Applicability and performance of heart failure prognostic scores in dilated cardiomyopathy: the real-world experience of an Italian referral center for cardiomyopathies

BACKGROUND

The performance of heart failure (HF) risk models is validated in the general population with HF but in specific aetiological settings, and specifically in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), has scarcely been explored. We tested eight of the main prognostic scores used in HF in a large real-world population of patients with DCM.

METHODS

We included 784 consecutive DCM patients enrolled, both inpatients and outpatients, enrolled between January 2000 and December 2017. The risk of 1 and/or 3-year all-cause mortality/heart transplantation/durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation (D/HTx/LVAD) was estimated in our cohort according to the following risk scores SHFM, 3-CHF, CHARM, MAGGIC, GISSI-HF, MECKI, Barcelona Bio-HF, Krakow score and their accuracy calculated through the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 5.8 years (Interquartile Range 3.2-7.6 years), 191 patients (20%) died or underwent HTx/LVAD (158 deaths, 30 heart transplantations, and 3 LVAD implantations). The high missing rate allowed to calculated only four prognostic models (MAGGIC, CHARM, 3-CHF and SHFM). All the scores overestimated the rate of D/HTx/LVAD. The prognostic accuracy was suboptimal for MAGGIC (AUC 0.754) and CHARM (AUC 0.720) scores and only modest for 3-CHF (AUC 0.677) and SHFM (AUC 0.667).

CONCLUSIONS

Main prognostic scores for the risk stratification of HF are only partially applicable to real-world patients with DCM. MAGGIC and CHARM scores showed the best accuracy, despite the overestimation of risk. Our findings corroborate the need of specific risk scores for the prognostic stratification of DCM.

CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

What is new? The present study is the largest analysis in literature which investigate how the main existing heart failure prognostic risk scores performed in a real-world of dilated cardiomyopathy population, both in- and outpatients. What are the clinical implications? DCM is a stand-alone model of heart failure, where the performance of multiple heart failure prognostic scores for the risk stratification is quite limited. The need for contemporary, dedicated prognostic scores in this disease is increasingly evident.

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

AIMS

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

METHODS AND RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Prognostic implications of biventricular uptake of bone tracers at planar scintigraphy in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Background

The prognostic role of bone tracer uptake in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is controversial. A further characterization of cardiac retention measured by Perugini scale with differentiation between biventricular (BiV) and isolated left ventricle (LV) uptake has never been attempted previously.

Purpose

The study investigated the potential prognostic significance of BiV uptake in ATTR-CA.

Methods

In this multicentre, observational study, we analysed data of ATTR-CA patients who underwent bone tracer scintigraphy with acquisition of both planar and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Cardiac uptake was defined according to the Perugini visual scale. Planar BiV uptake was defined according to right ventricle (RV) uptake: 0= absent, 1= < bone, 2= equal to bone, and 3= > bone and confirmed by SPECT imaging. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results

All 124 ATTR-CA patients enrolled had LV and RV free wall uptake on SPECT images. Of them, 93 (75%) had BiV uptake visible on planar scintigraphy. BiV uptake was found in 14%, 70%, and 92% of Perugini grade 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Compared to those with isolated LV uptake, patients with BiV uptake were older (81 vs 77 years, p=0.006) and more frequently in NYHA≥3 (32% vs 10%, p=0.018). During a median follow-up of 21 months, BiV uptake was associated with a greater occurrence of the primary outcome compared to isolated LV uptake (40% vs 19%, p=0.021), whereas the Perugini scale was not (p=0.2) (Figure 1). At multivariable analysis, NYHA class ≥3 (hazard ratio [HR] 8.1, p=0.007), eGFR <60 ml/min (HR 2.1, p=0.025) and higher degree of RV uptake (HR 1.69, p=0.007) emerged as independent prognostic parameters. In an external cohort of 463 ATTR-CA patients with a median follow-up of 30 months, planar BiV uptake was independently associated with all-cause mortality, with an incremental risk in higher grades of RV uptake (p<0.001) (Figure 1).

Conclusions

The presence of BiV uptake at planar scintigraphy identified ATTR-CA patients with worse cardiovascular and global outcomes (Figure 2), potentially serving as a novel prognostic marker.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic prediction of genotype versus phenotype in genetic cardiomyopathies

Background

In cardiomyopathies (CMPs), the diverse genetic background often leads to phenotypic heterogeneity. Currently, genotype-phenotype studies are founded on clinical phenotype-based classification of CMPs, contributing possible biases due to the exclusion of specific and unascertained phenotypic expressions of CMP genes.

Purpose

We sought to define differences in outcome when stratifying patients based on phenotype at presentation compared with genotype in a large cohort of CMP patients with positive genetic testing.

Methods

In this study, we included the whole spectrum of non-hypertrophic CMP phenotypes, genetically determined: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ALVC) and biventricular ARVC (BiV). The primary and secondary outcomes were: 1) all-cause mortality/heart transplant (D/HT); 2) heart failure-related death/heart transplant/left ventricular assist device implantation (DHF/HT/VAD); and 3) sudden cardiac death/life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (SCD/MVA).

Results

Two hundred and eighty-one patients (80% DCM) carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were included in this study. The phenotype was classified as DCM, ARVC, ALVC and BiV according to current consensus criteria. The median follow-up was 188 months. Variants in titin (TTN; 34%) and sarcomeric genes (SARC; 22%) were the most frequent genotypes and almost invariably associated with a DCM phenotype. DSP, LMNA and FLNC displayed more heterogeneous phenotypic presentations, including DCM, ARVC, ALVC, BiV. At survival analysis, the arrhythmic outcome occurred more frequently in patients without a DCM phenotype and in carriers of DSP, PKP2, LMNA and FLNC variants. However, after adjustment for age and sex, the genotype-based classification but not the phenotype-based classification was predictive of the arrhythmic outcome. LMNA showed the worst trend in term of D/HT and DHF/HT/LVAD.

Conclusions

In genetic cardiomyopathies, genotype is associated with significant phenotypic heterogeneity. Nevertheless, in our study, the genotypic-based classification showed higher precision in predicting CMP patients' outcome in respect to the phenotype-based classification. These findings add to the current understanding of inherited CMPs and may implement the risk stratification of patients with positive genetic testing.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Natural history and clinical parameters of chemotherapy-induced dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

Chemotherapy-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (CI-DCM) is a well-recognized phenotype of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), characterized by poor outcomes. However, a detailed comparison between idiopathic DCM (iDCM) and CI-DCM is still lacking.

Methods

All consecutive DCM patients enrolled in the Trieste Muscle Heart Disease Registry were analyzed. CI-DCM and iDCM were defined according to current recommendations. The primary study outcome measure was all-mortality death and secondary outcomes were a) a composite of cardiovascular death/heart-transplantation/ventricular-assist-device implantation, and b) major ventricular arrhythmias.

Results

The study included 551 patients (499 iDCM and 52 CI-DCM). At enrolment, compared to iDCM, CI-DCM patients were older (51±14 years vs 58±3 years respectively, p<0.001) and had a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (35%±10 vs 32%±9, p=0.03). Over a median follow-up of 90 months (IQR 54–140 months), CI-DCM patients had a higher incidence of all-cause mortality compared to iDCM (36.5% vs 8.4% in CI-DCM and iDCM respectively, p<0.001), while the incidence of major ventricular arrhythmias was higher in the iDCM group compared to CI-DCM (4% vs 0%, in CI-DCM and iDCM respectively, p=0.03). The risk of the composite outcome was comparable between the two groups (p=0.91). At Cox multivariable analysis, the diagnosis of CI-DCM emerged as independently associated to primary outcome (HR 6.42, 95% CI 2.52–16.31, p<0.001).

Conclusions

In a well-selected DCM cohort, patients with a chemotherapy-induced aetiology had a higher incidence of all-cause mortality compared to iDCM. Conversely, the incidence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmic events was higher among patients with iDCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy: association between genetically determinated dilated cardiomyopathy and dissinchronopathy

Background

Patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) often undergoes cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Despite CRT only a small group of patients restore normal left ventricular geometry and function. Many predictors of response to CRT have been described, but there are still insufficient data on the role of genetic mutations in sarcomere, cytoskeletal or desmosomal genes.

Purpose

To asses the role of genetic background as predictor of response after CRT in patient DCM and LBBB.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed DCM patients with successful CRT implantation and available genetic testing consecutively included in the CRT-Registry of our Institution. DCM was defined by the presence of left ventricular or biventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease sufficient to cause global systolic impairment. Changes in main echocardiographic parameters: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV End Systolic and End Diastolic Volume (LVESV and LVEDV), where compared between basal and 24–48 months of follow up. LV remodeling was defined by relative changes (Δ) in LV End Systolic Volume (LVESV) [(follow-up LVESV − PRE LVESV) / PRE LVESV × 100)]. Patients were considered super-responders (SR) if LVEF at 24–48 months was>50%.

Genetic testing was done by Next Generation DNA and all variants were validated with bidirectional Sanger sequencing. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were excluded from the analysis. Patients being carrier of pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were considered affected by genetic DCM (GEN+ DCM). Patients non carrier of P/LP variants and with no evidence of familial disease were considered affected by non-genetically determined DCM (GEN− DCM).

Results

73 patients met the inclusion criteria, 23 patients were GEN+ DCM, the remaining 50 patients had negative genetic test and no family history of DCM. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. GEN− group was characterized by a greater improvement in LVEF (39±12 vs 29±12, p=0,006) and a greater relative reduction in LVESV (ΔLVESV 43% vs 18%, p=0,007). GEN− patients had a 33 ml higher mean LVESV reduction at 24–48 months after CRT, indipendently of their respective baseline values. 20 patients (27% of the total population) suffered of heart failure related death, heart transplantation or left ventricular assistance device implantation during follow up and the prevalence was significantly higher in GEN+ group (43% vs 20%, p=0,037). Coherently, patients in the GEN+ group showed a lower prevalence of super responders (4%, vs 24%, p=0,02) after CRT.

Conclusions

Non-genetically determined DCM DCM is associated with a better clinical and instrumental response to CRT and a higher probability of being super responders. Furthermore, our data support the hypothesis about dyssyncronopathy as a specific clinical entity inside DCM diseases.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Value of the HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction caused by cardiac amyloidosis

Aims

The HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores have been developed to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and hold prognostic value. Their use in patients with HFpEF caused by cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has never been investigated.

Methods and results

We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of the HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores in 304 patients from 3 cohorts with HFpEF caused by transthyretin (ATTR)-CA (n=160, 53%) or immunoglobulin light-chain (AL)-CA (n=144, 47%). A diagnosis of HFpEF was more likely using the HFA-PEFF score with 2 (1%), 71 (23%), and 231 (76%) patients ranked as having a low (0–1), intermediate (2–4) or high (5–6) probability of HFpEF, respectively. Conversely, 36 (12%), 179 (59%) and 89 (29%) of patients ranked as having a low (0–1), intermediate (2–5) or high (6–9) probability of HFpEF using the H2FPEF score. During a median follow-up of 19 months (interquartile range 8–40), 132 (43%) patients died. The HFA-PEFF score, but not the H2FPEF, predicted a high risk of all-cause death which remained significant after adjustment for age, AL-CA diagnosis, high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and echocardiographic parameters, including left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain, LV diastolic function and right ventricular function (hazard ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.95, p=0.002 for every 1-point increase in HFA-PEFF).

Conclusions

The HFA-PEFF score has a high sensitivity to diagnose HFpEF caused by CA and holds independent prognostic value for all-cause mortality, while the H2FPEF score does not.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic implication of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in myocarditis: results from a multicentre, multinational study

Background

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an accessible inflammatory biomarker. Recently, baseline NLR has been shown to be independently associated with incident cardiovascular (CV) events and all-cause mortality. However, whether this applies to acute myocarditis (AM) has not been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of NLR in patients with AM.

Methods

All consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AM admitted to three tertiary referral cardiac centres in two countries between October 2006 and June 2020 were included in the study. Diagnosis was confirmed by either cardiac magnetic resonance or endomyocardial biopsy. The outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Patients were divided into two groups according to NLR value defined in previous studies (i.e., 2.5).

Results

A total of 287 patients with AM were included in the study. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Approximately two thirds of patients were males (n=194, 68%) with a mean age of 39±16 years. The main clinical presentation was predominantly infarct-like (n=215, 75%), followed by heart failure (HF) (n=46, 16%) and arrhythmic (n=26, 9%). Patients admitted with a HF presentation were more prevalent in the group with elevated NLR, while no difference was found in the other clinical presentations. For all patients, ECG features were comparable between groups. However, patients with elevated NLR presented with slightly higher LVEF (55±11% vs 50±13% respectively, p=0.003). Over a median follow-up of 54 months, higher NLR was associated with worse prognosis (Figure 1, p=0.02). Patients with high NLR have a 7-fold higher risk of adverse events during follow-up (Hazard Ratio 7.83, 95% confidence interval 1.02–59.89, p=0.047).

Conclusions

NLR is a promising and accessible inflammatory biomarker. In patients with AM, elevated NLR is associated with worse prognosis. Further research is advocated to confirm these data in larger populations.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Incidence and risk factors for pacemaker implantation in light chain and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis

Background

The incidence and risk factors of pacemaker (PM) implantation in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are largely unexplored.

Purpose

We sought to characterise the trends in the incidence of permanent PM and to identify baseline predictors of future PM implantation in light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) CA.

Methods

Multicentre, retrospective, observational study. Consecutive patients with AL and ATTR-CA diagnosed or referred at participating Centres between 2017 and 2020 were included. Clinical data recorded within ± 1 month from baseline evaluation were collected from electronic medical records. The primary outcome of the study was the need for clinically-indicated PM implantation. Reversible causes of conduction system disease were systematically ruled out before PM implantation. Patients with PM (n=41) and/or permanent defibrillator in situ (n=13) at the time of CA diagnosis were excluded.

Results

The study population consisted of 405 patients: 29.4% AL, 14.6% variant ATTR and 56% wild-type ATTR; 82.5% were males, with median age 76 years. During a median follow-up of 33 months (interquartile range 21–46), 36 (8.9%) patients experienced the primary outcome: 10 patients with AL-CA, 2 with variant ATTR-CA and 24 with wild-type ATTR-CA (p=0.08). At multivariable analysis, history of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio [HR] 3.80, p=0.002), PR interval (HR 1.013, p=0.002) and QRS >120 ms (HR 4.7, p=0.001) on baseline ECG were independently associated with PM implantation (Figure 1). In the individual patient, the contemporary presence of these 3 factors yielded the highest risk of PM implantation (HR 6.26, p=0.003).

Conclusion

In a large cohort of AL and ATTR-CA, the incidence of PM implantation was high accounting for ≈9% of patients in the 3 years following the diagnosis. History of atrial fibrillation, longer PR interval and QRS >120 ms identified CA patients at high-risk of future PM implantation (Figure 2).

CA patients with these features might need close monitoring during follow-up for the development of conduction system disease requiring PM implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

NAV3 is a genetic determinant of myocardial recovery in dilated cardiomyopathy and attenuates cardiac fibrosis

Background

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) assessing change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a surrogate marker of morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF), had not been performed previously and could provide insight into novel biological pathways that could lead to the development of new drugs that might target myocardial recovery. The presence and extent of cardiac fibrosis in DCM is independently associated with myocardial recovery and cardiovascular mortality.

Purpose

To identify the biological relevance of genetic targets that are associated with change in LVEF in patients with DCM.

Methods

A GWAS was performed using DNA from 686 patients with recent onset DCM who were on standard HF therapy using change in LVEF at a median of 6 months after initial diagnosis. Cultured human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) were used as an in vitro model to study the functional and biological relevance of the gene target identified in the GWAS. Specifically, HCFs were transfected with siRNA by using the Lipofectamine™ RNAiMAX Transfection Reagent for gene knockdown (KD). RNA-seq was performed using the Illumina TruSeq protocol with expression analysis conducted with the EdgeR package. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used.

Results

A single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs11105445(G>A), mapping to the neuron navigator 3 (NAV3) gene (rs11105445, p=2.37E-07; beta 2.74±0.53) was associated with improvement in LVEF. We performed a phenome-wide association study using data from the UK Biobank and demonstrated that genetic variation in NAV3 was significantly associated with HF mortality (p=3.2E-28), highlighting the potential importance of this gene in HF. Using GTEx data we demonstrated that in LV tissue the minor allele A was associated with ↓NAV3 expression (p=0.03) suggesting that ↓NAV3 expression might be associated with improvement in LVEF. We demonstrated that NAV3 KD significantly ↓TGF-β1 mediated HCF transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, ↓α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and ↓collagen I (COL1A1), therefore NAV3 KD was anti-fibrotic (see Figure 1), 1a. HCFs treated by vehicle/TGF-β1 after KD of NAV3/ctrl, and ACTA2 and COL1A1 were analyzed by qPCR; 1b. Representative immunofluorescence staining for α-SMA (in green), RNA-seq after NAV3 KD followed by pathway analysis suggested that NAV3 exerted its effect by regulating cell cycle related proteins (Figure 2), 2a. Volcano plot shows significant differentially expressed genes identified by RNA-seq analysis (down-regulated in blue, up-regulated in red); 2b. NAV3 KD significantly increased expression of cell cycle related proteins, which was validated by Western blot.

Conclusions

Decreased expression of NAV3 is associated with myocardial recovery in DCM, most likely due to its anti-fibrotic effect via direct regulation of cell cycle proteins. The role of NAV3 as a novel therapeutic target in DCM needs to be explored.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized MedicineMayo Clinic Department of Cardiovascular Medicine

Influence of sex on cardiovascular outcomes in RBM20 variant carriers

Background

Variants in the RBM20 gene cause dilated cardiomyopathy and may be associated with a poor prognosis.

Objectives

To determine disease penetrance, the risk of adverse events and the influence of sex on outcomes in RBM20 variant carriers.

Methods

Consecutive probands and relatives carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic RBM20 variants were retrospectively recruited from 12 cardiomyopathy units. The primary endpoint was a composite of malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) and end-stage heart failure (ESHF). MVA and ESHF endpoints were also analysed separately and males and females compared.

Results

Longitudinal follow-up data were available for 163 RBM20 variant carriers (82 male, median age 36.5 years, median follow-up 77.6 months). 10/163 had an MVA event at baseline. 30/153 without baseline MVA (19.6%) reached the primary endpoint with a trend towards worse outcomes in males (p=0.08). 16/153 (10.5%) had new MVA with no difference between males and females (p=0.92). 20/163 (12.2%) developed ESHF (17 males and 3 females; p<0.001).

By the end of follow-up, 114 patients (70%) had either left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) or had experienced MVA. 22 patients received a first diagnosis of LVSD during follow-up. Disease penetrance in individuals over 40 years of age was 78.5% by last evaluation.

Eleven patients that reached the MVA endpoint had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) available within 6 months of the event. Median [IQR] contemporary LVEF was 30% [23.75, 40%]. 5/11 patients had a contemporary LVEF >35%. 1/11 had a contemporary LVEF >45% (a female, 1st degree relative presenting with sustained ventricular tachycardia and an LVEF of 65%).

Conclusions

RBM20 variants are highly penetrant. The risk of MVA in male and female RBM20 variant carriers is similar but male sex is strongly associated with ESHF. MVA events occur in patients with LVEF >35%.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship

Prognostic role of myocardial inflammation in patients with undefined left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Etiology identification and risk stratification represent major issues for patients presenting with undefined left ventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ULVACM).

Purpose

To investigate the role of genetics and histology for ULVACM classification, management, and risk assessment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a multicenter cohort of patients (screened n=1037) with ULVACM defined by ventricular arrhythmia (VA) onset, nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) limited to the LV, and no severe dilated cardiomyopathy (LVEF≥40%). We selected patients undergoing both next generation sequencing (NGS) screening and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) for etiology definition. When feasible, immunosuppressive therapy (IST) was used to target active myocardial inflammation (AMI). The study endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, heart transplantation and malignant VAs (VT, VF, appropriate ICD treatment).

Results

The study cohort is composed by 135 ULVACM patients (age 43±14 years, 63% males, LVEF 55±7 %). NGS identified pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) consistent with ACM in 21 cases (16%), whereas EMB showed AMI in 78 patients (58%), including 13/21 PVs/LPVs+ (62%). After reclassification of 86 patients (64%), only 49 (36%) remained ULVACM. IST was started in 41/78 AMI patients (53%), including 9/13 PVs/LPVs+ (69%). Twenty patients (15%) met the study endpoint by 12 months, and 36 (27%) by the end of the study (60±27 months). Beyond malignant VT onset, AMI was the only predictor of events by 12 months (HR 5.0, 95%CI 1.4-18.1, p=0.007). No prognostic role was found for PVs/LPVs, except for the subgroup (n=77) with nonsustained VT onset. Among AMI patients, those treated by IST had a significantly lower occurrence of events, both by 12-months (1/41 vs. 16/37, p<0.001) and later (HR 0.05, 95%CI 0.01-0.21, p<0.001). Results were independently confirmed in PVs/LPVs+ and PVs/LPVs- cases. Excluding the IST population, the association of multiple factors among VT onset, PVs/LPVs, and AMI, resulted in an improved discrimination of arrhythmic risk profiles.

Conclusion

The combined genetic and histological workup allowed reclassification of up to 64% ULVACM patients, and substantially contributed into prognostic assessment. Furthermore, EMB identified suitable candidates for IST, who showed better outcomes irrespectively of their genotype.

P295 EXERCISE OXYGEN KINETIC IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY: RESULTS FROM A MULTICENTER CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING STUDY

Aims

Reduced cardiac output (CO) has been considered crucial in symptoms’ genesis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We evaluated the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) response in HCM focusing on parameters strongly associated with stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO), such as oxygen uptake (VO2) and O2–pulse, considering both their absolute values and temporal behavior during physical exercise.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 312 non–end stage HCM patients, divided according to left ventricle outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) at rest or during Valsalva maneuver (72% with LVOTO<30; 10% between 30 and 49 and 18% ≥ 50mmHg). Peak VO2 (percent of predicted), O2–pulse and ventilation to carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope did not change across LVOTO groups. Ninety–six (31%) HCM patients presented an abnormal O2–pulse temporal behavior, irrespective of LVOTO values. These patients showed lower peak systolic pressure, workload (106±45 vs. 130±49W), VO2 (74±17 vs. 80±20%) and O2–pulse (12 [9–14] vs. 14 [11–17]ml/beat), with higher VE/VCO2 slope (28 [25–31] vs. 27 [24–31]) (p < 0.005 for all). Only 2 patients had an abnormal VO2/work slope.

Conclusion

None of CPET parameters, either as absolute values or dynamic relationships, were associated with LVOTO. Differently, an abnormal O2–pulse exercise behavior, which is strongly related to inadequate SV during exercise, correlates with reduced functional capacity (peak and anaerobic threshold VO2 and workload) and increased VE/VCO2 slope, helping identifying more advanced disease irrespectively of LVOTO. Adding O2–pulse kinetics evaluation to standard CPET could lead to a potential incremental benefit in terms of HCM prognostic stratification and, then, therapeutic management.

P292 REDEFINING THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SCREENING STUDIES

Background

Over the last years, an algorithm for non–invasive diagnosis of amyloid transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR–CA) and novel disease–modifying therapies have prompted an active search of CA in different clinical settings.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of screening studies investigating CA.

Results

The average prevalence of CA in different settings were as follows: total body scintigraphy with “bone tracers” for non–cardiac reasons (n = 5 studies), 1%; heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (n = 6), 12%; HF with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction (n = 2), 10%, conduction disorders warranting pacemaker implantation (n = 1), 2%; surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS; n = 3), 7%; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype (n = 2), 9%; aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing surgical or transaortic valve replacement (n = 7), 10%; autopsy series of “unselected” elderly individuals (n = 4), 15%. Many of these patients had ATTR–CA, but the percentage of cases with amyloid light–chain CA was far from negligible.

Conclusions

Screening for CA in specific settings allows to identify a relatively high number of cases, in agreement with the notion that CA is not a rare disease. Many patients have ATTR–CA. Most studies focused on elderly subjects, given the clear relationship between age and the likelihood of CA. Men accounted for a high proportion of patients with CA, but women were quite represented.

C64 UNMASKING THE PREVALENCE OF AMYLOID CARDIOMYOPATHY IN THE REAL WORLD: RESULTS FROM PHASE 2 OF AC–TIVE STUDY, AN ITALIAN NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Background

Clinicians need to identify patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy (AC) at an early stage, due to the availability of disease–modifying therapies. Some echocardiographic findings may rise the suspicion of AC, also in patients with mild or no symptoms, addressing second level diagnostic tests.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of AC in consecutive patients ≥55 years undergoing clinically indicated, routine transthoracic echocardiogram in Italy and presenting echocardiographic signs suggestive of AC.

Methods

This is a prospective multicentric study conducted in Italy. It comprises two phases: 1) a recording phase consisting in a national survey on prevalence of possible echocardiographic red flags of AC in consecutive unselected patients ≥55 years undergoing routine echocardiogram (previously published) and 2) an AC diagnostic phase involving a diagnostic work–up for AC to investigate AC prevalence among patients with at least one echocardiographic red flag (herein presented). Patients that in Phase 1 presented an “AC suggestive” echocardiogram (i.e., at least one red flag of AC in hypertrophic, non–dilated left ventricles with preserved ejection fraction) underwent clinical evaluation, blood and urine tests and scintigraphy with bone tracer. Diagnosis of transthyretin related–AC (ATTR–AC) was made in presence of grade 2–3 Perugini uptake at scintigraphy and absence of monoclonal protein. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT04738266).

Results

Of the 5315 screened echocardiograms, 381 exams (7.2%) were classified as “AC suggestive” and proceeded to Phase 2. 217 patients completed Phase 2 investigations. Main reasons for the 164 non–entering patients into Phase 2 were death (n = 49) and refusal to participate (n = 66). A final diagnosis of AC was made in 62 patients with an estimated prevalence of 28,6% (95% CI: 22,5%–34,7%). ATTR–AC was diagnosed in 51 and AL–AC in 11 patients, ascertaining a prevalence of 23,5% (95% CI: 17,8%–29,2%) and 5,1% (95% CI: 2,2%–8,0%), respectively.

Conclusion

Among a cohort of consecutive unselected patients ≥55 years with echocardiographic findings suggestive of AC, the prevalence of AC ranged from 23% up to 35%. Although ATTR–AC was predominant, AL–AC was diagnosed in a significant number of cases. Echocardiography has a fundamental role in screening patients, raising the suspicion of disease and orienting diagnostic work–up for AC.

C65 POST–DISCHARGE ARRHYTHMIC RISK STRATIFICATION OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDITIS AND LIFE–THREATENING VENTRICULAR TACHYARRHYTHMIAS

Aims

The outcomes of patients presenting with acute myocarditis and life–threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LT–VA) are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and predictors of recurrent major arrhythmic events (MAEs) after hospital discharge in this patient population.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analysed 156 patients (median age 44 years; 77% male) discharged with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis and LT–VA from 16 hospitals worldwide. Diagnosis of myocarditis was based on histology or the combination of increased markers of cardiac injury and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) Lake Louise criteria. MAEs were defined as the relapse, after discharge, of sudden cardiac death or successfully defibrillated ventricular fibrillation, or sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) requiring implantable cardioverter–defibrillator therapy or synchronized external cardioversion. Median follow–up was 23months [first to third quartile (Q1–Q3) 7–60]. Fifty–eight (37.2%) patients experienced MAEs after discharge, at a median of 8 months (Q1–Q3 2.5–24.0 months; 60.3% of MAEs within the first year). At multivariable Cox analysis, variables independently associated with MAEs were presentation with sVT [hazard ratio (HR) 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–6.11]; late gadolinium enhancement involving ≥2 myocardial segments (HR 4.51, 95% CI 2.39–8.53), and absence of positive short–tau inversion recovery (STIR) (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.40–4.79) at first CMR.

Conclusions

In this international multicentre study, patients discharged free from HTx or LVAD after an acute myocarditis complicated by LT–VA had a recurrence of MAEs during follow–up of 37.2%, after a median time of 8 months. Initial CMR pattern and sVT at presentation stratify the risk of arrhythmia recurrence.

C75 PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA–INDUCED CARDIOGENIC SHOCK: A MULTICENTER ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL PROFILES, MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES

Background

Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that arises from the adrenal gland and overproduces catecholamines; it is an infrequent cause of cardiogenic shock (CS). Several case reports have investigated pheochromocytoma–induced CS, but larger studies have not yet been carried out.

Objectives

Our work aims to describe a multicenter experience in the diagnosis and management of patients with pheochromocytoma–induced CS, and to raise awareness around this rare condition. Methods: We enrolled all patients with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma–induced CS admitted to the intensive care units of 8 European referral Hospitals.

Results

Among the 17 patients (47% males, mean age 49,5 years), we found that pulmonary congestion was the mostly represented clinical feature (82%). The most represented echocardiographic left ventricle (LV) pattern was the reverse Takotsubo (TTS) pattern with apical hyperkinesis associated with basal– to mid–ventricular hypokinesis (47%). Elevated systemic vascular resistances (SVR) were observed. Endomyocardial biopsy of the LV was performed in one patient showing contraction band necrosis, oedema and inflammatory reaction. 76% of patients were treated with dobutamine, 70% needed noradrenaline, 29% adrenaline, 23.5% were treated with levosimendan and 17% with milrinone. Mechanical circulatory support devices (MCS) were necessary for 65% of patients. All patients benefited from pheochromocytoma’s surgical excision, with 4 patients operated on while under ECLS. All patients recovered, excepted one (presenting a severe left ventricular dilatation at admission) who required cardiac transplantation.

Conclusion

Pheochromocytoma is an infrequent cause of CS, with most often a TTS–like presentation. It should be suspected in case of a CS with high initial SVR and rapid deterioration. MCS must be considered in the most severe cases. The main challenge is to stabilize the patient, mostly with MCS, since it remains a reversible cause of CS with a low mortality rate. Adrenalectomy can safely be performed even when the patient is under MCS.

Unmasking the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in the real world: first insights from the phase 2 of the AC-TIVE study, an italian nationwide survey

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Pfizer

Introduction

Clinicians need to identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) at an early stage, due to the availability of disease modifying therapies. Some echocardiographic findings may rise the suspicion of CA, also in patients with mild or no symptoms, orienting second level diagnostic tests.

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence of CA in consecutive patients ≥55 years undergoing clinically indicated, routine transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in Italy with echocardiographic signs suggestive of CA.

Methods

This is a prospective multicentric study conducted in Italy. It comprises two phases: 1) an observational phase consisting in a national survey on prevalence of possible echocardiographic red flags of CA in consecutive patients ≥55 years undergoing routine TTE (1), and 2) a CA diagnostic phase. Preliminary results of phase 2 are herein presented. Patients who presented a CA-suggestive TTE (i.e. at least one red flag of CA in hypertrophic, non-dilated left ventricles) in the phase 1 were further evaluated (1). Those who consented to proceed in the study, underwent clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, blood and urine tests and scintigraphy with bone tracer. Diagnosis of transthyretin related-CA (ATTR-CA) was made in presence of grade 2 -3 Perugini uptake at scintigraphy and absence of monoclonal protein. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results

Of the 5315 screened echocardiograms, 381 exams (7.2%) were classified as CA-suggestive (1). Two-hundred-twelve of the 381 patients with a CA-suggestive TTE proceeded to the phase 2 of the study. The main reasons for the 169 non-entering patients into the phase 2 were death [n=53] and refusal to participate [n=85]. Sixty-five of these 212 patients (31%; 17% considering also the 169 non-entering patients into the phase 2 and assuming they did not have CA) had a circumstantiated diagnosis of CA. In detail, ATTR-CA was diagnosed in 53 (25%) and AL-CA in 12 (5.7%) patients.

Conclusion

Among a cohort of consecutive unselected patients ≥55 years with echocardiographic findings suggestive of CA, the real prevalence of disease ranged from 17% up to 31%. Although ATTR-CA was predominant, AL-CA was diagnosed in a significant amount of cases. TTE has a fundamental role in screening patients, raising the suspicion of disease and orienting diagnostic work-up for CA.

Global longitudinal strain by CMR improves prognostic stratification in acute myocarditis presenting with normal LVEF

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Prognostic stratification of acute myocarditis (AM) presenting with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) relies mostly on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) characterization (1).

Purpose

Left ventricular peak global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) measured by feature tracking analysis might improve prognostication of AM presenting with normal LVEF (2,3).

Methods

Data of patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for clinically suspected AM in seven European Centres (2013-2020) were retrospectively analysed. Patients with AM confirmed by CMR and LVEF ≥50% were included. LGE was visually characterized: localized vs. diffuse, subepicardial vs midwall. LV-GLS was measured by dedicated software. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of an adverse cardiovascular event (ACE) including cardiac death, life-threatening arrhythmias, development of heart failure or of LVEF <50%.

Results

Of 389 screened patients, 256 (66%) fulfilled inclusion criteria: median age 36 years, 71% males, median LVEF 60%, median LV-GLS -17.3%. CMR was performed at 4 [2-12] days from hospitalization. At 27 months, 24 (9%) patients experienced ≥1 ACE (71% developed LVEF <50%). Compared to the others, patients experiencing ACEs had lower median LV-GLS values (-13.9% vs -17.5%, p=0.001). At Kaplan-Meier analysis, impaired LV-GLS (both considered as >-20% or quartiles), diffuse and midwall LGE were associated with ACEs (Figure 1). Patients with LV-GLS ≤-20% did not experience ACEs. LV-GLS remained associated with ACEs after adjustment for diffuse and midwall LGE.

Conclusions

In AM presenting with LVEF ≥50%, LV-GLS provides independent prognostic value over LGE characterization, improving risk stratification and representing a rationale for further studies of therapy in this cohort (Figure 2).

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

AIMS

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

METHODS AND RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

["Somatic symptom disorders" in adolescence. A systematic review of the recent literature]

OBJECTIVES

Body expression of mental disorders is common in adolescence. Only two literature reviews over the last five years have been identified about somatoform disorders in children., The present article provides a systematic review of articles in English, which concern "Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders" according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5th Edition) among adolescents.

METHODS

The article search was made on Medline, Psychinfo, Google Scholar, BiomedCentral, Central and tripdatabase (for grey literature) according to PRISMA criteria and with the items "somatoform disorders" or "somatic symptom disorders". An age filter was applied for "adolescents", and a selection was done from the last five years. All articles concerning adolescents (often associated with children) were initially included, except for articles concerning eating disorders, dysmorphic disorders or adult population. Comments, editorials, opinion or descriptive articles were also excluded. The authors then carried out an analysis of the main topics, themes and questions covered in the selected publications and presented a descriptive synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of seventy-seven publications were included in the analysis, from three hundred and seventy-two publications. First, the terms used to refer to these "somatic symptom disorders" were varied, such as "somatization", "somatic complaints/symptoms", "functional disorder", "unexplained symptoms" and "somatoform disorders". Then, studies related just to adolescents were limited: most of studies included children and adolescents in their methodologies; and some of them questioned somatic symptoms from a developmental perspective. Case reports were the most represented articles among all medical specialties, with clinical descriptions about "functional neurological symptom disorder", "factitious disorder" and "somatic symptom disorder" with a medical disease, among children and adolescents. We sometimes observed a controversial borderline between psychological and somatic disorders. Various explanatory models appeared, especially the trauma path; familial and social environment was also pointed out, with a possible peer group effect; neurocognitive theories were finally described. The literature highlights the effectiveness of psychosocial therapies (especially the cognitive-behavioral therapy) and the importance of multidisciplinary management. Finally, a few studies with a qualitative methodology are represented.

CONCLUSIONS

Only nine articles included "somatic symptom disorder" in their titles, despite a terminology valued by many authors (compared to "somatoform disorders" from the DSM-IV). The heterogeneity of terminologies, case reports and explanatory models witness a lack of connexions between medical specialties. This could explain in part the wandering of adolescents and their families in the health care system. It could also contribute to the delay before diagnosis, especially when neurological symptoms exist, and a late referral for psychiatric consultation. Further studies are needed to understand difficulties to use a clinical pathway among medical specialties, when the benefit of amultidisciplinary approach seems to be unanimous.

Suicidality and relation with dissociation and alexithymia in PNES and conversion disorder

Introduction

Amongst different subtypes of Conversion Disorder (CD), DSM-V lists the Psychogenic Non-epileptic seizures (PNES). PNES are defined as episodes that visually resemble epileptic seizures but, etiologically, they are not due to electrical discharges in the brain.

Objectives

Our study aims to explore the differences between PNES and other CDs. In particular, we studied the suicidality and its correlations with dissociation and alexithymia.

Methods

Patients, recruited from the Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, were diagnosed with PNES (n=22) and CD (n=16) using the DSM-5 criteria. Patients underwent the following clinical assessments: HAM-D, BDI, DES, BHS, TAS, CTQ.

Results

PNES showed significantly higher scores than CD in all assessments, except for BDI-somatic (p=0.39), BHS-feeling (p=0.86), and the presence of childhood trauma. PNES also showed significantly higher suicidality (p = 0.003). By controlling for the confounding factor “depression”, in PNES suicidality (and in particular the BHS-loss of motivation) appears to be correlated with DES-total score (p = 0.008), DES-amnesia (p = 0.002) and DES -derealization-depersonalization (p = 0.003). On the other hand, in CDs, the BHS-total score shows a correlation with the TAS-total score (p = 0.03) and BHS-Feelings with TAS-Externally-Oriented Thinking (p = 0.035), while only the BHS-Loss of motivation appears correlated with DES-Absorption (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Our study shows significant differences between PNES and CD, in several symptomatologic dimensions, including suicidality. Indeed, in PNES suicidality appears to be related to dissociation, while in CDs it appears mainly to be correlated with alexithymia.

Suicidality in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD)

Introduction

International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) has inserted complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) as a clinically distinct disorder, different from PTSD. The diagnosis of cPTSD has the same requirements for the one of PTSD, in addition to disturbances of self-organization (DSO – e.g., disturbances in relationships, affect dysregulation, and negative self-concept).

Objectives

This study aimed to explore suicidality in PTSD and cPTSD. We examined also the association between clinical dimensions of hopelessness (feelings, loss of motivation, future expectations) and other symptomatologic variables.

Methods

The sample, recruited at the Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, consisted of 189 subjects, 132 diagnosed with PTSD, and 57 with cPTSD, according to the ICD-11 criteria. Participants underwent the following clinical assessments: Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90), Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS).

Results

cPTSD showed significantly higher BHS-total (p = 0.01) and BHS-loss of motivation subscale (p <0.001) scores than PTSD. Besides, cPTSD showed significantly higher scores in all clinical variables except for the IES-intrusive subscale. By controlling for the confounding factor “depression”, suicidality in cPTSD (and in particular the BHS-total) appears to be correlated with IES-total score (p = 0.042) and with DES-Absorption (p = 0.02). Differently, no such correlations are found in PTSD.

Conclusions

Our study shows significant symptomatologic differences between PTSD and cPTSD, including suicidality. Indeed, suicidality in cPTSD appears to be correlated with the “loss of motivation” dimension, which fits well within the ICD-11 criteria of DSO.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Impact on clinical outcomes of right ventricular response to percutaneous correction of secondary mitral regurgitation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. Right ventricular function (RVF) is a strong determinant of prognosis in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). Percutaneous mitral valve repair (pMVR) can promote the recovery of RVF.

Purpose. We sought to characterize the RV response to pMVR in HFrEF with SMR and to assess the influence of improved RVF after pMVR in this specific setting of patients.

Methods. We included all the patients with HFrEF and SMR≥3+ successfully treated with pMVR between April 2012 and January 2020 in two tertiary care centers for HF. Improved RVF was defined as DRVFAC≥5% at early follow-up (median time 4 months). The primary endpoint was a composite of death/heart transplant (D/HT).  

Results. In total, 110 patients were included. Mean age was 67 ± 12 years, mean LVEF was 31 ± 8% and mean RVFAC was 31 ± 10%. DRVFAC≥5% occurred in 54 (49%) patients and was independent from the measures of left ventricle recovery. During a median follow-up of 36 months (IQR 19-52), 40 patients (36%) died or were transplanted.  After adjustment for other significant covariates, DRVFAC≥5% was significantly associated with lower risk of D/HT (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.24 – 0.98 p &lt; 0.042) along with M2+ at follow-up (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.17-0.74 p 0.005).

Conclusions. In patients with HFrEF and SMR, the improvement of RVF is frequent after pMVR and is associated with better long-term survival free from HT.

Abstract Figure.

Late improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with persistent severe systolic dysfunction under guideline-directed medical therapy

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background. A consistent proportion of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) experience left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) during the first 24 months of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). However, important decisions, such as the need for ICD, are requested after 3 months of GDMT. The evolution of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during the first years after GDMT in DCM is unknown.

Purpose. Our study aims to investigate the proportion and characterise DCM patients experiencing late LVEF improvement.

Methods. We analysed DCM patients consecutively enrolled with short disease duration, recent initiation of GDMT (≤ 3 months) and a LVEF ≤ 35% at 6-month follow-up evaluation. LVEF &gt; 35% at 24-month was the primary end-point of the study.

Results. Among 131 patients (mean age 53 ± 14, male sex 74%), 88 (67%) improved their LVEF at 24 months above 35%. A &gt; 10% reduction of the indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDDi) between enrolment and 6-month evaluation emerged as the only independent predictor of late LVEF improvement. During the subsequent follow-up, the late LVEF improvement was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of major arrhythmic events, compared to patients with persistent LVEF ≤ 35% (p = 0.010). 

Conclusions. A high proportion of DCM patients improve their LVEF after more than 3-6 months of GDMT, which is associated with lower long-term arrhythmic risk. The early evaluation of dynamic parameters, such as the reduction of LVEDDi could help to identify those patients.

Baseline population characteristics Total (131) LVEF &gt; 35% at 24 months (88) LVEF ≤ 35% at 24 months (43) p Age (years) 53 ± 14 52 ± 14 54 ± 14 0.52 LVEF (%) 28.4 ± 5.6 29.2 ± 5.3 26.7 ± 5.8 0.02 LVEDDi (mm/m2) 34.9 ± 4.6 34.1 ± 4.7 36.5 ± 4.1 0.01 LVEDVi (ml/m2) 89.4 ± 34.2 83.7 ± 28.5 101.0 ± 41.5 0.01 RV dysfunction normalisation or persistence of normal RV function* 92 (84.4) 59 (84.3) 33 (84.6) 0.96 RFP disappearance* 115 (93.5) 80 (95.2) 35 (89.7) 0.25 MR improvement or persistence of mild/absent MR* 91 (72.2) 66 (78.6) 25 (59.5) 0.02 LVEF improvement* 30 (22.9) 21 (23.9) 9 (20.9) 0.7 LVEDDi reduction* 28 (23.7) 25 (32.1) 3 (7.5) 0.003 Values are presented as n (%) or mean ± SD. *Dynamic parameters are evaluated as change from enrollment to the 6-months evaluation. LVEDDi left ventricular end-diastolic diameter indexed; LVEDVi: left ventricular end diastolic volume indexed; LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction; MR: mitral regurgitation; RFP: restrictive filling pattern; RV: right ventricular. Abstract Figure. Major outcome

The late-onset dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a specific subgroup of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Little is known about the genotypic characterization of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients diagnosed over 60 years of age.

Aim

To investigate prevalence, characterization and prognostic impact of the genetic background of late-onset DCM patients.

Methods

We analyzed a study population of 566 DCM patients from two international referral centers. Genetic background was analyzed and patients were grouped into typical-onset DCM (&lt;60 years of age at diagnosis) or late-onset DCM (&gt;60 years of age at diagnosis).

Results

Approximately 12% of patients (n=70) had late-onset DCM and female sex was significantly more frequent in the late-onset DCM cohort (p&lt;0.001). Diagnostic yield of genetic testing was comparable between typical- and late-onset DCM (53% vs 50%, respectively p=0.438) whereas the prevalence of Titin gene truncation variants (TTNtv) was higher in the late-onset DCM group compared to the younger cohort (23% vs 13% respectively; p&lt;0.05). Notably, patients with late-onset genetic DCM had comparable long-term outcomes to those with typical-onset DCM.

Conclusions

Late-onset DCM patients have nearly double the rate of TTNtv mutations and are more likely to be female compared to younger DCM patients. These observed differences in mutational makeup and sex may reveal insights into age and sex dependent mechanisms for TTNtv and should prompt further study. Notably, the increased prevalence of TTNtv and female sex did not translate into noticeable differences in rates of measurable cardiac events.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Lymphocytic myocarditis: a genetically predisposed disease?

Background

Clinical presentation of myocarditis is extremely heterogeneous from asymptomatic to overt severe heart failure (HF). A complex interaction between pre-existing genetic background and inflammation might be responsible for this heterogeneity.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether positive genetic background for pathogenic cardiomyopathy-related variants might underlie a higher susceptibility to left ventricular dysfunction in patients with active lymphocytic myocarditis.

Methods

We prospectively performed genetic tests in 36 patients (46±15 years; 61% males; no relatives included) with biopsy-proven active lymphocytic myocarditis according to Dallas criteria and immunohistochemistry. Only pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were considered.

Results

After genetic test, 31% of patients (n=11) were carriers of P/LP truncating variants in structural Cardiomyopathy related genes: Titin (TTN, n=8, 73%), Desmoplakin (DSP, n=1), Filamin C (FLNC, n=1) and RNA binding protein 20 (RBM20, n=1). Among the 27 patients presenting with HF and LV dysfunction, the positive genetic yield was similar to the total cohort (n=9, 34%; 90% with TTN). Two out of six arrhythmic patients (30%) were carriers in arrhythmogenic genes (i.e. DSP and FLNC), whereas no patients with infarct-like presentation were carriers. During follow-up, 44% of patients (n=16) presented normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF). Carriers had a lower rate of LVEF normalization compared to non-carriers (18% vs 56%, respectively; p=0.035).

Conclusion

Positive genetic testing for cardiomyopathy-related-genes might be found in a non-negligible percentage of patients with biopsy-proven myocarditis, especially if presenting with heart failure and LV dysfunction. Compared to non-carriers, carriers of P/LP variants show lower likelihood of LVEF normalization during follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

1040 Unexpected prevalence of subtle systolic and diastolic dysfunction in genotype-positive phenotype-negative relatives of dilated cardiomyopathy patients

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and peak left atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) are promising techniques for the detection of a subtle systolic and diastolic dysfunction for an early diagnosis of genetically determined dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Purpose. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of subtle systolic and diastolic dysfunction by LV-GLS and PALS in a cohort of genotype-positive phenotype-negative (GPFN) DCM relatives. Methods. We analysed echocardiograms (including LV-GLS and PALS) of 41 GPFN relatives of DCM patients (GPFN group - 37 ± 14 years, 48.8% male). They were compared with a matched group of 52 healthy individuals (control group). Reduced LV-GLS and PALS were defined as &gt;-18% and &lt;23.1%, respectively, according to literature data. Results. GPFN and control groups were grossly similar according to standard echocardiographic measurements. Conversely, mean LV-GLS was -18.8 ± 2.7% in the GPFN group vs. -24.0 ± 1.8% in the control group (p &lt; 0.001). 20 subjects (48.8%) in the GPFN group and no subjects in the control group had a reduced LV-GLS. The mean PALS was 29.2 ± 6.7% in the GPFN group vs. 40.8 ± 8.5% in the control group (p &lt; 0.001). 7 subjects (18.4%) in the GPFN group and one (2%) in the control group had a reduced PALS. During a median follow-up of 27 months, 6 (14.6%) GPFN relatives developed a LV ejection fraction &lt;50%. Among them, 4 (66%) had a reduced LV-GLS at initial evaluation. Conclusions. LV-GLS and PALS are impaired in GPFN relatives of DCM patients compared to healthy individuals, when standard echocardiographic parameters are normal. Further studies are warranted to add prognostic significance to this result, which may lead in the future to an early therapy initiation.

Abstract 1040 Figure. Mean LV-GLS and PALS in GPFN and control

2422Outcome of histologically-proven fulminant versus acute non-fulminant myocarditis with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Evidence from the International Registry on Acute Myocarditis

Background

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is a form of acute myocarditis characterized by severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction requiring inotropes and/or mechanical circulatory support. Based on a retrospective single-center study published in 2000, patients with FM were considered to have better outcomes than those affected by acute non-fulminant myocarditis (NFM) presenting with LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Recently, this tenet was challenged, though substantial disagreement still exists.

Purpose

Aim of the present study is to provide additional evidence on the outcome of FM and to ascertain if patient stratification based on the main histologic subtypes can provide additional prognostic information.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty patients (median age 42 years, 46.3% female) with histologically proven acute myocarditis (onset of symptoms <30 days) presenting with LVSD were included in a retrospective, international registry comprising 16 tertiary hospitals in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of cardiac death or heart transplant (HTx) within 60 days from admission and at long-term follow-up.

Results

Patients with FM (N=165) had significantly higher rates of cardiac death and HTx compared with those with NFM (N=55), both at 60 days (28.0% vs. 1.8%, p=0.0001) and at 7-year follow up (47.7% vs. 10.4%, p<0.0001; Figure). At Cox-multivariate analysis, the histologic subtype emerged as a further variable affecting outcome in FM patients, with giant cell myocarditis having a significantly worse prognosis compared with eosinophilic and lymphocytic myocarditis both at 60 days (62.5% vs. 26.3% vs. 21.0%) and at 3 years (81.3% vs. 39.9% vs. 37.3%, overall p<0.0001). In a sub-analysis including only adults with lymphocytic myocarditis, the main endpoints occurred more frequently in FM compared with NFM both at 60 days (19.5% vs. 0%, p=0.005) and up to 7 years (41.4% vs. 3.1%, p=0.0004).

Outcome of FM vs NFM

Conclusions

The results of this international registry confirm that patients with FM have higher rates of cardiac death and HTx both in the short and long-term compared with patients with NFM. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the histologic subtype of FM carries independent prognostic value, highlighting the need for timely endomyocardial biopsy in this condition.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P6589Genetic risks for arrhythmia phenotypes in dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

Genotype-phenotype correlations in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and in particular the effects of gene variants on clinical outcomes remain poorly understood.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic role of genetic variant carrier status in a large cohort of DCM patients.

Methods

We analyzed 487 DCM patients by next-generation sequencing and categorized the disease genes into functional gene groups. The following composite outcome measures were assessed: 1) all-cause mortality, heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device (D/HTx/VAD); 2) sudden cardiac death or malignant ventricular arrhythmias (SCD/MVAs); 3) heart failure related death, heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation (DHF/HTx/VAD).

Results

A total of 187 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 180 patients (37%): 55 (11%) TTN; 19 (4%) LMNA; 24 (5%) structural cytoskeleton-Z disk genes; 16 (3%) desmosomal genes; 47 (10%) sarcomeric genes; 8 (2%) ion channels genes; 11 (2%) other genes. The occurrence of D/HTx/VAD was no different between variant carriers and non-carriers (p=0.17). However, carriers of desmosomal and LMNA variants experienced the highest rate of SCD/MVA, which was independent of the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Desmosomal and LMNA gene variants identify the subset of DCM patients at greatest risk for SCD and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, regardless the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Institutes of Health grants R01 HL69071, HL116906, and AHA17GRNT33670495

Reverse remodeling in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Insights and future perspectives

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been classically considered a progressive disease of the heart muscle that inexorably progresses towards refractory heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias and heart transplant. However, the prognosis of DCM has significantly improved in the past few years, mostly as the result of successful therapy-induced reverse remodeling. Reverse remodeling is a complex process that involves not only the left ventricle, but also many other cardiac structures and it is now recognized both as a measure of therapeutic effectiveness and as an important prognostic tool. Nevertheless, several aspects of reverse remodeling remain unclear, including the best timing for its quantification, its predictors and its interaction with individual genetic backgrounds. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of reverse remodeling in patients with DCM and provide practical recommendations for the clinical management of this challenging patient population.

Primary penile adenocarcinoma with concurrent hypercalcaemia of malignancy in a dog

A 13-year-old male neutered Siberian husky crossbreed dog was presented with a 3-week history of haematuria and penile swelling. Clinical examination and computed tomography demonstrated a soft-tissue mass located at the base of the penis without signs of other primary tumours or metastasis. Clinicopathological findings revealed paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mass suggested an epithelial tumour with several criteria of malignancy present. Following surgical excision of the mass, the hypercalcaemia resolved. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed features consistent with an adenocarcinoma. Despite thorough examination, no perineal or anal sac tumour was found. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a penile adenocarcinoma with hypercalcaemia of malignancy.

Dietary exposure to perfluoroalkyl acids of specific French adult sub-populations: high seafood consumers, high freshwater fish consumers and pregnant women

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are globally found in various media, including food and especially fishery products. In the present study, the dietary exposure to 15 perfluoroalkyl acids was assessed for 3 French adult populations, namely high seafood consumers, high freshwater fish consumers, and pregnant women. Purified food extracts were analysed by LC-MS/MS and PFBA, PFPA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFTeDA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFOS and PFDS were monitored and quantified according to the isotope dilution principle. Under lower bound (LB) hypothesis (i.e. contamination values<LOD considered as 0), high freshwater fish consumers appear as the most exposed to PFOS (7.5 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)), PFUnA (1.3 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)), PFDA (0.4 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)) and PFHpS (0.03 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)) while high seafood consumers appear as the most exposed to PFOA (1.2 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)), PFNA (0.2 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)) and PFHxS (0.06 ng.kg(-1) bw.d(-1)). For all considered populations, the major exposure contributors are fish, seafood and water under LB hypothesis, while dairy products, bread and crispbread are the main contributors under upper bound (UB) hypothesis. Besides this food exposure assessment, further studies are needed to assess the more global PFAA exposure, taking into account indoor and outdoor air, dust and cutaneous contact, which could be other important contributors for this particular class of chemicals.