Angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI and COVID-19: Insights from NACMI registry

BACKGROUND

To date, there has been no independent core lab angiographic analysis of patients with COVID-19 and STEMI. The study characterized the angiographic parameters of patients with COVID-19 and STEMI.

METHODS

Angiograms of patients with COVID-19 and STEMI from the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction (NACMI) Registry were sent to a Core Laboratory in Vancouver, Canada. Culprit lesion(s), Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow, Thrombus Grade Burden (TGB), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcome were assessed.

RESULTS

From 234 patients, 74% had one culprit lesion, 14% had multiple culprits and 12% had no culprit identified. Multivessel thrombotic disease and multivessel CAD were found in 27% and 53% of patients, respectively. Stent thrombosis accounted for 12% of the presentations and occurred in 55% of patients with previous coronary stents. Of the 182 who underwent PCI, 60 (33%) had unsuccessful PCI due to post-PCI TIMI flow <3 (43/60), residual high thrombus burden (41/60) and/or thrombus related complications (27/60). In-hospital mortality for successful, partially successful, and unsuccessful PCI was 14%, 13%, and 27%, respectively. Unsuccessful PCI was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (risk ratio [RR] 1.96; 95% CI: 1.05-3.66, P = .03); in the adjusted model this estimate was attenuated (RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.65-2.34, P = .51).

CONCLUSION

In patients with COVID-19 and STEMI, thrombus burden was pervasive with notable rates of multivessel thrombotic disease and stent thrombosis. Post-PCI, persistent thrombus and sub-optimal TIMI 3 flow rates led to one-third of the PCI's being unsuccessful, which decreased over time but remained an important predictor of in-hospital mortality.

Increased disparities in waitlist and post-heart transplantation outcomes according to socioeconomic status with the new heart transplant allocation system

BACKGROUND

The study objective was to assess disparities in outcomes in the waitlist and post-heart transplantation (HT) according to socioeconomic status (SES) in the old and new U.S. HT allocation systems.

METHODS

Adult HT candidates in the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2014 through 2021 were included. Old or new system classification was according to listing before or after October 18, 2018. SES was stratified by patient ZIP code and median household income via U.S. Census Bureau and classified into terciles. Competing waitlist outcomes and post-transplantation survival were compared between systems.

RESULTS

In total, 26,450 patients were included. Waitlisted candidates with low SES were more frequently younger, female, African American, and with higher body mass index. Reduced cumulative incidence (CI) of HT in the old system occurred in low SES (53.5%) compared to middle (55.7%, p = 0.046), and high (57.9%, p < 0.001). In the new system, the CI of HT was 65.3% in the low SES vs middle (67.6%, p = 0.002) and high (70.2%, p < 0.001), and SES remained significant in the adjusted analysis. In the old system, CI of death/delisting was similar across SES. In the new system, low SES had increased CI of death/delisting (7.4%) vs middle (6%, p = 0.012) and high (5.4%, p = 0.002). The old system showed similar 1-year survival across SES. In the new system, recipients with low SES had decreased 1-year survival (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

SES affects waitlist and post-transplant outcomes. In the new system, all SES had increased access to HT; however, low SES had increased death/delisting due to worsening clinical status and decreased post-transplant survival.

Predicting Survival of End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Receiving HeartMate-3: Comparing Machine Learning Methods

HeartMate 3 is the only durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) currently implanted in the United States. The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model for 1 year mortality of HeartMate 3 implanted patients, comparing standard statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms. Adult patients registered in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (STS-INTERMACS) database, who received primary implant with a HeartMate 3 between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, were included. Epidemiological, clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic characteristics were analyzed. Standard logistic regression and machine learning (elastic net and neural network) were used to predict 1 year survival. A total of 3,853 patients were included. Of these, 493 (12.8%) died within 1 year after implantation. Standard logistic regression identified age, Model End Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-XI score, right arterial (RA) pressure, INTERMACS profile, heart rate, and etiology of heart failure (HF), as important predictor factors for 1 year mortality with an area under the curve (AUC): 0.72 (0.66-0.77). This predictive model was noninferior to the ones developed using the elastic net or neural network. Standard statistical techniques were noninferior to neural networks and elastic net in predicting 1 year survival after HeartMate 3 implantation. The benefit of using machine-learning algorithms in the prediction of outcomes may depend on the type of dataset used for analysis.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to advanced heart failure therapies

BACKGROUND

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a key support modality for cardiogenic shock. The 2018 United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart transplant allocation algorithm prioritizes VA-ECMO patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of VA-ECMO in bridging to advanced heart failure therapies.

METHODS

We analyzed adult patients from the multicenter Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry receiving VA-ECMO for cardiac support or resuscitation between 2016 and 2021 in the United States, comparing bridge-to-transplant (BTT) and non-BTT intent patients, as well as pre- vs post-2018 patients, on a wide range of demographic and clinical outcome predictors.

RESULTS

Of 17,087 patients, 797 received left ventricular assist device (LVAD)/heart transplant, 7,931 died or had poor prognosis, and 8,359 had expected recovery at ECMO discontinuation. Patients supported with BTT intent had lower clinical acuity than non-BTT candidates and were more likely to receive LVAD/transplant. The proportion of patients who received VA-ECMO as BTT and received LVAD/transplant increased after 2018. Post-2018 BTT patients had significantly lower clinical acuity and higher likelihood of transplant than both post-2018 non-BTT patients and pre-2018 BTT patients. ECMO complications were associated with lower likelihood of transplant but were significantly less common post-2018 than pre-2018.

CONCLUSIONS

After implementation of the 2018 UNOS allocation system, ECMO utilization as BTT or LVAD has increased, and the acuity of BTT intent patients cannulated for ECMO has decreased. There has not yet been an increase in more acute ECMO patients getting transplanted. This may partially explain the post-transplant outcomes of ECMO patients in the current era reported in UNOS.

Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients With COVID-19 Presenting With Myocardial Infarction

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicating COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of cardiogenic shock and mortality. However, little is known about the frequency of use and clinical impact of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in these patients. We sought to define patterns of MCS utilization, patient characteristics, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with STEMI. The NACMI (North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction) is an ongoing prospective, observational registry of patients with COVID-19 positive (COVID-19+) with STEMI with a contemporary control group of persons under investigation who subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 (COVID-19-). We compared the baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19+ and patients with COVID-19- according to the use of MCS. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality, stroke, recurrent MI, and repeat unplanned revascularization. A total of 1,379 patients (586 COVID-19+ and 793 COVID-19-) enrolled in the NACMI registry between January 2020 and November 2021 were included in this analysis; overall, MCS use was 12.3% (12.1% [n = 71] COVID-19+/MCS positive [MCS+] vs 12.4% [n = 98] COVID-19-/MCS+). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The use of percutaneous coronary intervention was similar between the groups (84% vs 78%; p = 0.404). Intra-aortic balloon pump was the most frequently used MCS device in both groups (53% in COVID-19+/MCS+ and 75% in COVID-19-/MCS+). The primary outcome was significantly higher in COVID-19+/MCS+ patients (60% vs 30%; p = 0.001) because of very high in-hospital mortality (59% vs 28%; p = 0.001). In conclusion, patients with COVID-19+ with STEMI requiring MCS have very high in-hospital mortality, likely related to the significantly higher pulmonary involvement compared with patients with COVID-19- with STEMI requiring MCS.

Aortic valve disorders and left ventricular assist devices

Aortic valve disorders are important considerations in advanced heart failure patients being evaluated for left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and those on LVAD support. Aortic insufficiency (AI) can be present prior to LVAD implantation or develop de novo during LVAD support. It is usually a progressive disorder and can lead to impaired LVAD effectiveness and heart failure symptoms. Severe AI is associated with worsening hemodynamics, increased hospitalizations, and decreased survival in LVAD patients. Diagnosis is made with echocardiographic, device assessment, and/or catheterization studies. Standard echocardiographic criteria for AI are insufficient for accurate diagnosis of AI severity. Management of pre-existing AI includes aortic repair or replacement at the time of LVAD implant. Management of de novo AI on LVAD support is challenging with increased risks of repeat surgical intervention, and percutaneous techniques including transcatheter aortic valve replacement are assuming greater importance. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive approach to contemporary diagnosis and management of aortic valve disorders in the setting of LVAD therapy.

Persistent or Recurrent Angina Following Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Persistent or recurrent angina after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has substantial patient morbidity and economic impact. As knowledge of the pathophysiology of this condition has evolved, new tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment have become available. We provide a current, comprehensive review of mechanisms of post-PCI angina, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic options.

RECENT FINDINGS

The routine use of functional testing during PCI may enable more accurate revascularization. Coronary vasomotor disorders commonly cause angina after PCI in the absence of obstructive epicardial CAD. Invasive coronary vasoreactivity testing can enable phenotype-guided therapy of coronary vasomotor disorders with improvement in angina. Multiple nonpharmacologic modalities to treat refractory angina are under development. A comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of persistent or recurrent angina after PCI with noninvasive and invasive techniques is required. An individualized, phenotype-guided management using lifestyle, pharmacologic, and nonpharmacologic modalities is necessary to optimize outcomes.

North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction (NACMI) Risk Score for Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality

Background

In-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is higher in those with COVID-19 than in those without COVID-19. The factors that predispose to this mortality rate and their relative contribution are poorly understood. This study developed a risk score inclusive of clinical variables to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 and STEMI.

Methods

Baseline demographic, clinical, and procedural data from patients in the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction registry were extracted. Univariable logistic regression was performed using candidate predictor variables, and multivariable logistic regression was performed using backward stepwise selection to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Independent predictors were assigned a weighted integer, with the sum of the integers yielding the total risk score for each patient.

Results

In-hospital mortality occurred in 118 of 425 (28%) patients. Eight variables present at the time of STEMI diagnosis (respiratory rate of >35 breaths/min, cardiogenic shock, oxygen saturation of <93%, age of >55 ​years, infiltrates on chest x-ray, kidney disease, diabetes, and dyspnea) were assigned a weighted integer. In-hospital mortality increased exponentially with increasing integer risk score (Cochran-Armitage χ², P ​< ​.001), and the model demonstrated good discriminative power (c-statistic ​= ​0.81) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow, P ​= ​.40). The increasing risk score was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality (3.6%-60% mortality for low-risk and very high–risk score categories, respectively).

Conclusions

The risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 and STEMI can be accurately predicted and discriminated using readily available clinical information.

A randomized controlled trial of simulation training in teaching coronary angiographic views

INTRODUCTION

Simulation technology has an established role in teaching technical skills to cardiology fellows, but its impact on teaching trainees to interpret coronary angiographic (CA) images has not been systematically studied. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to test whether structured simulation training, in addition to traditional methods would improve CA image interpretation skills in a heterogeneous group of medical trainees.

METHODS

We prospectively randomized a convenience sample of 105 subjects comprising of medical students (N = 20), residents (N = 68) and fellows (N = 17) from the University of Arizona. Subjects were randomized in a stratified fashion into a simulation training group which received simulation training in addition to didactic teaching (n = 53) and a control training group which received didactic teaching alone (n = 52). The change in pre and post-test score (delta score) was analyzed by a two-way ANOVA for education status and training arm.

RESULTS

Subjects improved in their post-test scores with a mean change of 4.6 ± 4.0 points. Subjects in the simulation training arm had a higher delta score compared to control (5.4 ± 4.2 versus 3.8 ± 3.7, p = 0.04), with greatest impact for residents (6.6 ± 4.0 versus 3.5 ± 3.4) with a p = 0.02 for interaction of training arm and education status.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulation training complements traditional methods to improve CA interpretation skill, with greatest impact on residents. This highlights the importance of incorporating high-fidelity simulation training early in cardiovascular fellowship curricula.

Five-meter walk test before transcatheter aortic valve replacement and 1-year noncardiac mortality

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess whether the 5-m walk test is associated with 1-year mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Methods

Included in the analysis were 304 patients who received the 5-m walk test and underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement from September 2012 to March 2019. They were classified into 3 groups based on their test score: ≤7, >7, and unable to walk. Preprocedure characteristics, postprocedure outcomes, and follow-up outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

For the 5-m walk test, 145 had a score ≤7 (Group N), 111 had a score >7 (Group S), and 48 were unable to walk (Group I). Average age in years was 80.2 ± 8.7 years in Group N, 81.2 ± 9.4 years in Group S, and 79.4 ± 9.2 in Group I (P = .23). The aortic valve mean gradient at discharge was 9.5 ± 4.1 mm Hg in Group N, 10.4 ± 5.5 mm Hg in Group S, and 8.2 ± 4.2 mm Hg in Group I (P = .05). The discharge survival was 97.2% in Group N, 96.4% in Group S, and 95.8% in Group I (P = .76). One-year survival was 92.8% in Group N, 84.1% in Group S, and 75% in Group I (P < .01) after adjusting for preprocedure characteristics. Noncardiac death was 5.1% in Group N, 13.1% in Group S, and 22.7% in Group I (P = .03). This indicates that the 5-m walk test was a risk factor for 1-year mortality. More specifically, a poor 5-m walk test score was associated with 1-year noncardiac mortality.

Conclusions

The 5-m walk test score before transcatheter aortic valve replacement was associated with 1-year mortality, especially noncardiac mortality. It may help identify patients at high risk for 1-year mortality.

Early Prediction of Cardiogenic Shock Using Machine Learning

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a severe condition with in-hospital mortality of up to 50%. Patients who develop CS may have previous cardiac history, but that may not always be the case, adding to the challenges in optimally identifying and managing these patients. Patients may present to a medical facility with CS or develop CS while in the emergency department (ED), in a general inpatient ward (WARD) or in the critical care unit (CC). While different clinical pathways for management exist once CS is recognized, there are challenges in identifying the patients in a timely manner, in all settings, in a timeframe that will allow proper management. We therefore developed and evaluated retrospectively a machine learning model based on the XGBoost (XGB) algorithm which runs automatically on patient data from the electronic health record (EHR). The algorithm was trained on 8 years of de-identified data (from 2010 to 2017) collected from a large regional healthcare system. The input variables include demographics, vital signs, laboratory values, some orders, and specific pre-existing diagnoses. The model was designed to make predictions 2 h prior to the need of first CS intervention (inotrope, vasopressor, or mechanical circulatory support). The algorithm achieves an overall area under curve (AUC) of 0.87 (0.81 in CC, 0.84 in ED, 0.97 in WARD), which is considered useful for clinical use. The algorithm can be refined based on specific elements defining patient subpopulations, for example presence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or congestive heart failure (CHF), further increasing its precision when a patient has these conditions. The top-contributing risk factors learned by the model are consistent with existing clinical findings. Our conclusion is that a useful machine learning model can be used to predict the development of CS. This manuscript describes the main steps of the development process and our results.

Unprovoked Isolated Pulmonary Embolism and Graves’ Disease in a Patient With Dyspnea: A Case Report

Graves’ disease is a commonly diagnosed disease with a plethora of manifestations that can lead to its diagnosis. One of the rarer presentations of Graves’ disease is hypercoagulability with the development of spontaneous venous thrombosis. In patients presenting with unprovoked pulmonary embolism, we suggest evaluating the patient’s thyroid function tests as a potential underlying cause. To bring this issue to attention, we are presenting a rare case of isolated spontaneous pulmonary embolism development secondarily to underlying Graves’ disease.

Trends in Clinical Characteristics, Management Strategies and Outcomes of STEMI Patients with COVID-19

Background

We previously reported high in-hospital mortality for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with COVID-19 treated in the early phase of the pandemic.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe trends of COVID-19 patients with STEMI during the course of the pandemic.

Methods

The NACMI (North American COVID-19 STEMI) registry is a prospective, investigator-initiated, multicenter, observational registry of hospitalized STEMI patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection in North America. We compared trends in clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients treated in the first year of the pandemic (January 2020 to December 2020) vs those treated in the second year (January 2021 to December 2021).

Results

A total of 586 COVID-19–positive patients with STEMI were included in the present analysis; 227 treated in Y2020 and 359 treated in Y2021. Patients’ characteristics changed over time. Relative to Y2020, the proportion of Caucasian patients was higher (58% vs 39%; P < 0.001), patients presented more frequently with typical ischemic symptoms (59% vs 51%; P = 0.04), and patients were less likely to have shock pre-PCI (13% vs 18%; P = 0.07) or pulmonary manifestations (33% vs. 47%; P = 0.001) in Y2021. In-hospital mortality decreased from 33% (Y2020) to 23% (Y2021) (P = 0.008). In Y2021, none of the 22 vaccinated patients expired in hospital, whereas in-hospital death was recorded in 37 (22%) unvaccinated patients (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Significant changes have occurred in the clinical characteristics and outcomes of STEMI patients with COVID-19 infection during the course of the pandemic.

Decreased frequency of transplantation and lower post-transplant survival free of re-transplantation in LVAD patients with the new heart transplant allocation system

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of the new heart transplant (HT) allocation system in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) supported patients listed as bridge to transplantation (BTT).

METHODS

Adult patients who were listed for HT between October 18, 2016 and October 17, 2019, and were supported with an LVAD, enrolled in the UNOS database were included in this study. Patients were classified in the old or new system if they were listed or transplanted before or after October 18, 2018, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 3261 LVAD patients were listed for transplant. Of these, 2257 were classified in the old and 1004 in the new system. The cumulative incidence of death or removal from the transplant list due to worsening clinical status at 360-days after listing was lower in the new system (4% vs. 7%, P = .011). LVAD Patients listed in the new system had a lower frequency of transplantation within 360-days of listing (52% vs. 61%, P < .001). A total of 1843 LVAD patients were transplanted, 1004 patients in the old system and 839 patients in the new system. The post-transplant survival at 360 days was similar between old and new systems (92.3% vs. 90%, P = .08). However, LVAD patients transplanted in the new system had lower frequency of the combined endpoint, freedom of death or re-transplantation at 360 days (92.2% vs. 89.6%, P = .046).

CONCLUSION

The new HT allocation system has affected the LVAD-BTT population significantly. On the waitlist, LVAD patients have a decreased cumulative frequency of transplantation and a concomitant decrease in death or delisting due to worsening status. In the new system, LVAD patients have a decreased survival free of re-transplantation at 360 days post-transplant.

Optical Coherence Tomography in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy: State-of-the-Art Review

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a challenging complication of heart transplantation. CAV pathophysiology is incompletely understood, standard screening modalities such as angiography have significant limitations, and currently available therapies have only modest efficacy in preventing progression. Optical coherence tomography is a light-based technique that provides microscopic level catheter-based intravascular imaging and has dramatically expanded our understanding of CAV, demonstrating it to be a complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic process. This review covers characteristics and uses of optical coherence tomography, including vessel characterization, serial use to assess progression of disease, guiding percutaneous intervention, and monitoring response to CAV therapies. We also discuss the potential of optical coherence tomography in providing individualized assessment and enable customized CAV therapies, which may lead to improvements in long-term transplant outcomes.

Initial Findings From the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction Registry

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many aspects of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care, including timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Objectives

The goal of the NACMI (North American COVID-19 and STEMI) registry is to describe demographic characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with STEMI.

Methods

A prospective, ongoing observational registry was created under the guidance of 3 cardiology societies. STEMI patients with confirmed COVID+ (group 1) or suspected (person under investigation [PUI]) (group 2) COVID-19 infection were included. A group of age- and sex-matched STEMI patients (matched to COVID+ patients in a 2:1 ratio) treated in the pre-COVID era (2015 to 2019) serves as the control group for comparison of treatment strategies and outcomes (group 3). The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital death, stroke, recurrent myocardial infarction, or repeat unplanned revascularization.

Results

As of December 6, 2020, 1,185 patients were included in the NACMI registry (230 COVID+ patients, 495 PUIs, and 460 control patients). COVID+ patients were more likely to have minority ethnicity (Hispanic 23%, Black 24%) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (46%) (all p < 0.001 relative to PUIs). COVID+ patients were more likely to present with cardiogenic shock (18%) but were less likely to receive invasive angiography (78%) (all p < 0.001 relative to control patients). Among COVID+ patients who received angiography, 71% received PPCI and 20% received medical therapy (both p < 0.001 relative to control patients). The primary outcome occurred in 36% of COVID+ patients, 13% of PUIs, and 5% of control patients (p < 0.001 relative to control patients).

Conclusions

COVID+ patients with STEMI represent a high-risk group of patients with unique demographic and clinical characteristics. PPCI is feasible and remains the predominant reperfusion strategy, supporting current recommendations.

Antiplatelet and anticoagulation strategies for left ventricular assist devices

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have revolutionized the management of advanced heart failure. However, complications rates remain high, among which hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications are the most important. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation strategies form a cornerstone of LVAD management and may directly affect LVAD complications. Concurrently, LVAD complications influence anticoagulation and anticoagulation management. A thorough understanding of device, patient, and management, including anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies, are important in optimizing LVAD outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive state of the art review of issues related to antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in LVADs. We start with a historical overview, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of bleeding and thrombotic complications in LVADs. We then discuss platelet and anticoagulation biology followed by considerations prior to, during, and after LVAD implantation. This is followed by discussion of anticoagulation and the management of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Specific problems, including management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant reversal, novel oral anticoagulants, artificial heart valves, and noncardiac surgeries are covered in detail.

Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Social Distancing, Isolation and Quarantine are Key Success Factors of Nepal's Public Health Practices or Something Else?

Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease similar form of pneumonia/ SARS-CoV-2- impacting deadly globally. The main objective of this article is to analyze the studies and gather of the current information aimed at COVID-19 and analyze the situation of Nepal. We summarized the published articles from the web pages, Journals, Google search engine. It is declared as a public health emergency. However, why COVID-19 does not register in developing counties (Nepal) rather than China, Europe and North America it is unknown. Nepal has lower experiences of the COVID-19 where only 49 death cases registered and total cases 19,237 cases throughout the country (till 08/1/2020). Nepalese health services need to maintain up than today and follow lockdown, isolation, social distance and an advance screening test kit around the country.

Simultaneous Aortic Dissection and Pulmonary Embolism: A Therapeutic Dilemma

Aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism are medical emergencies that present with a spectrum of symptoms. Most cases of aortic dissection can present with acute chest pain, though some cases may present with other spectra of symptoms. In rare cases, aortic dissection can present simultaneously with pulmonary embolism. We are presenting a case where we saw aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism simultaneously. This case shows the subtle and atypical presentation of simultaneous occurrence of these two highly fatal diseases. To our knowledge, this case has not been published before.

Persistent mitral regurgitation after left ventricular assist device: a clinical conundrum

Aims

Persistent mitral valve regurgitation (MR) after continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation (cfLVAD) is associated with pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure with variable effects on survival across published studies. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and predictors of persistent MR at 6‐month follow‐up after cfLVAD implantation and its impact on survival, haemodynamics, right ventricular function, and morbidity.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective review of all adult cfLVAD recipients from January 2012 to June 2017 at a single tertiary university hospital with follow‐up until April 2019. Primary outcome was to compare survival between patients with no‐to‐mild compared with persistent moderate‐to‐severe MR at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included right heart failure (RHF), length of stay, re‐hospitalizations, and composite of death, transplant, and pump exchange during the length of follow‐up. Final analytic sample was 111 patients. The incidence of persistent moderate or severe MR at 6 months was 26%. Significant predictors of persistent MR at 6 months were left atrium dimension and volume. The group with persistent moderate‐to‐severe MR at 6 months had higher incidence of RHF at 6 months (45% vs. 25%, P = 0.04). There was no difference in survival at 1 year between the groups (no‐to‐mild MR 85.5%, moderate‐to‐severe MR 87.9%, Wilcoxon P‐value = 0.63). There was no difference in re‐hospitalizations, length of stay, composite of death, transplant, or pump exchange during the length of follow‐up between the comparison groups.

Conclusions

Persistent moderate‐to‐severe MR after cfLVAD implantation is present in one fourth of patients and is associated with increased incidence of RHF, higher mean pulmonary pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with no effect on 1 year survival. Increased left atrium size was associated with persistent moderate‐to‐severe MR at 6 months.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Cardiovascular Disease: COVID-19 Heart

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a serious illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The symptoms of the disease range from asymptomatic to mild respiratory symptoms and even potentially life-threatening cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Cardiac complications include acute myocardial injury, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock and even sudden death. Furthermore, drug interactions with COVID-19 therapies may place the patient at risk for arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy and sudden death. In this review, we summarise the cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 infection and propose a simplified algorithm for patient management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring prolonged inotropes after left ventricular assist device implantation

Limited data exist regarding patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support who require long-term inotropes. Our primary objective was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and all-cause mortality of LVAD recipients with prolonged inotrope use (PIU). Secondary endpoints were to compare predictors of PIU, mortality, risk of late re-initiation of inotropes, time to gastrointestinal bleed (GIB), infection, and arrhythmias. Retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult patients with primary continuous-flow LVADs implanted from January 2008 to February 2017 and the patients were followed up through February 2018. We defined PIU as ≥14 days of inotrope support. Kaplan-Meier method, competing risk models and Cox proportional hazard models were used. Final analytic sample was 203 patients, 58% required PIU, and 10% were discharged on inotropes. There was no difference in preimplant characteristics. One-year survival rate was 87% if no PIU required, 74% if PIU required, and 72% if discharged on inotropes. PIU was associated with longer length of stay and higher incidence of GIB. We found no association between PIU and late re-initiation of inotropes, infection or arrhythmias. Adjusted hazard risk of death was increased in patients with PIU (HR = 1.66, P = .046), older age (HR = 1.28, P = .031), and higher creatinine levels (HR = 1.60, P = .007). Prolonged inotrope use is frequently encountered following LVAD implantation and is associated with adverse prognosis but remains a therapeutic option. Inability to wean inotropes prior to hospital discharge is a marker of patients at particularly higher risk of mortality following LVAD implantation.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support: An Analysis of the STS-INTERMACS Database

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available regarding the outcomes of patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) who undergo durable mechanical circulatory support implantation (dMCS). We analyzed the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors for mortality in patients who were bridged with ECMO to dMCS.

METHODS

Adult patients who received dMCS between January 2008 and December 2017 (n=19 824), registered in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-Interagency Registry for Mechanical Assisted Circulatory Support (STS-INTERMACS) database were included. Baseline characteristics, outcomes, risk factors, and adverse events were compared between ECMO-supported patients (n=933) and INTERMACS profile 1 (IP-1) patients not supported by ECMO (n=2362). A propensity match analysis was performed.

RESULTS

ECMO patients had inferior survival at 12 months (66.1%) than non-ECMO patients (75.4%; P<0.0001). The proportion of patients transplanted at 2 years after dMCS was similar between the ECMO (30.8%) and non-ECMO (31.8%) groups (P=0.49). A multiphase parametric hazard model identified 2 different periods based on risk of death. ECMO patients had a high hazard for death in the first 6 months after implantation (hazard ratio, 2.18 [1.79-2.66]; P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that ECMO was an independent risk factor associated with poor outcome during the early phase after dMCS (hazard ratio, 1.69 [1.37-2.09]; P<0.0001) but not during the constant phase. ECMO patients had similar outcomes to non-ECMO patients when a propensity matched cohort was analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO-supported patients before dMCS have lower survival compared with other IP-1 patients. A multivariable analysis showed that ECMO is an independent risk factor of poor outcome after dMCS. However, a propensity matched analysis suggested that when important clinical variables are controlled the outcome of both groups is similar. These data support the implantation of dMCS in carefully selected ECMO patients.

Management of reproductive health in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure caused by several clinical conditions that affect pulmonary vasculature. Morbidity and death in this condition are related to the development of right ventricular failure. Normal physiologic changes that occur in pregnancy to support the growing fetus can pose hemodynamic challenges to the pregnant patient with pulmonary hypertension that results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Current guidelines recommend that patients with known pulmonary hypertension be counseled against pregnancy. This review aims to provide clinicians with guidelines for preconception counseling, medication management, and delivery planning.

Prophylactic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Septal Ablation Before Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement

An 82-year-old woman with severe respiratory distress and limitations in functional status was found to have severe mitral valve stenosis with annular calcification and referred for transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Prophylactic alcohol septal ablation was used pre-procedurally to minimize mortality risk due to obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Novel technique of performing multivessel PCI through an Impella sheath

A 69-year-old woman with diabetes was found to have multi-vessel coronary artery disease and underwent 5-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting. Patient had persistent cardiogenic shock postoperatively despite intra-aortic balloon pump and escalating pressor requirements. Electrocardiogram showed new ischemic changes and the patient was urgently taken to the catheterization lab for coronary angiography and placement of an Impella CP for higher degree of hemodynamic support via the left femoral artery. Due to limitations in vascular access the Impella CP sheath was utilized for vascular access for diagnostic angiography and coronary intervention concurrently with ongoing Impella CP support. The first obtuse marginal had severe proximal disease and was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a drug eluting stent. To our knowledge, this case is the first in which successful diagnostic angiography as well as multi-vessel PCI was performed via an Impella sheath while concurrently using the percutaneous mechanical circulatory support system of the Impella CP. Multiple guide catheters and a pigtail catheter were successfully passed via the Impella CP sheath to perform PCI. This novel method of vascular access could be an important tool to use in high-risk patients with limitations in access sites and decrease potential bleeding complications by limiting the number of arterial punctures.

Tuberculosis in Nepal: Situation, Challenges and Ways Forward

Introduction: Globally, tuberculosis is a major public health problem. Moreover, the emergence of drug resistant forms of TB has threatened TB prevention and treatment efforts. Despite the long history of tuberculosis prevention efforts, tuberculosis still ranks among the top ten causes of deaths in Nepal. Furthermore, Nepal being land locked with two high TB burden countries i.e. India and China, it has added difficulties to National Tuberculosis program. Hence this study aims to review the situation of National Tuberculosis Program in Nepal and explore the possible challenges and ways forward for NTP to strengthen the TB diagnostics and treatment services in Nepal. Methods: This study is based on the review of available literatures and data sources related to tuberculosis prevention, care and control. Secondary data published by National Tuberculosis Program in the annual report for the year 2015, 2016 and 2017 were considered for the situation analysis of tuberculosis in Nepal. We used different platforms like Google scholar, PubMed to search relevant literatures. Results: This has been a huge gap between WHO TB estimates and TB cases notification by the national system. It was 22% in 2015, 27% in 2016 and 29% in 2017. However National Tuberculosis Program has maintained treatment success rate consistently above 90%. Tuberculosis program has yet not achieved universal HIV testing, although HIV testing among TB patients has increased rapidly. Similarly, only 75%, 1994 received DST out of 2601 retreatment TB cases have received DST in 2017 despite guideline suggest mandatory drug susceptibility testing for retreatment TB cases. Conclusion: Case notification has reduced gradually. It is difficult to achieve the target envisioned by NSP 2016-21 if the current case notification trend persists. NTP needs to expand service sites ensuring minimum quality standards as well as scale up targeted intervention addressing human right issues to identify the missing TB cases. NTP needs to regulate the quality of diagnosis and treatment TB services offered by private sector.  

Management of reproductive health after cardiac transplantation

Pregnancy after cardiac transplantation poses immense challenges. Maternal risks include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, rejection, and failure of the cardiac allograft that may lead to death. Fetal risks include potential teratogenic effects of immunosuppression and prematurity. Because of the high-risk nature of pregnancy in a heart transplant patient, management of reproductive health after cardiac transplantation should include preconception counseling to all women in the reproductive age group before and after cardiac transplantation. Reliable contraception is vital as nearly half of the pregnancies in this population are unintended. Despite the associated risks, successful pregnancies after cardiac transplantation have been reported. A multidisciplinary approach proposed in this review is essential for successful outcomes. A checklist for providers to guide management is provided.

EXPRESS: Pulmonary hypertension with dasatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Dasatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors are commonly utilized in the management of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Pulmonary hypertension is an important adverse event associated with dasatinib. Mechanisms for pulmonary hypertension include pulmonary endothelial injury, apoptosis, and increased susceptibility to other triggers for pulmonary hypertension. The diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms, suggested by echocardiographic findings, and confirmed with right heart catheterization. Management includes discontinuation of dasatinib and initiation of pulmonary vasodilators. Persistent pulmonary hypertension is present in up to one third of patients after cessation of dasatinib. Other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including bosutinib, lapatinib, and ponatinib have also been implicated in pulmonary hypertension in small series, although evidence for causation is less robust. A high index of suspicion, continued vigilance for pulmonary hypertension with long-term use, and early therapy are important in optimizing outcomes in this population.