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The Reiwa First Year East Japan Typhoon of 2019 caused a torrential flood in Japan. In Nagano City, a large area was flooded due to the collapse of the Chikuma River embankment. After large-scale disasters, an increase in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events has been reported on account of the stressful conditions. However, few reports of disaster-related diseases associated with flood damage have been described. Thus, our aim was to elucidate the effect of floods on the incidences of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in Nagano City.The Shinshu Assessment of Flood Disaster Cardiovascular Events (SAVE) trial enrolled 2,426 patients admitted for cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases at all five hospitals with an emergency department in Nagano City from October 1 to December 31 in the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. The occurrence of these diseases was calculated in every 2 weeks and the findings of 2019 (year of the flood) were compared with those of 2017 and 2018.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases significantly increased during the 2 weeks immediately after the flood disaster (149 in 2019 vs average of 116.5 in the previous 2 years, p 0.05). Unstable angina cases significantly increased 1.5-2 months after the flood disaster, and cerebral hemorrhage cases significantly increased in the 2 weeks after the flood disaster.Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events increased significantly during the 2 weeks immediately after the large-scale flood disaster caused by the Reiwa First Year East Japan typhoon. Because of the increasing frequency of flood disasters, it is necessary to predict the occurrences of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and to implement guidelines for their appropriate and timely management.

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) has been established as a useful resource to evaluate inflammation and malnutrition and predict prognosis in several cancers. However, its prognostic significance in patients with heart failure (HF) is not well established. To investigate the association between the GPS and mortality in patients with HF, we assessed 870 patients who were 20 years old and more and had been admitted for acute decompensated HF. The GPS ranged from 0 to 2 points as previously reported. Over the 18-month follow-up (follow-up rate, 83.9%), 143 patients died. Increasing GPS was associated with higher HF severity assessed by New York Heart Association functional class and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant associations for mortality and increased GPS. In multivariate analysis, compared to the GPS 0 group, the GPS 2 group was associated with high mortality (hazard ratio 2.92, 95% confidence interval 1.77–4.81, p

An inverse correlation between body mass index and mortality in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been reported. However, little information is available regarding the impact of body composition on the clinical outcomes in patients with PAD. This study evaluated the relationships between the lean body mass index (LBMI), body fat % (BF%), and mortality and major amputation rate in patients with PAD. We evaluated 320 patients with PAD after endovascular treatment (EVT) enrolled from August 2015 to July 2016 and divided them into low and high LBMI and BF% groups based on their median values (17.47 kg/m2and 22.07%, respectively). We assessed 3-year mortality and major amputation for the following patient groups: Low LBMI/Low BF%, Low LBMI/High BF%, High LBMI/Low BF%, and High LBMI/High BF%. During the median 3.1-year follow-up period, 70 (21.9%) patients died and 9 (2.9%) patients experienced major amputation. The survival rate was lower in the Low LBMI than in the High LBMI group, and was not significantly different between the Low and High BF% groups. Survival rates were lowest in the Low LBMI/Low BF% group (57.5%) and highest in the High LBMI/High BF% group (94.4%). There were no significant differences in major amputation rate between the Low LBMI and High LBMI groups, and between the Low BF% and High BF% groups. The Low LBMI and Low BF% groups were associated with an increased risk of mortality after adjustment for age, sex, frailty and conventional risk factors [hazard ratio (HR): 4.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10–7.70;p p = 0.005, respectively], for age, sex, hemodialysis, and prior cerebral cardiovascular disease (HR: 3.63; 95% CI 1.93–6.82;p p = 0.009, respectively) and for age, sex, and laboratory date (HR: 3.97; 95% CI 1.88–8.37;p p = 0.026, respectively). In conclusion, Low LBMI and Low BF% were associated with poor prognosis in patients undergoing EVT for PAD, and mortality was the lowest in the High LBMI/High BF% group compared with other body composition groups.

Background Understanding patient journey and burden of disease in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) helps improve diagnostic and treatment processes. Objectives This study aimed to explore patient journey from time of disease onset to a definitive diagnosis and disease burden in Japanese patients with CTEPH. Methods A mixed-methods study exploring patient journey and disease burden of 33 Japanese patients with a definitive diagnosis of CTEPH. The patients from 2 university hospitals underwent semistructured interviews. Data were transcribed into verbatim records, and 2 independent researchers conducted thematic analyses. Data concerning patient journey were also analyzed quantitatively with supplementary use of medical records. Results Median times from initial onset of symptoms to a confirmed diagnosis and first visitation to a medical institution to a definitive diagnosis of CTEPH were 32 and 20 months, respectively. Thematic analyses found that, for patients, reasons for delay in seeking initial consultations included misattribution of symptoms to aging or lack of physical strength. For healthcare providers, reasons for delays in diagnosis included poor recognition of CTEPH and difficulty in recalling the disease as a differential diagnosis. Burdens of CTEPH were caused by physical symptoms, and mental and social issues, including restriction of daily activities owing to oxygen therapy, disappointment with the intractable nature of the disease, poor understanding of the disease by other people, and lack of social networks. Conclusions This study highlighted physical, mental, and social burdens in patients with CTEPH and possible missed opportunities in making the diagnosis of CTEPH during the patient journey. Increasing disease awareness in healthcare providers and networking among patients may contribute to better patient care.

The incidence of Dressler’s syndrome after myocardial infarction (MI) has decreased in the reperfusion therapy era. Although guidelines recommend high-dose aspirin for treatment based on evidence from the pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (pre-PCI) era, bleeding and thrombotic concerns occurred upon aspirin administration after coronary stenting. A 69-year-old man with recent MI was admitted to our hospital. The patient presented with chest pain 1 week before admission. Electrocardiography revealed newly detected atrial fibrillation with no ST segment change. Urgent coronary angiography demonstrated a left circumflex artery occlusion. He underwent PCI, and a sirolimus-eluting stent was deployed. Aspirin, prasugrel, and apixaban were administered. However, hospital discharge was delayed because he developed heart failure during hospitalization. Twenty-three days after admission, he developed a fever of >39 °C. Electrocardiography showed anterior ST segment elevation, and echocardiography revealed a 6-mm pericardial effusion. We diagnosed the patient with Dressler’s syndrome, and colchicine 0.5 mg/day + acetaminophen 2000 mg/day were administered. His condition clinically improved after treatment and he was discharged 32 days after admission. There was hesitation about administration of high-dose aspirin in a patient who has undergone recent coronary stenting. Combination therapy of colchicine and acetaminophen could be a treatment option for Dressler’s syndrome.

Aims A sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor was recently found to reduce heart failure hospitalization in the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial. We have hypothesized that autonomic nerve activity may be modulated by SGLT2 inhibition. The current study aims to investigate the impact of empagliflozin on sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods and results This ongoing study is a prospective, randomized, open‐label, multicentre investigation of 134 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients are randomly allocated to receive either empagliflozin or sitagliptin with the treatment goal of the Japan Diabetes Society guidelines. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring is performed at the baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Analyses of heart rate variability are conducted using the MemCalc method, which is a combination of the maximum entropy method for spectral analysis and the non‐linear least squares method for square analysis. The primary endpoint is the change in the low‐frequency (0.04–0.15 Hz)/high‐frequency (0.15–0.4 Hz) ratio from baseline to 24 weeks. Conclusions This investigation on the effect of EMPagliflozin on cardiac sYmpathetic and parasympathetic neRve activity in JapanEse pAtieNts with type 2 diabetes (EMPYREAN study) offers an important opportunity to understand the impact of SGLT2 inhibition on autonomic nerve activity in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aims This study aims to investigate the prognostic impact of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on cardiovascular events in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%). Methods and results A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted in Nagano prefecture, Japan, between July 2014 and December 2018 that contained 518 consecutive HFpEF patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (HF). The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and HF readmission. We compared the incidence of cardiovascular events between patients who were prescribed with MRAs and those who were not in a propensity score matched cohort using a Cox proportional hazards regression model with a propensity score derived from 23 baseline variables. For sensitivity analysis, we conducted Cox proportional hazards regression models for the primary outcome adjusting for 16 clinically relevant variables in the crude cohort. The median age was 83 years, and 53% were female. The median left ventricular ejection fraction was 61%. During a median follow‐up of 553 days, the primary outcome occurred in 192 (37%) patients. MRAs were used in 255 (49%) patients. After analysis, a matched cohort consisting of 370 patients was created. After propensity score matching, the baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. The incidence of the primary outcome was significantly lower in MRA users than in non‐users [32% (59/185) vs. 49% (90/185); hazard ratio (HR) 0.669, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.482–0.929, P = 0.016]. The incidence of cardiovascular death was also significantly lower in the MRA users [11% (21/185) vs. 22% (41/185); HR, 0.563; 95% CI, 0.333–0.953; P = 0.032]. The risk of HF readmission tended to be lower in the MRA users [29% (54/185) vs. 41% (75/185); HR, 0.738; 95% CI, 0.520–1.048; P = 0.089]. MRA use was also associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome after Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for 16 clinically relevant variables in the crude cohort (HR, 0.710; 95% CI 0.507–0.995; P = 0.047). Conclusions Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use was significantly associated with a lower risk of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death and HF readmission in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HFpEF. The incidence of cardiovascular mortality was also significantly lower in these patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the early vascular response of ultra-thin strut bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP SES) using optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). Ultra-thin strut BP SES have superior outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety endpoints when compared to other thin strut new-generation stents. However, the factors contributing to the superiority of BP SES over other thin strut new-generation stents are unclear. A total of 32 patients with multivessel disease requiring staged procedures at 1 month were enrolled from 3 cardiovascular institutions; of these, 31 were immediately assessed by OFDI (n = 31). All patients were assessed at 1 month after ultra-thin strut BP SES implantation. The primary endpoint was % of uncovered struts. A total of 1723 cross sections (17,014 struts) were analyzed at baseline and 1 month after percutaneous coronary intervention. The % uncovered struts at 1-month follow-up was 7.7% (4.0, 13.8). Furthermore, the covered strut % (88.4% and 80.4%, P = 0.013) and malapposition rate (2.7% and 4.3%, P = 0.012) were significantly different between the 60-μm and 80-μm stents. Ultra-thin strut BP SES implantation may feasibly achieve early vascular responses due to the ultra-thin struts. This may ultimately lead to lower stent thrombosis and target lesion failure rates. Clinical trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (No. UMIN000033406).

Nutritional status is a novel approach to prognostic assessment in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, assessment of nutritional status in elderly patients is challenging due to the significant differences between young patients. The TCBI (Triglycerides × Total cholesterol × Body Weight Index) is a novel and simple nutritional index for predicting long-term outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of TCBI in 597 elderly (≥ 75 years) patients enrolled in the SHINANO 5 year registry. The SHINANO 5 year registry, a prospective observational multicenter cohort study, had enrolled 1501 consecutive patients who underwent elective/urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, patients were categorized into TCBI quartile groups. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including all-cause death, stroke, and myocardial infarction at 5 year. The mean duration of follow up was 4.3 ± 1.7 years. The average patient age was 80.9 ± 4.3 years. MACCE was observed in 61 (40.9%) patients in the lowest TCBI quartile group. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between MACCE and TCBI (log-lank P

Little is known about the impact of changes in body mass index (BMI) after the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on long-term outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, this study aimed to clarify this issue. We investigated data on CAD obtained from the SHINANO Registry, a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study, from 2012 to 2013 in Nagano, Japan. One year after PCI, the enrolled patients were divided into the following three groups based on changes in BMI by tertiles: reduced, maintained, and elevated BMI. The associations among the groups and the 4-year outcomes [major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), all-cause death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, and stroke] were examined. Five hundred seventy-two patients were divided into the reduced, maintained, and elevated BMI groups. Over the 4-year follow-up period, the cumulative incidence of MACEs was 10.5% (60 cases). In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the incidence rates of MACE were significantly higher in the reduced BMI group than in the maintained and elevated BMI groups [17.7% versus (vs.) 7.3% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.004]. Multivariable cox regression analysis showed that the reduced group showed increased risks of MACEs (hazard ratio 2.15; 95% confidence interval 1.29–3.57; p = 0.003). The long-term clinical outcomes of patients with CAD who underwent PCI were affected by the reduction in BMI after PCI. Furthermore, the elevation of BMI after PCI was not a poor prognostic factor.

Prediction of short-term mortality in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) would be useful for clinicians when discussing HF management or palliative care.A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between July 2014 and July 2018. A total of 504 consecutive elderly patients (age ≥ 75 years) with HF (mean age 85 years, 50% women) were enrolled. We used a multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable selection to select predictive variables and to determine weighted point scores. After analysis, the following variables predicted short-term mortality and comprised the risk score: previous HF admission (3 points), New York Heart Association III or IV (2 points), body mass index < 17.7 kg/m2 (4 points), serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL (9 points), and left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% (2 points). The c-statistic was 0.820. We compared mortality in low-risk (0-6 points, n = 188), intermediate-risk (7-13 points, n = 241), and high-risk (14-20 points, n = 75) groups. A total of 43 (8.5%) patients died within 6 months after discharge. Mortality was significantly higher in groups with higher scores (low-risk group, 0.5%; intermediate-risk group, 9.1%; high-risk group, 26.7%; P < 0.001).We developed a predictive model for 6-month mortality in elderly patients with HF. This risk score could be useful when discussing advanced HF therapies, palliative care, or hospice referral with patients.

The prognostic significance of resting heart rate (HR) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is unclear, and there are no recommendations about the optimal HR in patients with HF in the current guidelines. Thus, we aimed to identify the relationship between resting HR and mortality in AF patients with HFrEF. A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between July 2014 and December 2018. We enrolled consecutive 144 AF patients with HFrEF (mean age 75 years, 34% female). The primary endpoint was all-cause death. We compared the outcomes between the high HR group (HR81 beats per minute [bpm], interquartile range [IQR] of HR ≥ 67%, n = 50), and the low HR group (HR ≤ 81 bpm, IQR of HR67%, n = 94). During a median follow-up of 538 days, the primary endpoint occurred in 41 (28.5%) patients. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, high HR was associated with a progressively increased risk of mortality (log-rank test, p = 0.034). After multivariate Cox regression analysis, high HR predicted all-cause death after adjusting for age, sex, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, LVEF, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, digoxin, amiodarone, and calcium channel blockers (hazard ratio, 1.979; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-3.898; p = 0.048). Resting HR81 bpm at discharge had a significantly higher risk of death compared with HR ≤ 81 bpm in AF patients with HFrEF.

Acute lymphocytic myocarditis in pregnancy is rare, with no established management guidelines to date. A 40-year-old woman at 34 weeks of gestation complained of shortness of breath upon exertion. An electrocardiogram revealed broad ST elevation, and echocardiography showed diffuse impairment of left ventricular contractility. The patient was immediately transferred to our hospital for suspected takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We considered myocarditis based on the patient’s prior cold-like symptoms and additional examination. Myocardial biopsy revealed lymphocyte infiltration, which confirmed acute lymphocytic myocarditis. Although there were no signs of heart failure or conduction disturbance under catecholamine, her hemodynamics were weak. Emergency cesarean section was performed because of possible hemodynamic failure during the remaining course of pregnancy. Both the mother and baby were discharged without any subsequent events. If acute myocarditis is suspected during pregnancy, prompt myocardial biopsy is crucial for timely pathological diagnosis and treatment decisions. Clinicians should consider premature delivery prior to a possible failure in maternal hemodynamics.

Background Polypharmacy would be associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods In 863 patients who discharged after treatment for HF were prospectively enrolled. Number of tablets prescribed at discharge was counted. Death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and hospitalization for HF were tracked. Results In our study cohort (median age, 78), 447 patients experienced adverse events during median 503 days follow-up. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, a greater number of prescribed tablets was associated with future adverse cardiac events in the crude population. Although patients with the greater number of non-HF medications showed worse outcome, those of HF medications were not associate with the outcome (Figure). Furthermore, the number of tablets was an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events after adjustment for age, gender, B-type natriuretic peptide, hemoglobin, albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 95% CI: 1.295 (1.066–1.573), p=0.009). Conclusions Polypharmacy was associated with poor prognosis. Although the numbers of tablets and non-HF medications were significantly associated with worse out come in HF patients, the number of HF medications was not. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Metabolic disorders are important pathophysiologies that can cause multiple organ dysfunction and worsen prognosis in Fontan patients. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the metabolomic profile of adult Fontan patients and characterize its pathophysiology in relation to 2 control groups. Methods and Results We performed metabolomic analysis of 31 plasma samples using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This observational cross-sectional study compared plasma metabolites of 14 heterogeneous adult Fontan patients with those of control groups, including 9 patients with congenital heart disease after biventricular repair and 8 normal healthy controls. Fontan patients exhibited significant differences in intermediate metabolite concentrations related to glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the urea cycle. The plasma concentrations of lactic acid, 2-oxoglutarate, isocitric acid, malic acid, cis-aconitic acid, arginine, citrulline, and the ratio of ornithine/citrulline showed significantly differences among the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a stepwise selection-elimination method identified 2-oxoglutaric acid (odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–3.76) and cis-aconitic acid (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.04–6.99) as independently associated with Fontan patients. After adjustment for the covariates of age and gender, 2-oxoglutaric acid (OR 1.97, 95% CI 0.98–3.93) and cis-aconitic acid (OR 3.88, 95% CI 0.99–15.2) showed remarkable relationships with Fontan patients. Conclusions The present findings suggest that abnormalities in the TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism are distinguishing features in the pathophysiology of Fontan patients. Future metabolomic studies will assist in developing biomarkers for the early prediction of “silent” Fontan pathophysiologies.

An 80-year-old man with a history of dilated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy received a dual-chamber pacemaker for sick sinus syndrome and atrioventricular block in February 2010. On May 30, 2019, he developed pocket erosion, with streaks of pus exuding from the pocket. The pacemaker generator was removed, although both capping leads were left buried under the skin, and a leadless pacemaker was implanted into the right ventricular (RV) apex the next day. Blood and pus cultures on July 15, 2019 indicated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient was transferred to our hospital for simultaneous removal of both devices in August 2019. The RV lead and right atrial lead were extracted using a laser sheath and a mechanical sheath. A 23 Fr MICRA® sheath was inserted from the right femoral vein to accommodate an 8.5 Fr Agillis sheath. An Osypka LASSO snare catheter was advanced through the sheath to catch the distal aspect of the MICRA® body. Finally, the MICRA® device was completely removed through the sheath. Culture results for the lead tip and MICRA® were both MRSA positive. This is the first report of late-phase simultaneous infection of abandoned leads and implanted leadless cardiac pacemaker extraction.

BackgroundTreatment options for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remain limited. Selexipag, an oral selective IP prostacyclin receptor agonist approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension, is a potential treatment option for CTEPH.MethodsIn this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 78 Japanese patients with inoperable CTEPH or persistent/recurrent pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty were randomly assigned to receive placebo or selexipag. The primary end-point was the change in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) from baseline to week 20. Secondary end-points were changes in other haemodynamic parameters: 6-min walk distance (6MWD), Borg dyspnoea scale score, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, EuroQol five-dimension five-level tool and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide.ResultsThe change in PVR was −98.2±111.3 dyn·s·cm−5 and −4.6±163.6 dyn·s·cm−5 in the selexipag and placebo groups, respectively (mean difference −93.5 dyn·s·cm−5; 95% CI −156.8 to −30.3; p=0.006). The changes in cardiac index (pConclusionSelexipag significantly improved PVR and other haemodynamic variables in patients with CTEPH, although exercise capacity remained unchanged. Further large-scale investigation is necessary to prove the role of selexipag in CTEPH.

A 45‐year‐old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was admitted to our hospital for hot balloon ablation. At admission, atrial tachycardia (AT) was observed. Activation map showed focal atrial tachycardia originating from the posterior wall of the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) antrum. We performed hot balloon ablation at the LSPV antrum, terminated AT, and performed pulmonary vein isolation with a hot balloon. The hot balloon was successfully applied for the ablation of the focal atrial tachycardia from the pulmonary vein., Hot balloon was successfully applied for the ablation of the focal atrial tachycardia from the left superior pulmonary vein.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are often used to treat deep vein thrombosis. IVC filters may become difficult to extract because of adhesion around the device, and those permanently left inside the patient may cause injurious complications. We describe a novel IVC filter extraction technique using pacemaker lead extraction tools. A 26-year-old woman, diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis by computed tomography, received an IVC filter (Gunther Tulip, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) implantation for prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism. Eleven weeks later, extraction of the IVC filter by a manual method and snaring technique was unsuccessful because of adhesion to the blood vessel wall. The patient was referred to our hospital for filter removal using pacemaker lead extraction tools. Extraction was performed in an operation room under general anesthesia in the presence of a cardiovascular surgeon, to manage inadvertent perforation. Part of the adhered tissue around the four limbs of the filter was dissected using a 12 Fr laser sheath; protruding anchors were carefully dissected with a telescoping mechanical sheath using a counter-traction technique. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged without complications. A sophisticated removal procedure with pacemaker lead extraction tools can be used to remove problematic IVC filters.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We enrolled consecutive patients admitted to Shinshu University Hospital for HF treatment between July 2014 and March 2017 and stratified them into HF with reduced ejection fraction and HFpEF groups (left ventricular ejection fraction

Background: Clinical evidence of the effects of loop diuretics in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is lacking. Thus, we compared the impact of azosemide and furosemide, long- and short-acting loop diuretics, in patients with HFpEF. Methods and Results: A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between July 2014 and July 2018. We enrolled 301 consecutive patients with HFpEF (median age, 84 years; IQR, 79-88 years; 54.8% female). Azosemide was used in 127 patients (azosemide group), and furosemide in 174 (furosemide group). We constructed Cox models for a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and HF hospitalization (primary endpoints). During a median follow-up of 317 days (IQR, 174-734 days), the primary endpoint occurred in 112 patients (37.2%). On multivariate inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) Cox modeling, the azosemide group had a significantly lower incidence of adverse events than the furosemide group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-0.80; P=0.006). Furthermore, on multivariate IPTW Cox modeling for the secondary endpoints, cardiac death (HR, 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17-0.89; P=0.025) and unplanned hospitalization for decompensated HF (HR, 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28-0.89; P=0.018) were also reduced in the azosemide group. Conclusions: Azosemide significantly reduced the risk of adverse events compared with furosemide in HFpEF patients.

Background Despite the best efforts of pediatricians, healthcare for adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD) has proven challenging because of the increased numbers. This study presents the process of establishing an ACHD care system as a collaborative effort between Shinshu University Hospital and Nagano Children's Hospital. Methods and Results: Establishing an outpatient clinic for transition, a cooperation agreement for in-patient care between the 2 hospitals, and quality management of diagnostic imaging and educational meetings for adult cardiologists were the 3 major challenges. Of the 99 patients who visited the transition clinic in the children's hospital between May 2014 and December 2016, 3 returned to the pediatrician's clinic. Between June 2013 and December 2017, 273 patients visited the ACHD center in Shinshu University Hospital. Until December 2017, mortality and fatal arrhythmia were noted in 3 and 2 cases, respectively. Catheter ablation for arrhythmia was performed in 12 cases, and 4 cases of pregnancy with moderate/severe ACHD or estimated as high risk were managed with healthy livebirths. Surgical interventions for moderate/severe ACHD were performed in collaboration with the children's hospital or Sakakibara Heart Institute. Conclusions Patients were successfully transferred to adult cardiology departments. Surgical and nonsurgical interventions for ACHD were provided. Collaboration between adult and pediatric cardiologists assists in the establishment of healthcare systems for ACHD.

A 29-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to diagnosis of pregnancy at 5 weeks and a day. She underwent valve replacement with mechanical heart valve (MHV: SJM valve) for congenital mitral valve regurgitation, when 11 years old. Warfarin 4 mg was used for anticoagulation. After admission, warfarin was replaced by unfractionated heparin (UFH). She developed exertional dyspnea at 8 weeks of pregnancy. Echocardiogram and fluoroscopy showed an immobile leaflet in the closed position. She was diagnosed with mechanical valve thrombosis. Cardiac surgery or thrombolytic therapy (TT) were treatment options. TT is not established, but is reported to be safer than cardiac surgery. Recently, low-dose, slow infusion of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy showed acceptable results. About 2.5 h after an intravenous injection of rt-PA, diastolic rumble improved to the normal range of leaflet. Thereafter, warfarin was restarted and there was no recurrence of symptoms and no abortion. She was readmitted for the scheduled Caesarean section (CS) at 32 weeks of pregnancy, and warfarin was replaced with UFH. At 34 weeks of pregnancy, a baby was delivered by CS. She suffered hemostasis after surgery under the anticoagulation. Postoperative day 31, both mother and a child were healthy and left the hospital.

Although systolic blood pressure (SBP) is routinely considered when treating acute heart failure (HF), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is hardly been assessed in the situation. There are no previous studies regarding the predictive value of DBP in elderly patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in Japan. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of DBP in patients with acute decompensated HFpEF. We analyzed data of all HFpEF patients admitted to Shinonoi General Hospital for HF treatment between July 2016 and December 2018. We excluded patients with acute coronary syndrome and severe valvular disease. Patients were divided into two groups according to their median DBP; the low DBP group (DBP ≤ 77 mmHg, n = 106) and the high DBP group (DBP > 77 mmHg, n = 100). The primary outcome was HF readmission. In 206 enrolled patients (median 86 years), during a median follow-up of 302 days, the primary outcome occurred in 48 patients. The incidence of HF readmission was significantly higher in the low DBP group (33.0% vs 18.5%, p = 0.024). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, low DBP predicted HF readmission (Log-rank test, p = 0.013). In Cox proportional hazard analysis, low DBP was an independent predictor of HF readmission after adjustment for age, sex, SBP, hemoglobin, serum albumin, serum creatinine, B-type natriuretic peptide, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, left ventricular ejection fraction, coronary artery disease, and whether they live alone (hazard ratio, 2.229; 95% confidence interval, 1.021–4.867; p = 0.044). Low DBP predicted HF readmission in patients with HFpEF.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between abdominal fat distribution (AFD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) complexities using the computed tomography (CT)-derived SYNTAX score (CT-SXscore). Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) was performed in patients with suspected CAD. Plain abdominal CT was performed to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas. To assess AFD, VAT/SAT (V/S) ratios were calculated. The CT-SXscore was calculated in patients with significant stenoses assessed by CCTA. Of 942 enrolled patients, 310 (32.9%) had 1 or more significant stenoses. The CT-SXscore showed a positive correlation with the V/S ratio (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, the V/S ratio was the only independent predictor for CAD severity based on the CT-SXscore (β = 0.25; t = 4.14; p < 0.001), even though the absolute SAT and VAT areas showed no relationship to the CT-SXscore. Regarding the 4 CAD-patient groups divided according to their median VAT and SAT areas, the CT-SXscore was significantly higher for the high VAT/low SAT group than for any other group (19.6 ± 11.5 vs 13.3 ± 9.6 in the low VAT/low SAT, 10.1 ± 8.5 in the low VAT/high SAT, and 12.2 ± 8.7 in the high VAT/high SAT groups; p < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, it was found that the V/S ratio is a useful index for predicting CAD severity and that AFD may be a more important risk factor for CAD than the absolute amount of each abdominal fat.

Background Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) preparations are used for patients with granulocytopenia, especially to prevent febrile neutropenia. Arteritis has been recognized as a side effect of G-CSF treatment; however, there are no clear diagnostic criteria or treatment guidelines because not enough cases have been reported. Present case showed one of the diagnostic and treatment selection methods via multiple imaging modality including vascular echography. Case summary A 52-year-old woman underwent chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and received G-CSF because of myelosuppression. The patient experienced high and remittent fever that persisted during treatment using antibiotics and acetaminophen. Enhanced computed tomography revealed thickening of the tissue around the aortic arch and abdominal aorta. Echography of the abdominal aorta revealed thickening of the wall and a hypoechoic region around the aorta. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography also revealed that the inflammation was localized to the lesion. A suspicion of G-CSF-associated aortitis was based on the patient’s history and the exclusion of other diseases that might have caused the aortitis. Her condition rapidly improved after starting corticosteroid treatment. Discussion The differential diagnosis in similar cases should consider immune diseases that cause large-vessel arteritis (Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, and another vasculitis), infection, drug-induced disease, and immunoglobulin G4-related disease. The use of different imaging modalities, including vascular echography, helped guide the diagnosis and follow-up. It is necessary to evaluate the patient’s general condition before the selection of treatments.

Background Sarcopenia and malnutrition are associated with mortality in elderly patients with heart failure (HF). However, impact of phenotypic difference of sarcopenia on mortality is not well investigated. We hypothesized that evaluation using both body mass index (BMI) and free-fat mass index (FFMI) enabled distinction of phenotypic difference of sarcopenia and risk stratification for mortality in elderly patients with heart failure. Methods In 800 patients who discharged after treatment for HF were prospectively enrolled from 13 medical centers. Body mass index and FFMI was evaluated. Free-fat mass index was calculated dividing the square of the patients' heights in meters into lean body mass. All-cause mortality was followed-up. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to BMI and FFMI values, and compared incidence of mortality among them. Results In our study cohort (median age, 78 [range 72–87]), BMI was 21.1 [18.9, 23.8] and FFMI was 16.7 [15.2, 18.0]. 211 patients were experienced all-cause mortality during 631 [266, 983] days follow-up. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, lower BMI and lower FFMI was associated with all-cause mortality (Log-rank p Conclusions Phenotypic difference was evident in elderly patients with HF. A combination of BMI and FFMI would be useful for risk stratification of mortality in those patients. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Free-Fat Mass Index (FFMI) is an indicator of malnutrition and sarcopenia. We hypothesized that low FFMI would be associated with worse prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure. Methods In 800 patients who discharged after treatment for HF were prospectively enrolled from 13 medical centers. Free-Fat Mass Index was calculated dividing the square of the patients heights in meters into lean body mass. All-cause mortality (cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular) was followed-up by telephone interview and chart review. Results In our study cohort (median age, 78 [range 72–87]), FFMI was 16.7 [15.2, 18.0]. All-cause mortality was observed in 211 patients during 631 [266, 983] days follow-up. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, lower FFMI was associated with all-cause mortality. Furthermore, FFMI was an independent predictor of mortality after adjustment for age, gender, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, brain natriuretic peptide, and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 95% CI: 0.841 (0.745–0.944), p=0.004). In subgroup analysis, low FFMI was associated with both cardiac and non-cardiac mortality in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (Log-rank p=0.002, p=0.013, respectively) (Figure). Furthermore, low FFMI was significantly associated non-cardiac death in patients with preserved EF (Log-rank p=0.033) (Figure). Conclusions Free-Fat Mass Index was significantly associated with mortality in elderly patients with HF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Hyperuricemia (≥7.0 mg / dl) is known to be one of the risks of arteriosclerosis. For a long time, it has been said that metabolic syndrome and high-BMI has been implicated to hyperuricemia and also that it's a consequence of those patient background, not a cause of arteriosclerosis. Now, the accumulation of data about hyperurisemia is still not enough. Also the importance of secondary prevention for patients after endovascular treatment (EVT) is still unclear too. Purpose To investigate the impact of hyperuricemia on prognosis of all patients and low-BMI patients after EVT. Methods From July 2015 to July 2016, 335 consecutive PAD patients who performed EVT were enrolled in I-PAD registry. And we divided them into 2 groups; with hyperuricemia or not, and analyzed them. In addition to that, among them, we selected 245 low-BMI patients ( Result At 3 years in the patients group with hyperuricemia, overall survival and freedom from MACLE were significantly lower (57.7% vs 83.4% P=0.0012; 30.3% vs 68.6% P=0.0095) than the group without hyperuricemia. Even among the low-BMI patients, in the patients with hyperuricemia, overall survival and freedom from MACLE were significantly lower (55.2% vs 77.1% P=0.003; 48.2% vs 69.9% P=0.002) than the patients without hyperuricemia at 3 years. Conclusion In this study, the prognosis of patients after EVT with hyperuricemia was worse than the patient without. And even among the low-BMI patients, The prognosis after EVT with hyperuricemia was worse than the patient without. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) for cardiac implantable electric device (CIED) infection is becoming increasingly common, but is believed to be particularly risky in elderly patients. This study aimed to clarify the safety and effectiveness of TLE in the elderly, evaluating the use of both non-laser and laser extraction tools. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics, device type, indications, procedures, and clinical results in younger (YG; age: 15–79 years; n = 48) and elderly groups (EG; age: ≥ 80 years; n = 27) of patients who underwent percutaneous TLE between April 2014 and December 2019 at our hospital. The average age was 68 and 88 years in the YG and EG, respectively. Indications for TLE were infection in 33 (68.8%) patients and other in 15 (30.6%) patients in the YG, and infection in all 27 (100%) EG patients. Bloodstream infection was detected in 9 and 4 patients in the YG and EG, respectively, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common causative pathogen. All TLE procedures were performed under general anesthesia in an operating room with cardiovascular surgeon backup. An excimer laser sheath (76 leads), a laser followed by a mechanical sheath (45 leads), Evolution RL® (17 leads), a mechanical sheath (9 leads), and manual traction (one lead) were employed to extract a total of 148 leads (98 and 50 in the YG and EG, respectively). A mechanical sheath or Evolution RL® was more frequently used in the YG. The respective average implantation durations in the YG and EG were 5.3 and 5.0 years, respectively, which were comparable (p = 0.46). Procedural success rates were identical between the YG and EG (99% vs. 100%, respectively). There was only one procedure-related complication in the entire cohort (cardiac tamponade in a YG patient). Taken together, the success rates of TLE were high in the EG, with no complications, with extraction being the indication for infection in all EG patients. Percutaneous TLE was safe and effective in elderly patients using both non-laser and laser techniques.

BackgroundThe composite Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Excluding International Normalized Ratio Score (MELD-XI) is a novel tool to evaluate cardio-renal and cardio-hepatic interactions in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). However, its prognostic ability remains unclear in elderly HF patients.Methods and resultsFrom July 2014 to July 2018, patients hospitalized for HF were prospectively recruited at 16 centers. Clinical features, laboratory findings, and echocardiography results were assessed prior to discharge. Cardiovascular (CV) death and HF re-hospitalization were recorded. Of the 676 patients enrolled, 264 (39.1%) experienced CV events throughout a 1-year median follow-up period. Patients with high MELD-XI were predominantly male and had a higher prevalence of NYHA III/IV, history of HF admission, hyperuricemia, ventricular tachycardia, anemia, and ischemic heart disease. In Kaplan-Meyer analysis, patients with higher MELD-XI (≥11) scores showed a worse prognosis than did those with lower (ConclusionsCardio-renal and cardio-hepatic interactions predicted CV events in aged HF patients.

Funding Acknowledgements Abbott Medical Japan, Medtronic Japan, Boston Scientific Japan, Biotronic Japan, Japan Life Line Background / Introduction Although sick sinus syndrome(SSS) can be associated with atrial fibrillation(AF), predictive factors of SSS following catheter ablation(CA) of persistent atrial fibrillation(perAF) are not well known. Purpose We investigated echocardiographic parameters to predict occurrence of SSS after restoration of sinus rhythm by CA for perAF patients. Methods Ninety-eight consecutive perAF patients from June 2014 to May 2018 treated with CA were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve patients(12%, SSS group) developed SSS after successful CA and 86 patients(88%, non-SSS group) did not. Baseline characteristics, blood exam, and echocardiographic findings(RA area size, LA area size, EF, etc) before AF CA were analyzed using Student’s t test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test and Univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic analysis was then performed using those parameters. The atrial area size was calculated from 4 chamber view at the atrial end- systole. Results The multivariate analysis for predictive factors of SSS is shown in the table. Right atrium(RA) area could predict SSS(17.3 ± 4.8cm2 vs. 14.7 ± 3.6cm2, odds ratio 1.468; 95% confidence interval 1.088 to 1.981, p = 0.012). Gender (female) was also an independent predictor(4/12 (33%) vs. 8/86 (9%), odds ratio 39.832; 95% confidence interval 2.589 to 612.938, p = 0.008). The other echocardiographical findings(LA area size, EF, etc), baseline characteristics and blood exam results were not related to SSS after successful CA of perAF patients. Conclusions The large RA area size and gender (female) could predict SSS in perAF patients after restoration of sinus rhythm by successful CA. We may need to inform possible SSS after CA to female patients with a large RA before CA. Multivariate Logistic analysis Total(N = 98) SSS group (N = 12) Non SSS group (N = 86) Odds ratio 95% CI P-value Age 64(58-69) 68(60-72) 63(57-69) 1.032 0.929-1.145 0.560 Gender/Female 12(12%) 4(33%) 8(9%) 39.832 2.589-612.938 0.008 CKD 27(28%) 6(50%) 21(24%) 1.264 0.179-8.945 0.814 BNP 91(53-180) 206(167-304) 82(48-169) 1.003 0.993-1.012 0.609 RDW 45.1 ± 3.9 46.4 ± 4.8 44.9 ± 3.8 1.242 0.971-1.588 0.085 RA area 15.1 ± 3.8 17.3 ± 4.8 14.7 ± 3.6 1.468 1.088-1.981 0.012 LA area 24.2(17.0-24.9) 24.4(17.7-26.3) 24.1(16.8-24.4) 0.967 0.803-1.165 0.726 Right atrium area and gender were the independent predictor of SSS in persistent atrial fibrillation patients after restoration of sinus rhythm

Background: A sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor was recently found to reduce heart failure hospitalization in the EMPA-REG OUTCOMES trial. We have hypothesized that autonomic nerve activity may be modulated by SGLT2 inhibition. The current study aims to investigate the impact of empagliflozin on sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: This ongoing study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter investigation of 134 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients are randomly allocated to receive either empagliflozin or sitagliptin with the treatment goal of the Japan Diabetes Society guidelines. Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring is performed at the baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Analyses of heart rate variability are performed using the MemCalc method, which is a combination of the maximum entropy method for spectral analysis and the non-linear least squares method for square analysis. The primary endpoint is the change in the low frequency (LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz) / high frequency (HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz) ratio from baseline to 24 weeks.Discussion: This investigation on the effect of EMPagliflozin on cardiac sYmpathetic and parasympathetic neRve activity in JapanEse pAtieNts with type 2 diabetes (EMPYREAN study) offers an important opportunity to understand the impact of SGLT2 inhibition on autonomic nerve activity in patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier UMIN000029194. Registered 19 September 2017, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000033375

A 42-year-old woman presented with fever, dyspnea, lower-leg edema, significant pulmonary congestion, pleural effusion, and severely reduced left ventricular contractions. She was resistant to treatment for heart failure, including catecholamines, furosemide, phosphodiesterase III inhibitors, and human atrial natriuretic peptide, and antibiotics failed to reduce her inflammation. She had renal dysfunction and hypocomplementemia and was positive for anti-nuclear and anti-ds-DNA antibodies. The patient was diagnosed with myocarditis and pleurisy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prednisolone administration improved her general condition, reducing inflammation and improving left ventricular function. On day 1, an electrocardiography (ECG) revealed a T-wave inversion similar to a T-U complex configuration in leads II, aVF, and V3-6. By day 8, however, ECG showed prolonged corrected QT (QTc) and T-wave alternans (alternating beat-to-beat T-wave patterns) in lead V3-6. Careful ECG monitoring should be used to identify potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias during the recovery phase of SLE-related myocarditis. .

Previous studies suggest that the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized not only by high ventricular stiffness, but also by vascular stiffness. Azilsartan has higher vascular affinity compared with other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which were proven to have no beneficial effects on clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF in earlier clinical trials. We aimed to test the hypothesis that azilsartan may improve left ventricular diastolic function in HFpEF patients with hypertension in this trial. The Effects of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Diastolic Function in Patients Suffering from Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: J-TASTE trial is a multicenter, randomized, open-labeled, and assessor(s)-blinded, active controlled using candesartan, parallel-group clinical trial, to compare changes in left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction between HFpEF patients with hypertension who have received candesartan or azilsartan for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint is the change in early diastolic wave height/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e’) assessed by echocardiography from the baseline to the end of the study (48 weeks). A total of 190 patients will be recruited into the study. The design of the J-TASTE trial will provide data on whether differences between the effects of the two tested drugs on LV diastolic function exist in HFpEF patients with hypertension and will improve understanding of the pathophysiological role of vascular stiffness on diastolic function.

Diastolic wall strain (DWS) is based on the linear elastic theory, according to which decreased wall thinning during diastole reflects reduced left ventricular compliance and thus increased diastolic stiffness. Increased diastolic stiffness as assessed by DWS is associated with a worse prognosis in patients who have heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction. However, there are no data about the prognostic value of DWS derived by M-mode echocardiography in patients at risk for HF. We retrospectively enrolled 1829 consecutive patients without prior HF who were hospitalized for cardiovascular (CV) diseases in our hospital between 2005 and 2012. Patients were divided into two groups stratified by DWS (median value 0.34). The study endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for HF. Over a 4.2-year median follow-up, adverse events were observed in 322 patients (17.6%). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with low DWS (≤ 0.34, n = 915) showed worse prognoses than those with high DWS (> 0.34, n = 914) (MACE incidence 39.4% versus 31.9%, P = 0.011). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis after the adjustment for age, sex, and echocardiographic parameters, low DWS (≤ 0.34) was significantly associated with the incidence of MACE (hazard ratio: 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.59; P = 0 .045). In patients without prior HF, DWS is an independent predictor of MACE. Simple assessment of DWS might improve risk stratification for CV events in those patients.

Objective A low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a known predictor for future cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). While most prior studies have defined CKD as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 0.9 (90.8%). The primary outcome measured was the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke). Results Over a mean follow-up of 5.0 years, 101 MACE occurred. The incidence of MACE was significantly higher in patients with low ABI than in those with ABI >0.9 (30.2% vs. 14.4%, log rank p

We evaluated the impact of endovascular therapy (EVT) on inflammatory cytokine levels and its relationship with in-stent restenosis in patients with peripheral artery disease. The study prospectively enrolled 35 patients with intermittent claudication who underwent EVT of the iliofemoral artery. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 3 months after EVT. All cytokine levels increased significantly after EVT (IL-6 [pg/mL]: from 1.51 [0.84-1.93] before EVT to 6.97 [4.05-20.41] at 2 hours and 13.29 [4.57-31.88] at 4 hours; MCP-1 [pg/mL]: from 326.65 [265.60-406.55] before EVT to 411.18 [341.21-566.27] at 2 hours and 519.36 [383.58-644.85] at 4 hours; TNF-α [pg/mL]: from 1.08 [0.77-1.29] before EVT to 1.25 [0.94-1.81] at 2 hours and 1.27 [0.95-1.59] at 4 hours, all P < .001). However, cytokine levels did not differ significantly between lesions with and without in-stent restenosis. Overall, our results suggest that EVT significantly increases IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels in the ischemic leg, but this effect is not associated with a higher rate of in-stent restenosis.

Background: We evaluated the 1-year outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for elderly patients (aged ≥ 80 years) in the second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era. Methods and Results: Between August 2012 and July 2013, 1923 consecutive patients (mean age, 71 ± 11 years; ≥80 years, 23%; men, 77%) who underwent 2250 elective/urgent PCI procedures were enrolled in the Shinshu Prospective Multicenter Analysis for Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention registry. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs; cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) at 1 year. The 1-year incidence of MACEs, cardiac death, and stroke was significantly higher in elderly patients than in nonelderly patients (12.4% vs 5.3%, P < .0001; 7.8% vs 2.2%, P < .0001; and 2.8% vs 1.3%, P = .033, respectively). However, no significant difference in elective PCI procedures was detected. In elderly patients, the incidence of cardiac death and target lesion revascularization was significantly lower for DES than for non-DES (2.7% vs 10.5%, P = .0001 and 4.1% vs 8.6%, P = .029, respectively). Conclusion: Although elderly patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than younger patients, the adverse events rate was comparable in those patients who underwent elective PCI in the second-generation DES era.

Background We sometimes experience regression of left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT), which is compatible with the diagnosis of LV non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) in adult patients. However, little is known about the association between LVHT regression and LV systolic function in adult patients. Methods We prospectively examined 23 consecutive adult patients who fulfilled the echocardiographic criteria for LVNC. LV reverse remodeling (RR) was defined as an absolute increase in LV ejection fraction of >10% at 6 months follow-up. LVHT area was calculated by subtraction from the outer edge to the inner edge of the LVHT at end-systole. Results The mean follow-up period was 61 months. LVRR was observed in 9 patients (39%). The changes in the mean LVHT area showed significant correlation with the changes in LV ejection fraction (r = −0.78, p Conclusions Regression of LVHT is associated with improvement in LV systolic function. LVRR might be associated with a favorable prognosis in patients with LVHT.