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Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, the incidence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus and its predictors, and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in a population of patients with AF depending on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values.This study included 1962 patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiographic examination prior to cardioversion or ablation in the years 2014-2018 in three cardiac centers.More than a quarter of AF patients had decreased eGFR (60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and were characterized as a high-risk population, with more comorbidities, higher thromboembolic and bleeding risk compared to those with normal renal function. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) was prescribed in 97% and 93% of patients with decreased and normal eGFR, respectively, with a higher prevalence of prescribed non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). The incidence of LAA thrombus (24%, 9% and 4%) and SEC (25%, 25% and 19%) increases simultaneously with a decrease in eGFR (30, 30-59 and ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). Among patients prescribed reduced doses of NOAC, those with decreased eGFR were more often observed with LAA thrombus (10% vs. 2.5%). Non-paroxysmal AF, heart failure and previous bleeding were predictors of LAA thrombus, irrespective of eGFR value. CKD was the predictor of LAA thrombus in all patients including those with non-paroxysmal AF, males, without diabetes, without hypertension and with CHA2DS2-VASc2.Despite OAC, patients with concomitant AF and CKD remain at high risk for LAA thrombus formation.

Background Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are recommended in all patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after thromboembolic events without contraindications. It is hypothesized herein, that the majority of patients with AF after thromboembolic events receive OAC and the presence of specific factors, predisposes the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Methods This is a retrospective study, encompassing patients with AF hospitalized in a reference cardiology center over the years 2014–2017. Thromboembolic events were defined as: ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack and systemic embolism. Inclusion criteria were the following: diagnosis of non-valvular AF at discharge from hospital, hospitalization not resulting in death. Results Among 2834 hospitalized patients with AF, a history of thromboembolic events was identified in 347 (12.2%) patients. In the group studied, of 347 patients with AF after a thromboembolic event, 322 (92.8%) received OAC, including 133 patients on vitamin K antagonist (41.3% of patients on OAC) and 189 patients on NOACs (58.7% of patients on OAC). Among patients treated with NOACs the majority were on dabigatran (116 patients, 61.4%), followed by rivaroxaban (54 patients, 28.6%), and apixaban (19 patients, 10%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of arterial hypertension reduced the chance for NOACs use (odds ratio [OR] 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2–0.9, p = 0.04) and left atrial size ≤ 40 mm was a factor increasing the chance for the use of NOACs (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.8, p = 0.03). Conclusions Nearly all hospitalized patients with AF received OAC in the secondary prevention of thromboembolic complications. NOACs were used for secondary prevention of stroke among patients with AF in patients with fewer comorbidities.

Background: The aim of our study was to assess if patients with AF (atrial fibrillation) and a history of ischemic stroke (IS) excessively receive reduced doses of NOACs (non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants). Methods: The Polish AF (POL-AF) registry is a prospective, observational, multicenter study, including patients with AF from 10 cardiology hospital centers. In this study we focused on patients with IS in their past. Results: Among 3999 patients enrolled in the POL-AF registry, 479 (12%) had a previous history of IS. Compared to patients without IS history, post-stroke subjects had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (median score 7 vs. 4, p < 0.05). Of these subjects, 439 (92%) had anticoagulation therapy, 83 (18.9%) were treated with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), 135 (30.8%) with rivaroxaban, 112 (25.5%) with dabigatran, and 109 (24.8%) with apixaban. There were a significant number of patients after IS with reduced doses of NOACs (48.9% for rivaroxaban, 45.5% for dabigatran, and 36.7% for apixaban). In many cases, patients were prescribed reduced doses of NOACs without any indication for reduction (28.8% of rivaroxaban use, 56.9% of dabigatran use, and 60.0% of apixaban use—out of reduced dosage groups, p = 0.06). Conclusions: A significant proportion of AF patients received reduced doses of NOAC after ischemic stroke in a sizeable number of cases, without indication for dose reduction.

Background: In the recent years, antithrombotic prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has changed significantly. The main aim of this study is to assess the temporal trends of antithrombotic therapy and identify factors predisposing oral anticoagulant (OAC) use in stroke prevention in AF patients. Methods: The present study is a retrospective, observational, single-center study, which includes consecutively hospitalized patients in the reference cardiology center from January 2004 to December 2019. Results: A total of 9656 patients (43.7% female, mean age 71.2 years) with AF between 2004–2019 are included. Among the total study population, in most of the patients (81.1%), OAC therapy was used, antiplatelet (APT) therapy was prescribed for 13.5% patients, heparins for 2.1% patients and 3.3% of patients did not receive any stroke prevention. OAC prescription significantly increased from 61.6% in 2004 to 97.4% in 2019. The independent predictors of OAC prescription were: the period of hospitalization, non-paroxysmal AF, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, previous thromboembolism, hospitalization due to electrical cardioversion, ablation or AF without any procedures. Conclusions: In hospitalized patients with AF, during sixteen years of the study period, a significant increase in OAC use and a decrease in APT use were noted. Factors other than these included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score were independent predictors of OAC use.

Background Although triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) is recommended in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), guidelines allow an option of dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT). This study assesses the everyday practice of 10 cardiology departments in antithrombotic therapy in AF patients undergoing PCI and its agreement with current guidelines. Methods This analysis included medical data of AF patients enrolled in the prospective, observational registry (The POLish Atrial Fibrillation-POL-AF) that underwent PCI [elective or due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS)]. Results Of the 3,999 consecutive subjects included, a final analysis was performed on 359 patients that underwent PCI: 148 with urgent PCI due to ACSand 211 patients with elective PCI. Eighty patients in the ACS-group and 120 patients in the elective-PCI group were treated with TAT, although guidelines also allowed DAT. Of 316 patients treated with oral anticoagulants as a part of combination therapy, 275 were on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC). Reduced doses of NOAC were used in 74 patients treated with rivaroxaban, 60 patients with dabigatran, and 54 patients with apixaban. The proportion of patients treated with reduced NOAC doses adequately to the guidelines was 29%, 100%, and 33% for rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban, respectively. Inappropriate low doses of NOACs were used in 71% of subjects on rivaroxaban and 67% on apixaban. Conclusions In patients with AF undergoing PCI, NOACs are definitely preferred over vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs) in TAT/DAT, and an aggressive antithrombotic strategy with TAT is frequently chosen even if DAT is permissible by the guidelines. Label adherence of using reduced NOAC dose during combination therapy is not satisfactory for apixaban and rivaroxaban and probably results from too cautious an approach to the known indications for reduced therapy. The study is registered in the database Clinical Trials-NCT04419012.

The paper presents a description of a 75-year-old female patient with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus 2, connective tissue disease admitted to the Department of Cardiology due to unstable angina. Immediately after coronary angiography, the patient developed nystagmus, and double vision of the left eye — paralysis of the lower branch of the left oculomotor nerve was diagnosed. Despite the commonness of coronary angiography procedures performed in the world, eye complications are rarely reported.

BACKGROUND The prevalence and predictors of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who have been treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are not well defined. We aimed to assess the occurrence and predictors of LAAT on transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in patients with non-valvular AF treated with NOACs for at least 3 weeks. METHODS Consecutive patients with non-valvular AF who underwent TOE before catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion in three high-reference centers between 2014 and 2018 were included. Patients on apixaban were excluded from the study due to low numbers in this category. All patients received NOACs for at least 3 weeks before TOE. RESULTS A total of 1148 patients (female, 38.1%; mean age, 62.1 years) referred to our centers for catheter ablation of AF (52.1%) or electrical cardioversion (47.9%) were included. Patients were on rivaroxaban (51.9%) or dabigatran (48.1%). Preprocedural TOE revealed LAAT in 4.4% of all patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 points (OR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.15-3.88; P = .0161), non-paroxysmal AF (OR = 6.30; 95% CI, 2.22-17.91; P = .0005), and GFR

lt;bgt;Introduction:lt;/bgt; Tumors which most frequently metastasize to the heart include: malignant melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, lymphomas and esophageal cancer.lt;brgt;lt;bgt;Purpose:lt;/bgt; The purpose of this paper was clinical analysis of a group of patients operated in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest due to tumors of the right atrium and the inferior vena cava.lt;brgt;lt;bgt;Material and method:lt;/bgt; The study covered 7 patients operated at the Cardiac Surgery Clinic with a cardiac tumor diagnosed on the basis of an echocardiographic assessment in the years 2012-2019. Before qualifying for surgical treatment, each patient underwent: thorough interview and physical examination, 12-lead ECG, laboratory tests and echocardiography. Patients additionally underwent: computed tomography of the chest or abdomen, magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography on the basis of which patients with significant coronary artery changes underwent simultaneous coronary artery bypass graft. After preparation, the tumor was excised from the vena cava and right atrium with simultaneous removal of the primary tumor, most often kidney cancer. Early and distant results of treatment were analyzed in the examined group of patients to determine the following endpoints: hospital mortality and survival after surgery: after 3 months and 12 months.lt;brgt;lt;bgt;Results:lt;/bgt; Of all operated patients: 2 individuals died in the early postoperative period due to hemorrhagic complications (hospital mortality - 28.6%), and 5 patients (71.4%) were discharged from the Clinic in a good general condition. In total, 3-month survival was 71.4%, and 12-month survival amounted to 28.6%.lt;brgt;lt;bgt;Conclusions:lt;/bgt; Surgeries are very complex and challenging, and usually take on average 8-10 hours. It can improve the outcomes of palliative oncological treatment, better physical function (cardiovascular fitness) and extend life from several months to several years in more than ²/3 patients.

Introduction. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high risk of ischemic stroke. The most frequent thrombus location in AF is the left atrial appendage (LAA). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a basic diagnostic examination in patients (pts) with AF. Objectives. To analyse the relations between basic echocardiographic features, well-established stroke risk factors, type of AF, and anticoagulation therapy with the incidence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT). Patients and Methods. The study group consisted of 768 pts with AF (mean age, 63 years), admitted to three high-reference cardiology departments. Five hundred and twenty-three pts were treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and 227 (30%) with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). The subjects underwent TTE and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before cardioversion or ablation. Results. LAAT was significantly more frequent in pts with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): in 10.6% (7 pts) with LVEF<40% and in 9.0% (9 pts) with LVEF 40-49%, while only in 5.5% (33 pts) with LVEF>50%. Compared to pts without LAAT, those with LAAT presented with lower LVEF and higher left atrial diameter (LAD). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following variables as independent predictors of LAAT: previous bleeding, treatment with VKA, and LVEF. Conclusion. LAAT is related to lower LVEF and higher LAD. LVEF is one of the independent predictors of LAAT. Even in the case of adequate anticoagulant therapy, it might be prudent to consider TEE before cardioversion or ablation in patients with low LVEF and LA enlargement, especially in the coexistence of other thromboembolic risk factors.

Background: Most atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are at high risk of thromboembolic, and the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) is advised in such cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency at which OACs were used in patients with AF and high risk thromboembolic complications, and identify factors that result in OACs not being used in the researched group of patients. Methods: The prospective, multicenter and non-interventional POL-AF registry is a study that includes AF patients from ten Polish cardiology centers. They were consecutively hospitalized between January and December of 2019. All the patients in the study were of high stroke risk. Results: A total of 3614 patients with AF and high stroke risk were included. Among the total study population, 91.5% received OAC therapy, antiplatelet therapy was prescribed for 3.7% of patients, heparin for 2.7%, and 2.1% of patients did not receive any stroke prevention therapy. Independent predictors of no OAC prescription were intracranial bleeding (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.07–0.35, p &lt, 0.001), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.17–0.37, p &lt, 0.001), cancer (OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.25–0.55, p &lt, 0.001), hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.33–0.69, p &lt, 0.001), and anemia (OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.48–0.81, p &lt, 0.001). Conclusions: Most AF patients with a high thromboembolic risk received OACs. The factors predisposing a lack of OAC use in these patients were conditions that significantly increased the risk of bleeding complications.

We would like to present a case study of a 77-year-old patient who came to the hospital two weeks after an episode of severe chest pain due to fear of infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a result of the delay. The patient developed numerous complications of myocardial infarction.

Background: Hyperuricemia is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The prevalence of hyperuricemia and its clinical significance in patients with already diagnosed AF remain unexplored. Methods: The Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) registry includes consecutive patients with AF hospitalized in 10 Polish cardiology centers from January to December 2019. This analysis included patients in whom serum uric acid (SUA) was measured. Results: From 3999 POL-AF patients, 1613 were included in the analysis. The mean age of the subjects was 72 ± 11.6 years, and the mean SUA was 6.88 ± 1.93 mg/dL. Hyperuricemia was found in 43% of respondents. Eighty-four percent of the respondents were assigned to the high cardiovascular risk group, and 45% of these had SUA &gt, 7 mg/dL. Comparison of the extreme SUA groups (&lt, 5 mg/dL vs. &gt, 7 mg/dL) showed significant differences in renal parameters, total cholesterol concentration, and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Multivariate regression analysis showed that SUA &gt, 7 mg/dL (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.32–2.30) and GFR &lt, 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.46–2.48) are significant markers of EF &lt, 40% in the study population. Female sex was a protective factor (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56–0.97). The cut-off point for SUA with 60% sensitivity and specificity indicative of an EF &lt, 40% was 6.9 mg/dL. Conclusions: Although rarely assessed, hyperuricemia appears to be common in patients with AF. High SUA levels may be a significant biomarker of reduced left ventricular EF in AF patients.

IntroductionWe aimed to compare the prevalence of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus and its predictors between old and young patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methodsThe study included 1970 patients aged ≥ 65 (n = 822 [41.7%]) and < 65 (n = 1148 [58.3%]) referred for AF cardioversion or ablation preceded by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE).ResultsOral anticoagulation (OAC) was prescribed in 799 (97.2%) patients aged ≥ 65 years and in 1054 (91.8%) of those aged < 65 years (p < 0.001). In patients treated with OAC, those aged ≥ 65 years less often received vitamin K antagonist (VKA) (267 [33.4%] vs. 416 [39.5%]) and more often non-VKA-OAC (NOAC) (532 [66.6%] vs. 638 [60.5%], p = 0.008, p = 0.008) compared to patients < 65 years. On TEE, LAA thrombus was more often observed in patients aged ≥ 65 years than those aged < 65 years (63 [7.7%] vs. 46 [4.0%], p < 0.001), with an absolute but not statistically significant difference between patients aged 65–74 and ≥ 75 years (47 [7.3%] vs. 16 [8.8%], p = 0.528). In patients aged ≥ 65 years, there was no difference in the prevalence of LAA thrombus between patients treated with VKA and NOAC, in contrast to patients aged < 65 years, in whom such a difference was observed (27 [6.5%] vs. 16 [2.5%], p = 0.002). In multivariate logistic regression, predictors of LAA thrombus in both age groups were older age, non-paroxysmal AF, and heart failure, whereas only in patients aged < 65 years – VKA use, and in those aged ≥ 65 years – lower glomerular filtration rate and platelet count.ConclusionsDespite OAC use, older patients with AF remain at high risk of LAA thrombus formation. Older age, non-paroxysmal AF, and heart failure are predictors of LAA thrombus, irrespective of age.

In recent years, significant changes in stroke prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have been observed. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are more commonly used in the prevention of thromboembolic complications in patients with AF. The aim of the study was to evaluate recommended stroke prophylaxis in patients with AF and to identify predictors of using NOACs in patients treated with anticoagulant therapy. The present study was a retrospective, observational, single-center study which included consecutively hospitalized patients in the reference cardiology center from January 2014 to December 2018. In the study group of 4027 patients with AF, to prevent thromboembolic complications, OACs were used in 3680 patients (91.4%), an antiplatelet drug(s) was used in 124 patients (3.1%), and 223 patients (5.5%) did not undergo any thromboembolic event prevention. In the group of 3680 patients treated with OACs, 2311 patients (62.8%) received NOACs and 1639 patients (37.2%), VKAs. Independent predictors of the use of NOACs were age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.03; P < 0.001 ), a previous thromboembolic event (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.01–1.65; P = 0.04 ), nonpermanent AF (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.34–1.93; P < 0.001 ), and eGFR (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02–1.46; P = 0.03 ). Between 2014 and 2018, an increase of patients treated with OACs, mainly with NOACs, was observed. Age, past thromboembolic complications, nonpermanent AF, and preserved renal function determined the choice of NOACs.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause severe symptoms, but it is frequently asymptomatic. We aimed to compare the clinical features of patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic AF. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was performed (the Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) registry). Consecutive hospitalized AF patients over 18 years of age were enrolled at ten centers. The data were collected for two weeks during each month of 2019. Results: A total of 2785 patients were analyzed, of whom 1360 were asymptomatic (48.8%). Asymptomatic patients were more frequently observed to have coronary artery disease (57.5% vs. 49.1%, p &lt, 0.0001), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (39.8% vs. 26.5%, p &lt, 0.0001), a previous thromboembolic event (18.2% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.0002), and paroxysmal AF (52.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.0002). In multivariate analysis, history of electrical cardioversion, paroxysmal AF, heart failure, coronary artery disease, previous thromboembolic event, and higher left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of a lack of AF symptoms. First-diagnosed AF was a predictor of AF symptoms. Conclusions: In comparison to symptomatic patients, more of those hospitalized with asymptomatic AF had been previously diagnosed with this arrhythmia and other cardiovascular diseases. However, they presented with better left ventricular function and were more frequently treated with cardiovascular medicines.

Background: We aimed to assess characteristics and treatment of AF patients with and without heart failure (HF). Methods: The prospective, observational Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) Registry included consecutive patients with AF hospitalized in 10 Polish cardiology centers in 2019–2020. Results: Among 3999 AF patients, 2822 (71%) had HF (AF/HF group). Half of AF/HF patients had preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Compared to patients without HF (AF/non–HF), AF/HF patients were older, more often male, more often had permanent AF, and had more comorbidities. Of AF/HF patients, 98% had class I indications to oral anticoagulation (OAC). Still, 16% of patients were not treated with OAC at hospital admission, and 9%—at discharge (regardless of the presence of HF and its subtypes). Of patients not receiving OAC upon admission, 61% were prescribed OAC (most often apixaban) at discharge. AF/non–HF patients more often converted from AF at admission to sinus rhythm at discharge compared to AF/HF patients (55% vs. 30%), despite cardioversion performed as often in both groups. Class I antiarrhythmics were more often prescribed in AF/non–HF than in AF/HF group (13% vs. 8%), but still as many as 15% of HFpEF patients received them. Conclusions: Over 70% of hospitalized AF patients have coexisting HF. A significant number of AF patients does not receive the recommended OAC.

Although guidelines endorse cardioversion after adequate non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment without prior transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the majority of patients still undergo this examination.The aim of this study was to assess factors determining the decision to perform TEE in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are eligible for elective cardioversion.In this study, we evaluated the medical records of consecutive patients with AF who were admitted for elective cardioversion after prior NOAC treatment.Of a total of 668 patients included in the study, 362 individuals (54%) underwent TEE before cardioversion. In the univariable analysis, paroxysmal AF, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), thromboembolic events, a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, a history of bleeding, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end‑ diastolic diameter, a reduced dose of NOACs, hemoglobin levels, impaired renal filtration, and a high CHA2DS2‑VASc score were significant predictors of the decision to perform TEE. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, a history of CAD, bleeding, and stroke / transient ischemic attack / thromboembolism remained independent predictors of referring a patient for TEE (odds ratio [OR], 3.92, P0.001; OR, 7.92, P0.001; and OR, 2.36, P = 0.02, respectively). In contrast, paroxysmal AF (OR, 0.31; P = 0.02) and hypertension (OR, 0.28; P0.001) were indicators of refraining from TEE.Transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion was more frequently performed in patients with a history of CAD, bleeding, or thromboembolic events. Patients with paroxysmal AF and hypertension more often received cardioversion without prior TEE.

INTRODUCTION Although guidelines endorse cardioversion after adequate non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment without prior transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the majority of patients still undergo this examination. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess factors determining the decision to perform TEE in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are eligible for elective cardioversion. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this study, we evaluated the medical records of consecutive patients with AF who were admitted for elective cardioversion after prior NOAC treatment. RESULTS Of a total of 668 patients included in the study, 362 individuals (54%) underwent TEE before cardioversion. In the univariable analysis, paroxysmal AF, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), thromboembolic events, a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, a history of bleeding, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end‑ diastolic diameter, a reduced dose of NOACs, hemoglobin levels, impaired renal filtration, and a high CHA2DS2‑VASc score were significant predictors of the decision to perform TEE. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, a history of CAD, bleeding, and stroke / transient ischemic attack / thromboembolism remained independent predictors of referring a patient for TEE (odds ratio [OR], 3.92, P

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) prevents ischaemic incidents in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc risk score of ≥2 points in men and ≥3 in women is a class I indication for OAT. OAT should also be considered as a prevention of thromboembolism in AF men with a CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score of 1 point and women with 2 points, but the class of recommendation is lower (IIa). This study aims to assess the occurrence of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and risk factors of its formation in patients with lower class recommendation to oral antiocoagulation treatment. METHODS: The study group consisted of 1,858 patients: 555 patients with class IIa indication to OAT (IIa group) and 1,303 patients with class I indication as a control group (I group). Patients were admitted to three cardiology departments. All subjects underwent transoesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: The incidence of LAAT was comparable in both IIa and I group: LAAT was confirmed in 30 (5.4%) subjects of IIa group and in 77 (5.9%) of I group. The prevalence of LAAT in IIa group was higher on treatment with VKAs (in comparison to NOACs) (8.4% vs. 3.4%, P=0.010), and lower in case of paroxysmal AF (in comparison to non-paroxysmal AF) (2.4% vs. 9.8%, P=0.0002). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following variables as the independent predictors of LAAT in IIa group: treatment with VKAs (OR 2.99, 95% CI: 1.33–6.69; P=0.007), paroxysmal AF (OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11–0.62; P=0.002) and eGFR

Left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) may be detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) despite continuous anticoagulation therapy. We examined the factors predisposing to LAAT in patients treated with the anticoagulants dabigatran and rivaroxaban. We retrospectively evaluated 1,256 AF patients from three centres who underwent TOE before electrical cardioversion (n = 611, 51.4%) or catheter ablation (n = 645, 48.6%) from January 2013 to December 2019 and had been on at least three weeks of continuous dabigatran (n = 603, 48%) or rivaroxaban (n = 653, 52%) therapy. Preprocedural TOE diagnosed LAAT in 51 patients (4.1%), including 30 patients (5%) treated with dabigatran and 21 patients (3.2%) treated with rivaroxaban (p=0.1145). In multivariate logistic regression, predictors of LAAT in patients treated with dabigatran were non-paroxysmal AF (vs. paroxysmal AF) (OR = 6.2, p=0.015), heart failure (OR = 3.22, p=0.003), and a eGFR 2 (OR = 2.65, p=0.012); the predictors in patients treated with rivaroxaban were non-paroxysmal AF (vs. paroxysmal AF) (OR = 5.73, p=0.0221) and heart failure (OR = 3.19, p=0.116). In ROC analysis of the dabigatran group, the area under the curve (AUC) for the CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score was significantly higher (0.78) than those for the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores (0.67, 0.70, and 0.72, respectively). In the rivaroxaban group, the CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score also performed significantly better (AUC of 0.77) than the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores (AUC of 0.66, 0.64, and 0.67, respectively). The risk of LAAT was the same for patients in both treatment groups. In all patients, non-paroxysmal AF or heart failure, and in patients treated with dabigatran an eGFR 2, were independent predictors of LAAT. The new CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF scale had the highest predictive value for LAAT in the entire study population.

Background: Prevention of thromboembolic complications is a priority in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is more common and some patients have indications for a reduced dose. Aim: We sought to evaluate the frequency of NOACs being prescribed to AF patients and to compare the groups of AF patients receiving standard and reduced doses. Methods: The study included 1327 patients diagnosed with AF and hospitalised at an institution of the highest referral level in cardiology in the years 2015–2016. Final analysis encompassed 713 patients with nonvalvular AF, who were prescribed NOACs upon discharge. Results: In the group of patients receiving NOACs, standard doses were used in 383 (53.7%) patients, while 330 (46.3%) patients received reduced doses. Among patients treated with reduced doses, dabigatran was prescribed to 186 (56.4%) patients, rivaroxaban to 124 (37.5%) patients, and apixaban to 20 (6.1%) patients. Absence of indications for dose reduction was identified in 54 out of 330 (16.4%) patients receiving reduced-dose NOACs, including six out of 20 patients receiving reduced-dose apixaban (30%), 21 out of 186 patients receiving reduced-dose dabigatran (11.3%), and 24 out of 124 pa­tients receiving reduced-dose rivaroxaban (19.3%). Among patients treated with reduced dose of dabigatran (n = 186), one indication for dose reduction was observed in 75 patients, and at least two indications were observed in 90 patients. One indication was observed in 71 patients, and at least two indications were observed in 30 patients treated with a reduced dose of rivaroxaban (n = 124). Conclusions: Standard doses of NOACs were prescribed to most hospitalised AF patients. Apixaban was prescribed more frequently in the reduced-dose regimen, while the frequencies of standard and reduced doses prescribed were similar for dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Absence of indications for dose reduction as defined in relevant guidelines and Summaries of Product Characteristics was identified in 15.5% of patients receiving reduced doses of NOACs. More than one indication for dose reduction was identified in most patients receiving reduced-dose dabigatran, while one indication was identified in most patients receiving reduced-dose rivaroxaban.

We present a 40-year-old woman with pregnancy-induced hypertension, which was diagnosed in her first pregnancy. The study data demonstrate that patient’s blood pressure normalised after applying methyldopa. However, this hypertension treatment came out to be insufficient in the postpartum period. The aim of this study is to present the treatment of hypertension in a breastfeeding patient.

Introduction. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a method of treating coronary artery disease in patients with a variety of co-morbidities and at different age. The aim of the study was to characterize patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. Material and methods. Retrospective analysis included medical records of patients operated in the Cardiac Surgery Department of Świetokrzyskie Center of Cardiology from 2009 to 2011. The inclusion criterion in the study was an isolated coronary artery bypass surgery in patients without atrial fibrillation prior to surgery. Results. A total of 791 patients were enrolled. Men accounted for 74.3% (n = 588) of the subjects. The mean age of patients in the study was 64.6 (± 9.1) years. The majority of patients were aged 60–69. Hypertension occurred in 607 out of 791 patients (76.7%). Heart failure was reported in 20.6% (n = 163) of patients undergoing CABG. The mean number of implanted grafts was 2.7 ± 0.5. The left anterior descending coronary artery was revascularized in 99.5% (n = 787) patients. Postoperative complications after CABG occurred in 41% of patients. Conclusions. Men were more likely to undergo isolated CABG than women. The largest group of patients undergoing isolated CABG were those aged 60–69 years. Most patients undergoing isolated CABG had hypertension. Postoperative complications were observed in 41% of the patients, mostly low output syndrome.

Non-vitamin K oral antagonist anticoagulants (NOAC) demonstrated efficiency and safety in several clinical trials. These drugs are a promising alternative to standard anticoagulation therapy. One of them is edoxaban — highly selective, reversible and direct inhibitor of factor Xa. It can be used in states that require anticoagulant prophylaxis and treatment, such as prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The following article presents an analysis of clinical trials conducted to evaluate safety and efficiency of edoxaban.

Background: Current guidelines do not suggest in which groups of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) individual non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) should be used for the prevention of thromboembolic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of use of apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban, and attempt to identify factors predisposing their administration. Methods: The Polish Atrial Fibrillation (POL-AF) registry is a prospective, non-interventional study, including consecutive patients with AF hospitalized in ten Polish cardiology centers during the period ranging from January to December 2019. In this study, all patients were treated with NOACs. Results: Among the 2971 patients included in the analysis, 40.4% were treated with rivaroxaban, 32% with apixaban, and 27.6% with dabigatran. The mean age of the total population was 72 &plusmn, 11.5 years and 43% were female. A reduced dose of NOAC was used in 35% of patients treated with apixaban, 39.7% of patients treated with dabigatran, and 34.4% of patients treated with rivaroxaban. Independent predictors of apixaban prescription were previous bleeding (OR 2.39, CI 1.69&ndash, 3.38), GFR &lt, 60 mL/min (OR 1.52, CI 1.28&ndash, 1.81), and age (per 5 years) (OR 1.13, CI 1.08&ndash, 1.18), whereas for rivaroxaban the predictor was non-permanent AF (OR 1.24, CI 1.03&ndash, 1.49) and for dabigatran it was vascular disease (OR 1.22, CI 1.02&ndash, 1.46). Conclusions: In hospitalized patients with AF, the most frequently chosen NOAC was rivaroxaban. Apixaban was chosen more often in patients after bleeding, and in those who were advanced in years, with heart failure and impaired renal function. Impaired renal function and female gender were factors that diminished the chance of using dabigatran. Previous bleeding and vascular disease was the factor that diminished the chance of using rivaroxaban. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban have been used less frequently in elderly patients.

Patients aged ≥75 years with the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) are at a higher risk of stroke and, according to recent recommendations, should receive oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. This study aimed to assess the recommended prophylactic antithrombotic therapy among patients with AF aged ≥ 75 years and its compliance with current guidelines. We also aimed to identify predisposing factors associated with the administration of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in elderly patients with AF.This was a retrospective, single-center observational study. Patients with AF aged ≥75 years hospitalized at a reference cardiology center from 2014 to 2017 were included in the analysis.Among the 1236 eligible patients (43.4% male; mean age, 82 years), OACs were recommended in 90.1% of cases. Of these, 59.8% of patients used NOACs and 40.2% used vitamin K antagonists. Additionally, 3.3% of patients received antiplatelet (AP) therapy and 2.5% were administered low molecular weight heparin. Only 4.5% of patients did not receive any anticoagulant treatment. The majority (89.9%) of patients received relevant prophylactic antithrombotic therapy according to current guidelines; only 1.4% were overtreated and 8.7% were undertreated. The significant predictors of NOAC therapy among patients treated with anticoagulants were non-permanent AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-2.18, P = .0001), age-by 5 years (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.16-1.52, P = .0001), and glomerular filtration rate-by 5 units (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10, P = .0066).A high percentage of AF patients aged ≥75 years receive OACs, mainly NOACs. Most patients are treated according to the current guidelines; under treatment is primarily observed in patients receiving AP therapy. Non-permanent AF, age, and preservation of renal function are significant predictors of NOAC use.

The CHA2DS2-VASc scale does not include potential risk factors for left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) formation such as a form of atrial fibrillation (AF) and impaired kidney function. The real risk of thromboembolic complications in AF patients is still unclear as well as an optimal anticoagulant treatment in males with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 and females with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc scale and other scales to estimate the risk of LAAT formation in AF patients treated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and to assess the prevalence of thrombi in patients at intermediate risk of stroke. The observational study included consecutive patients with a diagnosis of non-valvular AF treated with NOACs, admitted to 3 high-reference institutions between 2013 and 2018. All individuals underwent transoesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion or ablation. Out of 1163 enrolled AF patients (62.1% male, mean age 62 years) the LAAT had been detected in 50 individuals (4.3%). Among patients with LAAT, 1 patient (2.0%) was classified as a low-risk category, 9 (18.0%) were at intermediate-risk, and 40 (80.0%) were at high risk of thromboembolic complications according to CHA2DS2-VASc scale. All patients were treated with NOACs: 51.0% rivaroxaban, 47.1% dabigatran, and 1.9% apixaban. Patients at intermediate stroke-risk with detected LAAT had higher R2CHADS2 score (2.1 ± 1.2 vs 1.2 ± 0.8, P = .007), higher CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF score (6.4 ± 4.4 vs 3.7 ± 2.6, P = .027) and more often had an estimated glomerular filtration rate below 56 mL/min/1.73 m2 (44.4% vs 13.2%, P = .026) compared to patients without LAAT. The receiver operating characteristics revealed that the CHA2DS2-VASc-RAF scale had better predictive ability to distinguish between patients with and without LAAT in the study group than CHA2DS2-VASc (P = .0006), CHADS2 (P = .0006) and R2CHADS2 scale (P = .0140). The CHA2DS2-VASc scale should be supplemented with an assessment of renal function and form of AF to improve stroke risk estimation. The application of additional scales to estimate the risk of LAAT might be especially useful among males with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 and females with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2.