Ticagrelor vs Clopidogrel for Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Whether ticagrelor in chronic coronary syndrome patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can prevent cardiovascular events is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to evaluate outcomes of complex PCI and the efficacy of ticagrelor vs clopidogrel in stable patients randomized in the ALPHEUS (Assessment of Loading with the P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor or clopidogrel to Halt ischemic Events in patients Undergoing elective coronary Stenting) trial.

METHODS

All PCI procedures were blindly reviewed and classified as complex if they had at least 1 of the following criteria: stent length >60 mm, 2-stent bifurcation, left main, bypass graft, chronic total occlusion, use of atherectomy or guiding catheter extensions, multiwire technique, multiple stents. The primary endpoint was a composite of type 4a or b myocardial infarction (MI) and major myocardial injury during the 48 hours after PCI. We compared the event rates according to the presence or not of complex PCI criteria and evaluated the interaction with ticagrelor or clopidogrel.

RESULTS

Among the 1,866 patients randomized, 910 PCI (48.3%) were classified as complex PCI. The primary endpoint was more frequent in complex PCI (45.6% vs 26.6%; P < 0.001) driven by higher rates of type 4 MI and angiographic complications (12.2% vs 4.8 %; P < 0.001 and 19.3% vs 8.6%; P < 0.05, respectively). The composite of death, MI, and stroke at 48 hours (12.7% vs 5.1 %; P < 0.05) and at 30 days (13.4% vs 5.3%; P < 0.05) was more frequent in complex PCI. No interaction was found between PCI complexity and the randomized treatment for the primary endpoint (Pinteraction = 0.47) nor the secondary endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic coronary syndrome, patients undergoing a complex PCI have higher rates of periprocedural and cardiovascular events that are not reduced by ticagrelor as compared with clopidogrel.

Phenotyping coronary plaque by computed tomography in premature coronary artery disease

AIMS

Premature coronary artery disease (CAD) is an aggressive disease with multiple recurrences mostly related to new coronary lesions. This study aimed to compare coronary plaque characteristics of individuals with premature CAD with those of incidental plaques found in matched individuals free of overt cardiovascular disease, using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 1552 consecutive individuals who underwent CCTA, 106 individuals with history of acute or stable obstructive CAD ≤45 years were matched by age, sex, smoking status, cardiovascular heredity, and dyslipidaemia with 106 controls. CCTA were analysed for Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System score, plaque composition, and high-risk plaque (HRP) features, including spotty calcification, positive remodelling, low attenuation, and napkin-ring sign. The characteristics of 348 premature CAD plaques were compared with those of 167 incidental coronary plaques of matched controls. The prevalence of non-calcified plaques was higher among individuals with premature CAD (65.1 vs. 30.2%, P < 0.001), as well as spotty calcification (42.5 vs. 17.9%, P < 0.001), positive remodelling (41.5 vs. 9.4%, P < 0.001), low attenuation (24.5 vs. 3.8%, P < 0.001), and napkin-ring sign (1.9 vs. 0.0%). They exhibited an average of 2.2 (2.7) HRP, while the control group displayed 0.4 (0.8) HRP (P < 0.001). Within a median follow-up of 24 (16, 34) months, individuals with premature CAD and ischaemic recurrence (n = 24) had more HRP [4.3 (3.9)] than those without ischaemic recurrence [1.5 (1.9)], mostly non-calcified with low attenuation and positive remodelling.

CONCLUSION

Coronary atherosclerosis in individuals with premature CAD is characterized by a high and predominant burden of non-calcified plaque and unusual high prevalence of HRP, contributing to disease progression with multiple recurrences. A comprehensive qualitative CCTA assessment of plaque characteristics may further risk stratify our patients, beyond cardiovascular risk factors.

Flecainide to prevent atrial arrhythmia after patent foramen ovale closure Rationale and design of the randomized AFLOAT study

INTRODUCTION

Atrial arrhythmia is the most common complication of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The real incidence of post-PFO closure atrial arrhytmia and whether this complication can be prevented is unknown.

METHODS/DESIGN

The Assessment of Flecainide to Lower the patent foramen Ovale closure risk of Atrial fibrillation or Tachycardia (AFLOAT) trial is a prospective, national, multicentre, randomized, open-label, superiority trial with a blind evaluation of all the endpoints (PROBE design). A total of 186 patients are randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio immediately after PFO closure to receive Flecainide (150 mg per day in a single sustained-release dose) for 6 months (Group 1), Flecainide (150 mg per day in a single sustained-release dose) for 3 months (Group 2), or no additional treatment (standard of care) for 6 months (Group 3). The primary endpoint is the percentage of patients with at least one episode of symptomatic or asymptomatic atrial arrhythmia episode (≥30s) recorded within 3 months after PFO closure on long-term monitoring with an insertable cardiac monitor. Whether 3 months of treatment is sufficient compared to 6 months will be analyzed as a secondary objective of the study.

CONCLUSION

AFLOAT is the first trial to test the hypothesis that a short treatment with oral Flecainide can prevent the new-onset of atrial arrhythmia after PFO closure. Clinical trial registration: NCT05213104 (clinicaltrials.gov).

P2Y12 Inhibitor Loading Time Before Elective PCI and the Prevention of Myocardial Necrosis

BACKGROUND

There are dated and conflicting data about the optimal timing of initiation of P2Y12 inhibitors in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Peri-PCI myocardial necrosis is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to assess the impact of the P2Y12 inhibitor loading time on periprocedural myocardial necrosis in the population of the randomized Assessment of Loading With the P2Y12 Inhibitor Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel to Halt Ischemic Events in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Stenting (ALPHEUS) trial, which compared ticagrelor with clopidogrel in high-risk patients who received elective PCI.

METHODS

The ALPHEUS trial divided 1809 patients into quartiles of loading time. The ALPHEUS primary outcome was used (type 4 [a or b] myocardial infarction or major myocardial injury) as well as the main secondary outcome (type 4 [a or b] myocardial infarction or any type of myocardial injury).

RESULTS

Patients in the first quartile group (Q1) presented higher rates of the primary outcome (P = 0.01). When compared with Q1, incidences of the primary outcome decreased in patients with longer loading times (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 0.70 [0.52.-0.95]; P = 0.02 for Q2; adjOR 0.65 [0.48-0.88]; P < 0.01 for Q3; adjOR 0.66 [0.49-0.89]; P < 0.01 for Q4). Concordant results were found for the main secondary outcome. There was no interaction with the study drug allocated by randomization (clopidogrel or ticagrelor). Bleeding complications (any bleeding ranging between 4.9% and 7.3% and only 1 major bleeding at 48 hours) and clinical ischemic events were rare and did not differ among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In elective PCI, administration of the oral P2Y12 inhibitor at the time of PCI could be associated with more frequent periprocedural myocardial necrosis than an earlier administration. The long-term clinical consequences remain unknown.

Patent Foramen Ovale Percutaneous Closure: Evolution and Ongoing Challenges

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) concerns nearly a quarter of the general population and incidence may reach up to 50% in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Recent randomized clinical trials confirmed that percutaneous closure of PFO-related stroke reduces the risk of embolic event recurrence. PFO also comes into play in other pathogenic conditions, such as migraine, decompression sickness or platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, where the heterogeneity of patients is high and evidence for closure is less well-documented. In this review, we describe the current indications for PFO percutaneous closure and the remaining challenges, and try to provide future directions regarding the technique and its indications.

Bioprosthetic leaflet thrombosis and reduced leaflet motion after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Leaflet thrombosis and reduced leaflet motion have become a concern with the expanding use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in lower-risk patients.

AIMS

To assess the proportions, predictors and clinical impact of leaflet thrombosis and reduced leaflet motion after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of studies assessing the proportions of and/or clinical outcomes according to the presence of leaflet thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement identified with computed tomography and/or echocardiography.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies, representing 25,258 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, were considered. The proportion of leaflet thrombosis was 5.2% overall, and was higher in computed tomography versus echocardiography (16.4% vs. 1.1%, respectively); reduced leaflet motion was identified in 11% of patients with four-dimensional computed tomography. Intra-annular bioprostheses were associated with a higher proportion of leaflet thrombosis, whereas chronic oral anticoagulation was protective for leaflet thrombosis in both computed tomography and echocardiographic studies (9.7% vs. 17.5%; relative risk [RR]: 0.51, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.37-0.71 and 0.9% vs. 2.7%; RR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.79, respectively) and for reduced leaflet motion (2.5% vs. 12.4%; RR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13-0.76). Leaflet thrombosis was not associated with an increased risk of death, but with a higher risk of stroke in computed tomography studies (2.8% vs. 2.4%; RR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.05-2.55), a difference more pronounced when considering reduced leaflet motion (3.5% vs. 1.7%; RR: 2.39, 95% CI: 0.63-8.34).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of leaflet thrombosis is highly variable according to the screening approach, the type of valve and the use of oral anticoagulation. The occurrence of cerebral events is increased when leaflet thrombosis and/or reduced leaflet motion are diagnosed, but leaflet thrombosis has no impact on survival.

Symptomatic vs. non-symptomatic device-related thrombus after LAAC: a sub-analysis from the multicenter EUROC-DRT registry

BACKGROUND

Device-related thrombus (DRT) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is associated with adverse outcomes, i.e. ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (SE). Data on predictors of stroke/SE in the context of DRT are limited.

AIMS

This study aimed to identify predisposing factors for stroke/SE in DRT patients. In addition, the temporal connection of stroke/SE to DRT diagnosis was analyzed.

METHODS

The EUROC-DRT registry included 176 patients, in whom DRT after LAAC were diagnosed. Patients with symptomatic DRT, defined as stroke/SE in the context of DRT diagnosis, were compared against patients with non-symptomatic DRT. Baseline characteristics, anti-thrombotic regimens, device position, and timing of stroke/SE were compared.

RESULTS

Stroke/SE occurred in 25/176 (14.2%) patients diagnosed with DRT (symptomatic DRT). Stroke/SE occurred after a median of 198 days (IQR 37-558) after LAAC. In 45.8% stroke/SE occurred within one month before/after DRT diagnosis (DRT-related stroke). Patients with symptomatic DRT had lower left ventricular ejection fractions (50.0 ± 9.1% vs. 54.2 ± 11.0%, p = 0.03) and higher rates of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (84.0% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.06). Other baseline parameters and device positions were not different. Most ischemic events occurred among patients with single antiplatelet therapy (50%), however, stroke/SE was also observed under dual antiplatelet therapy (25%) or oral anticoagulation (20%).

CONCLUSION

Stroke/SE are documented in 14.2% and occur both in close temporal relation to the DRT finding and chronologically independently therefrom. Identification of risk factors remains cumbersome, putting all DRT patients at substantial risk for stroke/SE. Further studies are necessary to minimize the risk of DRT and ischemic events.

Impact of the antiplatelet strategy following patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure

AIMS

Temporary dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended following patent foramen ovale (PFO) percutaneous closure although its benefit, compared to single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), has not been demonstrated in this setting. We aimed at assessing outcomes following PFO closure according to the antiplatelet strategy at discharge.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ambispective AIR-FORCE cohort included consecutive patients from seven centres in France and Canada undergoing PFO closure and discharged without anticoagulation. Patients treated in French and Canadian centres were mostly discharged with DAPT and SAPT, respectively. The primary endpoint was the composite of death, stroke, transient ischaemic attack, peripheral embolism, myocardial infarction, or BARC type ≥2 bleeding with up to 5 years of follow-up. The impact of the antiplatelet strategy on outcomes was evaluated with a marginal Cox model (cluster analyses per country) with inverse probability weighting according to propensity score. A total of 1532 patients (42.2% female, median age: 49 [40-57] years) were included from 2001 to 2022, of whom 599 (39.1%) were discharged with SAPT and 933 (60.9%) with DAPT, for ≤3 months in 894/923 (96.9%) cases. After a median follow-up of 2.4 [1.1-4.4] years, a total of 58 events were observed. In the weighted analysis, the rate of the primary endpoint up to 5 years was 7.8% in the SAPT strategy and 7.3% in the DAPT strategy (weighted hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.59-1.83).

CONCLUSION

The antiplatelet strategy following PFO closure did not seem to impact clinical outcomes, thus challenging the current recommendations of temporary DAPT.

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement Using Transcatheter Aortic Valve or Dedicated Devices: Current Evidence and Future Prospects

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a novel and evolving field dedicated to addressing the therapeutic challenges posed by patients at high surgical risk with mitral valve disease. TMVR can be categorized into two distinct fields based on the type of device and its specific indications: TMVR with transcatheter aortic valves (TAV) and TMVR with dedicated devices. Similar to aortic stenosis, TMVR with TAV requires a rigid support structure to secure the valve in place. As a result, it is indicated for patients with failing bioprothesis or surgical rings or mitral valve disease associated with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC), which furnishes the necessary foundation for valve anchoring. While TMVR with TAV has shown promising outcomes in valve-in-valve procedures, its effectiveness remains more contentious in valve-in-ring or valve-in-MAC procedures. Conversely, TMVR with dedicated devices seeks to address native mitral regurgitation, whether accompanied by MAC or not, providing an alternative to Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) when TEER is not feasible or expected to yield unsatisfactory results. This emerging field is gradually surmounting technical challenges, including anchoring a valve in a non-calcified annulus and transitioning from the transapical route to the transeptal approach. Numerous devices are presently undergoing clinical trials. This review aims to furnish an overview of the supporting evidence for TMVR using TAV in each specific indication (valve-in-valve, valve-in-ring, valve-in-MAC). Subsequently, we will discuss the anticipated benefits of TMVR with dedicated devices over TEER, summarize the characteristics and clinical results of TMVR systems currently under investigation, and outline future prospects in this field.

Sex Differences in Patients With Cryptogenic Cerebrovascular Events Undergoing Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale

Background Scarce data exist on sex differences in patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular events undergoing patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. This study aimed to determine the sex differences in clinical profile, procedural characteristics, and long-term outcomes of patients with cryptogenic cerebrovascular events undergoing PFO closure. Methods and Results A retrospective cohort was used, including 1076 consecutive patients undergoing PFO closure because of a cryptogenic cerebrovascular event. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 469 (43.6%) women and 607 (56.4%) men. The median follow-up was 3 years (interquartile range, 2-8 years). Women were younger (46±13 versus 50±12 years; P<0.01) and had a higher risk of paradoxical embolism score (6.9±1.7 versus 6.6±1.6; P<0.01). Procedural characteristics and postprocedural antithrombotic therapy were similar. At follow-up, there were no differences in atrial fibrillation (women versus men: 0.47 versus 0.97 per 100 patient-years; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.27-1.11]; P=0.095; adjusted P=0.901), stroke (0.17 versus 0.07 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.58 [95% CI, 0.47-14.1]; P=0.274; adjusted P=0.201), or transient ischemic attack (0.43 versus 0.18 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.58 [95% CI, 0.88-7.54]; P=0.084; adjusted P=0.121); nevertheless, women exhibited a higher incidence of combined ischemic cerebrovascular events (0.61 versus 0.26 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.58 [95% CI, 1.04-6.39]; P=0.041; adjusted P=0.028) and bleeding events (1.04 versus 0.45 per 100 patient-years; IRR, 2.82 [95% CI, 1.41-5.65]; P=0.003; adjusted P=0.004). Conclusions Compared with men, women with cryptogenic cerebrovascular events undergoing PFO closure were younger and had a higher risk of paradoxical embolism score. After a median follow-up of 3 years, there were no differences in stroke events, but women exhibited a higher rate of combined (stroke and transient ischemic attack) cerebrovascular events and bleeding complications. Additional studies are warranted to clarify sex-related outcomes after PFO closure further.

Comparison of three echo-guidance techniques in percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure for stroke prevention: Conventional transoesophageal, microprobe transoesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Recent randomized trials have demonstrated a consistent reduction in recurrent stroke after percutaneous transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure versus medical therapy in patients with recent cryptogenic stroke.

AIM

To compare the safety and efficacy of intracardiac echocardiography-guided and microprobe transoesophageal echocardiography-guided patent foramen ovale closure under local anaesthesia with transoesophageal echocardiography-guided patent foramen ovale closure under general anaesthesia.

METHODS

This prospective observational single-centre study included 194 consecutive patients scheduled for patent foramen ovale closure for secondary prevention of stroke from February 2018 to December 2019. Patients were asked to choose between an intracardiac echocardiography-guided, microprobe transoesophageal echocardiography-guided or transoesophageal echocardiography-guided procedure. The primary endpoint was the rate of successful closure at 6 months, defined as correct positioning of the device without severe shunt on 6-month contrast echocardiography.

RESULTS

Successful closure was high and did not differ between groups: 97.8% (95% confidence interval 88.5-99.9%) in the intracardiac echocardiography-guided group versus 96.9% (95% confidence interval 83.8-99.9%) in the microprobe transoesophageal echocardiography-guided group and 99.1% (95% confidence interval 95.3-99.9%) in the transoesophageal echocardiography-guided group (P=0.63). Adverse events related to patent foramen ovale closure were low and did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary real-world experience suggests good efficacy and safety with intracardiac echocardiography and microprobe transoesophageal echocardiography guidance compared with conventional transoesophageal echocardiography guidance for percutaneous transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure in recurrent stroke prevention.

Implication of the new definition of pulmonary hypertension in patients evaluated for heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

The 2018 World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (WSPH) changed the definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH) with a new threshold of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) above 20 mmHg.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the profile and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) considered for heart transplantation with the new definition of PH.

METHODS

Patients with chronic HF considered for heart transplantation were classified as mPAP_≤20mmHg, mPAP _{20-25 mmHg}, and mPAP_≥25mmHg. Using a multivariate Cox model, we compared the mortality of patients with mPAP_20-25mmHg, and mPAP_≥25mmHg versus those with mPAP_≤20mmHg.

RESULTS

Of 693 patients with chronic HF considered for heart transplantation, 12.7%, 77.5% and 9.8% were classified as mPAP_20-25mmHg, mPAP_{≥ 25mmHg} and mPAP_≤20mmHg. Patients of mPAP ≥ _25mmHg and mPAP _{20-25 mmHg} categories were older than mPAP ≤ _{20 mmHg} (56 versus 55 and 52 year-old, p = 0.02) with more frequent co-morbidities. Within 2.8 years, the mPAP_20-25mmHg category displayed a higher risk of mortality compared with those of the mPAP_≤20mmHg category (aHR 2.75, 95% CI 1.27-5.97, p = 0.01). Overall, the new PH definition using a threshold of mPAP >20 mmHg was associated with a higher risk of death (adj HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.26-5.80) than the previous definition (mPAP >25 mmHg, aHR: 1.35 95% CI 1.00-1.83, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

One out of 8 patients with severe HF are reclassified as having PH following the 2018 WSPH. Patients with mPAP_20-25 evaluated for heart transplantation displayed significant co-morbidities and high mortality rates.

Prevention and treatment of premature ischaemic heart disease with European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the changes in the European Society Cardiology/European Atherosclerotic Society (ESC/EAS) guidelines improved the identification for primary prevention therapy in young adults at risk of a premature myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Patients admitted for a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the ePARIS registry (n=2757) between 2010 and 2018 were classified by age: <55, 55-65 and >65 years old. Using Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation 2, we evaluated whether patients would have been detected and treated with primary prevention statins before their first STEMI based on the 2021 EAS/ESC guidelines versus 2019 and 2016 guidelines. Eligibility for intensive proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9i) in secondary prevention was also assessed.

RESULTS

Following 2021 ESC guidelines, 62.5% of individuals aged <55 years old would have been eligible for statins before their first STEMI, similarly to older age categories. In comparison, only 17% and 18% of young individuals would have been eligible for primary prevention statins prior to their first STEMI with 2016 and 2019 guidelines, compared with group 55-65 years (41% and 35%) and >65 years old (19% and 72%), p<0.01. After their first STEMI, 25% of patients <55 years would be eligible for PCSK9i, compared with 23.2% and 15% in patients aged 55-65 years and >65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 ESC guidelines allowed a much better detection of young individuals before their first STEMI than prior ESC guidelines. In secondary prevention, most of young individuals did not reach low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels recommended, but only one quarter would be eligible for PCSK9i.

Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack

Limited data exist on patients with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) who underwent patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical and procedural characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with TIA who underwent transcatheter PFO closure. This was a multicenter study including 1,012 consecutive patients who underwent PFO closure after a cerebrovascular event. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their index event leading to PFO closure: TIA (n = 183 [18%]), and stroke (n = 829 [82%]). The median follow-up was 3 (2 to 8) years (complete in 98% of patients). There were no significant differences between patients with TIA and stroke, except for a lower Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score in the TIA group (6.1 vs 6.9 in the stroke group, p <0.001). PFO closure was successful in all patients with a low rate of complications (<1%) in both groups. There were no differences in the incidence of neurologic events during long-term follow-up. There was 1 stroke event in the TIA group and 6 in the stroke group (0.08 vs 0.17 per 100 patients-years, p = 0.584). There were 2 TIA events in the TIA group and 10 in the stroke group (0.17 vs 0.28 per 100 patients-years, p = 0.557). In conclusion, our study showed that patients with TIA who underwent PFO closure have similar clinical characteristics as patients with stroke including a high Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score. Furthermore, these results suggest that PFO closure procedural results and long-term clinical outcomes are similar to their stroke counterparts, with a very low incidence of recurrent neurologic events. Further prospective randomized clinical trials are needed on this population.

Antithrombotic Therapy and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients Without Indications for Chronic Oral Anticoagulation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

As the antithrombotic regimen which may best prevent ischemic complications along with the lowest bleeding risk offset following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear, we aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of antithrombotic regimens in patients without having an indication for chronic oral anticoagulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a Prospero-registered (CRD42021247924) systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating post-TAVI antithrombotic regimens up to April 2022. We estimated the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using a random-effects model in a frequentist pairwise and network metanalytic approach. We included 7 studies comprising of 4 006 patients with a mean weighted follow-up of 12.9 months. Risk of all-cause death was significantly reduced with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) compared to low-dose rivaroxaban + 3-month single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) (RR 0.60, 95%CI 0.41-0.88) while no significant reduction was observed with SAPT versus DAPT (RR 1.02 95%CI 0.67-1.58) and SAPT and DAPT compared to apixaban or edoxaban (RR:0.60 95%CI:0.32-1.14 and RR:0.59 95%CI 0.34-1.02, respectively). SAPT was associated with a significant reduction of life-threatening, disabling, or major bleeding compared to DAPT (RR 0.45 95%CI 0.29-0.70), apixaban or edoxaban alone (RR 0.45, 95%CI 0.25-0.79) and low-dose rivaroxaban + 3-month SAPT (RR 0.30, 95%CI 0.16-0.57). There were no differences between the various regimens with respect to myocardial infarction, stroke, or systemic embolism.

CONCLUSION

Following TAVI in patients without an indication for chronic oral anticoagulant, SAPT more than halved the risk of bleeding compared to DAPT and direct oral anticoagulant-based regimens without significant ischemic offset.

Beta-blocker prescription and outcomes in uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction: Insight from the ePARIS registry

BACKGROUND

Systematic prescription of beta-blockers after myocardial infarction remains an open question in the era of revascularization, especially for patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in a real-life registry the proportion of patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction (preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and no cardiovascular event within the first 6 months), and to report their characteristics, outcomes and beta-blocker use.

METHODS

We included 1887 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction from the prospective ePARIS registry. Patients were divided into three groups: the "uncomplicated myocardial infarction" group (n=1060), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% and a 6-month period free from cardiovascular events; the "complicated myocardial infarction" group (n=366), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% and a recurrent cardiovascular event in the first 6 months; and the "left ventricular dysfunction" group (n=461), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction<40%.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range 1.0-4.9 years), the "uncomplicated myocardial infarction" group was at low mortality risk compared with the "complicated myocardial infarction" group (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.58; P<0.01) and the "left ventricular dysfunction" group (hazard ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.32; P<0.01). Beta-blockers were prescribed at discharge predominantly in the "uncomplicated myocardial infarction" group (93%) compared with 87% in the "complicated myocardial infarction" group and 81% in the "left ventricular dysfunction" group.

CONCLUSIONS

Beta-blockers are less prescribed in patients who may need them the most. The benefit of beta-blockers-largely prescribed in lower-risk patients-remains to be shown beyond the first 6 months for these patients with no left ventricular dysfunction and no recurrent events.

Device Selection for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Twenty years after the first implantation by Alain Cribier and his team, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has demonstrated its efficacy and safety in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis with high, intermediate, and even low surgical risk [...].

[How to select the best device using pre-TAVR CT scan]

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR has become the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic and severe aortic valve stenosis in elderly patients. Although the role of computed tomography imaging was initially limited to the determination of the optimal vascular approach, it has progressively matured to become the pilar of TAVR work-up while being standardized by consensus conferences. The list of evaluated elements includes aortic annulus diameter, the optimal projection curve, the number of aortic leaflets, the severity and localization of calcifications, coronary ostial height, membranous septum length and aortic angulation. The proper and cautious evaluation of these elements may help evaluating the risk for the main periprocedural complications such as coronary obstruction, annular rupture, permanent pacemaker implantation or procedural failure and selecting the optimal transcatheter heart valve and its size, according to the patient's specific anatomy. In this review, we detail how the evaluation of these parameters may impact the selection of the transcatheter heart valve.

Coronary artery disease and revascularization associated with immune checkpoint blocker myocarditis: Report from an international registry

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) associated myocarditis (ICB-myocarditis) may present similarly and/or overlap with other cardiac pathology including acute coronary syndrome presenting a challenge for prompt clinical diagnosis.

METHODS

An international registry was used to retrospectively identify cases of ICB-myocarditis. Presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as coronary artery stenosis >70% in patients undergoing coronary angiogram.

RESULTS

Among 261 patients with clinically suspected ICB-myocarditis who underwent a coronary angiography, CAD was present in 59/261 patients (22.6%). Coronary revascularization was performed during the index hospitalisation in 19/59 (32.2%) patients. Patients undergoing coronary revascularization less frequently received steroids administration within 24 h of admission compared to the other groups (p = 0.029). Myocarditis-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularised cohort, compared to 5/31 (16.1%) in those not revascularized and 25/156 (16.0%) in those without CAD (p = 0.001). Immune-related adverse event-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 6/31 (19.4%) in those not revascularized and 31/156 (19.9%) in no CAD groups (p = 0.007). All-cause 90-day mortality was 11/17 (64.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 13/31 (41.9%) in no revascularization and 60/158 (38.0%) in no CAD groups (p = 0.10). After adjustment of age and sex, coronary revascularization remained associated with ICB-myocarditis-related death at 90 days (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-8.84, p < 0.001) and was marginally associated with all-cause death (HR = 1.88, 95% CI, 0.98-3.61, p = 0.057).

CONCLUSION

CAD may exist concomitantly with ICB-myocarditis and may portend a poorer outcome when revascularization is performed. This is potentially mediated through delayed diagnosis and treatment or more severe presentation of ICB-myocarditis.

Supraventricular Arrhythmia Following Patent Foramen Ovale Percutaneous Closure

BACKGROUND

Randomized studies have reported low rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure (<6%) but have relied on patient-reported symptomatic episodes, so the true incidence and timing of AF after PFO closure remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to prospectively determine the incidence, timing, and determinants of supraventricular arrhythmia following PFO closure on the basis of loop recorder monitoring.

METHODS

Cardiac monitoring was proposed to all patients after PFO closure from June 2018 to October 2021 at a single center by means of implantable loop recorder monitoring in patients considered at higher risk for AF (age ≥ 55 years, associated cardiovascular risk factors, prior palpitations, or documented supraventricular ectopic activity) or 4-week external loop recorder monitoring in other patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF, atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia lasting >30 seconds within 28 days of the procedure. Determinants of the primary endpoint were assessed using a stepwise logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 225 patients were included. The primary endpoint occurred in 47 patients (20.9%), including 13 (9.9%) and 24 (28.9%) among patients monitored with external loop recorders and implantable loop recorders, respectively. Overall, the median delay from procedure to arrhythmia was 14.0 days (IQR: 6.5-19.0 days), and one-half of these patients reported symptomatic episodes. Determinants of the primary endpoint were older age (adjusted OR: 1.67 per 10-year increase; 95% CI: 1.18-2.36), device left disc diameter ≥25 mm (adjusted OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.19-5.98) and male sex (adjusted OR: 4.78; 95% CI: 1.96-11.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Using loop recorder monitoring for ≥28 days, supraventricular arrhythmia was diagnosed in 1 in 5 patients, with a median delay of 14 days, suggesting that this postprocedural event has so far been underestimated.

Outcomes following patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure according to the delay from last ischemic event

Background

Randomized controlled trials evaluating patent foramen ovale (PFO) percutaneous closure only included patients with recent embolic event. We aimed to evaluate outcomes following percutaneous PFO closure outcomes according to the delay from the last embolic episode.

Methods

This international ambispective cohort included consecutive patients from two centers in France and Canada undergoing PFO percutaneous closure for secondary prevention of paradoxical embolic event. The primary endpoint was the composite of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Logistic regression model was used to evaluate determinants of late PFO closure procedures.

Results

A total of 1,179 patients (mean age 49±12.7 years; 44.4% female) underwent PFO closure from 2001 to 2021 (Figure 1). The median delay from last embolic event to procedure was 6.0 (3.4–11.2) months. Determinants of late PFO closure procedure were the center (France versus Canada) adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.65 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–2.19, year of procedure (≥2018 versus &lt;2018) aOR 1.43 95% CI 1.08–1.90, female sex aOR 1.63 95% CI 1.28–2.07 and lower RoPE score aOR 1.10 95% CI 1.03–1.19. After a median follow-up of 2.61 (1.13–7.25) years, the incidence rate of first stroke or TIA did not differ between early and late PFO procedures with 0.51 versus 0.29 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, incidence rate ratio 1.74 95% CI 0.66–5.08, p=0.25 (Figure 2). In univariate analysis, late PFO percutaneous closure was not associated with the occurrence of stroke or TIA, with hazard ratio 0.54 95% CI 0.22–1.34 p=0.17.

Conclusion

This analysis provides indirect evidence that delay from last ischemic event does not impact outcomes following PFO percutaneous closure for secondary prevention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Have the ESC guidelines improved the identification and prevention of individuals at risk of premature myocardial infarction?

Background

Over the last 20 years, the proportion of young patients admitted for MI has increased. It is unknown whether the 5-year changes in ESC/EAS guidelines and the new SCORE2 can improve the detection and treatment of individuals at risk of premature MI.

Purpose

To determine how consecutive changes in the ESC/EAS guidelines affected the identification and treatment of young adults premature STEMI.

Methods

Patients admitted for a first STEMI in the ePARIS between 2010 and 2018 were included (n=2757) and stratified by age categories (&lt;55 y-o; 55–65 y-o; &gt;65 y-o). Using baseline characteristics, we evaluated whether patients in each age group would have been detected as high risk and treated with primary prevention statins before their first STEMI based on the 2021 EAS/ESC guidelines versus 2019 and 2016 guidelines (class I, IIA and IIB recommandations). Eligibility for intensive lipid-lowering therapy in secondary prevention according to age was also assessed.

Results

Among the 2757 individuals admitted for a first STEMI, 1253 (45,7%) were &lt;55 y.o, 633 (22.9%) were [55–65] and 871 (31.4%) were &gt;65. Only 17% and 18% of young individuals would have been considered as high risk and eligible for primary prevention statins prior to their first STEMI according to 2016 and 2019 EAS/ESC guidelines respectively, compared with individuals aged 55–65 years (41% and 35%) and &gt;65 years old (21% and 72%), p&lt;0.01. Following 2021 ESC guidelines, 62.5% of individuals aged &lt;55 y.o would have been detected as eligible for primary prevention statins, without difference with individuals aged 55 to 65 years old (61.7%) and &gt;65 y.o (62.1%) (figure). At discharge, based on the expected reduction of baseline LDL-C with maximal dose statins and ezetimibe, 47% of patients with premature STEMI would be eligible for PCSK9i compared with 50% and 37% in individuals aged 55–65 y-o and &gt;65 y-o, respectively.

Conclusions

While 2016 and 2019 ESC guidelines poorly detected young individuals at risk of premature MI, the 2021 ESC guidelines using the new SCORE2 allowed a much better detection of young individuals at risk for a first STEMI. Young patients were also more likely to be eligible for intensive lipid-lowering therapy after their first premature STEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of antithrombotic regimens following TAVR in patients without having an indication for chronic oral anticoagulation

Aims

To compare the safety and efficacy of antithrombotic regimens following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients without having an indication for chronic oral anticoagulation

Methods and results

We conducted a Prospero-registered systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating post-TAVR antithrombotic regimens up to March 2021. We estimated the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals using a fixed effect model in a frequentist pairwise and network metanalytic approach. We included 6 studies comprising of 3,777 patients with a mean weighted follow-up of 13.3 months. Single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) was associated with a significant reduction of life-threatening, disabling, or major bleeding compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (Risk Ratio [RR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28–0.69), apixaban (RR: 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.84) and low-dose rivaroxaban + 3-month SAPT (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16–0.57). Risk of all-cause death was significantly reduced with DAPT compared to low-dose rivaroxaban + 3-month SAPT (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41–0.88) and a consistent reduction was observed with SAPT and DAPT compared to apixaban (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.31–1.16 and RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.32–1.04, respectively). There were no differences between the various regimens with respect to myocardial infarction and stroke. Apixaban significantly reduced the risk of pulmonary embolism, valve thrombosis and grade 3 or 4 reduced leaflet motion.

Conclusion

Following TAVR in patients without an indication for chronic oral anticoagulant, SAPT was associated with the lowest risk of bleeding compared to DAPT and direct oral anticoagulant-based regimens without significant ischemic offset.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Coronary artery disease and revascularization associated with immune checkpoint blocker myocarditis – report from an international registry

Purpose

Immune-checkpoint-blocker (ICB) associated myocarditis (ICB-myocarditis) may present similarly and/or overlap with other cardiac pathology including acute coronary syndrome presenting a challenge for prompt clinical diagnosis.

Methods

An international registry was used to retrospectively identify cases of ICB-myocarditis. Presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as coronary artery stenosis &gt;70% in patients undergoing coronary angiogram.

Results

Among 261 patients with clinically suspected ICB-myocarditis who underwent a coronary angiography, CAD was present in 59/261 (22.6%) (Table 1). Coronary revascularization was performed during the index hospitalization in 19/59 (32.2%) patients. Patients undergoing coronary revascularization less frequently received steroids administration within 24h of admission compared to the other groups (p=0.029). Myocarditis related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 5/31 (16.1%) in those not revascularized and 25/156 (16.0%) in those without CAD (p=0.001). irAE-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 6/31 (19.4%) in those not revascularized and 31/156 (19.9%) in no CAD groups (p=0.007) (Figure 1). All-cause 90-day mortality was 11/17 (64.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 13/31 (41.9%) in no revascularization and 60/158 (38.0%) in no CAD groups (p=0.10). After adjustment on age and sex, coronary revascularization remained associated with ICB-myocarditis-related death at 90 days (Hazard ratio [HR]=4.03, 95%confidence interval [CI] 1.84–8.84, p&lt;0.001) and was marginally associated with all-cause death (HR=1.88, 95% CI 0.98–3.61, p=0.057).

Conclusion

CAD may exist concomitantly with ICB-myocarditis and portend a poorer outcome when revascularization is performed. This is potentially mediated thru delayed diagnosis and treatment or more severe presentation of ICB-myocarditis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Supraventricular arrhythmia following patent foramen ovale percutaneous closure

Background

Randomized studies have reported low rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure (&lt;6%) but have relied on patients-reported symptomatic episodes, thus true incidence and timing of AF after PFO closure remain unknown.

Objective

To prospectively determine the incidence, timing, and determinants of supraventricular arrhythmia following PFO closure based on loop recorder monitoring.

Methods

Cardiac monitoring was proposed to all patients after PFO closure from June 2018 to October 2021 in our center by mean of implantable loop recorder (ILR) monitoring in patients considered at higher risk of AF (age ≥55 years, associated cardiovascular risk factors, prior palpitations, or documented supraventricular ectopic activity) or 4-week external loop recorder (ELR) monitoring in other patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF, flutter, or atrial tachycardia lasting &gt;30 seconds within 28 days of the procedure. Determinants of the primary endpoint were assessed with stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 225 patients were included. The primary endpoint occurred in 47/225 (20.9%) patients, including n=13 (9.9%) and n=24 (28.9%) among ELR- and ILR-monitored patients, respectively. Among ILR-monitored patients, median follow-up was 428 (211–752) days, and four more cases of supraventricular arrhythmia were diagnosed beyond 28 days (Figure 1). Overall, median delay from procedure to arrhythmia was 14.0 (6.5–19.0) days and half of these patients reported symptomatic episodes. Determinants of the primary endpoint were older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–2.36, per 10-year increase), device left disc diameter ≥25mm (aOR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.19–5.98) and male sex (aOR: 4.78, 95% CI: 1.96–11.66) (Figure 2).

Conclusion

Using prolonged loop recorder monitoring, supraventricular arrhythmia was diagnosed in one patient out of five with a median delay of 14 days suggesting that this post-procedural event has been so far, underestimated.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With Peripheral (Noncerebrovascular) Embolism

OBJECTIVES

Scarce data exist on noncerebrovascular peripheral embolism (NCPE) patients undergoing transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical and procedural characteristics, and long-term outcomes of patients with NCPE undergoing transcatheter PFO closure.

METHODS

This was a multicenter study including 1136 consecutive patients who underwent PFO closure after a thromboembolic event. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of event leading to PFO closure, ie, cerebrovascular event (CVE, n = 1099 [96.7%]) and NCPE (n = 37 [3.3%]). The median follow-up was 3 years (interquartile range, 1-8), with follow-up complete in 98%.

RESULTS

Patients in the NCPE group exhibited higher rates of prior or concomitant pulmonary embolism (29.7% vs 3.4%; P&lt;.001), and prior myocardial infarction (24.3% vs 1.8%; P&lt;.001). Most NCPE events were located in the limbs (41%), followed by coronary (27%) and renal/splenic/mesenteric arteries (12%). PFO closure was successful in all patients, with a low complication rate (&lt;1%) in both groups. NCPE patients were more frequently treated with anticoagulation following PFO closure (63% vs 13%; P&lt;.001). There were no differences between NCPE and CVE groups in death (0 per 100 patient years vs 0.4 per 100 patient-years; P=.53) or cerebrovascular events (1.3 per 100 patient-years vs 0.4 per 100 patient-years; P=.15) at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NCPE events undergoing PFO closure exhibited differential baseline characteristics compared with patients with CVEs; limbs and coronary arteries were the most frequent NCPE location. PFO closure results and long-term outcomes were similar to their CVE counterparts, with a very low rate of recurrent thromboembolic events. Further studies are needed in this population.

Apixaban and Valve Thrombosis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: The ATLANTIS-4D-CT Randomized Clinical Trial Substudy

BACKGROUND

Subclinical obstructive valve thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is of uncertain frequency and clinical impact.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of apixaban vs standard of care on post-TAVR valve thrombosis detected by 4-dimensional (4D) computed tomography.

METHODS

The randomized ATLANTIS (Anti-Thrombotic Strategy to Lower All Cardiovascular and Neurologic Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Events After Trans-Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis) trial demonstrated that apixaban 5 mg twice daily was not superior to standard of care (vitamin K antagonists or antiplatelet therapy) after successful TAVR and was associated with similar safety but with more noncardiovascular deaths. Three months after randomization, 4D computed tomography was proposed to all patients to determine the percentage of patients with ≥1 prosthetic valve leaflet with grade 3 or 4 reduced leaflet motion or grade 3 or 4 hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (the primary endpoint) in the intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS

Seven hundred sixty-two participants had complete multiphase datasets and were included in the 4D computed tomographic analysis. The primary endpoint occurred in 33 (8.9%) and 51 (13.0%) patients in the apixaban and standard-of-care groups, respectively. It was reduced with apixaban vs antiplatelet therapy (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.30-0.86) but not vs vitamin K antagonists (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 0.62-5.25) (P_interaction = 0.037). The composite of death, myocardial infarction, any stroke, or systemic embolism at 1 year occurred in 10.7% (n = 9 of 84) and 7.1% (n = 48 of 178) of patients with and without subclinical valve thrombosis at 90 days, respectively (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.82-3.44).

CONCLUSIONS

Apixaban reduced subclinical obstructive valve thrombosis in the majority of patients who underwent TAVR without having an established indication for anticoagulation. This study was not powered for clinical outcomes. (Anti-Thrombotic Strategy After Trans-Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis [ATLANTIS]; NCT02664649).

ESC/EAS guidelines for the detection, prevention, and treatment of individuals at risk of a first myocardial infarction: effect of 5 years of updates and the new SCORE2

Aims

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released three consecutive guidelines within 5 years addressing cardiovascular prevention, risk scores, and cholesterol treatment. This study aims to evaluate whether the 2021 ESC guidelines improved the eligibility of individuals for primary prevention statin therapy before their first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and for intensive lipid-lowering treatments in secondary prevention.

Methods and results

The cardiovascular risk category of 2757 consecutive individuals admitted for a first STEMI was evaluated to assess whether they would have been eligible for primary prevention statins according to 2021 vs. 2019 and 2016 ESC guidelines. Eligibility for intensive lipid-lowering therapy in secondary prevention was assessed according to the real-life follow-up low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the expected follow-up LDL-C. More individuals would have been eligible for primary prevention statins according to 2021 and 2019 vs. 2016 guidelines (61.8% vs. 38.7% vs. 23.6%, P &lt; 0.01), a finding observed in both men (62.3% vs. 35.0% vs. 24.9%, P &lt; 0.01) and women (60.2% vs. 50.7% vs. 19.3%, P = 0.18). Only 27% of individuals reached the LDL-C objective of 55 mg/L in secondary prevention: using the ESC stepwise approach, 61.7% were eligible for higher doses of statins, 26.2% for ezetimibe, and 12.1% for a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor (PCSK9i). Based on expected LDL-C reductions, eligibility for a PCSK9i in secondary prevention was greater with 2021 vs. 2016 guidelines (44.5% vs. 22.5%, P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion

The 2021 ESC guidelines improved the detection and treatment of individuals at risk for a first myocardial infarction. In secondary prevention, 70% of patients kept LDL-C levels above 55 mg/dL: increasing the statin dose and adding ezetimibe were the most frequently recommended therapeutic actions.

Transcatheter Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in Older Patients With Cryptogenic Thromboembolic Events

BACKGROUND

The main randomized trials evaluating patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure after a presumed PFO-associated stroke excluded patients older than 60 years. We aimed to evaluate the early- and long-term clinical outcomes of transcatheter PFO closure in older (>60 years) patients with a cryptogenic ischemic event.

METHODS

This is a multicenter study including consecutive patients older than 60 years (mean age, 67±5 years) who had a PFO closure following a presumed PFO-related ischemic event. Patients ≤60 years old (mean age, 44±10 years) served as the control group. The primary end point was the occurrence of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral embolism over the follow-up period. New-onset atrial fibrillation was a secondary end point.

RESULTS

A total of 388 and 883 patients >60 and ≤60 years old were included, respectively. Procedural success rate was high (99.9%), and procedural-related complications low (<2%) in both groups. After a median follow-up of 3 (1-8) years, older patients exhibited an incidence of stroke/transient ischemic attack/peripheral embolism of 1.6 events per 100 patient-years (stroke: 0.6 events per 100 patient-years), lower than that expected according to the risk of paradoxical embolism score (observed-to-expected ratio, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.11-0.91]). However, the event rate in older patients was higher than that observed in their younger counterparts (incidence rate ratio, 4.7 [95% CI, 2.36-9.8]). De novo atrial fibrillation after the procedure was more frequent in older patients (2.66 per 100 patient-years versus 0.49 per 100 patient-years, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients older than 60 years with a presumed PFO-related ischemic event, PFO closure was safe and associated with a relatively low incidence of recurrent ischemic events after a median follow-up of 3 years compared with historical cohorts of patients who did not undergo PFO closure. However, a higher risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events was observed in older patients compared to their younger counterparts. Randomized trials are warranted in this population.

[Aortic stenosis: An update]

Aortic stenosis remains one of the most frequent valvulopathy worldwide, burdened with great mortality and morbidity, and for which there is not yet an effective preventive approach, although the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in its development are better understood nowadays. Its cure, however, has been revolutionized in the last decade by the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, or TAVI (also named transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR). The technique of TAVI has been refined and its indications has been extended, following the publication of large randomized controlled trials where it was compared to surgical aortic valve replacement with favorable results. Consequently, transfemoral TAVR has become the first line of treatment in case of symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis. In this review, we describe the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to severe aortic stenosis and the main ongoing randomized controlled trials targeting them. We describe the indication for surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement and the main complications following the procedure.

Efficacy and safety of alirocumab and evolocumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

The effect of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering therapy with alirocumab or evolocumab on individual clinical efficacy and safety endpoints remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alirocumab and evolocumab in patients with dyslipidaemia or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment with alirocumab or evolocumab vs. placebo or other lipid-lowering therapies up to March 2018. Primary efficacy endpoints were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effect models. We included 39 RCTs comprising 66 478 patients of whom 35 896 were treated with proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (14 639 with alirocumab and 21 257 with evolocumab) and 30 582 with controls. Mean weighted follow-up time across trials was 2.3 years with an exposure time of 150 617 patient-years. Overall, the effects of PCSK9 inhibition on all-cause death and cardiovascular death were not statistically significant (P = 0.15 and P = 0.34, respectively). Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors were associated with lower risk of MI (1.49 vs. 1.93 per 100 patient-year; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.86; I  2 = 0%; P < 0.0001), ischaemic stroke (0.44 vs. 0.58 per 100 patient-year; RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.89; I  2 = 0%; P = 0.0005), and coronary revascularization (2.16 vs. 2.64 per 100 patient-year; RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.78-0.89; I  2 = 0%; P < 0.0001), compared with the control group. Use of these PCSK9 inhibitors was not associated with increased risk of neurocognitive adverse events (P = 0.91), liver enzymes elevations (P = 0.34), rhabdomyolysis (P = 0.58), or new-onset diabetes mellitus (P = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibition with alirocumab or evolocumab was associated with lower risk of MI, stroke, and coronary revascularization, with favourable safety profile.

Altered cardiac reserve is a determinant of exercise intolerance in sickle cell anaemia patients

BACKGROUND

The underlying mechanisms of exercise intolerance in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients are complex and not yet completely understood. While latent heart failure at rest could be unmasked upon exercise, most previous studies assessed cardiac function at rest. We aimed to investigate exercise cardiovascular reserve as a potential contributor to exercise intolerance in adult SCA patients.

METHODS

In this observational prospective study, we compared prospectively 60 SCA patients (median age 31 years, 60% women) to 20 matched controls. All subjects underwent symptom-limited combined exercise echocardiography and oxygen uptake (VO₂ ) measurements. Differences between arterial and venous oxygen content (C(a-v)O₂ ) were calculated. Cardiac reserve was defined as the absolute change in cardiac index (Ci) from baseline to peak exercise.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, SCA patients demonstrated severe exercise intolerance (median peakVO₂ , 34.3 vs. 19.7 ml/min/kg, respectively, p < .0001). SCA patients displayed heterogeneously increased Ci from rest to peak exercise (median +5.8, range 2.6 to 10.6 L/min/m²) which correlated with peakVO₂ (r = 0.71, p < .0001). In contrast, the C(a-v)O₂ exercise reserve was homogenously reduced and did not correlate with peakVO₂ (r = 0.18, p = .16). While haemoglobin level and C(a-v)O₂ were similar in SCA subgroups, SCA patients in the lower VO₂ tertile had chronotropic incompetence and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (left atrial peak longitudinal strain was reduced, and both E/e' ratio and left atrial volume index were increased) and were characterized by a reduced cardiac reserve, +5.0[4.2-5.5] compared to +6.7[5.5-7.8] L/min/m² for the rest of the patient cohort, p < .0001.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered cardiac reserve due to chronotropic incompetence and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction seems to be an important determinant of exercise intolerance in adult SCA patients.

Culprit lesion location and outcomes in patients with multivessel disease and infarct-related cardiogenic shock: a core laboratory analysis of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial

BACKGROUND

Critical culprit lesion locations (CCLL) such as left main (LM) and proximal left anterior descending (LAD) are associated with worse clinical outcome in myocardial infarction without cardiogenic shock (CS).

AIMS

We aimed to assess whether CCLL identify a subgroup of patients with poorer prognosis when presenting with CS.

METHODS

In the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial, a core laboratory reviewed all coronary angiograms to identify CCLL. A CCLL was defined as a culprit lesion with a >70% diameter stenosis of the LM, LM equivalent (>70% diameter stenosis of both proximal LAD and proximal circumflex), proximal LAD or last remaining vessel. We evaluated the primary study endpoint of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial according to CCLL.

RESULTS

A total of 269 (43%) out of 626 patients eligible for this analysis had a CCLL. Death or renal replacement therapy within 30 days, death within 30 days and death within one year were significantly higher in the CCLL than in the non-CCLL group (58.4% vs 43.4%, p<0.001, 55.8% vs 39.5%, p<0.001, 61.0% vs 44.5%, p<0.001, respectively). This was consistent after adjustment for baseline and angiographic characteristics. No interaction with the randomisation group (culprit lesion-only or immediate multivessel PCI) was found.

CONCLUSIONS

CCLL is frequent in CS and independently associated with worse clinical outcomes irrespective of the revascularisation strategy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01927549.

Outcomes of Vascular Closure Device Use After Transfemoral Coronary Intervention: Insights From the EXCEL Trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of using vascular closure devices (VCDs) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main coronary artery disease (LM-CAD).

BACKGROUND

VCDs provide rapid hemostasis for patients undergoing PCI with transfemoral access (TFA); however, the safety and efficacy of VCDs continues to be debated.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the EXCEL trial in patients with LM-CAD in whom PCI was performed via TFA with vs without VCD. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke. Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2-5 bleeding at 30 days was also assessed. Propensity-score matching analysis was used.

RESULTS

Among 694 patients with LM-CAD undergoing TFA-PCI, 423 (61.0%) received VCDs (collagen plug, 320 [75.7%]; suture mediated, 55 [13.0%]; others, 48 [11.3%]). Patients with and without VCD use had similar 30-day rates of BARC type 2-5 bleeding (5.0% vs 6.7%, respectively; P=.30) and BARC type 3-5 bleeding (2.1% vs 3.7%, respectively; P=.20). There were no significant differences in the rates of death, MI, or stroke in patients with and without VCD use at 30 days (4.7% vs 4.1%, respectively; P=.74) or at 5 years (20.3% vs 24.2%, respectively; P=.16). These results were similar after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

In the EXCEL trial, LM-CAD PCI via TFA using VCD was associated with similar 30-day rates of bleeding and comparable early and late major adverse cardiovascular events compared with manual compression.

Predictive Value of the Residual SYNTAX Score in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock

BACKGROUND

In hemodynamically stable patients, complete revascularization (CR) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a better prognosis in chronic and acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the extent, severity, and prognostic value of remaining coronary stenoses following PCI, by using the residual SYNTAX score (rSS), in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) related to myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

The CULPRIT-SHOCK (Culprit Lesion Only Percutaneous Coronary Intervention [PCI] Versus Multivessel PCI in Cardiogenic Shock) trial compared a multivessel PCI (MV-PCI) strategy with a culprit lesion-only PCI (CLO-PCI) strategy in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who presented with MI-related CS. The rSS was assessed by a central core laboratory. The study group was divided in 4 subgroups according to tertiles of rSS of the participants, thereby isolating patients with an rSS of 0 (CR). The predictive value of rSS for the 30-day primary endpoint (mortality or severe renal failure) and for 30-day and 1-year mortality was assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 587 patients with an rSS available, the median rSS was 9.0 (interquartile range: 3.0 to 17.0); 102 (17.4%), 100 (17.0%), 196 (33.4%), and 189 (32.2%) patients had rSS = 0, 0 < rSS ≤5, 5 < rSS ≤14, and rSS >14, respectively. CR was achieved in 75 (25.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.3% to 30.5%) and 27 (9.3%; 95% CI: 6.2% to 13.3%) of patients treated using the MV-PCI and CLO-PCI strategies, respectively. After multiple adjustments, rSS was independently associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio per 10 units: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.01) and 1-year mortality (adjusted odds ratio per 10 units: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with multivessel disease and MI-related CS, CR is achieved only in one-fourth of the patients treated using an MV-PCI strategy. and the residual SYNTAX score is independently associated with early and late mortality.

Incidence, predictors and clinical impact of permanent pacemaker insertion in women following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Insights from a prospective multinational registry

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence, predictors, and clinical impact of permanent pacemaker insertion (PPI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in women.

BACKGROUND

Data on pacemaker insertion complicating TAVR in women are scarce.

METHODS

The Women's International Transcatheter Aortic Valve implantation (WIN-TAVI) is a prospective registry evaluating the safety and efficacy of TAVR in women. We included patients without preprocedural pacemakers and divided them into two groups: (1) PPI and (2) no-PPI. We identified PPI predictors using logistic regression and studied its clinical impact on the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 efficacy and safety endpoints.

RESULTS

Out of 1019 patients, 922 were included in the analysis. Post-TAVR PPI occurred in 132 (14.3%) patients. Clinical and procedural characteristics were similar in both groups. Pre-existing right bundle branch block (RBBB) was associated with a high risk of post-TAVR PPI (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.85-7.06, p < 0.001), while implantation of balloon-expandable prosthesis was associated with a lower risk (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.74, p < 0.001). Post-TAVR PPI prolonged in-hospital stay by a median of 2 days (11 [9-16] days in PPI vs. 9 [7-14] days in no-PPI, p = 0.005), yet risks of VARC-2 efficacy and safety endpoints at 1 year were similar in both groups (_adj HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.60-1.52, p = 0.84 and _adj HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.83-1.79, p = 0.31, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Pacemaker implantation following TAVR is frequent among women and is associated with pre-existing RBBB and valve type. PPI prolongs hospital stay, albeit without any significant impact on 1-year outcomes.

Device-Related Thrombus After Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Data on Thrombus Characteristics, Treatment Strategies, and Clinical Outcomes From the EUROC-DRT-Registry

[Figure: see text].

Clinical manifestations and outcomes of coronavirus disease-19 in heart transplant recipients: a multicentre case series with a systematic review and meta-analysis

Available data on clinical presentation and mortality of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) in heart transplant (HT) recipients remain limited. We report a case series of laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 in 39 HT recipients from 3 French heart transplant centres (mean age 54.4 ± 14.8 years; 66.7% males). Hospital admission was required for 35 (89.7%) cases including 14/39 (35.9%) cases being admitted in intensive care unit. Immunosuppressive medications were reduced or discontinued in 74.4% of the patients. After a median follow‐up of 54 (19–80) days, death and death or need for mechanical ventilation occurred in 25.6% and 33.3% of patients, respectively. Elevated C‐reactive protein and lung involvement ≥50% on chest computed tomography (CT) at admission were associated with an increased risk of death or need for mechanical ventilation. Mortality rate from March to June in the entire 3‐centre HT recipient cohort was 56% higher in 2020 compared to the time‐matched 2019 cohort (2% vs. 1.28%, P = 0.15). In a meta‐analysis including 4 studies, pre‐existing diabetes mellitus (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.43–9.06, I² = 0%, P = 0.006) and chronic kidney disease stage III or higher (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.39–10.31, I² = 0%, P = 0.009) were associated with increased mortality. These findings highlight the aggressive clinical course of COVID‐19 in HT recipients.

Angiographic predictors of outcome in myocardial infarction patients presenting with cardiogenic shock: a CULPRIT-SHOCK angiographic substudy

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic impact of pre- and post-PCI TIMI flow grade and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) in a well-defined group of patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock randomised into the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial were included in the angiographic predictor analysis whenever their TIMI flow grade or TMPG was available in the core lab database (96.9% of cases). A multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted on non-angiographic covariates, was performed to investigate whether TIMI flow grade or TMPG was independently associated with all-cause mortality or renal replacement therapy up to one year. Pre-PCI TIMI flow grade and TMPG did not impact on mortality. When analysed in separate multivariable models, post-PCI TIMI 3 flow and TMPG grade 3 were both significantly associated with reduced risk of 30-day mortality: aOR 0.61 (95% CI: 0.38-0.97, p=0.037) and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.29-0.72, p<0.001), respectively. When considered in the same multivariable model, only TMPG was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (aOR 0.38 [0.20-0.71], p=0.002), the 30-day composite of all-cause mortality and renal replacement therapy (aOR 0.34 [0.18-0.66], p=0.001) and mortality at one-year follow-up (aOR 0.46 [0.24-0.88], p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-PCI TIMI flow grade and TMPG are associated with mortality after PCI. TMPG is a better discriminator, supporting microcirculation rather than epicardial reperfusion for prognosis estimation.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Current Evidence and Ongoing Issues Regarding Early and Late Management

A few decades ago, the understanding of the pathophysiological processes involved in the coronary artery thrombus formation has placed anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents at the core of the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Increasingly potent antithrombotic agents have since been evaluated, in various association, timing, or dosage, in numerous randomized controlled trials to interrupt the initial thrombus formation, prevent ischemic complications, and ultimately improve survival. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention, initial parenteral anticoagulation, and dual antiplatelet therapy with potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors have become the hallmark of ACS management revolutionizing its prognosis. Despite these many improvements, much more remains to be done to optimize the onset of action of the various antithrombotic therapies, for further treating and preventing thrombotic events without exposing the patients to an unbearable hemorrhagic risk. The availability of various potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors has opened the door for individualized therapeutic strategies based on the clinical setting as well as the ischemic and bleeding risk of the patients, while the added value of aspirin has been recently challenged. The strategy of dual-pathway inhibition with P2Y₁₂ inhibitors and low-dose non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant has brought promising results for the early and late management of patients presenting with ACS with and without indication for oral anticoagulation. In this updated review, we aimed at describing the evidence supporting the current gold standard of antithrombotic management of ACS. More importantly, we provide an overview of some of the ongoing issues and promising therapeutic strategies of this ever-evolving topic.