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An 81-year-old man was admitted for general fatigue of one month’s duration. Two sets of blood cultures revealed bacteremia, due to Pasteurella multocida, while computed tomography (CT) revealed a 47-mm descending aortic saccular aneurysm. After transfer to our hospital, the saccular aneurysm rapidly grew to 54 mm. An emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed, due to the aneurysm immediately rupturing after the CT scan. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 28.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce the risk of heart failure progression and mortality rates. Moreover, osmotic diuresis induced by SGLT2 inhibition may result in an improved heart failure prognosis. Independent of conventional diuretics in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic heart failure, especially in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), it is unclear whether SGLT2i chronically reduces estimated plasma volume (ePV). As a subanalysis of the CANDLE trial, which assessed the effect of canagliflozin on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), we examined the change (%) in ePV over 24 weeks of treatment based on the baseline level associated with diuretic usage. In the CANDLE trial, nearly all patients were clinically stable (NYHA class I-II), with approximately 70% of participants presenting a baseline phenotype of HFpEF. A total of 99 (42.5%) patients were taking diuretics (mostly furosemide) at baseline, while 134 (57.5%) were not. Relative to glimepiride, canagliflozin significantly reduced ePV without worsening renal function in patients in both groups: -4.00% vs. 1.46% (p = 0.020) for the diuretic group and -6.14% vs. 1.28% (p 0.001) for the nondiuretic group. Furthermore, canagliflozin significantly reduced serum uric acid without causing major electrolyte abnormalities in patients in both subgroups. The long-term beneficial effect of SGLT2i on intravascular congestion could be independent of conventional diuretic therapy without worsening renal function in patients with T2D and HF (HFpEF predominantly). In addition, the beneficial effects of canagliflozin are accompanied by improved hyperuricemia without causing major electrolyte abnormalities.

Background: Oral beta-blockers are effective for heart failure and hypertension. Here, we conducted a prospective study to investigate the efficacy of the beta-blocker bisoprolol in patients switching from the oral tablet to the transdermal patch. Methods: We studied 50 outpatients receiving oral bisoprolol for chronic heart failure and hypertension. After patients switched treatments, we measured heart rate (HR) over 24 h by Holter echocardiography as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were (1) HR at 00:00, 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00, (2) the total number of premature atrial contractions (PACs) over 24 h and the incidence rate per time segment, and the total number of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) over 24 h and the incidence rate per time segment, (3) blood pressure, (4) atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide, and (5) echocardiography. Results: Minimum, maximum, mean, and total HR over 24 h was not significantly different between the two groups. Mean and maximum HR at 06:00, total PACs, total PVCs, and PVCs at 00:00 to 05:59 and 06:00 to 11:59 were significantly lower in the patch group. Conclusion: Compared with oral bisoprolol, the bisoprolol transdermal patch lowers HR at 06:00 and inhibits the onset of PVCs during sleep and in the morning.

The native tricuspid leaflets are sometimes preserved with tricuspid valve replacement to prevent atrioventricular block or maintain right ventricular function. However, after a tricuspid valve replacement using bioprosthetic valve, a rare complication involving adhesion of the pannus formation to the prosthetic valve may occur. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman who underwent a third tricuspid valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve for severe tricuspid regurgitation 2.5 years after the redo tricuspid valve replacement.

Cardiac hemangioma is relatively rare, accounting for approximately 1-3% of all primary heart tumors. This benign tumor may be an incidental lesion, but can also cause arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, congestive heart failure or outflow obstruction. We report a rare case with exophytic cardiac hemangioma arising from the right ventricle. Echocardiography showed an approximately 40 mm round protruding mass on the anterior wall of the right ventricle. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrated isointense and hyperintense signals on T1- and T2-weighted images, respectively. These imaging studies suggested a pericardial cyst. Perioperative findings indicated a globular, exophytic mass, vascular in nature, arising from the right ventricle. The lesion was resected directly, and the space left by defect in the right ventricular wall was covered with a bovine pericardial patch. Cardiac hemangiomas are generally endoluminal tumors, but we must keep in mind that the differential diagnoses include various pericardial lesions by medical images.

Purpose Recently, guidelines recommended the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common post-surgical complication of cardiac surgery, but the efficacy and safety of DOAC for POAF have rarely been investigated. We conducted a prospective observational study to investigate the efficacy and safety of DOAC administered immediately after POAF. Materials and methods In all, 135 patients that experienced POAF after cardiac surgery were treated with a DOAC. Primary endpoints were either bleeding or thromboembolic events. Secondary endpoints included changes in hemoglobin (Hb), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), serum creatinine (sCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and pleural/pericardial effusion. Results Patients were treated with apixaban (n = 31), edoxaban (n = 87), and rivaroxaban (n = 17). Major bleeding (p = 0.011) and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (p = 0.047) were significantly more frequent in the rivaroxaban group. Stroke was observed in one rivaroxaban group patient and none in the other two groups. Conclusion DOAC as anticoagulation therapy for the early intervention of POAF following cardiac surgery is associated with a low incidence of major bleeding; a favorable safety profile and excellent efficacy were demonstrated for DOAC. Furthermore, our results indicate that the safety and efficacy of apixaban and edoxaban are better than rivaroxaban.

Background: It is not known if presence or absence of obesity influence the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We present results of a 24-week comparative study of the effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin vs the sulfonylurea glimepiride, by baseline body mass index (BMI), in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic heart failure.Methods: We conducted a post hoc analysis of the CANDLE trial (UMIN000017669), an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. This sub-analysis evaluated changes at 24 weeks in NT-proBNP, BMI, and other laboratory parameters, according to the subgroups stratified by baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2 defined as obesity vs BMI 2 defined as normal.Results: A group ratio (canagliflozin versus glimepiride) of proportional changes in the geometric means of NT-proBNP was 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84 to 1.18, P=0.940) for the subgroup with baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and 0.85 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.02, P=0.075) for the subgroup with baseline BMI 2, respectively. Although the group ratio for the subgroup with baseline BMI 2 was smaller than that for the subgroup with baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2, there was no statistical difference by baseline BMI subgroups (P for interaction=0.222). When baseline BMI was modeled as a continuous variable, results for patients with BMI 2 showed a slightly smaller increase in NT-proBNP in the canagliflozin group vs the glimepiride group; that difference was not seen among patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Irrespective of obesity, the canagliflozin group was associated with significant reduction of BMI compared to the glimepiride group.Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference in the effects of 24-week of canagliflozin treatment, relative to glimepiride, on NT-proBNP concentrations irrespective of baseline obesity, the canagliflozin treatment showed a trend toward lower NT-proBNP levels in patients across BMI 2. This suggests that baseline BMI levels affect the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor treatment on NT-proBNP concentrations. Further studies are needed to assess the association between clinical effects of SGLT2 inhibitor and obesity.UMIN clinical trial registration number (http://www.umin.ac.jp/): UMIN000017669

Aims Congestive splenomegaly is a classic sign of organ congestion in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Shear wave elastography (SWE) allows the measurement of spleen stiffness (SS). We hypothesized that SS could quantify the severity of splenic congestion and predict adverse events in ADHF. Methods and Results This study included two cohorts: a haemodynamic cohort (62 HF patients) and an outcome cohort (115 ADHF patients). SS was measured by two‐dimensional SWE on the same day of right heart catheterization in the haemodynamic cohort. Right atrial pressure (RAP) independently correlated with SS (β = 0.32, P = 0.002). SS was measured in the outcome cohort before discharge. The 115 patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the tertile value of SS. The third tertile SS group had a higher prevalence of severe tricuspid regurgitation, higher N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT pro‐BNP), and larger right ventricular diastolic diameter, than had the first tertile group and the second tertile group. During a median follow‐up period of 105 (77–135) days, adverse events occurred in 25 patients (one death and 24 rehospitalizations for HF). The third tertile SS group had a significantly higher rate of adverse events (P

Risk stratification of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is difficult. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is an index of immune function and nutritional status. We investigated the prognostic value of the CONUT score in IE and whether its prognostic value differed between IE patients with and without indications for surgery.Clinical records were retrospectively evaluated for 92 patients with IE treated at Nihon University Itabashi Hospital and Nihon University Hospital between January 2014 and May 2019. The CONUT score was determined upon admission, and patients were divided into two groups at the median score (≤ 7 [n = 50] and ≥ 8 [n = 42]). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 90 days after admission.The high CONUT group had significantly higher C-reactive protein and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, as well as a significantly lower hemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (all P < 0.05), and considerably more valve perforation (26% versus 8%, P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that mortality was significantly higher in the high CONUT group (P < 0.001). Even after adjusting for the propensity score based on IE risk factors, a higher CONUT score was still associated with mortality. A receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that a CONUT score ≥ 8 had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 76% for predicting all-cause mortality. A CONUT score ≥ 8 was most strongly associated with mortality in patients with surgical indications (P < 0.001).In patients with IE, a higher CONUT score was significantly associated with inflammation, heart failure, renal dysfunction, anemia, valve dysfunction, and short-term mortality, especially in patients with surgical indications.

Background Little is known about the impacts of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on cardiac functional parameters, such as natriuretic peptides, in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with concomitant chronic heart failure (CHF). Purpose To compare the effect of canagliflozin with glimepiride, based on changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in that patient population. Methods This trial was an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial at 34 centers in Japan. Patients with T2D and clinically stable CHF excluding NYHA class IV, randomized to receive canagliflozin 100 mg or glimepiride (starting dose: 0.5 mg), were examined using the primary endpoint of non-inferiority of canagliflozin versus glimepiride, defined as a margin of 1.1 in the upper-limit of the 2-sided 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the group ratio of percentage change in NT-proBNP at 24 weeks. Results Data analysis of 233 patients (mean age 68.6±10.1 yrs; 75% male) showed mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at randomization was 57.6±14.6%, with 71% of patients having a preserved LVEF (≥50%). The ratio of NT-proBNP percentage change was 0.48 (95% CI, −0.13 to 1.59, P=0.226), and therefore did not meet the prespecified non-inferiority margin. However, data stratified according to baseline NT-proBNP levels showed a trend that canagliflozin treatment reduced NT-proBNP levels to a greater extent than in subgroups with elevated levels of NT-proBNP (Figure A). Furthermore, NT-proBNP levels in the canagliflozin group did show a nonsignificant trend lower in the subgroup with preserved LVEF (Figure B), but not in the subgroup with reduced LVEF (Figure C). Additionally, the changes in the NYHA class were comparable between groups (P=0.061) in the overall cohort, whereas in the subgroup with a preserved LVEF canagliflozin caused a significant improvement in NYHA classes compared to that found for glimepiride treatment (P=0.027). Conclusions This trial did not meet the predefined primary endpoint of changes in NT-proBNP levels, with 24 weeks of treatment with canagliflozin relative to glimepiride which together with other recent studies would question the value of continuing to monitor NT-proBNP levels after the initial diagnosis of heart failure. Nevertheless, in a subgroup with preserved LVEF, there was a non-significant trend for canagliflozin treatment to reduce NT-proBNP levels and improve symptoms even in stable HF patients. Further research is therefore warranted to determine whether patients with preserved LVEF, regardless of diabetes status, could potentially benefit from treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. Changes in NT-proBNP Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Desmin‐related myopathy (DRM) is a rare heritable cardiac and skeletal muscle disease caused by mutations in the desmin gene (DES). DRM is generally characterized by skeletal muscle weakness, conduction disturbance, and dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the clinical cardiac phenotypes of DRM are not yet fully understood. Herein, we report the first case of DRM with the de novo missense DES mutation, R454W, that is characterized by left ventricular non‐compaction cardiomyopathy, progressive cardiac conduction defect, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and no skeletal muscle weakness. Our case findings suggest that clinicians should genetically test patients who have cardiomyopathy, progressive cardiac conduction defect, and coronary artery dissection, even if the patient has neither family history of DRM nor skeletal muscle symptoms.

Background: The TROFEO trial demonstrated that febuxostat causes greater and more rapid reduction of serum uric acid (s-UA) than topiroxostat. We compared these drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by sub-analysis of the TROFEO trial. Methods: This sub-analysis targeted patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The primary endpoint was the s-UA level. Secondary endpoints included creatinine, eGFR, urinary albumin, cystatin-C, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, lipid biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Results: There was no significant difference of s-UA between the two groups either before or after treatment. However, s-UA did not exceed 6.0 mg/dL in febuxostat group during the study period, but it exceeded this level in seven patients from topiroxostat group, with the number being significantly higher in topiroxostat group. Serum creatinine (s-Cr) and eGFR were significantly better after 6 months of febuxostat treatment compared with topiroxostat Cystatin-C was significantly lower after 6 months of febuxostat treatment compared with topiroxostat. The Ox-LDL was significantly lower after 3 and 6 months of febuxostat treatment compared with topiroxostat. Conclusion: Febuxostat had stronger renoprotective and antioxidant effects than topiroxostat in patients with hyperuricemia and CKD.

Liver stiffness (LS) assessed by ultrasound elastography reflects right-sided filling pressure and offers additional prognostic information in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, the prognostic value of LS in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of LS measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in patients with HFpEF.We prospectively enrolled 80 patients hospitalized for decompensated HFpEF between September 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the tertile values of LS at discharge.The third tertile LS group had an older age; more advanced New York Heart Association functional class; higher total bilirubin, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), and Fibrosis-4 index; a larger right ventricle diastolic diameter, higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, and a larger maximal inferior vena cava diameter. During a median [interquartile range] follow-up period of 212 (82-275) days, 25 (31.2%) patients suffered composite end points (all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for worsening HF). The third tertile LS group had a significantly higher rate of composite end points (log-rank P = 0.002). A higher LS and the third tertile LS were significantly associated with the composite end points, even after adjusting for a conventional validated HF risk score and other previously reported prognostic risk factors.Increased LS measured by 2D-SWE reflects the severity of liver impairment by liver congestion and fibrosis, underlying right HF, and provides additional information for the prediction of poor outcomes in HFpEF.

In patients with an implantable ventricular assist device (VAD), driveline infection (DLI) is a challenging complication. Once DLI occurs, it may lead to pump contamination and/or septicemia, which means that early treatment is essential. We hereby report our initial experiences of a mechanically-powered portable negative pressure wound therapy system (Smart Negative Pressure: SNaPTM) to treat DLI at an outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Malnutrition is the central component of frailty that has an adverse influence on the prognosis of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The relationship between malnutrition and postoperative complications was evaluated in a retrospective cohort study. METHODS In 287 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, nutritional status was assessed by using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Then the patients were divided into a malnutrition group (GNRI

Background Numerous studies have demonstrated a reduction in cardiovascular events when the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level is decreased by statin therapy. However, despite good control of LDL, cardiovascular events may increase if the triglyceride (TG) level is high. We conducted a long-term comparison of treatment of hypertriglyceridemia with ethyl icosapentate (EPA) vs. omega-3-acid ethyl (EPA+docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]).Methods and Results:Cardiac surgery patients with hypertriglyceridemia were randomized to an EPA group (1.8 g t.i.d.) or an EPA+DHA group (2 g s.i.d.) and observed for 3 years. The primary endpoints were the serum TG level and its percent change. Secondary endpoints included lipid markers, fatty acid parameters, serum creatinine, cystatin-C, oxidized LDL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and MACCE. An interview to assess study drug adherence was conducted 6 months after completing the study. TG levels were significantly lower in the EPA+DHA group than in the EPA group. Levels of remnant-like particles-cholesterol, oxidized LDL, and cystatin-C were also significantly lower in the EPA+DHA group than in the EPA group. Compliance with treatment was significantly worse in the EPA group. Conclusions Better results were obtained in the EPA+DHA group, but more patients showed poor compliance with treatment in the EPA group, making detailed comparison of the 2 groups difficult. Even so, TG were reduced while EPA and DHA levels were increased in the EPA+DHA group, together with a reduction in oxidative stress and remnant-like particles-cholesterol. Decreased compliance with medication in the EPA group significantly affected the results of this study, clearly indicating the importance of good compliance.

Catheter ablation is a widely accepted therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), of which stroke is a major complication. A stroke after catheter ablation has been reported in numerous studies not only in the acute phase but also in the chronic phase. A 66-year-old man with drug refractory paroxysmal AF underwent catheter ablation. Fourteen months later, the patient was diagnosed with cerebral infarction. Transesophageal echocardiography detected an ovoid mass on the anterior aspect of the right superior pulmonary vein atrium, where the previous ablation was performed. We report a very rare case of left atrial thrombus formation required surgical treatment 14 months after cryoballoon ablation.Careful follow up with multimodalities is necessary for the detection and diagnosis of chronic phrase thrombus formation.

Purpose Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with atrial fibrillation. We investigated the effect of EAT on postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. Methods In all, 77 patients underwent scheduled cardiac surgery. Before the operation, we measured total epicardial adipose tissue (Total EAT) and left atrial (LA) EAT by three-dimensional computed tomography (CT). During surgery, we obtained samples of the right atrial appendage, aortic fat, and epicardial fat. The primary endpoint was occurrence of POAF within 1 week after surgery. Results POAF occurred in 21 patients (27%). Assessment of preoperative characteristics revealed significant differences of age and the use of aldosterone blockers and loop diuretics between the patients with and without POAF. In univariate analysis, the LA EAT/Total EAT ratio, age, use of aldosterone blockers and loop diuretics, P wave duration, cardioplegia volume, and central venous pressure (CVP) were all higher in POAF group. However, logistic regression analysis with propensity score matching found no significant differences of these factors although the LA EAT/Total EAT ratio was higher in POAF group. Conclusion The use of loop diuretics showed the strongest association with POAF. Logistic regression analysis suggested that a high LA EAT/Total EAT ratio had the second strongest association with POAF.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare condition with an incidence of several persons per million in Japan, while the incidence of thrombosis ranges from 11% to 25%. We present a woman in her 70 seconds with ET who developed small intestinal necrosis and thrombosis in the proximal descending aorta. The patient underwent partial small bowel resection and replacement of the descending aorta, followed by multiple reoperations for thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. She eventually died of empyema and sepsis caused by Klebsiella oxytoca. In patients with ET and large vessel thrombosis, we have to carefully judge the indications for surgery.

Background We previously reported that febuxostat was more effective for hyperuricemia than allopurinol. The efficacy, however, of topiroxostat (a novel xanthine oxidase reductase inhibitor similar to febuxostat), for hyperuricemia is unknown.Methods and Results:Patients with cardiovascular disease and hyperuricemia, in whom serum uric acid (s-UA) was controlled at ≤6 mg/dL, were eligible for enrollment. Fifty-five patients were randomized to receive either febuxostat or topiroxostat for 6 months and were switched to the other drug for the following 6 months. The primary endpoint was s-UA. Secondary endpoints included serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin, cystatin-C, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, lipid biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and B-type natriuretic protein. Although s-UA level was similar for both drugs, significantly more patients required dose escalation during treatment with topiroxostat. There were no differences in renal function, inflammatory and lipid markers between the 2 drugs. A biomarker of oxidative stress was significantly lower after 3 months of febuxostat compared with topiroxostat. Conclusions Febuxostat causes more marked and more rapid reduction of s-UA than topiroxostat. With regard to the antioxidant effect, febuxostat was superior to topiroxostat after 3 months. The renal protective and anti-inflammatory effects of both drugs were also similar after 6 months of treatment. Thus, both of these agents were similarly effective for hyperuricemia in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Valsalva sinus aneurysm and double-chambered right ventricle are both rare congenital cardiac anomalies. Ventricular septal defect may be present in approximately 50%-60% of patients with Valsalva sinus aneurysm or approximately 70%-80% of patients with double-chambered right ventricle. However, Valsalva sinus aneurysm, double-chambered right ventricle, and ventricular septal defect rarely coexist in the same patient. As these diseases progress, patients often complain of symptoms of heart failure, due to the shunt flow. The case of a patient with Valsalva sinus aneurysm, double-chambered right ventricle, and ventricular septal defect without symptoms of heart failure had never been reported until now.

Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce heart failure (HF)-related outcome risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, little is known about the safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D and concomitant HF. Methods: CANDLE was an open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicentre trial at 34 centers in Japan. We randomly assigned (1:1) patients with T2D and New York Heart Association class I-III stable HF to canagliflozin 100 mg once daily or glimepiride (initiation: 0*5 or 1*0 mg daily) by using a computer-generated, dynamic balancing method, stratified by age, HbA1c, and left ventricular ejection fraction, and treated for 24 weeks. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to group assignment, but assessors for the primary endpoint were blinded. The primary endpoint was the non-inferiority of canagliflozin versus glimepiride, with a non-inferiority margin 1*1 in the group ratio of the percentage change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 24 weeks. Findings: Between August 10, 2015 and June 30, 2017, 122 patients were assigned to canagliflozin and 123 to glimepiride: 113 in the canagliflozin group and 120 in the glimepiride group were included in the primary endpoint analysis. The group ratio of NT-proBNP percentage changes was 0*48 (95% CI, -0*13 to 1*59, p=0*226). Meanwhile, a group difference in the NT-proBNP absolute change from baseline to 24 weeks was significant (canagliflozin: -107*0 ± 597*8 pg/mL; glimepiride 21*7 ± 252*8, p=0*047). Canagliflozin was well tolerated with adverse events comparable to those of glimepiride. Interpretation: Although the trial did not meet the primary endpoint, canagliflozin significantly reduced NT-proBNP, compared to glimepiride, in patients with T2D and HF. Our data suggest clinical benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in that population. Trial Registry Number: This study is registered with the University Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry, 000017669. Funding Statement: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Declaration of Interests: AT has received modest honoraria from Astellas, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi Sankyo, MSD, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Novo Nordisk, Taisho Toyama, and Takeda. IT has received grants and personal fees from Mitsubishi Tanabe, AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer, Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, Otsuka, MSD, Shionogi, Kowa, Sumitomo Dainippon, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mitsubishi Tanabe, and Mochida. MS has received grants and personal fees from Mitsubishi Tanabe, Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, Astellas, Pfizer, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer, MSD, Kowa, and AstraZeneca. SU has received grants from Kowa, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer, honoraria from MSD, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Chugai. JO belongs to the endowed department of Fukuda Denshi. MK has received grants from Japanese government, Japan Heart Foundation, Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Novartis, Nihon Kohden, and Kureha, grants and personal fees from Astellas, Pfizer, Ono, Mitsubishi Tanabe, and AstraZeneca, personal fees from Daiichi Sankyo. TM has received grants from Mitsubishi Tanabe, and Boehringer Ingelheim, personal fees from Mitsubishi Tanabe, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Ono, and Kowa. KN has received grants from Mitsubishi Tanabe, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from MSD, Astellas, Amgen Astellas, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Otsuka, Daiichi Sankyo, Takeda, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bayer, Pfizer, Ono, and Mitsubishi Tanabe, grants from Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Teijin, Terumo, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Bayer, scholarship from Bayer, Daiichi Sankyo, Teijin, Astellas, Takeda, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. All other authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The trial was approved by individual sites’ institutional review boards or independent ethics committees, in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the current legal regulations in Japan.

Giant coronary artery aneurysm (GCAA) combined with coronary artery fistula to the pulmonary artery (PA) is rare. A 79-year-old man was accidentally discovered with GCAA. He was operated on by use of aneurysmorrhaphy, and closure of the fistulae was performed. Because ischemic changes appeared, coronary artery bypass grafting was done. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 14. We report here a case of GCAA with a size of 66 × 52 mm in diameter associated with a fistula formation into the PA. It is one of the largest sizes of GCAA that has occurred after fistula formation.

Background The NU-FLASH trial demonstrated that febuxostat was more effective for hyperuricemia than allopurinol. This time, we compared these medications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from the NU-FLASH trial. Methods and results In the NU-FLASH trial, 141 cardiac surgery patients with hyperuricemia were randomized to a febuxostat group or an allopurinol group. This study analyzed 109 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and also analyzed 87 patients with stage 3 CKD. The primary endpoint was the serum uric acid level. Secondary endpoints included serum creatinine, urinary albumin, cystatin-C, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Among patients with an eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, uric acid levels were significantly lower in the febuxostat group than the allopurinol group from 1 month of treatment onward. The serum creatinine, urinary albumin, cystatin-C, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were also significantly lower in the febuxostat group. Similar results were obtained in the patients with stage 3 CKD. Conclusion In cardiac surgery patients with renal dysfunction, febuxostat reduced uric acid earlier than allopurinol, had a stronger renoprotective effect than allopurinol, and also had superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Background: Based on the revised AHA/ACC guidelines, it might be necessary to take into consideration the average life expectancy of Japanese people and revise the Japanese guidelines accordingly. Accordingly, we performed the present study to compare the long-term outcome in patients aged 65 years or older who underwent prosthetic valve replacement at our hospital using mechanical valves or biological valves. Methods: We have performed valve replacement in 416 patients aged 65 years or older (mechanical: 157; biological: 244). Results: There was no significant difference between the mechanical and biological valve for the actuarial survival rate. As for the valve-related complication free rate, in the mechanical valve group, the rates were significantly higher for all patients, aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients, and mitral valve replacement (MVR) patients. Conclusions: Following revision of the AHA/ACC guidelines for selection of prosthetic valves, it is necessary to investigate whether patients aged 60–70 represent the gray zone for selecting valves as in US and European guidelines, or whether a higher age is more appropriate in view of the longer average life expectancy in Japan. Accordingly, further evaluation of the long-term outcome for mechanical and biological valves in Japanese patients is needed to obtain evidence for preparation of original Japanese guidelines on prosthetic valve selection.