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Tricuspid valve regurgitation in orthotopic heart transplant recipients is common. Surgical corrections have been the mainstay of the treatment for diuretic‐refractory heart failure due to severe tricuspid regurgitation. However, post‐transplant patients inherently carry higher surgical risk owing to previous sternotomy and immunocompromised state. We report a case of successful percutaneous edge‐to‐edge tricuspid valve repair for severe tricuspid regurgitation after cardiac transplantation. A 27‐year‐old man with a history of idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy status after orthotopic heart transplant presented with severe right‐sided heart failure symptoms. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed bi‐atrial enlargement and moderate‐to‐severe tricuspid regurgitation, and an increase to the severe range with exercise. Percutaneous edge‐to‐edge tricuspid valve repair was performed. The patient's symptoms improved, and follow‐up echocardiogram showed mild tricuspid regurgitation. Percutaneous tricuspid valve repair can be considered as an alternative option to conventional surgery for symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation in orthotopic heart transplant recipients with suitable anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction is a critical component in many arrhythmias, has a diagnostic value in electrophysiology study (EPS), and is implicated in pacemaker-mediated arrhythmias. This study sought to characterize retrograde conduction during EPS and to utilize it as a diagnostic tool in patients without AV block.Methods and Results: Patients with intact AV conduction undergoing EPS were included in this study to systematically evaluate baseline VA conduction. If absent, parahisian pacing was used to determine the level of block (nodal or infranodal). Recovery of VA conduction with increased sympathetic activity was assessed with isoproterenol infusion. Baseline characteristics and electrophysiological data were collected and analyzed. Among the 801 patients studied, VA conduction was present in 98% (81% at baseline and 17% after isoproterenol infusion). Parahisian pacing demonstrated that the block was at the AV node level among 150 patients with VA dissociation at baseline. Among patients presenting with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), 98.7% with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) had VA conduction at baseline versus 82.7% presenting with other SVT (atrial fibrillation excluded), P < 0.001. Thus, the absence of VA conduction at baseline during an EPS for SVT carries a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.9% for AVNRT.Conclusions: VA conduction is present in most patients (98%) with intact AV conduction. The level of VA dissociation when present at baseline is always at the level of the AV node. Patients with SVT presenting for EPS that lacked VA conduction at baseline were unlikely to have AVNRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies have reported lower rates of coronary angiography and revascularization, and significantly higher mortality among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This observational study was designed to evaluate characteristics and inpatient outcomes of patients with seropositive HIV infection presenting with AMI.Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we identified patients (admissions) with a primary diagnosis of myocardial infarction and a co-occurring HIV. We described baseline characteristics and outcomes. Our primary outcomes of interest were prevalence of coronary angiography, revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or CABG), and mortality.Results: From 2010 to 2014, of about 2,977,387 patients with a primary diagnosis of AMI, 10,907 (0.4%) were HIV seropositive. Patients with HIV were younger and more likely to be African American or Hispanic. Coronary angiography and revascularization were performed more frequently in the HIV population. The higher prevalence of revascularization was driven by a higher incidence of PCI. In a multivariable model, patients with HIV were no more likely to undergo revascularization than the general population. This was also the case for PCI. Unadjusted all-cause mortality was lower among patients with HIV. After controlling for confounders, this finding was not significant (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.75-1.25, p = 0.79). The length of stay between both groups was comparable.Conclusion: In this current analysis, we did not note any treatment bias or difference in the rate of in-hospital total mortality for HIV-seropositive patients presenting with AMI compared with the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal treatment strategy for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) has not been well established. The benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was inferred mainly from observational studies comparing successful versus failed PCI without a control group receiving optimal medical therapy (OMT). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing PCI using drug-eluting stent (DES) versus OMT alone in patients with CTO. Eight studies were identified: 3 RCTs and 5 observational studies. Among a total of 4784 included patients, 2461 patients underwent PCI and 2323 patients received OMT. There was a significant association between PCI and lower cardiac mortality (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.93; P =.02). There was no significant difference between PCI and OMT regarding major adverse cardiac events, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), repeat revascularization, or stroke. In the RCT subset (1399 patients), there was no significant difference between PCI and OMT regarding clinical outcomes. Compared with OMT alone, PCI with DES for CTO was associated with lower cardiac mortality, mainly driven by observational studies, without significant difference in recurrent MI or repeated revascularization. Further RCTs are needed to investigate the role of PCI for management of patients with CTO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is definitively diagnosed following the exclusion of acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to examine the rate of coronary angiography in patients diagnosed with TC and also the outcome of patients with TC diagnosed with or without coronary angiography. We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample database from 2010 to 2014 and identified patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of TC. We compared in-hospital mortality between patients who underwent coronary angiography and those who did not. We also evaluated the association between coronary angiography and in-hospital mortality using a propensity score–adjusted multivariable analysis. Among 22 818 patients diagnosed with TC, 87.4% underwent coronary angiography and 12.6% did not. Patients who did not undergo coronary angiography had a higher in-hospital mortality than those who did (3.0% vs 0.9%; P < .001). Increased mortality in patients who did not undergo coronary angiogram was observed in both male (8.0% vs 2.8%; P = .03) and female patients (2.6% vs 0.7%; P < .001) and in patients 61 to 80 years old and ≥81 years old, but not in patients ≤60 years old. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the lack of coronary angiography was independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.52-5.65; P = .001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Catheter ablation (CA) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The differences in complication rates and outcomes between women and men remain poorly studied. We aimed to study the sex differences in morbidity and mortality associated with CA in AF.Methods: Using weighted sampling from the National Inpatient Sample database, women and men with a primary diagnosis of AF and a primary procedure of CA (2004-2013) were identified. We compared the following outcomes based on the sex: (1) major complications [post-procedure transfusion, cardiac drain or surgery, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident, major cardiac events, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and sepsis], (2) overall complications (minor and/or major complications), and (3) in-hospital mortality.Results: Among 85,977 patients who underwent CA for AF, 27821 (32.4%) were women. Overall complications were more frequent among women versus among men (12.4% versus 9.0%; p < 0.001), as well as major complications (4.7% versus 2.7%; p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in mortality (0.3% versus 0.2%; p = 0.22). After adjusting for other factors, women were more likely than men to have major complication (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.21-1.82; p < 0.001). Prior CABG was associated with lower risk of major complications in both sexes (odds ratio in the overall cohort 0.27, 95% CI 0.12-0.61; p = 0.002), mostly driven by the reduction in tamponade and pericardial drain.Conclusions: Among patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF, the female sex was associated with higher rate of complications compared to male but no difference in mortality. Prior CABG was associated with a significant reduction of major complications in both sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bleeding is a major complication in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Several studies suggested that Asians are more susceptible to bleeding when treated with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic agents. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between Asian ethnicity and bleeding events in patients who presented with STEMI. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2013 and identified patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of STEMI. We compared clinical outcomes between patients of Asian and white ethnicity. Primary outcome was inhospital major bleeding defined as a composite of intracranial hemorrhage and blood transfusions for bleeding events. After exclusions, an estimated 1 695 680 white and 46 563 Asian patients with STEMI were included in the analysis. Asian patients had a higher incidence of inhospital major bleeding (3.6% vs 2.2%, P < .001) without a significant difference in inhospital mortality (9.3% vs 8.7%, P = .06). Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor for major bleeding (estimated odds ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.51; P < .001). This increased risk of bleeding would warrant further investigation of optimal treatment strategies tailored for patients with STEMI of Asian ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positive T wave in lead aVR has been shown to predict an adverse in-hospital outcome in patients with anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the prognostic value of positive T wave in lead aVR on a long-term outcome has not been fully explored.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 190 consecutive patients with first anterior wall STEMI who underwent an emergent coronary angiogram. Patients were divided into those with positive T wave > 0 mV and those with negative T wave ≦ 0 mV in lead aVR. Baseline and angiographic characteristics, and in-hospital revascularization procedures were recorded. In addition, in-hospital and 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization were recorded.Results: Among 190 patients, 37 patients (19%) had positive T wave and 153 patients (81%) had negative T wave in lead aVR. Patients with positive T wave had higher rate of left main disease defined as stenosis ≥50% (11% vs. 2%, p = .028) than those with negative T wave. Patients with positive T wave had higher rate of 1-year MACE (38% vs. 13%, p < .001) driven by higher all-cause mortality (27% vs. 5%, p < .001). Positive T wave was an independent predictor for 1-year MACE (OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.04-7.15; p = .04).Conclusion: Positive T wave in lead aVR was an independent predictor for 1-year MACE in patients with first anterior wall STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the negative impact of noncompliance (NC) and leaving against medical advice (LAMA) on the hospital mortality and health of the patients. It talks about the clinical management involved in NC patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It tells about NC being higher in Hispanic and black young male patients with AMI who belong to the lower income group.

Background: The effect of oral beta-blocker therapy on long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains unclear.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies evaluating the effect of oral beta-blocker therapy in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI and who had preserved LVEF. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Randomized controlled trials and the observational studies that reported an adjusted hazard ratio (or hazard ratio in the propensity score-matched patients) with follow-up duration equal to or more than 6 months were included. Pooled hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random effect model.Results: No randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Seven observational studies totaling 10 857 patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up duration ranged from 6 months to 5.2 years. Preserved LVEF was defined as 40% in 4 studies and 50% in 3 studies. Based on the pooled estimate, oral beta-blocker therapy was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (combined hazard ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.97).Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that oral beta-blocker therapy is associated with decreased all-cause mortality in patients with STEMI who are treated with primary PCI and who have preserved LVEF. This supports the current American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association 2013 Guideline for the Management of STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ST-segment elevation in lead aVR predicts left main and/or three-vessel disease (LM/3VD) in patients with acute coronary syndromes. ST-segment elevation in lead aVR is generally reciprocal to and accompanied by ST-segment depression in precordial leads. Previous studies have assessed the independent predictive value of ST-segment elevation in lead aVR for LM/3VD in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and have reported conflicting results.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 379 patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Electrocardiograms on presentation were reviewed especially for ST-segment elevation ≥0.05 mV in lead aVR and ST-segment depression ≥0.05 mV in more than two contiguous leads in any other leads.Results: Among 379 patients, 97 (26%) patients had ST-segment elevation in lead aVR and 88 (23%) patients had LM/3VD. Patients with ST-segment elevation in lead aVR had a higher rate of LM/3VD (39% vs. 18%; P < 0.001) and in-hospital revascularization (73% vs. 60%; P = 0.02) driven by a higher rate of in-hospital coronary artery bypass grafting (19% vs. 7%; P < 0.001) than those without ST-segment elevation in lead aVR. On multivariate analysis, ST-segment elevation in lead aVR (odds ratio [OR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-3.77; P = 0.02) and ST-segment depression in leads V1 -V4 (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.46-6.15; P = 0.003) were independent predictors of LM/3VD.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that ST-segment elevation in lead aVR is an independent predictor of LM/3VD in patients with NSTEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) can lead to subendocardial ischemia by altering the coronary blood flow and its transmural myocardial distribution in the setting of increased oxygen demand. We hypothesized that electrocardiographic LVH predicts nonsignificant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We performed a retrospective analysis of 406 consecutive patients with NSTEMI who underwent coronary angiography. The LVH was diagnosed using Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell voltage criteria. Nonsignificant CAD was defined as stenosis less than 50% in the left main and 70% in any other coronary arteries. Of the 406 patients, 100 (25%) patients had electrocardiographic LVH and 99 (24%) patients had nonsignificant CAD. Patients with electrocardiographic LVH had a higher prevalence of nonsignificant CAD (32% vs 22%, P = .04) and a lower rate of in-hospital revascularization (45% vs 69%, P < .001) than those without LVH. On multivariate analysis, electrocardiographic LVH was an independent predictor of nonsignificant CAD (odds ratio 1.94; 95% confidence interval 1.12-3.35; P = .02). In conclusion, electrocardiographic LVH is an independent predictor of nonsignificant CAD and associated with a lower rate of in-hospital revascularization in patients with NSTEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which is conduct for the identification of the location of infarct-related artery in patient with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). It mentions the relation of mean platelet volume for the prediction of myocardial infarction and prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome. It also mentions that the retrospective analysis of patients with NSTEMI who had undergone coronary angiography.

Purpose of Review: Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is an urgent medical condition that requires prompt application of simultaneous pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies. The variation in patient clinical characteristics coupled with the multitude of treatment modalities makes optimal and timely management challenging. This review summarizes risk stratification of patients, the role and timing of revascularization, and highlights important considerations in the revascularization approach with attention to individual patient characteristics. Recent Findings: The early invasive management of NSTEMI has fostered a reduction in future ischemic events. Risk calculators are helpful in determining which patients should receive early invasive management. As many patients have multivessel disease, identifying the true culprit lesion can be challenging. Special attention should be given to those at the highest risk, such as diabetics, patients with renal failure, and those with left main disease. Summary: In patients with acute coronary syndrome, the decision and mode of revascularization should carefully integrate the patient's clinical characteristics as well as the complexity of the coronary anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B METHODS: b We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia who also were reported to have a secondary diagnosis of NSTEMI. B CONCLUSIONS: b NSTEMI is a relatively common diagnosis in patients who were admitted for pneumonia which leads to subsequent CA and PCI. [Extracted from the article]