Association of Sex with Outcome in Elderly Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Worse outcomes have been reported for women, compared with men, after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Whether this difference persists in elderly patients undergoing similar invasive treatment has not been studied. We investigated sex-related differences in 1-year outcome of elderly acute coronary syndrome patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Patients 75 years and older successfully treated with PCI were selected among those enrolled in 3 Italian multicenter studies. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the independent predictive value of sex on outcome at 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 2035 patients (44% women) were included. Women were older and most likely to present with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), diabetes, hypertension, and renal dysfunction; men were more frequently overweight, with multivessel coronary disease, prior myocardial infarction, and revascularizations. Overall, no sex disparity was found about all-cause (8.3% vs 7%, P = .305) and cardiovascular mortality (5.7% vs 4.1%, P = .113). Higher cardiovascular mortality was observed in women after STEMI (8.8%) vs 5%, P = .041), but not after non ST-elevation-ACS (3.5% vs 3.7%, P = .999). A sensitivity analysis excluding patients with prior coronary events (N = 1324, 48% women) showed a significantly higher cardiovascular death in women (5.4% vs 2.9%, P = .025). After adjustment for baseline clinical variables, female sex did not predict adverse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly men and women with ACS show different clinical presentation and baseline risk profile. After successful PCI, unadjusted 1-year cardiovascular mortality was significantly higher in women with STEMI and in those with a first coronary event. However, female sex did not predict cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for the different baseline variables.

Predictors of outcome in patients with de novo diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Role of combined myocardial and lung Iodine-123 Meta-Iodobenzylguanidine imaging

BACKGROUND

The predictors of outcome in patients with de novo diagnosis of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are poorly known.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All consecutive HFrEF patients admitted between October 2012 and November 2017 with their first episode of HF were scheduled for an outpatient follow-up. After 3 months, patients with confirmed HFrEF underwent Iodine-123 Meta-Iodobenzylguanidine imaging. We defined three study endpoints: HF rehospitalization, cardiac death and all-cause death. Eighty-four patients were enrolled. During follow-up (39.9 ± 18.6 months) HF rehospitalization occurred in 33 cases, cardiac death in 18 and all-cause death in 24. At multivariate analysis, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP; HR: 1.047; p = .027) and Late lung to heart ratio (L/H; HR: 1.341; p < .001) independently predict HF rehospitalization; left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV; HR: 1.016; p = .017), sPAP (HR: 1.064; p = .034) and Late L/H (HR: 1.323; p = .009) were predictors of cardiac death; LVESV (HR: 1.013; p = .018) and Late L/H (HR: 1.245; p = .012) were independent predictors of all-cause death. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the individual predictors confirmed their prognostic ability during follow-up; of note, the Late L/H cut-off of 1.1 improved the risk stratification capability of echocardiographic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Late L/H independently predicts HF rehospitalization, cardiac death and all-cause death in patients with de novo diagnosis of HFrEF and improves the prognostic stratification capability of conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Unusual, Radical Treatment of Type A Aortic Dissection: A Case Report

Type A aortic dissection, according to Stanford classification, is a surgical emergency with high morbidity and carries 56% of in-hospital mortality when surgical intervention is not performed. The surgical mortality at 30 days is 10 to 20%. The therapeutic goals are to replace the diseased ascending aorta and to treat or to monitor the distal aortic patent false lumen. When the dissection involves the aortic root and the architecture of aortic valve is normal, the surgical techniques used could be multiple: reinforce the aortic root and spare the native aortic valve or replace the aortic valve and the aortic root. The Florida sleeve technique has been developed to treat the aortic aneurysm, sparing the aortic valve in patients with connective tissue disease. Some case reports have described the use of this technique to treat an acute aortic dissection. In the following case, we present a single stage repair of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and proximal intrathoracic aorta in a patient with Type A aortic dissection through the contemporaneous use of two techniques: Florida sleeve and Vascutek “Thoraflex” hybrid prosthesis. The use of these two techniques allows the repair/replacement of the proximal intrathoracic aorta, the sparing of the native aortic valve, the employment of a hybrid prosthesis to replace the supraortic vessels, and the creation of a descending aortic landing zone for later, distal intervention.

Sirt1 Activity in PBMCs as a Biomarker of Different Heart Failure Phenotypes

Heart Failure (HF) is a syndrome, which implies the existence of different phenotypes. The new categorization includes patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), mid-range EF (HFmrEF), and reduced EF (HFrEF) but the molecular mechanisms involved in these HF phenotypes have not yet been exhaustively investigated. Sirt1 plays a crucial role in biological processes strongly related to HF. This study aimed to evaluate whether Sirt1 activity was correlated with EF and other parameters in HFpEF, HFmrEF, and HFrEF. Seventy patients, HFpEF (n = 23), HFmrEF (n = 23) and HFrEF (n = 24), were enrolled at the Cardiology Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno. Sirt1 activity was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels were quantified in plasma. HFpEF showed lower Sirt1 and ACE2 activities than both HFmrEF and HFrEF (p < 0.0001), without difference compared to No HF controls. In HFmrEF and HFrEF a very strong correlation was found between Sirt1 activity and EF (r² = 0.899 and r² = 0.909, respectively), and between ACE2 activity and Sirt1 (r² = 0.801 and r² = 0.802, respectively). HFrEF showed the highest TNF-α levels without reaching statistical significance. Significant differences in BNP were found among the groups, with the highest levels in the HFrEF. Determining Sirt1 activity in PBMCs is useful to distinguish the HF patients’ phenotypes from each other, especially HFmrEF/HFrEF from HFpEF.

Loeffler's Endocarditis: An Integrated Multimodality Approach

Loeffler's endocarditis (LE) is the cardiac manifestation of hypereosinophilic syndrome, a rare systemic disease characterized by the sustained production of eosinophils leading to organ damage. Few data, principally by case reports, are available regarding the diagnostic workup in patients with suspected LE. Thus, we have performed a systematic search of the literature dealing with imaging in LE and propose an integrated multimodality imaging approach in the cardiac diagnostics of LE patients. The aim is to provide an updated state-of-the-art review focused on noninvasive and invasive imaging modalities for this rare and underdiagnosed disease. Standard and advanced echocardiography are typically the first cardiac imaging examinations when LE is suspected and they are also used later in follow-up for prognostic stratification and assessing response to treatment. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides a more detailed anatomical and functional evaluation of cardiac chambers, tissue characterization for the presence and extension of myocardial edema and fibrosis, and ventricular thrombi identification. Computed tomography scan and [18F]-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography may be helpful in selected cases to evaluate the cardiac involvement of LE as well as the other noncardiac manifestations of hypereosinophilic syndrome. Endomyocardial biopsy may be considered in patients with high clinical suspicion of LE if noninvasive imaging findings are confusing or not conclusive. The appropriate use of invasive and noninvasive imaging modalities, combining the available techniques with the patients' clinical features, will hopefully lead to early diagnosis, more accurate staging of disease, and timely treatment of LE that may prevent the irreversible myocardial damage of LE and adverse cardiovascular events.

Prevalence and Predictors of Out-of-Target LDL Cholesterol 1 to 3 Years After Myocardial Infarction. A Subanalysis From the EYESHOT Post-MI Registry

BACKGROUND

There is an incomplete understanding of the prevalence and predictors of attainment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal after myocardial infarction (MI).

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of achievement of LDL-C goal of 70 mg/dL, to identify the baseline features associated with suboptimal lipid control, and to assess the use of LDL-C-lowering drug therapies (LLT) beyond the first year after MI.

METHODS

The EYESHOT Post-MI was a prospective, cross-sectional, Italian registry, which enrolled patients presenting to cardiologist 1 to 3 years after MI. In this retrospective post-hoc analysis, patients were categorized in 2 groups according to the achievement or not of the LDL-C goal of 70 mg/dL. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the baseline features associate with LDL-C≥70 mg/dL.

RESULTS

The study population included 903 patients (mean age 65.5 ± 11.5 years). Among them, LDL-C was ≥70 mg/dL in 474 (52.5%). Male sex (P = 0.031), hypertension (P = 0.024), prior percutaneous coronary intervention (P = 0.016) and high education level (P = 0.008) were higher in the LDL-C <70 group. At multivariable analysis, low education level was an independent predictor of LDL-C≥70 mg/dL (OR:1.582; 95%CI, 1.156-2.165; P = 0.004). Conversely, hypertension increased the probability to achieve the LDL-C goal (OR:0.650; 95%CI, 0.443-0.954; P = 0.028). Among off-target patients, LLT was not modified in the majority of cases (67.3%), intensified in 85 (18.6%), and actually reduced in 63 patients (13.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients presenting to cardiologists 1 to 3 years from the last MI event, LDL-C is not under control in a large proportion of patients, particularly in those with a low education level or without hypertension. LLT is underused in this very-high-risk setting.

Impact of renal dysfunction and acute kidney injury on outcome in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease is common in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome and its prevalence dramatically increases with age. Understanding the determinants of adverse outcomes in this extremely high-risk population may be useful for the development of specific treatment strategies and planning of secondary prevention modalities.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of baseline renal function and acute kidney injury on one-year outcome of elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

Patients aged 75 years and older with acute coronary syndrome undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention were selected among those enrolled in three Italian multicentre studies. Based on the baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula ([(140-age) × body weight × 0.85 if female]/(72 × serum creatinine)* 1.73 m2 of body surface area), patients were classified as having none or mild (eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2), moderate (eGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2) or severe (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2) renal dysfunction. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, rehospitalisation for cardiovascular causes, stroke and type 2, 3 and 5 Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleedings were analysed up to 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 1904 patients were included. Of these, 57% had moderate and 11% severe renal dysfunction. At 12 months, patients with renal dysfunction had higher rates (P < 0.001) of all-cause (4.5%, 7.5% and 17.8% in patients with none or mild, moderate and severe renal dysfunction, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (2.8%, 5.2% and 10.2%, respectively). After multivariable adjustment, severe renal dysfunction was associated with a higher risk of all-cause (hazard ratio (HR) 2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52-5.37, P = 0.001) and cardiovascular death (HR 3.11, 95% CI 1.41-6.83, P = 0.005), whereas non-fatal events were unaffected. Acute kidney injury incidence was significantly higher in ST-elevation myocardial infarction versus non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome patients (11.7% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.036) and in those with reduced baseline renal function (P < 0.001), and it was associated with increased mortality independently from baseline renal function and clinical presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline renal dysfunction is highly prevalent and is associated with higher mortality in elderly acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Acute kidney injury occurs more frequently among ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and those with pre-existing renal dysfunction and is independently associated with one-year mortality.

Time Course of Ischemic and Bleeding Burden in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Randomized to Low-Dose Prasugrel or Clopidogrel

Background Elderly patients have high ischemic and bleeding rates after acute coronary syndrome; however, the occurrence of these complications over time has never been studied. This study sought to characterize average daily ischemic rates ( ADIRs ) and average daily bleeding rates ( ADBRs ) over 1 year in patients aged >74 years with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention who were randomized in the Elderly ACS 2 trial, comparing low-dose prasugrel (5 mg daily) with clopidogrel (75 mg daily). Methods and Results ADIRs and ADBRs were calculated as the total number of events, including recurrent events, divided by the number of patient-days of follow-up and assessed within different clinical phases: acute (0-3 days), subacute (4-30 days), and late (31-365 days). Generalized estimating equations were used to test the least squares mean differences for the pairwise comparisons of ADIRs and ADBRs and the pairwise comparison of clopidogrel versus prasugrel effects. Globally, ADIRs were 2.6 times (95% CI, 2.4-2.9) higher than ADBRs . ADIRs were significantly higher in the clopidogrel arm than in the low-dose prasugrel arm in the subacute phase ( P_adj<0.001) without a difference in ADBRs ( P_adj=0.35). In the late phase, ADIRs remained significantly higher with clopidogrel ( P_adj<0.001), whereas ADBRs were significantly higher with low-dose prasugrel ( P_adj<0.001). Conclusions Ischemic burden was greater than bleeding burden in all clinical phases of 1-year follow-up of elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Low-dose prasugrel reduced ischemic events in the subacute and chronic phases compared with clopidogrel, whereas bleeding burden was lower with clopidogrel in the late phase. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 01777503.

How do cardiologists select patients for dual antiplatelet therapy continuation beyond 1 year after a myocardial infarction? Insights from the EYESHOT Post-MI Study

Background

Current guidelines suggest to consider dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) continuation for longer than 12 months in selected patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Hypothesis

We sought to assess the criteria used by cardiologists in daily practice to select patients with a history of MI eligible for DAPT continuation beyond 1 year.

Methods

We analyzed data from the EYESHOT Post‐MI, a prospective, observational, nationwide study aimed to evaluate the management of patients presenting to cardiologists 1 to 3 years from the last MI event.

Results

Out of the 1633 post‐MI patients enrolled in the study between March and December 2017, 557 (34.1%) were on DAPT at the time of enrolment, and 450 (27.6%) were prescribed DAPT after cardiologist assessment. At multivariate analyses, a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with multiple stents and the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) resulted as independent predictors of DAPT continuation, while atrial fibrillation was the only independent predictor of DAPT interruption for patients both at the second and the third year from MI at enrolment and the time of discharge/end of the visit.

Conclusions

Risk scores recommended by current guidelines for guiding decisions on DAPT duration are underused and misused in clinical practice. A PCI with multiple stents and a history of PAD resulted as the clinical variables more frequently associated with DAPT continuation beyond 1 year from the index MI.

Assessment of acute myocarditis by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods

BACKGROUND

To compare cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for the noninvasive assessment of myocardial inflammation in patients with suspected acute myocarditis (AM).

METHODS

A total of 61 patients with suspected AM underwent coronary angiography and CMR. Qualitative analysis was performed applying Lake-Louise Criteria (LLC), followed by quantitative analysis based on the evaluation of edema ratio (ER) and global relative enhancement (RE). Diagnostic performance was assessed for each method by measuring the area under the curves (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic analyses. The final diagnosis of AM was based on symptoms and signs suggestive of cardiac disease, evidence of myocardial injury as defined by electrocardiogram changes, elevated troponin I, exclusion of coronary artery disease by coronary angiography, and clinical and echocardiographic follow-up at 3 months after admission to the chest pain unit.

RESULTS

In all patients, coronary angiography did not show significant coronary artery stenosis. Troponin I levels and creatine kinase were higher in patients with AM compared to those without (both P < .001). There were no significant differences among LLC, T2-weighted short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) sequences, early (EGE), and late (LGE) gadolinium-enhancement sequences for diagnosis of AM. The AUC for qualitative (T2-weighted STIR 0.92, EGE 0.87 and LGE 0.88) and quantitative (ER 0.89 and global RE 0.80) analyses were also similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative and quantitative CMR analysis methods show similar diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of AM. These findings suggest that a simplified approach using a shortened CMR protocol including only T2-weighted STIR sequences might be useful to rule out AM in patients with acute coronary syndrome and normal coronary angiography.

Adiponectin and insulin resistance are related to restenosis and overall new PCI in subjects with normal glucose tolerance: the prospective AIRE Study

Background

In patients with Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT) some causes of ischemic heart disease (IHD) were not completely investigated. The role both of metabolic milieu and adipokines in IHD progression was not fully investigated. Our aim was to assess the link between adipokines plasma levels, insulin resistance (IR) and IHD in NGT patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

Methods

AIRE is a single-center prospective longitudinal observational study investigating the IHD outcome of NGT subjects who underwent coronary revascularization by PCI in a third level cardiology center at A.O. dei Colli Hospital, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”. Six hundred seventy-nine subjects hospitalized in 2015 for coronary arteriography not suffering from Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in the previous 4 weeks, as well as from all conditions could affect glycemic plasma levels and IR status, were assessed for eligibility. Fifty-four patients with neither history of diabetes nor Altered Fasting Glucose (AFG)/Impaired Fasting Glucose (IGT) after Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) were finally enrolled. Primary endpoint was the assessment of the relationship of adipokines and HOMA-IR with the occurrence of restenosis in NGT subjects. As secondary endpoint we assessed the association of the same adipokines and IR with overall ACS events after PCI in NGT subjects.

Results

The 54 NGT patients enrolled were mainly males (85%), with a median age of 60 years [IQR 58–63 years]. Only 4 patients (7.4%) experimented restenosis. Median follow-up was equal to 29.5 months [IQR 14.7–34 months]. Adiponectin levels were independently associated to restenosis (OR 0.206; 95% CI 0.053–0.796; p = 0.000). Instead HOMA-IR and adiponectin appeared independently associated both to de novo IHD (OR 9.6*10¹³; 95% CI 3.026–3.08*10²⁷; p = 0.042 and OR 0.206; 95% CI 0.053–0.796; p = 0.000, respectively) and overall new PCI (OR 1.5*10¹¹; 95% CI 2.593–8.68*10²¹; p = 0.042 and OR 0.206; 95% CI 0.053–0.796; p = 0.000, respectively). Moreover, we fixed a potential cut-off for adiponectin for risk of restenosis (≤ 8.5 µg/mL) and overall new PCI (≤ 9.5 µg/mL).

Conclusion

IR and cytokines play a role in progression of any stage of IHD also in NGT subjects. Our results in this setting of patients, though the relatively small sample size, represent a novelty. Future studies on larger populations are needed to analyze more in depth adipokines and insulin resistance role on IHD progression in non-diabetic people.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-019-0826-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long-term outcome in patients with Takotsubo syndrome presenting with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

AIM

To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 35%) at presentation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population included 326 patients (mean age 69.5 ± 10.7 years, 28 male) with TTS enrolled in the Takotsubo Italian Network, divided into two groups according to LVEF (≤ 35%, n = 131; > 35%, n = 195), as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at hospital admission. In-hospital events were recorded in both groups. At long-term follow-up (median 26.5 months, interquartile range 18-33), composite major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and TTS recurrence) and rehospitalization were investigated. Compared to patients with LVEF > 35%, patients with LVEF ≤ 35% were older (71.2 ± 10.8 vs. 68.4 ± 10.6 years; P = 0.026) and experienced more frequently cardiogenic shock (16% vs. 4.6%; P < 0.001), acute heart failure (28.2% vs. 12.8%; P = 0.001), and intra-aortic balloon pump support (11.5% vs. 2.6%; P = 0.001) in the acute phase. At long-term follow-up, higher rates of composite MACE (25.2% vs. 10.8%; P = 0.001) and rehospitalization for cardiac causes (26% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.004) were observed in these patients. LVEF ≤ 35% at admission [hazard ratio (HR) 2.184, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.231-3.872; P = 0.008] and age (HR 1.041, 95% CI 1.011-1.073; P = 0.006) were independent predictors of MACE. Patients with LVEF ≤ 35% also had a significant lower freedom from composite MACE during long-term follow-up (χ² = 11.551, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% at presentation is a key parameter to identify TTS patients at higher risk not only in the acute phase but also at long-term follow-up.

Outcomes of Elderly Patients with ST-Elevation or Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

INTRODUCTION

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have been classified according to the finding of ST-segment elevation on the presenting electrocardiogram, with different treatment strategies and practice guidelines. However, a comparative description of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention during index admission has not been published so far.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in the Elderly ACS-2 multicenter randomized trial. Main outcome measures were crude cumulative incidence and cause-specific hazard ratio (cHR) of cardiovascular death, noncardiovascular death, reinfarction, and stroke.

RESULTS

Of 1443 ACS patients aged >75 years (median age 80 years, interquartile range 77-84), 41% were classified as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 59% had non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTEACS) (48% NSTEMI and 11% unstable angina). As compared with those with NSTEACS, STEMI patients had more favorable baseline risk factors, fewer prior cardiovascular events, and less severe coronary disease, but lower ejection fraction (45% vs 50%, P < .001). At a median follow-up of 12 months, 51 (8.6%) STEMI patients had died, vs 39 (4.6%) NSTEACS patients. After adjusting for sex, age, and previous myocardial infarction, the hazard among the STEMI group was significantly higher for cardiovascular death (cHR 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-3.36), noncardiovascular death (cHR 2.10; 95% CI, 1.01-4.38), and stroke (cHR 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7-13.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite more favorable baseline characteristics, elderly STEMI patients have worse survival and a higher risk of stroke compared with NSTEACS patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Analysis of Regional Right Ventricular Function by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Aortic Stenosis

Background:

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Nevertheless, assessment of regional RV deformation is yet not performed. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of moderate and severe AS on global and regional RV function by a multisegmental approach using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

Methods:

In 50 patients (Group I – AS [n = 25] and Group II – normal controls [n = 25]), additional echocardiographic views of the RV were prospectively performed. The TDI sample volume was placed in the basal myocardial region of the anterior (RV-anterior), inferior (RV-inferior), and free RV wall (RV-free wall) to assess the following parameters: S'_RV, E'_RV, and A'_RV waves; IVCT_RV; IVRT_RV; and myocardial performance index (MPI_RV).

Results:

In AS patients, left ventricular (LV) mass index, left atrial (LA) volume index, and LV end-diastolic pressure were significantly increased. Moreover, AS patients had higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and lower values for PV AccT (P < 0.0001), but TAPSE was not different between the two groups (P = 0.062). In AS patients, IVRT_RV-anterior, IVRT_RV-inferior, and IVRT_RV-freewall and MPI_RV were statistically increased (P < 0.0001). A significant correlation between IVRT_RV (evaluated at all three regions) and the parameters including sPAP, PV AccT, and E_LV/e'_LV ratio was observed in AS. A strong correlation was observed between IVRT_{RV-freewall/inferior} and AS severity by evaluation of velocities, gradient, and aortic valve area (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

The present study reports a correlation between the severity of AS and the increase of IVRT_RV and MPI_RV. Thus, a distinct analysis of RV performance is important for echocardiographic evaluation of patients with AS.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Outcomes After Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds Versus Everolimus-Eluting Metallic Stents in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may represent an intriguing clinical scenario for implantation of bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BRS). Nevertheless, the knowledge about the performance of these devices in patients with ACS is limited. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of clinical studies aiming to assess the safety and efficacy of everolimus-eluting-BRS versus everolimus-eluting-metallic stents (EES) in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Six studies enrolling 2,318 patients were included and analyzed for the risk of primary safety outcome (stent or scaffold thrombosis [ST/ScT]), primary efficacy outcome (target lesion revascularisation [TLR]), and secondary outcomes (myocardial infarction, cardiac death, all-cause death). Median follow-up was 9.5 (6 to 19.5) months. Patients treated with BRS had a significantly higher risk of definite ST/ScT compared with those receiving EES (2.3% vs 1.08%, odds ratio [OR] 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10 to 4.45, p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). Similarly, the risk of TLR was significantly higher in the BRS compared with EES group (3.5% vs 2.5%, OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.16, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%). When TLRs due to thrombosis were excluded, the difference in risk estimates between the 2 groups was no longer significant (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.98, p = 0.71, I2 = 25%). Risk for secondary endpoints did not differ between the 2 groups. Results were confirmed when clinical and procedural variables were tested as potential effect modifiers in the meta-regression analysis for both primary endpoints. In conclusion, compared with those receiving EES, patients with ACS treated with BRS had increased risk of definite device thrombosis and TLR at mid-term follow-up.

Comparison of Reduced-Dose Prasugrel and Standard-Dose Clopidogrel in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Early Percutaneous Revascularization

Background:

Elderly patients are at elevated risk of both ischemic and bleeding complications after an acute coronary syndrome and display higher on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity compared with younger patients. Prasugrel 5 mg provides more predictable platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel in the elderly, suggesting the possibility of reducing ischemic events without increasing bleeding.

Methods:

In a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded end point trial, we compared a once-daily maintenance dose of prasugrel 5 mg with the standard clopidogrel 75 mg in patients >74 years of age with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was the composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, disabling stroke, and rehospitalization for cardiovascular causes or bleeding within 1 year. The study was designed to demonstrate superiority of prasugrel 5 mg over clopidogrel 75 mg.

Results:

Enrollment was interrupted, according to prespecified criteria, after a planned interim analysis, when 1443 patients (40% women; mean age, 80 years) had been enrolled with a median follow-up of 12 months, because of futility for efficacy. The primary end point occurred in 121 patients (17%) with prasugrel and 121 (16.6%) with clopidogrel (hazard ratio, 1.007; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.30; P =0.955). Definite/probable stent thrombosis rates were 0.7% with prasugrel versus 1.9% with clopidogrel (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–1.00; P =0.06). Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 2 and greater rates were 4.1% with prasugrel versus 2.7% with clopidogrel (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–3.16; P =0.18).

Conclusions:

The present study in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes showed no difference in the primary end point between reduced-dose prasugrel and standard-dose clopidogrel. However, the study should be interpreted in light of the premature termination of the trial.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01777503.

Micrornas and Cardiovascular Diseases: From Bench to Bedside

MicroRNAs (microRNAs or miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by binding to and repressing specific mRNA target and have emered as powerful regulators of many biological processes. Understanding miRNAs-biology and functions may be pivotal to get a better insight into pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for a large number of morbid conditions and may lay the foundations for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Moreover, besides their intracellular functions, miRs are present in the human circulation in a remarkably stable cell-free form, and their plasmatic levels have been proposed as biomarkers for several pathological conditions. The present review aims to summarize the current evidences with regard to biological role of miRNAs in cardiovascular system and their involvement in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, heart failure and pathological heart and vascular remodelling and to highlight their potential use as novel biomarkers and as therapeutic targets in cardiac and vascular diseases.

Early myocardial surgical revascularization after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in multivessel coronary disease: bridge therapy is the solution?

BACKGROUND

Many ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients have a multivessel disease that initially require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit vessel but subsequently may require coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) of nonculprit vessels. Evidence supports staged revascularization, but the identification of optimal strategies (percutaneous or surgical), the timing and the management of antiplatelet therapy after recent PCI with stenting are matters of great controversies.

METHODS

In our retrospective registry, we have enrolled 21 patients presenting with STEMI and multivessel disease, who underwent PCI of the culprit vessel only and then CABG of nonculprit vessels. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic findings, preoperative score, surgical data and postoperative complications were collected. At 21.6 ± 15.6 months follow-up death, reinfarction and/or cardiovascular and noncardiovascular events were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients were 62 ± 9 years old and had in the most cases a good ejection fraction. At angiography, the culprit lesion was right coronary artery in 16 patients (76%). Angiographic characteristics excluded a staged PCI (SYNTAX score = 31.6 ± 7.4) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II resulted low (1.46 ± 1.01). Following the indication to cardiac surgery after Heart Team discussion, the withdrawal of oral P2Y12 inhibitor was planned and tirofiban intravenous was started. Off-pump CABG was performed after 7.2 ± 3.2 days. No death, reinfarction and/or cardiovascular and noncardiovascular events occurred at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that a careful preoperative selection is mandatory for a good postoperative course and long-term survival and that early-staged CABG can, however, be performed using bridge therapy, also after STEMI.

Increased inflammatory status and higher prevalence of three-vessel coronary artery disease in patients with concomitant coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and concomitant peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have a greater inflammatory status than those with CAD alone. To this aim, we evaluated PAD (ankle/brachial pressure index <0.9), and measured plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in 234 patients who underwent coronary angiography. Median levels of CRP, IL-6 and sICAM-1 were higher in the CAD without PAD (n=134) and CAD+PAD (n=40) groups than in 60 patients without either disease (“controls”). Median CRP values were higher in patients with CAD+PAD than in patients with CAD alone (4.7 mg/L [1.5;7.6] vs 2.4 mg/L [0.9;3.8], p < 0.01). Three-vessel CAD was diagnosed in 60% of CAD+PAD patients and in 21% (p< 0.01) of CAD only patients. After adjustment for confounding factors, only PAD was independently associated with three-vessel CAD (p<0.001). This association was maintained after adjustment for IL-6, the only inflammatory parameter significantly associated with three-vessel CAD at univariate analysis (p<0.01). In conclusion, in CAD the coexistence of PAD is associated with a greater inflammatory status and more widespread coronary atherosclerosis. These results could help to explain the high cardiovascular risk of patients with concomitant CAD and PAD and suggest that PAD be included among the variables used to identify CAD patients for further diagnostic evaluation.

Cigarette smoking reduces platelet reactivity independently of clopidogrel treatment in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes

Smokers receiving clopidogrel show a lower residual platelet reactivity than non-smokers, a phenomenon generally ascribed to smoking-induced increased production of clopidogrel active metabolite, but also associated with the high hemoglobin levels of smokers, which decreases platelet reactivity in tests that measure platelet function in whole blood. We evaluated the impact of cigarette smoking and of hemoglobin levels on platelet reactivity index (PRI) measured by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation (VASP-P) assay in whole blood samples from patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions, both before and after clopidogrel administration. PRI was measured in 718 clopidogrel-naïve NSTE-ACS patients, both before and 1 month after treatment with clopidogrel (75 mg daily). Smokers (n = 347, 48%) had significantly lower mean PRI levels at both baseline (57.7 ± 24.1 vs. 64.8 ± 19.8, p < 0.001) and 1 month (43.4 ± 20.3% vs. 46.8 ± 18.0%, p = 0.017) than non-smokers. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Syntax score>15), the β coefficient of smoke on PRI was -8.51 [-11.90 to -5.11, p < 0.001] at baseline and -3.41 [-6.30 to -0.51, p = 0.02] after 1 month. Hemoglobin was higher in smokers (13.8 ± 1.5 g/dL) than non-smokers (13.1 ± 1.7 g/dL, p < 0.001), but was not significantly correlated with PRI both at baseline (Rho = 0.02, p = 0.60) and at 1 month (Rho = 0.01, p = 0.80). Our analysis confirms that clopidogrel-treated smokers have lower platelet reactivity, measured by the VASP-P assay, compared to clopidogrel-treated non-smokers. However, smokers had lower platelet reactivity already before receiving clopidogrel treatment, suggesting that smoke affects platelet reactivity independently of its potential effect on the pharmacokinetics of clopidogrel. Our data also indicate that such an effect is not mediated by increased hemoglobin levels.

Does renal function affect the efficacy or safety of a pharmacoinvasive strategy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of pharmacoinvasive strategy following fibrinolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in relation to renal function have not been established.

METHODS

Using patient-level data from 4 randomized controlled trials, we examined the efficacy and safety of pharmacoinvasive versus standard treatment after fibrinolysis for STEMI. Patients were stratified based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on presentation (<60 mL/min/1.73 m² vs ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²). The primary outcome was the composite of death or reinfarction at 30 days.

RESULTS

Of 2,029 patients, 457 (23%) had an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m². Patients with eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m² were older and had higher Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk scores. Compared with patients with eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m², patients with renal dysfunction had higher rates of the primary outcome (5.3% vs 11.8%, respectively; P<.001). There was no significant heterogeneity in the treatment effect of pharmacoinvasive strategy on the primary outcome (P heterogeneity=.73) or the rate of death or reinfarction at 1 year (P heterogeneity=.64) in relation to eGFR. Patients with renal dysfunction had higher rates of in-hospital major bleeding compared with patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² (7.7% vs 4.3%, respectively; P=.004); however, there was no difference in bleeding events between treatment arms in the overall cohort or in relation to eGFR (P heterogeneity=.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal impairment is associated with increased rates of adverse events in STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis. However, the safety and efficacy of pharmacoinvasive strategy are preserved in patients with renal impairment on presentation.

Risk Stratification Using the CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Takotsubo Syndrome: Data From the Takotsubo Italian Network

Background

The CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score predicts stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and has been reported to have a prognostic role even in acute coronary syndrome patients. The Takotsubo syndrome is a condition that mimics acute coronary syndrome and may present several complications including stroke. We sought to assess the ability of CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score to predict adverse events in Takotsubo syndrome patients.

Methods and Results

Overall, 371 Takotsubo syndrome patients were enrolled in a prospective registry. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score: Group A (≤1), B (2–3), and C (≥4). The median CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score was 3 (interquartile range: 2–4). Overall, 9%, 42%, and 49% were included in Group A, B, and C, respectively. Follow‐up length was 26±20 months. The mortality rate was 6%, 7%, and 17% in Group A, B, and C, respectively (P=0.011). The stroke rate was 3% and not different among the 3 groups. Estimated major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (the composite of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) rates in the 3 groups were 6%, 9%, and 17% in Group A, B, and C, respectively (P=0.033). The CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score resulted as a predictor of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.6; P=0.01) and all‐cause mortality (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval, 1.2–1.9; P=0.001).

Conclusions

In Takotsubo syndrome, the CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score allows prediction of cardiovascular events and mortality at long‐term follow‐up.

Prediction of high on-treatment platelet reactivity in clopidogrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

About 40% of clopidogrel-treated patients display high platelet reactivity (HPR). Alternative treatments of HPR patients, identified by platelet function tests, failed to improve their clinical outcomes in large randomized clinical trials. A more appealing alternative would be to identify HPR patients a priori, based on the presence/absence of demographic, clinical and genetic factors that affect PR. Due to the complexity and multiplicity of these factors, traditional statistical methods (TSMs) fail to identify a priori HPR patients accurately. The objective was to test whether Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) or other Machine Learning Systems (MLSs), which use algorithms to extract model-like 'structure' information from a given set of data, accurately predict platelet reactivity (PR) in clopidogrel-treated patients.

METHODS

A complete set of fifty-nine demographic, clinical, genetic data was available of 603 patients with acute coronary syndromes enrolled in the prospective GEPRESS study, which showed that HPR after 1month of clopidogrel treatment independently predicted adverse cardiovascular events in patients with Syntax Score >14. Data were analysed by MLSs and TSMs. ANNs identified more variables associated PR at 1month, compared to TSMs.

RESULTS

ANNs overall accuracy in predicting PR, although superior to other MLSs was 63% (95% CI 59-66). PR phenotype changed in both directions in 35% of patients across the 3 time points tested (before PCI, at hospital discharge and at 1month).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their ability to analyse very complex non-linear phenomena, ANNs or MLS were unable to predict PR accurately, likely because PR is a highly unstable phenotype.

Prognostic value of clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic indicators in patients with large anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction as a first acute coronary event

BACKGROUND

The risk of death in patients affected by ST-elevation segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) is well known, but more data are required to define the in-hospital mortality in special subsets. We sought to assess the prognostic value of indicators in patients with large anterior STEMI as a first acute coronary event, undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated 48 consecutive large anterior STEMI patients admitted as first acute coronary event, undergoing in acute phase both PCI and IABP. Patient demographics, clinical, noninvasive and invasive findings, together with in-hospital complications, were collected. Moreover, findings obtained after a 24-month follow-up were reported. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, whereas the secondary endpoints were out of hospital mortality, rehospitalization for heart failure or reinfarction, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class at least 2 at follow-up visit. The univariate analysis showed a significant association with symptom to balloon, left anterior descending coronary artery, myocardial blush grade, and wall motion score index. Results of the multivariable analysis revealed the strongest predictive power for in-hospital mortality of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (odds ratio: 6.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-67.7) and of myocardial blush grade 0-1 (odds ratio: 5.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.0-38.8). In-hospital death occurred in 13 patients (27% of total cases), whereas, at follow-up, the mean of survival was 66.7 ± 7.0%.

CONCLUSION

The patients with large anterior STEMI as a first acute coronary event, undergoing PCI and IABP, had a very high in-hospital mortality, whereas the mortality rate over the follow-up period was lower. The involvement of a large territory at risk and the ineffective treatment in terms of myocardial reperfusion were the main predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Contemporary Imaging in Takotsubo Syndrome

Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality for evaluating patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Beyond diagnosis, TTE enables detection of peculiar complications and is useful for risk stratification and management of patients with cardiogenic shock. Cardiac magnetic resonance can be used to detect myocardial edema typically associated with TTS and is helpful in the differential diagnosis with other disease states. Coronary computed tomography angiography can be performed as an alternative to coronary angiography to confirm coronary artery patency. Molecular imaging is a promising approach for identifying patients at increased risk of recurrence.

Pooled Analysis Comparing the Efficacy of Intracoronary Versus Intravenous Abciximab in Smokers Versus Nonsmokers Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization for Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Cigarette smokers with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may present different response to potent antithrombotic therapy compared to nonsmokers. We assessed the impact of smoking status and intracoronary abciximab in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We pooled data from 5 randomized trials comparing intracoronary versus intravenous abciximab bolus in patients undergoing primary PCI. The primary end point was the composite of death or reinfarction at a mean follow-up of 292 ± 138 days. Of 3,158 participants, 1,369 (43.3%) were smokers, and they had a lower risk of the primary end point in crude, but not in adjusted analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 1.21, p = 0.405). Intracoronary versus intravenous abciximab was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of primary end point among smokers (3.6% vs 8.0%; HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.72, p = 0.001), but not in nonsmokers (10.2% vs 9.9%; HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.36, p = 0.96), with a significant interaction (p = 0.009). Furthermore, intracoronary abciximab decreased the risk of reinfarction in smokers (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.62, p = 0.001), with no difference in nonsmokers (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.01, p = 0.50). Stent thrombosis was lowered by intracoronary abciximab in smokers (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.66, p = 0.009), but was ineffective in nonsmokers (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.00, p = 0.903). Interaction testing showed heterogeneity in treatment effect for reinfarction (p = 0.002) and stent thrombosis (p = 0.018) according to smoking status. In conclusion, among patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, smoking status did not affect the adjusted risk of clinical events. Intracoronary abciximab bolus improved clinical outcomes by reducing the risk of death or reinfarction.

Clinical profile and in-hospital outcome of Caucasian patients with takotsubo syndrome and right ventricular involvement

AIM

To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, in-hospital course and determinants of major adverse events in a cohort of Caucasian patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and right ventricular involvement (RVi), regardless of left ventricular variant forms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population consisted of 424 patients (mean age 69.1±11.5years; female 92.2%) with a diagnosis of TTS divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of RVi. RVi patients (n=57; 13.4%) showed a higher prevalence of comorbidities, especially respiratory diseases (p=0.011), and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; p=0.006) than non-RVi patients. In-hospital major adverse events (acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock and death) occurred more frequently in RVi patients (p<0.001). Heart rate and CCI, along with the echocardiographic parameters of wall motion score index, E/e' ratio, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) were associated with adverse in-hospital outcome. At multivariate analysis, CCI (HR: 1.871; 95% CI: 1.202-2.912; p=0.006), sPAP (HR: 1.059; 95% CI: 1.016-1.104; p=0.007) and TAPSE (HR: 0.728; 95% CI: 0.619-0.855; p<0.001) were independent correlates of the composite outcome in patients with RVi.

CONCLUSION

Patients with RVi are characterized by distinct clinical profile and should undergo closely clinical and echocardiographic monitoring. The presence of echocardiographic signs of right ventricular failure along with substantial comorbidities burden identify a cohort at higher risk of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events.

Bivalirudin in Patients Undergoing PCI: State of Art and Future Perspectives

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents the most common cause of death worldwide. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the management of choice in patients with ACS and occurrence of intra-procedural thrombotic complications are an independent predictor of mortality and other major adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing PCI. According to current guideline, anticoagulation therapy is indicated during PCI in order to reduce the risk of thrombotic complications such as stent thrombosis. Among currently available anticoagulant drugs, bivalirudin demonstrates a lower incidence of bleeding risk, despite it is associated with an increased risk of stent thrombosis. The aim of this paper is to discuss the pharmacology of bivalirudin and the clinical evidences of its use in patients undergoing PCI for ACS.

Thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale

We present a case of a 67-year-old male with pulmonary embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed the presence of a mobile thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale (PFO) and prolapsing into both atria. Treatment with heparin was started. Five days after admission, repeat TEE revealed a reduction in thrombus dimensions, so anticoagulation therapy was continued. Eleven days after admission, TEE showed complete disappearance of the thrombus.

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture presenting as an acute coronary syndrome evolved in pseudoaneurysm and cardiac tamponade: Case report and literature review

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture is a rare disorder that may develop early into a sudden death due to the abrupt evolution of the associated cardiac tamponade. In some cases the rupture is contained and a false aneurysm develops with slower evolution of clinical signs. The correct diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery rupture deserves a high level of suspicion; frequently it may be missed because the time window of its evolution seems to be very short or signs of acute coronary syndrome sometimes can prevail, leading to delays in diagnosis or to misdiagnosis. We report the case of a patient presenting a giant pseudoaneurysm of the right coronary artery due to spontaneous coronary artery rupture without any underlying disease. Moreover we present a review of the few cases in the literature, offering a pathophysiological hypothesis linking the site of rupture and clinical presentation.

A novel miR-371a-5p-mediated pathway, leading to BAG3 upregulation in cardiomyocytes in response to epinephrine, is lost in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Molecular mechanisms protecting cardiomyocytes from stress-induced death, including tension stress, are essential for cardiac physiology and defects in these protective mechanisms can result in pathological alterations. Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is expressed in cardiomyocytes and is a component of the chaperone-assisted autophagy pathway, essential for homeostasis of mechanically altered cells. BAG3 ablation in mice results in a lethal cardiomyopathy soon after birth and mutations of this gene have been associated with different cardiomyopathies including stress-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). The pathogenic mechanism leading to TTC has not been defined, but it has been suggested that the heart can be damaged by excessive epinephrine (epi) spillover in the absence of a protective mechanism. The aim of this study was to provide more evidence for a role of BAG3 in the pathogenesis of TTC. Therefore, we sequenced BAG3 gene in 70 TTC patients and in 81 healthy donors with the absence of evaluable cardiovascular disease. Mutations and polymorphisms detected in the BAG3 gene included a frequent nucleotide change g2252c in the BAG3 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of Takotsubo patients (P<0.05), resulting in loss of binding of microRNA-371a-5p (miR-371a-5p) as evidenced by dual-luciferase reporter assays and argonaute RNA-induced silencing complex catalytic component 2/pull-down assays. Moreover, we describe a novel signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes that leads to BAG3 upregulation on exposure to epi through an ERK-dependent upregulation of miR-371a-5p. In conclusion, the presence of a g2252c polymorphism in the BAG3 3′-UTR determines loss of miR-371a-5p binding and results in an altered response to epi, potentially representing a new molecular mechanism that contributes to TTC pathogenesis.