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Giordani AS, Baritussio A, Marcolongo R, Caforio ALP. Letter to the Editor: Response to "Diagnostic yield, safety and therapeutic consequences of myocardial biopsy in clinically suspected fulminant myocarditis unweanable from mechanical circulatory support". Ann Intensive Care 2024; 14:5. [PMID: 38194020 PMCID: PMC10776506 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-023-01232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A S Giordani
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - A Baritussio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - R Marcolongo
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - A L P Caforio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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Giordani AS, Candelora A, Fiacca M, Cheng C, Barberio B, Baritussio A, Marcolongo R, Iliceto S, Carturan E, De Gaspari M, Rizzo S, Basso C, Tarantini G, Savarino EV, Alp C. Myocarditis and inflammatory bowel diseases: A single-center experience and a systematic literature review. Int J Cardiol 2023; 376:165-171. [PMID: 36738845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocarditis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are rare conditions, but may coexist. Myocarditis in IBD may be infective, immune-mediated, or due to mesalamine toxicity. A gap of knowledge exists on the clinical features of patients that present myocarditis in association with IBD, especially for endomyocardial biopsy-proven cases. Our aims are: 1) to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with an associated diagnosis of myocarditis and IBD in a single-center hospital, 2) to perform a systematic review of the literature of analogous cases. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data of patients followed up at the outpatient Cardio-immunology and Gastroenterology Clinic of Padua University Hospital, to identify those with an associated diagnosis of myocarditis and IBD. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. We performed a qualitative analysis of the overall study population. RESULTS The study included 104 patients (21 from our single center cohort, 83 from the literature review). Myocarditis in IBD more frequently affects young (median age 31 years) males (72%), predominantly with infarct-like presentation (58%), within an acute phase of the IBD (67%) and with an overall benign clinical course (87%). Nevertheless, a not negligible quote of patients may present giant cell myocarditis, deserve immunosuppression and have a chronic, or even fatal course. Histological evidence of mesalamine hypersensitivity is scarce and its incidence may be overestimated. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that myocarditis in association with IBD, if correctly managed, may have a spontaneous benign course, but predictors of worse prognosis must be promptly recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Giordani
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Candelora
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Fiacca
- Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Cheng
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - B Barberio
- Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Baritussio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - R Marcolongo
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - S Iliceto
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - E Carturan
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M De Gaspari
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - S Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - G Tarantini
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - E V Savarino
- Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Caforio Alp
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy.
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Proietti R, Giordani AS, Lorenzo CA. ROCK (RhoA/Rho Kinase) Activation in Atrial Fibrillation: Molecular Pathways and Clinical Implications. Curr Cardiol Rev 2023; 19:e171122210986. [PMID: 36625201 PMCID: PMC10280999 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x19666221117092951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the complex mechanisms of AF pathogenesis, intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress play a major role, both triggered by inflammatory processes. The additional basic event taking place in AF is atrial fibrotic remodeling, again triggered by oxidative stress, which is determined by connexins rearrangement and differentiation of fibroblasts into active collagensecreting myofibroblasts. RhoA/ROCK system is the final pathway of a wide spectrum of molecular effectors such as Angiotensin II, platelet-derived growth factor, connective tissue growth factor and transforming growth factor β, that overall determine calcium dysregulation and pro-fibrotic remodeling. Both in experimental and clinical studies, RhoA/ROCK activation has been linked to superoxide ion production, fibrotic remodeling and connexins rearrangement, with important consequences for AF pathogenesis. ROCK pathway inhibition may therefore be a therapeutic or preventive target for special AF subgroups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Proietti
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea S. Giordani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Calò A. Lorenzo
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
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Vio R, Giordani AS, Stefil M, Alturki A, Russo V, China P, Gasperetti A, Schiavone M, Čulić V, Biondi-Zoccai G, Themistoclakis S, Lip GY, Proietti R. Therapeutic vs. prophylactic anticoagulation in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world studies. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2022; 70:652-662. [PMID: 36305780 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.22.06230-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coagulopathy, in the form of either venous or arterial thromboembolism, is one of the most severe sequelae of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and has been associated with poorer outcomes. However, the role of therapeutic anticoagulation (tAC) or prophylactic anticoagulation (pAC) in COVID-19 patients has not been definitely established. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to gather all the available real-world data in the field and to provide a reliable effect size of the effect on mortality of tAC compared to pAC in COVID-19 patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Real-world studies (RWS) were identified by searching electronic databases from inception to 31st October, 2021. Randomized controlled trials were excluded. Mortality and bleedings were considered as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS 10 RWS and 5541 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, tAC was associated with lower mortality (HR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.54-0.71). There was asymmetry at the funnel plot suggesting publication bias, that was not confirmed at the Egger test (P=0.07). For the secondary endpoint, there was a non-statistically significant tendency for more bleedings in patients treated with tAC compared to pAC (RR=1.75, 95% CI: 0.81-3.81). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis, based on RWS and adjusted estimates of risk, suggests a survival benefit of tAC over pAC in COVID-19 patients in the real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Vio
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine and Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy -
| | - Andrea S Giordani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Stefil
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ahmed Alturki
- Division of Cardiology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Medical Translational Sciences, Monaldi Hospital, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo China
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine and Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessio Gasperetti
- Unit of Cardiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco-Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Unit of Cardiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco-Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Viktor Čulić
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Sakis Themistoclakis
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine and Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Gregory Y Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Riccardo Proietti
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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Vio R, Giordani AS, Alturki A, Čulić V, Vitale R, China P, Themistoclakis S, Vanoli E, Proietti R. Prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation among multimorbid elderly patients: diagnostic implications. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2022; 70:583-593. [PMID: 35212509 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.22.05894-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Advancing age of the global population is one of the main reasons for the uprising trend in atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence worldwide leading to a proper "AF epidemic". Strictly related to the increasing prevalence of AF in the elderly is the relevant burden of cardiac end extra-cardiac comorbidities that these patients show. Patients with AF are frequently asymptomatic (i.e., asymptomatic or silent AF) and thus the arrhythmia is generally underdiagnosed. Detainment of proper treatment in elderly and comorbid patients may potentially result in significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, in recent years, several screening strategies (systematic vs opportunistic screening) for asymptomatic AF have been developed and early diagnosis of AF is an important treatment goal that can improve prognosis. This review will focus on the prevalence of asymptomatic AF in the elderly, frequently associated comorbidities, screening strategies, and implications for a correct AF diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Vio
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine & Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy -
| | - Andrea S Giordani
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Science and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ahmed Alturki
- Division of Cardiology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Viktor Čulić
- University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia.,Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Raffaele Vitale
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine & Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Paolo China
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine & Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Sakis Themistoclakis
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Medicine & Intensive Care, Dell'Angelo Hospital, Mestre, Venice, Italy
| | - Emilio Vanoli
- Sacra Famiglia Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Erba, Como, Italy
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Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammatory heart muscle disease characterised by heterogeneous clinical presentation and outcome. Clinical heterogeneity of myocarditis, ranging from acute onset chest pain with electrocardiographic changes resembling an acute coronary syndrome, to arrhythmic storm and chronic decompensated heart failure, makes diagnosis challenging. A correct diagnosis is however key to proper patients' management and should always be aimed at. Although a definite diagnosis is only provided by endomyocardial biopsy, the European Society of Cardiology task force on myocardial and pericardial diseases provided specific criteria for the diagnosis of clinically suspected myocarditis, which has been facilitated by the advent of non invasive imaging tests (i.e. cardiovascular magnetic resonance based myocardial tissue characterization). Due to the heterogeneous presentation and disease course of myocarditis, a tailored treatment would be the best strategy, but a standardised management is still not available. Over the years, however, new, promising, therapies, such as anti-viral and immune-suppressive treatment, have come side by side to the standard pharmacological heart treatment, i.e. anti-heart failure medications. In this paper we will review the basic principles of myocarditis management in clinical practice, including diagnostic work-up, conventional and disease-specific therapy and patients' follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Baritussio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea S Giordani
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Masiero
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Renzo Marcolongo
- Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alida L Caforio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua and Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy -
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Giordani AS, De Gaspari M, Baritussio A, Rizzo S, Carturan E, Basso C, Napodano M, Testolin L, Marcolongo R, Caforio ALP. A rare cause of effusive-constrictive pericarditis. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:4313-4317. [PMID: 34173727 PMCID: PMC8497351 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Effusive–constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is an uncommon diagnosis, frequently missed due to its heterogeneous presentation, but a potentially reversible cause of heart failure. A 62‐year‐old Caucasian male presented with remittent right heart failure and mild–moderate pericardial effusion. Following an initial diagnosis of idiopathic pericarditis, indomethacin was started, but the patient shortly relapsed, presenting with severe pericardial effusion and signs of cardiac tamponade, requiring pericardiocentesis. ECP was diagnosed on cardiac catheterization. Cardiac computed tomography showed non‐calcified, mildly thickened and inflamed parietal pericardium. Pericardiectomy was performed with symptoms remission. On histological examination of pericardium, chronic non‐necrotizing granulomatous inflammation was noted. Polymerase chain reaction assay was positive for non‐tuberculous mycobacteria. This case represents a rare finding of ECP with unusual presentation due to atypical mycobacteriosis in a non‐immunocompromised patient and in a non‐endemic area. Pericardiectomy can be an effective option in cases unresponsive to anti‐inflammatory treatment, even in the absence of significant pericardial thickening or calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Giordani
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Monica De Gaspari
- Cardiac Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Baritussio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiac Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Carturan
- Cardiac Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiac Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Napodano
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Luca Testolin
- Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Renzo Marcolongo
- Haematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alida L P Caforio
- Cardiology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, Padova, 35128, Italy
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Zorzi A, Vio R, Rivezzi F, Falzone PV, Giordani AS, Condello C, Dellino CM, Deola P, Gallucci M, Giannattasio A, Licchelli L, Lupasco D, Montonati C, Ravagnin A, Sinigiani G, Torreggiani G, Vianello R, Migliore F, Famoso G, Babuin L, Cacciavillani L, Iliceto S. Characteristics and hospital course of patients admitted for acute cardiovascular diseases during the coronavirus disease-19 outbreak. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2021; 22:29-35. [PMID: 33186239 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak in spring 2020, people may have been reluctant to seek medical care fearing infection. We aimed to assess the number, characteristics and in-hospital course of patients admitted for acute cardiovascular diseases during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS We enrolled all consecutive patients admitted urgently for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure or arrhythmias from 1 March to 31 May 2020 (outbreak period) and 2019 (control period). We evaluated the time from symptoms onset to presentation, clinical conditions at admission, length of hospitalization, in-hospital medical procedures and outcome. The combined primary end point included in-hospital death for cardiovascular causes, urgent heart transplant or discharge with a ventricular assist device. RESULTS A similar number of admissions were observed in 2020 (N = 210) compared with 2019 (N = 207). Baseline characteristics of patients were also similar. In 2020, a significantly higher number of patients presented more than 6 h after symptoms onset (57 versus 38%, P < 0.001) and with signs of heart failure (33 versus 20%, P = 0.018), required urgent surgery (13 versus 5%, P = 0.004) and ventilatory support (26 versus 13%, P < 0.001). Hospitalization duration was longer in 2020 (median 10 versus 8 days, P = 0.03). The primary end point was met by 19 (9.0%) patients in 2020 versus 10 (4.8%) in 2019 (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION Despite the similar number and types of unplanned admissions for acute cardiac conditions during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak compared with the same period in 2019, we observed a higher number of patients presenting late after symptoms onset as well as longer and more complicated clinical courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zorzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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