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Introduction and objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread quickly around the world. Although mainly a respiratory illness, there is growing interest in non-respiratory manifestations, particularly cardiovascular ones. At our center, mobilization of cardiologists with intensive care training was needed. Our aim is to describe patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to a Portuguese intensive care unit (ICU), the cardiovascular impact of the disease and the experience of cardiologists working in a COVID-19 ICU. Methods: Data from adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU of Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho between 16 March 2020 and 21 April 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Thirty-five patients were admitted. Mean age was 62.6±6.0 years and 23 (65.7%) were male. Dyslipidemia was the most common cardiovascular risk factor (65.7%, n=23), followed by hypertension (57.1%, n=20). Mean ICU stay time was 15.9±10.0 days. Patients had high rates of mechanical ventilation (88.6%, n=31) and vasopressor support (88.6%, n=31). Low rates of new onset left systolic dysfunction were detected (8.5%, n=2). One patient required venoarterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Mortality was 25% (n=9). Acute myocardial injury and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) elevation was detected in 62.9% (n=22). Patients that died had higher NT-proBNP compared to those discharged alive (p

This abstract has been withdrawn. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac183

This abstract has been withdrawn. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac183

This abstract has been withdrawn. Please see: https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac183

To investigate the role of left atrial volume index (LAVi) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER).Outcomes were evaluated in SMR patients of a European multicentre registry according to baseline LAVi. Main analysis was performed for all-cause mortality; residual mitral regurgitation (MR) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement were analysed for patients available. A total of 1074 patients were included with a median LAVi (interquartile range) of 58 ml/mProcedural success and symptomatic benefit were high throughout the whole range of LAVi. The prognostic impact of left atrial enlargement was relevant in patients with less severe SMR and without pulmonary hypertension, reinforcing the need to identify patients in the early course of backward congestion to achieve good long-term outcome after TEER.

Introduction and Objectives: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent has emerged as a predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), however little is known about the arrhythmogenic relevance of its specific location in the left ventricle. Our aim was to analyze the influence of LGE location on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and SCD in patients with HCM. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and Holter records of HCM patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at our center. LGE extent and distribution were assessed using the American Heart Association 17-segment model. VA was defined as non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or SCD. Results: Sixty-one patients (age 57.0±16.7 years) were included and VA occurred in 24.6% (n=15). Patients with VA showed greater LGE extent than those without (7.40±5.3 vs. 3.52±3.0 segments, p=0.007). Analyzing the distribution of LGE, a set of arrhythmogenic segments (apex/basal inferior/basal anterolateral/mid inferoseptal) was found. The extent of LGE involvement in these segments was also greater in patients with VA (2.07±1.03 vs. 0.65±0.71 segments, p

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has changed the treatment paradigm of severe aortic stenosis (AS). Nevertheless, in Portugal the penetration rate of TAVR is still very low and there is a paucity of data regarding its economic impact on the Portuguese healthcare system. Aims: To perform an economic analysis of the present and future impact of TAVR in Portugal and to propose health policy recommendations for a new reimbursement model. Methods: Hospital data from a high-volume center were used as a sample to calculate the costs of TAVR in Portugal. Information regarding the national penetration rate was derived from the EAPCI Valve for Life initiative. To estimate the future demand for TAVR, three scenarios (S) were constructed: S1, TAVR penetration according to current guidelines; S2, including intermediate-risk patients; and S3, including low-risk patients aged over 75 years. Results: The total cost of each TAVR procedure in Portugal was 22 134.50 euros for the self-expanding valve (SEV) and 23 321.50 euros for the balloon-expanding valves (BEV). Most of the cost was driven by the price of the valve (SEV 74.5% vs. BEV 81.5%). The current national economic impact is estimated at 12 500 000 euros per year. In S1, the expected penetration rate would be 189 procedures per million population; in S2 we estimated an increase of 28% to 241 procedures per million population and in S3 an increase of 107% to 391 procedures per million population. The total economic impact would increase to 43 770 586 euros in S1 and to 90 754 310 euros in S3. Conclusions: TAVR is associated with a significant present and future economic impact on the Portuguese healthcare system. A new model of reimbursement in Portugal should be discussed and implemented. Resumo: Introdução: A válvula aórtica percutânea (VAP) mudou o paradigma de tratamento da estenose aórtica grave. No entanto, em Portugal, a sua penetração é reduzida e dados acerca do impacto económico no Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) são escassos. Objetivos: Analisar o impacto económico atual e futuro do implante de VAP em Portugal e propor um modelo de reembolso específico para as VAP. Métodos: Os custos fixos e variáveis do procedimento em Portugal foram calculados com base numa amostra de um centro de elevado volume de VAP. O impacto económico nacional foi calculado com base na penetração atual reportada na iniciativa EAPCI Valve for Life. As necessidades futuras da tecnologia foram estimadas em três cenários (S): S1 - penetração de acordo com as recomendações atuais; S2 - inclusão de doentes de risco intermédio; S3 - expansão aos doentes de baixo risco e idade > 75 anos. Resultados: O custo total da VAP em Portugal foi estimado em 22.134,5€ com prótese autoexpansível (SEV) e 23.321,5€ com prótese expansível por balão (BEV). A maior parte do custo relacionou-se com o preço da prótese (SEV 74,5% versus BEV 81,5%). O impacto económico nacional estima-se em 12.500.000€/ano. No cenário S1, a taxa esperada de penetração deveria ser 189/milhão; em S2 perspetiva-se aumento de +28% para 241 procedimentos/milhão; em S3 estima-se aumento de +107% para 391 procedimentos/milhão. Assim, o impacto económico poderá aumentar significativamente de 43.770.586€ (S1) até 90.754.310€ (S3). Conclusões: A VAP está associada a um impacto económico presente e futuro significativo no SNS. É essencial discutir e implantar um novo modelo específico de reembolso em Portugal.

Resumo: Nos últimos anos, temos assistido a um aumento do número de doentes com necessidade de cuidados cardíacos agudos, com patologia cardiovascular progressivamente mais complexa, muitas vezes complicada por comorbilidades não cardiovasculares agudas ou crónicas, com impacto na abordagem e prognóstico destes doentes. As unidades coronárias têm evoluído para unidades de cuidados intensivos cardíacos, caracterizadas por cuidados de saúde altamente especializados ao doente cardíaco crítico. Tendo em conta que os recursos humanos e técnicos nesta área são limitados, considerámos ser urgente uma reflexão profunda sobre o modelo de organização dos cuidados ao doente cardíaco agudo, incluindo a definição do nível de cuidados, a constituição e formação da equipa e a criação de redes de referenciação.Paralelamente, é fundamental um investimento claro dos serviços nesta área central da cardiologia, de forma a alavancar o desenvolvimento contínuo e sustentado de outras áreas cardiológicas essenciais, nomeadamente a eletrofisiologia e a cardiologia de intervenção, assegurando cuidados de excelência e de elevada diferenciação a todos os doentes cardíacos críticos. Abstract: In recent years, the number of patients requiring acute cardiac care has increased, with progressively more complex cardiovascular conditions, often complicated by acute or chronic non‐cardiovascular comorbidities, which affects the management and prognosis of these patients. Coronary care units have evolved into cardiac intensive care units, which provide highly specialized health care for the critical heart patient. In view of the limited human and technical resources in this area, we consider that there is an urgent need for an in‐depth analysis of the organizational model for acute cardiac care, including the definition of the level of care, the composition and training of the team, and the creation of referral networks. It is also crucial to establish protocols and to adopt safe clinical practices to improve levels of quality and safety in the treatment of patients. Considering that acute cardiac care involves conditions with very different severity and prognosis, it is essential to define the level of care to be provided for each type of acute cardiovascular condition in terms of the team, available techniques and infrastructure. This will lead to improvements in the quality of care and patient prognosis, and will also enable more efficient allocation of resources.

AIMS The diagnostic performance of the new Peguero-Lo Presti ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has not been validated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell and Sokolow--Lyon voltage criteria for LVH as defined by CMR in an all-comers European population. METHODS A total of 240 consecutive patients referred for CMR who had a concomitant electrocardiogram for review were evaluated. LVH group patients were defined according to the reference values for sex and age of left ventricular mass index (LVMi). A control group, adjusted by sex, was randomly selected from a population without LVH. We applied the ECG voltage criteria to both groups and evaluated their diagnostic accuracy. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were compared. RESULTS Two hundred and forty patients (mean age 63 years; 65% men) were divided into two groups (LVH n = 149; control n = 91). The main causes of LVH were hypertension (24.8%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (21.5%). The remaining patients of this group had a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (14.8%), valvular heart disease (7.4%) and infiltrative cardiomyopathy (2.0%). Overall, the sensitivity for LVH diagnosis of the Peguero-Lo Presti criteria outperformed both the Cornell (47 vs. 29%, P

Introduction Severe aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) often coexist. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is becoming widely used for the treatment of patients (pts) with symptomatic severe AS. However, conflicting data reside concerning the impact of MR on outcomes after TAVI. Also, very few data exist regarding the benefits of a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) following TAVI in pts with MR. Purpose To evaluate the effect of a CRP in functional parameters after TAVI, particularly in pts with MR grade ≥ II. Methods Retrospective study which included all pts submitted to TAVI between 2014 and 2020 that completed a CRP following the procedure. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) were performed after TAVI at baseline (pre-CRP) and post-CRP. We evaluated pre- and post-CRP peak oxygen consumption (pVO2), pVO2 at the anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), VE/VCO2 and CPET duration. The exercise protocol included low/medium intensity exercises and consisted of sessions 3 times per week carried over 3 months. MR grading severity was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography performed after TAVI and was divided into 2 groups (grade < II vs grade ≥ II). Results Fifty-two pts were included, 59,6% were male, mean age of 78,6±8,6 years-old. Mean Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) risk score was 4,9. Mean pre-TAVI aortic valve area was 0,68 cm2, with a mean gradient of 45,5 mmHg and a mean ejection fraction (EF) of 51%. The majority of pts implanted a self-expandable prosthesis (55,8%). Twenty-seven (51,9%) pts had MR grade ≥ II. Baseline characteristics were similar between pts with MR grade < II vs MR grade ≥ II, with the exception of the prevalence of coronary artery disease which was higher in MR grade ≥ II (p=0,036). Patients with MR grade < II had higher maximum and median aortic gradients before TAVI (p Conclusions Patients with MR grade < II after TAVI who underwent a CRP significantly improved pVO2 and CPET duration. Although pts with MR grade ≥ II did not improved pVO2 after a CRP, an improvement in CPET duration may translate into a clinical benefit in these pts. These results highlight the importance of further research and personalization among this potentially higher risk subset of pts. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The correct determination of aortic annulus dimensions is a crucial step to avoid complications in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Currently, the gold standard method for the evaluation of the aortic annulus is Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT), which is limited by the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography automated software (3DTEEa) have been used as an alternative in patients with contra-indications to MDCT. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 3DTEEa-derived aortic annulus dimensions; to assess the influence of calcification in the agreement between 3DTEEa and MDCT; and to determine reclassification in prosthesis size choice if 3DTEEa was the only imaging method. One hundred and seven consecutive patients referred for TAVR were studied. Aortic annulus dimensions were determined using MDCT and 3DTEE manual (3DTEEm) and automated measurements. Valve calcification was assessed with MDCT. Limits of agreement (LOA) were narrower for 3DTEEa (minimum diameter: mean bias 0.60; LOA - 2.94 to 4.14; maximum diameter: mean bias 0.20; LOA - 3.82 to 4.22) as compared to 3DTEEm (minimum diameter: mean bias 0.22; LOA - 3.84 to 4.28; maximum diameter: mean bias - 1.25; LOA - 6.37; 3.86). Compared to MDCT, 3DTEEa overestimated while 3DTEEm underestimated most parameters. No differences were found in average bias between methods according to quartiles of valve calcification. Most patients would have received the same size valve (63.9%) if 3DTEEa was the only available method. Measurement of aortic annulus dimensions using a 3DTEE automatic software is feasible and not influenced by valve calcification. It may be an alternative for patients who cannot undergo MDCT.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is common in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and is associated with poor prognosis. Levosimendan (LVS) is an inodilator used in AHF and has beneficial effects on renal function (RF). However, its effects on RF in CRS patients are not established. Purpose To evaluate whether LVS could improve RF in AHF patients with or without CRS. Methods Retrospective study that included patients with AHF treated with LVS in a cardiac intensive care unit of a tertiary center, between January 2015 and June 2018. Baseline serum creatinine (SCr) was recorded and SCr and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were accessed before and within 5 days after LSV use. CRS was defined as an increase in SCr > 0,3 mg/dL over baseline (before LVS use). RF improvement was defined as a decrease in SCr after LVS use. We evaluate outcomes at 1-year. Results 61 patients were included, 84% males, mean age 65 years, ejection fraction ≤40% in 87%. INTERMACS 4 and hemodynamic profile C were the most frequent presentation. LSV was administered in 24h, without bolus, in most patients. CRS was present in 44,3% of patients. Basal characteristics were similar between CRS and no-CRS patients, including prevalence of chronic kidney disease, baseline SCr or natriuretic peptides (p> 0,05 for all). CRS patients had a significant improvement in RF after LVS use (SCr 2,08 to 1,65 mg/dL, p< 0,001 and GFR 40,4 to 54,6 mL/min/m2, p< 0,001), while no-CRS patients had no significant improvement in RF (SCr 1,33 to 1,32 mg/dL and GFR 64,1 to 64,5 mL/min/m2, p> 0,05 for all). Also, there was a significant decrease in natriuretic peptides after LVS in CRS patients (NT-proBNP 13527,5 to 10708,8 pg/mL, p= 0,006), without significant differences in no-CRS patients. It is noteworthy that at discharge, CRS patients were more likely to titrate HF optimal medical therapy (OMT) compared with no-CRS patients (p= 0,039). There was a lower tendency to suspend angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) in CRS patients (p= 0,05). At discharge CRS patients received more furosemide than at admission (77,2 mg/day to 97,1 mg/day, p= 0,019) compared with no-CRS patients (89,6 mg/day to 97,0 mg/day, p= 0,469), receiving similar doses at discharge. In CRS patients, RF improvement was associated with a decrease in intra-hospital mortality (p= 0,043) and a tendency to decrease 30-day mortality (p= 0,060), but without differences in one-year mortality. Conclusion In CRS patients, LVS improved RF and NT-proBNP, allowed to titrate OMT and decreased the need to suspend ACE-I or ARB and was associated to a decrease in short-term mortality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fulfilling COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) criteria identifies patients with better outcomes after MitraClip treatment for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).To date, COAPT is the only trial showing a prognostic benefit of MitraClip implantation compared with conservative management.Three hundred four patients with SMR undergoing MitraClip placement in addition to optimal medical therapy at 3 European centers were analyzed. A COAPT-like profile was defined as absence of all the following criteria: severe left ventricular impairment, moderate to severe right ventricular dysfunction, severe tricuspid regurgitation, severe pulmonary hypertension, and hemodynamic instability. Freedom from all-cause death and from a composite endpoint (cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization) were evaluated at 2- and 5-year follow-up.A COAPT-like profile was observed in 65% of the population. Compared with non-COAPT-like patients, those fulfilling COAPT criteria had greater survival free from all-cause death and from the composite endpoint at both 2 year (75% vs. 55% and 67% vs. 47%; p 0.001 for both) and 5-year (49% vs. 25% and 40% vs. 19%; p 0.001 for both) follow-up. Among the non-COAPT-like patients, similar outcomes were observed in those fulfilling 1 or ≥1 criterion. Left ventricular impairment had a late impact on outcomes, while right ventricular impairment, pulmonary hypertension, and hemodynamic instability had early effects. COAPT-like profile was an independent predictor of long-term outcomes, as well as administration of neurohormonal antagonists, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score, and previous heart failure hospitalization.A COAPT-like profile, including specific echocardiographic and clinical criteria, identifies patients with SMR who have a better prognosis after MitraClip implantation.

Introduction: The Portuguese National Registry of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation records prospectively the characteristics and outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures in Portugal. Objectives: To assess the 30-day and one-year outcomes of TAVI procedures in Portugal. Methods: We compared TAVI results according to the principal access used (transfemoral (TF) vs. non-transfemoral (non-TF)). Cumulative survival curves according to access route, other procedural and clinical variables were obtained. The Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) composite endpoint of early (30-days) safety was assessed. VARC-2 predictors of 30-days and 1-year all-cause mortality were identified. Results: Between January 2007 and December 2018, 2346 consecutive patients underwent TAVI (2242 native, 104 valve-in-valve; mean age 81±7 years, 53.2% female, EuroSCORE-II - EuroS-II, 4.3%). Device success was 90.1% and numerically lower for non-TF (87.0%). Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 4.8%, with the TF route rendering a lower mortality rate (4.3% vs. 10.1%, p=0.001) and higher safety endpoint (86.4% vs. 72.6%, p5% (p5% (p

Introduction Conduction disturbances (CD) after TAVI remains the most frequent complication of the procedure, frequently increasing the length of hospital stay. A lack of consensus exists regarding in-hospital management of CD post-TAVI. Purpose To evaluate if an early discharge (ED) protocol could be safely implemented in patients (pts) with CD post-TAVI. Methods Retrospective study of all pts submitted to TAVI between 2016 and 2018. Pts with prior permanent pacemaker (PP) and non-transfemoral approach were excluded. ECG data before, immediately after the procedure and at day 3 post-TAVI were collected, and continuous telemetry monitoring was recorded. We applied a recently proposed ED algorithm (adapted from Management of Conduction Disturbances Associated With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - JACC Scientific Expert Panel; JACC 2019; 74(8):1086–106) to identify which pts could have been candidates for ED. ED was defined as discharge in the first 72 hours (h) after the procedure. We evaluated if an ED strategy would have been safe at 1-year follow-up (FUP), as defined by the absence of need for PP, syncope and mortality. Results 242 pts were included, 44,8% males, mean age 80,4 years, mean Euroscore II 5,4 and the majority implanted a self-expandable prosthesis (64,1%). Mean hospital stay after TAVI was 7,7 days. The most frequent CD after TAVI were: new onset left bundle brunch block (36%) and high degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) (16,3%). During hospital stay 21,6% needed PP, mainly because of HAVB (mainly implanted in the first 72h). According to the proposed algorithm, 70,7% of our pts were ED-candidates. ED-candidates had lower prevalence of predilation (18,5% vs 36,8%, p=0,008) with no significant differences between type of prosthesis or baseline ECG. ED-candidates had smaller PR interval post-TAVI (184,5 vs 202,5 ms, p=0,044) and smaller PR and QRS at 72h (p At 1-year FUP, only 2,3% of ED-candidates needed a PP (vs 37,7% non-ED, p Conclusions According to the proposed algorithm for ED in pts with CD post-TAVI, pts with specific ECG characteristics and without rhythm events during continuous telemetry monitoring can be early discharged with long-term safety. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Percutaneous approach for valvular heart disease is accepted as a safe and feasible strategy to treat patients considered at high surgical risk with aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Additionally, the growing experience led to the increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in several indications, such as in pure aortic regurgitation. The authors present the case of a 72-year-old woman with prohibitive surgical risk due to several comorbidities, including a chronic arterial dissection from the right carotid artery to the femoral arteries bilaterally that presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure, having a transthoracic echocardiography that showed severe functional mitral and aortic regurgitation. Combined percutaneous intervention for multivalvular disease in this clinical scenario is challenging, and the reported experience is still scarce and limited to inoperable patients.

Resumo: Introdução: A oxigenação por membrana extracorporal (ECMO) permite o suporte mecânico em doentes com falência cardiovascular e/ou pulmonar. Neste estudo pretendemos descrever as indicações, características clínicas, complicações e mortalidade associadas ao uso de ECMO num hospital terciário. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospetivo e observacional de todos os doentes que implantaram ECMO, em duas unidades de cuidados intensivos (polivalente e cardíaca), desde o primeiro doente canulado em abril/2011 até outubro/2016. Resultados: Quarenta e oito doentes colocaram ECMO: 29 ECMO venoarterial (ECMO‐VA) e 19 ECMO venovenoso (ECMO‐VV). No ECMO‐VA, o enfarte agudo do miocárdio foi a principal indicação para a sua implantação. A complicação mais frequente foi a isquemia do membro inferior e a disfunção de órgão associada mais comum foi a renal. No ECMO‐VV, a síndrome de dificuldade respiratória aguda secundária a infeção viral foi o motivo dominante para a utilização do dispositivo. A hemorragia pelo local de acesso e a disfunção hematológica foram, respetivamente, a complicação e a disfunção de órgão mais prevalentes. Foram descanulados com sucesso quase 70% dos doentes, em ambos os grupos. Os doentes em ECMO‐VA tiveram sobrevivência hospitalar de 37,9% e os em ECMO‐VV 63,2%. O número de agentes inotrópicos foi preditor de mortalidade no ECMO‐VA. Conclusão: Os doentes que colocaram ECMO após falência respiratória tiveram sobrevivência superior aos que colocaram após falência cardíaca. No ECMO‐VA, a necessidade de mais fármacos inotrópicos foi preditor de mortalidade. Este é o primeiro registo publicado com a experiência global com ECMO num hospital terciário, em Portugal. Abstract: Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical pulmonary and circulatory support for patients with shock refractory to conventional medical therapy. In this study we aim to describe the indications, clinical characteristics, complications and mortality associated with use of ECMO in a single tertiary hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients supported with ECMO in two different intensive care units (general and cardiac), from the first patient cannulated in April 2011 up to October 2016. Results: Overall, 48 patients underwent ECMO: 29 venoarterial ECMO (VA‐ECMO) and 19 venovenous ECMO (VV‐ECMO). In VA‐ECMO, acute myocardial infarction was the main reason for placement. The most frequent complication was lower limb ischemia and the most common organ dysfunction was acute renal failure. In VV‐ECMO, acute respiratory distress syndrome after viral infection was the leading reason for device placement. Access site bleeding and hematologic dysfunction were the most prevalent complication and organ dysfunction, respectively. Almost 70% of ECMO episodes were successfully weaned in each group. Survival to discharge was 37.9% for VA‐ECMO and 63.2% for VV‐ECMO. In VA‐ECMO, the number of inotropic agents was a predictor of mortality. Conclusion: Patients with respiratory indications for ECMO experienced better survival than cardiac patients. The need for more inotropic drugs was a predictor of mortality in VA‐ECMO. This is the first published record of the overall experience with ECMO in a Portuguese tertiary hospital. Palavras‐chave: Oxigenação por membrana extracorporal, Choque cardiogénico, Falência respiratória, Complicações, Resultados, Keywords: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Cardiogenic shock, Respiratory failure, Complications, Outcome

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is often associated with intraventricular conduction disturbances. We aimed to determine the association between implantation depth assessed by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and new-onset conduction abnormalities after TAVR. Methods Retrospective single-center study including patients consecutively submitted to TAVR, between August/2007 and October/2016, who underwent routine MDCT 3 months after the procedure. The endpoint of conduction disturbances included permanent pacemaker implantation and/or new-onset left bundle-branch block. Implantation depth was determined as the distance between the ventricular end of the prothesis and the native ring, at the level of the non-coronary cusp. Results 138 patients were included (female gender 52.2%, mean age 78.7 ± 6.9 years). The EuroSCORE II was 4.0 ± 3.9% and 57.2% were treated with self-expanding prosthesis. The endpoint of conduction abnormalities was found in 45.7% (n = 63). The implantation depth was greater in the group with conduction disturbances (7.7 vs 6.4 mm, p = 0.006). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oversizing and implantation depth were independent predictors of conduction abnormalities. Implantation depth had an AUC of 0.64 (p = 0.004) for the prediction of conduction abnormalities and a cut-off value of 7.1 mm predicted the composed endpoint with a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 70%, respectively. Conclusions Implantation depth assessed by MDCT is associated with new-onset conduction disturbances after TAVR. In patients with conduction abnormalities, which do not qualify for the immediate implantation of pacemaker, the assessment of implantation depth by MDCT may be an additional marker of risk to aid decision-making.

Background: J-point elevation in the inferior and/or lateral leads is associated with an increased incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), although the exact underlying mechanism is not known. As severe left ventricular hypertrophy and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) are important risk factors for SCD in this population, we aimed to assess whether there was an association between an early repolarization pattern (ERP) and greater left ventricular mass (LVM) and LGE extent among patients with HCM. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 85 consecutive patients with HCM who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and had an electrocardiogram without confounders (intraventricular conduction delay, complete left or right bundle branch block, or ventricular paced rhythm). Baseline characteristics and MRI-derived LVM and LGE extent were compared between patients with and without ERP. Results: ERP was present in 9 out of 85 patients (10.6%). Patients with ERP had greater indexed LVM compared to those without (112.5 ± 26.3 vs. 87.8 ± 24.6 g/m2, p = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis revealed a 4.2-fold increase in the odds of prevalent ERP per standard deviation increase in body surface area-indexed LVM (odds ratio 4.2; 95% CI 1.54–11.4, p = 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences regarding LGE extent between groups. Conclusion: ERP is associated with greater CMR-derived LVM among patients with HCM. This finding could partially explain the association between J waves and a higher risk of SCD in this population. There were no differences in LGE extent. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and evaluate the importance of ERP as a marker of increased risk of SCD in HCM.

Introduction The use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) to support patients in cardiogenic shock has been increasing in Portugal over the past few years. Nonetheless, epidemiologic, prognostic and clinical outcome data are scarce. Purpose We aim to identify clinical variables with prognostic significance in this challenging population, as well as the performance of various risk scores in mortality prediction. Methods All patients that underwent VA-ECMO support at our Cardiac ICU between 2011 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between clinical variables and outcomes. Results Short-term mechanical support with VA-ECMO was given to 40 patients, with a mean age of 52±11 years. At the time of the implant, the mean SOFA score was 11.2±4.0, and mean SAVE score was −4.75±4.6. Mean ECMO support duration was 116±96 hours. In 70% (N=28) of patients, VA-ECMO was successfully weaned. In-hospital mortality was observed in 52.5% of patients, which was in accordance with the predicted mortality by SOFA score (22.5% to 82% in our population risk range) and by SAVE score (60 to 70%). Those who placed the VA-ECMO as a bridge to transplant or to long-term mechanical LV assist device had greater in-hospital mortality rates (91.6 vs 41.9%, p=0.013), as well as those under ≥2 inotropic/vasopressors (69.2 vs 21.4%, p=0.012) or when adrenaline use was needed (100% vs 44.1%, p=0.01). No other between-group differences were observed in what concerns short-term mortality. After logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of in-hospital mortality included AMI setting, number of vasoactive amines used, and necessity of a LV venting device. SAVE score had the greater predictive ability in these patients (AUC = 0.638) among the most utilized clinical risk scores (SOFA score AUC = 0.37; APACHE II score AUC = 0.59; SAPS II score AUC = 0.54). Conclusion In our analysis, patients in profound cardiogenic shock on VA-ECMO support had slightly better survival rates than predicted by classical Risk Scores. The SAVE score may be the most accurate tool to predict in-hospital mortality in this specific, and yet heterogeneous, clinical subset. Other well recognized clinical markers of severity may also help refine short-term prognosis, and potentially improve organ transplant or other destination therapy prioritization.

Introduction The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental initial diagnostic modality for the early evaluation of a patient suspected of having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). ECG criteria for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) typically have low sensitivity and high specificity. Recently, a novel ECG criterion (Peguero-Lo Presti, PLP) with higher sensitivity (62%) and similar specificity (90%) was developed in a cohort of hypertensive patients, but its accuracy in patients with HCM has not been tested. We hypothesized that Peguero-Lo Presti criterion would improve upon the sensitivity of other criteria, while maintaining high specificity, for the diagnosis of LVH in patients for with HCM. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 215 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) between 2010 and 2018 for suspected HCM. All patients aged 18 years or older, who had CMR-confirmed HCM and an ECG without confounders (complete left or right bundle brunch block or paced ventricular rhythm) were included for analysis (n=88). Left ventricular mass (LVM) index and maximum wall thickness were derived from CMR analysis. The PLP criteria was defined as the sum of the deepest S wave (SD) in any lead and the S wave amplitude of lead V4 (SV4). Cornell voltage (CL) and Sokolow-Lyon (SL) were used for comparison. We randomly selected 88 gender-matched patients who performed an ECG and CMR for other clinical reasons and who had no structural heart disease or LVH for use as controls. The DeLong and McNemar's test were used to compare ROC area under the curve (AUC) and sensitivity and specificity, respectively, between the three criteria. Results 88 patients with HCM (63% male, mean age 56.7±15 years) were analyzed. The mean maximum wall thickness was 19.9±4.4mm and mean indexed LVM was 89.7±27g/m2. 34 patients (38.6%) had increased indexed LVM and 77 (87.5%) had at least one segment with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Discrimination by AUC was highest for PLP (0.85 [95% CI 0.8–0.9]), compared to CL (0.79, p=0.03) and SL (0.73, p=0.02). Using literature cut-offs, the sensitivity of PLP (60% [95% CI 50–70%]) was significantly higher compared to CL (40% [95% CI 30–50%, p Conclusion The Peguero-Lo Presti criteria demonstrated higher sensitivity and similar specificity when compared to the Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon criteria for the diagnosis of LVH in a cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, they could become the standard ECG diagnostic criteria in patients suspected of having LVH and HCM.

In recent years, the number of patients requiring acute cardiac care has increased, with progressively more complex cardiovascular conditions, often complicated by acute or chronic non-cardiovascular comorbidities, which affects the management and prognosis of these patients. Coronary care units have evolved into cardiac intensive care units, which provide highly specialized health care for the critical heart patient. In view of the limited human and technical resources in this area, we consider that there is an urgent need for an in-depth analysis of the organizational model for acute cardiac care, including the definition of the level of care, the composition and training of the team, and the creation of referral networks. It is also crucial to establish protocols and to adopt safe clinical practices to improve levels of quality and safety in the treatment of patients. Considering that acute cardiac care involves conditions with very different severity and prognosis, it is essential to define the level of care to be provided for each type of acute cardiovascular condition in terms of the team, available techniques and infrastructure. This will lead to improvements in the quality of care and patient prognosis, and will also enable more efficient allocation of resources. Resumo: Nos últimos anos, temos assistido a um aumento do número de doentes com necessidade de cuidados cardíacos agudos, com patologia cardiovascular progressivamente mais complexa, muitas vezes complicada por comorbilidades não cardiovasculares agudas ou crónicas, com impacto na abordagem e prognóstico destes doentes. As unidades coronárias têm evoluído para unidades de cuidados intensivos cardíacos, caracterizadas por cuidados de saúde altamente especializados ao doente cardíaco crítico. Tendo em conta que os recursos humanos e técnicos nesta área são limitados, considerámos ser urgente uma reflexão profunda sobre o modelo de organização dos cuidados ao doente cardíaco agudo, incluindo a definição do nível de cuidados, a constituição e formação da equipa e a criação de redes de referenciação.Paralelamente, é fundamental um investimento claro dos serviços nesta área central da cardiologia, de forma a alavancar o desenvolvimento contínuo e sustentado de outras áreas cardiológicas essenciais, nomeadamente a eletrofisiologia e a cardiologia de intervenção, assegurando cuidados de excelência e de elevada diferenciação a todos os doentes cardíacos críticos.

Background: Pericardial effusion (PE) can develop in several pathological scenarios, and is often initially evaluated by means of echocardiography. Computed tomography (CT) has been used as an aid in the management of patients presenting with PE, in selected cases. The role of CT-guided pericardiocentesis in contemporary practice, however, remains not fully ascertained. We aimed at presenting a systematic review concerning the state-of-the-art of this technique. Methods: A systematic review of published data on the use of CT for guiding pericardiocentesis was carried out (search performed on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases). Results: From title and abstract analysis, 14 articles were included that met the prespecified criteria. After full-text analysis, six articles were excluded. The eight articles under analysis included a total of 635 procedures performed in 571 patients. CT guidance was mostly used in a postoperative setting (364 procedures). Most procedures were done mainly for therapeutic purposes (528 procedures). Success rates ranged from 94% to 100%. Complications ranged from 0% to 7.8%. Conclusion: CT-guided pericardiocentesis is a useful technique in the approach to PE, in several clinical scenarios. Its use can be especially relevant in the postoperative period, as well as in individuals with suboptimal image quality (as assessed by echocardiography, for the moment the first choice in the approach to most cases of PE).

OBJECTIVES Compare final morphology of self-expanding and balloon-expandable prosthesis and association with paravalvular regurgitation (PVR). BACKGROUND PVR after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains a frequent complication. A better understanding of the prosthesis geometry may be important to improve selection of the best device for each case and possibly reduce the rates of PVR. METHODS Retrospective study including patients consecutively submitted to transcatheter aortic valve replacement: August/2007-October/2016. Three months after the procedure a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed to assess prosthesis geometry: dimensions, eccentricity, and expansion. RESULTS A total of 147 individuals were included (mean age of 78.8 ± 6.7 and 50.3% males), 57% treated with a self-expanding prosthesis. On the postprocedure MDCT, the self-expanding group had higher eccentricity index (15.0 vs. 7.1%, p

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical pulmonary and circulatory support for patients with shock refractory to conventional medical therapy. In this study we aim to describe the indications, clinical characteristics, complications and mortality associated with use of ECMO in a single tertiary hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients supported with ECMO in two different intensive care units (general and cardiac), from the first patient cannulated in April 2011 up to October 2016. Results: Overall, 48 patients underwent ECMO: 29 venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) and 19 venovenous ECMO (VV-ECMO). In VA-ECMO, acute myocardial infarction was the main reason for placement. The most frequent complication was lower limb ischemia and the most common organ dysfunction was acute renal failure. In VV-ECMO, acute respiratory distress syndrome after viral infection was the leading reason for device placement. Access site bleeding and hematologic dysfunction were the most prevalent complication and organ dysfunction, respectively. Almost 70% of ECMO episodes were successfully weaned in each group. Survival to discharge was 37.9% for VA-ECMO and 63.2% for VV-ECMO. In VA-ECMO, the number of inotropic agents was a predictor of mortality. Conclusion: Patients with respiratory indications for ECMO experienced better survival than cardiac patients. The need for more inotropic drugs was a predictor of mortality in VA-ECMO. This is the first published record of the overall experience with ECMO in a Portuguese tertiary hospital. Resumo: Introdução: A oxigenação por membrana extracorporal (ECMO) permite o suporte mecânico em doentes com falência cardiovascular e/ou pulmonar. Neste estudo pretendemos descrever as indicações, características clínicas, complicações e mortalidade associadas ao uso de ECMO num hospital terciário. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospetivo e observacional de todos os doentes que implantaram ECMO, em duas unidades de cuidados intensivos (polivalente e cardíaca), desde o primeiro doente canulado em abril/2011 até outubro/2016. Resultados: Quarenta e oito doentes colocaram ECMO: 29 ECMO venoarterial (ECMO-VA) e 19 ECMO venovenoso (ECMO-VV). No ECMO-VA, o enfarte agudo do miocárdio foi a principal indicação para a sua implantação. A complicação mais frequente foi a isquemia do membro inferior e a disfunção de órgão associada mais comum foi a renal. No ECMO-VV, a síndrome de dificuldade respiratória aguda secundária a infeção viral foi o motivo dominante para a utilização do dispositivo. A hemorragia pelo local de acesso e a disfunção hematológica foram, respetivamente, a complicação e a disfunção de órgão mais prevalentes. Foram descanulados com sucesso quase 70% dos doentes, em ambos os grupos. Os doentes em ECMO-VA tiveram sobrevivência hospitalar de 37,9% e os em ECMO-VV 63,2%. O número de agentes inotrópicos foi preditor de mortalidade no ECMO-VA. Conclusão: Os doentes que colocaram ECMO após falência respiratória tiveram sobrevivência superior aos que colocaram após falência cardíaca. No ECMO-VA, a necessidade de mais fármacos inotrópicos foi preditor de mortalidade. Este é o primeiro registo publicado com a experiência global com ECMO num hospital terciário, em Portugal. Keywords: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Cardiogenic shock, Respiratory failure, Complications, Outcome, Palavras-chave: Oxigenação por membrana extracorporal, Choque cardiogénico, Falência respiratória, Complicações, Resultados