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Aims: A relationship between left atrial strain and pressure has been demonstrated in many studies, but not in an atrial fibrillation (AF) cohort. In this work, we hypothesized that elevated left atrial (LA) tissue fibrosis might mediate and confound the LA strain vs. pressure relationship, resulting instead in a relationship between LA fibrosis and stiffness index (mean pressure/ LA reservoir strain). Methods and Results: Sixty-seven patients with AF underwent a standard cardiac MR exam including long-axis cine views (2 and 4-ch) and a free-breathing high resolution three-dimensional late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the atrium (N=41), within 30 days prior to AF ablation, at which procedure invasive mean left atrial pressure (LAP) was measured. LV and LA Volumes, EF, and comprehensive analysis of LA strains (strain and strain rates and strain timings during the atrial reservoir, conduit and active phases) were measured and LA fibrosis content (LGE (ml)) was assessed from 3D LGE volumes. LA LGE was well correlated to atrial stiffness index (LA mean pressure/ LA reservoir strain) overall (R=0.59, pConclusion: In our AF cohort, pressure is correlated to maximum LA volume and time to peak reservoir strain. LA LGE is a strong marker of stiffness.

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.

Cancer patients and survivors have elevated cardiovascular risk when compared with noncancer patients. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a new subspecialty to comanage and address cardiovascular complications in cancer patients such as heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, and arrhythmias. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) can be helpful in identifying both clinical and subclinical ASCVD in cancer patients and survivors. Radiation therapy treatment planning CT scans and cancer staging/re-staging imaging studies can quantify calcium scores which can identify pre-existing subclinical ASCVD. Cardiac CT can be helpful in the evaluation of cardiac tumors and pericardial diseases, especially in patients who cannot tolerate or have a contraindication to cardiac magnetic resonance. In this review, we describe the optimal utilization of cardiac CT in cancer patients, including risk assessment for ASCVD and identification of cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity., Central Illustration, Highlights • Cardiac CT can assess for subclinical atherosclerosis, allowing for better risk stratification. • Cardiac CT has high accuracy to evaluate for obstructive coronary artery disease. • CAC scanning may be useful after radiation therapy to assess the extent of vascular calcifications. • Cardiac CT can accurately depict cardiac tumors, pericardial effusions, and cardiac function.

Left atrial (LA) imaging is still not routinely used for diagnosis and risk stratification, although recent studies have emphasized its importance as an imaging biomarker. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is able to evaluate LA structure and function, metrics that serve as early indicators of disease, and provide prognostic information, e.g. regarding diastolic dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation (AF). MR angiography defines atrial anatomy, useful for planning ablation procedures, and also for characterizing atrial shapes and sizes that might predict cardiovascular events, e.g. stroke. Long-axis cine images can be evaluated to define minimum, maximum, and pre-atrial contraction LA volumes, and ejection fractions (EFs). More modern feature tracking of these cine images provides longitudinal LA strain through the cardiac cycle, and strain rates. Strain may be a more sensitive marker than EF and can predict post-operative AF, AF recurrence after ablation, outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, stratification of diastolic dysfunction, and strain correlates with atrial fibrosis. Using high-resolution late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), the extent of fibrosis in the LA can be estimated and post-ablation scar can be evaluated. The LA LGE method is widely available, its reproducibility is good, and validations with voltage-mapping exist, although further scan–rescan studies are needed, and consensus regarding atrial segmentation is lacking. Using LGE, scar patterns after ablation in AF subjects can be reproducibly defined. Evaluation of ‘pre-existent’ atrial fibrosis may have roles in predicting AF recurrence after ablation, predicting new-onset AF and diastolic dysfunction in patients without AF. LA imaging biomarkers are ready to enter into diagnostic clinical practice.

Purpose Conventional cardiac T2 mapping suffers from the partial-voluming effect in the endocardium and epicardium due to the co-presence of intra-cavity blood and epicardial fat. The aim of the study is to develop a novel single-breath-hold Fat-Saturated Dark-Blood (FSDB) cardiac T2-mapping technique to mitigate the partial-voluming and improve T2 accuracy. Methods The proposed FSDB T2-mapping technique combines T2-prepared bSSFP, a novel use of double inversion-recovery with heart-rate-adaptive TI, and spectrally-selective fat saturation to mitigate partial-voluming from both the blood and fat. FSDB T2 mapping was compared to conventional T2 mapping via simulations, phantom imaging, healthy-subject imaging (n = 8), and patient imaging (n = 7). In the healthy subjects, a high-resolution coplanar anatomical imaging was performed to provide a gold standard for segmentation of endocardium and epicardium. T2 maps were registered to the gold standard image to evaluate any inter-layer T2 difference, which is a surrogate for partial-voluming. Results Simulations and phantom imaging showed that FSDB T2 mapping was accurate in a range of heartrates, off-resonance, and T2 values, and blood/fat reasonably nulled in a range of heartrates. In healthy subjects, FSDB T2 mapping showed similar T2 values over different myocardial layers in all 3 short-axis slices (e.g. basal epicardial/mid-wall/endocardial T2 = 42 ± 2 ms/41 ± 1 ms/42 ± 1 ms), whereas conventional T2 mapping showed considerably increased T2 in the endocardium and epicardium (e.g. basal epicardial/mid-wall/endocardial T2 = 48 ± 3 ms/43 ± 1 ms/49 ± 3 ms). The homogeneous T2 in the FSDB T2 mapping increased the apparent LV-wall thickness by 25–41% compared with the conventional method. Conclusions The proposed technique improves accuracy of myocardial T2 mapping against partial-voluming associated with both fat and blood, facilitating a multi-layer T2 evaluation of the myocardium. This technique may improve utility of cardiac T2 mapping in diseases affecting the endocardium and epicardium, and in patients with a small heart.

Physicians have a duty to present diagnostic and therapeutic choices with rational guidance that respects patient values and realizes patient goals. In cardio-oncology, we commonly encounter patients who understandably feel overwhelmed or feel that they have no favorable options, particularly in the context of advanced malignancy. Accordingly, a longitudinal multidisciplinary commitment to shared decision making (SDM) ensures that physicians and patients actively participate in this process to promote the best possible outcomes from the patient perspective. We propose a practical framework for approaching these difficult decisions in cardio-oncology drawing upon our experience in clinical practice.

A 62-year-old woman with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 cell lymphoma developed heart failure after mogamulizumab, an immunotherapy agent. Clinical presentation and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with myocarditis, and a recurrence of heart failure occurred after rechallenge with the therapy. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Central Illustration

Racial and social disparities exist in outcomes related to cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD).The aim of this cross-sectional study was to study the impact of social vulnerability on mortality attributed to comorbid cancer and CVD.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database (2015-2019) was used to obtain county-level mortality data attributed to cancer, CVD, and comorbid cancer and CVD. County-level social vulnerability index (SVI) data (2014-2018) were obtained from the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. SVI percentiles were generated for each county and aggregated to form SVI quartiles. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were estimated and compared across SVI quartiles to assess the impact of social vulnerability on mortality related to cancer, CVD, and comorbid cancer and CVD.The AAMR for comorbid cancer and CVD was 47.75 (95% CI: 47.66-47.85) per 100,000 person-years, with higher mortality in counties with greater social vulnerability. AAMRs for cancer and CVD were also significantly greater in counties with the highest SVIs. However, the proportional increase in mortality between the highest and lowest SVI counties was greater for comorbid cancer and CVD than for either cancer or CVD alone. Adults&nbsp

Diagnosis of acute and late cardiotoxicity from cancer therapeutics has become increasingly important as the scope of cardio-oncology increases exponentially, both in terms of the number o...

Purpose of review Cancer patients often have cardiovascular risk factors at the time of cancer diagnosis, which are known to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. Cancer survivors have significantly higher cardiovascular risk. Current cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines are based on studies that largely excluded these patients. We reviewed recent data regarding cardiovascular disease prevention in this population. Recent findings Nonpharmacologic therapies aiming to reduce 'lifestyle toxicity' produced by cancer treatments have demonstrated potential to decrease the incidence of adverse outcomes. Exercise before, during and after cancer treatment not only promotes higher quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness but also reduces adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Lipid and cardiometabolic disease management is paramount but predominantly based on data that excludes these populations of cancer patients and survivors. Summary A comprehensive approach including medical evaluation, prescriptive exercise, cardiac risk factor modification, education, counseling, pharmacologic and behavioral interventions are needed in cancer patients. These interventions constitute the core of cardio-oncology rehabilitation programs, which if implemented appropriately may help reduce cardiovascular events in this population. Knowledge gaps in these areas are starting to be addressed by ongoing clinical trials.

BackgroundMyocarditis in athletes is a feared complication of SARS-CoV-2, yet guidelines for screening with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are lacking. Further, stakeholder involvement in the research is rare.HypothesisWe sought to determine the rates of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging evidence of SARS-CoV-2 related myocarditis in student athletes. We hypothesized that rates of myocarditis were lower than initially reported and that including athletes on the research team would enhance participant satisfaction and scientific integrity.MethodsAccordingly, when members of a hockey team were infected with SARS-CoV-2, we invited them and their team physicians to be part of the design of a study assessing the incidence of myocarditis. We performed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on participating hockey players infected with SARS-CoV-2 and compared them to a healthy lacrosse cohort. Participants were given an optional survey to complete at the end of the study to assess their satisfaction with it.ResultsFour hockey players and two team physicians joined the study team; eight hockey players and four lacrosse players participated in the study. Zero athletes met imaging criteria for myocarditis; delayed enhancement was observed in seven cases and three controls. Athletes supported sharing the findings with the participants. No athletes reported feeling uncomfortable participating, knowing other athletes participated on the research team.ConclusionRates of SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis in young athletes appears to be lower than initially reported. Partnered research is important, especially in populations with more to lose, such as collegiate athletes; future studies should include stakeholders in the study design and execution.Key pointsCardiac MRI findings of myocarditis after COVID infection in young athletes is rare. Subjects of research studies appreciate involvement in the development of the study, and this also builds trust with the research team.

ObjectiveAntimicrotubular agents are among the most commonly used classes of chemotherapeutic agents, but the risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs) remains unclear. Our objective was to study the CVAEs associated with antimicrotubular agents.MethodsThe Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System was used to study CVAEs in adults from 1990 to 2020. Reported single-agent (only taxane or vinca alkaloid) CVAEs were compared with combination therapy (with at least one of the four major cardiotoxic drugs: anthracycline, HER2Neu inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors) using adjusted polytomous logistic regression.ResultsOver 30 years, 134 398 adverse events were reported, of which 18 426 (13.4%) were CVAEs, with 74.1% due to taxanes and 25.9% due to vinca alkaloids. In 30 years, there has been a reduction in the proportion of reported CVAEs for taxanes from 15% to 11.8% (Cochran-Armitage P-trends ConclusionsAntimicrotubular agents are associated with CVAEs, especially in combination chemotherapy regimens. Based on this study, we suggest routine cardiovascular assessment of patients with cancer before initiating antimicrotubular agents in combination therapy.

Background In mitral valve dysfunction, noninvasive measurement of transmitral blood flow is an important clinical examination. Flow imaging of the mitral valve, however, is challenging, since it moves in and out of the image plane during the cardiac cycle. Purpose To more accurately measure mitral flow, a slice‐following MRI phase contrast sequence is proposed. This study aimed to implement such a sequence, validate its slice‐following functionality in a phantom and healthy subjects, and test its feasibility in patients with mitral valve dysfunction. Study Type Prospective. Phantom and Subjects The slice‐following functionality was validated in a cone‐shaped phantom by measuring the depicted slice radius. Sixteen healthy subjects and 10 mitral valve dysfunction patients were enrolled at two sites. Field Strength/Sequence 1.5T and 3T gradient echo cine phase contrast. Assessment A single breath‐hold retrospectively gated sequence using offline feature‐tracking of the mitral valve was developed. Valve displacements were measured and imported to the scanner, allowing the slice position to change dynamically based on the cardiac phase. Mitral valve imaging was performed with slice‐following and static imaging planes. Validation was performed by comparing mitral stroke volume with planimetric and aortic stroke volume. Statistical Tests Measurements were compared using linear regression, Pearson's R, parametric paired t‐tests, Bland–Altman analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Phantom experiments confirmed accurate slice displacements. Slice‐following was feasible in all subjects, yielding physiologically accurate mitral flow patterns. In healthy subjects, mitral and aortic stroke volumes agreed, with ICC = 0.72 and 0.90 for static and slice‐following planes; with bias ±1 SDs 23.2 ± 13.2 mls and 8.4 ± 10.8 mls, respectively. Agreement with planimetry was stronger, with ICC = 0.84 and 0.96; bias ±1 SDs 13.7 ± 13.7 mls and –2.0 ± 8.8 mls for static and slice‐following planes, respectively. Data Conclusion Slice‐following outperformed the conventional sequence and improved the accuracy of transmitral flow, which is important for assessment of diastolic function and mitral regurgitation. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1412–1421.

The complexity of cancer therapies has vastly expanded in the last decade, along with type and severity of cardiac toxicities associated with these treatments. Prevention of pre-clinical cardiotoxicity may improve cardiovascular outcomes and circumvent the decision to place life-sustaining chemotherapeutic agents on hold, making the early detection of cancer therapeutic related cardiac toxicity with non-invasive imaging essential to the care of these patients. There are several established methods of cardiac imaging in the areas of nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging that are used to assess for cardiovascular toxicity of cancer treatments, with several methods under development. The following review will provide an overview of current and emerging imaging techniques in these areas.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with increased left ventricular (LV) mass, decreased myocardial strain, and the presence of LV fibrosis and scar. The relationship between LV scar and fibrosis with left atrial (LA) fibrosis in the setting of HCM has not been examined. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a correlation between the degree of LA fibrosis and LV parameters in subjects with HCM. Twenty-eight subjects with HCM were imaged on a 1.5T MRI scanner with cine, LV and LA late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences. LA LGE and LA measurements were correlated with LV measurements of volumes, mass, strain, and LGE. Other clinical conditions and medication usage were also examined and evaluated for correlation with LA and LV parameters. LV LGE was identified in 24 (86%) of the cases and LA LGE was identified in all of the cases. Extent of LA fibrosis significantly correlated with percent LV LGE (r = 0.64, p = 0.001), but not with indexed LV mass or maximum wall thickness. Extent of LA fibrosis also moderately correlated with decreased LV global strain (radial, r = - 0.50, p = 0.013; circumferential, r = 0.47, p = 0.02; longitudinal, r = 0.52, p = 0.013). Increased LA systolic volume correlated moderately with LV end diastolic volume (r = 0.50, p = 0.006). Patients on therapy with Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Inhibition had significantly less LA LGE compared to those without (18.6% vs 10.8%, p = 0.023). LA fibrosis, as measured by LGE, is prevalent in HCM and is correlated with LV LGE. The correlation between LA and LV LGE might suggest either that LA fibrosis is a consequence of LV remodeling, or that LA and LV fibrosis are both manifestations of the same cardiomyopathic process. Further study is warranted to determine the causality of LA scar in this population.

Background Left atrial (LA) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is indicative of fibrosis, and has been correlated with reduced LA function, increased LA volume, and poor procedural outcomes in cohorts with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the role of LGE as a prognostic biomarker for arrhythmia in cardiac disease has not been examined. Methods In this study, we assessed LA LGE using a 3D LGE CMR sequence to examine its relationships with new onset atrial arrhythmia, and LA and left ventricular (LV) mechanical function. Results LA LGE images were acquired in 111 patients undergoing CMR imaging, including 66 patients with no prior history of an atrial arrhythmia. During the median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.8–3.7 years), 15/66 (23%) of patients developed a new atrial arrhythmia. LA LGE ≥10% of LA myocardial volume was significantly associated with an increased rate of new-onset atrial arrhythmia, with a hazard ratio of 3.16 (95% CI 1.14–8.72), p = 0.026. There were significant relationships between LA LGE and both LA ejection fraction (r = − 0.39, p

Aims Improved cancer survivorship has led to a higher number of anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy patients with end‐stage heart failure. We hypothesize that outcomes following continuous‐flow LVAD (CF‐LVAD) implantation in those with anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy are comparable with other aetiologies of cardiomyopathy. Methods and results Using the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) from 2008 to 2017, we identified patients with anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy who received a CF‐LVAD and compared them with those with idiopathic dilated (IDM) and ischaemic cardiomyopathies (ICM). Mortality was studied using the Cox proportional hazards model. Other adverse events were evaluated using competing risk models. Overall, 248 anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy patients underwent CF‐LVAD implantation, with a median survival of 48 months, an improvement compared with those before 2012 [adjusted hazards ratio (aHR): 0.53; confidence interval (CI): 0.33–0.86]. At 12 months, 85.1% of anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy, 86.0% of IDM, and 80.2% of ICM patients were alive (anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy vs. IDM: aHR: 1.12; CI: 0.88–1.43 and anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy vs. ICM: aHR: 0.98; CI: 0.76–1.28). Anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy patients had a higher major bleeding risk compared with IDM patients (aHR: 1.23; CI: 1.01–1.50), and a lower risk of stroke and prolonged respiratory support compared to ICM patients (aHR: 0.31 and 0.67 respectively; both P

Aortic diameter is a powerful predictor of adverse aortic events, such as aortic rupture or dissection, forming the basis of prophylactic surgical repair criteria. Limited evidence is available regarding the association of aortic wall thickness (AWT) with these adverse aortic events. We present the case and surgical video of a 73-year-old man with chest pain and an increased AWT, who underwent ascending aortic repair and deep hemiarch placement under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Surgical pathology demonstrated evidence of aortic delamination and medial separation, indicative of an impending dissection. The patient recovered uneventfully, and his chest pain ultimately resolved after open repair. In this patient, increased AWT was felt to be the precursor to a potential aortic catastrophe.

Myopericarditis has been observed among individuals receiving the BNT162b2-mRNA and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines.1,2 In this case series, we describe the initial experience with myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination across the largest healthcare system in Connecticut.

Introduction: Anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (AC-CM) presenting as end-stage heart failure may require mechanical circulatory support. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that there is no difference in outcomes after LVAD placement in those with AC-CM compared to other forms of cardiomyopathy. Methods: Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) dataset spanning from 2008 to 2017 was utilized to identify adult AC-CM patients undergoing continuous flow LVAD implantation excluding those who required concomitant cardiac procedures and right ventricular support (RVS). AC-CM patients were compared to those undergoing LVAD placement due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Primary outcome of overall mortality was studied using Cox-proportional hazards model. Secondary outcomes of first infection, ischemic stroke, major bleeding and subsequent RVS were evaluated using Fine-Gray competing risk model accounting for appropriate competing risks. Subgroup analysis based on gender, race, ethnicity, and use of pre-transplant goal directed medical therapy (GDMT) for systolic heart failure was performed. Result: Overall, 248 AC-CM patients underwent continuous flow LVADs in the 10-year period. At 12-months, 85.1% of AC-CM, 86.0% of IDM and 80.2% of ICM patients were alive (log-rank P < 0.001). There was no difference in mortality compared to ICM and IDM ( P > 0.05). However, pre-LVAD GDMT improved mortality in only the AC-CM cohort when compared to those patients who were not on GDMT (adjusted hazards ratio (HR): 0.44; confidence interval (CI): 0.19 - 0.99). AC-CM patients had a higher risk of major bleeding compared to IDM patients (HR: 1.23; CI: 1.01 - 1.50). AC-CM patients had lower risk of stroke compared to ICM patients (HR: 0.31; CI: 0.15 - 0.62). There was no difference in the three subtypes of cardiomyopathy in hazards of first infection or subsequent RVS. Conclusion: Survival rates are similar in AC-CM, ICM and IDM patients who received continuous flow LVAD therapy in the contemporary era. There is improved mortality benefit in AC-CM patients who are on GDMT before LVAD. Further research into bleeding and stroke related disparities is warranted.

BackgroundRe-allocation of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in delays in care delivery to patients with cardiovascular disease and cancer. The ability of health care providers to provide optimal care in this setting has not been formally evaluated.ObjectivesTo assess the impact of COVID-19 resource re-allocation on scheduling, testing, elective procedures, telemedicine access, use of new COVID-19 therapies, and providers’ opinions on healthcare policies among oncology and cardiology practitioners.MethodsAn electronic survey was conducted by a cardio-oncology collaborative network through regional and state chapters of the American College of Cardiology , American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the International Cardio-Oncology Society. Descriptive statistics were reported by frequency and proportion for analyses, and stratified categorically by geographic region and specialty.Results1,415 providers (43 countries) participated: 986 cardiologists, 306 oncologists, and 118 trainees/internal medicine. 63% (195/306) of oncologists vs 92% (896/976) of cardiologists reported cancellations of treatments/elective procedures (p=0.01). 46% (442/970) of cardiologists and 25% (76/303) of oncologists modified the scope of their practice (p=ConclusionsThese results support initiatives to promote expanded coverage for telemedicine, increased access to PPE, better testing availability and involvement of medical professional societies to help with preparedness for future health care crisis.Appendix: Link to the Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C8ZDYNW

Secondary cardiac tumors are much more common than primary tumors. Cardiac metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are rare and can present many years after the patient has been disease-free. We report the case of a 64-year-old man who had been treated for recurrent metastatic RCC. He presented with shortness of breath, and TEE (transthoracic echocardiography) revealed new biventricular hypertrophy and small-to-moderate circumferential pericardial effusion. Cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated multiple lesions in both the ventricular walls, highly suspicious for metastasis. A tissue biopsy was obtained, which was inconclusive due to the small sample size. The patient's disease progressively worsened, and, subsequently, he died from cardiac and respiratory failure secondary to the underlying advanced metastatic disease. Cardiac metastasis from RCC is rare and has a wide range of presentations. Metastatic RCC tends to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Systemic therapy (immunotherapy, molecularly targeted agents) and surgery may have a role in these patients depending on the extent of disease and sites of involvement.

The presentation and identification of cardiovascular disease in women pose unique diagnostic challenges compared to men, and underrecognized conditions in this patient population may lead to clinical mismanagement.This article reviews the sex differences in cardiovascular disease, explores the diagnostic and prognostic role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the spectrum of cardiovascular disorders in women, and proposes the added value of CMR compared to other imaging modalities. In addition, this article specifically reviews the role of CMR in cardiovascular diseases occurring more frequently or exclusively in female patients, including Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, connective tissue disorders, primary pulmonary arterial hypertension and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Gaps in knowledge and opportunities for further investigation of sex-specific cardiovascular differences by CMR are also highlighted.

Cancer patients often have cardiovascular risk factors at the time of cancer diagnosis, which are known to increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. Cancer survivors have significantly higher cardiovascular risk. Current cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines are based on studies that largely excluded these patients. We reviewed recent data regarding cardiovascular disease prevention in this population.Nonpharmacologic therapies aiming to reduce 'lifestyle toxicity' produced by cancer treatments have demonstrated potential to decrease the incidence of adverse outcomes. Exercise before, during and after cancer treatment not only promotes higher quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness but also reduces adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Lipid and cardiometabolic disease management is paramount but predominantly based on data that excludes these populations of cancer patients and survivors.A comprehensive approach including medical evaluation, prescriptive exercise, cardiac risk factor modification, education, counseling, pharmacologic and behavioral interventions are needed in cancer patients. These interventions constitute the core of cardio-oncology rehabilitation programs, which if implemented appropriately may help reduce cardiovascular events in this population. Knowledge gaps in these areas are starting to be addressed by ongoing clinical trials.

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Cardio-Oncology and Imaging Councils of the American College of Cardiology offers recommendations to clinicians regarding the cardiovascular care of cardio-oncology patients in this expert consensus statement. Cardio-oncology patients—individuals with an active or prior cancer history and with or at risk of cardiovascular disease—are a rapidly growing population who are at increased risk of infection, and experiencing severe and/or lethal complications by COVID-19. Recommendations for optimizing screening and monitoring visits to detect cardiac dysfunction are discussed. In addition, judicious use of multimodality imaging and biomarkers are proposed to identify myocardial, valvular, vascular, and pericardial involvement in cancer patients. The difficulties of diagnosing the etiology of cardiovascular complications in patients with cancer and COVID-19 are outlined, along with weighing the advantages against risks of exposure, with the modification of existing cardiovascular treatments and cardiotoxicity surveillance in patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of ReviewWith the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer treatment has been revolutionized; however, these agents are associated with immune-related adverse events, including myocarditis, which ranges from mild to fulminant in severity. Currently, there are no established guidelines in diagnosing ICI-associated myocarditis, and the gold standard test for diagnosis of myocarditis in general is invasive endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a noninvasive test with the advantage of providing structural, functional and tissue characterization information. Additionally, it provides high spatial and temporal resolution without exposure to ionizing radiation, iodinated contrast, or radioactive isotopes.Recent FindingsWith an increasing number of reported cases of ICI associated myocarditis, understanding of the disease process and associated CMR findings is growing. Diagnostic testing with cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram can be nonspecific and EMB can have sampling errors. CMR as a diagnostic tool can provide functional assessment of biventricular ejection fraction, myocardial strain, tissue characterization of myocardial edema and inflammation as well as fibrosis. Furthermore, with advanced parametric mapping techniques, CMR provides even more sensitive and quantitative information about myocardial inflammation and fibrosis, including measurements of extracellular volume.SummaryICI-associated myocarditis is a serious immune adverse event, and CMR plays a vital role in establishing its diagnosis, providing prognostic information, and has the potential for use as a tool for screening and serial monitoring in patients exposed to ICIs.

Background Cardiac 3D navigator-gated late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging is important for assessment of left atrial fibrosis, but the image quality is often degraded due to arrhythmia. Purpose To investigate a novel 3D LGE sequence with improved myocardial nulling and reduced ghosting artifacts during arrhythmia. Study type Prospective. Population Arrhythmia patients (n = 14). Sequence The proposed technique, REPAIRit (Regrowth Equalization Pulse for Arrhythmias in Inversion Recovery with automatic inversion time calculation), inserts a saturation pulse with a dynamic flip angle into the 3D LGE sequence to minimize arrhythmia-induced signal fluctuations. Using ShMOLLI (shortened modified Look-Locker imaging) to estimate myocardial T1 , REPAIRit automatically calculates the optimal inversion time (TI) based on Bloch equations. Assessment REPAIRit LGE and the standard LGE were compared with simulations, phantom imaging, and patient studies. Patient images were assessed quantitatively, based on ghost-to-noise ratio (GNR), blood signal-to-noise ratio (SNRb), myocardial signal-to-noise ratio (SNRm), and blood-to-myocardium contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and qualitatively on a 4-point scale. Patients were subgrouped based on the presence of arrhythmia to assess the image quality difference. Statistical tests The two LGE sequences were compared by Student's t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The two patient-subgroups were compared using Welch's t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results In 14 analyzed patients, REPAIRit LGE significantly lowered GNR (1.25 ± 0.41 vs. 1.42 ± 0.42, P = 0.04), reduced SNRm (1.90 ± 0.60 vs. 3.16 ± 1.66, P = 0.01), improved ghosting artifact scores (2.5 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9, P = 0.03), myocardial nulling scores (2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.7, P = 0.02), and atrial quality scores (2.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.8, P = 0.03) compared with the standard LGE. Comparing patients with arrhythmia (n = 6) to those without (n = 8) during the scan, the former had lower left ventricular (LV) myocardial T1 s (430 ± 26 msec vs. 469 ± 39 msec, P = 0.06) but similar blood T1 s (318 ± 55 msec vs. 316 ± 27 msec, P = 0.96), and significantly lower blood SNR (5.2 ± 1.8 vs. 9.2 ± 3.0, P = 0.01) and significantly worse image quality (P = 0.01 for REPAIRit and P = 0.03 for standard). Data conclusion REPAIRit improves myocardial nulling and reduces ghosting artifacts of 3D LGE under arrhythmia. Level of evidence 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:688-699.