Incidence and progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with and without heart failure using mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have emerged as potential therapy to target the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate in atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, there have been inconsistent results on the impact of MRAs on AF.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the effect of MRAs on AF incidence and progression in patients with and without heart failure.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched up to September, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated MRA use and reported AF outcomes. Primary outcome was a composite of new-onset or recurrent AF. Safety outcomes included hyperkalemia and gynecomastia risks. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

12 RCTs, comprising 11,419 patients treated with various MRAs were included [5960 (52%) on MRA]. On follow-up (6-39 months), 714 (5.5%) patients developed AF. MRA therapy was associated with a 32% reduction in the risk of new-onset or recurrent AF [OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.51-0.92), I2 = 40%]. On subgroup analysis, the greatest benefit magnitude was demonstrated in reducing AF recurrence [OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.30-0.83)] and among patients with left ventricular dysfunction [OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.40-0.85)]. Gynecomastia, but not hyperkalemia, was associated with MRA use. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that therapy duration was a significant interaction factor driving the effect size (Pinteraction = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

MRA use is associated with a reduction in AF risk, especially AF progression. A prominent effect is seen in patients with heart failure, further augmented by therapy duration. Prospective trials are warranted to evaluate MRA use as upstream therapy for preventing this common arrhythmia.

Temporal association between atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is strongly associated with ischemic stroke. Continuous cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can assess PAF episodes over prolonged periods. Studies that attempted to find a temporal association between PAF and ischemic stroke were inconclusive. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess this relationship.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the temporal association between AF episodes and stroke within 30 days of the arrhythmic episode. The secondary outcome is a temporal association within a 90-day period.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

A total of 2804 studies that discussed the temporal relationship between PAF and ischemic stroke were screened, and 7 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 4041 patients included in these studies, there were 138 patients with device detected PAF episodes and stroke. Four studies used a 30-day window for temporality and the pooled odds ratio (OR) showed a significant association (OR 4.11 (95% CI 1.03-16.40)). The three studies reporting on AF and stroke within a 90-day window did not find a significant temporal relationship (OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.13-1.41)). Finally, the pooled result of those seven studies did not show a significant association (OR 1.51 (95% CI 0.44-5.17)).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis supports a temporal relationship between PAF and ischemic stroke within a 30-day window. Establishing this relationship is important for individualized risk prediction and targeted anticoagulation treatment.

DATA ACCESS STATEMENT

The data will be made available upon reasonable request.

Mitral valve prolapse: arrhythmic risk during pregnancy and postpartum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (AMVP) is linked to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), and young women are considered at high risk. Cases of AMVP in women with malignant VA during pregnancy have emerged, but the arrhythmic risk during pregnancy is unknown. The authors aimed to describe features of women with high-risk AMVP who developed malignant VA during the perinatal period and to assess if pregnancy and the postpartum period were associated with a higher risk of malignant VA.

METHODS

This retrospective international multi-centre case series included high-risk women with AMVP who experienced malignant VA and at least one pregnancy. Malignant VA included ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or appropriate shock from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The authors compared the incidence of malignant VA in non-pregnant periods and perinatal period; the latter defined as occurring during pregnancy and within 6 months after delivery.

RESULTS

The authors included 18 women with AMVP from 11 centres. During 7.5 (interquartile range 5.8-16.6) years of follow-up, 37 malignant VAs occurred, of which 18 were pregnancy related occurring in 13 (72%) unique patients. Pregnancy and 6 months after delivery showed increased incidence rate of malignant VA compared to the non-pregnancy period (univariate incidence rate ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.23-5.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The perinatal period could impose increased risk of malignant VA in women with high-risk AMVP. The data may provide general guidance for pre-conception counselling and for nuanced shared decision-making between patients and clinicians.

2023 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially in many developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recognises healthcare factors, expertise and expenditure relevant to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare environments including considerations of potential implications for First Nations Peoples. The statement is cognisant of international advice but tailored to local conditions and populations, and is intended to be used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists and general physicians across all disciplines caring for patients with AF. They are also intended to provide guidance to healthcare facilities seeking to establish or maintain catheter ablation for AF.

Atherosclerosis on CT coronary angiography and the risk of long-term cardiovascular events after liver transplantation

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is increasingly utilized for preoperative risk stratification before liver transplantation (LT). We sought to assess the predictors of advanced atherosclerosis on CTCA using the recently developed Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) score and its impact on the prediction of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following LT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent CTCA for LT work-up between 2011 and 2018. Advanced atherosclerosis was defined as coronary artery calcium scores > 400 or CAD-RADS score ≥ 3 (≥50% coronary artery stenosis). MACE was defined as myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Overall, 229 patients underwent CTCA (mean age 66 ± 5 y, 82% male). Of these, 157 (68.5%) proceeded with LT. The leading etiology of cirrhosis was hepatitis (47%), and 53% of patients had diabetes before transplant. On adjusted analysis, male sex (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5-13.8, p = 0.006), diabetes (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2, p = 0.01) and dyslipidemia (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-6.9, p = 0.005) were predictors of advanced atherosclerosis on CTCA. Thirty-two patients (20%) experienced MACE. At a median follow-up of 4 years, CAD-RADS ≥ 3, but not coronary artery calcium scores, was associated with a heightened risk of MACE (HR 5.8, 95% CI 1.6-20.6, p = 0.006). Based on CTCA results, 71 patients (31%) commenced statin therapy which was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.97, p = 0.04). The standardized CAD-RADS classification on CTCA predicted the occurrence of cardiovascular outcomes following LT, with a potential to increase the utilization of preventive cardiovascular therapies.

Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Questionnaire (AFHLQ): The development of an AF-specific health literacy questionnaire

Background

Health literacy is a key enabler of effective behavioural modification in chronic diseases. While patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) exists for patient with atrial fibrillation (AF), none address risk factors comprehensively. The aim of the study was to develop and qualitatively validate a disease specific PROM that incorporates knowledge on risk factors and assesses interactive and critical health literacy of people living with AF.

Methods

The 47-item Atrial Fibrillation Health Literacy Questionnaire (AFHLQ) was developed and validated through a qualitative research design. Expert and Consumer focus groups, each consisting of seven participants provided opinion.

Results

The 47-item questionnaire consists of 5 domains: (1) what is AF, (2) what are the symptoms of AF, (3) why do people get AF, (4) management of AF, and (5) what measures can slow or prevent the progression of AF. Recommendations resulted in several changes to the original 47 item list during the qualitative validation process: 13 original items were removed, and 13 new items were added. The response categories were also simplified from a Likert scale to "yes", "no" or "don't know".

Conclusion

A 47-item AFHLQ instrument was developed and validated with modifications made through clinical expert and consumer opinion. This tool has a potential to be used to evaluate and guide interventions at a clinical and population level to understand and improve AF health literacy and outcomes.

Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2022 Cases of SCMR case series

"Cases of SCMR" is a case series on the SCMR website (https://www.scmr.org) for the purpose of education. The cases reflect the clinical presentation, and the use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease. The 2022 digital collection of cases are presented in this manuscript.

Commotio Cordis in Non-Sport-Related Events: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Commotio cordis is an increasingly recognized cause of sudden cardiac death. Although commonly linked with athletes, many events occur in non-sport-related settings.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to characterize and compare non-sport-related vs sport-related commotio cordis.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for all cases of commotio cordis from inception to January 5, 2022.

RESULTS

Of 334 commotio cordis cases identified, 121 (36%) occurred in non-sport-related contexts, which included assault (76%), motor vehicle accidents (7%), and daily activities (16%). Projectiles were implicated significantly less in non-sport-related events (5% vs 94%, respectively; P < 0.001). Nonprojectile etiologies in non-sport-related events mostly consisted of impacts with body parts (79%). Both categories affected similar younger aged demographic (P = 0.10). The proportion of female victims was significantly higher in non-sport-related events (13% vs 2%, respectively; P = 0.025). Mortality was significantly higher in non-sport-related events (88% vs 66%, respectively; P < 0.001). In non-sport-related events, rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (27% vs 97%, respectively; P < 0.001) and defibrillation (17% vs 81%, respectively; P < 0.001) were both lower and resuscitation was more commonly delayed beyond 3 min (80% vs 5%, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Commotio cordis occurs across a spectrum of non-sport-related settings including assault, motor vehicle accidents, and daily activities. Both categories affected a younger and male-predominant demographic. Mortality is higher in non-sport-related commotio cordis, likely owing to lower rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, automated external defibrillator availability, and extended time to resuscitation. Increased awareness of non-sport-related commotio cordis is essential to develop a means of prevention and mortality reduction, with earlier recognition and prompt resuscitation measures.

High incidence of autonomic dysfunction and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in patients with long-COVID: Implications for management and healthcare planning

BACKGROUND

Autonomic dysfunction including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has been reported in individuals with post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC). However, the degree of dysautonomia in PASC has not been compared to those with POTS and healthy controls.

METHODS

All participants were prospectively enrolled between 5^th August 2021 and 31^st October 2022. Autonomic testing included beat-to-beat hemodynamic monitoring to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia, Valsalva ratio and orthostatic changes during a 10-minute active standing test as well as Sudomotor assessment. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31) was used to assess symptoms and the Euroquol 5-Dimension survey (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measures.

RESULTS

A total of 99 participants (n=33 PASC, n=33 POTS and n=33 healthy controls; median age 32 [18], 85.9% females) were included. Compared to healthy controls, the PASC and POTS cohorts demonstrated significantly reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia (p<0.001), greater heart rate increase during 10-minute active standing test (p<0.001), greater burden of autonomic dysfunction evidenced by higher COMPASS-31 scores across all subdomains (all p<0.001) and poor HrQoL across all EQ-5D-5L domains (all p<0.001), lower median EQ-VAS (p<0.001) and lower utility scores (p<0.001). The majority (79%) of those with PASC met the internationally established criteria for POTS.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of autonomic symptomology or POTS was high in those with PASC, leading to poor HrQoL and high health disutility. Autonomic testing should be routinely undertaken in those with PASC to aid diagnosis and direct appropriate management to improve health outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ANZCTR 12621000476831.

Development of a carpark cardiac implantable electronic device clinic to improve time efficiency and patient satisfaction in the context of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated time efficiency and patient satisfaction of a "car park clinic" (CPC) compared to traditional face-to-face (F2F) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Consecutive patients attending CPC between September 2020 and November 2021 were surveyed. CPC time was recorded by staff. F2F time was reported by patients and administrative data.

RESULTS

A total of 591 patients attended the CPC. A total of 176 responses were collected for F2F clinic. Regarding satisfaction, 90% of CPC patients responded "happy" or "very happy." 96% reported feeling "safe" or "very safe." Patients spent significantly less time in CPC compared to F2F (17 ± 8 vs. 50 ± 24 min, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

CPC had excellent patient satisfaction and superior time efficiency compared to F2F.

Improved Outcomes of Conduction System Pacing in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Conduction system pacing (CSP) - His bundle pacing (HBP) and Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) - are emerging alternatives to biventricular pacing (BVP) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure. However, evidence is largely limited to small and observational studies. We conducted a meta-analysis including a total of 15 randomized control trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compare CSP (HBP & LBBAP) with BVP in patients with CRT indications. We assessed the mean differences in QRS duration (QRSd), pacing threshold, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class score. CSP resulted in a pooled mean QRSd improvement of -20.3 ms (95% CI -26.1 - -14.5, p<0.05, I²=87.1%) versus BVP. For LVEF, a weighted mean increase of 5.2% (95% CI 3.5-6.9, p<0.05, I²=55.6) was observed following CSP versus BVP. The mean NYHA score was reduced by -0.40 (95% CI -0.6 - -0.2, p<0.05, I²=61.7) post-CSP versus BVP. Subgroup analysis of outcomes by LBBAP and HBP demonstrated statistically significant weighted mean improvements from both CSP modalities for QRSd and LVEF compared to BVP. LBBAP resulted in NYHA improvement compared to BVP without differences between CSP subgroups. LBBAP is associated with a significantly lowered mean pacing threshold of -0.51V (95% CI -0.68 - -0.38) whilst HBP had increased the mean threshold (0.62V, 95% CI -0.03 - 1.26) compared to BVP, however, this was associated with significant heterogeneity. Overall, both CSP techniques are feasible and effective CRT alternatives for heart failure. Further RCTs are needed to establish long-term efficacy and safety.

Ventricular fibrillation episodes related to managed ventricular pacing algorithm in a patient with mitral valve prolapse - "Arrhythmic MVP due to MVP"

We report a case of an implant cardiac defibrillator (ICD) patient who an ICD implanted for ventricular fibrillation (VF) related to mitral valve prolapse. He has 2 episodes of VF in his device lives. First episode of VF in year 2016 was initiated after a pause related to the MVP™ algorithm with a critically timed PVC. MVP™ was turned off which prevented further VF episodes. However, MVP™ was turned back on at the device replacement in 2018. A second VF episode developed with similar mechanism in 2021 and MVP™ was subsequently turned off with no further VF recorded. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the mechanism of initiation of tachy-arrhythmia episodes and serves as an important reminder regarding optimization of device settings at the time of replacement.

Late recurrence of atrial fibrillation and flutter in patients referred for elective electrical cardioversion

Aim    The primary aim was to ascertain long-term rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in this all-comer patient population undergoing elective electrical cardioversion (DCR). Secondary aims included procedural DCR success, clinical predictors of long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) and AF related hospitalizations.Material and Methods    A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Consecutive patients (n=316) undergoing elective DCR were included.Results    Successful immediate reversion to SR was attained in 266 (84 %) of patients. 224 (84 %) patients were followed up for a median period of 3.5 years (IQR 2.7-4.3). Most patients (150 [67 %]) had recurrence of AF / flutter at a median time of 240 days. Clinical predictors of AF recurrence included a history of AF (HR 0.63, p=0.038) and a dilated left atrium (HR 4.13, p=0.048). Maintenance of SR was associated with fewer unplanned hospitalizations for AF (HR 3.25, p&lt;0.01).Conclusion    There was high procedural success post DCR. However, long-term rates of AF recurrence were high, and AF recurrences were associated with increased hospitalizations. These findings underscore the importance of clinical vigilance and multi-modal management as part of a comprehensive and effective rhythm control strategy.

Near-miss Thoracic Spine Solitary Plasmacytoma with Neurological Deficit during Pregnancy: A Case Report

Solitary plasmacytoma (SPC) account for only 5% of plasma cell neoplasms, and the literature hardly reports spinal SPC with a neurological deficit. Furthermore, spinal surgical intervention during pregnancy is rarely encountered and often requires multidisciplinary collaboration and management. The objective of this case report is to highlight this near-miss diagnosis and spinal surgical intervention during pregnancy. A 31-year-old woman with 24 weeks gestation presented with sudden paralysis and incontinence, with an underlying history of chronic backpain over a two-month period. Initially, she was treated for musculoskeletal back pain by obstetric colleagues during an antenatal visit, and no radiograph was performed. A non-contrasted spinal MRI was eventually requested when she started to show bilateral lower limb weakness, numbness and incontinence. The MRI highlighted thoracic vertebrae T11 vertebra plana with kyphotic deformity and a paraspinal soft tissue mass compressing the spinal cord causing spinal cord oedema. Our initial working diagnosis was spinal tuberculosis (TB), considering TB is highly endemic in Malaysia. However, TB workup was negative, and we proceeded with spinal surgery and transpedicular biopsy. Neurology improved significantly after surgery. Eventually, serum protein electrophoresis reported plasma dyscrasia, and HPE confirmed plasmacytoma. The patient was referred to a haematologist for steroidal and chemotherapy treatment.

Atrial Tachyarrhythmias and Stroke: Temporal Relationship and Stroke Subtypes

<b><i>Background and Purpose:</i></b> Research into the temporal relationship between atrial tachyarrhythmias (atrial tachycardia [AT] and atrial fibrillation [AF]) and stroke has produced conflicting findings. Systematic categorization of stroke subtypes may help clarify the discussion. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objective of the study was to examine the presence and timing of AT/AF in relation to ischemic stroke subtypes, categorized as either cardioembolic (CE) or non-CE. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Consecutive patients presenting to the Austin Hospital with acute stroke from 2012 to 2019 and a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) were identified. Using a case-control design, the temporal proximity of AT/AF episodes in the 90 days prior to stroke was compared in the CE and non-CE stroke groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 5,591 patients presented to the Austin Hospital with acute stroke from 2012 to 2019, of whom 31 patients with an ischemic stroke and a CIED with ≥90 days of monitoring were identified. Twelve strokes were adjudicated as CE and 19 as non-CE by a stroke neurologist. Six of the 12 CE stroke patients (50%) experienced AT/AF within 30 days preceding their stroke, while none of the 19 non-CE stroke patients recorded any AT/AF in the same period (<i>p</i> = 0.001). Four CE stroke patients (33%) had no AT/AF preceding their strokes at any time. The odds ratio for CE stroke was highest (39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92–791.5) when AT/AF occurred in the 30 days prior, declining to 20.65 (95% CI: 1.00–427.66) and 6.07 (95% CI: 0.94–39.04) in the subsequent 31–60- and 61–90-day windows, respectively. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> CE strokes were associated with a significantly higher proportion of preceding AT/AF compared with non-CE strokes. These findings support a potential temporal relationship between AT/AF and CE stroke and demonstrate that stroke subtyping can better characterize the relationship between AF and ischemic stroke. However, this study’s findings are limited by its sample size and small number of informative cases.

Sudden cardiac death related to physical exercise in the young: a nationwide cohort study of Australia

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) during physical exercise is devastating. We aimed to evaluate causes and circumstances of exercise-related SCD in the young in Australia.

METHODS

We reviewed the National Coronial Information System database for deaths in Australia relating to cardiovascular disease in cases aged 10-35 years between 2000-2016. Included cases had undertaken physical exercise at time of event. We collected demographics, circumstances of death, type of physical exercise, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use prior to ambulance arrival.

RESULTS

Over a 17-year period, 1,925 SCD cases were identified of which 110 cases (6%) (median age 27 years [interquartile range [IQR] 21-32 years], 92% male) were related to sports/physical exercise. Thirteen cases (12%) occurred in active athletes. Most common causes were coronary artery disease (CAD; 37%) and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS; 20%). Amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (n=10), all deaths were related to CAD. Australian Rules Football (24%), running/jogging (14%) and soccer (14%) were the most frequent physical exercise activities. Prior symptoms were present in 39% (chest pain 37%, presyncope/syncope 26%). Most were witnessed (87%) with bystander CPR in 70%. AED use prior to ambulance arrival was 8%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the high occurrence of CAD and SADS in SCD in the young related to physical exercise. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were disproportionately affected by CAD. Although events were commonly witnessed, AED was seldom used prior to ambulance arrival and highlights an important opportunity to improve outcomes in the post-arrest chain of survival. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cardiovascular mortality following liver transplantation: predictors and temporal trends over 30 years

AIMS

There has been significant evolution in operative and post-transplant therapies following liver transplantation (LT). We sought to study their impact on cardiovascular (CV) mortality, particularly in the longer term.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all adult LTs in Australia and New Zealand across three 11-year eras from 1985 to assess prevalence, modes, and predictors of early (≤30 days) and late (>30 days) CV mortality. A total of 4265 patients were followed-up for 37 409 person-years. Overall, 1328 patients died, and CV mortality accounted for 228 (17.2%) deaths. Both early and late CV mortality fell significantly across the eras (P < 0.001). However, CV aetiologies were consistently the leading cause of early mortality and accounted for ∼40% of early deaths in the contemporary era. Cardiovascular deaths occurred significantly later than non-cardiac aetiologies (8.8 vs. 5.2 years, P < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression, coronary artery disease [hazard ratio (HR) 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-21.6; P = 0.04] and era of transplantation (HR 0.44; 95% CI 0.28-0.70; P = 0.01) were predictors of early CV mortality, while advancing age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.10; P = 0.005) was an independent predictors of late CV mortality. Most common modes of CV death were cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular events, and myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

Despite reductions in CV mortality post-LT over 30 years, they still account for a substantial proportion of early and late deaths. The late occurrence of CV deaths highlights the importance of longitudinal follow-up to study the efficacy of targeted risk-reduction strategies in this unique patient population.

Relationship between QT interval prolongation and structural abnormalities in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: A change in the current paradigm

It is postulated that cardiac structural abnormalities observed in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) contribute to the electrophysiologic abnormality of QT interval (QTc) prolongation. We sought to evaluate whether QTc prolongation is associated with intrinsic abnormalities in cardiac structure and function that characterize CCM. Consecutive patients undergoing liver transplant work-up between 2010 and 2018 were included. Measures of cardiac function on stress testing including cardiac reserve and chronotropic incompetence were collected prospectively and a corrected QTc ≥ 440 ms was considered prolonged. Overall, 439 patients were included and 65.1% had a prolonged QTc. There were no differences in markers of left ventricular and atrial remodeling, or resting systolic and diastolic function across QTc groups. The proportion of patients that met the criteria for a low cardiac reserve (39.2 vs 36.6%, p = .66) or chronotropic incompetence (18.1 vs 21.3%, p = .52) was not different in those with a QTc ≥ 440 vs <440 ms. Further, there was no association between QTc prolongation and CCM by either the 2005 World College of Gastroenterology or modified 2020 Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium criteria. QT interval prolongation was not associated with structural or functional cardiac abnormalities that characterize CCM. These findings suggest that CCM and QT interval prolongation in cirrhosis may be two separate entities with distinct pathophysiological origins.

Effect of QT interval prolongation on cardiac arrest following liver transplantation and derivation of a risk index

Liver transplantation (LT) has a 4-fold higher risk of periprocedural cardiac arrest and ventricular arrhythmias (CA/VAs) compared with other noncardiac surgeries. Prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc) is common in patients with liver cirrhosis. Whether it is associated with an increased risk of CA/VAs following LT is unclear. Rates of 30-day CA/VAs post-LT were assessed in consecutive adults undergoing LT between 2010 and 2017. Pretransplant QTc was measured by a cardiologist blinded to clinical outcomes. Among 408 patients included, CA/VAs occurred in 26 patients (6.4%). QTc was significantly longer in CA/VA patients (475 ± 34 vs 450 ± 34 ms, P < .001). Optimal QTc cut-off for prediction of CA/VAs was ≥480 ms. After adjustment, QTc ≥480 ms remained the strongest predictor for the occurrence of CA/VAs (odds ratio [OR] 5.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-12.6). A point-based cardiac arrest risk index (CARI) was derived with the bootstrap method for yielding optimism-corrected coefficients (2 points: QTc ≥480, 1 point: Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] ≥30, 1 point: age ≥65, and 1 point: male). CARI score ≥3 demonstrated moderate discrimination (c-statistic 0.79, optimism-corrected c-statistic 0.77) with appropriate calibration. QTc ≥480 ms was associated with a 5-fold increase in the risk of CA/VAs. The CARI score may identify patients at higher risk of these events. Whether heightened perioperative cardiac surveillance, avoidance of QT prolonging medications, or beta blockers could mitigate the risk of CA/VAs in this population merits further study.

Systematic quantification of histologic ventricular fibrosis in isolated mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death

BACKGROUND

Cardiac fibrosis in mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is implicated in the development of sudden cardiac death (SCD); however, the pattern remains poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to systematically quantify left and right ventricular fibrosis in individuals with isolated MVP and SCD (iMVP-SCD), whereby other potential causes of death are excluded, compared to a control cohort.

METHODS

Individuals with iMVP-SCD were identified from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Australia, and matched for age, sex, and body mass index to control cases with noncardiac death. Cardiac tissue sections were analyzed to determine collagen deposition in the left ventricular free wall (anterior, lateral, and posterior portions), interventricular septum, and right ventricle. Within the iMVP-SCD cases, the endocardial-to-epicardial distribution of fibrosis within the left ventricle was specifically characterized.

RESULTS

Seventeen cases with iMVP-SCD were matched 1:1 with 17 controls, yielding 149 samples and 1788 histologic regions. The iMVP-SCD group had increased left ventricular (anterior, lateral, and posterior; all P <.001) and interventricular septum fibrosis (P <.001), but similar amounts of right ventricular fibrosis (P = .62) compared to controls. In iMVP-SCD, left ventricular fibrosis was significantly higher in the lateral and posterior walls compared to the anterior wall and interventricular septum (all P <.001). Within the lateral and posterior walls, iMVP-SCD cases had a significant endocardial-to-epicardial gradient of cardiac fibrosis (P <.01) similar to other known conditions that cause cardiac remodeling.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that nonuniform left ventricular remodeling with both localized and generalized left ventricular fibrosis is important in the pathogenesis of SCD in individuals with MVP.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation and Long-Term Risk of Stroke in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the commonest cardiovascular complication following liver transplantation (LT). This study sought to assess a possible association of POAF with subsequent thromboembolic events in patients undergoing LT.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults undergoing LT between 2010 and 2018 was undertaken. Patients were classified as POAF if atrial fibrillation (AF) was documented within 30 days of LT without a prior history of AF. Cases of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism were adjudicated by a panel of 2 independent physicians.

RESULTS

Among the 461 patients included, POAF occurred in 47 (10.2%) a median of 3 days following transplantation. Independent predictors of POAF included advancing age, postoperative sepsis and left atrial enlargement. Over a median follow-up of 4.9 (interquartile range, 2.9-7.2) years, 21 cases of stroke and systemic embolism occurred. Rates of thromboembolic events were significantly higher in patients with POAF (17.0% versus 3.1%; P<0.001). After adjustment, POAF remained a strong independent predictor of thromboembolic events (hazard ratio, 8.36 [95% CI, 2.34-29.79]). Increasing CHA₂DS₂VASc score was also an independent predictor of thromboembolic events (hazard ratio, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.02-2.46]). A model using POAF and a CHA₂DS₂VASc score ≥2 alone yielded a C statistic of 0.77, with appropriate calibration for the prediction of thromboembolic events. However, POAF was not an independent predictor of long-term mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

POAF following LT is associated with an 8-fold increased risk of thromboembolic events and the use of the CHA₂DS₂VASc score may facilitate risk stratification of these patients. Prospective studies are warranted to assess whether the use of oral anticoagulants can reduce the risk of thromboembolism following LT.

Sudden cardiac death following liver transplantation: Incidence, trends and risk predictors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular events are a leading cause of mortality following liver transplantation (LT). Although a preponderance of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in this population has been reported, there is a paucity of data evaluating the incidence, timing and predictors of SCD following LT.

METHODS

Using the prospectively collected Australian and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry, a cohort study of all adult LTs from 1985 to 2017 was performed to ascertain the incidence and predictors of SCD. Recipient cause of death was adjudicated by an interdisciplinary panel.

RESULTS

4265 LT patients were followed-up for 37,409 person-years. SCD was the leading mode of cardiovascular death with an incidence rate of 165 per 100,000 person-years. There was a significant increase in the hazard of SCD in the contemporary (1996-2017) vs early era (1985-1995) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.42, 95%CI 1.10-5.40; p = 0.02). On Cox regression after adjusting for significant univariate predictors including age, coronary artery disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, pre-transplant diabetes was the only independent predictor of SCD (HR 2.5 95%CI 1.1-6.0).

CONCLUSION

SCD is the leading mode of cardiovascular cause-specific mortality following LT and diabetes was associated with a two-fold higher risk for its occurrence. Given the escalating cardiovascular risk factor profile of LT candidates, targeted therapies especially in patients with diabetes are needed to mitigate risk of post-transplant SCD.

Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young: Incidence, Trends, and Risk Factors in a Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young is devastating. Contemporary incidence remains unclear with few recent nationwide studies and limited data addressing risk factors for causes. We aimed to determine incidence, trends, causes, and risk factors for SCD in the young.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The National Coronial Information System registry was reviewed for SCD in people aged 1 to 35 years from 2000 to 2016 in Australia. Subjects were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code relating to circulatory system diseases (I00-I99) from coronial reports. Baseline demographics, circumstances, and cause of SCD were obtained from coronial and police reports, alongside autopsy and toxicology analyses where available. During the study period, 2006 cases were identified (median age, 28±7 years; men, 75%; mean body mass index, 29±8 kg/m²). Annual incidence ranged from 0.91 to 1.48 per 100 000 age-specific person-years, which was the lowest in 2013 to 2015 compared with previous 3-year intervals on Poisson regression model (P=0.001). SCD incidence was higher in nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan areas (0.99 versus 0.53 per 100 000 person-years; P<0.001). The most common cause of SCD was coronary artery disease (40%), followed by sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (14%). Incidence of coronary artery disease-related SCD decreased from 2001-2003 to 2013-2015 (P<0.001). Proportion of SCD related to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome increased during the study period (P=0.02) although overall incidence was stable (P=0.22). Residential remoteness was associated with coronary artery disease-related SCD (odds ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.24-1.67]; P<0.001). For every 1-unit increase, body mass index was associated with increased likelihood of SCD from cardiomegaly (odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05-1.11]; P<0.001) and dilated cardiomyopathy (odds ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01-1.06]; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of SCD in the young and specifically coronary artery disease-related SCD has declined in recent years. Proportion of SCD related to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome increased over the study period. Geographic remoteness and obesity are risk factors for specific causes of SCD in the young.

Harnessing lipid signaling pathways to target specialized pro-angiogenic neutrophil subsets for regenerative immunotherapy

To gain insights into neutrophil heterogeneity dynamics in the context of sterile inflammation and wound healing, we performed a pseudotime analysis of single-cell flow cytometry data using the spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events algorithm. This enables us to view neutrophil transitional subsets along a pseudotime trajectory and identify distinct VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and CXCR4 high-expressing pro-angiogenic neutrophils. While the proresolving lipid mediator aspirin-triggered resolvin D1 (AT-RvD1) has a known ability to limit neutrophil infiltration, our analysis uncovers a mode of action in which AT-RvD1 leads to inflammation resolution through the selective reprogramming toward a therapeutic neutrophil subset. This accumulation leads to enhanced vascular remodeling in the skinfold window chamber and a proregenerative shift in macrophage and dendritic cell phenotype, resulting in improved wound closure after skin transplantation. As the targeting of functional immune subsets becomes the key to regenerative immunotherapies, single-cell pseudotime analysis tools will be vital in this field.

Atrial arrhythmias in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: incidence, predictive factors, and prognosis

Aims

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a stress-related transient cardiomyopathy. It is unclear whether TTC is associated with poorer prognosis when atrial arrhythmia (AA), atrial fibrillation or flutter, occurs. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of AA in patients with TTC, predictive factors of AA, and its association with mortality.

Methods and results

We studied 214 consecutive cases of TTC over 8 years. The study cohort was divided into two groups-those with newly diagnosed AA (AA-group) and those without (non-AA group). AA occurred in 24.8% of the patients. The AA group presented with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on admission and higher cardiac arrest rate. Admission and peak levels of troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leucocytes were higher in the AA group. In-hospital, 30-day, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in the AA group. Independent predictors of newly diagnosed AA were troponin peak [odds ratio (OR) 1.03 (1.003-1.06); P = 0.029], CRP peak [OR 1.006 (1.001-1.01); P = 0.026], and LVEF on admission [OR 0.96 (0.93-0.99); P = 0.01]. Newly diagnosed AA was not predictive of mortality. The BNP peak [OR 1.00 (1.000-1.001); P = 0.022] and leucocytes peak [OR 1.095 (1.034-1.16); P = 0.002] were predictive factors of in-hospital mortality. LVEF upon discharge [OR 0.935 (0.899-0.972); P = 0.001] and leucocytes peak [OR 1.068 (1.000-1.139); P = 0.049] were predictive of cardiovascular death.

Conclusion

Newly diagnosed AA is frequently observed in patients presenting with TTC and is associated with poorer short- and long-term prognosis. Inflammation, myocardial damage, and LVEF are predictors of AA onset and cardiovascular mortality.

Adapting re-usable elastomeric respirators to utilise anaesthesia circuit filters using a 3D-printed adaptor - a potential alternative to address N95 shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased the demand for disposable N95 respirators. Re‐usable elastomeric respirators may provide a suitable alternative. Proprietary elastomeric respirator filters may become depleted as demand increases. An alternative may be the virus/bacterial filters used in anaesthesia circuits, if they can be adequately fitted onto the elastomeric respirators. In addition, many re‐usable elastomeric respirators do not filter exhaled breaths. If used for sterile procedures, this would also require modification. We designed a 3D‐printed adaptor that permits elastomeric respirators to interface with anaesthesia circuit filters and created a simple modification to divert exhaled breaths through the filter. We conducted a feasibility study evaluating the performance of our modified elastomeric respirators. A convenience sample of eight volunteers was recruited. Quantitative fit testing, respiratory rate and end‐tidal carbon dioxide were recorded during fit testing exercises and after 1 h of wear. All eight volunteers obtained excellent quantitative fit testing throughout the trial. The mean (SD) end‐tidal carbon dioxide was 4.5 (0.5) kPa and 4.6 (0.4) kPa at baseline and after 1 h of wear (p = 0.148). The mean (SD) respiratory rate was 17 (4) breaths.min⁻¹ and 17 (3) breaths.min⁻¹ at baseline and after 1 h of wear (p = 0.435). Four out of eight subjects self‐reported discomfort; two reported facial pressure, one reported exhalation resistance and one reported transient dizziness on exertion. Re‐usable elastomeric respirators to utilise anaesthesia circuit filters through a 3D‐printed adaptor may be a potential alternative to disposable N95 respirators during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Characteristic Histopathological Findings and Cardiac Arrest Rhythm in Isolated Mitral Valve Prolapse and Sudden Cardiac Death

Background

The association between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and sudden death remains controversial. We aimed to describe histopathological changes in individuals with autopsy‐determined isolated MVP (iMVP) and sudden death and document cardiac arrest rhythm.

Methods and Results

The Australian National Coronial Information System database was used to identify cases of iMVP between 2000 and 2018. Histopathological changes in iMVP and sudden death were compared with 2 control cohorts matched for age, sex, height, and weight (1 group with noncardiac death and 1 group with cardiac death). Data linkage with ambulance services provided cardiac arrest rhythm for iMVP cases. From 77 221 cardiovascular deaths in the National Coronial Information System database, there were 376 cases with MVP. Individual case review yielded 71 cases of iMVP. Mean age was 49±18 years, and 51% were women. Individuals with iMVP had higher cardiac mass (447 g versus 355 g; P<0.001) compared with noncardiac death, but similar cardiac mass (447 g versus 438 g; P=0.64) compared with cardiac death. Individuals with iMVP had larger mitral valve annulus compared with noncardiac death (121 versus 108 mm; P<0.001) and cardiac death (121 versus 110 mm; P=0.002), and more left ventricular fibrosis (79% versus 38%; P<0.001) compared with noncardiac death controls. In those with iMVP and witnessed cardiac arrest, 94% had ventricular fibrillation.

Conclusions

Individuals with iMVP and sudden death have increased cardiac mass, mitral annulus size, and left ventricular fibrosis compared with a matched cohort, with cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. The histopathological changes in iMVP may provide the substrate necessary for development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Following Noncardiac Surgery Increases Risk of Stroke

BACKGROUND

New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation is well recognized to be an adverse prognostic marker in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Whether postoperative atrial fibrillation confers an increased risk of stroke remains unclear.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the risk of stroke after postoperative atrial fibrillation in noncardiac surgery. MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published up to May 2019 for studies of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery that reported incidence of new atrial fibrillation and stroke. Event rates from individual studies were pooled and risk ratios (RR) were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies of 3,536,291 patients undergoing noncardiac surgery were included in the quantitative analysis (mean follow-up 1.4 ± 1 year). New atrial fibrillation occurred in 26,046 (0.74%), patients with a higher incidence following thoracic surgery. Stroke occurred in 279 (1.5%) and 6199 (0.4%) patients with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation, respectively. On pooled analysis, postoperative atrial fibrillation was associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke (RR 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-3.59), with moderate heterogeneity. The stroke risk was significantly higher with atrial fibrillation following nonthoracic, compared with thoracic, surgery (RR 3.09 vs RR 1.95; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

New postoperative atrial fibrillation following noncardiac surgery was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of stroke. This risk was highest among patients undergoing nonthoracic noncardiac surgery. Given the documented efficacy of newer anticoagulants, randomized controlled trials are warranted to assess whether they can reduce the risk of stroke in these patients.

Accuracy of wrist-worn heart rate monitors for rate control assessment in atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Wrist-worn heart rate (HR) monitors are increasingly popular. A paucity of data exists on their accuracy in atrial fibrillation (AF) in ambulatory patients. We sought to assess the HR accuracy of two commercially available smart watches [SW] (Fitbit Charge HR [FB] and Apple Watch Series 3 [AW]) compared with Holter monitoring in an ambulant patient cohort.

METHODS

Thirty-two participants ≥18 years referred for 24-hour Holter monitoring were prospectively recruited. Each participant was randomly allocated to wear either a FB or AW along with their Holter monitor.

RESULTS

Across all devices, 53,288 heart rate values were analysed from 32 participants. Twenty wore the AW (17 had persistent AF and 3 had sinus rhythm [SR]) while 12 participants wore the FB (9 in persistent AF and 3 in SR). Participants in SR demonstrated strong agreement compared to Holter monitoring (bias <1 beat, limits of agreement [LoA] -11 to 11 beats). In AF, both devices underestimated HR measurements (bias -9 beats, LoA -41 to 23). The degree of underestimation was more pronounced when HR > 100 bpm (bias of -28 beats for HR range 100-120 bpm, -48 for 120-140 bpm, and -69 for >140 bpm) compared to a slower HR (bias of -6 for HR range 80-100 bpm, <1 for 60-80 bpm, and -1 for <60 bpm).

CONCLUSION

In ambulatory patients, smartwatches underestimated HR in AF particularly at HR ranges >100 bpm. Further improvements in device technology are needed before integrating them into the clinical management of rate control in AF.

Mitral Valve Prolapse and Sudden Cardiac Death: A Systematic Review

Background

The relationship between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains controversial. In this systematic review, we evaluate the relationship between isolated MVP and SCD to better define a potential high‐risk subtype. In addition, we determine whether premortem parameters could predict SCD in patients with MVP and the incidence of SCD in MVP.

Methods and Results

Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase for all English literature articles published between 1960 and 2018 regarding MVP and SCD or cardiac arrest. We also identified articles investigating predictors of ventricular arrhythmias or SCD and cohort studies reporting SCD outcomes in MVP. From 2180 citations, there were 79 articles describing 161 cases of MVP with SCD or cardiac arrest. The median age was 30 years and 69% of cases were female. Cardiac arrest occurred during situations of stress in 47% and was caused by ventricular fibrillation in 81%. Premature ventricular complexes on Holter monitoring (92%) were common. Most cases had bileaflet involvement (70%) with redundancy (99%) and nonsevere mitral regurgitation (83%). From 22 articles describing predictors for ventricular arrhythmias or SCD in MVP, leaflet redundancy was the only independent predictor of SCD. The incidence of SCD with MVP was estimated at 217 events per 100 000 person‐years.

Conclusions

Isolated MVP and SCD predominantly affects young females with redundant bileaflet prolapse, with cardiac arrest usually occurring as a result of ventricular arrhythmias. To better understand the complex relationship between MVP and SCD, standardized reporting of clinical, electrophysiological, and cardiac imaging parameters with longitudinal follow‐up is required.

P574Accuracy of wrist-worn heart rate monitors for chronotropic assessment in atrial fibrillation

Introduction

Wrist-worn fitness and heart rate (HR) monitors are increasingly popular. Previous studies in healthy participants with sinus rhythm (SR) have yielded variable results depending on HR, activity levels and device tested. A paucity of data exists on their accuracy in atrial fibrillation (AF) in ambulatory patients.

Purpose

We sought to assess the HR accuracy of 2 commercially available smart watches (Fitbit Charge HR [FB] and Apple Watch Series 3 [AW]) compared with Holter monitoring in an ambulant patient cohort.

Methods

Patients aged >18 years referred for 24-hour Holter monitoring were prospectively recruited. The Holter monitor was the criterion measure. Each patient was randomly allocated to either a FB or AW along with their Holter monitor. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board.

Statistical analysis: Pearson (r) correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman comparison with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were evaluated to assess criterion validity and agreement between the smart watch and Holter ECG-HR. Bias was the calculated mean difference between the smart watch and ECG-HR. A ± 10-beat different between Holter-HR and SW-HR was used as a clinically relevant range to establish the accuracy of HR estimation by SW.

Results

Across all devices, 53,288 hear rate values were recorded from 32 patients. Twenty six patients were in persistent AF and six were in SR. Twelve patients wore the FB while 20 wore the AW. In the FB arm, nice patient were in persistent AF and three in SR. In the AW arm, persistent AF was the rhythm in seventeen and SR in three. Patients in SR demonstrated overall strong agreement compared to Holter monitoring (Mean Bias <1 beat, LoA −11 to 11 beats) and a correlation coefficient of 0.87 (p<0.001). In AF, both devices underestimated HR measurements (Overall Bias −9 beats, LoA −41 to 23, r=0.60, p<0.001). The AW had lower bias and narrower LoA compared to FB (−5 beats vs −13 beats, LoA −31 to 21 beats vs −50 to 22 beats). Using a ± 10-beat range against ECG-HR for clinical accuracy, both the AW and FB performed satisfactorily in SR with 95.2% of AW and 92.2% of FB HR readings considered valid. In AF, however, the AW-HR readings were within the ± 10-beat threshold in 76.5% of the time compared with only 56.1% of FB readings.

Conclusion

In ambulatory patients, smart watches were accurate in HR estimation when compared to Holter monitor in SR; however tended to underestimate HR in AF. Further improvements in device technology are needed before the widespread consumer adoption of this nascent technology for chronotropic assessment in arrhythmias.

Permanent pacing and conduction recovery in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for active infective endocarditis in an Australian Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND

Postoperative heart block is common among patients undergoing surgery for infective endocarditis (IE). Limited data exists allowing cardiologists to predict who will require permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation postoperatively. We aimed to determine the rate of postoperative PPM insertion, predictors for postoperative PPM, and describe PPM utilization and rates of device-related infection during follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 191 consecutive patients from a single institution who underwent cardiac surgery for IE between 2001 and 2017. Preoperative and operative predictors for postoperative PPM were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The rate of postoperative PPM implantation was 11% (17/154). The PPM group had more preoperative prolonged PR interval alone (33% vs 12%; P = .03), coexistent prolonged PR and QRS durations (13% vs 2%; P = .01), infection beyond the valve leaflets (82% vs 41%; P = .001), aortic root debridement (65% vs 23%; P = <.001), patch repair (47% vs 20%; P = .01), postoperative prolonged PR interval (50% vs 24%; P = .01), and prolonged QRS duration (47% vs 15%; P = .001). On multivariate analysis, infection beyond the valve leaflets emerged as an independent predictor for postoperative PPM (odds ratio, 1.94, 95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.28; P = .014). A reduction in PPM utilization was observed in five patients while eight patients continued to show significant ventricular pacing with no underlying rhythm at 12 months. There were no device-related infections.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative PPM was required in 11% of patients undergoing surgery for IE over a 16-year period. Infection beyond the valve leaflet was an independent predictor for postoperative PPM insertion.

Computed tomographic coronary angiography in risk stratification prior to non-cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Utility of CT coronary angiography (CTA) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in risk stratification prior to non-cardiac surgery is unclear. Although current guidelines recommend stress testing in intermediate-high risk individuals, over one-third of perioperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occur in patients with a negative study. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the value of CTA and CAC score in preoperative risk prognostication prior to non-cardiac surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published up to June 2018. Summary ORs for degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) and perioperative MACE were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included. Two hundred and fifty-two (7.2%) MACE occurred in 3480 patients. Risk of perioperative MACE rose with the severity and extent of CAD on CTA (no CAD 2.0%; non-obstructive 4.1%; obstructive single-vessel 7.1%; obstructive multivessel 23.1%, p<0.001). Multivessel disease (MVD) demonstrated the greatest risk (OR 8.9, 95% CI 5.1 to 15.3, p<0.001). Increasing CAC score was associated with higher perioperative MACE (CAC score: ≥100 OR 5.1, ≥1000 OR 10.4, both p<0.01). In a cohort deemed high risk by established clinical indices, absence of MVD on CTA demonstrated a negative predictive value of 96% (95% CI 92.8 to 98.4) for predicting freedom from MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity and extent of CAD on CTA conferred incremental risk for perioperative MACE in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The 'rule-out' capability of CTA is comparable to other non-invasive imaging modalities and offers a viable alternative for risk stratification of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018100883.

Assessment of Renal Dysfunction Improves the Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) for Risk Stratification in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Background: Whereas the major strength of the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) lies in ruling out an adverse outcome in patients with sPESI of 0, the accuracy of sPESI ≥ 1 in risk assessment remains questionable. In acute pulmonary embolism (APE), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can be viewed as an integrate marker reflecting not only previous chronic kidney disease (CKD) damage but also comorbid conditions and hemodynamic disturbances associated with APE. We sought to determine whether renal dysfunction assessment by eGFR improves the sPESI score risk stratification in patients with APE. Methods: 678 consecutive patients with APE were prospectively enrolled. Renal dysfunction (RD) at diagnosis of APE was defined by eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and acute kidney injury (AKI) by elevation of creatinine level >25% during in-hospital stay. Results: RD was observed in 26.9% of the cohort. AKI occurred in 18.8%. A stepwise increase in 30-day mortality, cardiovascular mortality and overall mortality was evident with declining renal function. Multivariate analysis identified RD and CRP (C-reactive protein) level but not sPESI score as independent predictors of 30-day mortality. AKI, 30-day mortality, overall mortality, and cardiovascular mortality were at their highest level in patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and sPESI ≥1. Conclusion: in patients with APE, the addition of RD to the sPESI score identifies a specific subset of patients at very high mortality.