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Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El desfibrilador automatico implantable (DAI) es una alternativa coste-efectiva para la prevencion secundaria de la muerte subita cardiaca, pero sigue habiendo dudas sobre su eficiencia en prevencion primaria, sobre todo en pacientes con cardiopatia no isquemica. Metodos Analisis de coste-utilidad del DAI mas tratamiento medico convencional frente a tratamiento medico convencional para la prevencion primaria de arritmias cardiacas desde la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Se simulo el curso de la enfermedad mediante modelos de Markov en pacientes con y sin cardiopatia isquemica. Los parametros del modelo se basaron en los resultados obtenidos mediante metanalisis de los ensayos clinicos publicados entre 1996 y 2018 en los que se comparaba el DAI con el tratamiento medico convencional, los resultados de seguridad del ensayo DANISH y el analisis de la practica clinica habitual en un hospital terciario. Resultados Se estimo un beneficio del DAI sobre la muerte por cualquier causa con HR = 0,70 (IC95%, 0,58-0,85) en cardiopatia isquemica y HR = 0,79 (IC95%, 0,66-0,96) en no isquemica. La razon de coste-efectividad incremental estimada mediante analisis probabilistico fue de 19.171 euros/ano de vida ajustado por calidad (AVAC) en pacientes con cardiopatia isquemica, 31.084 euros/AVAC en pacientes con miocardiopatia dilatada no isquemica y 23.230 euros/AVAC en los menores de 68 anos. Conclusiones La eficiencia del DAI monocameral ha mejorado en la ultima decada y este resulta coste-efectivo para los pacientes con disfuncion ventricular izquierda de origen isquemico o no isquemico menores de 68 anos considerando una disposicion a pagar 25.000 euros/AVAC. En pacientes no isquemicos mayores, la razon de coste-efectividad incremental estimada se situa alrededor de los 30.000 euros/AVAC.

Introduction and objectives Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are a cost-effective alternative for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, but their efficiency in primary prevention, especially among patients with nonischemic heart disease, is still uncertain. Methods We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of ICD plus conventional medical treatment (CMT) vs CMT for primary prevention of cardiac arrhythmias from the perspective of the national health service. We simulated the course of the disease by using Markov models in patients with ischemic and nonischemic heart disease. The parameters of the model were based on the results obtained from a meta-analysis of clinical trials published between 1996 and 2018 comparing ICD plus CMT vs CMT, the safety results of the DANISH trial, and analysis of real-world clinical practice in a tertiary hospital. Results We estimated that ICD reduced the likelihood of all-cause death in patients with ischemic heart disease (HR, 0.70; 95%CI, 0.58-0.85) and in those with nonischemic heart disease (HR, 0.79; 95%CI, 0.66–0.96). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) estimated with probabilistic analysis was €19 171/quality adjusted life year (QALY) in patients with ischemic heart disease and €31 084/QALY in those with nonischemic dilated myocardiopathy overall and €23 230/QALY in patients younger than 68 years. Conclusions The efficiency of single-lead ICD systems has improved in the last decade, and these devices are cost-effective in patients with ischemic and nonischemic left ventricular dysfunction younger than 68 years, assuming willingness to pay as €25 000/QALY. For older nonischemic patients, the ICER was around €30 000/QALY.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La evaluacion del riesgo de arritmias ventriculares en pacientes con tetralogia de Fallot reparada (TFr) es compleja. Este estudio pretende identificar las caracteristicas electrofisiologicas del ventriculo derecho (VD) asociadas con un mayor riesgo de arritmias ventriculares en pacientes con TFr. Metodos Se incluyo a todos los pacientes consecutivos con TFr sometidos a mapeo electroanatomico del VD en un centro terciario. Mediante modelos de regresion logistica, se identificaron los factores asociados con mayor riesgo de taquicardia ventricular (TV) clinica o inducida y, secundariamente, solo de TV clinica. Resultados De los 56 pacientes incluidos, 21 presentaron TV clinica o inducida. Los factores asociados con TV clinica o inducida fueron: extrasistolia ventricular (EV) frecuente/TV no sostenida en el Holter de 24 h (OR = 11,34; IC95%, 1,50-85,97; p = 0,019), intervalo HV > 55 ms (OR = 21,20; IC95%, 3,12-144,14; p = 0,002) y tiempo de activacion del VD (por cada 10 ms, OR = 1,34; IC95%, 1,02-1,75; p = 0,035). El modelo que incluia dichas variables mostro una buena capacidad de discriminacion, con un area bajo la curva de 0,884 (IC95%, 0,79-0,97; p 55 ms (OR = 9,65; IC95%, 1,41-66,14; p = 0,021) y la EV frecuente/TV no sostenida (OR = 13,14; IC95%, 1,95-88,54; p = 0,008) (area bajo de la curva = 0,836; IC95%, 0,663-1,000; p = 0,002). Conclusiones La EV frecuente/TV no sostenida, el intervalo HV > 55 ms y el tiempo de activacion del VD son factores asociados con mayor riesgo de arritmias ventriculares en pacientes con TFr.

Introduction and objectives Risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) remains unresolved. We aimed to identify right ventricular (RV) electrophysiological parameters potentially associated with a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with rTOF. Methods We included all consecutive patients with rTOF who underwent RV electroanatomical mapping at a single tertiary center. We used logistic regression modeling to identify those variables associated with an increased risk of clinical or induced ventricular tachycardia (VT), or clinical VT exclusively. Results Twenty-one of the 56 patients included had clinical or induced VT. A high-frequency of premature ventricular contractions/nonsustained VT (OR, 11.34; 95%CI, 1.50-85.97; P = .019), an HV interval > 55 ms (OR, 21.20; 95%CI, 3.12-144.14; P = .002), and RV activation time (ms) (OR [per 10 ms intervals], 1.34; 95%CI, 1.02-1.75; P = .035) proved to be associated with clinical or induced VT. The model including this information had good discrimination ability, with an area under the curve of 0.884 (95%CI, 0.79-0.97; P 55 ms (OR, 9.65; 95%CI, 1.41-66.14; P = .021) and high-frequency of premature ventricular contractions/nonsustained VT (OR, 13.14; 95%CI, 1.95-88.54; P = .008) were independently associated (area under the curve of 0.836 [95%CI, 0.663-1.000; P = .002]). Conclusions High-frequency of premature ventricular contractions/nonsustained VT, an HV interval > 55 ms and RV activation time are factors associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with rTOF.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La insuficiencia tricuspidea (IT) grave es una valvulopatia prevalente con una alta tasa de mortalidad. La guia vigente no define umbrales especificos para considerar a los pacientes para cirugia o procedimientos percutaneos. Por lo tanto, se suele derivarlos para intervencion en una etapa tardia de la enfermedad. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar los predictores de los eventos cardiovasculares en una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con IT grave remitidos para cirugia. Metodos Se trata de un estudio observacional, prospectivo y no aleatorizado. Todos los pacientes se sometieron a cirugia por IT grave segun las guias clinicas vigentes. Se realizo anamnesis completa, analisis de sangre, ecocardiograma, resonancia magnetica cardiovascular y cateterismo derecho e izquierdo. Se siguio a los pacientes en la consulta externa y se registro un criterio de valoracion combinado (hospitalizacion por insuficiencia cardiaca o muerte de causa cardiovascular). Resultados Se incluyo a 43 pacientes consecutivos (edad, 66,9 ± 9,6 anos; el 67,4% mujeres). En todos los casos se realizo anuloplastia tricuspidea. Despues de una mediana de seguimiento de 38 meses, 12 pacientes (27,9%) presentaron el criterio combinado y 7 (16,3%) fallecieron. Por encima de todos los datos clinicos, sanguineos y de imagen, el volumen telediastolico del ventriculo derecho indexado constituyo el mejor predictor del objetivo combinado (HR = 1,1; p = 0,02) y de muerte de causa cardiovascular (HR = 1,1; p = 0,05). Ademas, el volumen telediastolico del ventriculo derecho indexado se asocio con la recurrencia de la IT despues de la cirugia, sin impacto en los resultados clinicos. Conclusiones En pacientes con IT grave remitidos para cirugia, el remodelado del ventriculo derecho evaluado por resonancia magnetica cardiovascular fue el mejor predictor independiente de desenlace cardiovascular en el seguimiento.

Aims Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are effective drugs reducing the risk for stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF), but the benefits derived from such therapy depend on the international normalized ratio (INR) maintenance in a narrow therapeutic range. Here, we aimed to determine independent variables driving poor anticoagulation control [defined as a time in therapeutic range (TTR) Methods and results The SULTAN registry is a multicentre, prospective study, involving patients with non-valvular AF from 72 cardiology units expert in AF in Spain. At inclusion, all patients naïve for oral anticoagulation were started with VKAs for the first time. For the analysis, the first month of anticoagulation and those patients with Conclusion This study demonstrated that the quality of anticoagulation in AF patients newly starting VKAs is sub-optimal. Previous coronary artery disease and concomitant use of amiodarone were identified as independent variables affecting the poor quality of VKA therapy during the first year.

The early identification of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients at risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a challenge. The coronary artery calcium score (CACs) is considered the most sensitive tool for assessing CAD risk in diabetic population, and the identification of a more targeted population in which the CACs would be more cost-efficient seems warranted. The accumulation of advanced glycation end products plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the assessment of skin autofluorescence (SAF) could be useful tool to identify those diabetic patients in whom CACs assessment should be prioritized. Prospective case–control study, comprising 156 subjects with T2D with no history of clinical CVD and 52 non-diabetic subjects matched by age. A value of CACs ≥ 400 Agatston Units (AU) was considered as “high CVD risk.” Logistic regression analysis to predict a CACs ≥ 400 AU was performed. Sensibility and specificity were calculated using the optimal cutoff point based on ROC curve. T2D patients had higher value of SAF compared to controls (p = 0.011). Among subjects with diabetes, 122 presented CACs

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital valve defect, is associated with increased risk of aortic dilation and related complications; however, current risk assessment is not effective. Most of BAV have three leaflets with a fusion between two of them of variable length. This study aimed to ascertain whether the extent of leaflet fusion (often called raphe) is related to aortic dilation and flow abnormalities in BAV with no significant valvular dysfunction. One hundred and twenty BAV patients with no significant valvular dysfunction or history of surgical repair or aortic valve replacement were consecutively and prospectively enrolled (September 2014–October 2018). Cardiac magnetic resonance protocol included a 4D flow sequence for haemodynamic assessment. Moreover, a stack of double-oblique cine images of the aortic valve were used to quantify fusion length (in systole) and leaflet length (diastole). Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was tested in 30 randomly selected patients. Aortic valve leaflet fusion was measurable in 112 of 120 (93%) cases with good reproducibility (ICC = 0.826). Fusion length varied greatly (range: 2.3–15.4 mm; mean: 7.8 ± 3.2 mm). After correction for demographic and clinical conditions, fusion length was independently associated with diameter and z-score at the sinus of Valsalva (p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively) and ascending aorta (p = 0.028 and p = 0.046). Fusion length was positively related to flow asymmetry, vortices and circumferential wall shear stress, thereby possibly providing a pathophysiological link with aortic dilation. Aortic valve fusion length is related to aortic dilation and flow abnormalities in BAV patients. • The length of the fusion between leaflets in non-dysfunctional bicuspid aortic valves varies substantially and can be reliably measured by cine CMR. • Aortic valve leaflet fusion length is independently related to aortic sinus and ascending aorta diameter. • Increased flow asymmetry, circumferential wall shear stress and presence of vortices are positively related to aortic valve leaflet fusion length.

Aim To assess the changes induced by the COVID-19 lockdown on cardiac biometric variables recorded using an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) in a patient population monitored for syncope work-up, as well to assess whether there has been an effect on arrhythmic events among the patients. Methods Longitudinal cohort study. We included 245 adult patients monitored with an ICM indicated for the investigation of syncope. The records from days 1 to 12 March 2020 (prior to the institution of lockdown by the state government) with days 16 to 28 March 2020 were compared. Results Daily physical exercise reduced markedly after the imposition of lockdown (132 [55–233] minutes vs. 78 [21–154] minutes). The mean daytime HR prior to lockdown was 77 [69–85] bpm, whereas during lockdown it was 74 [66–81] bpm. During the lockdown period, a drop in the variability in heart rate (114 [94–136] ms vs. 111 [92–133] ms) was observed. Although the incidence of AF was similar over both periods, the daily AF burden was significantly higher post-lockdown (405 [391–425] minutes vs. 423 [423–537] minutes). No differences in the number of other arrhythmias were found. Conclusions The establishment of mandatory lockdown has led to a marked drop in daily physical activity in this population which probably explains changes observed in other cardiac biometric variables. Although, in the short term, we have not documented an increased risk of arrhythmia, we cannot rule out an effect in the medium to long term or in other populations of at-risk patients.

Objective The use of implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) is highly useful in syncope workup. Latest-generation devices can detect asymptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation. The main objective of this study was to determine the incidence of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) detected in a patient population undergoing prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring with an ICM for the etiological workup of syncope. Methods Prospective observational study carried out in a tertiary hospital from April 2014 to October 2019. All consecutive adult patients monitored with a latest-generation ICM for syncope with no prior history of AF were included in the analysis. Results Of a total of 509 ICMs implanted during the study period, 208 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 42 patients (20.2%) were found to have AF on ICM. The incidence of AF was 11.7 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 8.7–15.9 per 100 person-years). The median burden of AF was 0.2% (IQR 0–0.8%). Age, the presence of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, the size of the septum and left atrium on electrocardiogram and the presence of broad QRS on baseline electrocardiogram were predictors for the appearance of AF in the univariate analysis. Conclusion The incidental finding of atrial fibrillation in patients with syncope monitored with ICM is common. The burden of AF is low, and it is generally subclinical. These findings create added value for the use of ICM in the workup for syncope, although further studies are needed to determine the clinical benefit of documenting subclinical AF.

Noninfected prosthetic heart valves often display a characteristic pattern of diffuse and homogeneous distribution and mild fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake when evaluated by 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography angiography (PET/CTA) at least during 1 year after implantation.

BACKGROUND Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is common in patients with diabetes mellitus. Data on the long-term outcomes after treatment of CTOs in this high-risk population are scarce. AIM To compare the long-term clinical outcomes of CTO revascularization either by coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus optimal medical treatment (MT) alone in patients with diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 538 consecutive patients with diabetes and at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. In the present analysis, patients were stratified according to the CTO treatment strategy that was selected. MT was selected in 61% of patients whereas revascularization in the remaining 39%. Patients undergoing revascularization were younger, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower ACEF score, and more positive myocardial ischemia detection results compared to the MT group (p

Introduction: Takotsubo syndrome is a complex entity that, although it usually has a good prognosis, can be life threatening. While recent advances have improved the knowledge of takotsubo syndrome, many aspects of its etiology still remain uncertain. Metabolomics, a hypothesis generating approach, could provide novel pathophysiology information about this disease. Methods and Results: Serum samples were obtained from takotsubo (n = 19) and acute myocardial infarction patients (n = 8) at the cath lab and, in the case of takotsubo, again once the patient had recovered, 3 months after the main event. 1H NMR spectra of the serum were acquired at 9.4T using a CPMG pulse sequence (32 ms effective delay). Supervised and unsupervised pattern recognition approaches where applied to the data. Pattern recognition was able to differentiate between takotsubo and acute myocardial infarction during the acute phase with 95% accuracy. Myocardial infarction patients showed an increase in lipid signals, a known risk factor for the disease while takotsubo patients showed a relative increase in acetate that could suggest a reduced turnover of the Krebs cycle. When comparing acute and recovered phases, we could detect an increase in alanine and creatine once patients recovered. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that takotsubo syndrome is metabolically different than AMI, showing limited myocardial energy production capacity during the acute phase. We achieved high classification success against AMI, however, this study should be considered as a proof of concept regarding clinical application of metabolic profiling in takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Resumen «La Cardiologia del Futuro» es un proyecto de la Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia (SEC) que tiene como objetivos definir hacia donde, desde la posicion actual, deben dirigirse las politicas de accion de la SEC, analizar las tendencias y los cambios del entorno que influiran en la practica de la cardiologia en Espana, definir el perfil de los cardiologos necesarios en el futuro, proponer las politicas para alcanzar los objetivos que se deriven de las necesidades identificadas, y establecer el papel que ha de desempenar la SEC en el desarrollo y la implantacion de esas politicas. En este articulo se presentan la metodologia y los hallazgos mas relevantes del informe final de este proyecto y las lineas estrategicas de actuacion de la SEC en el futuro inmediato, derivadas del analisis realizado.

Patients with syncope and bundle branch block (BBB) are at risk for atrioventricular block (AVB). Electrophysiological study (EPS) can help in identifying patients at higher risk for AVB, but the false-negative rate is remarkable. Few data on the predictors of the need for pacemaker implantation during follow-up have been reported.The purpose of this study was to analyze the rate of patients who need pacemaker implantation after negative EPS and predictive factors.A single-center prospective study of 159 consecutive patients (73.9 ± 12.1 years; male 64.9%) with syncope and BBB (January 2012-December 2016) and negative EPS was conducted. An implantable loop recorder was implanted.After 27.9 ± 10.8 months of follow-up, 39 patients (24.8%) underwent pacemaker implantation because of bradyarrhythmia. In the univariate analysis, bifascicular (right BBB + left fascicular block) block, bifascicular block + long PR interval, conduction disturbance different from isolated right BBB, HV ≥60 ms, and HV ≥70 ms after class I drug challenge were predictors of pacemaker implantation. In the multivariate analysis, only bifascicular block (hazard ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.8; P = .04) and HV interval ≥60 ms (hazard ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 1.8-6.2; P.001) were statistically significant. A risk score according to the multivariate model identified 3 levels of pacemaker implantation rate (13.5%, 32.7%, and 66.7%; P.001). No death or severe trauma related to bradyarrhythmia occurred.The strategy of an implantable loop recorder in patients with syncope and BBB is safe after negative EPS, but some patients might need pacemaker implantation during follow-up. A risk score based on HV ≥60 ms and bifascicular block can be useful in identifying patients at risk for advanced AVB after negative EPS.

Although revascularisation in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) is associated with better outcomes, its impact in older adult patients is unclear. This is a retrospective analyses of three national NSTEACS registries conducted during the past decade in Spain. Patients aged 75 years and older were included: DESCARTES (DES; year 2002; n=534), MASCARA (MAS; 2005; n=1736) and DIOCLES (DIO; 2012; n=593). The adjusted association between revascularisation and total (inhospital and 6-month) mortality was estimated by two-stage meta-analysis (pooled effect across the three registries with inverse-variability weights) and one-stage meta-analysis (multilevel model with random effects across studies). The impact of revascularisation was assessed comparing the observed and the expected mortality based on a logistic regression model in the pooled database. Although revascularisation was associated with a lower risk of mortality in meta-analyses (two-stage: odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.67; one-stage: odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.81) and the revascularisation rate increased steadily from 2002 (DES 14.2%) to 2012 (DIO 43.7%), its impact was not patent across registries, probably because this increase was concentrated in low and medium-risk GRACE strata (tertile 1, 2 and 3: MAS 59%, 20% and 6%; DIO 64%, 39% and 19%, respectively). In conclusion, a consistent increase of revascularisation in NSTEACS in older adults was not followed by a decrease in mortality at 6 months, probably because the impact of this strategy is limited to the higher risk population, the stratum with the lowest revascularisation rate in real life.

Artículo con numerosos autores, sólo se refleja el primero, que es además el de la UAM, This is a joint simultaneous publication initiative involving all interested National and Affiliated Cardiovascular Journals of the European Society of Cardiology., The Editorś Network of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) provides a dynamic forum for editorial discussions and endorses the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) to improve the scientific quality of biomedical journals. Authorship confers credit and important academic rewards. Recently, however, the ICMJE emphasized that authorship also requires responsibility and accountability. These issues are now covered by the new (fourth) criterion for authorship. Authors should agree to be accountable and ensure that questions regarding the accuracy and integrity of the entire work will be appropriately addressed. This review discusses the implications of this paradigm shift on authorship requirements with the aim of increasing awareness on good scientific and editorial practices

Background: Drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce stent restenosis compared with bare-metal stents (BMS). However, their use in patients requiring long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) is controversial owing to increased risk of bleeding associated with OAC plus antiplatelet treatment over time. Objective: To assess the safety of DES vs BMS in patients requiring long-term OAC for any reason. Methods: Prospective observational multicenter study conducted at 6 teaching centers of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention who required OAC for any reason. Adverse outcomes were analyzed at 1 year of follow-up. Results: We identified 1002 patients requiring OAC (mean age: 72 years, male 72%). Six- hundred and thirteen patients (61.2%) received BMS and 389 (38.8%) DES. Diabetes, previous PCI, myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome at admission (P < 0.0001) were more common in patients with DES. Antithrombotic prescribing was similar at discharge between groups (TT: 51.5% vs 50.9%, clopidogrel plus OAC: 7.0% vs 5.0% and DAPT: 41.4% vs 42.7%, p = 0.52). DES and BMS patients showed similar rates of total bleeding (15.2% vs 13.4%, adjusted HR 0.82 [0.58–1.17, p = 0.82 and major bleeding (6.2% vs 6.0%; adjusted HR 1.22 [0.71–2.09], p = 0.46) and MACE (15.2% vs 18.6%, adjusted HR: 0.82 [0.57–1.17], p = 0.28, while restenosis was lower in patients with DES (5.3% vs 8.5%, adjusted HR. (0.52 [0.29–0.92], p = 0.02. Cox analysis after propensity score selection of 368 matched pairs demonstrated that DES use was not associated with a higher incidence of total bleeding or major bleeding. Conclusion: DES use is safe in patients with an indication for long-term OAC.

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are present in more than one third of older patients with myocardial ischemia, but controversy remains about the best therapeutic approach.To compare long-term survival after CTO revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) versus medical treatment (MT) alone in patients aged 75 and older.A total of 1,252 consecutive patients with at least one CTO were identified from 2010 to 2014 in our center. Patients were stratified by age (75 years vs. ≥75 years) in the present analysis. All-cause and cardiac mortality were assessed at a median follow-up of 3.5 years. In the older subgroup (26%), patients were more likely to be treated with MT alone (71% vs. 43% of younger patients; p 0.001). Patients undergoing revascularization were younger and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and lower age, creatinine, ejection fraction (ACEF) score (age/LVEF +1 if creatinine2.0 mg/dL), compared to the MT group (p 0.05). As compared to MT, revascularization predicted lower rates of cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality in older patients, both in the subgroups treated with CABG (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.71; HR 0.39, 95%CI 0.18-0.81) and PCI (HR 0.57, 95%CI 0.33-0.98; HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.28-1.2). No differences in mortality were observed according to type of revascularization procedure.Among patients aged at least 75 years with a CTO, revascularization (PCI or CABG) rather than MT alone may portend a better outcome in terms of all-cause and cardiac mortality.

The Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) provides a dynamic forum for editorial discussions and endorses the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) to improve the scientific quality of biomedical journals. Authorship confers credit and important academic rewards. Recently, however, the ICMJE emphasized that authorship also requires responsibility and accountability. These issues are now covered by the new (fourth) criterion for authorship. Authors should agree to be accountable and ensure that questions regarding the accuracy and integrity of the entire work will be appropriately addressed. This review discusses the implications of this paradigm shift on authorship requirements with the aim of increasing awareness on good scientific and editorial practices.

Resumen La incorporacion precoz del enfermo al que se ha realizado una angioplastia con stent a su vida habitual, por ausencia de impedimentos propios de la tecnica, ha permitido incluir mas pronto a estos pacientes en la fase II de la rehabilitacion cardiaca. Aunque la rehabilitacion del paciente coronario sigue para todos los pacientes unas pautas generales que pretenden abordar desde un punto de vista de prevencion secundaria la aterosclerosis coronaria, las circunstancias de cada enfermo, entre las que se incluye la tecnica con que ha sido revascularizado, determinan aspectos individuales de la rehabilitacion del enfermo con cardiopatia isquemica. El ejercicio fisico continuado (entrenamiento fisico) produce, por si mismo, grandes beneficios cardiovasculares para la prevencion cardiovascular primaria y secundaria. En pacientes con infarto disminuye la mortalidad y mejora la capacidad funcional, la funcion ventricular y el remodelado ventricular, y hay esperanzas de que pueda mejorar la circulacion colateral. Tambien mejora la funcion endotelial y estimula la circulacion de celulas madre. Se ha demostrado que el entrenamiento fisico tras revascularizacion percutanea disminuye el numero de eventos y que en pacientes con angina estable el entrenamiento fisico produce menos eventos que la revascularizacion percutanea.

Resumen La incorporacion precoz del enfermo al que se ha realizado una angioplastia con stent a su vida habitual, por ausencia de impedimentos propios de la tecnica, ha permitido incluir mas pronto a estos pacientes en la fase II de la rehabilitacion cardiaca. Aunque la rehabilitacion del paciente coronario sigue para todos los pacientes unas pautas generales que pretenden abordar desde un punto de vista de prevencion secundaria la aterosclerosis coronaria, las circunstancias de cada enfermo, entre las que se incluye la tecnica con que ha sido revascularizado, determinan aspectos individuales de la rehabilitacion del enfermo con cardiopatia isquemica. El ejercicio fisico continuado (entrenamiento fisico) produce, por si mismo, grandes beneficios cardiovasculares para la prevencion cardiovascular primaria y secundaria. En pacientes con infarto disminuye la mortalidad y mejora la capacidad funcional, la funcion ventricular y el remodelado ventricular, y hay esperanzas de que pueda mejorar la circulacion colateral. Tambien mejora la funcion endotelial y estimula la circulacion de celulas madre. Se ha demostrado que el entrenamiento fisico tras revascularizacion percutanea disminuye el numero de eventos y que en pacientes con angina estable el entrenamiento fisico produce menos eventos que la revascularizacion percutanea.

Resumen La incorporacion precoz del enfermo al que se ha realizado una angioplastia con stent a su vida habitual, por ausencia de impedimentos propios de la tecnica, ha permitido incluir mas pronto a estos pacientes en la fase II de la rehabilitacion cardiaca. Aunque la rehabilitacion del paciente coronario sigue para todos los pacientes unas pautas generales que pretenden abordar desde un punto de vista de prevencion secundaria la aterosclerosis coronaria, las circunstancias de cada enfermo, entre las que se incluye la tecnica con que ha sido revascularizado, determinan aspectos individuales de la rehabilitacion del enfermo con cardiopatia isquemica. El ejercicio fisico continuado (entrenamiento fisico) produce, por si mismo, grandes beneficios cardiovasculares para la prevencion cardiovascular primaria y secundaria. En pacientes con infarto disminuye la mortalidad y mejora la capacidad funcional, la funcion ventricular y el remodelado ventricular, y hay esperanzas de que pueda mejorar la circulacion colateral. Tambien mejora la funcion endotelial y estimula la circulacion de celulas madre. Se ha demostrado que el entrenamiento fisico tras revascularizacion percutanea disminuye el numero de eventos y que en pacientes con angina estable el entrenamiento fisico produce menos eventos que la revascularizacion percutanea.

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibition with malonate during reperfusion reduced myocardial infarction in animals, whereas its endogenous substrate, succinate, is detected in plasma from STEMI patients. We investigated whether protection by SDH inhibition is additive to that of remote ischemic perconditioning (RIC) in pigs submitted to transient coronary artery occlusion, and whether protective maneuvers influence plasma levels of citric acid cycle metabolites. Forty pigs were submitted to 40 min coronary occlusion and reperfusion, and allocated to four groups (controls, sodium malonate 10 mmol/L, RIC, and malonate + RIC). Plasma was obtained from femoral and great cardiac veins and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Malonate, RIC, and malonate + RIC reduced infarct size (24.67 ± 5.98, 25.29 ± 3.92 and 29.83 ± 4.62% vs. 46.47 ± 4.49% in controls, p &lt, 0.05), but no additive effects were detected. Enhanced concentrations of succinate, fumarate, malate and citrate were observed in controls during initial reperfusion in the great cardiac vein, and most were reduced by cardioprotective maneuvers. Concentrations of succinate, fumarate, and malate significantly correlated with infarct size. In conclusion, despite the combination of SDH inhibition during reperfusion and RIC did not result in additive protection, plasma concentrations of selected citric acid cycle metabolites are attenuated by protective maneuvers, correlate with irreversible injury, and might become a prognosis tool in STEMI patients.

Three-dimensional (3D) substrate characterization by high-resolution late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LE-CMR) is useful for guiding ventricular tachycardia ablation of the left ventricle in ischemic heart disease.The purpose of this study was to validate the substrate characterization and 3D reconstruction of LE-CMR images of the right ventricle (RV) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and to identify the algorithm that best fits with electroanatomic mapping (EAM).RV LE-CMR images were compared with RV EAM in 10 patients with rTOF. RV LE-CMR images were postprocessed and analyzed to identify fibrotic tissue on 3D color maps. The 3D RV substrate reconstructions were created using an adjustable percentage of the maximum voxel signal intensity (MSI) of the scar region to define the threshold between core, transitional zone (TZ), and healthy tissue. Extensions of the core and TZ areas were compared with the scar (0.5 mV) and low-voltage (0.5-1.5 mV) areas obtained by RV EAM. Agreement on anatomic isthmi identification was quantified.The best match between core and scar was obtained at 65% MSI cutoff (mean areas 17.4 ± 9.9 cmThis study demonstrates that characterization of the RV substrate by postprocessing LE-CMR images in rTOF patients is feasible and validates the technique against RV EAM, which could help in planning target ablation.

Aortic branch aneurysms are not included in the diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome (MFS); however, their prevalence and eventual prognostic significance are unknown.The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of aortic branch aneurysms in MFS and their relationship with aortic prognosis.MFS patients with a pathogenic FBN1 genetic variant and at least one magnetic resonance or computed tomography angiography study assessing aortic branches were included. Aortic events and those related to aneurysm complications were recorded during follow-up.A total of 104 aneurysms were detected in 50 (26.7%) of the 187 patients with MFS (mean age 37.9 ± 14.4 years; 54% male) included in this study, with the iliac artery being the most common location (45 aneurysms). Thirty-one patients (62%) had1 peripheral aneurysm, and surgery was performed in 5 (4.8%). Patients with aneurysms were older (41.9 ± 12.7 years vs. 36.7 ± 14.8 years; p = 0.040) and had more dilated aortic root (42.2 ± 6.4 mm vs. 38.8 ± 8.0 mm; p = 0.044) and dyslipidemia (31.0% vs. 9.7%; p = 0.001). In a subgroup of 95 patients with no previous aortic surgery or dissection followed up for 3.3 ± 2.6 years, the presence of arterial aneurysms was associated with a greater need for aortic surgery (hazard ratio: 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 10.3; p = 0.028) in a multivariable Cox analysis adjusted for age and aortic diameter.Aortic branch aneurysms are present in one-quarter of patients with MFS and are related to age and aortic dilation, and they independently predict the need for aortic surgery. The systematic use of whole-body vascular assessment is recommended to identify other sites of vascular involvement at risk for complications and to define the subgroup of patients with more aggressive aortic disease.

Imatge de perfusió miocàrdica per TC; Isquèmia miocàrdica; Relació de perfusió transmural CT myocardial perfusion imaging; Myocardial ischaemia; Transmural perfusion ratio Imágenes de perfusión miocárdica por TC; Isquemia miocárdica; Relación de perfusión transmural Purpose To compare performance of visual and quantitative analyses for detecting myocardial ischaemia from single- and dual-energy computed tomography (CT) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Eighty-four patients with suspected CAD were scheduled for dual-energy cardiac CT at rest (CTA) and pharmacological stress (CTP). Myocardial CT perfusion was analysed visually and using three parameters: mean attenuation density (MA), transmural perfusion ratio (TPR) and myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI), on both single-energy CT and CT-based iodine images. Significant CAD was defined in AHA-segments by concomitant myocardial hypoperfusion identified visually or quantitatively (parameter < threshold) and coronary stenosis detected by CTA. Single-photon emission CT and invasive coronary angiography were used as reference. Perfusion-parameter cut-off values were calculated in a randomly-selected subgroup of 30 patients. Results The best-performing thresholds for TPR, MPRI and MA were 0.96, 23 and 0.5 for single-energy CT and 0.97, 47 and 0.3 for iodine imaging. For both CT-imaging modalities, TPR yielded the highest area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (0.99 and 0.97 for single-energy CT and iodine imaging, respectively, in vessel-based analysis) compared to visual analysis, MA and MPRI. Visual interpretation on iodine imaging resulted in higher AUC compared to that on single-energy CT in per-vessel (AUC: 0.93 vs 0.86, respectively) and per-patient (0.94 vs 0.93) analyses. Conclusion Transmural perfusion ratio on both CT-imaging modalities is the best-performing parameter for detecting myocardial ischaemia compared to visual method and other perfusion parameters. Visual analysis on CT-based iodine imaging outperforms that on single-energy CT.

Q waves may be observed in the absence of non-viable tissue. However, their scintigraphic translation in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) has not been properly assessed. This study sought to establish the determinants of Q waves in the absence of non-viable tissue and the diagnostic accuracy in this population. A retrospective study enrolling 487 consecutive patients (67.0 [57.4 – 75.4] years), with ICM, LVEF

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) and the GLP-1 analog exenatide activate different cardioprotective pathways and may have additive effects on infarct size (IS). Here, we aimed to assess the efficacy of RIC as compared with sham procedure, and of exenatide, as compared with placebo, and the interaction between both, to reduce IS in humans. We designed a two-by-two factorial, randomized controlled, blinded, multicenter, clinical trial. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 6 h of symptoms were randomized to RIC or sham procedure and exenatide or matching placebo. The primary outcome was IS measured by late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac magnetic resonance performed 3-7 days after PPCI. The secondary outcomes were myocardial salvage index, transmurality index, left ventricular ejection fraction and relative microvascular obstruction volume. A total of 378 patients were randomly allocated, and after applying exclusion criteria, 222 patients were available for analysis. There were no significant interactions between the two randomization factors on the primary or secondary outcomes. IS was similar between groups for the RIC (24 ± 11.8% in the RIC group vs 23.7 ± 10.9% in the sham group, P = 0.827) and the exenatide hypotheses (25.1 ± 11.5% in the exenatide group vs 22.5 ± 10.9% in the placebo group, P = 0.092). There were no effects with either RIC or exenatide on the secondary outcomes. Unexpected adverse events or side effects of RIC and exenatide were not observed. In conclusion, neither RIC nor exenatide, or its combination, were able to reduce IS in STEMI patients when administered as an adjunct to PPCI. The trial was sponsored with a Grant from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PIE 13/00027) and a Grant from Generalitat de Catalunya (PERIS SLT/2381/2016). The sponsors have not been involved in the design, conduct, collection, analysis, interpretation of the data, nor in the preparation, review or approval of the manuscript Sí

Cardiomiòcit; Connexina; Mitocondris Cardiomiocito; Conexina; Mitocondrias Cardiomyocyte; Connexin; Mitochondria Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grants PI17/01397 and CIBERCV), and the Spanish Society of Cardiology (Proyectos de la FEC para Investigación Básica en Cardiología 2018, Sociedad Española de Cardiología), Fundació La Marató de TV3 (Nº. 201536-10) and was cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF-FEDER, a way to build Europe). Antonio Rodríguez-Sinovas has a consolidated Miguel Servet contract.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death worldwide. The control of CVD risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, reduces their mortality rate. Nonetheless, fewer than 50% of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) have good cholesterol control. Our objective is to assess whether the level of participation of general practitioners (GPs) in activities to implement a dyslipidemia management guideline, and the characteristics of the patient and physician are associated with cholesterol control in IHD patients. We undertook a quasi-experimental, uncontrolled, before-and-after study of 1151 patients. The intervention was carried out during 2010 and 2011, and consisted of a face-to-face training and online course phase (Phase 1), and another of face-to-face feedback (Phase 2). The main outcome variable was the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control, whereby values of &lt, 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) were set as a good level of control, according to the recommendations of the guidelines in force in 2009. After Phase 1, 6.7% more patients demonstrated good cholesterol control. With respect to patient characteristics, being female and being older were found to be risk factors of poor control. Being diabetic and having suffered a stroke were protective factors. Of the GPs&rsquo, characteristics, being tutor in a teaching center for GP residents and having completed the online course were found to be protective factors. We concluded that cholesterol control in IHD patients was influenced by the type of training activity undertook by physicians during the implementation of the GPC, and patient and physician characteristics. We highlight that if we apply the recent targets of the European guideline, which establish a lower level of LDL-C control, the percentage of good control could be worse than the observed in this study.

Aims To assess aortic flow and stiffness in patients with Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS) by 4D flow and cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare the results with those of healthy volunteers (HV) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients. Methods and results Twenty-one LDS and 44 MFS patients with no previous aortic dissection or surgery and 35 HV underwent non-contrast-enhanced 4D flow CMR. In-plane rotational flow (IRF), systolic flow reversal ratio (SFRR), and aortic diameters were obtained at 20 planes from the ascending (AAo) to the proximal descending aorta (DAo). IRF and SFRR were also quantified for aortic regions (proximal and distal AAo, arch and proximal DAo). Peak-systolic wall shear stress (WSS) maps were also estimated. Aortic stiffness was quantified using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and proximal AAo longitudinal strain. Compared to HV, LDS patients had lower rotational flow at the distal AAo (P = 0.002), arch (P = 0.002), and proximal DAo (P Conclusion Greater aortic stiffness as well as impaired IRF and WSS were present in LDS patients compared to HV. Conversely, similar aortic stiffness and overlapping aortic flow features were found in Loeys–Dietz and Marfan patients.

Previous studies demonstrated a reduction in myocardial scar size in heterozygous Cx43+/- mice subjected to permanent coronary occlusion. However, patients presenting with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction often undergo rapid coronary revascularization leading to prompt restoration of coronary flow. Therefore, we aimed to assess changes in scar size and left ventricular remodeling following transient myocardial ischemia (45 min) followed by 14 days of reperfusion using Cx43fl/fl (controls) and Cx43Cre-ER(T)/fl inducible knock-out (Cx43 content: 50%) mice treated with vehicle or 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) to induce a Cre-ER(T)-mediated global deletion of the Cx43 floxed allele. The scar area (picrosirius red), measured 14 days after transient coronary occlusion, was similarly reduced in both vehicle and 4-OHT-treated Cx43Cre-ER(T)/fl mice, compared to Cx43fl/fl animals, having normal Cx43 levels (15.78% &plusmn, 3.42% and 16.54% &plusmn, 2.31% vs. 25.40% &plusmn, 3.14% and 22.43% &plusmn, 3.88% in vehicle and 4-OHT-treated mice, respectively, p = 0.027). Left ventricular dilatation was significantly attenuated in both Cx43-deficient groups (p = 0.037 for left ventricular end-diastolic diameter). These protective effects were correlated with an attenuated enhancement in pro-transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF&beta, 1) expression after reperfusion. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that Cx43 deficiency induces a protective effect on scar formation after transient coronary occlusion in mice, an effect associated with reduced left ventricular remodeling and attenuated enhancement in pro-TGF&beta, 1 expression.

Sex differences in coronary artery disease presentation and outcomes have been described. The aim of this study was to compare sex disparities in chronic total occlusion (CTO) management and long-term outcomes.All consecutive patients with at least one CTO diagnosed in our center between 2010 and 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical data were registered. All-cause and cardiac mortality were assessed during a median follow-up of 4.03 years (IQR 2.6-4.8).A total of 1248 patients (67.3 ± 10.9 years; 16% female) were identified. Women were older, had a higher prevalence of type 2 DM and a lower ventricle ejection fraction compared to men (p .05). Although women had major proportion of positive result for severe ischemia-viability test (86% vs. 74%; p = .01), they were more often treated with MT alone compared to male (57% vs 51%; p = .02). During follow-up, 386 patients (31%) died. Women presented a higher rate of all-cause and cardiac mortality, and hospitalizations for heart failure independently of treatment strategy, compared to men (p .001). In multivariable analysis female sex was associated with higher cardiac mortality [HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10-2.57; p .001]. Among women, the independent predictors for all-cause and cardiac mortalities were age, MT of the CTO and ACEF (age, creatinin and ejection fraction) score.A significant sex gap regarding CTO treatment was observed. Female sex was an independent predictor for cardiac mortality at long-term follow-up. More data are needed to support these findings.

After myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, fatty acid oxidation shows fast recovery while glucose oxidation rates remain depressed. A metabolic shift aimed at increasing glucose oxidation has shown to be beneficial in models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. However, strategies aimed at increasing glucose consumption in the clinic have provided mixed results and have not yet reached routine clinical practice. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the protection afforded by increased glucose oxidation may facilitate the transfer to the clinic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was involved in the protection afforded by increased glucose oxidation. Firstly, we characterized an H9C2 cellular model in which the use of glucose or galactose as substrates can modulate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. In this model, there were no differences in morphology, cell number, or ATP and PCr levels. However, galactose-grown cells consumed more oxygen and had an increased Krebs cycle turnover, while cells grown in glucose had increased aerobic glycolysis rate as demonstrated by higher lactate and alanine production. Increased aerobic glycolysis was associated with reduced ROS levels and protected the cells against simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) was able to reduce the amount of ROS and to prevent cell death. Lastly, cells grown in galactose showed higher activation of mTOR/Akt signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results provide evidence indicating that metabolic shift towards increased glycolysis reduces mitochondrial ROS production and prevents cell death during ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Background Severe aortic stenosis (AoS) is considered a primary cause of syncope. However, other mechanisms may be present in these patients and accurate diagnosis can have important clinical implications. The aim of this study is to assess the different etiologies of syncope in patients with severe AoS and the impact on prognosis of attaining a certain or highly probable diagnosis for the syncope. Methods Out of a cohort of 331 patients with AoS and syncope, 61 had severe AoS and were included in the study. Main cause of syncope and adverse cardiac events were assessed. Results In 40 patients (65.6%), we reached a certain or highly probable diagnosis of the main cause of the syncope. AoS was considered the primary cause of the syncope in only 7 patients (17.5% of the patients with known etiology). Atrioventricular block (14 patients, 35.0%) and vasovagal syncope (6 patients, 15.0%) were the most frequently diagnosed causes. The presence of a known cause for syncope during the admission was not associated with a lower incidence of recurrence during follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-2.40). Syncope of unknown etiology was independently associated with greater mortality during 1-year follow-up (HR 5.4, 95% CI 1.3-21.6) and 3-year follow-up (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2-10.3). Conclusions In a high proportion of patients with severe AoS admitted for syncope, the valvulopathy was not the main cause of the syncope. Syncope in two-thirds of this population was caused by either bradyarrhythmia or reflex causes. Syncope of unknown cause was associated with increased short- and medium-term mortality, independently from treatment of the valve disease. An exhaustive work-up should be conducted to determine the main cause for syncope.

Introduction and objectives Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a prevalent valve disease with a high mortality rate. Current guidelines do not define specific thresholds at which patients should be considered for surgery or percutaneous procedures. Thus, patients are usually referred for intervention at a late stage of the disease. This study aimed to assess predictors of cardiovascular outcomes in a prospective cohort of patients with severe TR referred for surgery. Methods This was an observational, prospective, nonrandomized study. All patients underwent surgery for severe TR based on current clinical guidelines. Complete anamnesis, blood test, echocardiogram, cardiovascular magnetic resonance and right and left catheterization were performed. Patients were followed up in the outpatient department and a combined endpoint (hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular mortality) was registered. Results Forty-three consecutive patients were included (age: 66.9 ± 9.6 years, 67.4% female). Tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in all patients. After a median follow-up of 38 months, 12 patients (27.9%) showed the combined endpoint and 7 (16.3%) died. Above all clinical, blood and imaging data, the indexed right ventricular end-diastolic volume constituted the best predictor of the combined endpoint (HR, 1.1; P = .02) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.1; P = .05). Furthermore, indexed right ventricular end-diastolic volume was associated with TR recurrence after surgery, with no impact on clinical outcomes. Conclusions In patients with severe TR referred for surgery, right ventricular remodeling assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance constituted the best independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes at follow-up.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of strain as assessed by tissue tracking (TT) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) soon after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).The prognostic value of myocardial strain as assessed post-STEMI by TT-CMR is unknown.The authors studied the prognostic value of TT-CMR in 323 patients who underwent CMR 1 week post-STEMI. Global (average of peak segmental values [%]) and segmental (number of altered segments) longitudinal (LS), circumferential, and radial strain were assessed using TT-CMR. Global and segmental strain cutoff values were derived from 32 control patients. CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction, microvascular obstruction, and infarct size were determined. Results were validated in an external cohort of 190 STEMI patients.During a median follow-up of 1,085 days, 54 first major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which included 10 cardiac deaths, 25 readmissions for heart failure, and 19 readmissions for reinfarction were documented. MACE was associated with more severe abnormalities in all strain indexes (p 0.001), although only global LS was an independent predictor (p 0.001). The MACE rate was higher in patients with a global LS of ≥-11% (22% vs. 9%; p = 0.001). After adjustment for baseline and CMR variables, global LS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 1.32; p 0.001) was associated with MACE. In the external validation cohort, a global LS ≥-11% was seen in a higher proportion of patients with MACE (34% vs. 9%; p 0.001). Global LS predicted MACE after adjustment for baseline and CMR variables (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.33; p = 0.008). The addition of global LS to the multivariate models, including baseline and CMR variables, did not significantly improve the categorical net reclassification improvement index in either the study group (-0.015; p = 0.7) or in the external validation cohort (-0.019; p = 0.9).TT-CMR provided prognostic information soon after STEMI. However, it did not substantially improve risk reclassification beyond traditional CMR indexes.

Intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART) is a severe complication in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-related IART is the most frequent mechanism. However, due to fibrosis and surgical scars, non-CTI-related IART is frequent. The main objective of this study was to describe the types of IART, circuit locations, and to analyze predictors of CTI versus non-CTI-related IART. This is an observational study that includes all consecutive patients with CHD who underwent a first IART ablation in a single referral tertiary hospital from January 2009 to December 2015 (94 patients; 39.4% women; age: 36.55 ± 14.9 years, 40.4% with highly complex cardiac disease). During the study, 114 IARTs were ablated (1.21 ± 0.41 IARTs per patient). CTI-related IART was the only arrhythmia in 51% (n = 48) of patients; non-CTI-related IART was the only mechanism in 27.7% (n = 26), and 21.3% of patients (n = 20) presented the two types of IART. Severe dilation of the systemic ventricle, absence of severe dilation of the venous atrium, highly complex cardiac defects, and nontypical electrocardiography (ECG) were related to non-CTI-related IART in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, nontypical ECG (odds ratio 3.64; 1.01 to 4.9; p = 0.049) and grade III CHD complexity (odds ratio 9.43; 1.44 to 11.7; p = 0.001) were predictors of non-CTI-related IART. In conclusion, in our population with a high proportion of complex CHD, CTI-related IART was the most frequent mechanism, although non-CTI-related IART was present in 49% (alone or with concomitant CTI-related IART). High-grade CHD complexity and nontypical ECG were strongly related to non-CTI IART.

BACKGROUND: Repeated implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapies cause myocardial damage and, thus, an increased risk of arrhythmias and mortality. HYPOTHESIS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy–defibrillator (CRT‐D) reduces the number of appropriate therapies in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 35% at the end of follow‐up had a significantly lower risk of receiving a first appropriate therapy relative to those with an ICD (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.83, P = 0.025), independently of ischemic cardiomyopathy, baseline LVEF, and secondary prevention. There were no differences in mortality between the ICD and the CRT‐D groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients receiving CRT‐D had a worse clinical profile, they received fewer device therapies in comparison with those receiving an ICD. This reduction is associated with a significant improvement in LVEF.

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcomes after intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART) ablation in congenital heart disease (CHD). Background IART increases morbidity and mortality in CHD patients. Radiofrequency catheter ablation has evolved into the first-line treatment of this complication. Methods This was a prospective, single-center study of all consecutive CHD patients who underwent first ablation for IART from January 2009 to December 2015 (n = 94, 39.4% female, age 36.55 ± 14.9 years, follow-up 44.45 ± 22.7 months). Results During the study period, 130 procedures were performed (n = 94, 1.21 ± 0.41 IART/patient). In the first procedure, 114 IART were ablated (short-term success 74.66%). Forty-nine percent of the patients whose IART was ablated had non-cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)–related IART (alone or with concomitant CTI IART). After the first ablation, 54.3% maintained sinus rhythm (SR), 23.9% presented with recurrence of the ablated IART, 14.2% developed new IART, and 7.6% presented with atrial fibrillation (AF). After the second radiofrequency catheter ablation, 78.3% were in SR, 8.7% presented with AF, and 23.0% presented with IART (50% new IART). Multivariate predictors of recurrences were non-CTI IART (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6 to 15.9; p = 0.006), PR interval >200 ms (HR: 4.02; 95% CI: 1.9 to 11.3; p = 0.009), AF induction (HR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.1 to 9.1; p = 0.04). and previous AF (HR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.1 to 9.3; p = 0.04). A risk score according multivariate model identified 3 levels of recurrence risk: 5.8%, 20%, and 58.5% (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.8 ± 0.03; p Conclusions Ablation of IART in CHD is a challenging procedure, but after ablation in experienced centers, SR can be maintained in 78.3%. Predictors of recurrences are non-CTI–related IART, long PR interval, and previous or induced AF. A risk score based on these factors can be useful for recurrence prediction.

Background A prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) is only indicated when left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reassessment remains ≤35% after 3–6 months on optimal pharmacological therapy. However, LVEF may not improve during this period and the patient may be exposed to an unnecessary risk of sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of the absence of left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) after pharmacological treatment optimization in patients with HFrEF to design a risk score of absence of LVRR. Methods Consecutive outpatients with LVEF ≤35% were included in this observational prospective study. Up-titration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and ivabradine was performed in our Heart Failure (HF) Unit. The absence of LVRR was defined as the persistence of an LVEF ≤35% at the 6-month follow-up. Results One hundred and twenty patients were included. At the 6-month follow-up, 64%, 76%, 72%, and 7% of patients were at 100% of the target dose of ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, MRAs, and ivabradine, respectively. LVRR was observed in 48% of the patients. Ischemic cardiomyopathy, prolonged HF duration, and larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI) were independent predictors of the absence of LVRR. The risk score based on these predictors showed a c-statistic value of 0.81. Conclusions Pharmacological treatment optimization is associated with LVRR in approximately half of cases, reducing potential ICD indications in parallel. However, ischemic cardiomyopathy, prolonged HF duration, and larger LVEDDI predict the absence of LVRR and favor ICD implantation without delay. The risk score based on the former predictors may help the clinician with the timing of ICD implantation.