Effects of medical therapy, transcatheter intervention, and surgery on outcomes of patients with functional mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Ching-Hui Sia was supported by the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Junior Academic Fellowship Scheme.

Background

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide. Despite recent major trials, the relative efficacy between medical therapy, transcatheter intervention, and surgery for the treatment of FMR remains poorly understood.

Purpose

We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis of all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to compare the efficacy between medical therapy, transcatheter intervention, and surgery on the clinical outcomes of patients with FMR.

Methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to March 13, 2022, for studies reporting clinical outcomes in patients with FMR and comparing the efficacy between either medical therapy, transcatheter intervention, or surgery. Frequentist network meta-analysis models were utilised to summarise the studies. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Results

10 articles were included in the analysis, comprising a combined cohort of 1,981 patients. Network meta-analysis demonstrated that compared to medical therapy, transcatheter intervention achieved a lower relative risk in the composites of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.82) and mitral regurgitation (MR) severity grade ≥3+ (RR: 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.42). Compared to surgery, transcatheter intervention achieved a lower relative risk in the composites of cardiovascular death (RR: 0.36; 95% CI 0.17-0.75) and MR severity grade ≥3+ (RR: 0.25; 95% CI 0.09-0.70) and higher relative risk in the composite of heart failure hospitalisation (RR: 2.94; 95% CI 1.26-6.82). Compared to medical therapy, surgery achieved a higher relative risk in the composite of cardiovascular death (RR: 2.54; 95% CI 1.18-5.47) and lower relative risks in the composites of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.91) and heart failure hospitalisation (RR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.13-0.61).

Conclusion

Medical therapy, transcatheter intervention, and surgery in patients with FMR displayed differing effects on the various clinical outcomes. Further head-to-head trials are required to better understand the optimal treatment modality in this population.

Association of left atrial ejection fraction and cardiovascular outcomes in Asian patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Junior Academic Fellowship Scheme

Background

The optimal method of risk stratification of hyp­ertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, especially in the Asian population, is unknown. Left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) is an emerging risk marker for cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether LAEF was associated with cardiovascular outcomes in Asian patients with HCM.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary academic centre involving 291 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM between 2010 and 2017. We collected the relevant clinical characteristics of these patients and retrospectively analysed the index transthoracic echocardiograms for novel left atrial indices including LAEF. We obtained the maximum (LAVmax) and minimum left atrial volumes (LAVmin) using the biplane method of disks in apical 4- and 2-chamber views. LAEF was derived by dividing the difference between LAVmax and LAVmin by LAVmax. We assessed the patients for outcomes of (1) heart failure requiring admission, and (2) a composite of adverse outcomes including all-cause mortality, ventricular tachycardia / ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) events, appropriate device therapy if an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted, stroke and heart failure hospitalization.

Results

The patients had a mean age of 59.0 ± 16.7 years-old at diagnosis and had a male preponderance (71.2%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. On univariable logistic regression analysis, maximum and minimum left atrial volume index (LAVI) as well as LAEF showed a significant association with heart failure and the predefined composite outcome. On Cox regression analysis adjusting for variables of age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular maximal wall thickness >30mm, significant left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient of > 30mmHg and more than moderate mitral regurgitation, maximum and minimum LAVI as well as LAEF retained an association with heart failure admission but only minimum LAVI and LAEF were associated with the composite outcome [(OR 0.019, 95% CI 0.02-0.230, p=0.002), (OR 0.226, 95% CI 0.053-0.960, p=0.044), (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.016-1.045, p<0.001), and (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.005-1.026, p=0.004) respectively].

Conclusion

LAEF was an independently associated with congestive heart failure as well as a composite of adverse outcomes in Asian patients with HCM.

Abnormal left atrial strain is associated with eventual diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) have no immediate attributable cause despite initial evaluation. Occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) diagnosed on prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring may be subsequently found in 20% of patients initially classified as ESUS [1]. Anatomic and functional alterations of left atrium (LA) are known to predict pAF in the general population [2]. Recent studies have suggested that LA dysfunction is linked to the risk of development of pAF in stroke patients and may precede LA enlargement [1]. LA strain analysis may be helpful to predict the development of pAF as it can detect subclinical functional impairment [2]. The aim of this study was to analyse whether LA strain can be a marker for the development of new-onset AF in patients with ESUS and sinus rhythm.

Methods

Our single-centre observational cohort study examined 157 patients hospitalised for ESUS in our tertiary hospital between October 2014 and October 2017 who underwent AF monitoring with an implantable loop recorder (ILR). These patients were followed up for occurrence of new-onset pAF and recurrence of ischaemic stroke. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during index hospitalisation as part of the workup for ESUS. Echocardiographic images were obtained and analysed post-hoc for two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracing deformation parameters. These LA strain parameters were analysed against the primary outcome of AF detection and secondary outcome of recurrent ischaemic stroke.

Results

A total of 157 ESUS patients, with a mean age of 61.0 (±11.6) years, were followed up for a median duration of 3.5 (interquartile range 3.29) years. ILR monitoring detected AF in 27 patients (17.2%). 27 patients developed recurrent ischaemic strokes. Of the 27 patients with newly diagnosed AF on ILR, 24 (88.9%) were commenced on oral anticoagulation; the remaining 3 patients were not on anticoagulation due to high bleeding risk and frailty.

Patients who had newly diagnosed AF had more impaired left atrial reservoir strain (LASr; 23.5% ± 10.3%, P = 0.042) and left atrial conduit strain (LAScd; -10.5% ± 5.3%, P = 0.003) compared with patients who remained in sinus rhythm. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) showed that LAScd was associated with occult AF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.110, 95% CI, 1.019-1.209, P = 0.017) and the composite outcome of AF and recurrent ischaemic stroke (OR = 1.069, 95% CI, 1.014-1.138, P = 0.038). Abnormal LAScd was significantly associated with occult AF even when stratified by normal LA volume index (LAVI) (OR = 2.672, 95% CI, 1.035-8.548, P = 0.048) and high LAVI (OR = 1.713, 95% CI, 1.023-2.869, P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Impaired left atrial strain was associated with occult AF detection in patients with ESUS undergoing ILR monitoring.

Natural history of functional mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Ching-Hui Sia was supported by the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Junior Academic Fellowship Scheme.

Background

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) precipitates a vicious cycle of left ventricular volume overload and remodelling, leading to perpetual worsening of FMR and left ventricular dysfunction, with a resultant poor prognosis. However, there is a lack of conclusive data on the natural progression of FMR in patients who do not undergo valvular intervention.

Purpose

We performed a one-stage meta-analysis on reconstructed individual patient data (IPD) to elucidate the natural history of FMR.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane) were searched for randomised controlled trials or cohorts, published from inception to March 13, 2022, reporting clinical outcomes in patients with FMR not receiving valvular intervention. IPD meta-analysis, as the gold standard approach for evidence synthesis, was performed with reconstructed IPD obtained from the survival curves reported in the included studies. Pooled survival estimates were derived. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale. This study was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Results

A total of five studies were included, comprising a total cohort of 691 patients with FMR who did not undergo valvular intervention. The mean age of the cohort was 72.4 years (95% CI 67.6 to 77.1) and the proportion of males was 61.1% (95% CI 43.8 to 76.0). All-cause mortality was analysed over a follow-up duration of five years, while hospitalisation for heart failure, cardiovascular death, and the composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalisation for heart failure were analysed over a follow-up duration of three years. The probability of survival of patients with FMR without intervention was 79.4% (95% CI 76.2 to 82.3), 50.9% (95% CI 46.6 to 55.1), and 39.6% (95% CI 33.1 to 46.0) at one, three, and five years respectively. The probability of survival free from the composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalisation for heart failure was 51.3% (95% CI 46.8 to 55.6) and 12.0% (95% CI 8.9 to 15.7) at one year and three years respectively. The probability of survival free from hospitalisation for heart failure was 58.3% (95% CI 54.0 to 62.3) and 19.7% (95% CI 16.0 to 23.7) at one and three years respectively. The probability of survival free from cardiovascular death was 75.4% (95% CI 68.9 to 80.8) and 45.6% (95% CI 29.1 to 60.7) at one and three years respectively. All included studies were of low to moderate risk of bias.

Conclusion

FMR in the absence of valvular intervention is associated with poor survival and cardiovascular outcomes. Further research should focus on the role of interventions to mitigate its poor prognosis.

Characteristics and outcomes of aortic stenosis patients with and without stroke

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Sia CH was supported by the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine’s Junior Academic Faculty Scheme

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is related to several atherosclerosis risk factors and is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke. Some reports suggest that aortic valve calcification may predispose to embolic stroke although this is not well-studied. The literature is also sparse regarding individual stroke subtypes and predictors of stroke in AS.

Purpose

We aimed to 1) Describe rates of ischaemic stroke in AS including specific stroke subtypes; 2) Compare clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with AS who subsequently developed ischaemic stroke versus those who did not, and 3) Identify independent variables associated with subsequent stroke in AS.

Methods

Patients with AS were recruited from an echocardiography database from September 2011 to December 2015 at a single tertiary centre. The primary study endpoint was acute ischaemic stroke. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were compared between patients who suffered a stroke after AS diagnosis and those who did not. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with subsequent stroke.

Results

A total of 703 patients with AS were studied, with a median follow-up duration of 3.0 (IQR 0.5, 5.0) years. Twenty-two patients (3.1%) developed stroke following AS diagnosis (large vessel, 18.2%; cardioembolic, 50.0%; small vessel, 18.2%; other determined ischaemic stroke, 13.6%). These patients had a greater prevalence of previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (50.0%) compared to patients who did not develop subsequent stroke (20.9%), p<0.001. Patients with AS who developed subsequent stroke also more commonly had atrial fibrillation at the time of indexed echocardiography (40.0%) compared to their counterparts who did not develop stroke (13.5%), p=0.004 (Table 1). Other cardiovascular risk factors and traditional echocardiographic parameters of AS severity were similar between the 2 groups. Degenerative calcified aortic valve was not associated with the development of all types of ischaemic stroke or cardioembolic stroke. AS severity was also not associated with development of stroke. Multivariable Cox regression analysis found previous stroke or TIA (HR 8.00, 95% CI 2.70–23.58, p<0.001) and atrial fibrillation at time of echocardiography (HR 8.81, 95% CI 1.34–10.80, p=0.012) to be independent predictors of subsequent stroke in AS. The key findings of our study are summarised in Figure 1.

Conclusions

Cardioembolic stroke is the most common stroke subtype in patients with AS. Previous history of stroke or TIA and atrial fibrillation at time of diagnostic echocardiography are independent predictors of subsequent stroke in AS. Calcified aortic valve was not found to be a risk factor for all types of ischaemic stroke or cardioembolic stroke.

Effects of epicardial adipose tissue volume and thickness assessed by computed tomography and echocardiography on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has garnered attention as a potential imaging biomarker for the risk stratification of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the prognostic utility of EAT due to inter-ethnic differences and imaging modality (computed tomography (CT) or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)) remains undetermined.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of EAT volume and thickness on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes. We also aim to compare the prognostic utility between CT volumetric and TTE thickness quantification; and provide consolidated data on the heterogeneity in EAT measurements across different ethnic groups.

Methods

Medline and Embase databases were searched from inception till 16 May 2022 for studies that measured EAT volume or thickness of adult patients at baseline and reported follow-up data on outcomes of interest. Outcomes included MACE, all-cause mortality, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularisation, atrial fibrillation (AF), and stroke. Statistical analyses were conducted on Review Manager 5.4.1 to obtain unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) with the results presented on forest plots.

Results

Twenty-nine studies comprising 19709 patients were included in our analysis. Increased EAT thickness and volume were associated with higher risks of MACE (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.46, 95%CI 1.25–1.71, p<0.001), cardiac death (OR 2.53, 95%CI 1.17–5.44, p=0.020), MI (OR 2.63, 95%CI 1.39–4.96, p=0.003), coronary revascularisation (OR 2.99, 95%CI 1.64–5.44, p<0.001), AF (aOR 4.04, 95%CI 3.06–5.32, p<0.001), and stroke (HR 1.02, 95%CI 1.01–1.03, p<0.001). CT-volumetric quantification of EAT conferred a larger MACE risk (aHR 1.79, 95%CI 1.47–2.17, p<0.001) compared to TTE thickness quantification (aHR 1.20, 95%CI 1.09–1.32, p<0.001). Studies originating from North America (HR 1.91, 95%CI 1.26–2.89, p=0.002) and Asia (HR 1.60, 95%CI 1.09–2.36, p=0.020) demonstrated a significantly higher risk of MACE with increased EAT thickness and volume. However, this significance was not seen in European studies (HR 1.48, 95%CI 0.99–2.20, p=0.060). Subgroup differences were also noted across the studies’ countries of origin when analysing the association of EAT and MI (p=0.020). European studies reported a higher magnitude of MI risk associated with higher EAT thickness and volume (OR 5.28, 95%CI 2.34–11.95, p<0.001) as compared to Asian studies (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.05–2.92, p=0.030). No differences were noted across other outcomes in the subgroup comparisons by geographical region and between CT and TTE quantification of EAT.

Conclusion

The utility of EAT as an imaging biomarker for predicting and prognosticating CVD is promising. Future efforts to harmonise the EAT parameter thresholds, based on the type of imaging modality and the target population’s ethnic characteristics, will be the next important step before including EAT in CVD prediction models.

Sex differences in the evaluation and outcomes of multi-ethnic asian patients undergoing stress echocardiography

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Stress echocardiography is an important test used in the evaluation of myocardial ischemia. Despite this, not much is known about sex differences between men and women undergoing stress echocardiography, with regards to their characteristics and outcomes, especially in the Asian population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1504 consecutive patients evaluated with dobutamine or exercise stress echocardiography performed for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) or to evaluate the status of known CAD. We divided the patients into two groups: males and females. The tests were classified as positive, equivocal, or negative for ischemia, and the outcomes at 6 months follow-up was analysed.

Results

48.1% (723) patients were males. The mean age of patients was 52.2 ± 14.9 years for males and 55.8 ± 12.5 years for females. The 3 most common indications for stress echocardiography in both males and females were for the assessment of symptoms for suspected CAD in 787 (52.3%), for the assessment of a prior abnormal test in 408 (27.1%) and for the assessment of the status of pre-existing CAD in 93 (6.2%). In terms of co-morbidities, males were more likely to have ischemic heart disease (<0.001), prior AMI (p<0.001), prior PCI (p<0.001) and CABG (p=0.002). Stress echocardiography was normal in 608 men (84.3%) and 643 women (82.3%). A positive result on stress echocardiography was obtained in 65 men (9.0%) and 63 women (8.1%), and equivocal result in 48 men (6.7%) and 75 women (9.6%). During a mean follow-up of 7.9 ± 0.2 years, 84 men (11.6%) and 44 women (5.6%) (p<0.001) experienced a cardiac event, of which there were 40 (2.7%) deaths, with 26 men (3.6%) and 14 women (1.8%) (p=0.030). 26 men (3.6%) and 6 women (0.8%) (p<0.001) experienced an acute myocardial infarction.

Independent predictors of cardiac events in patients using a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.05 [range 1.03 to 1.07]), female gender (HR: 0.50 [range: 0.328 to 0.760]) and previous myocardial infarction (HR: 2.50 [range 1.28 to 4.86])

Conclusion

Differences in mean age, prevalence of ischemic heart disease, prior myocardial infarction and prior PCI/CABG were noted between males and females who underwent stress echocardiography. Males experienced a higher incidence of cardiac events compared to females. Gender is an independent predictor of cardiac events in patients undergoing stress echocardiography, together with age and a history of myocardial infarction.

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease increases risk of adverse events after acute coronary syndrome

 

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) was recently introduced as an alternative definition for fatty liver, that has been linked to an increased risk of systemic end-organ damage. However, current studies have not examined the impact of MAFLD on patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Here, we present a retrospective analysis on the short and long-term outcomes of ACS patients with MAFLD.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted in a tertiary care centre. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was examined with hepatic steatosis index and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. The primary and secondary outcomes of the analysis were long term all-cause mortality, and in-hospital all-cause mortality, stroke, heart failure and cardiogenic shock respectively. Adjusted analysis was conducted for primary and secondary outcomes with covariates including age, sex, race, type of ACS and previous myocardial infarction.

Results

A total of 5770 patients were included in the analysis, and 21% of ACS patients had concomitant MAFLD. MAFLD resulted in a 23% increase in long-term all-cause mortality compared to non-MAFLD (HR: 1.230, CI: 1.065 to 1.420, p=0.005). MAFLD increased the risk of in-hospital mortality, stroke, heart failure and cardiogenic shock compared to non-MAFLD. A sensitivity analysis conducted based on MAFLD with advance fibrosis, chronic kidney disease and diabetes also demonstrated significantly increased effect size magnitude of all-cause mortality, compared to non-MAFLD.

Conclusion

MAFLD represents an encapsulation of metabolism dysregulation and has been associated with increased risk of systematic disease. The present study shows that MAFLD is associated with significantly increased adverse prognostic outcomes after ACS compared to non-MAFLD. An increase in awareness of MAFLD is required beyond the field of hepatology for improvements in multidisciplinary care and management.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Higher long-term mortality in patients with concomitant acute coronary syndrome and aortic stenosis

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) share similar cardiovascular risk factors, and their concomitant presentation is increasing in incidence with the aging population. Yet literature regarding the prognosis of patients with concomitant ACS and AS remains scarce.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined consecutive patients presenting with ACS (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and non-STEMI [NSTEMI]) and concomitant AS between 1 January 2011 and 31 March 2021 in a tertiary hospital. The cohort was divided into mild, moderate and severe AS based on index echocardiogram. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare all-cause mortality among the three groups of patients, based on ACS type and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Multivariable Cox regression was performed to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality.

Results

Of a total of 563 patients, 264 had mild (46.9%), 193 moderate (34.3%) and 106 severe AS (18.8%). The mean follow-up duration was 2.5 (± 2.4) years. Majority of patients (72.5%) presented with NSTEMI. Patients with moderate and severe AS had higher rates of all-cause mortality compared to those with mild AS (49.7% vs. 51.4% vs. 35.6% respectively, p=0.002). Concomitant moderate (HR 1.439, 95% CI 1.012–2.048, p=0.043) and severe AS (HR 1.844, 95% CI 1.159–2.933, p=0.010) were independent predictors of all-cause mortality after adjusting for age, gender, LVEF, ACS type, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement as a time-dependent variable. The Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated excess mortality in moderate and severe AS, compared to the mild AS group (p<0.001), with similar survival trends observed in the STEMI and the NSTEMI groups, as well as those with preserved LVEF.

Conclusion

Regardless of the ACS presentation type, long-term excess mortality in those with concomitant moderate or severe AS was observed. The adverse prognosis typically observed in patients with concomitant severe AS, in the setting of ACS, extends to patients with moderate AS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The impact of atrial fibrillation on prognosis in aortic stenosis

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and aortic stenosis (AS) are both highly prevalent and increasing with age. Various studies have focused on the complex relationship between these entities that frequently coexist. AS might induce adverse cardiac remodelling, which is associated with poor prognosis in severe AS. Left atrial remodelling, especially left atrial enlargement, is also an important risk factor for AF.

Purpose

To evaluate the additive prognostic value of AF besides markers of left atrial and left ventricular remodelling in patients with AS, irrespective of severity of AS and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

Patients with moderate and severe AS were selected and history of AF was assessed. Subgroups were defined according to LVEF (reduced (<50%) vs. preserved (≥50%)) and severity of AS (moderate vs. severe). The endpoint was all-cause mortality. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted. Four multivariable Cox regression models were constructed.

Results

In total, 2849 patients with moderate and severe AS (mean age 72±12 years, 54.7% men) were evaluated of whom 686 (24.1%) had a history of AF. Regarding the defined subgroups, 1091 (38.3%) patients had severe AS and 2207 (77.5%) patients had preserved LVEF. During a median follow-up time of 60 months (interquartile range 30 to 97), 1182 (41.5%) patients died. Ten-year mortality rate in patients with AF was 46.8% compared with 36.8% in patients with sinus rhythm (SR) (Figure 1) (p<0.001). In subgroup analysis, patients with AF and severe AS, moderate AS or preserved LVEF had worse survival than those who maintained SR (p=0.015, p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). On univariable (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.62; p<0.001) and multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.38; p=0.026) adjusting for age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney function, New York Heart Association class, aortic valve replacement as a time-dependent covariate, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, LVEF, mean aortic valve gradient, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, AF is independently associated with mortality (Table 1; model 1). However, when correcting for LAVI, E/e' or both, AF is no longer independently associated with all-cause mortality (Table 1; model 2–4).

Conclusion

Patients with moderate or severe AS and AF have a significantly higher 10-year mortality rate than patients with SR. This finding is irrespective of AS severity and also apparent in the subgroup with preserved LVEF. Nonetheless, when correcting for markers of diastolic dysfunction, AF is not independently associated with outcome in patients with moderate or severe AS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic features and long-term outcomes of patients with ischaemic versus non-ischaemic left ventricular thrombus

Background

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) may develop in patients following myocardial infarction (MI), as well as in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies, and may result in acute ischaemic stroke. Smaller studies comparing LVT associated with ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiologies only reported 1-year outcomes or focused on specific subpopulations. We aimed to compare the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and longer-term outcomes in a large population of patients with ischaemic versus non-ischaemic LVT.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 552 consecutive patients with echocardiographically-identified LVT from March 2011 to January 2021 at a tertiary centre. Ischaemic LVT included LVT associated with MI and ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Non-ischaemic LVT included cases without evidence of ischaemia. Echocardiographic images were interpreted by trained cardiologists. We studied thrombus resolution as well as 5-year rates of ischaemic stroke and all-cause mortality.

Results

Of the 552 patients, mean age was 59.9 years and 84.4% were male. 492 patients had ischaemic LVT and 60 patients had non-ischaemic LVT. Ischaemic LVT was associated with older age (60.4 versus 55.3 years), male sex (86.8% versus 65.0%), smoking (49.2% versus 25.0%) and hyperlipidaemia (54.3% versus 28.3%). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in non-ischaemic LVT (28.9% versus 31.9%). LVEF ≤35% was associated with increased mortality in ischaemic LVT (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.32–3.38). Rates of thrombus resolution, stroke and all-cause mortality were similar in the 2 groups. Anticoagulation was associated with a lower risk of stroke in ischaemic LVT (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16–0.66) and lower mortality in both ischaemic (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26–0.72) and non-ischaemic LVT (HR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.61).

Conclusion

Patients with ischaemic LVT were more often older, male, smokers and had cardiovascular co-morbidities compared to those with non-ischaemic LVT. Thrombus resolution, stroke and all-cause mortality rates were similar in both groups. Anticoagulation was associated with lower mortality but this needs to be investigated in future prospective studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): CHS was supported by the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Junior Academic Faculty Scheme

Prevalence and prognostic implications of discordant grading and flow-gradient patterns in moderate aortic stenosis

Background

The prognostic implications of discordant grading in severe aortic stenosis (AS) are well known. However, the prevalence of different flow-gradient patterns and their prognostic implications in moderate AS are unknown.

Purpose

To investigate the occurrence and prognostic implications of different flow-gradient patterns in patients with moderate AS.

Methods

Patients with moderate AS (aortic valve area 1.0–1.5 cm2) were divided in 4 groups, based on transvalvular mean gradient (MG), stroke volume index (SVi) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): concordant moderate AS (MG ≥20 mmHg); normal-flow, low-gradient discordant moderate AS (MG <20 mmHg, SVi ≥35 ml/m2); “classical” low-flow, low-gradient discordant moderate AS (MG <20 mmHg, SVi <35 ml/m2 and LVEF <50%) and “paradoxical” low-flow, low-gradient discordant moderate AS (MG <20 mmHg, SVi <35 ml/m2 and LVEF ≥50%). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results

Of 1974 patients (age 73±10 years, 51% men) with moderate AS, 788 (40%) had discordant grading. Patients with discordant grading showed significantly higher mortality rates than patients with concordant grading (p<0.001), even in the subgroup of patients having preserved LVEF (p=0.028) or preserved SVi (p=0.002). Of the patients with discordant grading, 71% had normal-flow, low-gradient moderate AS, 14% had “classical” low-flow, low-gradient moderate AS, and 14% had “paradoxical” low-flow, low-gradient moderate AS (Figure 1). Patients with normal-flow, low-gradient moderate AS, “classical” low-flow, low-gradient moderate AS, and “paradoxical” low-flow, low-gradient moderate AS had worse survival rates than patients with concordant grading (p<0.001) (Figure 2). On multivariable analysis “paradoxical” low-flow, low-gradient (HR: 1.533; 95% CI: 1.133–2.075; p=0.006) and “classical” low-flow, low-gradient (HR: 1.926; 95% CI: 1.442–2.572; p<0.001) but not normal-flow, low-gradient moderate AS were independently associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Discordant grading is frequently (40%) observed in patients with moderate AS. Low-flow, low-gradient patterns account for an important proportion of the discordant cases and are associated with increased mortality. These findings underline the need for better phenotyping patients with discordant moderate AS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant App000064741

Prognostically distinct phenotypes of metabolic health beyond obesity in aortic stenosis

Background

Whilst current evidence are in favour of metabolic health and non-obesity in the reduction of incident cardiovascular disease, little is known regarding the prognosis across the metabolic phenotypes once cardiovascular disease occurs. This study examined the prognosis of patients with significant aortic stenosis (AS) based on the presence of metabolic health and obesity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort on consecutive patients presenting with moderate-to-severe AS to a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2015. Patients were allocated into 4 groups based on obesity and metabolic health: metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) and metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUNO). Metabolic health was defined in accordance to Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Cox regression examined independent associations between mortality and metabolic phenotypes, adjusting for aortic valve area, ejection fraction, age, sex, chronic kidney disease and AVR as a time-dependent covariate.

Results

Of 727 patients, the majority (51.6%) were MUNO, followed by MUO (32.7%), MHNO (11.4%), and MHO (4.3%). MHNO had the highest mortality (43.0%), followed by the MUNO (37.5%), MUO (30.0%) and MHO (6.9%) groups (p=0.001). Compared to MHNO, MHO (HR 0.159, 95% CI 0.038–0.668, p=0.012) and MUO (HR 0.614, 95% CI 0.403–0.937, p=0.024) were independently associated with lower all-cause mortality rates, after adjusting for confounders. In obese patients, metabolic health had favourable survival compared to metabolically unhealthy (p=0.015), but this protective impact of metabolic health was not observed in overweight or normal weight individuals. Obesity had favourable survival compared to overweight and normal weight, in both metabolically health (p=0.002) and unhealthy (p=0.007) patients,

Conclusion

MHO patients with AS have the most favourable prognosis whilst the seemingly healthy MHNO group had the worst survival. There should be a paradigm shift towards prioritising metabolic health rather than weight reduction in patients with significant AS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic implications of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in moderate aortic stenosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant App000064741

Background

Moderate aortic stenosis (MAS) is associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Although left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DDF) has shown to carry an unfavorable prognosis in severe AS, the prognostic value of LV DDF in MAS has not been investigated.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic impact of LV DDF in patients with MAS and preserved LV ejection fraction (EF).

Methods

LV diastolic function was evaluated in patients with MAS (aortic valve area >1.0 and ≤1.5cm2)  and preserved LVEF (≥50%) using echocardiography according to the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines. Clinical outcomes were defined as all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Results

Of 1247 patients (age 74 ± 10 years, 47% men) with MAS and preserved LVEF, 396 (32%) had normal diastolic function, 316 (25%) had indeterminate diastolic function and 535 (43%) had DDF. Patients with DDF were more likely to be female, had more comorbidities (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease) and were more symptomatic (NYHA ≥2) than patients with normal diastolic function. Patients with DDF also had smaller aortic valve area and higher peak aortic velocities than patients with normal/indeterminate diastolic function. During a median follow-up of 53 (26 – 81) months, 484 (39%) patients died. For the composite endpoint, 770 patients (62%) underwent AVR (n = 376) or died (n = 394) during a median follow-up of 37 (IQR 15 – 62) months. Patients with DDF had significantly lower survival rates (p <0.001) and event-free survival rates (p = 0.015) compared to patients with normal/indeterminate diastolic function (Figure 1). On multivariable analysis, DDF was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 1.368; 95% CI: 1.085 – 1.725; p = 0.008) and the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and AVR (HR: 1.241; 95% CI: 1.035 – 1.488; p = 0.020) (Figure 2).

Conclusion

LV DDF is associated with worse outcomes in patients with MAS. Assessment of LV diastolic function may contribute significantly to risk stratification of patients with MAS. Abstract Figure.  Abstract Figure.

Left ventricular remodeling patterns in patients with moderate aortic stenosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant App000064741

Background

Moderate aortic stenosis (MAS) is associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Although left ventricular (LV) adverse remodeling is associated with worse outcomes in patients with severe AS, the prognostic significance of different patterns of LV remodeling in MAS has not been investigated.

Purpose

To investigate the association between different patterns of LV remodeling on outcomes in patients with MAS.

Methods

Patients with MAS (aortic valve area >1.0 and ≤1.5cm2) were stratified into 4 groups according to the pattern of LV remodeling: normal geometry (NG), concentric remodeling (CR), concentric hypertrophy (CH) or eccentric hypertrophy (EH). Clinical outcomes were defined as all-cause mortality and a composite of all-cause mortality and aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Results

Of 1931 patients (age 73 ± 10 years, 52% men) with MAS, 344 (18%) had NG, 469 (24%) CR, 698 (36%) CH and 420 (22%) EH. Patients with CH were more likely to be female, had more hypertension, were more symptomatic (NYHA ≥III) and had more pronounced LV diastolic dysfunction, whereas patients with EH had more coronary artery disease, were more symptomatic (NYHA ≥III) and had lower LV ejection fraction than patients with NG. Patients with CH had higher aortic mean pressure gradients and peak aortic jet velocities than patients with NG. During a median follow-up of 51 (IQR 25 - 83) months, 833 (43%) patients died. For the composite endpoint, 1286 (67%) patients underwent AVR (n = 613) or died (n = 673) during a median follow-up of 35 (IQR 14 - 60) months. Patients with CH and EH had significantly lower survival rates (p < 0.001; Figure 1) and event-free survival rates (p = 0.004) compared to patients with NG/CR. On multivariable analysis, CH was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR:1.267; 95% CI:1.024 – 1.568; p = 0.029), whereas both CH (HR:1.293; 95% CI:1.090 – 1.533; p = 0.003) and EH (HR:1.222; 95% CI:1.013 – 1.474; p = 0.036) were associated with the composite endpoint of AVR and all-cause mortality (Figure 2).

Conclusions

In patients with MAS, different patterns of LV remodeling are observed with CH being independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Risk stratification according to the different patterns of LV remodeling may help to identify patients with MAS who are at increased risk of adverse events and may benefit from closer follow-up. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier curves  Abstract Figure. Cox regression analysis

Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated with the development of infective endocarditis in patients with significant mitral stenosis

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) confers significant mortality and morbidity in patients with underlying mitral stenosis (MS), with both diseased native valves and after valvular procedures.

Purpose

We examined the clinical and echocardiographic parameters in association with the development of IE on patients with significant MS.

Methods

A total of 478 consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of significant mitral stenosis (mitral valve area<1.5cm2) were included. Patients were divided into those with or without IE on at least 3 years of follow-up. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic profile and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

IE was observed in 4.4% (n=21) of the cohort. These patients were younger (45.3±14.6 vs 53.2±15.5 years, p=0.022) at time of MS. NT-proBNP was higher in patients who developed IE (13529±12230 vs 4381±5875 pg/ml, p<0.001), with larger left atrial diameter (54.4±10.1 vs 49.9±9.5 mm, p=0.040) and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP, 62.3±17.2 vs 47.2±16.5 mmHg, p=0.026). There was no significant difference in terms of mitral stenosis severity, other concomitant valvulopathies, or aetiology (rheumatic or degenerative) of MS. Patients who smoked had higher incidence of IE (33.3% vs 14.2%, log-rank 7.27, p=0.007). After adjusting for age, valve procedure and PASP, patients who smoked remained at elevated risk of IE (adjusted hazards ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.18 – 7.56, p=0.021).

Conclusion

IE occurs in a proportion of patients with MS. Smoking, younger age of diagnosis of MS as well as dilated left atria with elevated PASP may be associated with an elevated risk of this complication.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Kaplan-Meier CurveMultivariable Cox Regression

Prevalence, echocardiographic profile and clinical outcomes of patients with paradoxical low-gradient rheumatic mitral stenosis

Introduction

Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) has been conventionally defined by the mitral valve area (MVA), and associated with an elevated mean pressure gradient (PG) across the valve. However, there may be discrepancies between MVA and PG. We compared the clinical and echocardiographic parameters, as well asoutcomes of those with consistent (normal-gradient, NG) versus discrepant (Low-gradient, LG) grading between MVA and PG.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n=452) with index echocardiographic diagnosis of rheumatic MS (MVA <1.5cm2) were examined. Patients were matched by MVA and divided based on mean PG (LG <10mmHg or HG ≥10mmHg). The groups were compared using appropriate univariable, multivariable and survival analyses. Patients were followed up prospectively for clinical outcomes (admission for congestive heart failure, stroke or death).

Results

There were 226 patients (50.0%) with LGMS despite MVA<1.5cm2. They had similar age and body mass index. The LG group had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (62.4% vs 45.1%, p<0.001), hypertension (31.4% vs 18.8%, p<0.001) and lower heart rate during echocardiography (74.3±16.6 vs 82.5±20.2 beats per minute, p<0.001). LG MS patients had lower incidence of adverse events (log-rank 4.62, p=0.032). On multivariable Cox regression adjusting for age, left ventricular ejection fraction, MVA, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and mitral valve procedure, LG MS remained protective for adverse events (adjusted HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.89, p=0.013).

Conclusions

There was significant prevalence of paradoxical LG MS. Despite similar MVA, these patients had lower PASP and had fewer adverse outcomes on follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Dr Jan Stassen is supported by an ESC Training Grant (Appehab724.169164741)

P910An Asian perspective on left ventricular outflow tract cut-offs and the resulting discrepancy in severity grading of aortic stenosis

Objectives

Inconsistencies in grading of aortic stenosis (AS) severity have been reported based on measurement of left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd), but this remains to be studied in an Asian population. We investigated consistency of grading AS severity at various LVOTd, and subsequently postulated alternative cut-offs for more consistent grading of AS severity.

Methods

350 consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of severe AS were divided them into three groups based on LVOTd: “small” (<20mm), “average” (20–22mm), “large” (>22mm). In each group, the consistency of flow-dependent (transaortic mean pressure gradient (MG)) and flow-independent parameters (AVA) were used for classification of AS severity.

Results

Of 350 patients, 51.7% had small LVOTd, while 30.8% and 17.5% had average and large LVOTd respectively. Consistent grading by LVOTd based on AVA and MG, was seen in 33.7% of patients with small, 47.6% with average, 57.7% with large LVOTd. When the hypothetical AVA cut-off of 0.9cm2 was used, consistent grading improved to 38.0% in small, 56.5% in average and 70% in large LVOTd. At an AVA cut-off of 0.8cm2, there was further incremental improvement in the small LVOTd group to 54.1% (p<0.05).

Table 1. Consistent grading by LVOTd based on current guidelines Small LVOTd (<20mm, n=181) Average LVOTd (20–22mm, n=108) Large LVOTd (>22mm, n=61) Consistent grading AVA < cut-off MG >40 Consistency (%) Consistent grading AVA < cut-off MG >40 Consistency (%) Consistent grading AVA < cut-off MG >40 Consistency (%) n=61 33.7 n=51 47.6 n=35 57.7 n=69 38 n=61 56.5 n=43 70* n=98 54.1*+ n=70 65.1* n=43 70.8* *p-value <0.05 when compared with AVA cut-off 0.8cm2 for each LVOTd category; +p-value <0.05 when compared with AVA cut-off 0.9cm2 for each LVOTd category.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Current severe AS guidelines are most consistent with those in the large LVOTd group. However, the majority of the study's Asian population is in the small LVOTd group, which is the group most susceptible to discrepancy in AS grading. Improved consistency in echocardiographic grading may be attained with a lower AVA cut-off in this Asian cohort.

P3366Increased left ventricular remodelling index in paradoxical low-flow severe aortic stenosis with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction compared to normal-flow

Background

Left Ventricular Remodelling Index (LVRI) has been demonstrated to be able to reliably discriminate between an athlete's heart and pathological LV remodelling. Patients with paradoxical low-flow severe aortic stenosis (LF AS) despite preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are a distinct group from normal-flow (NF) with poorer prognosis, more concentric hypertrophy and smaller LV cavities.

Purpose

We compared LVRI in LF compared to NF AS and examined clinical outcomes.

Methods

We studied consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of severe AS (aortic valve area<1cm2) with preserved LVEF (>50%). LVRI was determined by the ratio of LV mass to the end-diastolic volume.

Results

Of the 450 patients studied, 149 (33.1%) were LF. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical profile of patients between LF and NF. LVRI was significantly higher in patients with LF compared to NF (2.27±0.68 vs 1.85±0.53 g/ml, p<0.001). Patients with high LVRI (>1.56 g/ml) had poorer clinical outcomes in terms of mortality (log-rank 9.18, p=0.002) and admissions for cardiac failure (log-rank 7.61, p=0.006).

Low-flow (n=149) Normal-flow (n=301) Mean difference/Odds Ratio (95% CI) p-value Age (years) 73.5 (±12.8) 71.0 (±13.1) 2.5 (−0.1 to 5.1) 0.053 Body Mass Index (g/m2) 24.6 (±5.6) 24.7 (±5.3) −0.1 (−1.2 to 1.1) 0.877 Gender (male) 49 (32.9%) 125 (41.5%) 0.7 (0.5 to 1.1) 0.076 Hypertension 100 (67.1%) 195 (64.8%) 1.1 (0.7 to 1.7) 0.624 Diabetes 57 (38.3%) 100 (33.2%) 1.2 (0.8 to 1.9) 0.295 Hyperlipidaemia 79 (53.0%) 147 (49.0%) 1.2 (0.8 to 1.7) 0.425 End-diastolic volume (ml) 72.3 (±18.9) 112.6 (±26.3) −40.2 (−44.9 to −35.5) <0.001 Left ventricular ejection fraction (%) 66.0 (±7.9) 67.4 (±7.1) −1.4 (−2.9 to 0.2) 0.077 Left ventricular mass index (g/m2) 99.7 (±33.0) 126.8 (±37.4) −27.2 (−34.8 to −19.6) <0.001 Transaortic mean pressure gradient (mmHg) 32.2 (±17.4) 37.1 (±19.9) −4.9 (−8.6 to −1.1) 0.011 Aortic valve area (cm2) 0.78 (±0.16) 0.79 (±0.17) 0.1 (−0.2 to 0.1) 0.635 Stroke volume index (ml/m2) 28.6 (±5.6) 46.9 (±9.8) −18.3 (−20.0 to −16.6) <0.001 Left ventricular remodelling index (LVRI, g/ml) 2.27 (±0.68) 1.85 (±0.53) 0.42 (0.31 to 0.54) <0.001

LVRI in LF versus NF AS

Conclusion

Pathological LV remodelling as evidenced by increased LVRI was more common in LF compared to NF AS. Patients with increased LVRI also had worse clinical outcomes.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

An unusual case of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery and hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (ARCA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) are frequently reported in association with congenital heart abnormalities but not with each other. We propose that both conditions may share common origins in a maladative hyperplastic response to differential vascular flow due to developmental arterial malformations or aberrant Notch signalling during simultaneous gut and cardiac vasculorigenesis.

Risk scoring system for prediction of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with pre-existing renal impairment undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION

Baseline renal impairment is the most recognised risk factor for development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We examined the additional risk factors in this high-risk group and aimed to develop a risk model for prediction of CIN.

METHODS

A cohort of 770 consecutive patients with existing impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), who received routine prophylactic saline hydration and oral N-acetylcysteine treatment while undergoing PCI between May 2005 to October 2008 in our centre, were enrolled. The study endpoint, CIN, was defined as > 25% increase from baseline creatinine within 48 hours post PCI.

RESULTS

Despite routine prophylaxis, CIN occurred in 11.4% of the patients. Important clinical predictors for CIN were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence level [CI] 1.0-2.52, p = 0.049), anaemia with haemoglobin < 11 mg/dL (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.41-3.61, p = 0.001), post-procedure creatinine kinase rise (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.16 for every 500 u/L increase, p < 0.001), systolic hypotension with blood pressure < 100 mmHg (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.16-5.52, p = 0.016) and higher contrast volume. The incidence of CIN was significantly higher in patients with more severe renal failure (6.3%, 17.4% and 40.8% when eGFR was 40-60, 20-40 and < 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 respectively, p < 0.001). A prediction model was developed based on these findings. The incidence of CIN could vary from 2% to > 50% depending on these additional risk profiles.

CONCLUSION

Patients with impaired renal function undergoing PCI are at high risk of developing CIN despite traditional prophylaxis. A model of risk prediction could be used to predict its occurrence.

Electrocardiography Series. ECGs of structural heart disease: Part 1

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a useful but imperfect investigation in the diagnosis and possible follow-up of structural heart disease such as ventricular hypertrophy. Different ECG criteria with different sensitivity and specificity are available to aid the detection of left or right ventricular hypertrophy. Subsequent echocardiography can help in the quantification of ventricular mass and identification of the aetiology.

Misleading ECG recordings

Misleading electrocardiogram recordings are not uncommon, and can lead to misdiagnosis. This article highlights two examples and discusses the strategies to recognise them.

Managing ventricular ectopics: are ventricular ectopic beats just an annoyance?

How important are PVCs and what should we do about them? PVCs are not a disease in themselves, but a marker of possible underlying conditions that may increase the risk of cardiac death. They serve as a flag to alert us to exclude structural heart disease, the presence of which is the strongest predictor of adverse events. However, it is important to know that PVCs are common in people with no structural heart disease. In this situation, the prognosis is generally excellent. Suppression of PVCs with antiarrhythmic medication is not indicated routinely, unless the patient is symptomatic or at risk of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy owing to the very high frequency of PVCs. Where pharmacological therapy has failed, there is now the option of radiofrequency ablation for elimination of frequent symptomatic PVCs. The ECG is a simple yet useful tool to improve risk assessment, especially in those with known cardiovascular disease.

A cohort study of risk factors and clinical outcome predictors for patients presenting with unstable angina and non ST segment elevation myorardial infraction undergoing coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION

Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score has been used to predict outcomes in patients presenting with unstable angina (UA) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Our study assessed other clinical predictors for patients with UA/NSTEMI undergoing early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of 3822 patients presented with UA/NSTEMI from June 2001 to March 2008 in our center were recruited. Patients underwent PCI during admission. We analyzed the potential risk predictors for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and death at 1 month and 6 month.

RESULTS

Median age was 57.1 +/- 11.1, 78.1 percent men, 34.5 percent had diabetes, 58.8 percent had hypertension. Coronary lesions involving left main and proximal left anterior descending artery was 27.6 percent. 36.1 percent had NSTEMI. Significant predictors for mortality at 6 months were age older than 70 years (p = 0.001, OR = 5.5), female gender (p = 0.001, OR = 2.98), anaemia (p < 0.001 OR = 8.47), baseline renal impairment (P < 0.001, OR = 7.38) and development of contrast nephropathy (CIN) which was defined as 25% or 0.5 mg/dl increase from baseline Creatinine within 48 h after PCI (p = 0.005, OR = 5.8). Diabetes was a predictor of MACE at 6 months (p = 0.003, OR = 1.51) but not mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with UA/NSTEMI, our study showed that MACE and mortality were increased in elderly, female and presence of anaemia. Mortality, but not MACE was increased in chronic renal impairment and development of CIN; while diabetes increased only MACE, but not mortality.

SUMMARY

We analyzed a cohort of 3822 patients with UA/NSTEMI underwent PCI and found that elderly, female, presence of anemia, diabetes and chronic renal impairment were high risk predictors for adverse clinical outcome. In addition, development of CIN increased mortality.

Narrow QRS complex tachycardia presenting as palpitation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The rhythm in atrial fibrillation is irregular. Correct interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential. Atrial flutter can present as regular or irregular narrow QRS complex tachycardia. Knowledge of the ECG features of atrial flutter will help to differentiate it from paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The treatment strategy in atrial fibrillation should focus on rhythm control vs. rate control, and anticoagulation should be started based on the calculated risk of systemic embolisation. Atrial flutter is a unique arrhythmia that has similar management strategies to those of atrial fibrillation; however, radiofrequency ablation is increasingly preferred due to its higher rate of efficacy and safety compared to pharmacological therapy.

Electrocardiography Series. What is the cause of the regular wide QRS complex tachycardia?

Regular broad QRS complex tachycardias may be ventricular in origin or due to supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy. Antidromic atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia occurring in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a third possibility. The electrocardiogram is a key tool for distinguishing these tachycardias, which have differing causes, prognoses and treatment strategies. Ventricular tachycardia may be monomorphic or polymorphic. The management of ventricular tachycardia depends on clinical symptoms and is influenced by the presence of structural heart disease.

Half-dose ezetimibe add-on to statin therapy is effective in improving resistant hyperlipidaemia in Asian patients with ischaemic heart disease

INTRODUCTION

Ezetimibe at full dose (10-mg) is used for lipid lowering. We hypothesised that ezetimibe at half dose is effective in achieving percentage improvement in lipid profile among Asian patients with severe hyperlipidaemia.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study conducted between 2006 and 2008. 105 patients with hyperlipidaemia not reaching target level with statin treatment alone were given add-on ezetimibe 5-mg daily treatment. Lipid profiles were compared at pre- and post-ezetimibe therapy.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 56.0 +/- 10.3 years. 79.0 percent were male and 62.9 percent had hypertension, 39 percent had diabetes mellitus with a mean HBA1c of 7.7 percent. 58.1 percent had a history of myocardial infarction. The median simvastatin equivalent dose was 40 (range 5-80) mg. Duration of ezetimibe treatment was 102 +/- 60 days. We observed improvements in total cholesterol (TC) (from 5.31 +/- 1.02 to 4.33 +/- 1.11 mmol/l, 16.4 percent reduction, p-value less than 0.0005), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (from 3.43 +/- 0.87 to 2.52 +/- 0.95 mmol/l, 24.0 percent reduction, p-value less than 0.0005) and TC to LDL ratio (from 4.92 +/-1.42 to 4.03 +/-1.16, 16.2 percent reduction, p-value less than 0.0005). The percentage improvement of lipid profile was comparable to that of the published data based on 10-mg dosing.

CONCLUSION

A 5-mg dose of daily ezetimibe add-on treatment is effective in improving lipid profiles in Asian patients with severe hyperlipidaemia not reaching target with statin monotherapy.

Variations of atrioventricular block

Atrioventricular (AV) block comprises a spectrum of cardiac conduction delays with varying clinical presentations. It is commonly encountered in both hospital as well as ambulatory settings, and recognition of the type of AV conduction delay is essential for appropriate subsequent management. The electrocardiogram is a key tool for identification of patients with AV conduction delays. Contrasting management strategies should be employed for differing levels of conduction block.

Regular narrow complex tachycardia

We discuss cases of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), including the patient's presentations and clinical courses. Correct interpretation of electrocardiogram (ECG) and detailed analyses are important in differentiating the various types of PSVT. This is crucial in the immediate and long-term management of these patients.

ECG delta waves in patients with palpitation

It is important to recognise Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome in electrocardiograms (ECG), as it may mimic ischaemic heart disease, ventricular hypertrophy and bundle branch block. In addition, ECG can aid in the localisation of the accessory pathway. Recognising WPW syndrome allows for risk stratification, the identification of associated conditions and the institution of appropriate management.

ECG ST segment elevation in patients with chest pain

We discussed three cases of ST elevation myocardial infarction with ST elevation in the inferoposterior territory and anterior territory, and more uncommonly, concomitant ST elevations in the anterior and inferior electrocardiography (ECG) leads. Correct interpretation of the ECG is crucial in recognising this cardiac emergency, which often necessitates urgent coronary revascularisation. In addition, ECG aids localisation of the infarct-related artery and adds prognostic value.

Contrasting fatty involvement of the right ventricle: lipoma versus lipomatous hypertrophy

We report two rare cases of right ventricular lipomatous involvement, and discuss their contrasting diagnostic images and clinical manifestations. Case 1 is a 21-year-old Malay man who presented with recurrent syncope. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a homogeneous discrete mass attached to the right ventricular septum, occupying the right ventricular outflow tract. Cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed features consistent with intracardiac lipoma, which was confirmed on histology, upon surgical resection. Case 2, a 73-year-old Caucasian woman, was found to have incidental lipomatous infiltration of the right ventricle on echocardiography and MR imaging. In contrast to the well-defined right ventricular lipoma seen in the first case, lipomatous involvement was manifested as a diffuse homogeneous thickening of the right ventricular free wall. Multimodality imaging allows for a complementary and detailed characterisation of lipomatous masses involving the ventricular septum.

Diabetic patients with normal baseline renal function are at increased risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy post-percutaneous coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION

We hypothesised that diabetic patients with normal baseline renal impairment who do not receive prophylaxis before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at an increased risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study involving 839 patients who underwent PCI between 2004 and 2006, and divided them into three groups: Group A (304 diabetics with normal baseline serum creatinine [Cr] of less than 1.5 mg/dL); Group B (465 non-diabetics with normal Cr); Group C (70 patients with impaired baseline renal function with Cr more than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL). CIN prophylaxis, including oral N-acetylcysteine and saline hydration, were administered only to Group C patients.

RESULTS

The median age for Groups A, B and C was 58, 56 and 64 years, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension in Groups A, B and C was 76.3, 56 and 85.7 percent, respectively. Baseline demographics were comparable among the three groups with regard to gender, left ventricular systolic function and contrast volume use. Incidences of CIN in Groups A, B and C were 8.9 percent, 4.3 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively (p-value is 0.042). The incidence of CIN in diabetic patients with a normal baseline Cr who did not receive prophylaxis (Group A) was significantly higher than in the other two groups (p-value is less than 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that diabetic patients, despite having a normal baseline Cr, are at an increased risk of developing CIN post-PCI. Routine prophylaxis in this cohort may be beneficial.

Infective endocarditis secondary to intravenous Subutex abuse

INTRODUCTION

Subutex (buprenophine) was approved by the Health Science Authority of Singapore for heroin detoxification in 2002. The number of heroin addicts has decreased in Singapore since the introduction of Subutex. However, Subutex abuse and its associated complications became arising medical problems. We report the management of a series of infective endocarditis cases secondary to Subutex abuse.

METHODS

We identified 12 cases of infective endocarditis in former heroin addicts treated with Subutex from August 2005 to April 2006. All patients were interviewed by the research coordinator and prospectively followed-up for two years.

RESULTS

The treatment period of Subutex endocarditis was often prolonged with a mean hospitalisation stay of 48 days, with 3.8 days in the intensive care unit. Multiple medical complications were noted. Staphylococcus aureus septicaemia accounted for 92 percent of cases. Mortality rate was 42 percent. Failure rate of medical therapy alone was common. 25 percent underwent open heart valve surgery. All patients were subsidised. Mean hospitalisation expenses was S$31,218.

CONCLUSION

Subutex endocarditis causes significant morbidity and mortality. It imposes a heavy medical and financial burden to the patient and society. Multidisciplinary treatment involving cardiologists, infectious disease physicians, psychiatrists, surgeons, medical counsellors and social workers is required to manage these patients.

Isolated high lateral acute myocardial infarction with superior injury current axis

We report a 70-year-old man with high lateral ST elevation myocardial infarction secondary to occlusion of left circumflex artery. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed ST depression in inferior leads and isolated ST elevation in leads aVR and aVL, demonstrating a superior axis of the injury current vector. Different presentations of ECG pattern from left circumflex artery occlusion were discussed. This case highlights the importance of recognising unusual ECG pattern in accurate diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Efficacy of community-based multidisciplinary disease management of chronic heart failure

INTRODUCTION

A multidisciplinary disease management (DM) programme in chronic heart failure (CHF) improves clinical outcome. The efficacy of such a programme in a heterogeneous Asian community is not well established. Therefore, we undertook the evaluation of the efficacy of the multidisciplinary community-based DM CHF programme.

METHODS

This was a prospective study involving 154 patients (54 percent male) with a primary diagnosis of CHF, New York Heart Association functional class III/IV CHF, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40 percent. The mean age was 65 +/- 12 years and mean LVEF was 27 +/- 9 percent. We evaluated CHF hospitalisation, quality of life, activity status and quality of care (percentage of patients who received ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and beta blockers after a period of six months.

RESULTS

At six months, there was improvement in the quality of life and activity status (p < 0.001). ACE inhibitors/ARB were maintained in 97 percent of the patients and there was an increased usage of beta blockers (p-value equals 0.001). The rate of CHF hospitalisation was reduced by 68 percent (p-value is less than 0.001) and there was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

The multidisciplinary DM of CHF in a heterogeneous Asian community showed significant improvement in quality of life, quality of care and reduction in CHF hospitalisation.

ReoPro Observational Registry (RAPOR): insights from the multicentre use of abciximab in Asia

INTRODUCTION

The pattern of use of abciximab in real-life clinical patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 11 high-volume centres in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Pakistan and Korea was prospectively examined.

METHODS

These centres enrolled 224 consecutive patients over eight months to receive abciximab during PCI for the study. The cohort consisted of 82.1 percent males, with mean age of 55 (+/- 11) years and mean weight of 67 (+/- 17) kg.

RESULTS

The use of abciximab during PCI ranged between 6.2 percent and 21.6 percent. The indications for the use of abciximab were: acute coronary syndromes (34.3 percent), complex coronary lesions (17.9 percent) and multivessel PCI (17.7 percent). Based on a risk scoring system devised for this registry, majority (60.0 percent) of the patients was considered high risk when abciximab was used. Among the patients enrolled, 36.6 percent received abciximab as a "bail-out". The overall in-hospital ischaemic event rates were low at 4.0 percent. The complication rates included major bleeding 0.7 percent, thrombocytopenia 2.7 percent and need for blood transfusion 2.8 percent. There was a trend towards a higher incidence of in-hospital non-Q myocardial infarction in the "bail-out" group (2.1 percent versus 7.3 percent, p-value equals 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Abxicimab was uncommonly used among patients (9.4 percent) undergoing PCI in this Asian region, with the operators reserving it mainly for high-risk patients.

A case of broken heart from blunt trauma

A young man with blunt chest trauma presented acutely in shock as a result of cardiac rupture causing acute bloody tamponade. We discuss the clinical presentation, the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis and management of such cases.