P94 LOWER RATE OF MAJOR BLEEDING IN HIGH–RISK PATIENTS UNDERGOING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION: A PROPENSITY MATCHED COMPARISON WITH DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULATION

Background

Stroke prophylaxis in very high risk (CHA2DS2–VASc ≥ 5) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the major challenges faced by physicians. Specifically, initiating direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in these patients poses a therapeutic conundrum due to the concomitant high risk of bleeding. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) might be a potential alternative for thromboembolic (TE) prevention; however, there are no studies comparing these two strategies in very high–risk patients.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of LAAO versus DOACs in AF patients at very high TE risk.

Methods

Data were extracted from two prospective databases including 1053 Watchman and 1328 DOAC patients. Watchman patients with a CHA2DS2–VASc ≥ 5 accounted for 26.3% (n = 277). In order to attenuate the imbalance in covariates, a 1:1 propensity score matching technique was used (co–variates: age, sex, CHA2DS2–VASc and HAS–BLED scores). This method resulted in 554 matched patients (277 patients per group; mean age: 79±7y; 57.4% F; CHA2DS2–VASc: 5.8±0.9). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, TE events (Stroke/TIA/peripheral embolism) and clinically significant bleeding. The annual TE and major bleeding risks were estimated based on the CHA2DS2–VASc score and compared with the annualized observed risk.

Results

After a mean follow–up of 26±7 months, total events were 55 (9.4 event rates per 100 patient–years) in LAAO group vs. 78 (14.9 event rates per 100 patient–years) in DOAC group. DOACs had a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08 to 1.56; p = 0.03). TE events (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.57; p = 0.63) and CV death (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.54; p = 0.63) did not differ between groups. Major bleeding events were significantly lower in LAAO patients (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.82; p = 0.04). The unadjusted estimated risk of TE events was 12.3% with LAAO and 12.4% with DOACs. The annualized incidence of TE was 3.2% with LAAO and 4.1% with DOACs, which led to a risk reduction of 74% and 67%, respectively.

Conclusion

In a large cohort of AF patients at very high TE risk (CHA2DS2–VASc ≥ 5), LAAO showed similar stroke prevention but a significantly lower risk of major bleeding than DOACs during a > 2year follow–up.

P95 PERI–PROCEDURAL COMPLICATIONS AND LONG–TERM OUTCOMES IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION PATIENTS STRATIFIED FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE SEVERITY UNDERGOING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION: RESULTS FROM AN INTERNATIONAL, MULTICENTER REGISTRY

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and share an increased risk of thromboembolic events. CKD concomitantly contributes to several pathophysiological changes predisposing towards a pro–haemorrhagic state.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of kidney function on peri–procedural complications and clinical outcomes in AF patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a Watchman device.

Methods

2124 consecutive AF patients undergoing Watchman implantation at 8 different centers were categorized into CKD stage 1 + 2 (n = 1089), CKD stage 3 (n = 796), CKD stage 4 (n = 170), CKD stage 5 (n = 69) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. The primary efficacy endpoint included a composite of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral thromboembolism (TE), and major bleeding.

Results

A non–significant higher incidence of major peri–procedural adverse events (1.7% vs. 2.3% vs. 4.1% vs. 4.3%) was observed with worsening baseline kidney function (p = 0.14). The mean follow–up period was 13 ± 7 months [2226 patient–years (PY)]. In comparison to CKD stage 1 + 2 as a reference, the incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in CKD stage 3 (log–rank p–value= 0.04), CKD stage 4 (log–rank p–value= 0.01), and CKD stage 5 (log–rank p–value= 0.001) (Fig. 1A). A non–significant increase in event rates for stroke/TIA and clinically relevant bleeding was observed among the four groups. LAAO led to a TE risk reduction of 72%, 66%, 62%, and 41% in each group (Fig. 1B). The relative risk reduction in the incidence of major bleeding was 58%, 44%, 51%, and 52%, respectively (Fig. 1C).

Conclusion

Patients with moderate–to–severe CKD had a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint. The relative risk reduction in the incidence of TE and major bleeding was consistent across CKD groups, irrespective of the very different risk profiles at baseline.

C32 TRANSCATHETER LEAK OCCLUSION WITH ENDOVASCULAR COILS FOLLOWING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE: PROCEDURAL SUCCESS AND OUTCOMES BEFORE AND AFTER LEAK CLOSURE

Background

Whether residual peri–device leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) portend a higher risk of thromboembolism (TE), it is still a matter of debate.

Objectives

We report the TE risk in patients with incomplete LAA closure before and after leak closure with endovascular coils.

Methods

One hundred twenty–four Watchman patients with a significant (≥3mm) leak (mean age: 74 ± 9 years; 66.9% males; CHA2DS2–VASc: 4.4 ± 1.7; HAS–BLED: 3.1 ± 1) underwent LAA leak coiling. The expected annual TE risk was estimated based on the patients’ CHA2DS2–VASc and compared with the annualized incidence observed before and after coiling (Fig.1B).

Results

The time between LAAO and leak coiling was 8±6 months [83 patients–year (PY)]; before leak closure, 6 (4.8%) patients had a TE event (annualized rate: 7.2%). Coil deployment was successful in all cases [median n. of coils deployed: 5 (IQR: 2–10)]. Procedure time was 79 ± 40 min; the mean volume of iodinated contrast medium used was 80 ± 43mL. The overall complication rate was 2.4% (1 pericardial tamponade, 2 pericardial effusion). Follow–up TEE after 61±14 days revealed complete LAA sealing or a negligible leak in 117 cases (94.4%); the remaining 7 patients had a moderate leak. During 14±6 months post–coiling (145 PY), 1 (0.8%) patient suffered from stroke. The incidence of TE events was significantly lower after leak closure than before coiling (0.8% vs 4.8%; log–rank p = 0.02; Fig.1A). The annualized TE rates were 7.2% before and 0.7% after leak closure (Fig. 1A). According to the expected rate estimated from the patients’ CHA2DS2–VASc (9.8%), LAAO with and without significant leaks yielded to a risk reduction of 26.5% and 92.9% (Fig. 1B).

Conclusions

Transcatheter leak occlusion via endovascular coils was safe. LAA closure led to a significant reduction in TE events.

P4 LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE ANATOMICAL CHANGES FOLLOWING RADIOFREQUENCY–BASED OSTIAL ISOLATION

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) electrical isolation (ei) may be achieved via radiofrequency (RF) energy applications at the level of the appendage ostium targeting the sites of earliest activation recorded by a mapping catheter. Notably, RF has long been used in vascular, orthopedic, and aesthetic surgery to promote thermal–induced collagen matrix contraction, fibrosis, and tissue retraction. LAA anatomical changes associated to RF–induced tissue retraction have never been reported.

Objective

To quantify the anatomical changes of the LAA ostium following RF–based LAAei.

Methods

Thirty–four consecutive patients requiring AF ablation with LAAei underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) within 7 days before (baseline TEE) and >6 months after (follow–up TEE) ablation. The diameter of LAA orifice and landing zone were measured at 4 different views (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). Measurements were performed by two independent reviewers blinded to the patient’s identity.

Results

Among 34 AF patients (68±7yrs, 73.5% males), the LAA morphology was classified as chicken wing in 15 (44%) patients, windsock in 10 (29%), cactus in 6 (18%), and cauliflower in 3 (9%). At baseline TEE, the mean maximum and mean minimum ostial diameters were 25±4mm and 22±4mm, respectively. The mean maximum and mean minimum diameters of the landing zone were 26±4mm and 23±3mm, respectively. On average, LAAei was achieved after 16±7 minutes of RF at a power of 45–47W. Follow–up TEE was performed 257±148 days after LAAei. The median LAA contraction velocity was 0.1 m/s (IQR: 0.04–0.18) and was significantly impaired in all patients. At follow–up TEE, the mean maximum and mean minimum ostial diameters were 19±4mm and 17±3mm, respectively. The mean maximum and mean minimum diameters of the landing zone were 20±4mm and 18±4mm, respectively. The mean relative reduction of the ostium and the landing zone were –24.4% and –22.5%, respectively. Box–Whisker plots of the maximum and minimum ostial diameters before and after LAAei are reported in Fig. 1.

Conclusion

RF led to a > 20% reduction of the diameters of the ostium and the landing zone. These changes may have important implications for a successful percutaneous occlusion procedure and justify a staged approach of isolation and occlusion.

P26 “FUNCTION FOLLOWS FORM”: THE ROLE OF THE CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN THE ARRHYTHMIC RISK STRATIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS

Background

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by non–caseating granulomatous infiltration in multiple organs, including the heart. The presence of granulomas within the myocardium can cause heart failure, atrio–ventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Due to the patchy pattern of sarcoid infiltration, endomyocardial biopsy has a poor sensitivity and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is becoming the gold standard imaging, detecting small area of myocardial fibrosis and scar using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The identification of LGE in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy is strongly associated with VA and SCD and similar findings were reported in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) patients.

Methods

In order to assess the risk of VA and SCD related to LGE in the CS, we performed a meta–analysis including all the studies enrolling patients with suspected or confirmed CS undergoing CMR. We conducted a digital search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception through October 2021. Clinical outcomes of interest were arrhythmogenic events defined as VA (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation), SCD or aborted SCD (appropriate ICD discharge) during follow–up.

Results

Eleven studies with a total of 1.123 CS patients (left ventricular ejection function [LVEF]: 59 ± 23%) with an appropriate follow–up were included in the final analysis. Overall, as depicted in the Figure 1, the identification of LGE at CMR was associated with a 13–fold increase risk in potentially lethal VA (R = 12.76, 95% CI [6.30–25.87]) than patients without LGE.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the presence of myocardial scarring as evidenced by the identification of LGE in CMR provides meaningful information about the arrhythmic risk stratification of CS patients.

P3682Myocardial structural abnormalities in nonischemic patients presenting with ventricular arrhythmias

Background

The diagnosis of concealed cardiomyopathies in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is one of the major challenging issues faced by physicians.

Purpose

We aimed at reporting the cardiomyopathic substrate in patients with recurrent arrhythmias of ventricular origin.

Methods

Consecutive patients with unexplained VAs underwent a complete diagnostic work-out, including endomyocardial biopsy (EMB).

Results

Ninety-seven patients were enrolled (76.3% male, age 39.7±13.3 yrs). The presenting arrhythmic manifestation was aborted cardiac arrest in 30 (30.9%) patients, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 9 (9.3%), nonsustained VT in 15 (15.5%) and frequent premature ventricular complexes in 43 (44.3%). Overall, 350 biopsies were collected (3.6/patient). The incidence of procedure-related complications was 5.1% (n=5): 4 major complications (1 rupture of a tricuspid chorda tendinea w/o hemodynamic impairment, 1 dissection of right external iliac artery treated with stent, 1 thrombotic occlusion of left superficial femoral artery which required surgical treatment, 1 TIA) and 1 minor complication (groin hematoma) occurred. The final diagnosis was arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) (n=41; 42.3%), followed by myocarditis (n=20; 20.6%), dilated cardiomyopathy (n=6; 6.2%), cardiac sarcoidosis (n=6; 6.2%), and myocarditis in ARVD/C (n=5; 5.1%). Among the 25 patients whose final diagnosis was consistent with myocarditis, an acute stage of the disease was documented in 7 (7.2%), while a chronic myocarditis in 18 (18.5%). Additionally, according to medical history and diagnostic workout, in 2 of the 6 patients the dilated cardiomyopathy had a likely post-inflammatory etiology. Absence of myocardial abnormalities was documented in 15 (15.5%) patients: this group included 1 case of methadone-induced torsade de pointes. The remaining 4 (4.1%) patients were diagnosed with a cardiac hypertrophy (n=2, 2.1%, secondary to exercise or Fabry disease), a dilated mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (n=1, 1.0%), a dilated cardiomyopathy in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (n=1; 1.0%).

Conclusion

In our series, approximately 45% of patients with unexplained VAs had a final diagnosis of ARVD/C.

P3687Abnormal voltage recordings in patients with ventricular arrhythmias: comparison between right and left cardiomyopathy

Background

Arrhythmogenic Cardio-Myopathy (ACM) is characterized by epi-endocardial fibro-fatty replacement. Depending on the most affected ventricle, right dominant (RDACM) or left dominant (LDACM) phenotypes can be defined. RDACM voltage mapping characteristics have already been described, with late potentials strongly correlating with arrhythmia recurrence risk; LDACM voltage features have not been described yet.

Purpose

To analyze voltage map characteristics in LDACM patients (pts) and compare them with RDACM; to assess if there is any correlation between late potentials and recurrence rate in LDACM as well.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled all consecutive ACM patients treated c/o our center and diagnosed according to the 2010 Task Force Criteria. Procedural and follow up data were collected. Patient were sorted by ventricular involvement lateralization. Recurrence rates were evaluated and linearly regressed for the presence of late potentials.

Results

89 ACM patients were enrolled (67 RDACM, 22 LDACM; 76% males, 69±4 y.o.) in our study. All patients underwent endocardial voltage mapping; procedurally, 43 (48%) pts underwent catheter ablation, while 46 (52%) were managed conservatively with anti-arrhythmic drugs.

Bipolar pathological potentials were found in 43 (64%) and 13 (59%), unipolar pathological potentials in 45 (67%) and 14 (63%), while late potentials in 19 (31%) and 8 (36%) in the RDACM and LDACM group respectively [p = 0.66, p=0.63, and p=0.33].

The average follow-up was 18 months [14–48]; 15 (22%) in the RDACM and 9 (40%) in LDACM arrhythmic recurrences were respectively encountered; recurrences in both groups were regressed for the presence of late potentials. Results were as follows: the presence of late potentials correlated with recurrences with an 4,3 [1.15–16.1; p=0.03] OR and with an 11 [0.4–85; p=0.022] OR in the RDACM and LDACM group respectively.

Conclusion

Pathologically low unipolar, bipolar and late potentials can be found in comparable % both in RDACM and LDACM; like in RDACM, late potentials represent an important risk factor for arrhythmic recurrence in LDACM as well.

P5560Assessing etiology in a cohort of patients with myocarditis presenting with complex ventricular arrhythmias: can the percutaneous endomyocardial biopsy help?

Background

Myocarditis represents a common but often under-diagnosed disease, with a wide range of clinical presentations; diagnosis is often presumptive and a clear etiology leading to a specific therapeutic approach is usually not identified.

Purpose

To describe and assess disease etiology in a cohort of myocarditis patients (pts) with arrhythmic presentation undergoing an invasive diagnostic work-up.

Methods

All pts with myocarditis presenting with ventricular arrhythmias undergoing an electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) guided endo-myocardial biopsy (EMB) at our institution were enrolled. All enrolled pts also underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an electrophysiological study (EPS). Demographics, arrhythmic presentation, MRI data, arrhythmic inducibility at EPS, EAM and EMB biopsy data were retrieved and analyzed. Molecular biology testing for cardio-tropic virus genome as well as leukocyte immunohistochemical typization were routinely performed on all EMB samples.

Results

Twenty-six pts were enrolled (85% male, 39±6 y.o.). Clinical presentation was an organized ventricular arrhythmia in 16 (62%) pts (n=3 non-sustained ventricular arrhythmia; n=9 sustained ventricular arrhythmia; n=4 ventricular fibrillation) while frequent (>10.000) premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in the remaining 10 (38%) pts.

MRI showed a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) pattern consistent with myocarditis in all pts (35% left LGE; 65% right LGE). At the EPS, 10 (38%) pts showed inducibility for SVTs and underwent an intra-cardiac defibrillator (ICD) implant, while 4 (16%) more were implanted for secondary arrhythmic prevention.

EAM was performed in 18 (70%), 6 (22%) and 2 (8%) pts in the right, left and in both ventricle respectively; in all cases, abnormal myocardial voltages were retrieved in the area showing LGE at MRI. Extensive myocardial scarring was detected in 7 (27%) pts.

All EMB were performed without peri-procedural complications; inflammatory infiltrate and substrate alteration consistent with myocarditis were retrieved in 100% of the bioptic samples. Viral genome was identified in 13 (50%) samples (n=5 Human Herpes Virus 6; n=2 Parvovirus B 19; n=3 Adenovirus; n=1 Ebstein Barr Virus; n=1 Cytomegalovirus; n=1 Rhinovirus) and specific human immunoglobulin treatment was undergone by a single pt; eosinophilic infiltration was found in 2 (8%) patients; lymphocite invasion and auto-antibodies consistent with auto-immune myocarditis were detected in 2 (8%) patients and appropriate immunosuppressive therapy was started, while a myocardial band contraction pattern typical of toxic myocarditis was found in a single (4%) patient [Figure 1].

Different Myocarditis Etiology Rates

Conclusion

In our myocarditis cohort, EMB confirmed viruses to represented the first myocarditis etiological agent. Despite an invasive work-out, 31% of the cohort etiology still remains unclear.

P5556Impact of viral genome detection in endo-myocardial biopsy of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy substrate

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetically inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial fibro-fatty replacement. A pathogenetic role of viral myocardial infections in ACM natural history has been proposed over the years, although no definitive conclusion has been reached yet.

Purpose

To describe viral genome presence into a cohort of ACM biopsy proven patients (pts) and its impact on clinical features and outcome.

Methods

A cohort of all ACM pts undergoing an invasive third level evaluation at our institution was enrolled. All pts underwent a cardiac magnetic resonance (MR), an invasive electrophysiological study (EPS) with endo-cavitary electro-anatomical mapping (EAM), and a EAM guided endo-myocardial biopsy (EMB). Viral genome research through molecular biology techniques was performed on all biopsied samples.

According to arrhythmic risk evaluation, a trans-catheter ablation (TCA) and/or an internal cardioverter device (ICD) implant was performed. Clinical arrhythmic presentation, MR data, arrhythmia inducibility at EPS, EAM and EMB characteristic, and arrhythmic events at a 12-month follow up visit were retrieved in all pts and compared between the viral genome positive (v+ACM) and negative group (v-ACM).

Results

Forty-five pts were enrolled in our study (48±13 years; 66% male); the EMB samples of 7 (15%) pts presented a lymphocytic infiltrate and tested positive for viral genome (n=3 B19 Parvovirus; n=2 for Citomegalovirus; n=2 for Ebstein-Bar Virus) [Figure1].

At arrhythmic presentation, complex ventricular arrhythmias (NSVT, SVT and FV) were more frequent in the v+ACM group (86% vs 50%; p=0.039). Both left and right ventricular ejection fraction at MR resulted more depressed in the v+ACM group (44±7 vs 52±2 and 47±2 vs 52±2; p=0.047 and p=0.041). Complex ventricular arrhythmia inducibility at EPS was more frequent in v+ACM (72% vs 34%; p=0.032), while no differences in pathological potentials rate and extension at unipolar and bipolar EAM were found. TCA was performed in 55% and 57% and an ICD was implanted in 29% and 42% in the v+ACM and v-ACM group respectively. No differences in 12-months arrhythmic event rates (39% vs 42%) between the two groups were described.

EBM at different magnifications/stains

Conclusion

In our cohort a viral infection super-imposed to the fibrofatty infiltration was found in 15% of the patients. ACM pts testing positive for viral genome at the EMB had a more severe arrhythmic disease presentation, a more impaired heart function, and a higher rate of complex ventricular arrhythmias at disease presentation, but seemed to respond as well as viral genome negative ACM to ablative and pharmacological treatment

[Oculoplastic Surgery At CHU-IOTA In Mali]

Esthetic and functional surgeries in the periocular region fall into the domain of oculoplastic, or plastic and reconstructive surgery and otorhinolaryngology. Oculoplasty is the largest surgical spectrum in ophthalmology including eyelids, orbits and the lacrimal system. Our purpose was to study the frequency of eyelid, lacrimal and orbital (oculoplastic) surgery at the CHU IOTA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective medical chart review of all the patients who underwent oculoplastic surgery was conducted from October 2015 to September 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients were included with 52% female and 48% male. Patients were 37 years old on average. In total, the surgery was performed on the eyelids in83 cases (35.6%), the orbits in 113 cases (48.5%) and the lachrymal system in 37 cases (15.9%).Eyelid surgery commonly resulted from eye trauma (43,3%), followed by malpositions (30,2%). Mutilating surgery accounted for 92% of the orbital surgery. External dacryocystorhinostomy was the main lacrimal surgery (42%) followed by canalicular lacerations 25%.

CONCLUSION

Oculoplasticsurgeryoccupies an important place in the surgical activities of the ophthalmologic University hospital despite a larger volume for cataractsurgery. Our studydoesn't highlight the outcome of the surgery itself but the epidemiology to help decision makers in their eye health policy including the reduction of mutilating surgery and oculoplastic training.

Three dimensional ultrasound of retinoblastoma: initial experience

AIM

To use 3D ultrasonography (3DUS) for the diagnosis of retinoblastoma.

METHODS

Five eyes of three children with retinoblastoma were evaluated using a commercially available computerised 3DUS system. Interactive sectioning of the stored and reconstructed 3D volumes were performed. 3DUS and histopathological findings were correlated after enucleation.

RESULTS

3DUS examination revealed characteristics consistent with retinoblastoma: endophytic mass, retinal detachment, intratumoural calcifications, and secondary orbital shadowing. Unlike 2D imaging, 3DUS allowed for analysis of the acquired and stored volumes. Rotation and sectioning of this volume allowed the discovery of new oblique and coronal views. For example, calcium related orbital shadows were seen as 3D volumes and (coronal) cross sections of the optic nerve were evaluated for evidence of intraneural invasion by retinoblastoma.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported series of patients examined with 3DUS imaging for retinoblastoma. This technique allowed for new oblique and coronal views of the tumour and optic nerve. The ability to retrospectively analyse the (scanned and stored) ocular volume facilitated patient care, teaching, tumour-volume analysis, and telemedicine.