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The advances in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been, above all, dependent on the work of pioneers in surgery, radiology, and interventional cardiology. From Grüntzig's first balloon angioplasty, PCI has expanded through technology development, improved protocols, and dissemination of best-practice techniques. We can nowadays treat more complex lesions in higher-risk patients with favourable results. Guide wires, balloon types and profiles, debulking techniques such as atherectomy or lithotripsy, stents, and scaffolds all represent evolutions that have allowed us to tackle complex lesions such as an unprotected left main coronary artery, complex bifurcations, or chronic total occlusions. Best-practice PCI, including physiology assessment, imaging, and optimal lesion preparation are now the gold standard when performing PCI for sound indications, and new technologies such as intravascular lithotripsy for lesion preparation, or artificial intelligence, are innovations in the steps of 4 decades of pioneers to improve patient care in interventional cardiology. In the present review, major innovations in PCI since the first balloon angioplasty and also uncertainties and obstacles inherent to such medical advances are described.

Whether incomplete functional revascularization has an impact on the clinical outcome of patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still unknown. We aim to assess the prognostic value of residual functional SYNTAX score (rFSS) in a cohort of patients undergoing TAVI.One-hundred-twenty-four patients (229 lesions) with severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided revascularization. The primary endpoint of the study was the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization at the last available follow-up after TAVI. Median SYNTAX score (SS) and Functional SYNTAX score (FSS) at baseline were 7 (range 5-12) and 0 (range 0-7) respectively. After revascularization or deferral according to FFR, residual SS (rSS) and rFSS were 5 (range 0-8) and 0 (range 0-0) respectively. Angiographic incomplete revascularization (rSS0) was not associated with the primary endpoint (HR 1.2; 95% CI 0.4-3.9; p = 0.69), whereas functional incomplete revascularization (rFSS0) was associated with worse event-free survival at follow up after adjusting for clinical confounders (HR 3.7; 95% CI 1.0-13.7; p = 0.04).Incomplete functional revascularization is associated with adverse clinical outcomes after TAVI. Residual functional SYNTAX score may be regarded as a treatment goal for patients with CAD undergoing TAVI. Further studies are warranted to confirm our hypothesis.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been proposed as a key driver in the etiopathogenesis of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), likely related to an “adrenergic storm” upon a susceptible microvascular circulation. The aim of our manuscript was to assess CMD in patients with TTS through the computation of the angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and its correlation with clinical presentation. Coronary angiograms of 41 consecutive TTS patients were retrospectively analyzed to derive angiography-based indices of CMD. Three indices (NH-IMRangio, AngioIMR and A-IMR) were calculated based on quantitative flow ratio. CMD was defined as an IMRangio value ≥ 25 units. The correlation between CMD and clinical presentation was then assessed. Median age was 76 years, 85.7% were women and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at first echocardiogram was 41.2%. Angiography-derived IMR was higher in left anterior descending artery (LAD) than circumflex and right coronary artery with either NH-IMRangio (53.9 ± 19.8 vs 35.8 ± 15.4 vs 40.8 ± 18.5, p-value

A 49-year-old man was referred to our cath-lab in 2015 after the detection of inducible ischaemia in the infero-lateral wall on single-photon emission CT performed due to a worsening stable angina. His cardiovascular risk factors accounted for family history of ischemic disease, high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia. The echocardiography highlighted a mildly reduced left ventricular function with infero-lateral wall hypokinesia. Coronary angiography revealed a chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the left circumflex artery (LCX) and a long diffuse severe disease of the right coronary artery (RCA). The left anterior descending artery (LAD) showed a diffuse atherosclerotic involvement without critical stenoses. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed after Heart Team discussion with implantation of two 3.5×28mm and 3.5×23mm Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) on the RCA. Moreover, the LCX CTO was successfully treated by anterograde approach with implantation of a 3.0×28 mm Absorb BVS. Intravascular ultrasound confirmed the optimal result of both the interventions, while confirmed the long diffuse calcific involvement of the LAD with a thick cap calcific fibroatheroma at the virtual histology. The patient was discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy for twelve months. After five uneventful years, he was readmitted to our department for recurrence of worsening stable angina. At the coronary angiography a significant progression of the proximal LAD disease was noted. The lesion was judged hemodynamic relevant with pressure derived indices (instantaneous wave-free ratio 0.86; fractional flow reserve 0.70). The IVUS and optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis confirmed the significant progression of the disease with a long, diffuse, sub-occlusive thick cap fibroatheroma stenosis (minimal lumen area 1.9 mm2; plaque burden 91%). The OCT analysis showed the complete resorption of the devices previously implanted to the RCA and the LCX, with optimal long-term results and positive remodelling in the LCX. Therefore, an OCT-guided PCI with marker-to-marker implantation of two 3.5×25 and 3×20 mm magnesium-based Magmaris BVS was performed. In 2022, the patient underwent an elective coronary angiography that demonstrated a complete resorption of both the Magmaris with an optimal OCT result. Conversely, the positive remodelled segment resulting from complete resorption of the poly-L-lactic-based BVS in the mid-LCX was shown to be progressed to a critical sub-occlusive fibroatheroma. A further OCT-guided PCI with deployment one 3.5×20mm Magmaris BVS was performed. Six months later, patient was asymptomatic with a good performance status. To the best of our knowledge, the present is the first case of multivessel repetitive imaging-based percutaneous revascularizations with the use of two different BVS technologies and a total of six devices implanted, with very long-term intracoronary imaging result. Through the paired intravascular imaging analysis, this case sought to provide insightful findings on vulnerable plaque atherosclerotic progression and on BVS biologic restoration therapy, a process that appears particularly appealing in young patients with advanced CAD, namely multivessel involvement and diffuse disease that still poses limitations to PCI.

Background the development of bioresorbable scaffolds (BRSs) has been conceived as revolution in interventional cardiology for the prospective improvements in the treatment of coronary artery disease. However, metallic drug eluting stent (DES) demonstrated greater safety and efficacy than bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) Absorb in dedicated trials culminating in the commercial withdrawal of Absorb device in 2017. Nevertheless, the progressive absorption of the scaffold and the restoration of physiological coronary artery characteristics attracted attention, so currently research on BRSs is in progress. Case presentation a 58-year-old woman was admitted in our department after an episode of typical angina at rest without significant troponin elevation. The electrocardiogram showed T wave inversion in lateral leads. Hypokinesia of distal septum and anterior wall and mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF 50%) were observed on echocardiography. Her cardiovascular risk factors included obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, family history of ischemic heart disease and former smoking. Her past medical history was remarkable for chronic kidney disease (CKD EPI eGFR 50 ml/min) and previous connective tissue disease. Coronary angiography highlighted a critical stenosis in the middle segment of left anterior descending artery (LAD). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging showed recanalized and organized throumbus and calcific plaques. After adequate predilatation and stent sizing by OCT, a 3×25 mm Magnesium-based BVS (Magmaris, Biotronik AG, Buelach, Switzerland) was implanted. OCT confirmed good expansion and apposition of the stent after postdilatation. Patient was discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 12 months, anti-remodeling cardiac and lipid-lowering therapy. One year later, the patient underwent and elective coronary angiography and OCT control showing a complete reabsorption of the Magmaris BVS with positive remodelling and luminal enlargement of the vessel. The patient was asymptomatic throughout the year with a good performance status. Conclusion The present case illustrates an example of imaging-based revascularization with BVS Magmaris and optimal intracoronary imaging result at 1 year follow up in agreement with the last available evidence. The last European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Guidelines on myocardial revascularization recommends the use of BVS only in the context of clinical controlled studies. However, encouraging results obtained and what expected from the current studies with Magmaris scaffolds, might change indications considering the potential benefit about the restoration of natural vasomotion, the reduced risk of neoatherosclerosis and the positive vascular remodelling following the scaffold absorption.

Background Although in the context of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) technological improvements, refinements in technique and increased operator experience have led to progressive reduction in most complications, periprocedural neurological ischemic event (stroke and TIA) continues to occur in up to 2% of patients undergoing TAVI. Many of these are attributed to embolic events during the procedure and can lead to potentially devastating consequences. Cerebral Embolic Protection (CEP) devices have been developed to mitigate this risk. Data regarding the clinical efficacy of these devices in preventing neurological events in TAVI are conflicting. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of CEP on clinical neurological events in TAVI. Methods We performed a multicentric retrospective observational case-control study to evaluate the rate of periprocedural clinical neurological ischemic event in patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI with or without using CEP (Sentinel, Boston Scientific) during the procedure. Patients were consecutively enrolled between January 2018 and December 2021 by two tertiary centers (Verona and Ancona). A total population of 1042 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the rate of a periprocedural clinical neurological ischemic event. The secondary was a composite endpoint: in-hospital death, periprocedural major vascular complication and periprocedural major bleeding. Clinical events at 30-day follow-up were evaluated (death, clinical neurological ischemic event, vascular complications, major bleeding). In consideration of the retrospective study design, we performed a propensity match analysis to account for differences in the baseline characteristics of patients in the two enrolling centers. Results The overall population comprised patients who underwent TAVI without using CEP (No-CEP group, n=581) and with CEP (CEP group, n=461). The propensity match analysis yielded a final population of 922 patients: 461 patients in the No-CEP group and 461 patients in the CEP group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. Primary endpoint occurred in 8 (0,9%) patients overall, 3 (0,7%) patients in the No-CEP group and in 5 (1,1%) patients in CEP group (p=0,725). There were no differences in secondary endpoint: 25 (5,4) patients in No-CEP group and 20 (4,3%) in CEP group (p=0,541). In particular: in-hospital death (0,7% vs 1,3%, p=0,506), periprocedural major vascular complications (2,0% vs 0,7%, p=0,143), periprocedural major bleeding (5,0% vs 3,0%, p=0,179). No differences were observed in 30-days outcomes: death (0,0% vs 0,9%, p=0,131), clinical neurological ischemic events (0,8% vs 0,7%, p=1), vascular complications (0,3% vs 0,0%, p=0,450), major bleeding (0,8% vs 0,7%, p=1). The multiple logistic regression performed to estimate the effect of CEP on the primary endpoint showed Euroscore II (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00–1.19; P=0.028) and predilatation (OR, 4.84; 95% CI, 1.21–21.64; P=0.028) was associated with an increase in primary endpoint after TAVI, while CEP and valve type did not contribute significantly. Conclusions This study suggests that using CEP devices during transfemoral TAVI is safe and does not increase vascular complications, although it does not impact the rate of periprocedural clinical neurological ischemic events.

A 7-year-old (y.o.) boy was referred to our center for a specialist evaluation due to alteration of the ventricular repolarization in the anterior and lateral lead on the electrocardiogram at medical evaluation for physical activity. The child was totally asymptomatic, with normal growth and unremarkable past medical history. The physical examination revealed only S4 and a minimal apical systolic murmur. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated a mildly dilated left ventricle (LV) and normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Strain pattern of basal-medium segments of lateral wall was reduced. Right coronary artery (RCA) appeared dilatated and the left coronary artery (LCA) showed an inverse flow at Doppler evaluation. Findings were suspicious for ALCAPA diagnosis (Anomalous Left Coronary Artery Arising from the Pulmonary Artery); a rare congenital heart disease that, if not treated, leads to death in 90% of cases during first year of life. Adult type of ALCAPA (adolescence-60 y.o) is even more rare and can cause heart failure due to a dilatative cardiomyopathy, chronic cardiac ischemia and, in 80-90% of cases, sudden cardiac death. We performed a coronary angiography that confirmed the anomalous origin of LCA from the pulmonary artery. The RCA was dominant, enlarged and supplied an important collateral flow for LCA. Coronary angiography is indicated not only for diagnosis confirmation, but also for coronary tree demonstration, especially in adult type of ALCAPA, because of the presence of not rare anomalies or “adaptation” of peripheral coronary circulation. All these features are important positive prognostic factors that enable survival beyond infancy. LCA ostium stenosis or bronchial artery collateral vessels are also common but weren't seen in this case. In adult type of ALCAPA surgery is usually indicated at the time of diagnosis, so a coronary button transfer and pulmonary Valsalva sinus reconstruction with autologous pericardial patch were performed. This is the preferred surgical technique in adult patients as it is the most anatomic correction. Since before hospitalization heart failure therapy with betablocker was introduced and after surgery aspirin therapy was started too. Post-surgery transthoracic echocardiogram highlighted a moderate pericardial effusion without haemodynamic impact and a pleural effusion, so an anti-inflammatory therapy with ibuprofen, cortisone and then colchicine was started. After discharge anti-inflammatory therapy was under-titrated until suspension based on gradual reduction of pericardial and pleural effusion. Patient was always free of symptoms and with good performance status. ALCAPA or Bland–White–Garland syndrome is an uncommon congenital heart disease. The presence of adequate collateral circulation between RCA and LCA allows to survive beyond infancy (adult type). We described a case of early diagnosis of adult type of ALCAPA in asymptomatic child thanks to a careful examination of basal electrocardiogram for evaluation of non-competitive sport practice.

Background Arterial hypertension is a complex and in most cases multifactorial pathology. Despite the numerous pharmacological treatments available, it is estimated that in Europe only 25%-39% of hypertensive patients achieve adequate blood pressure (BP) control. Renal arteries denervation (RDN) is an additional therapeutic weapon, complementary to Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT) in patients with resistant or refractory primary (or essential) arterial hypertension. In order to improve patients management and select those who are eligible for renal denervation, our Center has established the Interdisciplinary Group for the Treatment of Resistant Arterial Hypertension (G.I.T.I.A.R.), including Cardiologists, Nephrologists, Internists and Geriatricians. Methods From January 2018 to July 2022 the G.I.T.I.A.R. held twelve meetings evaluating 62 patients with resistant or refractory forms of arterial hypertension, contraindications or intolerance to antihypertensive drugs, suspected secondary or pseudoresistant forms (i.e. linked to poor patient compliance, drugs and/or inadequate dosages, concomitant intake of substances with hypertensive effect, incorrect measurements). For each of them, medical therapy was optimized and the need for second level diagnostic tests, multi-specialist follow-up and RDN candidacy were assessed. After three, six, twelve months and then annually following RDN, the patients underwent clinical and multi-specialist evaluation (where deemed appropriate), blood tests monitoring and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Results Of the 62 patients evaluated by the G.I.T.I.A.R., 64.5% (n=40) were male. The mean age at the time of evaluation was 64 years (range 18-87). After the first collegial discussion, 46.8% (n=29) have been declared eligible for RDN, while 53.2% (n=33) of the patients was initially rejected: 39.4% of these (n=13) for suspected or ascertained secondary hypertension, 12.1% (n=4) for the possibility of further optimization of medical therapy, 48.5% (n=16) for the presence of inclusion or exclusion criteria of ongoing studies design. Among the excluded patients, six presented moderate renal artery stenosis on non-invasive imaging: in two patients (33.3%) the stenosis turned out to be hemodynamically significant on angiographic and functional evaluation (Pd/Pa measurement), so renal angioplasty was performed; RDN was performed in the remaining 66.7% (n=4), in which a hemodynamic significance of the stenosis was excluded. Of the subgroup who had optimized medical therapy, one patient (25%) was subsequently referred to RDN for failure of all pharmacological strategies, while 3 of 4 (75%) achieved adequate BP control. Conclusions Resistant arterial hypertension is associated with an increased risk of development and progression of cardiovascular and renal diseases, with a significant impact on mortality and morbidity. Renal denervation has proved to be an effective and safe therapeutic strategy, complementary to OMT, whose selection of the ideal patient actually represents one of the greatest challenges. The integrated multidisciplinary approach improves the management of the hypertensive patient, the individualization of therapy and allows the identification of subjects who may benefit from RDN.

Background The use of mechanical circulatory support in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HRPCI) has grown over the past decade. We aimed to evaluate the impact of coronary revascularization extent on one-year outcomes of Impella-supported HRPCI in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods We performed a single-center retrospective study including all patients who underwent coronary angiography supported by Impella at our institution. Patients undergoing HRPCI in the setting of ACS with Impella-assistance were identified for the analysis. Revascularization extent was assessed using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) jeopardy score revascularization index (RI). Patients were classified into two groups according to the completeness of revascularization in high RI (RI>0.75) and low RI (RI The primary study endpoint was survival free from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization) at one-year follow-up. Results Among fifty patients enrolled in the study, forty ACS patients (mean age 69.2±9 years) were identified for the analysis. At coronary angiography, 76.3% had multivessel disease, and the mean BCIS-JSPRE-PCI score was 10.2±2.1. After Impella-supported PCI, BCIS-JSPOST-PCI score was 2.1±2.0 (p0.75 was reached in 89.2% of cases (mean RI 0.8±0.2). In-hospital mortality was 20.5% without a statistical difference between high and low RI (p=0.1). Within 12 months, time-to-MACCE was statistically higher in patients with high RI as compared to low RI (288.2 vs. 189.8 days, p Conclusions Our single-center experience suggests a more extensive revascularization, aiming for a positive impact on outcomes, when a Impella-protected strategy is performed in the setting of acute coronary syndromes.

Background Right Ventricle/Pulmonary Artery (RV/PA) coupling has recently emerged as a relevant prognostic factor in patients undergoing transcatheter valvular interventions. The aim of this study is to assess the interaction between RV/PA coupling ratio and the incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) following TAVI in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Furthermore we investigated the interaction between this novel ratio and adverse events at 24 months follow-up. Methods A population of 283 patients was selected from the Verona Valvular Registry (CESC n =1918). RV/PA coupling was estimated as the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs) obtained through transthoracic echocardiograms. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (sCr) of at least 0.3 mg/dL up to 48 hours following TAVI. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were defined as the composite occurrence of cardiac death, re-hospitalization for congestive heart failure and stroke. Results Mean age was 83.4 ± 5.36 years and 41.3% of patients were female. The median value of TAPSE/PAPs ratio was 0.5667 mm/mmHg and was used as a cut-off. A TAPSE/PASP ratio Furthermore, risk for 24 months MACEs was higher in the population with lower TAPSE/PAPs ratio (HR 2.672; CI 95% [1.195–5.974]; p = 0.017). Conclusion RV/PA coupling, as characterized by TAPSE/PAPs ratio, is a promising independent predictor of AKI, also associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiac events at follow-up in subjects undergoing TAVI. These data suggest a possible role for this novel index in risk stratification, assessment of the prognosis, and decision-making in these patients.

We present the unusual case of an AMI STEMI, complicated by ventricular fibrillation, in a 26 years old caucasic male patient, affected by necrotizing and granulomatous aortitis, in the context of a primary immunodeficiency. Initially the patient was referred to the Cardiology Unit for worsening dyspnea and fatigue. In his medical history he has primary immunodeficiency complicated by multiple opportunistic infections. We performed an echocardiography that revealed an aneurismatic ascending aorta (58 mm) with associated significant aortic valvular regurgitation. He was later referred to heart surgery OR where Bentall-De Bono operation was performed. Two years later he developed a lateral STEMI, complicated by ventricular fibrillation. The coronary angiography, performed in foreign country, showed total occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery with diffuse aneurismatic coronary disease, granulomatosis and ulcerative lesions. A percutaneous revascularization approach was tried, but ineffective. Actually the patient, during follow up, presents dilatative post-ischemic cardiopathy with moderate ejection fraction reduction, initial aortic bioprosthesis failure. We noted at follow up echocardiograms early dilatation of the native aortic arch (35 mm), suggesting a progressive disease. In conclusion, AMI's etiology includes many non atherosclerotic mechanisms that should be considered alongside common causes. This case shows a rare cause of STEMI in a very young male patient, and teaches us that aortitis is a progressive and complex pathology, often involving multiple arteriosus districts, that needs close follow-up and integrated management.

This study aimed to validate a dedicated software for quantitative videodensitometric angiographic assessment of mitral regurgitation (QMR).Quantitative videodensitometric aortography of aortic regurgitation using the time-density principle is a well-documented technique, but the angiographic assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) remains at best semi-quantitative and operator dependent.Fourteen sheep underwent surgical mitral valve replacement using 2 different prostheses. Pre-sacrifice left ventriculograms were used to assess MR fraction (MRF) using QMR and MR volume (MRV). In an independent core lab, the CAAS QMR 0.1 was used for QMR analysis. In vitro MRF and MRV were assessed in a mock circulation at a comparable cardiac output to the in vivo one by thermodilution. The correlations and agreements of in vitro and in vivo MRF, MRV, and interobserver reproducibility for QMR analysis were assessed using the averaged cardiac cycles (CCs).In vivo derived MRF by QMR strongly correlated with in vitro derived MRF, regardless of the number of the CCs analyzed (best correlation: 3 CCs y = 0.446 + 0.994x; R = 0.784; p =0.002). The mean absolute difference between in vitro derived MRF and in vivo derived MRF from 3 CCs was 0.01 ± 4.2% on Bland-Altman analysis. In vitro MRV and in vivo MRV from 3 CCs were very strongly correlated (y = 0.196 + 1.255x; R = 0.839; p 0.001). The mean absolute difference between in vitro MRV and in vivo MRV from 3 CCs was -1.4 ± 1.9 ml. There were very strong correlations of in vivo MRF between 2 independent analysts, regardless of the number of the CCs.In vivo MRF using the novel software is feasible, accurate, and highly reproducible. These promising results have led us to initiate the first human feasibility study comprising patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair.

ObjectivesWe hypothesised that low flow low gradient aortic stenosis (LFLGAS) is associated with more severe coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) compared with normal-flow high-gradient aortic stenosis (NFHGAS) and that CMD is related to reduced cardiac performance.MethodsInvasive CMD assessment was performed in 41 consecutive patients with isolated severe aortic stenosis with unobstructed coronary arteries undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), resistive reserve ratio (RRR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) were measured in the left anterior descending artery before and after TAVI. Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function at baseline and repeated at 6 months.ResultsIMR was significantly higher in patients with LFLGAS compared with patients with NFHGAS (24.1 (14.6 to 39.1) vs 12.8 (8.6 to 19.2), p=0.002), while RRR was significantly lower (1.4 (1.1 to 2.1) vs 2.6 (1.5 to 3.3), p=0.020). No significant differences were observed in CFR between the two groups. High IMR was associated with low stroke volume index, low cardiac output and reduced peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS). TAVI determined no significant variation in microvascular function (IMR: 16.0 (10.4 to 26.1) vs 16.6 (10.2 to 25.6), p=0.403) and in PALS (15.9 (9.9 to 26.5) vs 20.1 (12.3 to 26.7), p=0.222). Conversely, left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain increased after TAVI (−13.2 (8.4 to 16.6) vs −15.1 (9.4 to 17.8), p=0.047). In LFLGAS, LV systolic function recovered after TAVI in patients with preserved microvascular function but not in patients with CMD.ConclusionsCMD is more severe in patients with LFLGAS compared with NFHGAS and is associated with low-flow state, left atrial dysfunction and reduced cardiac performance.

While the most recent evidence suggests a lack of benefit, antithrombotic therapy is still extensively prescribed in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The objective of this study was to determine whether patients with TTS benefit from anti-aggregation, in terms of either short-term or long-term outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. A comprehensive search of the literature included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, EU Clinical Trial Register, References, and contact with the authors. Methodological quality assessment and data extraction were systematically performed. The review adhered to the PRISMA framework guidelines. A total of 86 citations were identified, six being eligible for inclusion, for a total of 1997 patients. One of them considered both short-term and long-term outcomes. One reported outcomes during the index event, while the remaining four focused on potential long-term benefits. They were all retrospective cohort studies.Based on our data, the long-term use of antiplatelet therapy (AT) led to a significantly higher incidence of the composite outcome (OR: 1.54; 95% CI 1.09–2.17; p = 0.014) and overall mortality (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.07–2.77; p = 0.027). The analysis did not show a statistically significant difference in TTS recurrences, stroke/TIA, and MI or CAD worsening with AT compared with no anti-aggregation. The AT in this settings did not show any clear benefit in improving the long-term outcomes, and it may be even detrimental and it may be detrimental. These results warrant further future research and the design of adequately powered randomized controlled trials focusing on the impact of aspirin on the outcomes in patients presenting with TTS.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the concordance between transcatheter aortic valve implantation angles generated by the “double S-curve” and “cusp-overlap” techniques. Background The “double S-curve” and “cusp-overlap” methods aim to define optimal fluoroscopic projections for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expandable device. Methods The study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with self-expanding device planned by multidetector computed tomography. TAVR was performed using the double S-curve model, as a view in which both the aortic valve annulus and delivery catheter planes are displayed perpendicularly on fluoroscopy. Optimal projection according to the cusp-overlap technique was retrospectively generated by overlapping the right and left cups on the multidetector computed tomography annular plane. The angular difference between methods was assessed in spherical 3 dimensions and on the left and right anterior oblique (RAO) and cranial and caudal (CAU) axes. Results The double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods provided views located in the same quadrant, mostly the RAO and CAU, in 92% of patients with a median 3-dimensional angular difference of 10.0° (interquartile range: 5.5° to 17.9°). The 3-dimensional deviation between the average angulation obtained by each method was not statistically significant (1.49°; p = 0.349). No significant differences in average coordinates were noted between the double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods (RAO: 14.7 ± 15.2 vs. 12.9 ± 12.5; p = 0.36; and CAU: 27.0 ± 9.4 vs. 26.9 ± 10.4; p = 0.90). TAVR using the double S-curve was associated with 98% device success, low complication rate, and absence of moderate-to-severe paravalvular leak. Conclusions The double S-curve and cusp-overlap methods provide comparable TAVR projections, mostly RAO and CAU. TAVR using the double S-curve model is associated with a high rate of device success and low rate of procedural complications.

Right ventricular pulsatile afterload (RVPA) demonstrated a strong impact on survival of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. The best prognostic parameter of RVPA is unknown. The aim of this work was to examine the prognostic relevance of pulmonary artery compliance (PAC), pulmonary artery elastance (PAE), and pulmonary artery pulsatile index (PAPi) in a consecutive cohort of patients with advanced HF evaluated for heart transplantation (HT). A total of 149 patients with end-stage HF underwent right-sided cardiac catheterization and were clinically followed up until death or any censoring events, including HT, left ventricular assist device, and hospitalization for acute HF. The primary endpoint occurred in 29 patients (19.5%) during a median follow-up time of 12 (interquartile range 3 to 34) months. This cohort presented a worse hemodynamic profile than event-free survivors. PAC1.9 mL/mm Hg (hazard ratio 3, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 6.0, p= 0.007) and PAE0.9 mmHg/mL (hazard ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 5.2, p= 0.02) were associated with the adverse outcome. On the contrary, PAPi was not associated with the outcome. PAC demonstrated a superior predictive value for the composite adverse outcome compared with pulmonary vascular resistance (area under the curve comparison p= 0.019) and PAPi (p= 0.03) but similar compared with PAE (p= 0.19) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p= 0.51). PAC, but not PAE, showed incremental prognostic value compared with cardiac index (p= 0.02). In conclusion, hemodynamic indexes of RVPA are associated with worse survival in patients with end-stage HF. PAC and PAE demonstrated superior prognostic value compared with PAPi and pulmonary vascular resistance. Moreover, PAC showed incremental prognostic value compared with cardiac index in patients awaiting HT.

Long-term variations of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free-ratio (iFR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have not been previously assessed. A total of 23 coronary lesions in 14 patients with aortic stenosis (AS) underwent physiology assessment at baseline, immediately after TAVI and at 14(7–29) months of follow-up. The angiographic severity of the lesions did not progress at follow-up (54[45–64] vs 54[49–63], p = .53). Overall, FFR (0.87[0.85–0.92] vs 0.88[0.82–0.92], p = .45) and iFR (0.88[0.85–0.96] vs 0.91[0.86–0.97], p = .30) did not change significantly compared with the baseline. FFR decreased in 3(13%) lesions with abnormal baseline value, whereas it remained stable in lesions with FFR > 0.80. Conversely, iFR did not show a systematic trend at long-term after TAVI. However, iFR demonstrated a higher reclassification rate at follow-up compared with FFR (p = .02). In conclusions, in this exploratory study, only minor variations of coronary physiology indices were observed at long-term after TAVI. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised in the interpretation of borderline FFR and iFR values in severe AS.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess acute regurgitation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement, comparing different implanted transcatheter heart valves. Background: Regurgitation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement influences all-cause mortality. Thus far, no quantitative comparison of regurgitation among multiple commercially available transcatheter heart valves has been performed. Methods: Aortograms from a multicenter cohort of consecutive 3,976 transcatheter aortic valve replacements were evaluated in this pooled analysis. A total of 2,258 (58.3%) were considered analyzable by an independent academic core laboratory using video densitometry. Results of quantitative regurgitation are shown as percentages. The valves evaluated were the ACURATE (n = 115), Centera (n = 11), CoreValve (n = 532), Direct Flow Medical (n = 21), Evolut PRO (n = 95), Evolut R (n = 295), Inovare (n = 4), Lotus (n = 546), Lotus Edge (n = 3), SAPIEN XT (n = 239), and SAPIEN 3 (n = 397). For the main analysis, only valves with more than 50 procedures (7 types) were used. Results: The Lotus valve had the lowest mean regurgitation (3.5 ± 4.4%), followed by Evolut PRO (7.4 ± 6.5%), SAPIEN 3 (7.6 ± 7.1%), Evolut R (7.9 ± 7.4%), SAPIEN XT (8.8 ± 7.5%), ACURATE (9.6 ± 9.2%) and CoreValve (13.7 ± 10.7%) (analysis of variance p < 0.001). The only valves that statistically differed from all their counterparts were Lotus (as the lowest regurgitation) and CoreValve (the highest). The proportion of patients presenting with moderate or severe regurgitation followed the same ranking order: Lotus (2.2%), Evolut PRO (5.3%), SAPIEN 3 (8.3%), Evolut R (8.8%), SAPIEN XT (10.9%), ACURATE (11.3%), and CoreValve (30.1%) (chi-square p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this pooled analysis stemming from daily clinical practice, the Lotus valve was shown to have the best immediate sealing. This analysis reflects the objective evaluation of regurgitation by an academic core laboratory (nonsponsored) in a real-world cohort of patients using a quantitative technique.

The volume of contrast to creatinine clearance ratio (CV/CrCl) is a useful indicator of the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing percutaneous interventional procedures. Association between CV/CrCl and adverse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was suggested but it is not well established. A large retrospective multicenter cohort of 1381 patients treated with TAVI was analyzed to assess the association between CV/CrCl and the risk of AKI and mortality at 90 days and 1 year after TAVI. Patients receiving renal replacement therapy at the time of TAVI were excluded. CV/CrCl ≥ 2.2 was associated with the risk of AKI and 90 days mortality after TAVI after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, baseline left ventricular function, baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD), previous myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.22, p 0.0001). Importantly, CV/CrCl was associated with the adverse outcome independently from the presence of baseline CKD (p for interaction = 0.22). CV/CrCl was independently associated with the individual components of the composite primary outcome including AKI (odds ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.28, p 0.0001) and 90 days mortality (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.60, p = 0.047) after TAVI. AKI (HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.21-3.11, p = 0.006) but not CV/CrCl was associated with the risk of 1-year mortality after TAVI. CV/CrCl is associated with excess renal damage and early mortality after TAVI. Procedural strategies to minimize the CV/CrCl during TAVI may improve early clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

BACKGROUND Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) disagree in about 20% of intermediate coronary lesions. As the physiological pattern of coronary artery disease has a significant influence on FFR-iFR discordance, we sought to assess it may impact on the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative flow reserve (QFR). METHODS One hundred and ninety-four patients with 224 intermediate coronary lesions were investigated with iFR, FFR, and QFR. The physiological pattern of disease was assessed with iFR Scout pullback and QFR virtual pullback in all the cases. RESULTS A predominantly physiologically focal pattern was observed in 81 (36.2%) lesions, whereas a predominantly physiologically diffuse was observed in 143 (63.8%) cases. QFR demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.581, p

The best timing to perform percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients undergoing TAVI is unknown. Most PCI are performed before TAVI, because of concerns about potential ischemic complications during valve implantation. In this study we aimed to compare short-and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing PCI before or after TAVI.Patients undergoing TAVI and PCI from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed. PCI was defined as high-risk when involving unprotected left main, proximal left anterior descending, proximal dominant right coronary artery or 3-vessel disease. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of any TAVI procedural complication and in-hospital adverse events (VARC-3 criteria).Out of 1162 patients, 144 underwent PCI, 68% after TAVI, 78.4% of which were at high-risk. The primary endpoint occurred in 28.4% of patients in PCI pre-TAVI group vs 21.4% in PCI post-TAVI group (p = 0.403) and in 34.4% vs 17.3% of patients respectively among high-risk patients (p = 0.075). A higher rate of stroke was observed in the PCI pre-TAVI group regardless of the PCI complexity (6.5% vs 0.0%, p = 0.031; 9.3% vs 0.0% p = 0.025 in the high-risk group). At 24 months, MACCE-free survival was lower in patients who underwent PCI before TAVI (84.4% vs 97.9%, adjusted HR 10.16, 95% CI 1.19-86.57, p = 0.019; and 84.4% vs 97.3%, adjusted HR 7.34 95% CI 0.78-62.28 p = 0.082 in the high-risk group).PCI performed after TAVI does not expose patients to higher risks of peri-procedural hazards and provides a trend towards favourable clinical outcome at mid-to-long term.

Aims Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction demonstrated a strong impact on survival of patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Increased RV afterload is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HF. To examine the prognostic relevance of RV pulsatile afterload parameters, in particular pulmonary artery compliance (PAC), elastance (PAE), and pulsatile index (PAPi) in a large cohort of patients with advanced HFrEF evaluated for heart transplantation (HT). Methods and results 149 patients with HFrEF enlisted for HT were evaluated with right heart catheterization (RHT) and echocardiography and were followed until death or any censoring events including HT, left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and hospitalization for acute heart failure (HHF). Cox regression and ROC-curve analysis were used to test the prognostic value of RV pulsatile afterload determinants. During a mean observation time of 500 ± 424 days, the primary endpoint occurred in 29 (19.5%) patients. The mean age was 56.6 ± 10.1 years and 85.2% were male. The most frequent etiology of HF was ischaemic cardiomyopathy (52.3%). Mean LV ejection fraction was 25.7 ± 10.2%. Patients who met the primary endpoint were significantly older and with worse haemodynamic profile than event-free survivors. In particular, the primary endpoint occurred in patients with lower PAC (1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 2.0, P = 0.01), higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (33.5 ± 11.3 vs. 29.3 ± 11.0, P = 0.05), PVR (3.0 ± 1.6 vs. 2.6 ± 2.0, P = 0.09), and PEA (1.12 ± 0.5 vs. 0.98 ± 0.6, P = 0.04). A significant increased risk of adverse outcome was observed in patients with PAC 0.9 mmHg/ml (HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.2, P = 0.02) and mPAP ≥25 mmHg (HR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0–7.5, P = 0.03). The predictive value of PAC was superior compared with PVR (AUC comparison, P = 0.019) and PAPi (P = 0.03). Conversely, PAC presented similar prognostic accuracy compared with mPAP (P = 0.51) and PEA (P = 0.19). Moreover, PAC demonstrated incremental prognostic value compared with the cardiac index (P = 0.02), whereas mPAP and PAE did not. Conclusions Impaired haemodynamic RV parameters are associated with worse survival in patients with advanced HFrEF. Pulsatile RV afterload indices should be considered in the evaluation of patients enlisted for HT. PAC demonstrated an independent prognostic value in this highly selected cohort of patients awaiting HT.

Aims Whether incomplete functional revascularization has an impact on the clinical outcome of patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still unknown. We aim to assess the prognostic value of residual functional Syntax score (rFSS) in a cohort of patients undergoing TAVI. Methods and results One-hundred-twenty-four patients (229 lesions) with severe aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided revascularization. The primary endpoint of the study was the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and revascularization at last available follow-up after TAVI. Median Syntax score (SS) and Functional Syntax score (FSS) at baseline were 7 (range 5–12) and 0 (range 0–7) respectively. After revascularization or deferral according to FFR, residual SS (rSS) and rFSS were 5 (range 0–8) and 0 (range 0–0), respectively. At COX regression analysis, angiographic incomplete revascularization (rSS = 0) was not associated with the primary endpoint (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.40; 3.95; P-value 0.698), whereas functional incomplete revascularization was associated with worse event-free survival at Follow-up after adjusting for clinical confounders (HR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.02–13.75, P = 0.047). Conclusions Incomplete functional revascularization is associated with adverse clinical outcome after TAVI. rFSS may be regarded as a treatment goal for patients with CAD undergoing TAVI. Further studies are warranted to confirm our hypothesis. 376 Central FigureMACEs free survival analysis of patients stratified according to complete revascularization vs. incomplete revascularization assessed according to anatomy (residual SYNTAX score) (A) or physiology (residual functional SYNTAX score) (B).

Aims Plaque rupture and plaque erosion are the main causes of coronary thrombosis. While the first one involves fibrous cap disruption, the second one is caused by loss of endothelial continuity. In selected cases with evidence of plaque erosion, antithrombotic therapy without stenting has been suggested as a possible option. OCT is considered the gold standard for definition of thrombosis mechanism and has recently been included in algorithms for evaluation and management of patients with ACS. Also, high definition IVUS was compared with OCT in defining plaque erosion showing promising results. However, the cost and the large amount of contrast medium needed for OCT performance make these diagnostic tools of scarce applicability in daily practice. Methods and results We herein describe the case of a young man acceding to the Cath Lab with the diagnosis of NSTEMI. After baseline angiography and IVUS confirmed presence of Thrombus (Figure 1A and B), thromboaspiration was successfully performed (Figure 1D). The definition of thrombosis mechanism, revealing plaque rupture, was then performed with IVUS and ChromaFlo devices (Figure 1C and E). Also, IVUS was used to optimize stent implantation. Conclusions Although requiring further confirmations, we believe that in selected cases IVUS and ChromaFlo could provide a more applicable first-line diagnostic tool to define thrombosis mechanism. 363 Figure 1Baseline angiographic and IVUS evaluation confirming presence of coronary thrombus (A, B). After successful performance of thromboaspiration (D), plaque rupture was revealed by IVUS and ChromaFlo (C).

Aims Understanding the aetiology of heart failure is crucial for treatment. Gadolinium cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a powerful technique to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from left ventricular (LV) dysfunction related to coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results Clinical case: a 61 years old Caucasian woman with a history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia presented to the emergency department of our hospital with pulmonary oedema and hypertensive crisis, requiring non-invasive ventilatory support. She complained about shortness of breath and exertional angina for almost one year. On admission, the echocardiography showed severe LV systolic dysfunction and severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Troponin levels were slightly increased, and NT-proBNP was 2809 pg/ml. Once obtained clinical stability, anti-remodelling cardiac therapy was introduced and up titrated. Due to the history of angina and the new-onset severe LV systolic dysfunction, coronary angiography was performed, showing critical stenosis of the left main (LM) and of the proximal tract of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In deciding the best treatment pathway for the patient evaluate myocardial viability and characterize myocardial tissue was of paramount importance. Subsequently, a CMR confirmed severe LV systolic dysfunction and severe functional mitral regurgitation but demonstrated myocardial viability, with no late gadolinium enhancement. Therefore the patient underwent surgical myocardial revascularization with triple coronary artery bypass grafts (left internal mammary artery-LAD, saphenous vein graft-obtuse marginal artery, saphenous vein graft-diagonal branch of LAD) and mitral valve repair (annuloplasty). The patient underwent a period of cardiac rehabilitation asymptomatic and in good clinical status. Three months later, echocardiography demonstrated an initial recovery of LV systolic dysfunction with signs of reverse cardiac remodelling and a good result of mitral valve repair. The patient is now on optimal medical therapy, free of symptoms and in good clinical and functional condition. Conclusions Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an excellent diagnostic tool in heart failure. This clinical case can be formative, confirming once again the importance of an accurate and complete diagnostic workup and a subsequent therapy of aetiology in heart failure.

Aims Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common complication following TAVI, that correlates strictly with in-hospital, short, and long-term mortality. Extra-valvular cardiac damage (EVCD) showed to affect long-term outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). We sought to determine the differences in the incidence of AKI and acute kidney recovery (AKR) among patients undergoing TAVI and their impact on clinical outcomes according to EVCD. Methods and results 706 symptomatic severe AS patients were selected and retrospectively analysed. Based on echocardiography findings, patients were classified based on the degree of EVCD. AKI was defined as a relative increase at 24–72H in sCr concentration of at least 0.3 mg/dl, and was classified according to AKIN stages. AKR was defined either as an increase of GFR of 25% or a decrease in sCr of at least 0.3 mg/dl, both measured at 24–72H after the procedure. After dichotomized analysis, patients in EVCD stage 3–4 reported a significantly higher rate of AKI (27.4% vs. 11.3%; P Conclusions AKI demonstrated to negatively impact on 24-month all-cause mortality only when occurring in advanced stages of EVCD, but not in early stages. Conversely, early EVCD was associated with a higher incidence of AKR, which not significantly improved clinical outcomes but was associated with an improvement of renal function at 12-months. The application of this staging system may provide an additional tool for the decision-making process in patients with severe AS. 111 Figure

Aims Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a monogenic disorder driven by mutation of one of two genes: PKD1, which codifies polycystin-1, and PKD2, which codifies polycystin-2. The mutated proteins determine the formation of multiple renal cysts with a consequent decline in kidney function eventually leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the last decades the cardiovascular complications of ADPKD are emerging as the leading cause of death, but coronary artery disease (CAD) remains to be an uncommon complication. Methods and results A 60-year-old male patient affected by ADPKD, in dialysis treatment for ESRD, was admitted in 2020 to our hospital for invasive coronary angiography (ICA), checking eligibility for kidney transplantation. He had a previous history of hypertension and chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy. ICA performed in 2017 for unstable angina assessed ectasiant coronary arteries with diffuse atherosclerotic disease (Figure 1), determining significant stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery and proximal circumflex artery, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In 2020 was so repeated ICA, that evidenced a good result of the previous PCI, but pointed out a severe progression of ectasiant disease, which led to formation of giant aneurysm of the proximal tract of the right coronary artery, assessed at 3.8 cm × 2.5 cm (Figure 2), fistulizing to the right atrium and determining significant flow limitation in the following part of the right coronary artery. The absence of any symptoms and the lack of evidence of ongoing heart dysfunction, led our team to indicate conservative management and angiography follow-up. Conclusions Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and death in ADPKD, underlying a tendency towards accelerated atherosclerosis, but wide data about coronary involvement are still lacking. ADPKD patients seem to have an increased risk of developing coronary aneurisms, but either due to the expression of mutated proteins in arterial smooth cells, to the accelerated atherosclerotic disease or to the combination of both, is still controversial. Consequently, it is difficult to differentiate the underlying pathophysiology of aneurysm formation in an individual patient and to speculate whether ADPKD patients have an increased risk of developing coronary aneurysms independent of their accelerated atherosclerotic process.

Aims Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) disagree in ∼20% of intermediate coronary lesions. The physiological pattern of disease has a significant influence on FFR-iFR discordance. However, if the pattern of disease (diffuse vs. focal) impacts on QFR accuracy and on its agreement with FFR and iFR remains unknown. Methods and results 194 unselected patients with 224 intermediate coronary lesions were investigated with iFR, FFR and QFR. The physiological pattern of disease was independently assessed with iFR Scout pullback in all the cases by two expert interventional cardiologists who were blinded to the clinical presentation, patient characteristics, coronary angiography and QFR results. A predominantly physiologically focal pattern was observed in 81 (36.2%) lesions, whereas a predominantly physiologically diffuse was observed in 143 (63.8%) cases. QFR demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.581, P Conclusions QFR has a good diagnostic accuracy in assessing myocardial ischemia independently of the pattern of coronary disease. However, the physiological pattern of disease has an influence on the QFR/IFR disagreement, which occurs in ∼20% of the cases. The QFR virtual pullback correctly defined the physiological pattern of disease in the majority of the cases using the iFR pullback as reference.

Aims Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been proposed as a key driver in the etiopathogenesis of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), likely related to an ‘adrenergic storm’ upon a susceptible microvascular circulation. The aim of our manuscript was to assess and quantify coronary microvascular disfunction in patients with TTS using the recently developed angiography-derived index of microcirculation (IMRangio) and evaluate its correlation with clinical and instrumental presentation. Methods and results 41 consecutive TTS patients were retrospectively analysed. Three different formulas for compute non-hyperemic IMRangio (NH-IMRangio) derived by 3D-Quantitative Coronary Angiography (3D-QCA) and Quantitative Flow Reserve (QFR) analysis were used according to each fluidodynamic mathematical expression as reported by respective authors. CMD was defined as an IMRangio ≥25. Moreover, correlation between NH-IMRangio and clinical presentation and a comparation between the three formulas were provided. Median age was 76 years, 85.7% were women and mean LVEF at first echocardiogram was 41.2%. All patients presented CMD with NH-IMRangio ≥25 in at least one territory. Mean NH-IMRangio was higher in Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD) than Circumflex artery (CX) and Right Coronary artery (RCA) with either Oxford-NH-IMRangio (52.7 ± 18.6 vs. 35.3 ± 13.6 vs. 41.4 ± 15.1, P-value < 0.001), Madrid-NH-IMRangio (47.2 ± 17.3 vs. 31.8 ± 12.2 vs. 37.3 ± 13.7, P-value Conclusions CMD, assessed with NH-IMRangio, is a common finding in TTS and it is associated with LVEF dysfunction and LVEF recovery. The validated formulas for NH-IMRangio computation have a superimposable diagnostic performance and accuracy.

Aims PCI timing in patients undergoing TAVI is still controversial, with most cases treated before TAVI, because of concerns about potential ischaemic complications during valve replacement. This study aims to compare procedural and in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing PCI before or after TAVI. Methods and results Patients undergoing TAVI and PCI from 2010 to 2021 at Verona University Hospital were included. High-risk PCI were defined when performed in unprotected left main, proximal left anterior descending, proximal dominant right coronary artery or in 3-vessel disease. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of any TAVI procedural complication and in-hospital adverse events (VARC-3 criteria). 129/940 TAVI patients underwent PCI was performed before TAVI in 33.4% of cases. Most patients (76.4%) were at high-risk. The primary endpoint occurred in 30.2% PCI pre-TAVI vs. 23.3% post-TAVI (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.26–2.86; P = 0.671); and in 37.9% vs. 18.5% respectively, among high-risk PCI (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 0.86–3.76; P = 0.102). At 24 months, MACCE-free survival was comparable (PCI pre-TAVI 91.7% vs. post-TAVI 97.5%, HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.13–4.77, P = 0.765). Conclusions PCI performed after TAVI does not expose patients to higher risks of peri-procedural or long-term complications when compared with pre-TAVI procedures, even in presence of high-risk lesions. 377 FigureAn example of post-TAVI high risk PCI. Pre-TAVI coronary angiography showed ostial left main critical lesion (A). After Symetis Aortic valve deployment, balloon angioplasty and stent implantation were performed (B and C) with good final angiographic result (D).

Methods and results A 41-year-old black man complaining of severe oppressive chest pain radiated to the back presented to our accident & emergency department (A&E). His symptoms started few days before his hospital admission. Past medical history was remarkable for arterial hypertension in medical therapy and microdrepanocytosis. In A&E, the patient’s physical examination and vital signs were normal, he was normotensive, apyretic with normal oxygen saturation. The ECG showed ST elevation in anterior and lateral leads. Because of his history of arterial hypertension, and the severe chest pain irradiated to the back, an angio-CT was indicated at first. The CT ruled out acute aortic disease. Excluded the acute aortic disease, the patient underwent an urgent coronary angiography. No coronary stenosis was found. Therefore, the patient was admitted in cardiac intensive care unit. The blood test showed an elevation of high sensitive cardiac troponin T (cTnT peak 3093 ng/L) and inflammatory index (leukocytosis 13.65 109/l and protein C reactive peak 347 mg/L). An in-depth anamnestic collection revealed fever with respiratory symptoms about 2 weeks before. The echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with increased ventricular wall thickness and mild pericardial effusion. No LV outflow tract obstruction was found. A provisional diagnosis of peri-myocarditis was made. During hospitalization, anti-remodelling cardiac therapy was introduced and up titrated. To confirm the provisional diagnosis, a Gadolinium cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) was performed, and it revealed myocardial oedema on basal anterior interventricular septum and multiple areas of late gadolinium enhancement with subepicardial pattern. Moreover, severe LV hypertrophy was confirmed (interventricular septum 19 mm, inferior wall 17 mm). This pattern was consistent to the diagnosis of peri-myocarditis on a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Main infectious causes of peri-myocarditis were investigated, but the results were inconclusive. Unfortunately, genetic test results are still not available. Patient was discharged with recovered LV systolic function and free of symptoms on optimal medical therapy; no ventricular arrhythmias was detected during hospitalization. HCM risk sudden cardiac death (SCD) was lower than 4%. Conclusions Peri-myocarditis can mimic symptoms of an acute coronary syndrome. Furthermore, the inflammation of cardiac muscle and the subsequent interstitial oedema may cause an increase in LV wall thickness. In this setting, the diagnosis of an underlying cardiomyopathy is challenging. This interesting and unusual case highlights the relevance of an accurate diagnostic work up to deliver good clinical practice. In particular, Gadolinium CMR is of paramount importance in this setting.

An 80-year-old woman was electively hospitalized at our institution to undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic valve stenosis symptomatic for exertional dyspnoea (NYHA III). At the admission she presented a normal electrocardiogram (EKG), a creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 36 ml/min, a normal size and hypertrophic left ventricle with a preserved ejection fraction (EF 70%). A pre-procedure coronary angiography was performed and showed absence of significant epicardic stenoses. A balloon-expandable valve (Edwards Sapien 26 mm) was successfully implanted via the trans-femoral access without intra-procedural complication and the patient was transferred to cardiology ward for monitoring; in the post-procedure, the patient complained of nausea and a feeling of vomiting, without other cardiologic symptoms; she had low blood pressure (BP 95/70 mmHg) with normal heart rate and oxygen saturation (Killip 1). An EKG was performed and showed a ST-elevation in antero-lateral leads, so a bed-side echocardiogram was performed showing a good function of TAVR but an ipo-akinesia of the left ventricle’s lateral wall. The patient was transferred to the Cath lab and at the emergent coronary angiography no clear epicardic stenoses were seen, with a diffuse narrowing of an early obtuse marginal (OM) branch and of the distal branches of circumflex artery, suggestive for a spasm, that was refractory to repeated nitroglycerine infusions. A clear mismatch between coronary angiogram findings and EKG was detected. Considering the hemodynamic compromise and symptoms persistence a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of OM was performed with a partial ST resolution. The patient was transferred to the Coronary Unit Care where an echocardiogram was repeated confirming the good function of TAVR but outlining the presence of a voluminous intramural haematoma (>30 mm of maximum diameter) with anterior, lateral and posterior wall akinesia and depressed left ventricle ejection fraction (EF 35%). A conservative management of the haematoma was chosen. The hospital stay was complicated by an acute pulmonary oedema, requiring non-invasive ventilation, a cardiogenic shock, requiring inotropic (dobutamine) support, and an acute renal failure (creatinine peak 2.9 mg/dl with CrCl of 15 ml/min) with anuria, requiring continuous renal replacement therapy for two days; she developed a left branch block with no complete atrioventricular block. The pre-discharged echocardiogram showed a partially organized moderate pericardial effusion (1.3 cm) and moderate mitral regurgitation. After six months, she was asymptomatic, with a significant improvement of functional status (NYHA II) and a stable renal function (CrCl > 30 ml/min); no more echocardiographic signs of pericardial effusion were shown but the persistence of akinesia of the postero-lateral- and anterior-wall with depressed left ventricle ejection fraction (EF 37%) and moderate-severe mitral regurgitation. The persistence of good result of TAVR (aortic mean gradient 9 mmHg, absence of peri-valvular leak) was confirmed. Intramural dissecting haematoma (IDH) is a rare complication of myocardial infarction, chest trauma and percutaneous interventions; it consists of a cavity filled with blood, with the integrity of both the outer wall (myocardium and pericardium) and the inner wall (myocardium and endocardium) and it can develop in the left ventricle free wall, the right ventricle and the interventricular septum. IDH’s formation may result from intra-myocardial vessels’ rupture in the interstitial space. Never understimate nausea as symptom: think about heart is challenging but mandatory!

Aims The volume of contrast to creatinine clearance ratio (CV/CrCl) is a useful indicator of the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing percutaneous interventional procedures. Association between CV/CrCl and adverse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was suggested but it is not well established. Methods and results A large retrospective multicentre cohort of 1381 patients treated with TAVI was analysed to assess the association between CV/CrCl and the risk of AKI and mortality at 90 days and one year after TAVI. Patients receiving renal replacement therapy at the time of TAVI were excluded. CV/CrCl was associated with the risk of AKI and 90 days mortality after TAVI after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, baseline left ventricular function, baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD), previous myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular disease (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09–1.22, P Conclusions CV/CrCl is associated with excess renal damage and early mortality after TAVI. Procedural strategies to minimize the CV/CrCl during TAVI may improve early clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

Randomized controlled trials comparing the use of the MitraClip device in addition to guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) to GDMT alone in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) have shown conflicting results. However, if these differences could be due to the underlying MR aetiology is still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate if the effects of percutaneous edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip implantation could differ in patients with ischaemic (I-MR) and non-ischaemic mitral regurgitation (NI-MR).PubMed, Embase, BioMed Central, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for all studies including patients with secondary MR treated with the MitraClip device. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death and heart failure-related hospitalization. Secondary endpoints were the single components of the primary endpoint, New York Heart Association functional Classes III and IV, and mitral valve re-intervention. Seven studies enrolling 2501 patients were included. Patients with I-MR compared with patients with NI-MR had a similar risk of the primary endpoint (odds ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 0.93 to 1.46; IThe risk of mortality after MitraClip implantation is lower in patients with NI-MR than in those with I-MR. No absolute differences in the risk of heart failure related hospitalization were observed between groups.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease. In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard of care for symptomatic patients at high surgical risk. Recently, indications to TAVI have also been extended to the low surgical risk and intermediate surgical risk populations. Consequently, in this setting, some aspects acquire greater relevance: surgical risk evaluation, clinical assessment, multimodality imaging of the valve, and management of coronary artery disease. Moreover, future issues such as coronary artery re-access and valve-in-valve interventions should be considered in the valve selection process. This review aims to summarize the principal aspects of a multidimensional (multidisciplinary) and comprehensive preprocedural work-up. The Heart Team is at the center of the decision-making process of the management of aortic valve disease and bears responsibility for offering each patient a tailored approach based on an individual evaluation of technical aspects together with the risks and benefits of each modality. Considering the progressive expansion in TAVI indication and technological progress, the role of a work-up and multidisciplinary Heart Team will be even more relevant.

Background The impact of staged versus concomitant coronary procedures on renal function in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. Methods and Results Three‐hundred thirty‐nine patients undergoing coronary procedures and TAVI as a staged strategy (160, 47.2%) or concomitant strategy (179, 52.8%) were retrospectively analyzed. Contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) occurred in 49 patients in the staged strategy group (30.6%) and in 18 patients (10.1%) in the concomitant strategy group ( P P P for interaction=0.4) when compared with the concomitant strategy. At a median follow‐up of 24.0 months (3.0–35.3), CI‐AKI was not associated with sustained renal injury ( P =0.794), irrespective of the adopted strategy. The concomitant strategy did not impact the overall early safety at 30 days follow‐up after TAVI compared to the staged strategy ( P =0.609). Conclusions Performing coronary procedures with a staged strategy before TAVI was associated with a higher risk of CI‐AKI compared with a concomitant strategy. Moreover, a concomitant strategy did not increase the risk of procedure‐related complications.

A 64-year-old man on long-term hemodialysis with severe native aortic stenosis was referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) but had high-risk features for left-sided coronary obstruction (low coronary height [8 mm], borderline virtual transcatheter valve-to-coronary distance [4.5