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Wild-type TTR amyloidosis (wtATTR) represents a disease difficult to diagnose with poor prognosis. Increased clinical suspicion is key, allowing for timely diagnosis. Until recently, only off-label therapies were available but recent introduction of disease specific therapy has shown potential to alter the natural history of the disease. Tafamidis, the only currently approved drug for the therapy of wtATTR, provided significantly better survival and quality of life. However, not all subgroups of patients derived equal benefit. This, along with the increased cost of treatment raised question on whether treatment should be invariably administered through the wtATTR population. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the natural history and staging systems for wtATTR, as well as available treatment options. Special consideration is given to the selection process of patients who would be expected to gain maximum benefit from tafamidis treatment, based on an ethical and cost-effective point of view.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) represent clinical turning points, altering the natural history of HCM and influencing long-term outcome of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) myocardial deformation parameters to predict new-onset AF and HF outcomes in patients with HCM. This was a prospective study that included HCM patients without severe valvular heart disease, prior myocardial infarction or history of AF. The study sample consisted of 250 patients (mean age 50.8 ± 15.8, 67.2% male). Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking deformation parameters including global longitudinal strain (GLS), radial strain, circumferential strain, LA reservoir strain (LAeres), LA conduit strain (LAecon) and LA booster strain(LAeboost) were examined. During a mean follow-up of 2.5 ± 1.2 years, 44 patients developed new-onset AF. All the LV and LA deformation parameters were significant univariate predictors of AF. GLS and LAeres had the highest C statistic among the LV and LA functional indices. In multivariable analysis, only LAeres remained an independent predictor of the arrhythmia (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.98, p: 0.008). Similarly, GLS and LAeres had the highest predictive value among the 2D speckle tracking parameters for HF outcomes. LAeres remained an independent predictor after adjusting for significant covariates. GLS and LAeres demonstrated high predictive value for the development of AF and HF in HCM. LAeres was the only independent predictor of both outcomes. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04112511

Left atrial (LA) myopathy is an established component of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, the data about its association with exercise incapacity or ventilatory inefficiency that may be seen in HCM patients are limited. This study aimed to explore the association between LA myopathy, evaluated by echocardiography LA strain, and exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency, evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), in HCM patients.This study included 241 consecutive HCM patients (aged 51.2±15.7 years 67.2% male) in sinus rhythm who underwent CPET and transthoracic echocardiography at the same visit. Exercise incapacity (maximal/predicted oxygen consumption [%peakVOAll three LA strain values were univariate predictors of exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency. Among them, LA reservoir strain had the higher r correlation coefficient for predicting both %peakVOLeft atrial myopathy, as reflected by the LA strain values, was associated with exercise incapacity and ventilatory inefficiency in HCM individuals. Left atrial reservoir strain was the only common independent predictor of %peakVO

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are correlated with vascular complications, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), supporting a potential link between peripheral and internal organ vasculopathy. The current stage of knowledge regarding NVC and PAH is discussed, focusing on the assessment of peripheral microangiopathy and a potential relationship with functional, echocardiographic, and haemodynamic markers of cardiac dysfunction. A comprehensive literature search was carried out to identify all studies focusing on NVC findings in patients with PAH, diagnosed with right heart catheterization. The majority of the studies examined NVC findings in patients with SSc-PAH, while three studies reported NVC abnormalities in patients with idiopathic PAH. Besides the pulmonary vasculature, a systemic component of microangiopathy seems to be involved in PAH. Well-designed prospective trials are warranted to validate NVC as a biomarker, with clinical implications in the diagnostic evaluation, risk stratification, and overall management of PAH in the daily clinical setting.

Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents the most common inherited cardiomyopathy and it is characterized by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The purpose of our study was to investigate the natural history of HCM in a large Mediterranean cohort and to identify predictors of outcomes. Methods The clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of 690 patients with HCM were examined. The predictors of mortality and sudden cardiac events were examined during a mean follow-up of 8.5 years. Results Asymmetrical hypertrophy was the most common among our cohort (82.9%) followed by apical hypertrophy pattern (13.6%). Atrial fibrillation was present in 22.3%, whereas nonsustained ventricular tachycardia occurred in 10.4% of the patients. During follow-up, a total of 7.4% of patients died. Specifically, 5.5% HCM patients died from cardiovascular causes, including 2.8% from heart failure and 2% from sudden death. Obstructive phenotype did not have any effect on mortality. Atrial fibrillation, ejection fraction and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were common independent predictors for overall and cardiovascular mortality. A total of 6.1% of HCM patients suffered sudden arrhythmic events and maximal wall thickness, ejection fraction, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, syncopal episodes and, more importantly, the presence of an apical aneurysm were all independent risk factors. Conclusion HCM is a relatively benign cardiomyopathy in Greece, similarly to other countries. Apical hypertrophy pattern is more common in Greece than in the other European countries, whereas the presence of apical aneurysm is the most important risk factor for arrhythmic events on top of the established risk factors for sudden death.

BACKGROUND There were gaps between guidelines and practice when surgery was the only treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the decision to intervene in patients with severe AS in the EORP VHD (EURObservational Research Programme Valvular Heart Disease) II survey. METHODS Among 2,152 patients with severe AS, 1,271 patients with high-gradient AS who were symptomatic fulfilled a Class I recommendation for intervention according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines; the primary end point was the decision for intervention. RESULTS A decision not to intervene was taken in 262 patients (20.6%). In multivariate analysis, the decision not to intervene was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34 per 10-year increase; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.61; P = 0.002), New York Heart Association functional classes I and II versus III (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.30; P = 0.005), higher age adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.09 per 1-point increase; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.17; P = 0.03), and a lower transaortic mean gradient (OR: 0.81 per 10-mm Hg decrease; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.92; P < 0.001). During the study period, 346 patients (40.2%, median age 84 years, median EuroSCORE II [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II] 3.1%) underwent transcatheter intervention and 515 (59.8%, median age 69 years, median EuroSCORE II 1.5%) underwent surgery. A decision not to intervene versus intervention was associated with lower 6-month survival (87.4%; 95% CI: 82.0 to 91.3 vs 94.6%; 95% CI: 92.8 to 95.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A decision not to intervene was taken in 1 in 5 patients with severe symptomatic AS despite a Class I recommendation for intervention and the decision was particularly associated with older age and combined comorbidities. Transcatheter intervention was extensively used in octogenarians. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:2131-2143) (c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart disease (VHD) are frequently encountered in clinical practice, and often coexist, especially in the elderly population. Both conditions are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Recent guidelines suggest careful evaluation of patients with AF and VHD due to the puzzling nature of their coexistence. Purpose To evaluate the prognostic effect of significant valvular heart disease (sVHD) among patients with non-valvular AF. Methods This is a post-hoc analysis of the MISOAC-AF trial (NCT02941978). Consecutive inpatients with non-valvular AF who underwent echocardiography were included. sVHD was defined as the presence of at least moderate aortic stenosis (AS) or aortic/mitral/tricuspid regurgitation (AR/MR/TR). Cox regression analyses with covariate adjustments were used for outcome prediction. Results In total, 983 patients with non-valvular AF (median age 76 years) were analyzed over a median follow-up period of 32 months. sVHD was diagnosed in 575 (58.5%) AF patients. sVHD was associated with all-cause mortality (21.6%/yr vs. 1.6%/yr; adjusted HR [aHR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–2.06; p=0.02), cardiovascular mortality (16%/yr vs. 4%/yr; aHR1.70, 95% CI 1.09–2.66; p=0.02) and heart failure-hospitalization (5.8%/yr vs. 1.8%/yr; aHR 2.53, 95% CI 1.35–4.63; p=0.02). The prognostic effect of sVHD was particularly evident in patients aged Conclusions Among patients with non-valvular AF, sVHD was highly prevalent, and beared high prognostic value across a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes. AS, MR, TR and mixed aortic valve disease were associated with worse prognosis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Subgroup analyses by VHD statusPrognostic impact of valve lesions

Background Various studies suggest a decrease of hospital admissions for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) during COVID-19 outbreak, implying an increase in ACS related pre-hospital-care deaths as a cause of this phenomenon. Purpose Aim of this study was to investigate the impact of social containment measures on ACS admission and acute coronary deaths (ACDs) rates in Greece, during COVID-19 first pandemic wave in 2020. Methods Data for this analysis were retrieved by the official records of University Forensic and Cardiology Departments and the Forensic Science Services of the most crowded metropolitan areas of Greece (almost 25% of the entire Greek population ≈ 2.5 million people). The study period was defined as the time between March 15 2020, when the Greek state started to implement strict lock-down measures to contain COVID-19 pandemics, until April 14 2020. To compare admission and SCD rates, a corresponding control period a year earlier was chosen. Incidence rates (IRs) (events over days) of ACSs and ACDs in each time-period were assessed along with IRs ratios (IRRs) and 95% CI intervals. Secondary analysis for non-ischemic cardiovascular deaths (CVDs) or violent deaths (VDs) (including road traffic accident deaths) was also performed. Results There has been a relative 38.9% reduction in ACS admissions in 2020 [1.8, 95% CI (1.35–2.34) in 2019 vs 1.1, 95% CI (0.76–1.54) in 2020, p=0.02], concordant with a 66% relative reduction of total admissions (p Conclusions Our analysis offers evidence over a significant decrease in ACS-related hospitalization rates during COVID-19 first pandemic wave. This decrease is not linked to an increase in pre-hospital, autopsy defined ACDs, as previously thought, implying that many ACS patients may not ask for help on time due to infection fear, being prone however to late-onset complications. Pre-hospital triage and care services, should be appropriately transformed to facilitate and speed-up access of cardiovascular patients to health-care systems during the pandemic. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This research is co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund-ESF) through the Operational Programme «Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020» in the context of the project “Correlation of coronary artery tree geometry and clinical parameters with the distribution, complexity and severity of coronary artery disease: a pilot study using multislice CT coronary angiography” (MIS 5047882) Background Development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis is complex and not yet fully understood. Accumulative evidence supports the notion that coronary artery disease (CAD) results from an interaction of systemic factors, such as dyslipidemia, with local hemodynamic factors that regulate the site-specific predilection of atherosclerosis, particularly low endothelial shear stress (ESS). Since low ESS develops in geometrically irregular regions of the coronary tree for a given arterial blood flow, geometrical factors affect atherosclerotic plaque distribution and vulnerability. However, the correlation of coronary geometric features with the complexity and severity of CAD has not been fully elucidated. Purpose GEOMETRY-CTA is a prospective, non-randomized, observational study that aims to investigate the correlation of coronary artery geometrical features with the complexity and severity of CAD using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA). The prognostic value of a CCTA-derived geometric risk score will also be assessed. Methods The study aims to recruit 100 consecutive patients with suspected CAD and low/intermediate pre-test probability. Coronary geometrical characteristics such as angulation of coronary bifurcations, tortuosity, coronary artery volume index (CAVi) and vessel-length will be assessed with multi-planar reformation and volume rendering techniques, and integrated into a single geometric risk score. The extent and vulnerability of plaque burden will be calculated using several anatomical scoring systems such as the Leiden CTA risk score, CT-SYNTAX score, and CT-adapted Gensini score. Patients will be prospectively followed for 12 months after enrollment. Results The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the correlation of the geometric risk score with CAD severity and plaque vulnerability. We also hypothesize that wider bifurcation angles and lower CAVi augmenting the atherosclerosis-prone environment and predict higher CAD extent and complexity. Conclusion The present study aims to introduce a quantitative, non-invasive imaging biomarker expressing CAD severity and investigate its prognostic value in regards to adverse cardiovascular events. The derived index will be available for incorporation in larger national prospective studies for further cardiovascular risk stratification.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Introduction: Previous clinical studies have underlined the prognostic role of platelet indices in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the effect of their dynamic change during hospitalization has not thoroughly been examined. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the association between platelet indices on admission, on discharge and their change during hospitalization and the long-term prognosis of patients with ACS. Methods: Data from a randomized controlled trial recruiting ACS patients were analyzed in a survival analysis. Platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) on admission and on discharge dichotomized at the median value, as well as the change between admission and discharge of each variable dichotomized at the zero value. Primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as occurrence of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for unstable angina, while secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization and major or minor bleeding events. Results: The study included 252 individuals who were followed-up for a median of 39 months. In the univariate Cox regression analysis, only PC at discharge (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.10-4.40), MPV at discharge (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.94) and PC reduction during the hospitalization (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.51) predicted MACE. PC reduction correlated with a lower MACE occurrence (adjusted HR 0.27, 95%CI 0.14-0.54) and lower risk of all-cause hospitalization (adjusted HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.68) in the multivariable Cox-regression analysis. Conclusion: PC change during hospitalization can be a substantial independent predictor of long-term prognosis of ACS patients. Baseline and admission characteristics Characteristic Statistic Overall, N = 252 Negative Platelet Difference, N = 98 Postive Platelet Difference, N = 154 p-value Age, years median (IQR) 60 (53, 72) 62 (55, 74) 60 (53, 72) 0.2 Hypertension n(%) 147(58.3%) 58(59.2%) 89(57.8%) >0.9 Diabetes n(%) 71(28.2%) 27(27.6%) 44(28.6%) >0.9 Cardiovascualr Disease (CVD) n(%) 100(39.7%) 43(43.9%) 57(37.0%) 0.3 Primary Coronary Intervention (PCI) treatment n(%) 200(79.4%) 71(72.4%) 129(83.8%) 0.045 Number of vessels n 0.6 1 n(%) 107(59.1%) 38(59.4%) 69(59.0%) ≥2 n(%) 68(37.6%) 25(39.1%) 43(36.8%) Platelets at admission, K/μL mean(SD) 257179(71031) 237020(62555) 270006(73282) 0.001 Platelets at dischage, K/μL mean(SD) 250952(70263) 279153(75159) 233006(60698) Abstract Figure. MACE univariate / multivariate analysis

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have substantial mortality risk, especially during the first year. Purpose To determine differences between first year and long-term all-cause mortality of patients after an ACS and identify its risk predictors. Methods This is a post-hoc analysis of the baseline data from 360 patients after ACS with a median follow up 3.2 years (IQR: 2.5-3.8) that enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial. Mortality rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses of clinical parameters and cardiac biomarkers were performed to identify predictors for all-cause mortality within first year and thereafter. Results In our cohort, all-cause mortality incidence per 100 person-years at risk within and after first year was 4.9 and 2.1, respectively (RR = 2.3, p Conclusion We observed higher all-cause mortality rate during the first year, mainly driven by cardiovascular death. History of myocardial infarction and baseline NT-proBNP levels outperformed any other clinical variable or biomarker for long-term all-cause mortality in post-ACS patients. Predictors of long-term all-cause death Variables Univariate analysis Multivariate analysis HR (95% CI) P-value HR (95% CI) P-value Age per 1-year increase 1.06 (1.03 - 1.10) Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier for all-cause mortality

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf MISOAC- AF study group BACKGROUND Digoxin is widely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (AF). However, established evidence is conflicting regarding its association with clinical outcomes. AIM To investigate the relation between digoxin and adverse outcomes in patients with AF, with or without HF, in a contemporary AF cohort. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 698 patients, originating from the MISOAC- AF (Motivational Interviewing to Support Oral AntiCoagulation Adherence in patients with non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation) trial, and followed over a median of 2.5 years. HF was denoted at baseline. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and the secondary outcome was all-cause hospitalization, in a time-to-event analysis. Propensity scores were used to derive matched populations, balanced on key baseline covariates. To limit potential confounding, we also implemented inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis. RESULTS Among patients with HF, 10.5% (n = 39) were administered digoxin at baseline, whereas 89.5% (n = 331) were not. Digoxin administration was not associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) in the digoxin group, 1.21; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.69 to 2.13, p = 0.5) or hospitalization of any cause (HR 1.15; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.96; p = 0.6). Among patients without HF, 3.5% (n = 11) were administered digoxin, with neutral effects on all-cause mortality (HR: 3.25; 95% CI, 0.98 to 10.70), p = 0.06) and all-cause hospitalization (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.96, p = 0.60). Consistent qualitatively results were observed using IPTW. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with AF, digoxin administration was not associated with an increased risk of death and hospitalization of any cause, irrespective of HF status. Abstract Figure.

Background: Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target levels after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is of paramount importance, and is often burdened by undertreatment and medication or lifestyle non-adherence issues. Objective: We examined the effect of a patient-centered, physician-led motivational intervention following ACS on relevant secondary prevention aspects. Methods-design: The IDEAL-LDL is a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted among patients hospitalized due to an ACS. Following discharge, all patients undergo a baseline assessment of lipid profile. Patients in the intervention group receive an in-person educational session and an informative leaflet, and also undergo two phone-based, motivational interviewing sessions at 1 and 6 months. These interventions emphasize on LDL-C goals, adherence to lipid-lowering medication, and healthy dietary-lifestyle habits, and are not provided to patients in the control group, who receive usual care. At 12 months after each patient's discharge, an in-person interview and lipid profile reassessment are performed. The primary outcomes are the assessment of LDL-C goal achievement (50% reduction from baseline levels) from baseline to 1 year and changes in medication adherence. Secondary outcomes relate to the incidence of the composite outcome of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction/stroke, need for myocardial revascularization, and recurrent hospitalization during the follow-up period. Discussion: This paper describes the protocol, design, and rationale for key methodology for an ongoing clinical trial featuring a simple and feasible intervention. Similar adherence efficacy trials have not led to sufficient improvements, and there remains a gap regarding how adherence interventions should be implemented into clinical care. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, Dyslipidemia, Statin therapy, Medication adherence, Lifestyle modification

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can identify the underlying substrate in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and normal echocardiography. Myocardial strain has emerged as a superior index of systolic performance compared to ejection fraction (EF), with an incremental prognostic value in many cardiac diseases. Purpose To assess myocardial deformation using 2-D feature-tracking CMR strain imaging (CMR-FT) in patients with frequent VAs (≥500 ventricular premature contractions (VPC)/24 hours; and/or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia), and structurally normal hearts on echocardiography without evidence of coronary artery disease. Methods Sixty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 46 ± 16 years; 54% female) and 72 healthy controls matched for age and body surface area were included in the study. CMR imaging was performed on a 1.5T Magnetom Avanto (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) scanner using a standard cardiac protocol. Results CMR showed normal findings in 30 patients (44%), while 16 (24%) had previous myocarditis, 6 (9%) had a diagnosis of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), 15 (22%) were diagnosed with VPC-related cardiomyopathy, and 1 patient had subendocardial infarction [excluded from strain analysis]. Mean left ventricular EF (LVEF) in patients was 62% ± 6% and right ventricular EF 64% ± 6% (vs. 65% ± 3% and 66% ± 4% in controls, respectively). Compared to control subjects, patients with VAs had impaired peak LV global radial strain (GRS) (28.88% [IQR: 25.87% to 33.97%] vs. 36.65% [IQR:33.19% to 40.2%], p Conclusion Peak LV GRS and GCS are impaired in patients with frequent idiopathic VAs and can detect myocardial contractile dysfunction in patients with different underlying substrates. Our findings suggest that LV strain indices on CMR-FT constitute independent markers of myocardial dysfunction on top and independently of EF. Abstract Figure.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias provides significant diagnostic and prognostic information but is challenging due to artefacts. In patients with occasional ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), arrhythmia rejection algorithms can be used to acquire good quality cine images at the expense of longer breath-hold times. However, arrhythmia sorting in not practical in cases of frequent VPCs; other options include triggered data acquisition which compromises image quality or use of low temporal and spatial resolution ‘real-time’ imaging. Purpose The aim of our study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of the class Ia antiarrhythmic medication procainamide for suppressing ventricular ectopy and acquiring high quality CMR images. Methods 50 consecutive patients (mean age 48 ± 16 years; 52% female) with a high burden of VPCs during CMR scanning were included in the study. Procainamide was administered on the scanner table prior to CMR scanning at intermittent intravenous bolus doses of 50 mg every minute, until suppression of VPCs was achieved or a maximum dose of 10 mg/kg was reached. Blood pressure was measured every minute and there was continuous monitoring of heart rate and ECG trace. CMR studies were performed on a 1,5T Magnetom Avanto scanner using a standard cardiac protocol. Results The average dose of procainamide administered was 567 ± 197 mg (range 200-1000 mg). Procainamide successfully suppressed VPCs in 82% of patients (20 patients with complete suppression and 21 with significant reduction); 7 patients had minimal suppression of VPCs, while there was no effect of procainamide in only 2 patients. Baseline blood pressure (BP) was mildly reduced (mean change systolic BP -12 ± 9 mmHg; diastolic BP -4 ± 9 mmHg) but none of the patients developed symptomatic hypotension. Baseline heart rate (HR) was relatively unchanged (baseline 75 ± 11 beats per minute (bpm) – peak procainamide HR 74 ± 12 bpm (mean HR change -1 ± 6 bpm). None of the patients developed pathological ECG changes. CMR scan had normal findings in 42% of the patients, 26% had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, in 16% the most likely diagnosis was VPC-related cardiomyopathy, 14% had previous myocarditis, and 1 patient had dual pathology (dilated cardiomyopathy with previous myocardial infarction). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 55% ± 9%. Conclusion We propose the bolus intravenous administration of procainamide prior to CMR scanning as a safe and effective alternative approach for suppressing VPCs and acquiring high quality images in patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias and normal or only mildly impaired left ventricular function. Further studies are needed to assess its safety and effectiveness in larger patient cohorts, including also patients with ventricular systolic impairment.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Aims.The data on echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and ferritin predicting long-term survival in haemoglobinopathies are scarce. The current study evaluated the association of these parameters with the 10-years survival in haemoglobinopathies. Methods.This prospective study included stable consecutive haemoglobinopathy patients .Demographics, ferritin, echocardiography and CMR parameters were prospectively collected. Results. In total, 83 patients (mean age 38.4 ± 12.0 years, 46% male) with haemoglobinopathies were included and dichotomized based on their survival status after a follow-up of 9.8 ± 1.4 years. Patients who died were older (45.3 ± 11.6 vs 37.1 ± 11.7 years, p = 0.025), had higher ferritin levels (2498 vs 754 ng/ml, p = 0.001), higher right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (41 ± 10 vs 31 ± 11mmHg, p = 0.001), more frequently elevated left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (70 vs 35%, p = 0.039) and lower CMR T2* values (23 ± 12 vs 35 ± 12ms, p = 0.007). Older age (HR: 1.053, p = 0.018), ferritin >2000ng/ml (HR: 3.517, p = 0.03), and >950ng/ml (HR: 11,135, p = 0.02), elevated LV end-diastolic pressure (HR: 3.977, p = 0.046), RVSP >34mmHg(HR: 10,134, p = 0.003), CMR T2* 34mmHg than elevated LV end-diastolic pressure (C index 0.777 vs. 0.757 respectively) or ferritin >950ng/ml than >2000ng/ml (C index 0.805 vs. 0.770 respectively) or CMR T2* Conclusions. In haemoglobinopathy patients, RVSP >34mmHg, ferritin >2000ng/ml and CMR T2* 36ms appears to improve their prognosis. Abstract Figure.

Background The association of heart failure (HF) with the prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess all-cause mortality in patients following hospitalization with comorbid AF in relation to the presence of HF. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from 977 patients discharged from the cardiology ward of a single tertiary center between 2015 and 2018 and followed for a median of 2 years. The association between HF and the primary endpoint of death from any cause was assessed using multivariable Cox regression. Results HF was documented in 505 (51.7%) of AF cases at discharge, including HFrEF (17.9%), HFmrEF (16.5%) and HFpEF (25.2%). A primary endpoint event occurred in 212 patients (42%) in the AF-HF group and in 86 patients (18.2%) in the AF-no HF group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 3.13; P Conclusions HF was present in half of the patients discharged from the hospital with comorbid AF. The presence of HF on top of AF was independently associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than did absence of HF, irrespective of HF subtype. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background/Introduction Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) remains the mainstay in the long-term management of patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Data on the association of adherence to GDMT with clinical outcomes are scarce. Purpose To assess the adherence to GDMT and its relation to all-cause mortality in a population of patients after an ACS. Methods In this post-hoc analysis of the prospective, randomised IDEAL-LDL trial (NCT02927808) we analyzed data of 360 ACS patients discharged from a cardiology clinic. Median follow-up period was 35.9 (IQR 25.7–41.6) months. GDMT was assessed at discharge and at the 1-year follow-up, at which time data was collected by telephone interviews or ambulant visits. GDMT was defined as compliance with secondary prevention therapies (statin, antiplatelet, b-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-i) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)), as per their respective indication in the 2017 STEMI and 2015 NSTE-ACS ESC Guidelines. Extended follow-up data for mortality was collected from the national health insurance electronic prescription system. Results Median age of the entire cohort was 60 (IQR-53–71) years, 18.6% were female and 55.6% suffered a STEMI. At discharge, 342 patients (95%) received statins, 331 (91.9%) proper antithrombotic therapy (86.4% on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), 2.5% on antiplatelet plus anticoagulant and 3% on triple therapy), 309 (85.8%) β-blockers and 217 (60.3%) ACE-i or ARB. GDMT at discharge was prescribed to 272 (75.6%) patients. The 1-year mortality rate was 4.7% (IQR, 2.5–6.9) and there was no mortality benefit for GDMT (HR=0.77 95% CI 0.27 - 2.2) (Figure 1a). At the one-year follow up, 323 (94.2%) of 343 alive patients received statin treatment (72.4% of which a high-intensity statin), 330 (96.2%) any antithrombotic therapy (59.8% on DAPT, 5.2% on any anticoagulant), 263 (76.7%) a β-blocker and 194 (56.6%) an ACE-I or ARB. GDMT at one-year follow up was prescribed to 248 (72.3%) patients. Beyond one year, all-cause mortality was significantly reduced in patients receiving GDMT adjusted for age, STEMI, revascularization with percutaneous coronary angioplasty, history of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. (1.6% vs 9.5%, aHR 0.3 95% CI 0.08 - 0.92) (Figure 1b). Conclusions Adherence to GDMT remains stable one year after an ACS. GDMT was associated with a significant decrease in long-term mortality, but not associated with one-year mortality. Figure 1. GDMT at baseline, at 1 year and mortality Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Data about the implications of two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking myocardial deformation parameter for predicting sudden arrhythmic events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are limited. Purpose The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate the predictive value of novel myocardial deformation parameters with regard to 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with HCM. Methods This was a prospective study that included HCM patients without concomitant severe valvular heart disease, without prior myocardial infarction and with sinus rhythm at index evaluation. A total of 317 patients were screened and 67 subjects were excluded. Finally, the study sample consisted of 250 patients (mean age 50.8±15.8, 67.2% male). Global longitudinal strain (GLS), left atrial (LA) strain, radial strain, circumferential strain, and mechanical dispersion of the left ventricle ((MD)-the standard deviation of time to peak negative strain in 18 left ventricular segments) were examined. The primary outcome of the study was sudden arrhythmic events including sudden cardiac death, sustained ventricular tachycardia, resuscitated cardiac arrest and appropriate impantable cardioverter defibrillator discharges. Results During a mean follow-up of 2.4±1.2 years, 19 patients suffered a sudden arrhythmic event. GLS, LA strain, MD and radial strain significantly predicted sudden events among our cohort. The optimal cut-off values obtained from receiver-operator characteristic curves were for GLS >−14%, for LA strain 67ms. However, only GLS >−14% and LA strain −14% in the survival model and to 0.839, p=0.009 including LA strain Conclusion GLS and LA strain conferred a significant additional prognostic value to HCMRisc-SCD score for predicting sudden arrhythmic events in HCM patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The purpose of this study was to investigate right atrial and ventricular strain parameters on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and whether they can aid in the assessment of PPH prognosis.Adult patients with groups 1 and 4 PPH were invited to participate in the study. Age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were also recruited as controls. At baseline, patients underwent clinical examination, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement and CMR with feature tracking post-processing (CMR-FT). Healthy controls underwent only CMR-FT. The study's primary endpoint was clinical failure, defined as death, hospitalization or demonstrable clinical deterioration during follow-up. Patients who were unable to perform 6-minute walking test due to musculoskeletal disorders were excluded from the study.Thirty-six patients (8 men, 28 women; mean age, 50.6±13.8 [SD] years [range: 18.6-78.5years]) and 12 healthy control subjects (5 mean, 7 women; mean age, 40.6±13.5 [SD] years [range: 23.1-64.4years]) were recruited. Right ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly impaired in PPH patients (-20.2±5.3 [SD] % [range: -28.8 to -9.1%] vs. -28.4±3.1% [-33.7 to -22.7%] respectively, P0.001). The right atrial GLS was significantly impaired in PPH compared to healthy controls (-19.9±4.5% [range: -28.6 to -3.6%] vs. -26.5±4.2% [range: -32.8 to -15.8%] respectively) (P0.001). Clinical failure occurred in 19 (19/36, 53%) of patients. Right ventricular GLS predicted clinical failure most reliably among CMR parameters (-22.6±3.8 [SD] % [range: -27.6 to -12.7%] for patients without clinical failure vs. -18±5.6 [SD] % [range: -28.8 to -9.1%] for patients with clinical failure; hazard ratio [HR]=1.85; P=0.007; area under the AUC curve=0.75). Lower absolute right atrial GLS was significantly associated with clinical failure (-22.7±3.0 [SD] % [range: -28.6 to -17.7%] for patients without clinical failure vs. -16.9±5.8 [SD] % [range: -24.2 to -3.6%] for patients with clinical failure) (HR=1.53; P=0.035).CMR feature tracking-derived myocardial strain parameters of both the right atrium and ventricle can assist clinicians in the prognosis of PPH.

Objective Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease of the myocardium that is characterized by phenotypic variability among patients. miR-146a is a small non-coding RNA that is well known for its role in inflammation and myocardial hypertrophy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of miR-146a as a candidate genetic factor influencing HCM phenotype. Methods In this study, 140 HCM patients and 112 control individuals were genotyped for the rs2910164 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MIR146A gene; using this data, the correlation between different genotypes and clinical features of the disease were determined. Additionally, plasma levels of miR-146a-5p were determined in 50 HCM patients and 30 control individuals by using qPCR. Results The incidence of GC and CC genotypes were significantly lower in HCM patients (odds ratio (OR) = 0.5 [0.3–0.8], p = 0.007). The GC/CC genotypes in the dominant genetic model positively correlated with the presence of left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction (OR = 2.3 [1.2–4.7] and p = 0.018), a higher left ventricle mass index (118 ± 47 g/m2 vs 92 ± 42 g/m2 and p = 0.02), and increased left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (4.66 ± 0.64cm vs 4.39 ± 0.7cm and p = 0.026). Atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in patients homozygous for the C allele (OR = 10.6 [2–55], p = 0.003). Interestingly, the plasma levels of miR-146a-5p were significantly increased in HCM patients with LVOT obstruction. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the C allele of the rs2910164 SNP might be under negative selection in HCM patients. Additionally, plasma levels of miR-146a-5p and GC/CC genotypes are indicative of the obstructive phenotype in HCM patients.

Background Prior risk stratification schemes for atrial fibrillation (AF) have extensively focused on stroke as the principal outcome. However, an accurate estimation of the risk of death in patients with AF has received disproportional attention. Purpose The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk score for predicting mortality in patients with AF who underwent a hospitalization for cardiac reasons. Methods The new risk score was developed and internally validated in 887 patients with AF, who were followed up for a median of 2 years. The outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Biomarker samples, echocardiographic data and renal function values were obtained at the date closest to hospital discharge. A Cox-model that determined the variables that significantly contributed to the prediction of all-cause mortality, was adapted to a risk points system through weighting of the model coefficients. The model was internally validated by bootstrapping, assessing both discrimination and calibration. Results 311 all-cause deaths were reported during 1755 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate 17.7 events per 100 person-years). The most important predictors of death were N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-TnT), left atrial area indexed to body surface area (LAAi), prior cardiac arrest, kidney impairment, congestive heart failure and age, and were included in the BLACCK (AF) death risk score. The score was well-calibrated (observed probabilities adjusted to predicted probabilities) and showed good discriminative ability [c-index 0.87 (95% CI 0.85–0.90)]. The internal validation of the score reported minimal over-fitting (optimism-corrected c-index of 0.85). The 1, 2 and 3-year risk of death derived by the score's total points may be calculated immediately through the nomogram (Figure 1). BLACCK (AF) risk score nomogram Conclusions We developed a simple, well-calibrated and internally validated novel risk score for predicting 1, 2 and 3-year risk of death in patients with AF after a hospitalization for cardiac reasons. The BLACCK (AF) death risk score included both cardiac biomarkers and clinical information, performed well and may assist physicians in decision-making when treating patients with AF.

Background: Exodontia (dental extraction), being the most frequent minor surgical procedure in the general population, inevitably involves a large number of patients on antithrombotic medication. Current experience shows that there is a degree of confusion in managing these patients. Description: Post-exodontia bleeding, a natural consequence of every dental extraction with no or minor clinical significance in the vast majority of cases, often appears to be of major concern to both patients and healthcare practitioners (dentists or physicians), either because of the alarming nature of oral bleeding itself or because of the distorted perception about its importance. These concerns are enhanced by the lack of a universal standardized definition of post-exodontia bleeding and by the fact that all currently available post-exodontia bleeding definitions bear intrinsic limitations and tend to overestimate its clinical significance. Conclusion: In order to overcome the aforementioned issues, this article presents an overview of post-extraction bleeding and proposes a classification, based on the well-recognized Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding definition, aiming at reducing heterogeneity in this field.

Background miR-29a is a small non-coding RNA that is known to repress collagen synthesis. Interestingly, elevated plasma miR-29a was reported to correlate with pronounced myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study was to elucidate the origin of plasma miR-29a, and evaluate its significance as a biomarker. Methods miR-29a expression was evaluated in plasma ( n = 50) and myocardial samples ( n = 4) from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using RT-qPCR. Results Although miR-29a was highly expressed in the myocardium, miR-29a plasma levels did not show any correlation with serum troponin I levels (r s = − 0.12, p = 0.43), and the heart does not release significant amounts of miR-29a into the circulation via exosome secretion. Conversely, miR-29a was present in red blood cells, and plasma levels correlated significantly with markers of hemolysis: lactic dehydrogenase (r s = 0.36, p = 0.01) and the absorbance of oxyhemoglobin at 414 nm (r s = 0.39, p = 0.006). Furthermore, the association between serum haptoglobin and the maximal blood flow velocity in the left ventricle outflow tract (r s = − 0.42, p = 0.008) indicated that intravascular hemolysis is a manifestation of the disease. Conclusions miR-29a is highly expressed in myocardial tissue from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In contrast, plasma miR-29a is primarily of nonmyocardial origin and is correlated significantly with the extent of hemolysis observed in these patients.

BACKGROUND: In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), intracranial bleeding (ICB) constitutes a very challenging situation in which the rate of both ischemic and hemorrhagic events is increased. In these patients, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) might represent a very valid alternative.OBJECTIVES: To investigate the procedural safety and long-term outcome of patients undergoing LAAO therapy due to previous ICB.METHODS: Data from the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug multicenter registry on 1047 consecutive patients were analyzed. Patients with previous ICB as indication for LAAO were compared to patients with other indications.RESULTS: A total of 198 patients (18.9%) with previous ICB were identified. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was similar (4.5±1.5 vs. 4.4±1.6, p=0.687) and the HAS-BLED score was higher in patients with previous ICB compared to those without (3.5±1.1 vs. 3.1±1.2, pCONCLUSIONS: In patients with NVAF and previous ICB, LAAO seemed to be a safe procedure and was associated with a significant reduction in stroke/TIA and a remarkably low frequency of major bleeding during follow-up.

Objective We examined trans-radial approach (TRA) use in coronary angiographies (CAs) as well as in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in specific regions of Greece, its distribution in public and private catheterization laboratories (CLs) and its preference by operators. Reliable data regarding the use of TRA are not available in Greece. Methods The study was performed in northern and central Greece, which constitutes 35.32% of the national population. This study focused on the years 2004, 2009 and 2013. Results There are 12 CLs. CAs performed using TRA were 0.43% in 2004, 12.28% in 2009 and 39.81% in 2013, whereas PCIs performed using TRA were 0.38%, 9.20% and 39.48%, respectively. Operators familiar with TRA, but who performed TRA electively, were 13.33% in 2004, 60.38% in 2009 and 42.37% in 2013. However, operators performing TRA routinely were 2.2%, 5.66%, and 49.15%, respectively. In 2013, there was a 3.76% decrease in CAs and 4.51% decrease in PCIs compared to 2009; in private CLs, there was a 29.63% decrease in CAs and 34.72% decrease in PCIs performed, which was contradictory to the 27.27% increase observed in CAs and 29.83% increase in PCIs in public CLs. Conclusions This is the first study to reveal the volumes and trends in interventions performed via TRA across central and northern Greece. TRA has gained a reputation among operators in both public and private CLs. Due to the financial crisis in Greece, catheterizations have been diminished, whereas private CLs have lost a great amount of their turnover.

Background Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a relatively common complication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of HPS, its clinical impact, and the possible association between HPS and characteristics of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods Patients with stable decompensated cirrhosis admitted to our department and assessed for HPS were included. For each patient, several clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters as well as renal function were recorded. The severity of liver disease was evaluated according to the Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Child-Pugh scores, and renal function was assessed using 51chromium complexed with ethylene diamine tetracetic acid. In addition, the short synacthen test was performed in each patient to evaluate the adrenal function. Results Sixty-three patients were enrolled, 26 (41.3%) of whom diagnosed with HPS. In multivariate analysis, the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma [odds ratio (OR) 8.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.3-27.9, P=0.045] and salivary cortisol at T60 (60 min after the intravenous injection of 250 μg corticotropin) (OR 0.88, 95%CI 0.71-0.98, P=0.045) were the factors independently associated with HPS. T60 salivary cortisol had relatively good discriminative ability for the presence of HPS (area under the curve=0.73). The presence of HPS was not associated with the outcome (P=0.22). Conclusion In our cohort of patients with decompensated cirrhosis, the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma and T60 salivary cortisol were the only factors independently associated with HPS. Keywords Cirrhosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma, salivary cortisol, adrenal dysfunction Ann Gastroenterol 2017; 30 (2): 225-231

Overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to structural as well as functional cardiac changes. Conventional echocardiography but also recently developed sophisticated two-dimensional echocardiography speckle (2D-STE) tracking allow elaborate evaluation of these changes. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of thyroid hormones overproduction on the heart in patients with Graves’ disease and changes that occur after 6 months thyrostatic therapy. We conducted a prospective, case-control study of 6 months duration. Full echocardiographic assessment at diagnosis and after 6 months of thyrostatic therapy were performed in 44 patients with Graves’ disease, aged 37.6 ± 9.1 years. Additionally, 43 euthyroid controls were studied for the same time period. Left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) were higher in the patient group while triscupid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was lower in the patient group. Moreover, left ventricular (LV) mass index and left atrium (LA) volume index were higher in the Graves’ disease group. Diastolic impairment as assessed with conventional echocardiography including tissue Doppler was present in the patient group (E/A ratio 0.87 ± 0.10,). 2D-STE analysis, revealed an increase in the strain rate at the isovolumic relaxation time (SRIVRT, 0.310 ± 0.07 patients versus 0.298 ± 0.09 s−1 controls). Improvement in diastolic and right systolic function as well as in left ventricular structural parameters was observed after restoration of euthyroidism (E/A ratio from 0.87 ± 0.10 versus 0.9 ± 0.08, p

Preclinical diagnosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) refers to the detection of functional or histopathological abnormalities in subjects who carry any HCM-causing gene mutation, before or even without the development of left ventricular hypertrophy [genotype(+)/phenotype(-)subjects]. The concept that HCM pathology may exist in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy is quite old but the ability to recognize the presence of early myocardial changes is quite new. Lessons from animal models have shown that in experimental human HCM, myocardial cell mechanical dysfunction precedes histopathological changes, such as myocyte disarray, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Several clinical reports have demonstrated that the majority of HCM genotype(+)/phenotype(-) subjects display myocardial functional or histopathological changes, such as reduced tissue Doppler imaging-derived systolic and diastolic velocities, abnormal electrocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance-visualized myocardial crypts, mitral leaflet elongation, and evidence of a fibrotic state, such as increased type I procollagen synthesis, cardiac magnetic resonance-increased myocardial extracellular volume, and late gadolinium myocardial enhancement. All these signs have been proposed as preclinical markers of HCM. At present the separation of such a group of subjects in the early phase of their disease provides the opportunity to test new therapies to prevent the development of fibrosis, hypertrophy, and dysfunction.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has been revived as a bridge to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim of the current prospective study was to define a safe time period from BAV to TAVR and to determine hemodynamic variables that predict event-free survival after BAV. The present prospective study included 68 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who were treated initially with BAV from 2009 to 2012. Echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic assessments were performed before BAV. The patients were followed up at regular intervals and events were defined as cardiac hospitalization or death. Invasive hemodynamic evaluation yielded more favorable results than echocardiographic assessment: aortic stenosis was less severe, cardiac output was higher, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was lower. Post-BAV event-free survival was 80.4 % at 30 days, 64.5 % at 6 months, 37 % at 1 year, 22.3 % at 2 years, and 9.3 % at 3 years. After excluding pre-discharge deaths (n = 7), the 30-day event-free survival rate was 90 %. Predictors of events after BAV were atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, elevated euroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation), elevated PCWP, and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure. Invasively measured PCWP was the only independent predictor of events (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95 % confidence interval, 1.03–1.11; p = 0.001). A 30-day post-BAV period may be considered a bridge to TAVR. Furthermore, invasive assessment of PCWP before BAV is an independent hemodynamic predictor of events after BAV.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) may transition to a phase characterized by systolic impairment resembling dilated cardiomyopathy. This study retrospectively assessed the incidence of left ventricular (LV) systolic impairment at initial clinical evaluation in 248 consecutive patients with HC (mean age 53 +/- 16 years). HC with systolic impairment was diagnosed if the LV ejection fraction was50%, calculated by echocardiography. Twenty patients (8%) had HC with LV systolic impairment at initial evaluation. Patients with systolic impairment had a greater incidence of family histories of sudden cardiac death (SCD) than patients with preserved systolic function (25% vs 5.3%, p = 0.006) and more severe functional limitations (New York Heart Association classor=III, p0.001). All-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality did not differ between the 2 groups. The incidence of SCD was 1.7% in patients with normal LV ejection fractions, and no SCD was observed in patients with systolic impairment. The latter group had more frequent major cardiac events (SCD, ventricular fibrillation, aborted cardiac arrest, and first implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge; p = 0.03). During follow-up, 2 patients progressed to HC with systolic impairment (annual incidence 0.85%). In conclusion, systolic impairment is not exceptional in patients with HC at initial evaluation and is associated with functional deterioration and major cardiac events.

Right ventricular (RV) infarction (RVI) is usually associated with severe RV global dysfunction representing predominantly stunned myocardium that may respond favorably to reperfusion. We assessed the efficacy of low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), performed early in the course of a reperfused RVI, to predict the recovery of RV systolic and diastolic function in 3 months, documenting the recovery of stunned myocardium. In all, 27 patients with acute, successfully thrombolyzed RVI comprised the study population. All patients underwent standard echocardiography at baseline and 3 months later for evaluation of RV systolic and diastolic function. At day 5 DSE was performed for evaluation of RV contractile reserve. Of the total number of segments analyzed, 69% were detected as stunned. At baseline, RV systolic and diastolic indices were seriously impaired showing significant improvement at follow-up. RV wall-motion score index during DSE was positively correlated with the same index at follow-up. DSE is a safe and precise modality to predict recovery of stunned myocardium in the setting of RVI.