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Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. European Society of Cardiology has recently introduced new SCORE 2 algorhythm for cardiovascular risk assessment in apparently healthy individuals. However, there are limited data from high risk countries on CV risk stratification and potential gender differences in risk estimation using SCORE 2 model. The aim of the current study was to compare risk prediction using SCORE 2 and previous SCORE model and to assess the potential gender differences in risk estimation. Methods Our study included 1361 apparently healthy individuals (mean age 56±9 years, 61% women) without known CV disease or risk factors aged 40 to 70 years old. Data on CV risk factors were prospectively collected in 20 primary care centers throughout Serbia from January 2020 to December 2020. CV risk was assessed both by SCORE and SCORE 2 model. Based on CV risk profile individuals were stratified in three categories: low to intermediate, high and very high risk category. Results In overall population using SCORE model 57.6% of individuals were in low-intermediate group, 20.9% were classified as high risk group and 21.5% as very high risk group. By the use of SCORE 2 model 1046/1361 (77%) individuals were shifted to higher risk category (Figure). In comparison to men women had lower both systolic (139 ± 19 mmHg vs 144 ± 18 mmHg in men p < 0.001) and diastolic (84 ± 9 mmHg vs 88 ± 10mmHg in men, p < 0.001 )blood pressure, lower BMI (26.4 ± 0.5 kg/m2 vs 27.4 ± 5.0 kg/m2 in men, p= 0.036) and higher values of HDL cholesterol (1.5 ± 0.5 mmol/L vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/L in men, p < 0.001). Smoking was more prevalent in men (49%) than in women (42%), p=0.04. There were no gender differences in age (56 ± 9 years for both genders) and non-HDL cholesterol ( 4.86 ± 1.24 mmol in men vs. 4.75 ± 1.23 mmol/l in women, p= 0.100). More women (85.9%) than men (62.6%) were shifted in higher risk category using SCORE 2 in comparison to SCORE (p < 0.001) (Figure). Conclusion By the use of SCORE 2 instead of SCORE prediction model for CV risk stratification in contemporary high risk European population significant proportion of apparently healthy individuals are shifted to higher risk category. In spite of having better CV risk factors profile, more women than men were shifted in higher risk category.

Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) can be isolated thing, but it is also often associated with underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). Stress echocardiography (SECHO) is widely used as an imaging method for the diagnosis of CAD. However, the diagnostic value of stress echocardiography in patients (pts) with LBBB is limited. Purpose To evaluate negative prognostic value of coronary flow reserve (CFR) in pts with LBBB without inducible ischemia and without known CAD. Methods This retrospective study included 224 pts (98, 43.8% male gender, average age 66±11 years) with LBBB and without known CAD. All the pts had negative SECHO test according the Bruce protocol. Risk factors for CAD (diabetes, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol and positive family history of CAD), Duke treadmill score, functional capacity (Metabolic Equivalents - METs) were recorded in all pts. Out of 224 pts, in 64 (29.5%) coronary flow reserve on the left anterior descending artery was assessed using pulsed Doppler echocardiography with adenosine in a dose of 140μcg/kg/body weight during 3 minutes. As the normal value we took value of CFR ≥2. Median follow up of the pts was 72 months (IQR 56.25–132 months) for the occurrence of MACE (cardiovascular death (CVD), non-fatal myocardial infarction (nfMI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI). Results Out of 224 pts, 6 (2.7%) had positive SECHO test, 2 pts (0.9%) had died due to non-cardiac causes and 11 pts (4.9%) were lost to follow up so they were excluded from further analysis. The remaining 204 pts were divided in 2 groups: 1. pts with only negative SECHO (n=144, 68.8%); 2. pts with negative SECHO and normal CFR (n=64, 31.2%). During the follow-up period 22 out of 205 pts (10.7%) had an adverse event (6 CVD, 6 nfMI, 5 CABG, 8 PCI). Between the two groups there was no significant difference in risk factors and parameters of the SECHO test. Pts with CFR had significantly lower rate of MACE compared to the pts with only SECHO test (2, 3.1% vs 20, 14.2%, p=0.018, respectively). Using the Cox regression analysis, univariate predictors of MACE were insulin dependent diabetes (HR 10.851 [95% CI 2.095–56.220], p=0.004), Duke score (HR 0.603 [95% CI 0.414–0.878], p=0.008), and MET (HR 0.393 [95% CI 0.209–0.737], p=0.004). In the multivariate analysis only the insulin dependent diabetes remained an independent predictor of MACE (HR 6.906 [95% CI 1.100–43.363], p=0.039). Using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve we see that the pts with SECHO test and CFR had shorter event-free time compared to the pts with SECHO test (136.3±3.6 months vs 149.8±2.9 months, Log Rank 4.022, p=0.045) (Figure 1). Conclusion Normal value of CFR has good negative prognostic value in pts with LBBB without inducible ischemia and without known CAD, while pts with insulin dependent diabetes have more pronounced risk for the occurrence of adverse events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Diastolic fractional flow reserve (d-FFR) during dobutamine provocation (DOB) was found to be a more reliable physiological index for the functional assessment of myocardial bridging (MB). However, d-FFR calculation is complicated and time-consuming, and therefore several authors have suggested the use of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) to overcome these issues. Purpose The aim of our study was to assess diagnostic performance of d-FFR and iFR at rest and during DOB with exercise-induced myocardial ischemia as reference. Methods Twenty-four symptomatic patients (17 males, mean age 58±8 years) with MB and systolic compression ≥50% diameter stenosis on the left anterior descending (LAD) artery were included. Exercise stress-echocardiography test (SE), and both d-FFR and iFR in the distal segment of LAD at rest and peak DOB (30–50μg/kg/min), were performed in all patients. Optimal cut-off values and diagnostic performance of resting and hyperemic d-FFR and iFR were assessed using SE. Results Exercise-SE was positive for myocardial ischemia in 7/24 patients (29%). The area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) for exercise-induced myocardial ischemia was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.400–0.885) for resting d-FFR, 0.62 (95% CI: 0.378–0.866) for resting iFR, 1.000 (95% CI: 0.999–1.000) for d-FFR at peak DOB, and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.895–1.000) for iFR at peak DOB. No significant difference in ROC-AUC was observed between d-FFR and iFR at peak DOB (p=0.243). The best cut-off value for both d-FFR and iFR at peak DOB was Conclusions iFR during DOB provocation showed similar diagnostic accuracy as d-FFR to identify the functionally significant MB when compared with exercise-induced myocardial ischemia. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction In patients with angina and non-obstructed coronary arteries (ANOCA), functional dysregulation such as epicardial coronary spasm and microvascular dysfunction (microvascular spasm and /or impaired microvascular dilatation) frequently coexist. The aim was to analyse haemodynamic indicators of arteriolar dysregulation during combined hyperventilation and exercise stress echo test in patients with ANOCA. Methods In a prospective study we enrolled 38 patients (56±13 years, 31 females) with ANOCA, proven by normal coronary angiogram. Stress echocardiography protocol with Doppler measurements of coronary flow consisted of hyperventilation test for spasm provocation (HYP, respiratory rate of 30 per min for 5') followed by supine bicycle exercise test (HYP+EXE) for assessment of endothelium dependent function. Adenosine test was done (ADO 140 mcg/kg in 1 min) for estimation of endothelium independent vasodilatation. Coronary flow velocity (CFV) was assessed in distal LAD by Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography at the end of the each stage of the test. Abnormal response to HYP was a CFV ratio (stress/rest) Results The double product increased during HYP in comparison to rest (13263 vs 10321, p Conclusion Our results indicate that HYP induce microvascular dysfunction with vasospastic component which is reflected in reduced CFV ratio. This prevents the normal hyperemic response during EXE in more than a half of patients. Endothelial independent vasodilatation during ADO hyperemia was perserved in all patients, excluding structural microvasculature remodeling. HYP+EXE provocation with noninvasive measurement of coronary flow is a promising test for assessing mechanism of arteriolar dysregulation in ANOCA patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background New SCORE 2 algorithm overperformed SCORE algorithm in population with decreasing prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited data in risk stratification with SCORE 2 model in contemporary populations from very high risk countries. Aim The aim of this study was to compare risk prediction using SCORE 2 and SCORE model and to compare the proportions of patients requiring statin treatment in primary prevention. Methods Our study included 1317 patients (511, 38.8% male gender, average age 54±8) without known CV disease aged 40 to 70 years. Data on CV risk factors were prospectively collected in 20 primary care centers throughout the Serbia from January 2020. to December 2020. Based on the CV risk profile, patients were stratified into 4 categories: low, moderate, high and very high risk according to SCORE model and into 3 categories: low to moderate, high and very high risk according to SCORE 2 model. The number of patients requiring statin treatment was assessed according to the risk category and value of LDL cholesterol in SCORE model and the value of non-HDL cholesterol in SCORE 2 model. Results Overall, 589 patients (44.7%) were smokers, mean value of total cholesterol was 6.2±1.1 mmol/L, LDL 3.9±1.1, HDL 1.4±0.5, non HDL 4.8±1.2 mmol/L. Systolic blood pressure was 138.6±19.6, diastolic blood pressure was 85.3±10.4 mmHg and was BMI 26.9±5.2. Based on the SCORE model 166 patients (12.6%) were classified into low risk category, 658 (49.9%) into moderate, 276 (20.9%) into high risk and 217 (16.6%) into very high risk category. Based on the SCORE 2 model 30 (2.8%) patients were classified into low to moderate, 273 (18%) and 1014 (79.2%) into very high risk category. There was significantly less patients in low to moderate group in SCORE 2 model compared to SCORE model (30, 2.8% vs 824, 62.6%, p Conclusion The use SCORE 2 risk prediction tool, in comparison to SCORE model, results in significant higher proportion of patients being classified as very high risk category with the increase number of patients requiring statin treatment in primary prevention. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Krka Farma

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation(AF) and diabetes mellitus is rising to epidemic proportions. We aimed to assess the impact of diabetes on the management and outcomes of patients with AF.METHODS: The EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry is a prospective, observational registry from 250 centres across 27 European countries. Outcomes of interest were as follows: i)rhythm control interventions; ii)quality of life; iii)healthcare resource utilisation; and iv)major adverse events.RESULTS: Of 11,028 patients with AF, the median age was 71 (63-77) years and 2537 (23.0%) had diabetes. Median follow-up was 24 months. Diabetes was related to increased use of anticoagulation but less rhythm control interventions. Using multivariable analysis, at 2-year follow-up, patients with diabetes were associated with greater levels of anxiety (p = 0.038) compared to those without diabetes. Overall, diabetes was associated with worse health during follow-up, as indicated by Health Utility Score and Visual Analogue Scale. Healthcare resource utilisation was greater with diabetes in terms of length of hospital stay (8.1 (±8.2) vs. 6.1 (±6.7) days); cardiology and internal medicine/general practitioner visits; and emergency room admissions. Diabetes was an independent risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; HR 1.26 [95% CI, 1.04-1.52]), all-cause mortality (HR 1.28 [95% CI, 1.08-1.52]), and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.41 [95% CI, 1.09-1.83]).CONCLUSION: In this contemporary AF cohort, diabetes was present in 1 in 4 patients and it served as an independent risk factor for reduced quality of life, greater healthcare resource utilisation and excess MACE, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. There was increased use of anticoagulation therapy in diabetes but with less rhythm control interventions.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction. Mechanism of ischemia in patients with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA), is often unrecognized since invasive tests are seldom done and proper noninvasive test is not established yet. The aim of our study was to assess changes in ventricular function during hyperventilation test (HYP) designed to provoke vasoconstriction, immediately followed by supine bicycle exercise to increase ischemic stimuli in patients with ANOCA (HYP + EXE). Methods. : In a prospective study, we enrolled 29 ANOCA patients (age 59.6 ±11 years, 27 females) with previously normal angiograms. All patients underwent SE testing with hyperventilation (HYP, respiratory rate of 30 per min for 5"), immediately followed by supine bicycle exercise (HYP + EXE). Ventricular function was assessed based on left ventricular contractile reserve (LVCR), calculated by ratio of the ventricular force at the peak of the each stress level and rest. Force was assessed as the quotient between systolic arterial pressure and end-systolic volume determined by two-dimensional echocardiography. Values range from normal (> 2.0) to mild (1.5–2.0), moderate (1.01–1.49), and severe (≤1.0) dysfunction. For LVCR HYP values are shifted towards lower values (abnormal < 1.1). Results. Chest pain or dyspnea were present in 4/29 pts during HYP, and in 7/29 patients during HYP + EXE (13.8% vs 24.1 %, p = 0.001). Three patients showed wall motion abnormalities with hyperventilation and additional two patients with HYP + EXE. LVCR HYP response was normal in 19/29 (65.5%) pts and abnormal in 10/29 (34.5%) pts. LVCR HYP + EXE response was normal in 9/29 (31%) pts, 4/29 (13.8%) pts had mild, 11/29 (37.9%) pts had moderate and 5/29 (17.3%) pts had severe dysfunction. Conclusion. In patients with ANOCA subtle changes in LV function occurred with HYP and EXE stress more often than wall motion abnormality. Measurement of contractile reserve might be a useful tool in assessment of ischemia and ventricular dysfunction in patients with ANOCA. Abstract Figure 1. Abstract Figure 2.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear.AIM: To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine practice and evaluate the association with outcomes.METHODS: Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into 3 groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism /any acute coronary syndrome/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints.RESULTS: Among 10 445 AF patients (median age 71 years, 40.3% females) cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). cTn was elevated in 904/2834 (31.9%) and in-range in 1930/2834 (68.1%) patients. Female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease, and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. Elevated cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE (Model 1, hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-2.16, Model 2, HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.05; Model 3 HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.37-2.26) and all-cause death (Model 1, HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21-1.74; Model 2, HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.66; Model 3, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.71).CONCLUSIONS: Elevated cTn levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Since mitral regurgitation (MR) is a very common finding in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the evaluation of the mitral valve anatomy and the degree of MR is of utmost importance in this population. However, data regarding the prognostic value of different degrees of MR in HCM remains scarce. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of a higher degree of MR affects: 1) long term prognosis; 2) clinical and echocardiographic presentation of HCM patients. Material and Methods We included prospectively 102 patients, diagnosed with primary asymmetric HCM. The degree of MR was determined echocardiographicaly according to current recommendations of the American Association of Echocardiography. According to the MR severity, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 52) with no/trace or mild MR and Group 2 with moderate or moderate to severe MR. All patients had clinical and echocardiographic examination, 24-hour Holter ECG and NT pro BNP analysis performed. The primary outcome was a composite of: 1) HCM related death or sudden death; 2) hospitalization due to acute heart failure; 3) sustained ventricular tachycardia; 4) ischemic stroke. Results Patients with higher MR degree had more frequent chest pain (p = 0.039), syncope (p = 0.041) and NYHA II functional class (p 10), as well as higher levels of NT pro BNP (p = 0.001). By Kaplan-Meier analysis we demonstrated that the event free survival rate during follow up of median 75 (IQR 48-103) months was significantly higher in Group 1 compared to the Group 2 (79% vs. 46%, p Conclusion Presence of moderate, or moderate to severe MR was associated with poor long-term outcome of HCM patients. These results indicate the importance of an adequate MR assessment and detailed evaluation of the mitral valve anatomy in the prediction of complications and adequate treatment of patients with HCM. Abstract Figure.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. onbehalf PREDICT-VT More extensive coronary atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitu (DM) induces poorer clinical outcomes after STEMI, but there are data suggesting that impaired myocardial function in DM, even independently from epicardial coronary lesions severity, might have detrimental effect, predominately on heart failure development in DM. Aim the current study is a sub-study of PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949), aimed to analyse LV and LA function using myocardial deformation imaging based on speckle tracking echocardiography after pPCI in STEMI patients with and without DM. Methods in 307 consecutive pts enrolled in PREDICT-VT study early echocardiography (5 ± 2 days after pPCI) was done including LA and multilayer LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S; %) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec), LV index of post systolic shortening for longitudinal (PSS LS) and circumferential (PSS CS) strains and analysis of LV rotation mechanic. Results from 242 patients who completed 1 year follow up, 48 (20%) had DM. Pts with DM were older (60 ± 1,01 vs 57 ± 10; p = 0.067) and had insignificantly higher SYNTAX score (18.5 ± 9.2 vs 15.8 ± 9.8, p = 0.118) . However, diabetics had more severely impaired EF (44.2 ± 8.6 vs 49.2 ± 9.8, p = 0.001), E/A ratio (0.78 ± 0.33 vs 0.90 ± 0.34; p = 0.036) and MAPSE (1.18 ± 0.32 vs 1.32 ± 0.33; p = 0.001). Global LV LS on all layers (endo: -13.6 ± 4.0 vs-16.2 ± 4.7; mid: -11.9 ± 3.5 vs -14.1 ± 4.1; epi: -10.4 ± 3.1 vs -12.3 ± 3.6; p Conclusion STEMI patients with DM have more severely impaired LV systolic and diastolic function estimated both by traditional parameter and advanced echo techniques. These results might, at least partially, explain why outcomes after STEMI in DM might be poorer, even in the absence of more complex angiographic findings, pointing to the significance of impaired myocardial function DM itself.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. onbehalf PREDICT-VT Heart failure (HF) still develops in 4% up to 28% of STEMI pts treated by pPCI, with the highest incidence in the first year. Accurate and early identification of high-risk patients would allow targeted and personalized intensive treatment . Aim the current study is a sub-study of PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949). Its aim is to define multi-parametric model for early HF prediction in STEMI patients treated by pPCI, based on clinical data, conventional echocardiographic data and data from myocardial deformation analysis obtained by early speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods in 307 consecutive pts enrolled in PREDICT-VT, early echocardiography (5 ± 2 days after pPCI) was done and included LA and multilayer LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S; %) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec). LV indices of post systolic shortening for longitudinal (PSS LS) and circumferential (PSS CS) strains were also calculated . Results From 242 patients who completed 1-year follow-up, 9 % develop HF NYHA class 3 or 4, 27 % NYHA class 2 and remaining 64% were in NYHA class I. Significant univariate NYHA predictors were: from clinical parameters - female gender (ß =0.156, p = 0.015; 95% CI -0.431 to – 0.047), older age (ß =0.130, p = 0.044; 95% CI 0.000 to 0.017), Killip class on admission (ß=0.131, p = 0.043; 95% CI 0.007 to 0.435) and previous atrial fibrillation (ß=0.181, p = 0.005; 95% CI 0.175 to 0.960); from conventional echo parameters- LVEF (ß=-0.302, p Predictive power of model based on clinical variables (Killip class on admission, female gender, and history of atrial fib) for HF development was significantly improved when conventional ehocardiographic variables were added (LVEF, TAPSE, degree of diastolic function) (R2 from 0.076 to 0.197, p Conclusion above from clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters, amount of left ventricular post-systolic deformation in longitudinal and circumferential directions, expressed as LV indexes of post-systolic shortening, significantly improved early prediction of HF after pPCI.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. onbehalf PREDICT-VT In spite of contemporary STEMI management, heart failure (HF) develops in 4% up to 28% of pPCI-treated patients, with the highest incidence in the first year. Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is strong predictor predominately for HFrEF development, but risk stratification in case of preserved post pPCI EF (i.e. EF ≥ 50%) is still challenging. Aim the current study is a sub-study of PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949). Its aim is to define clinical and "echocardiographic" profile of STEMI patient at risk to develop HF despite preserved post pPCI EF, including not only conventional echocardiographic data, but data from myocardial mechanic analysis obtained by early speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods in 307 consecutive pts enrolled in PREDICT-VT study early echocardiography (5 ± 2 days after pPCI) was done and included LA and multilayer LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S; %) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec), calculation of LV index of post systolic shortening for longitudinal (PSS LS) and circumferential (PSS CS) strains and thorough analysis of LV rotation mechanic. Results From 242 patients who completed 1-year follow-up, 109 pts (45 %) had post pPCI EF ≥50%. Of those patients 34 (31%) became NYHA ≥ 2 or died during 1-year follow-up (MACE+ group). Patients with MACE were older (63 ± 8 vs 55 ± 10, p Conclusion STEMI patients who will develop heart failure despite preserved post pPCI EF might have different clinical profile and different pattern of deviation in LV mechanic (predominately involving radial and rotational mechanic) and can be detected by contemporary echocardiographic techniques.

Background Patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) are a heterogeneous group and an unmet diagnostic challenge. Noninvasive Doppler is a feasible tool to assess coronary flow velocity (CFV) in left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) during stress echocardiography (SE). Aim To assess CFV response during coronary vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli in INOCA patients. Methods In a prospective single center study, we enrolled 16 INOCA patients (age 60±12 years, 15 females) with previously normal angiograms. All underwent SE testing with hyperventilation (HYP, respiratory rate of 30 per min for 5') followed by supine bicycle exercise (HYP+EXE); and adenosine CFV evaluation (ADO, 0.84 mg/kg in 1 min) on the other day. The ratio of peak/rest changes of CFV during HYP in LAD was taken as an index of vasoconstriction, and CFV reserve was evaluated after EXE. An abnormal response to HYP was a CFV ratio Results The double product increased during HYP, in comparison to rest (13 337 vs 9858, p Conclusion In INOCA patients, HYP+EXE is a more powerful ischemic stress than HYP alone and unmasks abnormalities in regional wall motion and/or CFV response in over one- half of patients, likely unmasking the underlying abnormal coronary vasomotor response of large epicardial and/ or small coronary vessels. INOCA patients show profound heterogeneity of coronary vasomotor responses which can be detected with a combined vasodilator - vasoconstrictor SE approach with CFV assessment. The clarification of underlying coronary microcirculatory heterogeneity is the prerequisite for a personalized treatment, and can be easily extracted from CFV-SE. Normal INOCA hearts are all alike, every abnormal heart is abnormal in its own way. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total coronary occlusion (PCI of CTO) is proved to reduce symptoms of angina and long term survival. Purpose This study aimed to assess systolic and diastolic left ventricular function with standard echocardiographic indices. Methods We analyzed total of 46 CTO patients (age 58 ± 9, 73% male). Measures were obtained with the transducer in the apical four-chamber view. Doppler time intervals were measured from mitral inflow and left ventricular outflow Doppler tracings by pulsed wave Doppler. The isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) was measured from closure of the aortic valve to opening of the mitral valve. The isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) was measured from closure of the mitral valve to opening of the aortic valve. Ejection time (ET) was measured from the opening to the closure of the aortic valve on the LV outflow velocity profile. Myocardial performance index (MPI) is simple method for evaluation of overall cardiac function and is independent of heart rate and blood pressure. MPI was equal to the sum of the IVRT and IVCT divided by the ET. Velocity of early mitral filling wave (E) was measured and divided by average peak early diastolic annular velocity (e") which was measured as average value between septal and lateral side of the mitral annulus using Doppler tissue imaging. The E/e’ ratio was calculated to estimate the LV filling pressures Results Six months after PCI of CTO patients showed no change in ejection fraction (EF) (55.69 ± 8.56% vs. 54.83 ± 8.44%, p = 0.10). MPI was significantly decreased (0.676 ± 0.99 vs. 0.632 ± 0.96 p Conclusion PCI of CTO improves overall cardiac function, particularly diastolic function in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion (PCI CTO) is still high risk procedure and it is doubtful will it become standard of care. There is evidence that it can reduce angina but even silent ischemia represent ischemic burden that ultimately lead to left ventricle remodeling and electrical instability. Purpose Our aim was to access effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when added to optimal medical therapy (OMT) on myocardial function. Methods We compared two groups of pts. First patients with percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion with optimal medical therapy and second group - patients with only optimal medical therapy (control group). Echocardiographic exam was performed before randomization and after 6 months of follow-up. Doppler intervals- isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) and ejection time (ET) were measured. MPI (Myocardial performance index) is equal to the sum of the IVRT and IVCT divided by the ET. Velocity of early mitral wave (E) was divided by average peak early diastolic annular velocity (e"). Peak longitudinal strain was assessed in 17 left ventricular segments. Time intervals from start Q/R on electrocardiogram to peak negative strain during the cardiac cycle were assessed. Mechanical dispersion was defined as the standard deviation of this time intervals from 17 segments, reflecting myocardial contraction heterogeneity. Results A total of 94 age matched CTO patients (48 in PCI + OMT group and 46 in OMT) were analyzed. Changes in ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function represented by E/e", global cardiac function represented by MPI, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial dispersion changes were compared between groups. At follow up between groups in there was no significant change in ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function, GLS and mechanical dispersion, but there was improvement in MPI. Conclusion Myocardial performance index is sensitive marker which can detect subtle improvement in global myocardial function after recanalization of chronic total occlusion.. Variable PCI + OMT (n = 46) OMT (n = 48) ΔOMT vs. ΔPCI + OMT p value baseline At 6month follow up P value baseline At 6month follow up P value EF (%) 55.69 ± 8.56 54.83 ± 8.44 0.10 50.22 ± 11.71 51.42 ± 10.45 0.06 0.71 MPI 0.676 ± 0.99 0.632 ± 0.96

Data regarding heart failure (HF) development among patients with preserved EF (≥50%) after STEMI are spare. Accurate and early identification of patients at risk might allow timely application of modern therapy targeted for HFpEF. Aim the current study is a sub-study of PREDICT-VT (NCT03263949). Its aim was to determine the incidence and predictors of HFpEF development in STEMI patients treated by pPCI. Methods in 264 consecutive pts enrolled in PREDICT-VT study early echocardiography (5 ± 2 days after pPCI) was done and included multilayer LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S; %) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec) and rotational LV mechanics. LV index of post systolic shortening for longitudinal strain (PSS LS) and for circumferential strain (PSS CS) were calculated as average of PSS over 18 LV segments. LV diastolic function was assessed according to the current ESC guidelines. Results From 264 patients enrolled in PREDICT-VT study, until now 195 patients completed one-year follow and among them 87 pts (46 %) had EF≥50%. From those patients during one-year follow-up 30 pts (30.3 %) develop HF: 3 pts NYHA class 3/ 4 and 27 pts NYHA class 2. Patients who developed HF (Group HF, n = 30) were older (62 ± 7 vs55 ± 11, p = 0.002), had lower E/A ratio (0.77 ± 0.25 vs 0.94 ± 0.32, p = 0.014), more commonly altered LV diastolic function (83 vs 60%, p = 0.028) compared with pts who remained in NYHA class I (Group none-HF, n = 57). There were no significant differences in LVEF, MI localisation, nor in WMSI between groups. Longitudinal and circumferential myocardial deformations did not differ significantly, except for more pronounced PSS LS on epicardial level in Group –HF (11.5 ±7.5 vs 8.3 ± 7.7%, p = 0.073). Rotation mechanic analysis revealed that Group –HF had increased (14.08 ± 5.5 vs 12.5 ± 5.4°, p = 0.202), but delayed twist (350 ± 69 vs 327 ± 68 ms, p = 0.139) with reduced magnitude of peak untwisting velocities (-88.58 ±34.16 vs -95.20 ± 39.75°/sec, p = 0.488). However, only statistically significant difference was increased magnitude of untwisting velocity during late diastole (-57.53 ± 30.61 vs -42.88 ± 27.78, p = 0.029). Significant univariate predictors of HF development were: older age (Exp (B)=1.08, CI 1.027-1.139, p = 0.03), E/A ratio (Exp (B) =0.130, p = 0.018, 95%CI 0.024-0.700), female gender (Exp (B)=2.933, 95% CI 1.163 -7.397, p = 0.023) and late-diastolic untwisting velocity (Exp (B)=0.983, 95%CI 0.967-0.999, p = 0.033). However, in multivariable analysis only older age (Exp B= 1.09, 95% CI 1.028-1.155, p = 0.004) and female gender (Exp B= 2.80, 95% CI 1.01-7.708, p = 0.046) remained significant predictors. Conclusion HF after STEMI in patients with preserved EF is not rare and probably substantially contributes to the total incidence HF after STEMI. However, its prediction remained challenging, with female gender and older age confirmed as its significant determinants.

Background Heart rate recovery (HRR) has been shown to predict cardiovascular and all-cause morbidity and mortality in different populations. Recent studies have indicated the CHA2DS2-VASc score can be used as predictor of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease, without atrial fibrillation. However, the relation between these two parameters has not yet been documented. The Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relation between CHA2DS2-VASc score and impaired heart rate recovery in patients without inducible myocardial ischemia. Methods Our study comprised of 2699 consecutive patients (1319 male, 42.8%, average age 60 ± 11 years) who underwent treadmill exercise testing (stress echocardiography or stress echocardiography) according to Bruce protocol for the assessment of myocardial ischemia. We excluded patients with the systolic heart failure (left ventricle ejection fraction Results Out of 2699 patients, 378 (12.3%) had a positive test and they were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 2321 patients, 251 (10.8%) had an impaired HRR, whereas 2070 (89.2%) had normal HRR. Previously known coronary artery disease (previous myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery) had 78 (3.4%) patients. Patients with impaired HRR had significantly higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (3.1 ± 1.3 vs 2.3 ± 1.2, p Conclusion CHA2DS2-VASc score is an independent predictor of impaired HRR in patients without inducible ischemia.

Prognosis after STEMI is still challenging. One-year mortality ranges between 10-12% and the incidence of heart failure (HF) is between 4% and 28%. Early and accurate identification of high-risk patients necessitates therapy intensification. Aim this study is a part of PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949). The aim was to test whether deformation imaging based on spackle tracking echocardiography predict MACE (total mortality, HF hospitalization and NYHA class ≥3 development) better than conventional echocardiography and clinical parameters. Methods in 264 consecutive pts enrolled in PREDICT-VT study early echocardiography (5 ± 2 days after pPCI) was done including LA and multilayer LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S; %) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec). LV index of post systolic shortening for longitudinal (PSS LS) and circumferential (PSS CS) strain were calculated as average of PSS over 18 LV segments. Results 198 patients completed 1-year follow-up and 22 patients (11.1%) experienced MACE. Significant echo, clinical and laboratory predictors with the ROC analysis are listed in the table according to AUC . Conclusion peak systolic longitudinal and to a lesser degree peak systolic circumferential deformation predict mortality and HF development after pPCI better than conventional echo and even clinical parameters. From diastolic parameters only radial SR during atrial contraction was better MACE predictor compared to conventional echocardiography. AUC p Cut-off Senz Spec Peak systolic LS epicardial layer 0.757

Background The specific role of non-invasive functional testing in a risk stratification of patients with incomplete revascularization after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) still needs to be evaluated. The aim of our study was to assess negative prognostic value of stress echocardiography (SECHO) after successful pPCI and incomplete revascularization of non-culprit lesions. Methods Our study consisted of 202 patients (mean age 59±10 years, male 142) successfully treated with pPCI, who performed SECHO according to Bruce protocol in order to assess residual ischemia in coronary artery with non-culprit lesion. Duke treadmill score, functional capacity (Metabolic Equivalents - METs), achieved target heart rate (THR), heart rate recovery (HRR), wall motion score index (WMSI) and ejection fraction were interrogated in all patients. Slow HRR was defined as ≤18 beats/min. Median follow-up of the patients was 70 months (IQR 55–83 months) for the occurrence of cardiovascular death and non-fatal myocardial infarction. We also assessed the independent predictors for the occurrence of the adverse events. Results Out of 202 patients, 42 (20.8%) had positive SECHO test, 4 patients (1.98%) had died due to non-cardiac causes and 7 patients (3.5%) were lost to follow-up. From the remaining 149 patients with negative SECHO, 13 (8.7%) had an adverse event (7 cardiovascular deaths and 6 non-fatal MI). Negative predictive value of SECHO test was 91.3%. Univariate predictors of adverse events were slow HRR (HR 4.343 [95% CI 1.473–14.011], p=0.008), and not achieved THR (HR 0.322 [95% CI 0.105–0.985], p=0.047). By multivariate analysis, only slow HRR remained independent predictor of adverse events (HR 3.324 [95% CI 1.013–10.906], p=0.048). Conclusion SECHO test has excellent negative prognostic value in patients with incomplete revascularization of non-culprit lesions after successful pPCI. Still, particular care should be taken to the patients with slow HRR and negative SECHO due to increased risk for the occurrence of adverse events. Acknowledgement/Funding Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia (Grant No III41022)

Background Malignant ventricular arrhythmias in STEMI patients carry ominous prognosis including sudden cardiac death (SCD). According to the current guidelines only EF Aim To define whether quantification of myocardial mechanics early after pPCI using modern echocardiography offers information more to predict malignant arrhythmias during the first year after STEMI. Methods In the 226 consecutive STEMI patients (pts) 57.8±10.4yr, 71.7% males, in PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949) treated with pPCI early echo (5±2 days) was done including conventional parameters and comprehensive speckle tracking LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), circumferential (C) strain (S;%) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec) and rotational LV mechanics. ROC analysis was performed to identify the best parameters to predict composite end-point defined as secondary VF, sustained/non-sustained VT and SCD, 48h after pPCI and during the first year of follow up. Results Twenty two patients (9.7%) reached the end-point. Classical parameters of LV systolic function, including LVEF, wall motion score index; global, systolic LS, CS and parameters of diastolic dysfunction were not significant predictors of the malignant arrhythmias. Early L SR, systolic C SR, IMD of global rotation and late rotation rate predicted the primary end-point (table). Parameter ROC area 95% CI p Cutt-off Sens Spec Longirudinal mechanics SR E (1/sec) 0.687 0.577–0.796 0.019 0.69 64 65 IMD S (ms) 0.752 0.666–0.838 0.002 66.1 71 72 Circumferencial mechanics SR S (1/sec) 0.732 0.613–0.852 0.002 −1.22 71 67 Rotational mechanics Global IMD (ms) 0.329 0.177–0.481 0.036 82.9 63 62 Late rotation rate IMD (ms) 0.318 0.196–0.442 0.026 41.1 65 64 Conclusion Myocardial deformation imaging offers deeper insight into complex mechanical abnormalities during LV contraction and relaxation in longitudinal, circumferential and rotational directions (impaired and asynchronous deformations) in STEMI patients and predicts serious arrhythmic events.

Background Predicting malignant ventricular and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in STEMI patients with middle-range and preserved EF is challenge. Aim To identify the best parameters to predict composite end-point defined as secondary VF, sustained/non-sustained VT and sudden death, 48h after and during the first year of follow up after STEMI in patients with middle-range and preserved EF. Methods In the 192 consecutive STEMI patients (pts) 57.8±10.4yr, 69.9% males, in PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949) treated with pPCI, with EF ≥40%, early echo (5±2 days) was done including conventional parameters and comprehensive speckle tracking left ventricle (LV) deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), circumferential (C) strain (S; %) strain rate (SR, 1/sec), index mechanical dispersion (IMD) and rotational LV mechanics. Results Thirteen patients (8.3%) reached the end-point. Classical parameters of LV systolic function, including LVEF, wall motion score index and parameters of diastolic dysfunction were not significant predictors of the malignant arrhythmias. IMD of late rotation rate (63.7 vs. 40.7ms, p=0.055) and late diastolic untwisting rate (−48.85 vs. −63.18°/s, p=0.059) had trend to become the significant predictors. CS in papillary muscle level in endo and mid layers predicted the primary end-point (endo: −20.5±11.8 vs. −24.9±4.6, mid: −14.6±3.9 vs. −17.0±2.1, epi: −10.1±3.3 vs. −11.8±1.8) (table). Parameter of circumferencial mechanics ROC area 95% CI p Cutt-off Sens Spec PM endo (%) 0.302 0.146–0.458 0.038 −22.75 70 67 PM mid (%) 0268 0.153–0.383 0.015 −15.65 80 62 Conclusion Myocardial deformation imaging offers deeper insight into complex mechanical abnormalities during LV contraction and relaxation in STEMI patients with middle-range and preserved EF that predicts serious arrhythmic events.

Heart failure (HF) development after myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI) in the modern era varies greatly (between 4% and 28%), with the highest incidence in the first year. Since, HF still carries substantial morbidity and mortality, accurate and early identification of high-risk patients for HF development after pPCI allows for targeted use of intensive therapy. Aim The current study is a sub-study of PREDICT-VT study (NCT03263949). Its aim is to define multi-parametric model for early HF prediction in STEMI patients treated by pPCI, based on three data sets: clinical data, conventional echocardiographic data and data from myocardial deformation analysis obtained by early speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods In 264 consecutive pts enrolled in PREDICT-VT study early echocardiography (5±2 days after pPCI) was done and included LA and multilayer LV deformation analysis with longitudinal (L), radial (R) and circumferential (C) strain (S; %) and strain rate (SR, 1/sec). LV index of post systolic shortening for longitudinal strain (PSS LS) and for circumferential strain (PSS CS) were calculated for the purpose of this study as average of PSS over 18 LV segments. Results From 195 patients who completed 1-year follow-up, 17 (8.7%) develop HF NYHA class 3 or 4, 60 (30.8%) NYHA class 2 and remaining 118 patients (60.5%) were in NYHA class I. Significant univariate predictors of NYHA were: from clinical parameters – female gender (β=0.169, p=0018), Killip class on admission (β=0.253, p Conclusion Independently from and above classical clinical and echocardiographic parameters, amount of left ventricular post-systolic deformation in longitudinal and circumferential direction, expressed as LV indexes of post-systolic shortening, significantly improved early prediction of HF development after pPCI.

Purpose: No consensus exists for the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Current studies recommend stress echocardiography protocols, but single standard peak or timing measurements are limited towards the complexity of the disease. We show the contribution of a combined analysis of multiple myocardial velocity patterns and investigate their relative relevance for the characterization of HFPEF. Methods: Velocity traces from 55 subjects were examined (69±6 years, 22 healthy, 19 HFPEF and 14 breathless subjects). Data came from tissue Doppler acquisitions at rest and exercise at the basal septum and lateral wall, and were temporally aligned to a common reference for comparison. Each phase of the cycle at each stage of the protocol was identified for analysis (figure). Unsupervised machine learning (multiple kernel learning) was used to characterize this population and automatically determine the relevance of each velocity pattern. Results: The learning found a discrimination algorithm that performed well in agreement with diagnosis based on current guidelines (sens=78.9%, spec=86.3%, K=0.65). The importance given to early diastole at exercise was substantially higher, while the isovolumic contraction was the lowest contributor. The breathless subjects were associated to their closest subgroup. Conclusion: The characterization of HFPEF is improved by a combined analysis of multiple velocity traces from stress echo studies using machine learning. The method additionally suggests features of interest to be used in clinical diagnosis.

Workers involved in interventional cardiology procedures receive high eye lens dose if protection is not used. Currently, there is no suitable method for routine use for the measurement of eye dose. Since most angiography machines are equipped with suitable patient dosemeters, deriving factors linking staff eye doses to the patient doses can be helpful. In this study the patient kerma-area product, cumulative dose at an interventional reference point and eye dose in terms of Hp(3) of the cardiologists, nurses and radiographers for interventional cardiology procedures have been measured. Correlations between the patient dose and the staff eye dose were obtained. The mean eye dose was 121 µSv for the first operator, 33 µSv for the second operator/nurse and 12 µSv for radiographer. Normalised eye lens doses per unit kerma-area product were 0.94 µSv Gy⁻¹ cm⁻² for the first operator, 0.33 µSv Gy⁻¹ cm⁻² for the second operator/nurse and 0.16 µSv Gy⁻¹ cm⁻² for radiographers. Statistical analysis indicated that there is a weak but significant (p < 0.01) correlation between the eye dose and the kerma-area product for all three staff categories. These values are based on a local practice and may provide useful reference for other studies for validation and for wider utilisation in assessing the eye dose using patient dose values.

Interventional cardiology procedures are associated with high patient and staff dose levels. The purpose of this paper is to assess dose levels in terms of Hp(3) for different categories of staff working in interventional cardiology suite and to perform parallel patient dose assessment to correlate eye lens dose levels with relevant patient dose indices. Patient doses were assessed in terms of kerma-area product (PKA) and cumulative air kerma in interventional reference pint (KIRP). Ocular lens doses to staff members were assess using a calibrated active personal dosimeter calibrated in terms of personal dose equivalent at a depth of 3mm, Hp(3). In the position occupied by interventional cardiologist (first operator) men eye lens dose per procedure was 71 μSv and 141 μSv for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, respectively. For the second operator or nurse, corresponding ocular doses were 33 μSv and 34 μSv and for radiographer dose levels were 3.9 μSv and 19 μSv for diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, respectively. Estimated mean values of ocular doses per unit PKA for first operator, second operator or nurse and radiographer are 1 μSv/Gycm2 , 0.34 μSv/Gycm2 and 0.16 μSv/Gycm2, respectively. If eye dosimeters are not available, approximate dose assessment can be done using these relationships for the particular position and particular unit.

Purpose: In Aortic Stenosis (AS) most Doppler-echocardiographic indices that are used for assessing AS severity are flow dependent. The aim of this study was to assess prognostic value of low-dose Dobutamine Testing (DT) in patients with moderate or severe AS and preserved Ejection Fraction (EF). Method: A total of 126 asymptomatic patients with aortic valve area (AVA) ≤1.5 cm2 and EF >50% were enrolled in this prospective study. The follow-up period was 14±2 months. Mean age was 66.47±10.53; (58.73% males), mean EF was 72,03±6,69%, mean pressure gradient (Pmean) 41.94±11.22 mmHg and mean AVA 0.82±0.22 cm2. Patients with ≥2+ valvular regurgitation or more than mild mitral stenosis were excluded. The dobutamine infusion protocol was begun at 5 μg/kg/min body weight up to 20 μg/kg/min, titrated upwards at steps of 5 μg/kg/min every 3 min. The composite outcome endpoint (MACE) was defined as cardiac death, aortic valve replacement and hospitalization caused by AS symptoms according to patient's medical record. Results: No patient experienced a serious adverse event during or after DT. A total of 70 patients had MACE (55.55%), of which 9 patients (7.14%) have died during follow-up. Out of 70 patients, 56 patients (80%) had an Aortic Valve Replacement (RAV). Patients who had an increase in AVA during DT ≤0.2 cm2 and/or final AVA ≤1 cm2 had more often RAV (hi=9.5311; df=1; p=0.002). The lasso penalized Cox regression, conducted solely on the variables at rest, showed that the greatest predictive capacity has the aortic valve resistance (AVR). At the same time, the AUC for the all analyzed pre-dobutamine variables combined, evaluated at time = 12 months, was 0.76. On the other hand, the L1 procedure, when applied on all variables (pre and during DT), chooses only dobutamine variables as the most valuable in predictive sense, improving AUC by 6% (AUC =0.82, at time = 12 months). The value of the AVR obtained during the DT was the strongest independent one-year MACE predictor (according to bootstrapped p values) of all pre and during DT varaibles, with the value of 195.12 dynes s cm-5 having the highest sensitivity ans specificity in predicting MACE (0.78 and 0.73 respectively). In addition, patients who have experienced symptoms (11/126, 8.73%) during DT had more often MACE comparing to asymptomatic patients (hi=6,7408; p

The aim of this paper is to assess: (1) results of combined approach (MOPP and/or ABVD and radiotherapy) in the treatment of HD in childhood and (2) factors proved to be prognostically significant. Patients and methods During the period 1980–1984, 163 children aged 3 yrs–19 yrs (Me = 12 yrs) were treated for HD. There were 102 boys and 61 girls, in clinical stage I: 31 pts; II 88 pts; III 35 pts. and IV 9 pts. Histologically, the majority of children were diagnosed to have mixed cellularity (53) and nodular sclerosis (49). Mediastinal involvement was noticed in 58.5% pts and presence of systemic symptoms in 41.5%. All children received MOPP and/or ABVD and radiotherapy in “sandwich” regimen or after chemotherapy. Six cycles of chemotherapy where given in 106 pts, four in 45, and more than six cycles in 12 pts. Radiotherapy was applied on supervoltage units (TCT or Linear accelerator 10 MeV) using various techniques—the most often extended fields. Results and conclusions During the follow up period from 1 yrs up to 15 yrs (Me = 8.1 yrs) overall survival rate is 96.5% and disease-free survival rate is 88.5%. In multivariate analysis, among 6 factors (age, sex, presence of systemic symptoms, bulky mediastinum, number of involved areas, hystologic subtype), advanced clinical stages and mediastinal involvement are deemed to be of the most importance for outcome. Based on these factors favourable and unfavourable subgroups are defined. Combined therapy (more or less intensive) should be designed according to subgroups. In pts with good prognosis (majority in our group) main goal is to decrease the risk of long-term treatment-related toxicity without losing survival benefit. In poor prognosis group the aim is to obtain the highest remission rate at the lowest side effects of therapy.