Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Tricuspid regurgitation: frequency, management and outcome among patients with severe left-sided valvular heart disease in Europe. Insights from the ESC-EORP valvular heart disease II survey

Background

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequent among patients with severe left-sided valvular heart disease (LS-VHD).

Objectives

This study sought to assess TR frequency, management and outcome in this population.

Methods

Among 6883 patients with severe LS-VHD or previous valvular intervention in the EURObservational Research Programme prospective VHD II survey, we analyzed frequency and grade of TR according to LS-VHD, and 6-month survival according to TR grade. Among 2081 patients who underwent an intervention for severe LS-VHD, we analyzed frequency and outcome of concomitant TV intervention, and concordance between Class I indications for concomitant TV surgery (patients with severe TR) and real-practice decision-making.

Results

Moderate to severe TR was very frequent among patients with severe mitral VHD (≥30%), especially in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (46%), and rare among patients with aortic VHD (<5%). Higher TR grade was associated with a poorer 6-month survival (P<0.001). Rates of concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) intervention at the time of left-sided heart valve surgery were high at the time of mitral valve surgery (more than 40%). Concomitant TV intervention at the time of left-sided heart valve surgery (LS-HVS) was not associated with an increase in-hospital mortality (P=0.93). Concordance between Class I indications for concomitant TV surgery at the time of LS-HVS according to guidelines and real-practice decision-making was very good (88% overall).

Conclusion

TR was frequent in patients with mitral VHD and was associated with a poorer outcome as TR grade increased. Compliance to guidelines for Class I indications for concomitant TV surgery at the time of LS-HVS was very good. With the trend toward more transcatheter treatment for left-sided VHD, there is a critical need for safe and efficient tricuspid valve transcatheter treatment for patients with concomitant TR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiac amyloidosis is not a single disease: a multiparametric comparison between the light chain and transthyretin forms

Background

Systemic amyloidoses represent a heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from the deposition of misfolded proteins as amyloid fibrils into the extracellular matrix of different organs. Based on this precursor protein, cardiac amyloidosis (CA) can be most frequently classified as: light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, with different management and prognosis.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a differential diagnosis algorithm targeted towards these two most frequent subtypes of CA. Although confirmation through invasive or non-invasive diagnostic algorithms is still mandatory for a final diagnosis, a series of clinical, paraclinical and imaging differences could possibly guide the choice for more complex diagnostic steps.

Methods

We prospectively included all consecutive patients with ATTR and AL evaluated between 2018 and 2022 in our center. All patients had a complete clinical, paraclinical and imaging evaluation including myocardial deformation study, and confirmation of the final diagnosis, according to the current international recommendations.

Results

The study population included 81 patients divided into 2 groups: ATTR (group 1, n=32: 30 variant and 2 wild type) and AL (group 2, n=49).

ATTR patients were younger (50.7±13.9 vs. 60.2±7.3 years, p=0.0001), had predominantly more neurological symptoms, milder cardiac symptoms and lower values of cardiac biomarkers than AL: NT-proBNP (3095±4433 vs. 10382±9008 ng/ml, p=0.001) and high sensitive troponin I (0.0129±0.01 vs 0.177±0.2 ng/ml, p=0.0002), with better renal function (mean GFR 84.74±26.9 vs. 64.5±29.45 mL/min, p=0.003). We found no significant differences in terms of ECG changes.

Moreover, at similar left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and ejection fraction, ATTR group had less pericardial effusions (53.6 vs. 86.8%, p=0.0027), better LV global longitudinal strain (−12.0±3.7 vs. −9.7±4.6%, p=0.03), RV strain (RVFW strain −19.7±6.2 vs. −14.5±11.0%, p=0.03) and also better reservoir and contractile function of the LA (LASr 17.2±12.3 vs. 11.2±7.4%, p=0.02).

Based on this multiparametric comparison we proposed a prediction algorithm to differentiate between the 2 forms of CA. A score of equal or more than 4 from a maximum of 9 points, has been able to differentiate between AL and ATTR with a sensitivity and specificity of 78 and 80%, respectively; AUC= 0.82.

Conclusions

CA is a complex entity and requires extensive testing through serum biomarkers, imaging, and invasive confirmation of amyloid infiltration in some cases. This study highlighted a series of non-invasive checkpoints, which can be useful in guiding the decision making process towards a more accurate and rapid differential diagnosis, in cases where a final diagnosis is crucial to be immediately established.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Finding the gaps in managing Fabry disease in women: the Romanian experience

Introduction

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked rare lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the GLA gene which lead to decrease in α Gal A enzyme activity and tissue accumulation of lysosomal globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3). Due to X linked transmission, males are hemizygous, and females are heterozygous and were initially thought to be unaffected. However, women with FD can vary from asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, to severely symptomatic as males. The aim of this study is to evaluate the particularities of FD presentation, cardiac imaging and management in females from the full Romanian FD cohort as compared to male patients.

Methods

This study included all consecutive patients diagnosed in or referred to our center with FD between 2014–2021. All patients had a complete clinical, biological and cardiac imaging workup.

Results

During the inclusion interval, data from 66 consecutive Romanian FD patients (37 women and 29 men) from 29 unrelated families were collected. Diagnosing mode in FD women differs compared to men (p<0.001): most women were diagnosed through family screening or by a cardiologist, while most men were diagnosed by nephrologists. Women had higher levels of α Gal A levels (1.3±0.8 μmol/L/h vs 0.5±0.7 μmol/L/h, normal cutoff >1.2) (p<0.001) and smaller levels of lyso-GB3 (5.8±2.6 ng/ml vs 110±35.6 ng/ml, normal cutoff<3.8) (p<0.001). More women are asymptomatic carriers than men (27% vs 3.4%), but when symptoms were present, they could be as severe as in men. Enrolled women were older (50.9±16.3 vs 41±14.9 years, p=0.014), diagnosed later (46.8±16.8 vs 32.7±14.3 years, p<0.001) and had later symptom onset of the disease compared with men (38.1±14.4 vs 20.3±14.9 years, p<0.001). Women had less angiokeratomas (p=0.001) and hypohydrosis (p=0.04), with no difference in cornea verticillata or ENT involvement. Both women and men developed cardiac symptoms starting from the fifth decade, with no differences in terms of angina, NYHA class, syncope between sexes. Women tend to have a lower prevalence of LVH compared to men (p=0.052), with no differences regarding ejection fraction or global longitudinal strain between genders. Regarding other organs involved, women were equally affected as men from acroparesthesia and stroke, with similar age at first cerebrovascular event. Women had milder kidney involvement (stages 1 and 2) when compared to men (56.8% vs 37.9%, p=0.004). Regardless of these findings, it appeared that women were less treated with pathogenic therapy comparing to men (48.6% vs 82.7%) (p=0.004).

Conclusions

Women with FD are not merely genetic carriers as they can be as affected as men. However, they benefit later from diagnosis and less of pathogenic therapy. Further studies with more female participations are needed to better understand the Fabry burden and needs in women.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Association between common cardiovascular risk factors and clinical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EurObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry

AIMS

The interaction between common cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is poorly studied. We sought to explore the relation between CVRF and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCM enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1739 patients with HCM were studied. The relation between hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), body mass index (BMI), and clinical traits was analysed. Analyses were stratified according to the presence or absence of a pathogenic variant in a sarcomere gene. The prevalence of HT, DM, and obesity (Ob) was 37, 10, and 21%, respectively. HT, DM, and Ob were associated with older age (P<0.001), less family history of HCM (HT and DM P<0.001), higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P<0.001), atrial fibrillation (HT and DM P<0.001; Ob p = 0.03) and LV (left ventricular) diastolic dysfunction (HT and Ob P<0.001; DM P = 0.003). Stroke was more frequent in HT (P<0.001) and mutation-positive patients with DM (P = 0.02). HT and Ob were associated with higher provocable LV outflow tract gradients (HT P<0.001, Ob P = 0.036). LV hypertrophy was more severe in Ob (P = 0.018). HT and Ob were independently associated with NYHA class (OR 1.419, P = 0.017 and OR 1.584, P = 0.004, respectively). Other associations, including a higher proportion of females in HT and of systolic dysfunction in HT and Ob, were observed only in mutation-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Common CVRF are associated with a more severe HCM phenotype, suggesting a proactive management of CVRF should be promoted. An interaction between genotype and CVRF was observed for some traits.

Right heart response to different loading conditions - a comparison of chronic volume versus pressure overload using an integrated echocardiographic and invasive approach

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. It is widely believed that right ventricular (RV) volume overload is better tolerated than RV pressure overload and this is mainly due to the preservation of or even an increase in RV longitudinal function in patients (pts) with RV volume overload. Conversely, patients with RV pressure overload experience an early decrease in radial shortening and the global RV performance is maintained due to a normal longitudinal function. The multiparametric assessment of RV function and RV-pulmonary artery (PA) coupling could offer a better understanding of the RV adaptive mechanisms in response to volume versus pressure overload.

Purpose. To assess the right heart remodelling and function in different chronic loading conditions using an integrated echocardiographic and invasive approach.

Methods. Thirty-nine patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) and 41 pts with pulmonary hypertension (PH) age and gender-matched were enrolled. The etiology of PH was idiopathic (14 pts), operated congenital heart disease (3), connective tissue disease (9), chronic thromboembolic PH (8) and other forms of arterial PH (7). Clinical parameters, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), RV function and pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) echocardiographic parameters were assessed. RV-PA coupling was assessed using the TAPSE to systolic PA pressure ratio. A right heart catheterization was also performed and ASD pts with pulmonary vascular resistance &gt;3 Wu and/or Qp/Qs ratio &lt;1.5 were excluded.

Results. PH pts were more symptomatic than pts with ASD (32 PH pts vs 6 ASD pts were in NYHA class III and IV, p &lt; 0.001). ASD pts had lower BNP levels (lnBNP 4.24 ± 1.11 vs 5.49 ± 1.29, p &lt; 0.001), similar right atrial (RA) area (26.6 ± 7.7 vs 27.8 ± 11.9 cm2, p = 0.61) and pressure (7.5 ± 4.2 vs 8.2 ± 5.9 mmHg), lower systolic (1.11 ± 0.13 vs 1.55 ± 0.50) and diastolic (1.21 ± 0.16 vs 1.50 ± 0.32) eccentricity index (p &lt; 0.001) and better RV function parameters than PH pts (all p &lt; 0.001): TAPSE (26 ± 5 vs 16 ± 3 mm), RV-free wall S wave (14.4 ± 2.5 vs 9.9 ± 2.1 cm/s), RV fractional area change (46 ± 8 vs 32 ± 8%), RV global longitudinal strain on 3 segments (-27.6 ± 5.0 vs -14.4 ± 6.0%) or 6 segments (-24.2 ± 4.3 vs -12.5 ± 4.9%). Also, ASD pts had less impaired PAS parameters (pulmonary compliance 4.03 ± 5.54 vs 1.53 ± 3.01 mm2/mmHg, p = 0.016; elastic modulus 167 ± 131 vs 594 ± 369 mmHg, p &lt; 0.001; beta index 5.36 ± 3.77 vs 11.00 ± 6.39, p &lt; 0.001) and better RV-PA coupling (0.60 ± 0.20 vs 0.19 ± 0.06 mm/mmHg, p &lt; 0.001) than PH pts. The BNP levels significantly correlated with RA area, parameters of RV size and systolic function and RV-PA coupling in both groups, but invasively assessed PA pressure correlated with BNP levels only in ASD pts.

Conclusions

Patients with ASD as a model of chronic RV volume overload have not only preserved RV longitudinal function but also better global RV function, PAS and RV-PA coupling compared to pts with chronic RV pressure overload. The BNP levels are significantly more impaired in pts with chronic RV pressure overload.

Cardiac remodelling and heart failure symptoms in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Although earlier publications suggested a more benign clinical course for patients (pts) with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM), recent studies report increased morbidity and mortality, comparable to the prognosis of other HCM variants. Moreover, information regarding cardiac remodelling and its relationship with symptoms in pts with ApHCM is scarce. The aim of our study was to assess left ventricular (LV), right ventricular (RV) and left atrial (LA) remodelling in pts with ApHCM in comparison with non-apical variants of HCM (nonApHCM), and the impact of cardiac remodelling on heart failure symptoms.

Methods

One hundred fifty-one consecutive pts with HCM (52 ± 16 yrs, 47% men) in sinus rhythm and with preserved LV ejection fraction (16 pts with ApHCM and 135 pts with nonApHCM), were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiography was performed in all, including the measurement of maximal LV wall thickness (LVWT), RV free wall thickness (RVWT) and maximal LA volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi). Global LV strain (ɛ), RVɛ, LAɛ and end-diastolic LA strain rate (ASr) were measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). The ratio of E to average e’ was used to estimate LV filling pressure. The degree of mitral regurgitation (1/2/3) has also been assessed. Heart failure symptoms were defined according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification.

Results

Forty-eight pts in nonApHCM group had intraventricular obstruction. There were no significant differences between pts with and without ApHCM regarding: age (58 ± 20 vs 52 ± 16 yrs), gender distribution, RVWT, LVɛ (-14.9 ± 2.7 vs -13.9 ± 3.5 %), RVɛ (-19.6 ± 3.6 vs -10.0 ± 5.0%), LAɛ (19.2 ± 5.8 vs 16.4 ± 7.1%)(p &gt; 0.05 for all). Pts with ApHCM had lower values for LVWT (17.2 ± 1.9 vs 21.4 ± 5.2 mm, p = 0.002), E/e’ (12.0 ± 5.8 vs 17.6 ± 8.5, p = 0.02) and LAVi (48 ± 16 vs 61 ± 25, p = 0.03) compared to pts with nonApHCM. Pts with ApHCM had slightly better LA contractile function as assessed by ASr (-1.23 ± 0.50 vs -0.97 ± 0.49 sec-1, p = 0.05). Mitral regurgitation was more often severe in nonApHCM pts (56/42/31 vs 10/4/0, p &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference between the percentage of symptomatic pts (NYHA class ≥2) in ApHCM vs nonApHCM group (p = 0.3). In the ApHCM group, symptomatic pts had significantly lower ASr compared to asymptomatic pts (-0.98 ± 0.35 vs -1.61 ± 0.46 sec-1, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Despite of lower LVWT values, less severe MR and no obstruction, pts with apical HCM have similar prevalence of heart failure symptoms, and similar LV, RV and LA dysfunction compared to pts with non-apical HCM. Symptomatic pts with apical HCM have worse LA contractile function compared to asymptomatic pts.

Left atrial dysfunction in patients with prosthesis-patient mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) prostheses have better hemodynamics compared to surgical prostheses, with lower incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). Nonetheless, this complication is neither rare nor benign in the expanding population of TAVR patients (pts). Data regarding the effect of TAVR PPM on cardiac function is scarce. Our aim was to determine the short-term impact of PPM on left atrium (LA) function in patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR.

Methods. One hundred forty-three consecutive pts (76.3 ± 7.5 yrs, 74 men) considered to be at high risk for SAVR were enrolled and examined before and 30 days after TAVR. All pts underwent a comprehensive echocardiogram, including speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for LA and left ventricular (LV) strain analysis. Longitudinal LA strain parameters were assessed from the apical 4-chamber view. Peak values of global longitudinal LA strain (LAε) and LA systolic strain rate (SSr, reservoir function) and early diastolic strain rate (ESr, conduit function) were measured in all. Contractile LA function (late diastolic strain rate, ASr) was assessed in patients in sinus rhythm (106 pts).

Results. Fifty-five pts (38%) had PPM (defined as an indexed effective orifice area, EOA ≤0.85 cm2/m2). Most of these pts (71%) had moderate PPM (indexed EOA between 0.65 and 0.85 cm2/m2). No significant differences in age (76.4 ± 8.1 vs 76.3 ± 7.2 yrs, p = 0.9), gender (p = 0.2), body surface area (p = 0.8), body mass index (p = 0.2) and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (p &gt; 0.2 for all) were observed between pts with and without PPM. The severity of post-TAVR aortic regurgitation was mild in 92 pts (64%) and moderate in 12 pts (8%) without any significant difference between pts with and without PPM. The post-TAVR prevalence of ³moderate mitral regurgitation was not different between the two groups (p = 0.40). After TAVR, there were no significant differences in terms of indexed LV mass, volumes, ejection fraction (p &gt; 0.5 for all). LV global longitudinal strain was also similar between groups (-13.7 ± 4.3 vs -14 ± 3.6%, p = 0.7). Although LA volumes were similar between patients with and without PPM (47.8 ± 12.4 vs 49.3 ± 20.3 ml/m2, p = 0.6), in the mismatch-group we found a significantly reduced systolic global LA strain (12.7 ± 6.2 vs 15.9 ± 7.9%, p = 0.009) and impaired LA contractile function (ASr: -1.0 ± 0.4 vs -1.2 ± 0.5, p = 0.03). Parameters of LV diastolic function were also worse in the mismatch-group, with an E/e’sep ratio of 22 ± 10 vs 17 ± 7, p = 0.01.

Conclusions. In our study group TAVR was associated with an incidence of PPM of 38%. The short-term follow-up of these patients revealed a significantly impaired LA function and increased LV filling pressure in patients with PPM compared to those without PPM. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the effect of PPM on the LA global and contractile function.

P301 The prognostic value of preoperative left atrial volume after surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with isolated severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

Left atrial (LA) volume is an important cardiovascular prognostic marker. However, data regarding the prognostic value of LA volume in severe AS patients (pts) after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) are scarce. Moreover, the predictive role of LA function in AS pts after AVR has not yet been studied. Our study aimed to assess the relationship of LA volume index (LAVi) and function with outcome, in terms of mortality, in severe AS pts who underwent surgical AVR.

Methods

A total of 360 consecutive pts with isolated severe AS (aortic valve area index ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2) referred to our echocardiography laboratory were prospectively screened. Two hundred and seventeen pts with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (≥50%) and in sinus rhythm were enrolled. All patients underwent a baseline comprehensive echocardiogram, including speckle tracking analysis of both LV and LA strain. Symptomatic pts (142 pts, 65%) that were subject to AVR were followed for a median period of 4 years (IQR 3-6 years). The endpoint was all-cause mortality after AVR. The last update of the survival status was obtained in January 2019. Outcome data were available in 116 severe AS pts that underwent AVR (mean age 63 ± 10 yrs, 56% men), who formed the final study population.

Results

Seventeen (14%) pts died during follow-up. No significant differences were found between nonsurvivors and survivors after AVR in terms of age and cardiovascular risk factors. Nonsurvivors had higher BNP plasma values (p=.04) at baseline compared with surviving pts. Survivors and nonsurvivors alike exhibited similar preoperative AS severity and LV systolic function parameters (ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding baseline valvuloarterial impedance, average E/e’ ratio, and LA longitudinal deformation parameters. Nonsurvivors had a tendency toward higher LV mass index (p=.08). Nonsurvivors had higher preoperative LA volume index (LAVi)(50 ± 12 vs. 44 ± 10 ml/m2, p=.003). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, LAVi emerged as the only independent predictor for death in our population study (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11, p=.02). A cut-off value for LAVi derived from ROC curve analysis was used to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A value of 43 ml/m2 for LAVi predicted all-cause mortality after AVR in severe AS pts with 71% sensitivity and 54% specificity.

Conclusions

In our study, preoperative LAVi predicted death in severe AS pts after surgical AVR. LAVi assessment may improve preoperative risk stratification in patients with severe AS, however further larger prospective studies are needed.

Abstract P301 Figure.

621 Anemia and its impact on clinical, echocardiographic parameters and prognosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

Anemia is common in patients (pts) with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Untreated anemia and severe AS are individually associated with the development of heart failure, however data regarding the potential detrimental effect of anemia on left ventricular (LV) function and prognosis in pts with severe AS are controversial.

Aim

To investigate the impact of anemia on clinical status, echocardiographic parameters and prognosis in pts with severe AS and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

Consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] index ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2) and preserved LVEF (&gt;50%) referred to our echocardiography laboratory were prospectively screened. All patients underwent complete clinical examination and comprehensive echocardiography, including speckle tracking-derived measurements of LV and left atrial (LA) strain. Baseline clinical variables included NYHA class, cardiac risk factors, haemoglobin (Hb) level and glomerular filtration rates (GFR, by MDRD formula). The definition of anemia was based on gender-specific cut-off values, as recommended by the WHO (Hb &lt;13.0 g/dL for men, &lt;12.0 g/dL for women). Patients with more than mild aortic regurgitation or mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation or cardiac pacemakers were excluded.

Results

The study population included 264 patients (pts) (66 ± 11 yrs, 147 men). Anemia was present in 64 pts (24%). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in 151 pts. Dividing the study population into 2 groups, according to the presence/absence of anemia, no significant differences were found between groups regarding: age (p = 0.09), body surface area (p = 0.6), LVEF (62 ± 7 vs 63 ± 6%, p = 0.2), LV Global Longitudinal Strain (-15.2 ± 4 vs -14.7 ± 3 %, p = 0.4), LV mass index (p = 0.9), mean aortic gradient (p = 0.2) and indexed AVA (0.40 ± 0.09 vs 0.39 ± 0.09 cm2/m2, p = 0.6), or presence of significant coronary artery disease (p = 0.9). Compared to pts with normal Hb level, in pts with anemia NYHA class (p = 0.03), brain natriuretic peptide values (p = 0.004), lateral E/e’(16.2 ± 6.9 vs 13.7 ± 6.3, p = 0.01) and average E/e" ratio (15.9 ± 5.9 vs 14.1 ± 5.3, p = 0.03), LA volume index (54.3 ± 16.9 vs 45.0 ± 12.1 ml/m2, p &lt; 0.001), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (38 ± 13 vs 33 ± 8, p = 0.009) were all significantly higher. During a 3–years follow-up 47 pts died. Age, NYHA class, BNP serum level, baseline anemia, LA volume index and systolic pulmonary pressure were associated with all-cause mortality in the whole study group (p &lt; 0.03 for all). In the group of pts who underwent AVR, NYHA class was the only independent predictor of all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

In our study including pts with severe AS and preserved LVEF, patients with baseline anemia presented worse functional status and LV diastolic dysfunction and increased 3-year all-cause mortality compared to those with normal Hb levels. However, in pts who underwent surgical AVR, there was no impact of baseline anemia on 3-year survival.

P719 Complex cyanotic congenital heart disease and its complications- it is never too late to treat

Noncardiac complications significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), mainly because life expectancy and quality of life for those born with CHD have greatly improved in the last decades. Double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) with a subaortic ventricular septal defect (VSD) associated with subpulmonary stenosis is a complex cyanotic congenital heart disease from the spectrum of tetralogy of Fallot.

We present the case of a young male who was diagnosed at the age of 18 with DORV with subaortic VSD (Figure A), subpulmonary stenosis (Figure C) and mitral valve malformation (anterior leaflet cleft (Figure B) and both leaflets prolapse) with secondary moderate mitral regurgitation (MR), associated with major aortopulmonary collaterals, without pulmonary hypertension. There was no surgical correction at that moment. At the age of 26 he presented with recurrent hemoptysis and embolisation of bronchial arteries was performed. In the same year, a cerebral MRI showed signs of multiple infratentorial and supratentorial ischemic strokes. One year later, he was diagnosed with brain abscess and otomastoiditis that were surgically managed; multiple microorganisms were isolated from the two sources (M. morganii, K. pneumoniae, P . aeruginosa) and the patient received prolonged antibiotic therapy. Two months later he presented with clinical, biological and echocardiographic signs of infective endocarditis (IE) and blood cultures confirmed the diagnosis of Candida albicans associated mitral valve IE (Figure D, E, F, G). Antifungal therapy was administered for one month, with the complete disappearance of the vegetation, but worsening of the mitral regurgitation and moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Thus, the patient had a clear indication for mitral valve replacement together with complete repair of the cardiac malformation that seemed still feasible as the pulmonary arteries were well developed, there was no pulmonary vascular disease and the systolic function of the RV was normal. Correction of CHD was performed in March 2019 consisting of repair of the DORV (Figure H), mitral valve replacement (33 mm bileaflet mechanical valve) (Figure I), tricuspid valve repair with RVOT remodelling. Postoperative, the patient clinical status improved significantly and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mild residual subpulmonary stenosis (Figure J) and normally functioning mitral prosthesis.

There are frequent, various complications in the natural history of congenital heart diseases, especially unrepaired. This case illustrates how vicious the circle of complications can get in a case of unrepaired cyanotic cardiac malformation and the difficulty of breaking this circle. The correction of CHD is the best prevention method and should be performed whenever it is feasible, even at an adult age.

Abstract P719 Figure.

P827 Left atrial contractile function is the main correlate of atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

Given the negative impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients (pts) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), finding new and better predictors of AF is clinically important, especially for patients considered at low or intermediate risk based on current recommendations (i.e. left atrial diameter, LAD &lt;45 mm).

Purpose

To assess the relationship between left atrial (LA) remodelling (size and function) and the presence of paroxysmal AF in HCM patients with and without increased LAD.

Methods

A comprehensive echocardiogram was performed in 110 consecutive pts (52 ± 17 years, 50 men) with HCM, in sinus rhythm. Indexed LA volume (LAVi), maximum left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT), LV ejection fraction, E/e’ ratio were determined. Global longitudinal LV strain (GLS) and LA strain parameters (LAɛ, SSr, ASr) were assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (30 pts) or absence (80 pts) of documented paroxysmal AF (24/48 h ambulatory ECG recordings)

Results

Patients with AF were older than pts without AF (p &lt; 0.001). LAD, LAVi, E/e’ were significantly higher, while LAɛ, ESr, ASr were significantly lower in pts with AF compared to pts without AF (p &lt; 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences between pts with and without AF regarding: gender, LVWT, GLS, the presence and severity of LV outflow tract obstruction (p &gt; 0.05 for all). The correlates of AF in the whole HCM study population were: age (OR = 1.05, p = 0.001), ASr (OR = 10.1, p &lt; 0.001), LAVi (OR = 1.03, p = 0.004), LAD (OR = 1.2, p = 0.001), E/e’(OR = 1.05, p = 0.02) and mitral regurgitation degree (OR = 1.6, p = 0.04). ASr had the best area under the curve (AUC: 0.74) with a cutoff of -0.88 s-1 for identifying HCM patients with AF (sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 65%). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, age, LAVi and ASr emerged as the only independent correlates of AF. 14 of the 71 patients with a LAD &lt; 45 mm had paroxysmal AF. In this selected population, pts with AF were older (p = 0.001), had higher values for E/e’ (p = 0.04) and lower values for ASr (p = 0.02) than pts without AF. Moreover, in this subgroup of pts, at multivariable logistic regression analysis, ASr correlated with AF independently of age, LA dimensions, LV hypertrophy or E/e’ (OR = 10.008, 95% CI 1.297-77.219, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In pts with HCM, age, LAVi and ASr, were independently related to the presence of AF, while LAD was not. Moreover, in the subgroup of HCM pts with LAD &lt; 45 mm, ASr (reflecting LA contractile function) was the only LA remodelling parameter correlated with the presence of AF. The assessment of LA volume and function can provide further insights into the risk stratification of pts with HCM, especially in pts considered at lower risk for AF based on the assessment of classical risk parameters, such as LAD.

P216 Cardiac amyloidosis is not a single disease: an echocardiographic study of light chain vs transthyretin forms

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is described as one entity. However, several subtypes of amyloid can infiltrate the heart: light chain (AL) and tranthyretin (ATTR) are the most common.

Purpose

To characterize the specific findings of the CA subtypes as a tool to aid differential diagnosis between AL and ATTR CA.

Material and methods: Consecutive patients with CA were evaluated by clinical examination, ECG, cardiac biomarkers and echocardiography with both conventional and myocardial deformation study of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA) and right ventricle (RV). Amyloid subtype was described using light chain assessment for AL-CA and 99Tc-HMPD scintigraphy and TTR gene sequencing for ATTR-CA.

Results

32 patients with CA were included, 13 with ATTR and 19 with AL. Patients in AL group were significantly older, with higher levels of cardiac biomarkers. At similar LV EF and wall thickness, they had lower GLS. LA function parameters were also lower in AL pts (table). Using ROC curves, the best predictors for AL diagnosis were NTproBNP (AUC 0.937) and Tn levels (AUC 0.958), as well as LV GLS and pericardial fluid presence (both AUC 0.750).

Conclusions

At similar LV wall thickness and ejection fraction, cardiac dysfunction appears to be more severe in AL pts, with lower global LV longitudinal strain, worse LA function, higher sPAP and NTproBNP.

ATTR (13 pts) AL (19 pts) p Age (years) 50 ± 12 60 ± 8 0.01 NTproBNP (pg/mL) 3066 ± 3720 11755 ± 9114 0.02 hsTnI (ng/mL) 0.005 ± 0.008 0.147 ± 0.161 0.04 Pericardial fluid (%) 53% 100% 0.002 LVEDV (mL) 88 ± 25 75 ± 38 NS LVMi (g/m2) 166 ± 47 168 ± 41 NS LVEF (%) 50 ± 8 49 ± 16 NS LV GLS (%) -12.1 ± 3.8 -8.9 ± 4.5 0.04 Septal Basal/Apical LS 0.33 ± 0.17 0.25 ± 0.27 NS LAVi (mL/m2) 46 ± 21 45 ± 14 NS LAEF 4CV (%) 35 ± 21 24 ± 8 0.05 LA systolic strain (%) 17.4 ± 11.9 10.5 ± 5.0 0.02 RV free wall thickness (mm) 7.0 ± 1.5 7.6 ± 1.4 NS RV 6-segments strain (%) -15 ± 4 -10 ± 8 0.09 sPAP (mmHg) 36.6 ± 12.0 48.6 ± 17.2 0.04

1100 When multimodality imaging is needed to understand the etiology of diffuse negative t waves

Introduction

We present the case of a 50 year old woman, active smoker, hypercholesterolemic, nondiabetic, with normal body mass index, referred to our cardiology department for atypical chest pain and ECG changes (diffuse negative T waves in V1-V6, DII, DIII) (Panel A), also present on a resting ECG recorded 4 years previously.

Purpose

To highlight the fact that even though the most frequent cause of negative T waves remains coronary artery disease (CAD), the cause could be related to other more rare medical conditions.

Methods

After clinical examination and ECG, 2D echocardiography was performed. It revealed a normal sized left ventricle (LV) with perserved global and regional function, normal global longitudinal strain, nondilated atria and no significant valvular disease. The subcostal view suggested a hypertrophied right ventricle (RV) free wall (10 mm thickness, with apparent homogeneous echogenicity) (Panel B, arrow), with normal longitudinal function and no regional wall motion abnormalities.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed for a better tissue characterization. The CMR examination found normal cardiac cavities, normal wall thickness of both ventricles (RV free wall of 3 mm), no late gadolinium enhancement, but described a large amount of fat with concentric disposition, maximum thickness of 9 mm anterior of RV, 3 mm posterior of LV (Panel C).

Since this was not fully explaining the ECG changes and the patient presented with a low-intermediate pretest probability for CAD, an angio-CT coronary scan was performed and showed a calcium score of 7 AU, no significant coronary atherosclerosis, and a hypoplastic circumflex artery (Panel D, arrow). A total volume of 149 ml. of pericardial fat was measured (Panel E).

Stress echocardiography was performed with maximal workload achieved (145 bpm, 85% predicted, 100 W); no chest pain was reported, no regional wall motion abnormalities were seen and there was normal contractile reserve.

Results

Using multimodality imaging a differential diagnosis was followed, which included: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (negative T waves, apparent changes of RV free wall on echo, but no family history of sudden cardiac death), CAD (atypical angina, cardiovascular risk factors, negative T waves), and pericarditis (but negative inflammatory markers, no pericardial fluid). The final hypothesis is that the ECG changes are related to the abnormal pericardial adipose tissue deposit, which acts similar to pericarditis.

Conclusions

The present case report is, to our knowledge, the first to describe an association between large pericardial fat deposit and ECG changes, when other causes were excluded. Even if the current findings are benign, the patient should be followed closely, and risk factors should be thoroughly controlled, as several studies have shown that pericardial fat is associated with poorer cardiovascular prognosis

Abstract 1100 Figure. Multimodality imaging in our patient

P757 Left atrial contractile function improves shortly after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A speckle tracking echocardiography study

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) reverses LV remodeling and improves overall cardiac function, but data regarding its effect on left atrial (LA) function is scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term effect of TAVR on LA myocardial deformation parameters and the relationship between the improvement of LA function and baseline echocardiographic parameters.

Methods

Fourty-eight consecutive pts (75 ± 6 yrs, 28 men) considered to be at increased risk for surgical aortic valve replacement were enrolled and examined before and 30 days after TAVR. All pts underwent a comprehensive echocardiogram, including speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for deformation analysis. Longitudinal LA strain parameters were assessed from the apical 4-chamber view. Peak values of global longitudinal LA strain (LAε) and LA systolic strain rate (SSr, reservoir function) and early diastolic strain rate (ESr, conduit function) were measured in all. Contractile LA function (late diastolic strain rate, ASr) was assessed in patients in sinus rhythm (39 pts).

Results

Compared with baseline, the mean indexed LV mass was significantly reduced after TAVR (141 ± 26 vs 160 ± 37 g/m2, p = 0.009) but the mean increase in LVEF was not statistically significant (51 ± 14% vs 47 ± 15%, p = 0.2). There was a significant reduction in systolic pulmonary pressure after TAVR (34 ± 12 vs 42 ± 13, p = 0.004). Although there was no significant decrease in indexed LA volume (51 ± 22 vs 56 ± 20 ml/m2, p = 0.3), the contractile LA function significantly improved 30-days after TAVR (mean ASr, -1.1 ± 0.5 vs -0.8 ± 0.4 %, p = 0.02). There was a tendency of improvement in global longitudinal LA strain (15 ± 7 vs 12 ± 6%, p = 0.06) and global longitudinal LV strain (-13 ± 4 vs -11 ± 5%, p = 0.06) as well. Parameters of LV diastolic function, including TDI derived e’ and E/e’ ratios were not significantly improved 30 days after TAVI. While LA volumes and function parameters were not significantly different between genders at baseline, the improvement of LA function was more frequently found in male pts (p = 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the improvement of LA function parameters and baseline echocardiographic parameters in our study group. The only predictor of LA booster function improvement was the baseline value of ASr (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

TAVR is associated with a significant recovery of LA function as assessed by STE, suggesting a reverse cavity remodeling. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in LV mass and systolic pulmonary pressure. Men seem to show a more significant improvement in LA contractile function, suggesting a gender-related LA response to chronic afterload reduction.

P1545 Predictors of survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension receiving specific vasodilator therapy

In patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) right ventricular (RV) function is a well-recognized determinant of clinical outcome, including cardiac death. Data regarding the prognostic value of comorbidities in patients with PH are scarce. Purpose. To identify predictors of cardiac death and all-cause mortality on mid-term follow-up in PH patients receiving specific vasodilator therapy. Methods. Sixty-eight patients (40 ± 16 years, 51 women) with PH (12 with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension-PAH, 32 with congenital heart disease, 10 ith connective tissue disease, 7 with chronic thromboembolic PH and 7 with other forms of PAH) treated with pulmonary vasodilators were studied. Clinical parameters (NYHA class, 6-minutes walking distance, 6MWD), biological (hemoglobin, B-type natriuretic peptide-BNP), and echocardiographic parameters of RV function (TAPSE, tissue-Doppler imaging-derived free-RV wall S- and e’-wave, RV fractional area change (FAC), Tei index, I/H, RV isovolumic acceleration-IVA) and cardiac index were assessed. RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS) was measured from the apical 4-chamber view as the average of 3 (free-wall) and 6 (free-wall and interventricular septum) segments by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Parameters of pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) were assessed: pulsatility, capacitance, elastic modulus, dynamic compliance. Two endpoints were defined: cardiac death and all-cause mortality. Results. PH patients were followed-up for 35 months (4-81). Comorbidities were identified in 15 patients (non-cardiac surgery, anemia, chronic kidney disease, neoplasia, respiratory infections). During follow-up, 20 patients died, 14 deaths being cardiac deaths. At univariable analysis, the following parameters correlated with all-cause mortality: age (51 ± 14 in deceased patients vs 36 ± 15 years in surviving patients, p &lt; 0.001), 6MWD (262 ± 171 vs 369 ± 155 m, p = 0.015), FAC (30 ± 9 vs 38 ± 8%, p &lt; 0.001), 6 segments RV-GLS (-12.3 ± 5.1 vs -15.1 ± 4.5%, p = 0.025), S-RV (9.9 ± 2.2 vs 11.4 ±2.3 cm/s, p = 0.016), TAPSE (16.3 ± 3.3 vs 18.6 ± 3.5 mm, p = 0.014), right atrial (RA) area (30.6 ± 13.1 vs 21.2 ± 8.8 cm2, p = 0.001) hemoglobin (12.9 ± 2.6 vs 15.2 ± 3.0 g/dl, p = 0.004) and BNP levels (lnBNP, 5.8 ± 1.3 vs 4.1 ± 1.4, p &lt; 0.001), presence of comorbidities (10 vs 5, p = 0.001). At multivariable analysis, only comorbidities (p = 0.05) and FAC (p = 0.07) seemed to independently predict all-cause mortality. Predictors of cardiac death at univariate analysis were age, RV function parameters, RA area, PA capacitance (1.02 ± 0.56 vs 1.48 ± 0.80 ml/mmHg, p = 0.05) and cardiac index (2.48 ± 0.64 vs 3.31 ± 1.34 l/min/m2, p = 0.03) but only age (p = 0.03) and cardiac index (0.06) emerged as independent predictors of cardiac death. Conclusions: In PH patients, RV function and comorbidities predict all-cause mortality, while age and cardiac index are independent determinants of cardiac death. Identifying and properly treating associated pathologies could impact survival in this setting.

P4656Short- and long-term evaluation of safety of cardiac sarcomas radiotherapy

Background

Primary cardiac sarcomas (PCS) have a dismal prognosis (a reported median survival of 17 months). Complete surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, but the resection may be incomplete or impossible because of the local extension. Multimodal treatment (MMT) with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) is widely used in soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities, improving survival, and could be considered for PCS. A consequence of the inclusion of the heart in a radiation field, is acute and chronic radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). New RT techniques, as Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) reduce the risk, focusing the radiation burden to the target neoplasm and limiting the involvement of the cardiac structures. Nevertheless, RT is rarely used in PCS, because the target lesion is inside the heart, and the heart's movement make difficult to avoid the irradiation of the surrounding structures.

Purpose

Our aim was to report the short and long term clinical and echocardiographic changes in patients (pts) with cardiac sarcomas treated with IMRT.

Methods

Amongst a group of 33 with PCS seen in our hospitals, we reviewed the data of 20 pts (12 males, 8 females) with PCS treated with local RT. The tumors were left-sided in 10 pts, right-sided in 8 and involved both right and left chambers in 2; fifteen patients had received also anthracyclines chemotherapy (CT). For every patient, we reviewed the clinical data and the echocardiograms performed (as for protocol) before and after CT, before starting RT, weekly during RT and at follow-up (FU), performed every 3 months for 2 years, every 6 months for 3 more years, then yearly. The mean age at diagnosis was 48 years (range 22–72). The FU lasted 2 to 131 months (mean 31, median 14). Five pts are alive 29–85 months (mean 57), after ending therapies, the others died of non-cardiac causes.

Results

At the end of RT 3 pts had atrial fibrillation (AF), which was cardioverted with Amiodarone, and one had acute pericarditis, treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for one week. Long-term therapy was not needed. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 52% to 70%, decreased by −1% to −10% in 10 pts. At last FU, LVEF ranged from 52 to 75%; it decreased (compared to baseline) by >11% in 1 pt only; global longitudinal LV strain (GLS), available in 8 pts only, was −17%. Amongst the pts with IMRT on the right heart, right ventricular function (evaluated by tricuspid annulus excursion, and right ventricular area shortening fraction) was within normal limits in all both at short and long term FU. There were no cases of constrictive pericarditis or of valvular disease.

Conclusion

In our experience IMRT for heart sarcomas seems to be relatively safe using modern RT techniques, without evident RIHD at long term follow-up. Larger studies are necessary to further evaluate the safety of RT in the multimodal treatment of cardiac sarcomas.

P3569The effect of percutaneous renal revascularization upon cardiac structure and function in patients with significant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis

Introduction

Different consequences concerning the cardiac function and structure in patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS) and completely different patterns of activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system were reported, depending on RAS severity. These changes might have an impact upon the outcomes after renal revascularization.

Purpose

The study was aimed to analyze the effect of renal stenting upon echocardiographic parameters of cardiac structure and function in the studied population and by comparison between 3 different RAS-profile patients.

Methods

A total of 78 hypertensive patients diagnosed by renal angiography with significant RAS (>70%) were prospectively enrolled, thus subsequently resulting in 3 groups (34-unilateral RAS, 28-bilateral RAS, 14-RAS in a solitary kidney). Clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular (LV) dimensions, LV mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), type of cardiac geometry, systolic and diastolic function, LV filling pressures) were assessed before renal stenting and 12 months after the procedure. The evolution of renal function was based on the glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCKD-EPI). Blood pressure evolution after revascularization was defined as cured, controlled, improved or stationary.

Results

Similar baseline characteristics were found for the 3 study groups regarding demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, baseline LV diameters, RWT and LVMI (p>0.05), although higher values of echocardiographic parameters were observed in solitary kidney RAS patients. Only 9.6% of all cases had normal geometry, the majority of the patients presenting concentric hypertrophy (58.9%) of similar proportions in the defined groups. Analyzing variations of echocardiographic parameters before and 12 months after stenting confirmed significant changes in all structural parameters (LV walls dimensions, LVMI, RWT, p<0.05), with significant differences between the 3 study groups. The most favorable evolution after revascularization was observed in bilateral-RAS patients (significant decreased cardiac mass, p=0.018), while RAS in a solitary kidney was associated with non-significant changes of the analyzed parameters. The evaluation of cardiac geometry evolution 12 month after renal stenting showed a stationary cardiac remodeling profile (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The current analysis showed favorable outcomes after renal angioplasty with stent in RAS patients with regard to structural changes of the LV (regression of LVMI, RWT). However, the impact of these beneficial changes did not have the magnitude for producing a significant effect upon cardiac geometry one year after renal revascularization.

P888Left ventricular diastolic function and left atrial longitudinal function during exercise correlate with exercise capacity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

The clinical course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is heterogeneous and the development of heart failure (HF) is difficult to predict. Exercise echocardiography can provide information about mechanisms involved in the occurrence of HF symptoms: development of intraventricular obstruction, increase in mitral regurgitation (MR) severity, impaired left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) function.

Purpose

To analyse the changes in LV and LA function during exercise and to identify the main correlates of exercise capacity in patients (pts) with HCM, in sinus rhythm and with normal LV ejection fraction.

Methods

We have prospectively enrolled 32 pts (48±17 years, 15 men) with HCM and no obstruction at rest. A symptom limited exercise echocardiogram was performed in all pts using a table ergometer. Maximum LV wall thickness (LVWT), indexed left atrial volume (LAVi), septal E', E/septal E' ratio, were measured at rest (r) and during exercise (e). Global longitudinal LV strain (GLS) and LA strain (LAɛ) were assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography at rest and during exercise. The peak LV outflow tract gradient, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and MR degree were recorded at rest and during exercise. Exercise-related symptoms, peak exercise heart rate (HR) and exercise capacity calculated in metabolic equivalents (METs) were also recorded.

Results

The mean value of achieved METs was 5.9±1.4, the peak HR was 124±25 bpm, representing 72±12% of maximal HR, during a mean of 8.5±2.5 minutes of exercise. Thirteen pts developed LV gradients >30 mmHg. Fifteen pts were asymptomatic, while 17 pts reported dyspnea during exercise. There were no significant differences between pts with and without symptoms regarding: age, rE', rE/E', rGLS, rLAɛ, rMR, rPAP, LAVi, eE/e', eGLS, eMR, ePAP (p>0.05 for all). Symptomatic pts had lower values for eE' (p=0.01), eLAɛ (p=0.03) and tended to have higher values for LVWT (p=0.06) and a higher prevalence of eLV outflow tract obstruction (p=0.13) compared to asymptomatic pts. In symptomatic group of pts, E' (p=0.004), PAP (p<0.001) and GLS (p=0.04) significantly increased and LAɛ tended to decrease (p=0.18) during exercise. Age (r=−0.44, p=0.01), rE' (r=0.40, p=0.02), eE' (r=0.46, p=0.01), ePAP (r=−0.35, p=0.04) and LVWT (r=−0.32, p=0.07) significantly correlated with achieved METs in HCM pts overall. In multivariate analysis, eE' (β=0.60, 95% CI 0.122 to 0.009, p=0.003) was the only parameter independently correlated with exercise capacity (expressed in METs).

Conclusions

Symptomatic pts had a worse LV diastolic function (as expressed by E') and a severe LA longitudinal dysfunction (as expressed by LAɛ) during exercise. E' during exercise was the only parameter independently correlated with exercise capacity in pts with HCM. These suggest that a detailed analysis of LV and LA function during exercise could provide additional information to predict the occurrence of HF in HCM pts.

1175Structural progression increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inheritable cardiomyopathy with incomplete penetrance, variable phenotype severity and poorly described disease progression. It is characterized by high risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Risk stratification and selection of patients presenting without history of life-threatening arrhythmic events for cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in primary prevention remains challenging.

Purpose

We aimed to assess the impact of disease progression on arrhythmic outcomes in AC patients.

Methods

We included consecutive AC probands and mutation-positive family members with at least one complete follow-up evaluation. Echocardiographic and electrical parameters were defined according to the 2010 Revised Task Force criteria at inclusion and at last follow-up. Structural progression was defined as development of new echocardiographic diagnostic criteria. Electrical progression was defined as the development of new diagnostic depolarization, repolarization and/or premature ventricular complex count criteria during follow-up. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia occurring during follow-up defined incident ventricular arrhythmic events.

Results

We included a total of 144 patients (48% female, 47% probands, 40±16 years old). At inclusion, 54 patients (37%) had a history of arrhythmic events, 30 patients (21%) had overt structural disease and 114 (79%) had no or minor structural disease. During 7.0 (IQR: 4.5 to 9.4) years of follow-up, 49 patients (43%) with no or minor structural disease at inclusion developed new structural criteria being defined as progressors. Among 80 participants with no or minor structural disease and no arrhythmic history at inclusion, a first arrhythmic event occurred in 14 (17%). The incidence of arrhythmic events was higher in progressors (11/27, 41%) than in non-progressors (3/53, 6%) (p<0.001) (Figure). Structural progression was associated with higher risk of first arrhythmic events during follow-up when adjusted for sex, age at inclusion and follow-up duration, independent of electrical progression (7.6, 95% CI [1.5, 37.2], P=0.01).

Incident arrhythmic events distribution

Conclusion

Almost half of patients without overt structural cardiac disease at genetic diagnosis develop new structural criteria during 7 years follow-up and 17% experienced their first ventricular arrhythmic event. Structural progression was independently associated with ventricular arrhythmic events during follow-up. These findings highlight the increased risk of arrhythmias when structural abnormalities are detected. Their finding may initiate the evaluation for primary prevention cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

Comparative Analysis of Immediate Postoperative Complications Following Total Gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Total gastrectomy (TG), despite disrupting the continuity of the alimentary tract and accounting for significant postoperative complications, is the procedure of choice for curative resection of gastric carcinoma. The objectives of this study were to report the rate of postoperative complications following TG, to analyze adverse postoperative outcomes, and to determine which of the two techniques - the Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and Omega-Braun TG, is safer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was conducted among patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma who underwent TG between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2012 in the Surgery Department of the Bucharest Clinical Emergency Hospital. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis with parametric and non-parametric tests was carried out using GraphPad, with statistical significance set at p &lt;0.05.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients, aged 37-91 years (average age 64.1 ± 11.59 years), were enrolled in this study. A total of 84 immediate postoperative complications were encountered in 35 patients (47.5%), classified into local (n=21, 25%) and general complications (n=63, 75%). Reoperation was necessary in five cases (6.2%), all after Roux-en-Y end-side esophagojejunostomy. Two deaths (n=2, 2.5%), one after Roux-en-Y and one after Omega-Braun TG, were reported.

DISCUSSION

The Roux-en-Y technique had a higher number of complications, both local and general. Omega-Braun TG was associated with a lower number of local complications; however, it was associated with life-threatening complications including hemodynamic instability and multisystem organ failure.

CONCLUSION

The study deemed Roux-en-Y Esophagojejunostomy the overall safer procedure. A statistically significant correlation between manual anastomosis and mortality was observed. Total Gastrectomy is a complex procedure with numerous potential complications which calls for an improved surgical technique to reduce postoperative risk.

Comparative Analysis of Immediate Postoperative Complications Following Total Gastrectomy

Introduction: Total gastrectomy (TG), despite disrupting the continuity of the alimentary tract and accounting for significant postoperative complications, is the procedure of choice for curative resection of gastric carcinoma. The objectives of this study were to report the rate of postoperative complications following TG, to analyze adverse postoperative outcomes, and to determine the safer technique between Roux –en-Y Esophagojejunostomy and Omega Braun TG. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted among patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma who underwent TG between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2012 in the Surgery Department of the Bucharest Clinical Emergency Hospital. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis with parametric and non-parametric tests was carried out using GraphPad, with statistical significance set at p <0.05. Results: Seventy-seven patients, aged 37-91 years (average age 64.1 ± 11.59 years), were enrolled in this study. A total of 84 immediate postoperative complications were encountered in 35 patients (47.5%), classified into local (n=21, 25%) and general complications (n=63, 75%). Reoperation was necessary in five cases (6.2%), all after Roux-en-Y end-side esophagojejunostomy. Two deaths (n=2, 2.5%), one after Roux-en-Y and one after Omega-Braun TG, were reported. Discussion: The Roux-en-Y technique had the higher number of complications, both local and general. Omega-Braun TG was associated with a lower number of local complications; however, it was associated with life-threatening complications including hemodynamic instability and multisystem organ failure. A statistically significant correlation between manual anastomosis and mortality was observed. Conclusion: The study deemed Roux-en-Y Esophagojejunostomy the overall safer procedure. A statistically significant correlation between manual anostomosis and mortality was observed. Total Gastrectomy is a complex procedure with numerous potential complications which calls for an improved surgical technique to reduce postoperative risk.

Quantifying subtle changes in cardiovascular mechanics in acromegaly: a Doppler myocardial imaging study

AIM OF THE STUDY

To describe morphological and functional cardiovascular changes in acromegaly (ACM) patients, as well as to investigate the ability of Doppler-based myocardial deformation imaging (DMI) to characterize subtle dysfunction in ACM.

METHODS

69 patients (pts) with ACM (mean age 47 ± 10 years, 27 men) and 31 controls (mean age 43 ± 16 years, matched for age and gender) were recruited. Standard echocardiography and DMI data were obtained for all patients. Peak systolic longitudinal strain values (S) were determined for the left and right ventricles. Radial S was measured at the level of the mid inferolateral segment. Using a high-resolution echo-tracking system, the main indices of arterial stiffness were measured.

RESULTS

Of the ACM subjects, 57 had active disease (group A), and 12 controlled ACM (group B). All pts with ACM presented structural changes: a higher LV indexed mass (112 ± 36, 118 ± 23 vs 74 ± 18 g/m(2), p < 0.001) and a higher relative wall thickness (0.45 ± 0.09, 0.50 ± 0.07 vs 0.40 ± 0.07, p = 0.003) compared to controls. Also, ACM pts had functional changes: reduced LV ejection fraction (57 ± 5, 55 ± 5 vs 64 ± 4%, p < 0.001) and altered diastolic function (E/A 1.0 ± 0.4, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.005) compared to controls. Both longitudinal and radial LV S values were lower in ACM compared to controls: -16.5 ± 3.5, -16.8 ± 4.3 vs -21.5 ± 3.8%, p < 0.001 for longitudinal and 38.3 ± 12.3, 35.6 ± 11.8 vs 52.2 ± 11.7%, p = 0.002 for radial strain.

CONCLUSIONS

ACM pts present LV concentric hypertrophy and LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, even in controlled disease. Altered global LV systolic function appears to be due both to longitudinal and radial dysfunction.