The role of the Gulf of Cadiz circulation in the redistribution of trace metals between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea

The GoC shelf waters present much higher concentrations of dissolved Cu, Cd, and Zn than other coastal areas, constituting an important source of these elements onto its neighbouring basins, i.e., the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In this study we assessed the role of the GoC surface currents in the trace metals transport. For this purpose, ten dissolved (<0.22 µm) trace metals were sampled (Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn, V) along the GoC continental shelf, and their spatial and temporal distribution was interpreted according to the surface circulation. Results show that the complex surface circulation over the shelf confines the metals concentration mainly along the inner shelf and determines their transport patterns: under southeastward currents, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Pb are transported toward the Mediterranean Sea; under northwestward countercurrents, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn are transported toward the southern and, occasionally, the western Portuguese shelf; under variable currents, Ag, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn tend to accumulate near their source. Considering that some of these metals have not been analysed before in this region (Ag, Mo, V), or that the spatial distribution of certain metals (Ag, Fe, Mo, Pb, V) has not been interpreted in terms of the ocean circulation, this work could be considered as a baseline study for future comparisons.

93 A hemodynamic challenge in assessment of echocardiographic mitral regurgitation severity

DIscussion

This case illustrates the importance of assessment of hemodynamic status of the patient during echocardiographic evaluation of mitral regurgitation severity, and presents a pharmacological strategy to compensate hypotensive effects of sedative agents used during TEE.

P235 A happy ending for a dancing thrombus on the right atrium

Discussion

Large right atrial thrombus in the setting of PTE is a clinical situation in which there is no consensus regarding clinical management. In most cases, management is dictated by haemodynamic status of the patient. In the setting of a hemodynamically stable patient, systemic anticoagulation can be an option. Surgery, fibrinolysis and percutaneous aspiration have also been advocated. Successful treatment of right heart thrombus with anticoagulation alone has been reported, but there are also reports of unsuccess with that strategy. This is a case of a successful treatment with anticoagulation alone and so, we currently consider that the choice of treatment strategy based on hemodynamic status continues to be the wisest strategy to adopt.

Abstract P235 Figure. Thrombus before and after

P862 A conservative strategy for a frequently fatal post-myocardial infarction mechanical complication

Discussion

Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a complication that, regardless of the treatment strategy has a high mortality rate, especially when patient presents in cardiogenic shock. However, when patient is stable and especially when comorbidities imposes a high interventional risk medical treatment can be an option. So far, this is a successful case of a medically managed post-myocardial infarction VSD.

Abstract P862 Figure. Ventricular Septal Defect

P872 A case of transient atrioventricular block: the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Discussion

Transient atrioventricular block is a well-known complication of myocarditis when there is involvement of the conduction system by the inflammatory reaction. However, in rare cases it can persist or recur. CMRI plays an important role in these cases. Gadolinium-enhanced CMRI can be used to access the extent of inflammation and cellular edema and delayed-enhanced CMRI can also be used to quantify scarring which has important prognostic value. CMRI can also play a crucial role in excluding infiltrative disorders with conduction system involvement. Also, in these patients, the transient aspect of atrioventricular block poses a challenge when deciding about permanent pacemaker insertion.

Abstract P872 Figure. Magnetic Ressonance IVS

P1366 Low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis: might mitral regurgitation be a culprit?

Introduction

According to current guidelines, given a patient with low-gradient (aortic valve maximum velocity &lt; 4m/s and/or aortic valve mean gradient &lt;40mmHg), aortic valve area (AVA) &lt; 1cm2 and low-flow (stroke volume (SV) &lt; 35mL/min/m2), with preserved left ventricle function (ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%), an integrated approach for assessment of aortic stenosis severity is proposed. We aimed to investigate whether mitral regurgitation can play a role in those cases, possibly being responsible for low antegrade systolic flow.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 121 consecutive transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) of patients with severe aortic stenosis, with AVA &lt; 1.0cm2 as assessed by continuity equation. Patients with low ejection fraction (&lt; 50%) were excluded. We therefore included 84 patients (females 53,6%, mean age 79,1+-10 years). Stroke volume was assessed by Doppler at the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT). We then compared the prevalence of more than mild mitral regurgitation among patients with low-gradient and low-flow and the other patients.

Results

15 patients had both low-gradient, low-flow and preserved ejection fraction. There was a significant association regarding the presence of more than mild mitral regurgitation among these patients (p = 0.028, OR = 4.7, CI 95% 1.1-20.1). In these patients, it was also observed a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.03, OR = 6.9, CI 95% 1.74-27.1), lower longitudinal systolic function of right ventricle as measured by TAPSE (16.6 vs 21.5mm, p = 0.028), and a tendency towards higher left atrial volume (113 vs 87mL, p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Given the findings that the prevalence of more than mild mitral regurgitation is higher in patients with severe aortic stenosis as assessed by AVA with both low-gradient, low-flow and preserved ejection fraction, we suggest that the presence of more than mild mitral regurgitation should be considered on the approach of aortic stenosis classification of these patients.

P1298 A conservative strategy for an uncommon complication of endocarditis

Discussion

Infective endocarditis of mechanical prosthesis has different presentations depending on the involvement of prosthesis and periprosthetic structures, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pseudoaneurysm of the intervalvular fibrosa is an uncommon complication, furthermore when complicating with dissection to near structures such as RVOT and the PT in this case. Treatment is mainly surgical, however, in this case the surgical risk was too high due to comorbidities and a conservative strategy was adopted. It seems that it was a reasonable strategy as the patient evolution was unremarkable when regarding endocarditis. Unfortunately, he ended up dying from probably unrelated complications.

Abstract P1298 Figure. Pseudoaneurysm with fistulization

P5018Prognosis of pulmonary embolism 30-day mortality risk based on five admission parameters: the PoPE score

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and potentially fatal form of venous thromboembolism. The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), and its simplified version (sPESI), are widely used for risk stratification and mortality prediction, however, the elevated number of parameters make them difficult to use an apply in everyday practice.

Purpose

To provide a simple and easy-to-perform sensible score based on five clinical and metabolic parameters obtained in arterial blood gas (ABG) at admission: Altered Mental State (AMS), Shock Index (SI), Partial Pressure of Oxygen/Fraction of Inspired Oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2), blood pH and arterial lactate concentration (Lac), and to compare its performance to predict 30-day (early) mortality.

Material and methods

In retrospective multicentric observational case-control study, 1037 patients with confirmed PE were admitted in a 24-month period. We evaluated medical charts in order to calculate PESI and sPESI risk scores. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinical and ABG independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Discriminative power was accessed by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 1037 patients were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 69.5 +16.6 years, 39.5% (n=410) were males. Median length of stay was 11.0 [IQR 7.0–18.0] days. Early mortality was 12.6% (n=131). SI and Lac were significantly higher in patients with early mortality (0.81 [IQR 0.66–1.01] vs 0.68 [IQR 0.57–0.82], and 2.63 [IQR 1.60–4.64] mmol/L vs 1.32 [IQR 1.00–1.90] mmol/L, respectively, p<0.0001 for both). PaO2/FiO2and pH were significantly lower in patients with early mortality (231 +120 vs 303 +103, and 7.39 +0.14 vs 7.43 +0.07, respectively, p<0.0001 for both). There was a significantly higher proportion of patients with altered mental status (Glasgow Coma Scale <15) in patients with early mortality (55.0% vs 18.5%, c2(1)=85.3, p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis is summarized in Table 1. Stratified analysis was based on the approximate cut-off value for the last quartile of SI (0.85) and Lac (2.50 mmol/L) and for the first quartile of PaO2/FiO2 (250) and pH (7.35). Based on the similar beta coefficient values for each variable, we attributed 1 point in the presence of each following conditions: GCS <15, SI >0.85, PaO2/FiO2<250, pH <7.35 and Lac >2.50 mmol/L with a total PoPE scorerange 0–5. The PoPE score yielded a good prognostic performance in predicting in-hospital death using ROC analysis (AUC 0.806, 95% CI 0.767–0.845, p<0.0001). The PoPE score performance was superior when compared with PESI (AUC 0.806 vs 0.695, AUC difference 0.111, p<0.0001) and sPESI (AUC 0.806 vs 0.622, p<0.0001) – Figure 1. A PoPEscore of 1 has a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 48% in predicting early all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

The PoPE scoreproves an easy and simple tool with good performance which can predict early eraly 30-day mortality in patients admitted for PE.

P3633Should we continue to routinely revascularize patients during valve surgery in optimal medical therapy era?

Background

Optimal management of stable obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients (pts) undergoing heart valve surgery remains controversial. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effective prognostic role of CABG in pts undergoing valve surgery who had concomitant CAD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter survival analysis using multivariable Cox models and Kaplan-Meier curves of consecutive pts undergoing valve surgery with or without concomitant CABG between January 2015 and February 2017.

Results

From 1196 consecutive pts undergoing valvular surgery in 3 portuguese centers, 257 (21.5%) were found to have obstructive CAD (55.6% male, mean age 74±8 y.o., mean follow-up time 16±8 months, aortic valve disease 78.8%). No coronary revascularization (R) was attempted in 177 pts, complete R was achieved in 40 and R was anatomically incomplete in the remaining 40 pts. Age (75 vs 77.3 y.o.; p=0.202), multivessel disease (46.3% vs 53.8%, p=0.270), aortic valve disease (91.0% vs 92.5%, p=0.683), left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (11.8% vs 19.4%, p=0.272) were comparable between nonrevascularized and revascularized pts; SYNTAX score was low and also similar in both groups (7±12 vs 7±5, p=0.856). Left main disease (8.5% vs 17.5%, p=0.034) and EUROSCORE IIrisk score (2.3±2 vs 3.2±2, p=0.011) was higher for those with any revascularization. Non-revascularized pts had significantly lower all-cause mortality at follow up than those with any R (10.2% vs 21.2%, p=0.016). However, both in-hospital (4% vs 7.5%, p=0.230) and cardiovascular mortality (6.9% vs 7.1%, p=1.00) were similar. In a multivariate analysis, independent predictors for all-cause mortality were: any surgical R (HR 4.52, CI95% 2.09–9.78), baseline atrial fibrillation (HR 2.51, CI95% 1.07–5.90), left main disease (HR 3.153, CI95% 1.26–7.90) and peripheral artery disease (HR 2.95, CI95% 1.036–8.421). All-cause mortality for pts with obstructive CAD was higher than in pts with no CAD (13.6% vs 6.2, p<0.001). Interestingly, however, after multivariable adjustment, complete R was not found to be protective as compared to no R (HR 0.79, IC 0.31–2.06, p=0.633)

Kaplan-Meier Plots

Conclusion

Significant CAD is associated with worse outcomes in pts undergoing valve surgery. In this study, standard angiographically-guided R was not associated with improved results. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess risk stratification and the role of coronary R of stable CAD in this setting.

P3628Contemporary coronary artery disease prevalence in a valvular heart disease population undergoing surgery

Background

Patients undergoing heart valve surgery are routinely evaluated for the presence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), with the standard practice of combining valve intervention with a revascularization procedure, notably Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). Older studies suggest rates as high as 50% prevalence of CAD in this population. However, CAD prevalence, its treatment and prognostic implication has been questioned recently.

Objectives

The goal of this study is to evaluate the baseline characteristics, prevalence of CAD and treatment strategies in a contemporary population with valvular heart disease (VHD) referred for valve surgery.

Methods

In a national multicentre registry, consecutive patients, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016, with a formal indication for heart valve surgery referred for a pre-op routine coronary angiogram were systematically analysed. Baseline characteristics, valve pathology and CAD prevalence and patterns were determined. Obstructive CAD was defined as luminal angiographic stenosis ≥70% (≥50% for left main artery). The prognostic impact of the different valve disease and CAD treatment strategies were assessed.

Results

1175 patients (mean age 72.5±10.1; male 49.2%) fulfilled the clinical or echocardiographic indication for valve surgery by European guidelines. Valvular disease prevalence was: aortic stenosis (66.7%), aortic regurgitation (6.6%), mitral stenosis (6%), mitral regurgitation (19.2%), tricuspid regurgitation (7.5%). Mean follow-up time was 29.06±18.46 months. Prevalence of comorbidities was: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) 26%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 5.7% and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 23.4%. Mean Euroscore II was 2.6%. Obstructive CAD was present in 27.3% patients. Mean Syntax score was 10.2 (<22 in 88%, 23–32 in 10.2% and >33 in 1.8%). Left main artery and 3-vessel disease were found in 13.1% and 11.8% of patients with CAD, respectively. Valvular surgery was ultimately performed in 80.3%. In patients with CAD, 57.3% were revascularized. All-cause mortality rate during follow-up was 12.9%, with 7.8% from cardiovascular causes. In univariate analysis DM, COPD, CKD, NYHA class, obstructive CAD and no surgery (p<0.05) were associate with mortality on follow up. In multivariate analysis obstructive CAD (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.53–3.65, p<0.01) and no surgery (OR 6.05, 95% CI 3.95–9.30, p<0.01) persisted as independent all-cause mortality predictors.

Conclusion

In a contemporary cohort of patients with VHD and surgical indication, CAD prevalence is lower (27.3%) than described in literature. Mortality rates were higher in patients with obstructive CAD, worse NYHA functional class and in those who never underwent surgery.

P6410Eligibility and preference of extended antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention after an acute coronary syndrome

Background and purpose

Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the benefit of extended antithrombotic therapy in secondary prevention of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). However, the numerous and strict enrollment criteria may limit the validity and reproducibility of the published results in clinical practice. We aimed to estimate the eligibility for participation in RCTs of a group of patients followed up for ACS.

Methods

We applied the enrollment criteria of 2 RCTs (PEGASUS [low-dose ticagrelor – 60mg twice daily] and COMPASS [low-dose rivaroxaban – 2.5mg twice daily) to 780patients with history of ACS.

Results

A total of 938 patients admitted for ACS during 30months. Mean age was 68.8±10.3 years, 70.4% (n=660) males. Baseline characteristics are summarised in Table 1. Median length of stay was 6.0 (IQR 3.0–11.0 days). In-hospital mortality was 7.9%. Mortality after discharge within 12 months was 9.7%. A total of 780 patients were screened for trial enrollment after 12 months of follow-up. The proportion of patients fulfilling the trial enrollment criteria were 32.1% for PEGASUS and 35.9% for COMPASS. 41.6% of patients were eligible for at least one RCT. The main reasons for ineligibility for RCTs were the presence of comorbidities for PEGASUS and bleeding risk for COMPASS (Figure 1). Patients not fulfilling enrollment criteria for any RCT (58.4%) were older (71.4±9.7 vs 65.2±10.2 years, p<0.0001), more likely to have worse renal function (CrCl 47.8±28.8 vs 73.9±21.2 ml/min/1.73m2, p<0.0001), less left ventricular ejection fraction (44.4±11.4 vs 51.9±7.5%, p<0.0001) and had longer length of stay (7 IQR 4–13 vs 5 IQR 3–8 days, p<0.0001). The main differences in eligible and ineligible patients in both RCTs are summarised in Table 2.

Baseline characteristics and differences

Conclusions

Patients enrolled in RCTs are only partly representative of the real world population with history of ACS, mainly due to the higher prevalence of comorbidities and bleeding risk factors in this population. It is uncertain if these patients still benefit from theses therapies as in the published RCTs.

Downregulation of membrane complement inhibitors CD55 and CD59 by siRNA sensitises uterine serous carcinoma overexpressing Her2/neu to complement and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in vitro: implications for trastuzumab-based immunotherapy

Background:

We evaluated the expression of CD46, CD55 and CD59 membrane-bound complement-regulatory proteins (mCRPs) in primary uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and the ability of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against these mCRPs to sensitise USC to complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody (trastuzumab)-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro.

Methods:

Membrane-bound complement-regulatory proteins expression was evaluated using real-time PCR (RT–PCR) and flow cytometry, whereas Her2/neu expression and c-erbB2 gene amplification were assessed using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and fluorescent in-situ hybridisation. The biological effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of mCRPs on HER2/neu-overexpressing USC cell lines was evaluated in CDC and ADCC 4-h chromium-release assays.

Results:

High expression of mCRPs was found in USC cell lines when compared with normal endometrial cells (P<0.05). RT–PCR and FACS analyses demonstrated that anti-mCRP siRNAs were effective in reducing CD46, CD55 and CD59 expression on USC (P<0.05). Baseline complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against USC cell lines was low (mean±s.e.m.=6.8±0.9%) but significantly increased upon CD55 and CD59 knockdown (11.6±0.8% and 10.7±0.9%, respectively, P<0.05). Importantly, in the absence of complement, both CD55 and CD59, but not CD46, knockdowns significantly augmented ADCC against USC overexpressing Her2/neu.

Conclusion:

Uterine serous carcinoma express high levels of the mCRPs CD46, CD55 and CD59. Small interfering RNA inhibition of CD55 and CD59, but not CD46, sensitises USC to both CDC and ADCC in vitro, and if specifically targeted to tumour cells, may significantly increase trastuzumab-mediated therapeutic effect in vivo.

Late onset of invasive aspergillus infection in bone marrow transplant patients at a university hospital

Despite new antifungal treatment strategies, invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a principal cause of infectious mortality after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We reviewed the medical records of 93 allogeneic and 149 autologous transplant recipients during a 20 month period, with attention to cases of proven or probable IA. No autologous transplant recipient developed IA, whereas IA was seen in 15.1% of allogeneic recipients (including two of five patients with a prior history of IA despite prophylaxis), for an overall incidence of 5.8%. The median time to occurrence was 92 days post transplant, with no de novo cases developing prior to engraftment. Survival 100 days from diagnosis was 29%. Risk factors for the development of IA included > or = 21 days of corticosteroid therapy of >or= 1mg/kg/day and post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. These two risk factors were statistically linked. Our data illustrate a shift toward a later occurrence of post-transplant IA, suggesting a need for close, prolonged surveillance in the outpatient environment. The contributory role of protracted corticosteroid use is also highlighted. These data have important implications in an era of alternate donor transplants and more intense immunosuppression. Established strategies implementing newer, less toxic antifungal agents as prophylaxis in high-risk patients are needed.