcome analyses were computed using all RCTs including at least one ICI-containing arm. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to obtain Peto odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and logit transformation and inverse variance weighting to compute summary incidences. Sixty-three unique RCTs with at least one ICI-containing arm (32 518 patients) were retrieved, among which 48 (29 592 patients) had a control arm. Among the 16 CVAEs studied, ICI use was associated with an increased risk of 6 CV irAEs including myocarditis, pericardial diseases, heart failure, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, and cerebral arterial ischaemia with higher risks for myocarditis (Peto OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.56–12.50, P Conclusion In RCTs, ICI use was associated with six CV irAEs, not confined to myocarditis and pericarditis.

Background Left ventricular remodelling that frequently occurs after acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. Although several risk factors have been identified, there is still no marker in clinical use to predict left ventricular remodelling. Plasma concentration of coenzyme Q10, which plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production and as an antioxidant, seems to be negatively correlated with left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction. Objective The goal of our study was to determine whether the plasma coenzyme Q10 baseline concentrations at time of the ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) could predict left ventricular remodelling at six months’ follow-up. Methods Sixty-eight patients who were admitted to hospital for STEMI and successfully revascularized with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were recruited. All patients underwent a 3D-echocardiography examination within the first four days after percutaneous coronary intervention and six months later then divided into two groups based on the presence or not of left ventricular remodelling. Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results While we found similar plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations compared with other studies, no association was evidenced between coenzyme Q10 concentrations and left ventricular remodelling ( P = 0.89). Conclusion We found no evidence for using plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration as an early prediction marker of left ventricular remodelling after STEMI.

Background/Introduction Left ventricular remodeling (LVR) remains common and is associated with outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Left atrial (LA) volume has been described as a predictor of outcomes in the latter population. Purpose To investigate the association between LA mechanical function using speckle tracking imaging and LVR at follow-up in STEMI patients. Methods Baseline 3D transthoracic echocardiograms were performed in 121 STEMI patients. LA global longitudinal strain was reported separately for the reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd), and contraction (LASct) phases. Follow-up echocardiograms were performed at 6 months. Results Mean age was 58.3±12.5 years and 98 (81%) were men. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 46.8% [41.0, 52.9] and significantly improved to 52.1% [45.8, 57.0] at follow-up, (p Conclusion(s) The three components of baseline LA strain were associated with LVEF at follow-up in patients with STEMI. Some of these components were also significantly associated with lower LVEF at baseline or predictive of a significant increase in left ventricular volumes during follow-up, indicating LVR. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background SCAD is a 3-month telemonitoring program for HF patients, associated with therapeutic education, proposed after an acute HF episode. SCAD is based on an interactive algorithm allowing to generate educative messages and alarms based on patients' responses registered on a digital tablet. It is funded by the French Health Insurance through a pilot program: ETAPES (470€/patient). Purpose To describe the profile of patients using SCAD & assess the medico-economic impact of the SCAD system. Methods Multicenter retrospective cohort study using SCAD data matched with French Health Insurance data. All patients telemonitored by SCAD in 7 centers have been included, since 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2016. Only direct costs were considered, estimated from a societal perspective limited to reimbursements. Analyses were performed to assess the difference in healthcare consumptions and costs between the year before and the year after inclusion in the SCAD program. Patients who died in the 12 months after SCAD initiation were excluded. Results 627 patients benefited from SCAD program between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2016 and were retrieved in French Health Insurance data through probabilistic matching. Out of the 627 patients, 99 died in the 12 months after SCAD initiation. Analyses were performed on 528 patients.72.2% were male, mean age was 66.0 years old and mean BMI 28.2. HFrEF represented 51.9% of patients, HFmrEF 25.9% and HFpEF 22.2%. 58.0% were in NYHA class 2 at baseline, 29.2% in class 3, 8.5% in class 1 and 4.3% in class 4. Mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 2.6 at baseline. Patients reported their level of fatigue (10 representing significant fatigue) and morale (10 = good morale) at baseline: mean fatigue=4.0/10 & mean morale=7.4/10. Medico economic results are presented in table 1 and show an important & significant decrease of hospitalizations costs and some transfer of cost toward ambulatory care. Conclusion On the year following remote monitoring, total health expenditure has been reduced by 18% on average (mean=3 210€/patient) and 42% in median (5 500€/patient) vs 12 months before. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): This analysis has been funded through an institutional grant from Amgen

Background/Introduction Left ventricular remodeling following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with poor outcome. Neprilysin inhibition leads to improved outcome in patients with altered left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Purpose We aimed to assess the association between serum levels of neprilysin and left ventricular (LV) volumes, function and remodeling in STEMI patients with successful myocardial reperfusion. Methods Sixty-eight patients were admitted for STEMI and had both plasma neprilysin measurement at baseline and 3D transthoracic echocardiogram at baseline and at follow-up (7 months). We compared 3 groups: a group with a low-level of plasma neprilysin ( Results Median age was 58.5±12.8 years and 56 (82.4%) were men. Median LVEF was 45.0±8.5%. Baseline characteristics were comparable among groups. At baseline there was a non-significant trend towards lower end-diastolic volume (p=0.07) but significantly lower LVEF in the high neprilysin group (46.4±8.3%, 47.1±8.1% and 39.1±6.9%, p Conclusion(s) Initial high neprilysin levels may identify patients with stunned myocardium early after STEMI, with a recovery of contractility leading to improved LVEF at follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

We aimed to investigate the association between use of anticancer drugs and cardiovascular-related hospitalization (CVRH) among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A cohort study, the Anticancer Vigilance of Cardiac Events (AVOCETTE) Study, was conducted using data from the digestive tumor registry of a French county, the Département du Calvados. Incident mCRC cases diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 were included. The follow-up end date was December 31, 2016. Data from the county hospital center pharmacy and medical information departments were matched with the registry data. A competing-risks approach was used. Statistical tests were 2-sided. A total of 1,116 mCRC patients were included, and they were administered 12,374 rounds of treatment; fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab were most common drugs used. A total of 208 CVRH events occurred in 145 patients (13.0%). The International Cancer Survival Standards type 1 standardized incidence was 84.0 CVRH per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval: 72.6, 95.5). Anticancer drugs were not associated with a higher incidence of CVRH. Male sex, increasing age, a prior history of CVRH, and a higher Charlson comorbidity index score were associated with a higher incidence of CVRH. CVRH was significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality (multivariable hazard ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 1.95). In this study, anticancer drugs were not associated with a higher incidence of CVRH in mCRC patients.

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy has been shown to benefit selected patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Older patients have been underrepresented in randomized trials. This study was conducted to determine whether predictive factors for cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes differ in patients older and younger than 75 years of age. Methods Consecutive patients who received a cardiac resynchronization device cardiac resynchronization therapy between 2013 and 2016 in our center were retrospectively included in this cohort study. The primary endpoint was cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness, which was defined as survival for one year with both no heart failure hospitalization and improvement by one or more NYHA class. The secondary endpoints were mortality, complications, and device therapies. Results Among the 243 patients included, 102 were ≥ 75 years old. Cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness was observed in 70 patients (50%) p = 0.69). NYHA class ≥III (OR = 6.02; CI95% [1.33–18.77], p = 0.002) was a predictive factor for cardiac resynchronization therapy effectiveness only in the ≥75-year-old group, while atrial fibrillation was independently negatively associated with the primary endpoint in the p = 0.001). The one-year mortality rate was 14%, with no difference between age groups. Rescue cardiac resynchronization therapy and atrial fibrillation were independent predictive factors for mortality in both age groups. Eighty-two complications occurred in 45 patients (19%), with no difference between groups. Defibrillator use and QRS duration were independent predictive factors for complications in both age groups. There was no difference between groups considering device therapies. Conclusion At one year, cardiac resynchronization therapy response is not compromised by patient age. In older patients, highly symptomatic individuals with NYHA class ≥III have better outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists ( MRA s) have emerged as potential atrial fibrillation ( AF ) preventive therapy, but inconsistent results have been reported. We aimed to examine the effects of MRA s on AF occurrence and explore factors that could influence the magnitude of the effect size. Methods and Results PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were used to search for randomized clinical trials and observational studies addressing the effect of MRA s on AF occurrence from database inception through April 03, 2018. We performed a systematic review and random effects meta‐analyses to compute odds ratios with 95% CI s. Meta‐regression was then applied to explore the sources of between‐study heterogeneity. We included 24 studies, 11 randomized clinical trials and 13 observational cohorts, representing a total number of 7914 patients (median age: 64.2 years; median left ventricular ejection fraction: 49.7%; median follow‐up: 12.0 months), 2843 (35.9%) of whom received MRA therapy. Meta‐analyses showed a significant overall reduction in AF occurrence in the MRA ‐treated patients versus the control groups (15.0% versus 32.2%; odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI , 0.44–0.70 [ P AF episodes ( odds ratio , 0.42; 95% CI , 0.31–0.59 [ P I 2 =54%; P =0.0008). Meta‐regression analyses showed that effect size was significantly associated with older studies and higher AF occurrence rate in the control groups. Conclusions MRA s seem to be effective in AF prevention, especially regarding recurrent AF episodes.

The identification of cardiac sarcoidosis is challenging as there is no gold standard consensually admitted for its diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the assessment of cardiac dynamic 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and net influx constant (Ki) in patients suspected of cardiac sarcoidosis. Data obtained from 30 biopsy-proven sarcoidosis patients suspected of cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent a 50-min list-mode cardiac dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT after a 24 h high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet were analyzed. A normalized coefficient of variation of quantitative glucose influx constant, calculated as the ratio: standard deviation of the segmental Ki (min−1)/global Ki (min−1) was determined using a validated software (Carimas® 2.4, Turku PET Centre). Cardiac sarcoidosis was diagnosed according to the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare criteria. Receiving operating curve analysis was performed to determine sensitivity and specificity of cardiac dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT analysis to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis. Six out of 30 patients (20%) were diagnosed as having cardiac sarcoidosis. Myocardial glucose metabolism was significantly heterogeneous in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis who showed significantly higher normalized coefficient of variation values compared to patients without cardiac sarcoidosis (0.513 ± 0.175 vs. 0.205 ± 0.081; p = 0.0007). Using ROC curve analysis, we found a cut-off value of 0.38 for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 91%. Our results suggest that quantitative analysis of cardiac dynamic 18F-FDG PET/CT could be a useful tool for the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis.

Patients over 75 account for more than one third of those presenting with myocardial infarction and more than 50% of intrahospital mortality. There are no specific guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the elderly. Although antithrombotic therapy seems to be effective and safe in such patients, it requires specific precautions and treatment adjustments because of the higher bleeding risk due to comorbidities such as renal function impairment and malnutrition. Scientific evidence concerning elderly patients is scarce as they are either excluded or underrepresented in most randomized trials. Overall, the antithrombotic therapy needs to be adapted to avoid complications, mainly bleeding complications, without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment in this high-risk population. In the present paper, we review the current treatment strategies in ACS while focusing on data concerning the elderly, according to available data in pivotal trials and in both AHA/ACC and ESC guidelines.

Background Despite the emergence of new therapies, Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) still has a high mortality. Several clinical, echocardiographic, biological or hemodynamic prognostic factors have been identified but are of limited predictive value for survival. We aimed to assess whether heart rate (HR) and all ECG abnormalities measured on a 12-lead ECG may help to better identify patients at high risk of death in this population. Methods and results 296 patients followed in a registry were included with all types of PH, except group 2 of the WHO clinical classification. After a median follow-up of 10 years, age, male sex, NYHA III/IV status and, among all ECG parameters, HR and corrected QT interval were associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, HR, age and male sex remained significant independent predictors of mortality. HR has a higher predictive value in the 238 patients in sinus rhythm. In addition, only HR was significantly correlated with clinical and hemodynamic PH prognostic factors. Conclusion HR measured on a 12-lead ECG at the time of the diagnosis is a strong independent predictor of mortality in PH patients.

3094 Background: Venous thromboembolic event (VTE) is a frequent complication of cancer, as of some classical cancer therapy, like chemotherapy and surgery. The advent of new therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies has meant that new therapies may be associated with VTE. Reliable data concerning the association between ADs and VTE are scarce. Methods: On March 1st, 2020 we utilized VigiBase (International pharmacovigilance database) and performed a disproportionality analysis using reporting odds ratios (ROR) to determine the association between the 206 FDA- or EMA-labeled ADs and VTE, defined as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. RORs were adjusted (aRORs) on population characteristics including the cancer risk of VTE with the primary tumor site according to Khorana classification and metastatic status. Results: A total of 50,438 VTE cases associated with at least one AD were identified. Thirteen ADs were associated with higher reporting of VTE of which 2 represented new VTE associations not previously confirmed in the summary of product characteristics or literature including sipuleucel-t and megestrol. ADs more reported with VTE were lenalidomide (n:5,796), bevacizumab (n:2,780) and thalidomide (n:1,700). ADs associated-VTE occurred mainly during the first 6 months after AD initiation. Conclusions: Although cancer itself may generate VTE, we identified 13 ADs associated with VTE overreporting. Recognition of AD most likely to cause VTE can help raise practitioner awareness and lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Futures studies should include ADs in VTE risk evaluation and evaluate the management of VTE when recurrences occur under AD favoring VTE. ClinicalTrial registration number: NCT04696250.

International audience; Objectives: We conducted a retrospective study to characterize the cardiac complications in patients with genetically confirmed type 1 facioscapulohumeral dystrophy. Methods: We reviewed baseline cardiac investigations, including electrocardiogram, Holter electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, as well as cardiac complications that occurred during follow-up in 56 adult patients (37 men, mean duration of disease: 20 years). Results: Baseline evaluation revealed minor cardiac anomalies in 23 patients including incomplete right bundle branch block (iRBBB) in 13 patients (23%). Over a mean follow-up period of 7.2 years, there was no cardiac death, no patient developed cardiomyopathy, and 28 patients (50%) experienced cardiac anomalies. Among these patients, 3 had one or more major events (heart failure and/or atrial fibrillation). The remaining 25 patients presented minor cardiac anomalies of which iRBBB was the most frequent (25%). Conclusions: Cardiac anomalies identified during the follow-up of patients with type 1 facioscapulohumeral dystrophy are mainly minor anomalies, dominated by the iRBBB.

Background An accurate estimate of the duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) is critical for its safe and successful management. We examined the ability of midregional pro–atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) to identify patients presenting with AF of ≤48 vs >48 h in duration. Methods We prospectively studied 106 patients presenting with AF of known duration. We examined the predictive values of MR-proANP and N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the detection of recent-onset AF, in addition to other factors identified by multiple variable analyses. Results In patients presenting with AF of ≤48 vs >48 h in duration, the median MR-proANP plasma concentration was 147.7 [95.3–197.4] pmol/L vs 220.4 [154.0–303.1] pmol/L (P Conclusions A score based on a model including heart rate, dyspnea, and plasma MR-proANP concentration was helpful in identifying AF of ≤48 h in duration.

International audience; Background: Screening for Fabry disease is sub-optimal in non-specialised centres.Aim: To assess the diagnostic value of electrocardiographic scores of left ventricular hypertrophy and a combined electrocardiographic and echocardiographic model in Fabry disease.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electrocardiograms and echocardiograms of 61 patients (mean age 55.6±11.5 years; 57% men) with Fabry disease and left ventricular hypertrophy, and compared them with those from 59 patients (mean age 44.8±18.3 years; 66% men) with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Six electrocardiography criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy were specifically analysed: Sokolow-Lyon voltage index; Cornell voltage index; Gubner index; Romhilt-Estes score; Sokolow-Lyon product (voltage index×QRS duration); and Cornell product (voltage index×QRS duration).Results: Right bundle branch block was more frequent in patients with Fabry disease (54% vs. 22%; P=0.001). QRS duration, Gubner score and Sokolow-Lyon product were significantly higher in patients with Fabry disease. Maximal wall thickness was higher in patients with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (21.9±5.1 vs. 15.5±2.9mm; P

Background Same-day home discharge after common atrial flutter catheter ablation (CAFCA) is a feasible, safe, and cost-effective practice, but there are currently no data for patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAs). Objective We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of ambulatory CAFCA in patients treated with DOAs compared with those treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Methods Patients scheduled for isolated and elective ambulatory CAFCA in our tertiary university center between 2009 and 2019 were included. Propensity score for anticoagulant type was calculated from age, sex, body mass index, HAS-BLED and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, chronic kidney disease, associated antiplatelet treatment, procedure duration, and number of femoral venipunctures. Results Propensity score matching yielded 820 patients (mean age 67 ± 11 years). Catheter ablation was performed under uninterrupted VKA (n = 410; international normalized ratio 2.5 ± 0.6) or uninterrupted DOA (n = 410). The procedural success rate was 91%, and the effective same-day discharge rate was 93%. The occurrence of the primary end point, defined as any early and clinically significant bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification ≥ 2) at 1 week, was similar between patients treated with DOAs and those treated with VKAs (2.9% vs 3.7%; P = .70). Female sex, high HAS-BLED score, and prolonged procedure duration were independently associated with the primary end point. Conclusion Uninterrupted DOA regimens are safe for patients undergoing ambulatory CAFCA in a high-volume center with a dedicated ambulatory unit and standardized procedural and postoperative management.

Background After artery bypass grafting (CABG), the presence of perioperative AF (POAF) is associated with greater short- and long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Underlying POAF mechanisms are complex and include the presence of an arrhythmogenic substrate, cardiac fibrosis and electrical remodeling. Aldosterone is a key component in this process. We hypothesize that perioperative mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade may decrease the POAF incidence in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% who are referred for CABG with or without aortic valve replacement (AVR). Study design The ALDOCURE trial ( NCT03551548 ) will be a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing the superiority of a low-cost MR antagonist (MRA, spironolactone) on POAF in 1500 adults referred for on-pump elective CABG surgery with or without AVR, without any history of heart failure or atrial arrhythmia. The primary efficacy end point is the occurrence of POAF from randomization to within 5 days after surgery, assessed in a standardized manner. The main secondary efficacy end points include the following: postoperative AF occurring within 5 days after cardiac surgery, perioperative myocardial injury, major cardiovascular events and death occurring within 30 days of surgery, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, need for readmission, LVEF at discharge and significant ventricular arrhythmias within 5 days after surgery. Safety end points, including blood pressure, serum potassium levels and renal function, will be monitored regularly throughout the trial duration. Conclusion The ALDOCURE trial will assess the effectiveness of spironolactone in addition to standard therapy for reducing POAF in patients undergoing CABG. Clinical trial registration NCT03551548

Background Screening for Fabry disease (FD) remains suboptimal in non-specialized centers. Aims We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of electrocardiographic (ECG) scores of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the diagnostic value of a combined ECG and echocardiographic model for FD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the ECG and echocardiogram of 61 patients (age: 55.6 ± 11.5 years, 57% men) with FD and LVH, and compared them to 59 patients (age: 44.8 ± 18.3 years, 66% men) with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Six ECG criteria for LVH were specifically analyzed: – Sokolow-Lyon index, – Cornell voltage index 3) Gubner index, – Romhilt-Estes score, – Sokolow-Lyon voltage × QRS duration product, – Cornell voltage × QRS duration product. Results Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) was more frequent in FD (54% vs. 22%, P = 0.001). QRS duration, Gubner score, and Sokolov-Lyon product were significantly higher in FD. Maximal thickness wall (MTW) was higher in sarcomeric HCM group (21.9 ± 5.1 mm vs. 15.5 ± 2.9 mm in Fabry, P Conclusion Our model combining easy-to-assess ECG and echocardiographic parameters may be helpful to improve screening and reduce diagnosis delay of FD.

Background Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) improve outcome in the setting of post–myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF). Objectives The study sought to assess the benefit of an early MRA regimen in acute MI irrespective of the presence of HF or left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Methods We randomized 1,603 patients to receive an MRA regimen with a single intravenous bolus of potassium canrenoate (200 mg) followed by oral spironolactone (25 mg once daily) for 6 months in addition to standard therapy or standard therapy alone. The primary outcome of the study was the composite of death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, significant ventricular arrhythmia, indication for implantable defibrillator, or new or worsening HF at 6-month follow-up. Key secondary/safety outcomes included death and other individual components of the primary outcome and rates of hyperkalemia at 6 months. Results The primary outcome occurred in 95 (11.8%) and 98 (12.2%) patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 1.28). Death occurred in 11 (1.4%) and 17 (2.1%) patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.38). In a non–pre-specified exploratory analysis, the odds of death were reduced in the treatment group (3 [0.5%] vs. 15 [2.4%]; HR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.70) in the subgroup of ST-segment elevation MI (n = 1,229), but not in non–ST-segment elevation MI (p for interaction = 0.01). Hyperkalemia >5.5 mmol/l–1 occurred in 3% and 0.2% of patients in the treatment and standard therapy groups, respectively (p Conclusions The study failed to show the benefit of early MRA use in addition to standard therapy in patients admitted for MI. (Aldosterone Lethal effects Blockade in Acute myocardial infarction Treated with or without Reperfusion to improve Outcome and Survival at Six months follow-up; NCT01059136).

Previous studies showed good agreement between pacemaker respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and polysomnography for diagnosis of severe sleep apnea (SA). The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of RDI compared with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from a cardiorespiratory sleep study for the diagnosis of severe SA within patients requiring a pacemaker and meeting diastolic dysfunction criteria. Secondary objectives are as follows: correlation between plasma aldosterone level and SA severity, diagnostic accuracy of RDI for moderate SA, prevalence of SA among patients with diastolic dysfunction, occurrence of arrhythmias, and improvement of RDI with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. We designed a monocentric prospective nonrandomized study of prevalent cases to include 68 patients with a 6-month follow-up. Both RDI and AHI will be compared 2 months after implantation and after 1 month of continuous positive airway pressure treatment in patients with severe SA. This is the first study that examines diagnostic accuracy of pacemaker algorithm for the diagnosis of SA and correlation with plasma aldosterone levels in patients with diastolic dysfunction. Protocol version: V04. 04/04/2017 Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02751021

Background Patients’ knowledge of their disease is a key point in chronic conditions such as Heart Failure and a prerequisite for treatment adherence. However, data are scarce regarding HF patients’ understanding. Aim To propose an auto-questionnaire for the assessment of patients’ knowledge of HF and to analyze the factors associated with a better understanding. Method During 2 weeks, consecutive patients admitted for HF were included in this prospective study involving 9 French centers. Patients were screened for cognitive disorders using the validated clock-drawing test and only patients who passed this test were submitted to a 16-point knowledge questionnaire. Results Three hundreds and eleven patients were included (mean age 73 ± 13 years, 62% men). Mean LVEF was 45 ± 14%. Regarding level of education, 177 patients (58%) reached primary school, 63 (21%) secondary school and 63 (21%) university or higher. Elderly patients had a mobile phone and internet at home in 71 and 51% of cases. Only 33 patients (11%) benefited from therapeutic education sessions, while 65% of patients had already been hospitalized for HF. Cognitive disorders were found in 81 patients (26%) and 230 patients thus passed the knowledge questionnaire. Mean knowledge score was 6.3 ± 3.4/16 points. It was associated with the level of education (P = 0.01), follow-up by a cardiologist (P 0.001), good adherence to treatment as evaluated by a validated questionnaire (P Conclusion Patients hospitalized for HF have a poor knowledge of their disease and repeated information by all means possible may have a positive impact. The knowledge score was associated with adherence to treatment, which represents a major goal to achieve in chronic HF.

Cardiac innervation is assessed using the heart-to-mediastinum ratio (HMR) of metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) on planar imaging using Anger single photon emission computed tomography (A-SPECT). The aim of the study was to determine the HMR of MIBG obtained using a CZT-based camera (D-SPECT; Spectrum Dynamics, Israel) in comparison with that obtained using conventional planar imaging. The ADRECARD study prospectively evaluated 44 patients with heart failure. They underwent planar acquisition using the A-SPECT camera 4 h after 123I-MIBG injection (236.4 ± 39.7 MBq). To localize the heart using D-SPECT, 99mTc-tetrofosmin (753 ± 133 MBq) was administered and dual isotope acquisition was performed using the D-SPECT system. HMR was calculated using both planar A-SPECT imaging and front view D-SPECT cine data. In a phantom study, we estimated a model fitting the A-SPECT and the D-SPECT data that was further applied to correct for differences between the cameras. A total of 44 patients (39 men and 5 women, aged 60 ± 11 years) with ischaemic (31 patients) and nonischaemic (13 patients) cardiomyopathy completed the study. Most patients (28 of 44) were NYHA class II, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 33 ± 7 %. The mean HMR values were 1.34 ± 0.15 and 1.45 ± 0.27 from A-SPECT and D-SPECT, respectively (p

Endothelial dysfunction is common in patients with heart failure and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Cardiac rehabilitation is able to enhance peripheral endothelial function but its impact on coronary vasomotion remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation on coronary vasomotion in patients with heart failure.We prospectively enrolled 29 clinically stable heart failure patients from non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and without coronary risk factors. Myocardial blood flow was quantified using (15)-O water positron emission tomography at rest and during a cold pressor test, before and after 12 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation and optimization of medical therapy.Rest myocardial blood flow was significantly improved after the completion of rehabilitation compared to baseline (1.31 ± 0.38 mL/min/g vs. 1.16 ± 0.41 mL/min/g, p = 0.04). The endothelium-related change in myocardial blood flow from rest to cold pressor test and the percentage of myocardial blood flow increase during the cold pressor test were both significantly improved after cardiac rehabilitation (respectively from -0.03 ± 0.22 mL/min/g to 0.19 ± 0.22 mL/min/g, p 0.001 and from 101.5 ± 16.5% to 118.3 ± 24.4%, p 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction, plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide, maximal oxygen consumption and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score were also significantly improved. The improvement was not related to uptitration of medical therapy.Coronary endothelial function is altered in patients with heart failure due to non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. In these patients, cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves coronary vasomotion.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a powerful tool for in vivo assessments of cardiac parameters in experimental animal models of cardiovascular diseases, but its reproducibility in this setting remains poorly explored. To address this issue, we investigated the test-retest reproducibility of preclinical cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at 7 Tesla in healthy C57BL/6 mice, including an analysis of the impact of different anesthetic procedures (isoflurane or pentobarbital). We also analyzed the intra-study reproducibility and the intra- and inter-observer post-processing reproducibility of CMR images. Test-retest reproducibility was high for left ventricular parameters, especially with the isoflurane anesthetic procedure, whereas right ventricular parameters and deformation measurements were less reproducible, mainly due to physiological variability. Post-processing reproducibility of CMR images was high both within and between observers. These results highlight that anesthetic procedures might influence CMR test-retest reproducibility, an important ethical consideration for longitudinal studies in rodent models of cardiomyopathy to limit the number of animals used.

Background and Purpose: Cardioprotection against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) damages remains a major concern during prehospital management of acute myocardial infarction. Noble gases have shown beneficial effects in preconditioning studies. Because emergency proceedings in the context of myocardial infarction require postconditioning strategies, we evaluated the effects of argon in such protocols on mammalian cardiac tissue. Experimental Approaches: In rat, cardiac I/R was induced in vivo by transient coronary artery ligature and cardiac functions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R)-induced arrhythmias were evaluated in vitro using intracellular microelectrodes on both rat-isolated ventricle and a model of border zone in guinea pig ventricle. Hypoxia–reoxygenation loss of contractile force was assessed in human atrial appendages. In those models, postconditioning was induced by 5 minutes application of argon at the time of reperfusion. Key Results: In the in vivo model, I/R produced left ventricular ejection fraction decrease (24%) and wall motion score increase (36%) which was prevented when argon was applied in postconditioning. In vitro, argon postconditioning abolished H/R-induced arrhythmias such as early after depolarizations, conduction blocks, and reentries. Recovery of contractile force in human atrial appendages after H/R was enhanced in the argon group, increasing from 51% ± 2% in the nonconditioned group to 83% ± 7% in the argon-treated group ( P < .001). This effect of argon was abolished in the presence of wortmannin and PD98059 which inhibit prosurvival phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and MEK/extracellular receptor kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), respectively, or in the presence of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opener atractyloside, suggesting the involvement of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway. Conclusion and Implications: Argon has strong cardioprotective properties when applied in conditions of postconditioning and thus appears as a potential therapeutic tool in I/R situations.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poor outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We aimed to assess the additional value of preoperative plasma aldosterone levels, a biomarker promoting proarrhythmic and profibrotic pathways, for predicting POAF after CABG.We conducted a prospective cohort study involving consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) more than 50% requiring elective CABG in our university hospital. Plasma aldosterone levels, two-dimensional echocardiography including left atrial strain analysis and galectin-3 (Gal-3) examination were assessed before cardiac surgery. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of POAF within 30 days after surgery.POAF occurred in 34 (24.8%) out of the 137 included patients. Compared with controls, patients experiencing POAF were significantly older (73 years old ± 8 vs 65 ± 11, P 0.001) and had higher preoperative plasma aldosterone levels [183 pmol/l (interquartile range 138-300) vs 143 pmol/l (interquartile range 96.5-216.5), P 0.01]. Age [odds ratio (OR), 1.088; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.038-1.140); P = 0.0004] and plasma aldosterone levels [OR, 1.007; 95% CI (1.003-1.012); P = 0.0013] were independently associated with POAF in multivariate analysis and could therefore be combined to predict the occurrence of POAF ['Aldoscore', OR, 2.7; 95% CI (1.7-4.3); P 0.0001]. Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis performed on right atrial appendage and plasma examination revealed that Gal-3 was activated in POAF patients.We developed the preoperative 'Aldoscore' for POAF risk stratification among patients with preserved LVEF requiring elective CABG. This new tool may be helpful to identify good responders to interventions targeting the proarrhythmic and profibrotic pathways of aldosterone.

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation has long been known to be a cardinal feature in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling and systolic heart failure (SHF). It was reported to have implications for both disease progression and survival. SNS activation is assumed to be secondary to the decrease of sympathoinhibitory reflexes usually drove by the stimulation of afferent mechanoreceptors and by the increase of efferent sympatho-excitatory mechanisms associated with alteration in autonomic regulation. Activation of cardiac and peripheral sympathetic nervous systems has been linked to the rate of disease progression and sudden death. The main retrospective and prospective studies have shown that cardiac neuronal uptake based on Heart-Mediastinum Ratio (HMR) by I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging was a prognostic indicator of severe heart failure and/or ventricular arrhythmia if HMR was less than 1.6 in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction less than 35%. These findings have been the rationale for the use of betaadrenergic blocking agents in the management of patients with SHF. Several observations have suggested that ventricular systolic dysfunction per se was not the principal stimulus to sympathetic activation. If the decrease of sympatho-inhibitory reflexes is directly linked to the ventricular systolic dysfunction though the decrease of the cardiac output, mechanisms underlying the autonomic dysregulation seem more generalized. Among the parameters acting on nonbaroreflex-mediated sympathoexcitation, sleep-disordered breathing is one of the main actors.

AIMS:The aim of the study was to assess the early features of diabetic cardiomyopathy using cardiac magnetic resonance within the first week after streptozotocin injection in mice. We focused on the relationship between left ventricular function and hypovolemia markers in diabetic animals compared to a hypovolemic rodent model. METHODS AND RESULTS:Swiss mice were randomized into control (group C), streptozotocin-induced diabetes (group D) and furosemide-induced hypovolemia (group F) groups. Cardiac magnetic resonance, non-invasive blood pressure, urine volume, plasma markers of dehydration and cardiac histology were assessed in all groups. Mean blood glucose was higher in diabetic animals than in groups C and F (30.5±5.8 compared to 10.4±2.1 and 11.1±2.8 mmol/L, respectively; p

In addition to hyperglycaemia, glycaemic variability seems to be associated with poor outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. This study explored the impact of glycaemic variability in diabetic Wistar rats subjected to myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion.Animals with streptozotocin-induced diabetes received insulin either to maintain stable hyperglycaemia (Dh group) or to generate glycaemic variability (Dv). After experimental myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion was surgically induced, 7T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was performed at weeks 1 (w1) and 3 (w3).Twenty-six rats were randomized [sham group (S): n=5; control group (C): n=7; Dh group: n=6; and Dv group: n=8]. The mean amplitude of glucose reflecting glycaemic variability was higher in the Dv than in the Dh group (9.1±2.7mmol/L vs 5.9±1.9mmol/L; P0.05). CMR assessment at w3 revealed ventricular enlargement in both Dh and Dv groups compared with the C and S groups (end-diastolic volume: 1.60±0.22 and 1.36±0.30mL/kg compared with 1.11±0.13 and 0.87±0.11mL/kg, respectively; P0.05). Circumferential strain was altered between w1 and w3 in the remote area only in the Dv group, resulting in a lower value in this group than in the S, C and Dh groups (-0.11±0.01 vs -0.17±0.05, -0.15±0.03 and -0.16±0.03, respectively; P0.05). In addition, at w3, oedema was also higher in the remote area in the Dv than in the C group (18.3±4.9ms vs 14.5±1.7ms, respectively; P0.05).In the context of experimental myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion, our results suggest that glycaemic variability might have a potentially deleterious impact on myocardial outcomes beyond the classical glucose metrics.

This study compared two SPECT cameras with cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors to a conventional Anger camera with cardiofocal collimators for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in a phantom and patients.A gated dynamic cardiac phantom was used. Eighteen acquisitions were processed on each CZT camera and the conventional camera. The total number of counts within a myocardial volume of interest varied from 0.25 kcts to 1.5 Mcts. Ejection fraction was set to 33%, 45%, or 60%. Volume, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), regional wall thickening, and motion (17-segment model) were assessed. One hundred twenty patients with a low pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease and normal findings on stress perfusion SPECT were retrospectively analyzed to provide the reference limits for end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction, and regional function for each camera model.In the phantom study, for each ejection fraction value, volume was higher for the CZT cameras than for the conventional camera, resulting in a decreased but more accurate LVEF (all P0.001). In clinical data, body-surface-indexed EDV and ESV (mL/m(2)) were higher for one of the CZT cameras (Discovery NM 530c) than for the other (D-SPECT) or the conventional camera (respectively, 40.5 ± 9.2, 37 ± 7.9, and 35.8 ± 6.8 for EDV [P0.001] and 12.5 ± 5.3, 9.4 ± 4.2, and 8.3 ± 4.4 for ESV [P0.001]), resulting in a significantly decreased LVEF: 70.3% ± 9.1% vs. 75.2% ± 8.1% vs. 77.8% ± 9.3%, respectively (P0.001).The new CZT cameras yielded global LV function results different from those yielded by the conventional camera. LV volume was higher for the Discovery NM 530c than for the D-SPECT or the conventional camera, leading to decreased LVEF in healthy subjects. These differences should be considered in clinical practice and warrant the collection of a specific reference database.

Aims Daily practice shows that patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) may develop a secondary elevation of their pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) above the 15 mm Hg limit. This phenomenon has not been precisely described yet. We aimed at identifying factors present at initial diagnosis that could predict this secondary elevation of PAWP, its possible causes and impact on survival. Methods and results We included 90 patients followed between 2004 and 2011 in our center. At the end of follow-up (3.0 ± 1.6 years), patients were divided into two groups according to the successive PAWP measurements (always ≤ 15 mm Hg or > 15 mm Hg on at least one right heart catheterization (RHC)). Demographical, biological, echographic and hemodynamical data at first RHC were compared. Possible causes for PAWP > 15 mm Hg were searched. A Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess differences in survival. One third of our cohort developed an elevation of PAWP above 15 mm Hg and patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension were at smaller risk (OR 0.20 [0.05–0.82]; p = 0.026). We did not identify any other baseline predictive factors. We highlighted several possible causes and factors that may unmask an underlying left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Survival was not different between both groups (p = 0.42). Conclusion Secondary elevation of PAWP in pre-capillary PH was frequent but less observed in idiopathic PH. We detailed many possible causes that can be sought, many of which may be related to an underlying left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Hypothyroidism is a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Triiodothyronine was found to target endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which serves to enhance peripheral vascular relaxation by acting on vascular smooth muscle cells. In patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, adenosine-induced coronary flow reserve is significantly reduced. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with hypothyroid cardiomyopathy manifested as reversible severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF = 32%). O-labeled water PET at rest and during cold pressor test showed a severe coronary endothelial dysfunction. In patients with severe hypothyroidism, endothelial function is impaired and may be an important mechanism of heart failure.

Infective endocarditis caused by a zoonotic micro-organism is a rare clinical condition. Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacterium of the normal oral flora of dogs and cats. It can be transmitted to humans by bite, scratch or others close contacts with dogs, and occasionally cats. It has been implicated in a spectrum of disorders including septicemia, meningitis and septic arthritis. Splenectomy and alcoholism have been reported to be risk factors, but infection may occur in previously healthy patients. We reported the case of a 65-year-old man with bicuspid aortic valve endocarditis and multiple abscesses of the aortic wall caused by the canine bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus. This case highlights the capacity of Capnocytophaga canimorsus to produce endocarditis whose incidence may be underestimated due to slow growth and incorrect identification of the organism.

Background Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the preferred reperfusion strategy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its benefit over prehospital fibrinolysis (FL) is not clear. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in which outcomes of patients with STEMI managed with FL early in the prehospital setting versus PPCI were compared. Results Compared with PPCI, FL was consistently associated with similar rates of short-term (30–90 days) death (relative risk [RR] 0.94, 95 % CI 0.67–1.31) and cardiovascular death (RR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.64–1.4), a decreased risk of cardiogenic shock (RR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.48–0.95), and an increased risk of any stroke (RR 3.57, 95 % CI 1.39–9.17) and hemorrhagic stroke (RR 4.37, 95 % CI 1.25–15.26). FL was also associated with similar rates of 1-year mortality (RR 1.01, 95 % CI 0.75–1.34) and major bleeding (RR 1.31, 95 % CI 0.96–1.78) in comparison with PPCI, but with a notable level (I 2 index 30.5 % and 59.8 %) of heterogeneity among studies. Conclusions Our study suggests that, compared with PPCI, FL performed in the early prehospital setting is associated with similar mortality rates, lower rates of cardiogenic shock, and higher rates of stroke in patients with STEMI. Although the number of studies comparing the two strategies is relatively low, our results support prehospital FL and transfer to hub percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centers as a valid alternative to PPCI, allowing potential limitation of resources allocated to developing proximity 24/7 PCI facilities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-016-1530-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. To assess whether preconditioning with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system agents could limit myocardial tissue injury, we tested the force of contraction of human right atrial trabeculae during hypoxia-reoxygenation when exposed to aldosterone and/or potassium canrenoate. Materials and methods We studied the effect of aldosterone and/or mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist potassium canrenoate administration prior to hypoxia-reoxygenation and in normoxic condition on force of contraction in 51 human right atrial trabeculae obtained from patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery or aortic valve replacement. We also tested if adosterone exposure results in changes in levels of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Results The force of contraction of trabeculae was significantly reduced by aldosterone administration under normoxic or hypoxia-reoxygenation conditions. The rapid onset of this effect - 25 minutes - suggests a nongenomic mechanism. When compared with controls, potassium canrenoate by itself was not able to induce cardioprotection. However, coadministration of aldosterone and potassium canrenoate preconditioned isolated human atrial myocardium exposed to hypoxia - reoxygenation. This effect could be MR-dependent or not because both aldosterone and potassium canrenoate have some nongenomic MR-independent actions. Preliminary results showed that aldosterone exposure increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels. Conclusion Potassium canrenoate-induced cardioprotection prevents the deleterious effect of aldosterone on human atrial myocardial tissue. Further research required to determine the mechanism involved and the potential beneficial in clinical practice in order to reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Download : Download full-size image Figure – Experimental conditions