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New-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) can develop after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) resulting in worse outcomes.Describe clinical and echocardiographic outcomes with new-onset LBBB after TAVR.We included consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral-TAVR with SAPIEN-3 (S3) valve between April 2015 and December 2018. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing LBBB, right BBB, left anterior hemiblock, left posterior hemiblock, wide QRS ≥ 120ms, prior permanent pacemaker (PPM), and nontransfemoral access.Among 612 patients, 11.4% developed new-onset LBBB upon discharge. The length of stay was longer with new-onset LBBB compared with no LBBB [3 (2-5) days versus 2 (1-3) days; p 0.001]. New-onset LBBB was associated with higher rates of 30-day PPM requirement (18.6% vs. 5.4%; p 0.001) and 1-year heart failure hospitalizations (10.7% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.033). There was no difference in 3-year mortality between both groups (30.9% vs. 30.6%; p = 0.829). Further, new-onset LBBB was associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at both 30 days (55.9 ± 11.4% vs. 59.3 ± 9%; p = 0.026) and 1 year (55 ± 12% vs. 60.1 ± 8.9%; p = 0.002). These changes were still present when we stratified patients according to baseline LVEF (≥50% or50%). New-onset LBBBs were associated with a higher 1-year LV end-diastolic volume index (51.4 ± 18.6 vs. 46.4 ± 15.1 ml/mNew-onset LBBB after S3 TAVR was associated with higher PPM requirement, worse LVEF, higher LV volumes, and increased heart failure hospitalizations, with no difference in mortality.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative therapeutic modality to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). In the current analysis, we compare the characteristics and outcomes of AVR procedures in patients60 years of age.We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database for all AVR hospitalizations in patients 18-59 years of age between January 2012 and December 2017. We performed a propensity score matching analysis (1:1) and compared baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and outcomes between TAVR and SAVR patients.A total of 72,356 hospitalizations for AVR were identified in patients60 years of age. Compared to their SAVR counterparts, TAVR patients were older (52.5 ± 7.6) vs. 48.8 ± 9.6, p0.001), more likely to be women (37.9% vs. 28.0%, p0.001), and have history of prior radiation (8.3% vs. 0.7%, p0.001). After propensity score matching, TAVR patients had lower procedural complications, but a similar mortality rate compared to SAVR patients (2.9% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.77). TAVR was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay [4 [2-9] vs. 6 [5-11], p0.001), but no significant difference in the 30-day readmission rate was noted (16.2% vs. 16.8%, p-value = 0.49).Our study demonstrates favorable short-term outcomes in younger patients undergoing TAVR, which improved over time. Further investigation of long-term outcomes in TAVR performed younger patients is warranted to draw a comprehensive picture of TAVR safety and efficacy in low-risk patients.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICI-myocarditis) often presents with arrhythmias, but the prognostic value of early electrocardiogram findings is unclear. Although ICI-myocarditis and acute cellular rejection (ACR) following cardiac transplantation use similar treatment strategies, differences in arrhythmia burden are unknown.To evaluate the association of electrocardiogram findings in ICI-myocarditis with myocarditis-related mortality and life-threatening arrhythmia.A total of 125 cases of ICI-myocarditis were identified retrospectively across 49 hospitals worldwide; 50 cases of grade 2R or 3R ACR were included as comparators. Two cardiologists blinded to clinical data interpreted electrocardiograms. Associations between electrocardiogram features, myocarditis-related mortality and the composite of myocarditis-related mortality and life-threatening arrhythmias were examined. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated.The cohort had 78 (62.4%) men; median (interquartile range) age was 67 (58-76) years. At 30 days, myocarditis-related mortality was 20/124 (16.1%), and 28/124 (22.6%) met the composite endpoint. Patients who developed complete heart block (aHR by subdistribution hazards model [aHR(sh)] 3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-8.68; P=0.02) or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (aHR(sh) 6.82, 95% CI: 2.87-16.21; P0.001) had a higher risk of myocarditis-related mortality. Pathological Q waves (aHR(sh) 3.40, 95% CI: 1.38-8.33; P=0.008), low QRS voltage (aHR(sh) 6.05, 95% CI: 2.10-17.39; P0.001) and Sokolow-Lyon index (aHR(sh)/mV 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.97; P=0.04) on admission electrocardiogram were also associated with increased risk of myocarditis-related mortality. These associations were mirrored in the composite outcome analysis. Compared with ACR, ICI-myocarditis had a higher incidence of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (15/125 [12.0%] vs 1/50 [2%]; P=0.04) and third-degree heart block (19/125 [15.2%] vs 0/50 [0%]; P=0.004).Electrocardiograms in ICI-myocarditis with ventricular tachycardias, heart block, low-voltage and pathological Q waves were associated with myocarditis-related mortality and life-threating arrhythmia. Arrhythmia burden in ICI-myocarditis exceeds that of ACR after heart transplant.

International audience; Purpose: Immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) associated myocarditis (ICB-myocar-ditis) may present similarly and/or overlap with other cardiac pathology including acute cor-onary syndrome presenting a challenge for prompt clinical diagnosis.Methods: An international registry was used to retrospectively identify cases of ICB-myocarditis. Presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as coronary artery steno-sis >70% in patients undergoing coronary angiogram.Results: Among 261 patients with clinically suspected ICB-myocarditis who underwent a coro-nary angiography, CAD was present in 59/261 patients (22.6%). Coronary revascularization was performed during the index hospitalisation in 19/59 (32.2%) patients. Patients undergoing coro-nary revascularization less frequently received steroids administration within 24 h of admission compared to the other groups (p = 0.029). Myocarditis-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularised cohort, compared to 5/31 (16.1%) in those not revascularized and 25/156 (16.0%) in those without CAD (p = 0.001). Immune-related adverse event-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 6/31 (19.4%) in those not revascularized and 31/156 (19.9%) in no CAD groups (p = 0.007). All-cause 90-day mortality was 11/17 (64.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 13/31 (41.9%) in no revas-cularization and 60/158 (38.0%) in no CAD groups (p = 0.10). After adjustment of age and sex, coronary revascularization remained associated with ICB-myocarditis-related death at 90 days (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-8.84, p < 0.001) and was margin-ally associated with all-cause death (HR = 1.88, 95% CI, 0.98-3.61, p = 0.057).Conclusion: CAD may exist concomitantly with ICB-myocarditis and may portend a poorer outcome when revascularization is performed. This is potentially mediated through delayed diag-nosis and treatment or more severe presentation of ICB-myocarditis.

Background: There has been an explosion in the clinical application of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) worldwide. While moderate and severe grades of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) ...

Background Injury to the cardiac venous structures can complicate left ventricular lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Little is known about the outcomes of coronary sinus (CS) dissection with or without perforation. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes in patients who had a CS injury during CRT implantation. Methods All patients undergoing procedures for CRT implantation at the Cleveland Clinic (2001–2018) were enrolled in a prospectively maintained registry for procedural profiles and complications. All patients with cardiac venous injuries during the procedures were included. Results CS injury occurred in 35 of 5011 patients (0.7%; 6 perforations (17.1%), 29 dissections without perforation (82.9%)). In patients with dissection in the absence of perforation, attempts at CS lead placement after dissection were successful in 21 of 29 patients (72.4%). In those with perforation (n=6, 17.1%), CS lead placement was successful in one of them (16.7%). Cardiac tamponade occurred in 2 patients (5.7%), and the procedure was aborted in both of them. Overall, CS lead placement failed in 13 patients (37%) but 9 (25.7%) underwent subsequent CRT with CS lead placement (n=6, 17.1%; median 58 days later) or epicardial leads (n=3, 8.6%). Three of the remaining 4 patients (8.6%) refused to undergo further procedures, and the fourth (2.9%) died of a complicated course. Conclusion CS injury is not common during CRT implantation procedures and did not preclude successful lead placement in 23 of 35 patients (65.7%) during the index procedure and 6 of 6 (100%) during the subsequent attempted procedures. A low rate of mortality was observed in such patients, but CS injury was associated with increased morbidity.

Background: Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare histologic subtype of breast cancer. It comprises less than 1% of all breast cancers. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of MBC in geriatric patients older than age 65. Methods: We reviewed the chart of the pathologically proven MBC cases from 2000-2017. Only patients with age more than 65 years were included in the study for analysis. Results: A total of 48 MBC patients were included in the study. Thirty-six (76%) were white and 11 (23%) black. The number of patients in stages I, II, III, and IV were 12, 26, 6, and 4, respectively; 39 (81%) had nuclear grade III. Three (6%) had progesterone receptor positive, 3 (6%) were Her2 positive, and 4 (10%) were estrogen receptor positive. The most common distant metastases were lung (20%), followed by bone (12%). Fifty percent had a lumpectomy, 11% had hormonal therapy, and 60% had radiation therapy. Only 50% of patients received chemotherapy, out of which 46% received anthracycline. On univariable analysis, stage of the MBC and metastasis to the lung, bone, and brain were associated with worse overall survival (OS). There was no statistical significance in OS when stage II was compared with stage I MBC. Stage III had median OS of 18 months with HR of 3.25 (95% CI 0.85, 12.44) (p=0.086) and stage IV had 10 months median OS with HR of 11.17, (95% CI 2.37, 52.62) (p=0.002). Hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and type of chemotherapy (anthracycline vs. non-anthracycline) did not show any statistical significance in regards to OS and progression-free survival. Conclusion: In our study, MBC demonstrated overall poor survival and progression-free survival. Only stage of the MBC and metastasis to brain bone and lung proved to predict worse survival. Citation Format: Johnny Chahine, Bicky Thapa, Xuefei Jia, Abdo Haddad. Metaplastic breast cancer in patients older than 65 years [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-66.

We recount a single-center experience with cardiac immunity-related adverse effects in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of 2,830 patients, 9 patients (0.3%) developed cardiac immunity-related adverse effects (4 cases of cardiomyopathies, 2 of myocarditis, 2 of acute pericarditis, and 1 of large pericardial effusion). Disease profiles, hospital courses, and outcomes are reported. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Graphical abstract, This report recounts a single-center experience with cardiac immunity-related adverse effects in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors…

Radial artery access for angiography has matured over the past two decades and is now the preferred point of access for most patients. Lower bleeding rates in clinical randomized trials have translated into lower mortality prompting change in the guidelines. Advances in technique with use of ultrasound for access to properly size the sheath, proper dosing of anticoagulation and new techniques for sheath removal have dramatically lowered radial artery occlusion rates. Radial artery spasm has improved with vasodilators and proper sedation. Advances in support boards and sheath extension have opened up left radial access. Advances in lower profile sheaths and sheathless systems allow larger catheters in smaller arteries. Advances in longer balloons and sheaths have opened up radial access for peripheral interventions. Areas of clinical research include use of ulnar artery compared to radial, left versus right radial access, use of radial artery for a surgical conduit after angiography, radiation exposure and advantage of radial approach in the elderly.

Introduction: Mixed reality (MR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) have been used in a variety of industrial applications. The safety and feasibility of HMDs in cardiac catheterization laboratories (CCLs) for image and procedure guidance have not been studied. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that MR HMDs are safe and feasible for procedure guidance in CCLs. Methods: 50 patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography and right heart catheterization at the University of Minnesota Medical Center were prospectively enrolled in a single-arm trial using an MR HMD for image and procedure guidance including vascular access, fluoroscopy, telemetry, and vital monitoring. Traditional 2D displays were available as back-up. A CCL specific MR HMD (SG Devices LLC, MN) was used. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships between procedural outcomes. Results: A total of 62 procedures were performed (47% coronary angiograms, 90% radial). Median age was 64 (58-69) with 66% males (Table 1). Mean procedure time was 22 min (+/- 12) with a mean fluoroscopy time of 3.2 min (+/- 4.1). Contrast volume used was 59 cc (+/-5). Fluoroscopy time was correlated to procedure time (R=0.54, p Conclusion: Dedicated CCL MR HMDs are safe and feasible for invasive diagnostic procedures in the CCL, and may improve procedure time, reduce contrast use, and radiation exposure.

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is currently the mainstay of treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS). We aim to investigate the evolution of transaortic mean gradients in surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) patients before and after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of TAVR. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that mean gradients across the aortic valve were higher in 2011-2012 before FDA approval of TAVR. Methods: Patients who underwent SAVR in 2011-2012 (n=138) and 2019-2020 (n=134) at the University of Minnesota Medical Center were included. Those with implanted mechanical valves (n=602) were excluded. Valve size and mean aortic gradients were compared between the 2 study groups. Results: Out of 272 patients included in this study, 65.8% were males. Patients underwent SAVR at an older age in 2011-2012 (median 74, IQR 65-82) compared to 2019-2020 (median 67, IQR 60-73). The mean aortic valve gradient post-SAVR was higher in 2011-2012 (median 12, IQR 8-18 vs. median 10, IQR 7-13 in 2019-2020, p=0.016). The median valve size was smaller in 2011-2012 (21 mm vs. 23 mm, p(table) . Conclusion: Patients who underwent SAVR in 2011-2012 were older, more likely to receive smaller valve sizes, and had higher mean aortic valve gradients after SAVR.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is affected by several weather conditions. Studies from different geographical locations have yielded mixed results regarding the outcomes of patients presenting with ACS during snowy days, and we aim to report the Cleveland Clinic experience.Patients who presented with an ACS and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2017 were divided into ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and non-ST segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). According to snowy day arrival, we compared in-hospital mortality, culprit lesion anatomy, and door-to-balloon (DTB) time (in STEMI patients). Findings were confirmed in propensity-score matched cohorts.A total of 6878 patients were included: 1608 patients with STEMI (139 snowy-day vs 1469 non-snowy day PCIs) and 5270 NSTE-ACS (419 snowy-day vs 4851 non-snowy day PCIs). Right coronary artery territories accounted for most of the stented culprit lesions in all STEMI and NSTE-ACS snowy-day PCIs. While left anterior descending artery lesions were predominant in NSTE-ACS non-snowy day PCIs. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality between the snowy-day vs non-snowy day groups (4.3% vs 4.5% in the STEMI group [P=.92] and 1.2% vs 1.7% in the NSTE-ACS group [P=41]). In STEMI patients, mean DTB times were similar (43 ± 55.1 minutes vs 46.7 ± 59.6 minutes; P=.61), which remained true after hours, during weekends and holidays. Outcomes were similar in propensity-score matched cohorts.At our institution, snowy days do not seem to affect in-patient mortality. In STEMI patients, DTB times were similar in those who underwent PCI regardless of the snowfall.

Background New left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a common finding after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) that can result in worse outcomes after TAVR. We aim to investigate the impact of new-onset LBBB after TAVR using the SAPIEN-3 (S3) valve. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral-TAVR with S3 valve between April 2015 and December 2018 were included. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing LBBB, right bundle branch block, left anterior hemiblock, left posterior hemiblock, wide QRS ≥120 msec, prior permanent pacemaker (PPM), and non-transfemoral access. Results Among 612 patients, 11.4% developed new-onset LBBB upon discharge. Implantation depth was the only predictor of new-onset LBBB (OR 1.294; 95% CI 1.121–1.493; p Conclusion Among our cohort of S3 recipients, new-onset LBBB was associated with higher PPM requirement, worse LVEF, higher LV volumes and increased risk of heart failure hospitalizations. However, it did not affect mortality in the short-to-intermediate post-TAVR period. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. All-cause Survival

Concomitant heart failure (HF) and mitral valve disease (MVD) portend significant morbidity and mortality. Although associated Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common occurrence in this scenario, it is not well known whether there are additional prognostic implications. We sought to assess whether coexistent TR is associated with higher readmission rates or increased mortality in patients with HF and MVD. We identified 1,520,871 encounters with a primary diagnosis of HF in the 2013 to 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. We excluded patients without MVD, patients18 years old, those with rheumatic heart disease and infective endocarditis. We also excluded patients who were discharged in December, hospital transfers, and cases where follow-up or outcomes were missing. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between baseline characteristics (including the presence of tricuspid valve disease), mortality as well as 30-day readmission rates. A total of 221,127 admissions with HF and MVD were identified. Median age was 79 years (IQR, 67 to 87), 55% were female, 2.7% died during hospitalization, and the 30-day readmission rate was 20.3%. Nearly 1/3 had concomitant TR (n = 78,356, 35%). The presence of TR was neither associated with elevated risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.04) nor 30-day readmission rate (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.03). HF accounted for 33% of 30-day readmissions, while combined cardiac causes accounted for 54%. In conclusion concomitant TR in patients with HF and MVD was not associated with worse short-term outcomes in terms of inpatient hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates.

Hypothyroidism is a well-known cause of pericardial effusion (with an incidence of 3%–37%) and can cause cardiac tamponade in severe cases. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the epidemiology of hypothyroid-induced pericardial diseases, the mechanism through which low thyroid hormone levels affect the pericardium, the associated clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests and management options. Hypothyroidism causes pericardial effusion through increased permeability of the epicardial vessels and decreased lymphatic drainage of albumin, resulting in accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space. Interestingly, autoimmunity does not seem to play a major role in the pathophysiology, and a majority of effusions are asymptomatic due to slow fluid accumulation. The diagnosis is generally made when the pericardial disease is associated with an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone level, and other secondary causes are excluded. Management consists of thyroid replacement therapy, along with pericardial drainage in case of tamponade.In conclusion, hypothyroidism-induced pericardial diseases are underdiagnosed. Initiating treatment early in the disease process and preventing complications relies on early diagnosis through systematic screening per guidelines.

BackgroundIncrease in left ventricular filling pressure (FP) and diastolic dysfunction are established consequences of progressive aortic stenosis (AS). However, the impact of elevated FP as detected by pretranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) echocardiogram on long-term outcomes after TAVR remains unclear.ObjectiveTo understand the impact of elevated FP in patients with severe AS who undergo TAVR.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent TAVR between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017. The presence of elevated FP was determined in accordance with the latest guidelines using the last available comprehensive echocardiogram prior to TAVR.ResultsOf 983 patients who were included in our study, 422 patients (43%) were found to have elevated FP and 561 patients (57%) had normal FP prior to TAVR. Patients with elevated FP had a mean age of 81.2±8.6 years and were more likely to be males (62%), diabetic (41% vs 35%, p=0.046), and have a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (Afib) (53% vs 39%, pConclusionElevated FP is associated with increased mortality in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR. Assessment of FP should be incorporated into the risk assessment of AS patients to identify those who may benefit from early intervention.

Background The incidence of cardiovascular disease among pregnant women is rising in the United States. Data on racial disparities for the major cardiovascular events during pregnancy are limited. Methods and Results Pregnant and post‐partum women hospitalized from January 2007 to December 2017 were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The outcomes of interest included: in‐hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the independent association between race and in‐hospital outcomes. Among 46 700 637 pregnancy‐related hospitalizations, 21 663 575 (46.4%) were White, 6 302 089 (13.5%) were Black, and 8 914 065 (19.1%) were Hispanic. The trends of mortality and stroke declined significantly in Black women, but however, were mostly unchanged among White women. The incidence of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity was highest among Black women followed by White women, then Hispanic women. The majority of Blacks (62.3%) were insured by Medicaid while the majority of White patients had private insurance (61.9%). Most of Black women were below‐median income (71.2%) while over half of the White patients were above the median income (52.7%). Compared with White women, Black women had the highest mortality with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.45, 95% CI (1.21–1.73); myocardial infarction with aOR of 1.23, 95% CI (1.06–1.42); stroke with aOR of 1.57, 95% CI (1.41–1.74); pulmonary embolism with aOR of 1.42, 95% CI (1.30–1.56); and peripartum cardiomyopathy with aOR of 1.71, 95 % CI (1.66–1.76). Conclusions Significant racial disparities exist in major cardiovascular events among pregnant and post‐partum women. Further efforts are needed to minimize these differences.

Introduction: Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Conventionally, a repeat transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is necessary if the first TEE is negative, and there is high clinical suspicion. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of contemporary TEE for IE. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that with advancements in TEE imaging, including three-dimensional (3D) imaging, the diagnostic performance of TEE for IE would be improved. Methods: Patients who had two or more TEEs at our center, within 6 months, for evaluation of IE in 2011 (pre-3D imaging) and 2019 (post-3D imaging) were included. Patients not meeting the Duke criteria for IE (n=899) were excluded. The primary endpoint was the sensitivity of TEE to detect IE. TEE sensitivity was also compared among the different subtypes of IE (native valve, prosthetic valve, device-related, central line-related, and aortic prosthetic graft-related). Results: 242 patients were included: 70 in 2011 and 172 in 2019. In 2011, there were more smokers and a lower rate of pacing devices; otherwise, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, including intravenous drug use. The sensitivity of the initial TEE for IE was 85.7% in 2011, improving significantly to 95.3% in 2019 (p=0.01). The improved diagnostic performance in 2019 was mainly driven by the improved detection of prosthetic valve IE (70.8% vs. 93.7%, p=0.009). There were no significant differences for the other subtypes of IE (Figure). In 2019, patients had a higher rate of IE diagnosis within 15 days of index admission, which did not reach statistical significance (n=161, 93.6% vs. n=62, 88.6% in 2011, p=0.19). Kaplan Meier analysis demonstrated that patients in 2019 had a higher rate of procedures for endocarditis (p=0.01). Conclusions: Contemporary TEE imaging including 3D technology improved the detection of IE on the initial TEE, mainly driven by improved detection of prosthetic valve IE.

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a main cause of mortality in kidney transplant (KT) patients. Preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment is a crucial step before clearance for KT. Hypothesis: We seek to compare long term outcomes in patients who underwent PCI prior to KT as compared to those who did not need PCI. Methods: We identified patients who underwent KT from January 2008 to November 2019 at our institution and had coronary catheterization prior to KT. Results: We included 272 patients, of whom 54 (19.9%) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), while the remaining 218 patients did not need PCI. The median age in the PCI group was 57.4 (46.9 - 61.2) years, while it was 53.9 (44.6 - 61) years in the control group. Baseline characteristics including gender, race, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and hyperlipidemia were comparable in both groups. The median time to KT was 2.4 (1 - 5) years in the PCI group vs. 1.2 (0.6 - 3.3) years in the control group (p=0.001). Among patients who underwent PCI, 51.1% had single-vessel disease and 40.4% had multi-vessel disease on the coronary angiograms as compared with 15.4% and 11.8% in the control group (p Conclusion: Patients with CAD can be safely treated with PCI prior to kidney transplant and have comparable outcomes as compared to those who do not require PCI.

OBJECTIVES Obesity and cardiovascular disease remain significant burdens on the overall provision of health care in the United States. Obesity has been shown to be a direct risk factor for heart failure (HF). We conducted a nationwide cohort study to assess the short-term impact of obesity in hospitalized patients with HF. METHODS We identified 1,520,871 encounters with a primary diagnosis of HF in the 2013-2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. We excluded patients younger than 18 years (n = 2755), hospitalized patients discharged in December (n = 126,137), patients with missing mortality information (n = 477), missing length of stay (LOS; n = 91), patients who were transferred to another hospital (n = 38,489), and patients with conflicting body weight information (n = 7757). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between baseline characteristics (including the presence of obesity) and in-hospital mortality, as well as 30-day readmission rates. RESULTS The overall in-patient mortality rate was 2.8% (n = 37,927). Obese patients had numerically a lower mortality (1.8%) compared with the nonobese patients (3.1%); however, the difference in risk was not significant on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.94-1.01). In the overall cohort, 20.6% (n = 269,988) were readmitted within 30 days. The risk of 30-day readmission was significantly lower in obese patients (19.4%) compared with nonobese patients (20.9%) (odds ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.84-0.86). Obese patients had longer LOSs (median of 5 days [3-7] vs 4 days [2-6], P < 0.001) and higher costs of index admission (median of $27,206 [$16,027-$48,316] vs $23,339 [$13,698-$41,982], P < 0.001) compared with nonobese patients. CONCLUSIONS In this cross-sectional study of patients hospitalized for HF in the United States, obesity was not associated with a higher risk of inpatient mortality, but it was associated with a lower 30-day readmission rate. Obese patients with HF, however, had longer LOSs and higher costs of index admission. Our findings support the obesity paradox seen in patients with HF.

Background In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of a potentially-reversible, transient/ subacute form of constrictive pericarditis (CP). To date, studies have been small with lack of long-term longitudinal follow-up. Purpose We aimed to elucidate the causes and natural history of subacute CP. Methods Patients were included if (1) they had a diagnosis of CP, (2) had cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) within 12 months of symptom onset with evidence of pericardial delayed enhancement/ inflammation (Figure) (3) received anti-inflammatory medications. Results A total of 78 individuals were included, comprising 61 men (78%) with a mean age of 59±14 years. Causes of subacute CP included idiopathic/ viral pericarditis (58%), post-pericardiotomy (29%), autoimmune (6%), radiation therapy (3%) and others (4%). After median follow-up of 4.4 years, 31 (40%) required pericardiectomy. There were no deaths. Patients who underwent pericardiectomy had longer duration of symptoms at presentation [6 (4–9) vs. 3 (2–5) months, P Conclusions We present the original observations of the largest cohort of patients with transient CP to date and demonstrate that increased inflammatory markers were independently associated with long-term freedom from pericardiectomy. Our results suggest that a trial of anti-inflammatory therapy in the setting of elevated inflammatory markers may be appropriate prior to referral for surgery given the possible reversibility. Pericardial delayed enhancement Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Despite the monumental advances in the diagnoses and therapeutics of malignancy, several cancer patients have presented with pericardial involvement, including acute pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, and pericardial effusion. Multiple factors can contribute to acute pericarditis, including direct metastasis to the heart, pericardial hemorrhage, infections due to immunosuppression, and cancer therapies that include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Pericardial effusion, either due to cancer invasion or cancer treatment, is one of the most common incidental findings in cancer patients, which significantly worsens morbidity and mortality. If left untreated, pericardial effusion is known to cause complications such as pericardial tamponade. Constrictive pericarditis can be due to radiation exposure, chemotherapy, or is a sequela of a previous episode of acute pericarditis. In conclusion, early detection, prompt treatment, and understanding of pericardial diseases are necessary to help improve the quality of life of cancer patients, and we aim to summarize the knowledge of pericardial involvement in patients with cancer.

Several studies designed to augment high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels have so far been unsuccessful in reducing rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). In this study, we report the effect of HDL-C levels on overall survival outcomes and rates of MACCE following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We reviewed patients who underwent PCI at the Cleveland Clinic from 2005 to 2017 and followed them through the end of 2018. Restricted cubic splines incorporated into Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the outcomes. The HDL-C level associated with the lowest mortality was used as a reference value.15,633 patients underwent PCI during the study period, of which 70% were male, 81% were white, and 73% were on statins. The mean age at the time of procedure was 65.8 ± 11.8 years. After adjusting for demographics, co-morbidities, lipid profile, statin use, and date of procedure, our model demonstrated a U-shaped association between HDL-C and overall mortality, with HDL-C levels of 30-50 mg/dl associated with the most favorable outcomes, and HDL-C levels30 mg/dl or50 mg/dl associated with worse outcomes. A sensitivity analysis in men yielded a similar U-shaped association. In conclusion, our study shows that both low and high levels of HDL-C are associated with worse overall survival, with no effect on rates of MACCE in PCI patients. Further studies are required to understand the mechanism of this association between elevated HDL-C levels with increased overall mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Treatment of resistant hypertension is a challenge, especially in patients who have chronic kidney disease. The choice of medications may be limited in this group, making the possibility of device-based therapies attractive. We explore 4 devices and procedures available to treat this vexing issue.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a very rare neoplasm of the non-Langerhans cell histiocytes. Pericardial involvement is uncommon, and we aim to review the current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of recurrent pericarditis due to ECD. We also aim to raise awareness of the importance of considering ECD as a differential diagnosis for recurrent pericarditis in the appropriate clinical settings. The prevalence of pericardial involvement in ECD is estimated to be 40% and is getting more recognized recently. Up to 68% of patients carry the BRAFV600E mutation, and targeted treatment with vemurafenib, an inhibitor of BRAF kinase, showed an excellent response in those who carry this mutation. Pericardial disease appears to be the most common cardiac presentation (in 80% of cases). Although pericardial involvement is frequently asymptomatic, patients with ECD can present with typical pericarditis chest pain and signs of right heart failure if constriction is present. The diagnosis of ECD requires a biopsy of the pericardium or another affected organ. If BRAFV600E mutation is absent, limited data exist, and many medications have been tried, like interferon alfa, anakinra, and infliximab.

We describe contraception for two groups of women: (1) women with heart failure and (2) women with cardiac transplantation. Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive agents address women with peripartum cardiomyopathy and women with valvular heart disease (Curtis et al. MMWR Recomm Rep 65:1–103, 2016). Recommendations for women with other forms of heart failure are extrapolated from these populations. Recommendations for women with cardiac transplantation have shifted since the 1980s: use of long-acting reversible contraception has increased, and there is a better understanding of the interactions between contraceptive and immunosuppressive regimens. Women with heart failure may utilize long-acting reversible contraception and permanent sterilization. Modifications should be made according to the specific etiology of the heart failure. In women with cardiac transplantation, pregnancy is high risk and should be avoided altogether for 1–2 years after transplantation. In uncomplicated transplantation, almost all forms of contraception are allowable. In complicated transplantation, combined hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated, and de novo IUD insertion is not recommended.

Background Breast cancer bears considerable morbidity and mortality and is well known to increase the risk of major depression, whereas religiosity has been reported to be protective. We searched for an association between depression and religiosity in breast cancer patients. We also sought to find an association between depression and various sociodemographic and disease variables. Methods One hundred two patients were interviewed. Sociodemographic, cancer profile, and religiosity questionnaires were administered. We screened for depressive disorders by using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results Most of our participants (n = 79; 77.4%) had high religiosity score. The prevalences of lifetime major depression, current major depression, and major depression after cancer diagnosis were 50.9%, 30.1%, and 43.1%, respectively. We could not find a correlation between religiosity and current depression, while the association with depression after cancer diagnosis was close to but did not reach statistical significance (P = .055) and in favor of a deleterious role of religiosity. Depression was only linked to marital status and insurance coverage. No association was found with disease-related variables. Conclusions Religiosity does not seem to be protective against depression development. The stress of cancer appears to be the main culprit in increasing the risk of depression.

Background There has been an increase in the prevalence of drug abuse ( DA ) in the national opioid epidemic. With increasing DA , there is an increased risk of infective endocarditis ( IE ). There are limited recent data evaluating national trends on the incidence and geographical distribution of DA ‐ IE . We aim to investigate those numbers as well as the determinants of outcome in this patient population. Methods and Results Hospitalized patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of IE based on the International Classification of Diseases , Ninth and Tenth Revisions (ICD‐9, ICD‐10) were included. We described the national and geographical trends in DA ‐ IE . We also compared DA ‐ IE patients’ characteristics and outcomes to those with IE , but without associated drug abuse (non‐ DA ‐ IE ) using Poisson regression models. Incidence of DA ‐ IE has nearly doubled between 2002 and 2016 All US regions were affected, and the Midwest had the highest increase in DA ‐ IE hospitalizations (annual percent change=4.9%). Patients with DA ‐ IE were younger, more commonly white males, poorer, had fewer comorbidities, and were more likely to have human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, concomitant alcohol abuse, and liver disease. Their length of stay was longer (9 versus 7 days; P P P Conclusions DA ‐ IE is rising at an alarming rate in the United States. All regions of the United States are affected, with the Midwest having the highest increase in rate. Young‐adult, poor, white males were the most affected.

Currently, the number of patients on oral anticoagulation is increasing. There is a paucity of data regarding maintaining oral anticoagulation (especially novel oral anticoagulants) around the time of specific dental procedures. A dentist has three options: either to stop anticoagulation, to continue it, or to bridge with heparin. A systematic review of 10 clinical trials was conducted to address this issue. It was found that continuing anticoagulation during dental procedures did not increase the risk of bleeding in most trials. Although none of the studies reported a thromboembolic event after interruption of anticoagulation, the follow-up periods were short and inconsistent, and the heightened thromboembolic risk when stopping anticoagulation is well known in the literature. Heparin bridging was associated with an increased bleeding incidence. We recommend maintaining oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists and novel oral anticoagulants for the vast majority of dental procedures along with the use of local hemostatic agents.

Background Cardiac monitoring (telemetry) is a common over-utilized hospital resource in the United States. Previous studies have shown that telemetry does not improve outcomes for low-risk patients. Inappropriate utilization occurs because of lack of awareness of guideline-based indications or non-adherence to known indications. Objective A quality improvement study was conducted to reduce telemetry overutilization during the transition of care from the intensive care unit (ICU) by 15% through increasing awareness of indications for telemetry. Methods The study cohort included patients originally admitted to the ICU for sepsis who had improved and were stable for transfer to a non-ICU setting. Subjects were identified and included during pre-intervention (six weeks) and intervention (six weeks) periods. Resident physicians and nurse practitioners were targeted using multiple modalities of education: didactic lectures during week one, poster demonstrations during week three, and video presentations during week five. Results A total of 246 study subjects during the pre-intervention and 94 study subjects in the intervention period were studied; 187 of the 246 subjects in the pre-intervention arm (76%) and 58 of the 94 subjects in the intervention arm (61.7%) were transferred with telemetry. Telemetry utilization dropped by 23.1% at the end of the intervention period. Conclusion Educating the caregivers about the indications for telemetry led to a decrease in over-utilization of telemetry on the transition of care from the ICU to the regular nursing floor. Repetitive and multi-modality educational interventions were effective tools and associated with increased adherence to established guidelines for telemetry usage.

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystemic non-Langerhans cell histiocytic neoplasm. The rarity of the disease and heterogenous clinical presentations often leads to delayed diagnosis. Historically, ECD lacked effective treatment and the prognosis was poor. Following the recent discovery of frequent BRAF-V600E mutation in patients with ECD, vemurafenib, a selective BRAF V600 kinase inhibitor has been approved for BRAF-mutated ECD patients. The prognosis of ECD has dramatically improved with early recognition of the disease and available treatment. ECD affects nearly every organ system. Cardiac involvement with pericardial effusion is common but rarely with constrictive physiology or requiring pericardiectomy. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman with recurrent pericarditis with constrictive physiology along with pleural effusion and interstitial lung disease that was diagnosed with ECD 3 years after initial presentation. The patient’s symptoms were relieved with pericardiectomy and targeted therapy.

Complete heart block (CHB) is an unfortunate complication of an anterior and inferior myocardial infarction (MI). We present a case of an atherosclerotic occlusion of the first septal perforator leading to CHB requiring permanent pacemaker placement in a young patient. A 33-year-old healthy white male presented to the emergency department with an episode of syncope. His vitals were stable, and his physical exam was unremarkable. His electrocardiogram (EKG) showed CHB and ST elevations in V1, V2, and V3 suggestive of septal MI. He underwent emergent left heart catheterization which revealed significant stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery, proximal diagonal artery, and the first septal perforator. An intervention was done with stent placement in the LAD and insertion of a temporary pacemaker. After removal of the temporary pacemaker two days later, the patient developed asystole with alternating bundle branch block which prompted immediate reinsertion of the temporary pacemaker which was replaced later with a permanent pacemaker. The patient was stable afterward and discharged. The persistent atherosclerotic occlusion of the first septal perforator prevented adequate perfusion of the conduction system, even after revascularization of the proximal LAD. In conclusion, it is essential to acknowledge that difficulty to revascularize an occluded septal perforator raises the need for a permanent pacemaker to prevent a CHB.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to coronary artery damage is a rare but potential complication of blunt chest trauma. The most common artery involved is LAD. Proposed mechanisms include tearing of the intima and intraluminal thrombosis. A 37-year-old male patient with a history of

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become the mainstay in the treatment of patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis. However, little is known about the outcomes of TAVR in transplant recipients. Patients who underwent TAVR and transplant were compared to a control group of TAVR patients who did not have a transplant, between 2014 and 2017. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and the onset of prosthetic valve endocarditis. The secondary endpoints were based on the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria. Propensity score matching, based on age, race, and gender, was used to compare the outcomes between transplant and non-transplant patients. 35 patients underwent TAVR as well as organ transplants (26 solid organ and 9 bone marrow). Compared to non-transplant patients (n = 1,366), transplant patients underwent TAVR at a younger age. After matching, transplant patients (n = 34) were more likely to develop prosthetic valve endocarditis compared to non-transplant patients (n = 68) (p = 0.04); however, the majority were on immunosuppressive agents. Transplant patients had a higher 3-year mortality rate, but not 30-day and 1-year mortality (p p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in other outcomes based on VARC-2 criteria. Transplant patients undergo TAVR at a younger age, yet are at an increased risk of post-TAVR complications. In transplant patients, survival is similar to non-transplant patients at 30 days and 1-year. TAVR is a viable treatment option for patients with organ transplantation and severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. AR: Aortic Regurgitation; AS: Aortic Stenosis; AVR: Aortic Valve Replacement; CHF: congestive heart failure; IQR: Interquartile Ranges; NYHA: New York Heart Association; PVR: Paravalvular Regurgitation; TAVR: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; VARC: Valve Academic Research Consortium

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a huge health and economic burden in the US. Tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse (DA) are established risk factors. We sought to evaluate the national trend of use of each substance in patients admitted with AMI. We used the National Inpatient Sample between 2005

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the most common cause of readmission following TAVR. However, it is unknown if gender affects CHF-related readmissions following TAVR. Patients who underwent TAVR at the Cleveland Clinic during 2014-2017 were followed until the end of 2018. Outcomes were compared