Głowniak A, Drelich-Zbroja A, Tarkowski A
… +9 more, Marzęda P, Wojewoda K, Wysokińska K, Wysocka A, Miazga M, Jaroszyńska A, Kaczmarek K, Jaroszyński A, Orczykowski M
BACKGROUND: Silent cerebral ischemic lesions (SCILs) detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can precede symptomatic stroke, the risk of which is increased five-fold in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. In our stud...BACKGROUND: Silent cerebral ischemic lesions (SCILs) detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can precede symptomatic stroke, the risk of which is increased five-fold in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the initial incidence of SCILs in the population of patients referred for ablation due to symptomatic AF and to identify possible risk factors. METHODS: A total of 110 patients, with a mean age (SD) of 59.9 (9.4) years, referred for ablation, were included in the study. In all patients, MRI was performed before the procedure to evaluate the incidence of SCILs in the ablation-naïve patients. RESULTS: MRI revealed preexisting SCIL in 81/110 patients (73.6%). Notably, SCILs were found in all patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 4. In univariable analysis, age (p < 0.001), CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (p = 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.01), and anticoagulation duration (p = 0.023) were identified as significant risk factors for SCILs, while the presence of anatomical variants of left-sided common pulmonary veins trunk (LCPV) had negative prognostic value (p = 0.026). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age (p < 0.001) as the risk factor of preexisting SCILs, whereas the presence of LCPV trunk was associated with significantly lower (p = 0.005) SCILs incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Silent cerebral ischemic lesions detected in MRI are frequent in the population of patients with non-valvular AF. The incidence of SCILs is higher in patients with long history of arrhythmia and higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score. The relationship between the anatomy of pulmonary veins and the incidence of SCILs needs further investigation.
Kuśmierczyk M, Witkowski A, Zembala M
… +11 more, Kapelak B, Gruchała M, Gackowski A, Deja M, Wojakowski W, Grygier M, Grabowski M, Kowalik E, Przygodzki P, Niewada M, Jakubczyk M
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most common valvular disease. Symptomatic MR is associated with a poor prognosis. Cardiac surgery is recommended in the severe form of the disease. If the surgical risk is high or...Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most common valvular disease. Symptomatic MR is associated with a poor prognosis. Cardiac surgery is recommended in the severe form of the disease. If the surgical risk is high or functional mitral regurgitation repair/replacement cannot be combined with aorto-coronary bypass graft surgery, a transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair should be considered. Currently, there is no recommended procedure in patients with severe symptomatic MR, high cardiac surgical risk, and low probability of success or contraindications to the percutaneous edge-to-edge treatment. A recent alternative is the mitral valve implantation using a transapical approach or through the interatrial septum. Currently, the only CE-marked transcatheter bioprothesis valve using transapical approach and implanted without extracorporeal circulation support is the Tendyne valve. This paper discusses the safety, clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of this valve and the size of the target population in Poland. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in a study of 100 patients with severe symptomatic MR. The total 2-year mortality was 39%. The hospitalisation rate due to heart failure decreased from 1.3 events/year prior to the surgery to 0.51. MR was not recorded in 93.2% of the survivors. An economic analysis accounting for the survival, health-related quality of life, and the risk of hospitalisation due to heart failure showed that the Tendyne system is cost-effective compared to pharmacological treatment: the incremental cost-utility ratio equalled 93,324-110,696 PLN, depending on the approach, clearly below the official threshold in Poland. The annual number of eligible patients was estimated at 60.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the potential relationship between the diuretic response, the clinical profile and the concentrations of selected biochemical markers and to identify a group of patients wh...BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze the potential relationship between the diuretic response, the clinical profile and the concentrations of selected biochemical markers and to identify a group of patients who will benefit from a new form of therapy combining standard diuretic therapy with the use of a RenalGuard® system. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 19 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 95% men) hospitalized due to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF, NYHA class III-IV, BP 125 ± 14/73 ± 16 mmHg, eGFR 58 ± 24) with persistent overhydration despite standard therapy. A targeted comparative analysis of selected clinical and biochemical parameters was performed to determine the parameters associated with a better diuretic response [good diuretic responders (GDR) group]. RESULTS: The good diuretic responders group had significantly lower levels of creatinine (1.23 ± 0.4 vs. 1.69 ± 0.35, p = 0.025) magnesium 0.70 ± 0.14 vs. 0.83 ± 0.09, p = 0.030) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN, 28 ± 11 vs. 39 ± 10, p = 0.045). Additionally, in GDR group a statistically significant greater ability to dilute urine in the 12th and 24th hour of therapy was found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate the potential use of the RenalGuard® system in combination with standard intravenous diuretic therapy for controlled dehydration in the treatment of a selected group of patients with ADHF. It is advisable to identify the detailed mechanisms of GDR and characterize this group of patients more precisely.
BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests an associated between myocardial bridging (MB) and coronary vasospasm (CVS); however, no consensus has been established on whether CVS worsens clinical outcomes in patients with MB....BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests an associated between myocardial bridging (MB) and coronary vasospasm (CVS); however, no consensus has been established on whether CVS worsens clinical outcomes in patients with MB. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to compare the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with MB based on CVS presence. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 254 consecutive patients with MB undergoing provocative testing for coronary reactivity between January 1, 2009 and December 30, 2015, and stratified them into 2 groups: (a) group A (with CVS, n = 168); and (b) group B (without CVS, n = 86). The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), a composite of cardiac death, cardiac arrest, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, ischemia-driven coronary angiography, and ischemia-related hospitalization. Diverse Cox models were used to determine whether CVS independently influenced MACE. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 50.8 years, and 60.2% of them were male. The median follow-up period was 8.15 years. The rate of MACE was 35.1% and 26.7% in groups A and B, respectively. Group A had a significantly higher risk of MACE than group B (the reference group) in model 3 (hazard ratio [HR]:1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.12-3.29) and model 4 (adjusted HR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.04-3.59). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CVS adversely affects clinical outcomes in patients with MB. Further prospective clinical studies are required to confirm this association.
BACKGROUND: Despite increasing evidence on the benefits of statin therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), differential outcomes in accordance with statin intensity have not been evaluated in patients with AMI and...BACKGROUND: Despite increasing evidence on the benefits of statin therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), differential outcomes in accordance with statin intensity have not been evaluated in patients with AMI and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels < 55 mg/dL. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of high- and moderate-intensity statin therapy in this population. METHODS: A total of 752 participants with AMI and LDL-C levels < 55 mg/dL from a Korean nationwide multicenter observational cohort (2016-2020) were included and categorized into two groups: high-intensity statin group (n = 384) and moderate-intensity statin group (n = 368). The primary outcome was 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox models were used to determine whether statin intensity independently influenced the primary outcome. RESULTS: Compared to the moderate-intensity statin group, the high-intensity statin group had a comparable risk of MACCE in all Cox models and PSM-adjusted analyses. The cumulative incidence of MACCE was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Statin intensity appeared to have no significant impact on clinical outcomes in AMI patients with LDL-C levels < 55 mg/dL. These results underscore the need for further investigations aimed at refining treatment strategies for this specific patient cohort, potentially reducing treatment-related burdens without compromising clinical effectiveness.
Gruchlik B, Nowotarska A, Ścibisz-Brenkus S
… +9 more, Nowak M, Werenkowicz W, Niemiec M, Swinarew A, Mika B, Wróbel W, Haberka M, Stasiów B, Mizia-Stec K
BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute myocarditis is complex, with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) being a recommended diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life use of CMR in the diagnosis of acute myoc...BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute myocarditis is complex, with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) being a recommended diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life use of CMR in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis and to correlate CMR results with the degree of myocardial damage. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational tertiary single-center study of 90 consecutive patients (F/M:18/72, mean age:39 ± 14 years) hospitalized between 2015-2022 with a clinical diagnosis of acute myocarditis. The study population was divided into two groups: patients who underwent CMR+ and those who did not undergo CMR - In the CMR+ group, various sequences, including T1/T2-weighted imaging, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and mapping techniques, were used to assess myocardial inflammation and damage. RESULTS: CMR was performed in 39 patients (43.3%, F/M:10/29, mean age:41 ± 16 years). In this group, myocardial edema (increased T2 signal intensity) was detected in 29 patients, and LGE (signal intensity 2 standard deviations cabove normal on T1 images) was found in 39 patients. Diagnosis based on Lake Louise Criteria was possible in 29 cases. Edema negatively correlated with TnT levels (r = -0.412, p < 0.05) and positively with the number of LGE segments (r = 0.372, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between LVEF and LGE mass (r = -0.360, p < 0.05), and maximal TnT levels (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). CMR+ patients had lower myocardial damage markers and CRP concentrations compared to CMR- patients. CONCLUSIONS: CMR is underused in diagnosing acute myocarditis. Myocardial damage markers correlate with CMR-detected edema and volumetric measures, but not LGE extent. More research is needed to enhance risk assessment and treatment.
BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to myocardial and endothelial damage. The present study sought to characterize the cardiovascular sequel in a large group of consecutive patients admitted for out-patient cardiov...BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to myocardial and endothelial damage. The present study sought to characterize the cardiovascular sequel in a large group of consecutive patients admitted for out-patient cardiovascular follow-up after a symptomatic COVID-19 infection. METHODS: The aims of this study were as follows: to evaluate the presence of post-covid cardiovascular symptoms in an unselected population of outpatients referred to a post-COVID outpatient cardiology clinic and to characterize the long-term abnormalities associated with a more severe COVID-19 infection clinical course. A total of 914 patients were included in this single-center, observational, cross-sectional study, of which 163 were hospitalized and 149 required mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients were analyzed at follow-up according to the care setting during the initial presentation. RESULTS: The median time to follow-up was 126 days. At that time, only 3.5% of patients reported no persistent dyspnea, chest pain, or fatigue on exertion. In a follow-up echocardiographic assessment, patients who required hospitalization showed slight alterations in the pulmonary acceleration time and the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, as well as reduced exercise tolerance during treadmill exercise testing when compared to patients with a benign clinical course. 24-hour Holter EKG monitoring or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring did not identify significant differences between the analyzed subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The current study reports on an association between COVID-19 severity and the presence of cardiovascular alterations at follow-up. A simple diagnostic protocol, comprising an exercise treadmill test and transthoracic echocardiography is useful in identifying patients who may benefit from regular, structured cardiovascular medical care.
BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, is associated with complex changes in blood biochemistry, involving abnormalities of many markers affecting cardiovascular risk. METHODS: A total of 100 patients...BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, is associated with complex changes in blood biochemistry, involving abnormalities of many markers affecting cardiovascular risk. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with documented alcohol abuse were included in the study. Demographic data and information on alcohol consumption were collected using a standardized questionnaire. All patients underwent biochemical tests. The following parameters were evaluated: PAI-1, vWF, TNF-α, VCAM-1, adiponectin, fibrinogen, lipid profile, and hsCRP. The results were compared with a control group of 25 healthy subjects. RESULTS: A significant adverse effect of alcohol abuse was observed for markers such as PAI-1, TNF-α, VCAM-1, adiponectin, and fibrinogen. Moreover, most of the subjects showed elevated TC, LDL-C, and TG levels. There was a significant relationship between vWF and average daily alcohol consumption, a positive relationship between adiponectin levels and age, and between fibrinogen and the number of cigarettes smoked. No significant correlations were observed between the other markers and age, gender, place of residence, daily alcohol consumption, and total time of alcohol abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Several abnormalities in most of the analyzed markers were observed in persons abusing alcohol, with no significant correlation with the daily amount of alcohol consumed and the total time of alcohol abuse, which may indicate permanent and irreversible damage to many tissues and organs as a result of chronic alcohol consumption. Further studies in this area with a larger group of patients are necessary to clarify the mechanisms leading to cardiovascular damage in the course of alcohol abuse.
BACKGROUND: Changes in the management of patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) require continuous monitoring of results of treatment in daily clinical practice. The present study contains a comparison of the cli...BACKGROUND: Changes in the management of patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) require continuous monitoring of results of treatment in daily clinical practice. The present study contains a comparison of the clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital and five-year outcomes of patients with CCS enrolled on the Prospective REgistry of Stable AnGina management and trEatment (PRESAGE). METHODS: A group of 3475 patients with CCS were selected who underwent coronary angiography and were divided into two groups who were treated in the years 2006-2007 (1300 [37.4%]) - group I, and during 2015-2016 (2175 [62.6%] - group II). The composite endpoints involved death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and acute coronary syndrome-driven revascularization. RESULTS: Comparing patients from group I to those from group II, group I were younger; 61.8 (54.9-68.5) vs. 66.1 (59.7-72.7) years respectively, with a higher incidence of previous MI and percutaneous intervention. Patients from the group II had a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association class III or more. The incidence of the composite endpoints did not vary significantly between the two groups during the entire period after the index hospitalization, but patients from the group I had a lower mortality rate both within three and five years after discharge (8.5% vs. 10.7, p = 0.03 and 13.2% vs. 17.9%, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated during 2006-2007 and 2015-2016 differed in age, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities. The composite endpoint incidence was similar in both groups,butlong-term mortality rates werehigherin the 2015-2016 cohort.
Stodółkiewicz-Nowarska E, Stec S, Wileczek A
… +9 more, Skoczyński P, Gościńska-Bis K, Magielski P, Zając M, Ratajska A, Kustroń A, Śledź J, Wąsek W, Milewski K
BACKGROUND: Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) overexpression have been found to influence heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF...BACKGROUND: Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) overexpression have been found to influence heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) pathogenesis. Their importance in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is not entirely established; there is little data involving a detailed comparison between HFpEF and HFrEF from this perspective. This pilot study aimed to compare circulating levels of Glucose-regulated protein 78kDa (GRP78) (ER - stress marker) and all NOS isoforms between both HFpEF and HFrEF and to analyze the correlation between these markers and the clinical characteristics of the patients. METHODS: Forty-two patients with HFpEF and thirty-eight with HFrEF were involved in this study. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were obtained. Basic laboratory tests were performed and ELISA tests for iNOS, endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and GRP78. RESULTS: Patients with HFpEF had lower circulating levels of GRP78 and higher iNOS concentrations when compared to HFrEF patients (P = 0.023, P < 0.0001, accordingly). The subgroup of the HFpEF population with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 had higher nNOS and eNOS levels than HFpEF patients with normal GFR (P = 0.049, P = 0.035, respectively). In the HFrEF subgroup, patients with coexistent diabetes mellitus had elevated concentrations of nNOS compared to the subpopulation without diabetes mellitus (P = 0.041). There was a positive correlation between eNOS and nNOS concentrations (ρ = 0.86, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In HFpEF, there is a more intensified iNOS overexpression, while in HFrEF, ER stress is more prominent.
BACKGROUND: Rotational atherectomy (RA) is traditionally administered for patients with heavily calcified lesions and is thereby characterized by a high risk of the performed intervention. However, the prevalence charact...BACKGROUND: Rotational atherectomy (RA) is traditionally administered for patients with heavily calcified lesions and is thereby characterized by a high risk of the performed intervention. However, the prevalence characteristics of cardiac arrest are poorly studied in this group of patients. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of cardiac arrest during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed with RA and preceding coronary angiography (CA). METHODS: Based on the data collected in the Polish Registry of Invasive Cardiology Procedures (ORPKI) from 2014 to 2021, we included 6522 patients who were treated with RA-assisted PCI. We scrutinized patient and procedural characteristics, as well as periprocedural complications, subsequently comparing groups in terms of cardiac arrest incidence with the use of univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-five (0.5%) patients suffered from cardiac arrest during RA-PCI or preceding CA. They were characterized by significantly higher rates of prior stroke, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as indications and higher Killip class (P < 0.001) at the admission time. Among the confirmed independent predictors of in-procedure cardiac arrest, the following can be noted: factors related to patients' clinical characteristics (e.g., older age, female sex, and disease burden), periprocedural characteristics (e.g., PCI within left main coronary artery [LMCA]), and periprocedural complications (e.g., coronary artery perforation and no-reflow phenomenon). CONCLUSIONS: Severe clinical condition at baseline, expressed by ACS presence and Killip class IV, as well as RA-PCI performed within LMCA and other periprocedural complications, were the strongest predictors of cardiac arrest during RA-assisted PCI and CA.