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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.

Some patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) develop left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) despite receiving anticoagulant treatment. Different scores were proposed to evaluate thromboembolic risk in patients with AF. Risk stratification according to sex is common in clinical practice.We aimed to identify predictors of LAAT separately in men and women treated with dabigatran or rivaroxaban.This retrospective study included 1256 patients (479 women [38.1%]) with AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography before electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation, between January 2013 and December 2019, and received dabigatran or rivaroxaban for at least 3 weeks.Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed nonparoxysmal AF to predict LAAT in women (odds ratio [OR], 9.70; P = 0.002). In men, the predictors were heart failure (OR, 4.14; P = 0.001), diabetes (OR, 2.64; P = 0.002), nonparoxysmal AF (OR, 5.61; P = 0.02), and estimated glomerular filtration rate below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 2.77; P = 0.01). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the CHA2DS2‑VASc-RAF score had the highest value for predicting LAAT in women (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.786). In men, CHA2DS2‑VASc-RAF, CHA2DS2, CHA2DS2‑VASc, and R2CHADS2 had sufficient predictive value (AUC = 0.786, 0.726, 0.734, and 0.780, respectively).The predictors of LAAT differ between men and women treated with dabigatran or rivaroxaban. In women, the CHA2DS2‑VASc‑RAF score had the highest predictive value, while in men all the scores had equally sufficient predictive value.

Introduction Bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are an important issue and negatively affect survival. The rate and impact of protamine sulfate (PS) administration on bleeding complications after TAVI remain unclear. Aim To assess the impact of PS on bleeding complications after TAVI. Material and methods Between March 2010 and November 2016 two hundred fifty-eight patients qualified for TAVI in one academic center were screened. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data up to 30 days were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoint (PE) was major bleeding according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium up to 48 h after the procedure. Results Overall, 186 patients (96 females, mean age: 80 years) met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine (21%) subjects received PS. PE occurred in 24.7% of the study population. There were no significant differences in terms of the PE rate between the groups (25.6% in the PS group and 24.7% in the remaining cohort, p = 0.9, odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, confidence interval (CI): 0.47-2.4, p = 0.9). Multivariate analysis identified female gender (OR = 2.2, CI: 1.08-4.4, p = 0.03) as an independent predictor of PE occurrence. Similarly, female gender (OR = 2, CI: 1.06-3.84, p = 0.03) as well as general anesthesia (GA, OR = 2.23, CI: 1.13-4.63, p = 0.02) and dose of unfractionated heparin per kilogram (UFH/kg, OR = 1.02, CI: 1-1.03 per 1 IU increment, p = 0.02) predicted the occurrence of a composite of major and minor bleeding. Conclusions In this analysis, PS administration did not decrease the PE rate. Female gender predicted PE occurrence. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials are required to accurately assess the impact of PS.

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

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: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate outcomes of patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) after implementing various treatment strategies following multidisciplinary Heart Team (MHT) discussion. Methods Primary and secondary endpoints and quality of life during a mean (SD) follow-up of 37 (14) months of patients with severe CAD (three-vessel [3-VD] or/and left main [LM] disease) qualified after MHT discussion to optimal medical treatment (OMT) alone, OMT and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or OMT and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were evaluated. As the primary endpoint, major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (i.e., death from any cause, stroke, myocardial infarction, or repeat/need for revascularization) were considered. Result: From 2016 to 2019, 176 MHT meetings were held, and a total of 1286 participants with severe CAD and completely implemented MHT decisions (OMT, CABG, or PCI for 251, 356, and 679 patients, respectively) were included. The occurrence of the primary endpoint was significantly increased in OMT-group (154 (61.4%) vs. CABG and PCI groups—110 (30.9%) and 302 (44.5%) patients, respectively (p < 0.05). For interventional strategies only—CABG was associated with reduced rates of MACCE and repeat revascularization, while the superiority of PCI for stroke and disabling stroke was observed (p < 0.05). The general health status assessed at the end of the follow-up was significantly better for patients who underwent CABG or PCI than in the OMT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this real-life study, we presented a single-center experience of providing optimal medical care for patients with severe CAD following MHT discussion.

INTRODUCTION Transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) emerged recently as an alternative to re-do surgery for patients with failed surgical aortic valve (SAV). OBJECTIVES To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valves (TAV) in failed SAV in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data was acquired using a nationwide, multicenter (n=14) Polish Transcatheter Aortic Valve-in-Valve Implantation (ViV-TAVI) Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT03361046) with online form collection and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS ViV-TAVI procedures (n=130) constituted 1.9% of all TAVI in Poland with increasing numbers since 2018 (n=59, 45% of all). Hancock II® (21%), Freestyle® (13%), and homograft (11.5%) were identified as the most frequently treated SAV's with self-expanding, supra-annular Corevalve/Evolut® TAV used in the majority of cases (76%). Average post-procedural pressure gradient (average PG) >20 mmHg was found in 21% and 1-year all-cause mortality was 10.8%. SAV stenosis compared to regurgitation/mixed disease was associated with higher average (16, IQR 13.5 - 22.5 vs 14.5, IQR 10-19 mmHg, p=0.004) whereas implantation of supra-annular TAV resulted in lower average PG (14, IQR 10.5-20 vs. intra-annular 19, IQR 16-26 mmHg, P=0.004). After introduction of 2nd generation TAV, shorter procedure time (120, IQR 80-165 min. vs. 135, IQR 108-200 min., P=0.04), less frequent need for additional TAV (2% vs. 10%, P=0.04) and better 1-year freedrom from cardiovascular deaths (95% vs. 82.8%, hazard ratio 0.25, 95% confidence intervals 0.17-0.88, P=0.03) was observed vs. 1st generation. CONCLUSIONS Transcatheter treatment of failed SAV is becoming more frequent, showing the best hemodynamic effect with the use of supra-annular TAV and improved procedural as well as clinical results with the introduction of 2nd generation TAV.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common acquired valvular heart disease (VHD). TR has progressive character and is associated with impaired long-term survival in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Despite this knowledge, the overall number of tricuspid valve surgeries is very low worldwide and many patients with clear indications for intervention are left untreated. The development of less invasive transcatheter techniques may offer new treatment options in this growing population of patients. Out of various percutaneous methods proposed, tricuspid edge-to-edge repair has recently gained considerable attention. The article summarizes available data regarding this new treatment method.

Background: Bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) negatively affect the post-procedural prognosis. Routine use of protamine sulfate (PS) to reverse unfractionated heparin after TAVI was never assessed in a randomized controlled trial. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of PS on bleeding complications after TAVI. Methods: Between December 2016 and July 2020 311 patients qualified to TAVI in one academic center were screened. Patients that met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either PS or normal saline administration at the moment of optimal valve deployment. Baseline, procedural, and follow-up data for up to 30 days were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoint (PE) was a composite of life-threatening and major bleeding according to Valve Academic Research Consortium within 48 hours after the procedure. Results: Overall, 100 patients (48 males, median age 82 years) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Forty-seven subjects (47%) were randomized to PS. The primary endpoint occurred in 29% of the study population. Despite numerically lower rates of PE in patients randomized to PS, a statistical significance was not reached (21% in the PS group and 36% in the placebo group; odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.2–1.2; P = 0.11). There were no significant differences in secondary endpoints. Conclusions: Routine protamine sulfate administration did not significantly decrease the rate of major and life-threatening bleeding complications after TAVI. Larger studies are required to assess the impact of routine PS use.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in bicuspid aortic valve (BiAV) stenosis using a mechanically expanded Lotus™ device. The prior experience with first-generation devices showed disappointing results mainly due to increased prevalence of aortic regurgitation (AR) that exceeded those observed in tricuspid stenosis. Methods and results We collected baseline, in-hospital, 30-day and 2-year follow-up data from a prospective, multicentre registry of patients with BiAV undergoing TAVI using Lotus™ valve. Safety and efficacy endpoints were assessed according to VARC-2 criteria. The study group comprised 24 patients. The mean age was 73.5 years and the mean EuroSCORE 2 was 4.35 ± 2.56%. MDCT analysis revealed Type 1 BiAV in 75% of patients. The mean gradient decreased from 60.1 ± 18.3 to 15 ± 6.4 mm Hg, the AVA increased from 0.6 ± 0.19 to 1.7 ± 0.21 cm2. One in-hospital death was observed secondary to aortic perforation. There was no severe AR and the rate of moderate AR equalled 9% at 30 days (n = 2). Device success was achieved in 83% and the 30-day safety endpoint was 17%. In the 2-year follow-up, the overall mortality was 12.5% and the 2-year composite clinical efficacy endpoint was met in 25% of the patients (n = 6) Conclusions The TAVI in selected BiAV patients using the Lotus™ is feasible and characterized by encouraging valve performance and mid-term clinical outcomes. Graphic abstract

Both transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) have been proven to effectively correct von Willebrand Factor (vWF) pathologies, however there is limited data simultaneously comparing outcomes of both approaches. We prospectively enrolled patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for TAVI (n = 52) or SAVR (n = 48). In each case, vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF activity (vWF:Ac) and activity-to-antigen (vWF:Ac/Ag) ratio were assessed at baseline, 24 h and 72 h after procedure. VWF abnormalities were defined as reduced vWF:Ac/Ag ratio (

Introduction Paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (pLF-LGAS) constitutes an important part of the population undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, it remains the least defined subtype of aortic stenosis (AS). Aim To investigate baseline characteristics and impact on mortality of pLF-LGAS in patients treated with TAVI. Material and methods Two-hundred and thirty-one consecutive patients (mean aortic valve area: 0.76 ±0.41 cm2) who underwent TAVI in our centre during the period of 6 years were included in the study. Based on echocardiographic examination, patients with pLF-LGAS were identified, analysed and compared to a population with high-gradient AS (HGAS) and low-flow, low-gradient AS with reduced ejection fraction (classical, cLF-LGAS). The primary endpoints of the study were all-cause mortality after 30 days and 1 year. Results pLF-LGAS was diagnosed in 42 (18.2%) patients, whereas 40 (17.3%) had cLF-LGAS and 149 (64.5%) had HGAS. The pLF-LGAS population was younger, had higher prevalence of hypertension, and had higher ejection fraction (EF) than the HGAS population, and had a smaller proportion of heavily symptomatic patients than the cLF-LGAS population. Overall, 46 (19.9%) patients died within 12 months after TAVI. The 30-day and 1-year survival was comparable between AS subtypes. Multivariate analysis identified severe renal failure as an independent predictor of mortality among all patients. Conclusions pLF-LGAS is common among subjects undergoing TAVI. Patients with paradoxical AS are younger, more often burdened with hypertension and have higher EF than the HGAS population, while being less symptomatic than the cLF-LGAS group. Presence of pLF-LGAS does not seem to affect short- and mid-term survival. Severe renal failure is an independent predictor of mortality after TAVI.

Background: Indications for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have gradually expanded since its introduction. Aims: The aim was to analyze temporal trends in TAVI characteristics based on the experience of a high-volume academic center over the period of 10 years. Methods: Five hundred and six consecutive (n = 506) patients with 1-year follow-up were divided into early (G1, years 2010–2013, n = 130), intermediate (G2, 2014–2016, n = 164) and recent (G3, 2017–2019, n = 212) experience groups. Results: Patient’s age remained constant over time (mean [SD]; G1 = 79.1 [7.1] years vs G2 = 79.1 [7.1] years vs G3 = 79.7 [6.6] years, P = 0.73) but surgical risk in G3 was lower (log Euroscore, median [IQR]: G1 = 14.0 [8.4–20.2] vs G2 = 12.0 [7.0–22.2] vs G3 = 5.1 [3.5–8.5]; P

INTRODUCTION The function of the heart after successful transcatheter edge‑to‑edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) remains not fully investigated. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to assess the direct impact of effective TMVR on the strains of the left atrium (LA), the left ventricle (LV), and the right ventricle (RV) in patients with functional mitral regurgitation due to coronary artery disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Out of a group that successfully underwent TMVR, we selected 28 patients for the analysis. The remodeling of the LA, the LV, and the RV as well as their strains were assessed. RESULTS In the short‑term follow‑up, we found a positive change of LA and LV volumes, RV dimensions but not LV ejection fraction. No strain improvement was observed in the pre and post analysis of LV, RV, LA, and LA in phase 3 (contraction phase). We found a deterioration of LA strain in phases 1 (reservoir phase) and 2 (conduit phase) in patients with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (phase 1, 2.5% [0%-5.47%]; P = 0.01; phase 2, -3.1% [-0.75% to -6.61%]; P = 0.004) and with coronary artery disease (phase 1, 2.2% [-0.82% to 5.47%]; P = 0.049; phase 2, -3.7% [-7.48% to -1.25%]; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that no improvement of heart strains can be expected after suc-cessful TMVR in the short‑term follow‑up, and the function of the LA may even deteriorate in some subpopulations.

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.

Presented case illustrates additional value of applying a new visualization technique - 3D Surface Rendering during the three-dimensional echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFl) increase the risk of thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in AF/AFl in relation to oral anticoagulation (OAC).METHODS: LATTEE (NCT03591627) was a multicenter, prospective, observational study enrolling consecutive patients with AF/AFl referred for transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion or ablation.RESULTS: Of 3109 patients enrolled, 88% were on chronic, 1.5% on transient OAC and 10% without OAC. Of patients on chronic OAC, 39% received rivaroxaban, 30% dabigatran, 14% apixaban and 18% vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Patients on apixaban were oldest, had the worst renal function and were highest in both bleeding and thromboembolic risk, and more often received reduced doses. Prevalence of LAT was 8.0% (7.3% on chronic OAC vs. 15% without OAC; p < 0.01). In patients on VKA, prevalence of LAT was doubled compared to patients on non-VKA-OACs (NOACs) (13% vs. 6.0%; p < 0.01), even after propensity score weighting (13% vs. 7.5%; p < 0.01). Prevalence of LAT in patients on apixaban was higher (9.8%) than in those on rivaroxaban (5.7%) and dabigatran (4.7%; p < 0.01 for both comparisons), however, not after propensity score weighting.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LAT in AF is non-negligible even on chronic OAC. The risk of LAT seems higher on VKA compared to NOAC, and similar between different NOACs.

Background: The frequency of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations is constantly increasing. Pericardial effusion (PE) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may occur after CIED implantation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for new occurrences or progression of TR and PE early after CIED implantation. Methods: This is an on-going, single-center, observational study of patients after their first CIED implantation, with an echocardiographic evaluation within 60 days before and 7 days after the procedure. Data are presented for first 110 consecutive patients who underwent CIED implantation from August 2015 to July 2016. Results: Median age was 75 years, and 44% were women. In total, 87 (79%) pacemakers, 21 (19%) implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and 2 cardiac resynchronization therapy devices were implanted. After CIED implantation, there was TR progression in 17 (16%) patients: 5 patients developed moderate TR, none developed severe TR. An increase in TR was more often observed after implantations performed by operators in training than by certified operators (35% vs. 12%, p = 0.02). New PE after the procedure was observed in 8 (7%) patients and was trivial ( < 5 mm) in all cases. Patients with new PE after implantation had lower baseline hemoglobin levels and tended to be women. Conclusions: New PE and an increase in TR severity are rare complications early after CIED implantation. Operator experience might be related to TR progression. Increasing the number of patients in the current on-going study will allow a more reliable assessment of the prevalence and risk factors of these complications.

Background: Data on the impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on coexisting mitral regurgitation (MR) are still inconsistent. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of TAVI on coexistent MR depending on its etiology. Methods: Out of 311 patients treated with TAVI, we selected 48 with coexistent MR: functional (FMR; n = 26) or nonfunctional (nFMR; n = 22). The impact of the procedure on MR was quantitatively assessed during a 1‑year follow‑up using MR effective regurgitant orifice area (MR‑EROA) and volume (MRV). Results: Compared with baseline, no change of MR‑EROA was observed at 1‑year follow‑up in all patients with MR (median [interquartile range (IQR)], 0.2 [0.17–0.23]cm2 vs 0.17 [0.14–0.2]cm2 ; P = 0.054). No change in MR‑EROA was also noted either in FMR (median [IQR], 0.21 [0.17–0.27]cm2 vs 0.19 [0.14–0.25]cm2 ; P = 0.142) or nFMR (median [IQR], 0.17 [0.12–0.23] cm2 vs 0.17 [0.1–0.2] cm2 ; P = 0.238) cohorts. Decreased MRV was seen in theoverall MR population after TAVI (median [IQR], 32 [28–36]ml/beat vs 26 [22–28]ml/beat; P = 0.002). Similarly, decreased MRV was noted in both FMR (median [IQR], 33 [26–42] ml/beat vs 26 [20–40] ml/beat; P = 0.042) and nFMR (median [IQR], 30 [20–46] ml/beat vs 24 [15–33] ml/beat; P = 0.015) cohorts. Conclusions: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation had no impact on MR‑EROA regardless of the etiology of regurgitation. However, the procedure reduced MRV in both FMR and nFMR.

INTRODUCTION Decreased left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAV) is a known predictor of LAA thrombus in atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to identify which of the clinical risk factors for LAA thrombus are associated with decreased LAAV. METHODS The study included 1476 consecutive AF patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before AF direct current cardioversion or ablation in two high-reference cardiology departments. Patients were divided into two groups: 71 (4.8%) patients with LAAV < 20 cm/s and 1405 patients (95%) with LAAV ≥ 20 cm/s. RESULTS Compared with patients with LAAV ≥ 20 cm/s, those with decreased LAAV were older, more often had non-paroxysmal AF, were burdened with more concomitant diseases (including hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, and heart failure [HF]) with higher median CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (3 [2-4] vs 2 [1-3], P < .0001), and had lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Prevalence of LAA thrombus was higher in patients with decreased LAAV compared with those with LAAV ≥ 20cm/s (20% vs 4.6%, P < .0001). In patients with decreased LAAV, there was no difference in the frequency of LAA thrombus between those treated with VKA and those receiving NOAC, while in patients with LAAV ≥ 20 cm/s a trend was observed towards a benefit with NOAC. In multivariate logistic regression, non-paroxysmal AF, HF and age ≥ 65 years predicted both LAAV < 20 cm/s and LAA thrombus, while GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 predicted only the presence of LAA thrombus. CONCLUSION One in five AF patients with decreased LAAV had LAA thrombus, regardless of the type of OAC. Non-paroxysmal AF, HF and age ≥ 65 years might increase LAA thrombus risk via reduced LAAV.

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.

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare disease, which develops in 20-50% of patients with carcinoid syndrome and is a main predictor of clinical outcome in those patients. Typical cardiac involvement of this disease presents as primary diseases of the tricuspid or pulmonary valves with a rare affection of left sided heart valves. The characteristic pathological findings are endocardial plaques of fibrous which may involve not only the valve leaflets, but also the subvalvar apparatus.Typical management of patients with this condition consist of the treatment of right heart failure (HF), pharmacotherapy to reduce the secretion of tumour products, and surgical valve replacement. Here we report a 56-year old male admitted to the Department of Endocrinology because of flushing with abdominal pain and diarrhea 2-3 times a week for 2 years. During hospitalization carcinoid syndrome with metastases to the liver and abdominal lymph nodes was diagnosed. Treatment with a long-acting somatostatin analog was initiated, resulting in a good control of the symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome. Trans-thoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial and right ventricular enlargement with degenerative lesions of tricuspid valve leaflets and its subvalvular apparatus, with leaflet stiffening, retraction and malcoaptation, resulting in severe tricuspid regurgitation (vena contracta [VC] width - 7 mm). Pulmonic valve was also involved with thickening of pulmonary valve cusps leading to mild pulmonary stenosis (peak gradient [PG] - 27 mmHg, mean gradient [MG] - 14 mmHg) and mild pulmonary regurgitation. Moreover, signs of pulmonary hypertension (with tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient [TRPG] of 50 mmHg and estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure [SPAP] of 50-55 mmHg) was observed. There were no signs of hemodynamically significant left-sided valve disease, nor of any abnormalities in segmental or global left ventricular function. After 12 months of treatment with a long-acting somatostatin analog, the patient was reassessed. Despite a good control of carcinoid syndrome symptoms and reduction in carcinoid syndrome marker (5-hydroxyindoloacetic acid), exacerbates the tricuspid regurgitation and worsens right HF was observed. Control echocardiographic examination showed significant progression of the pulmonary valve disease with severe pulmonary regurgitation (VC width - 10 mm) and mild pulmonary stenosis (PG 18 mmHg, MG 8 mmHg), a deterioration of tricuspid regurgitation (VC width - 11 mm, effective regurgitant orifice area - 0.94 cm2, regurgitant volume - 64 ml) with further enlargement of the right ventricle and right atrium, and with a consequent decrease in TRPG value (25 mmHg), despite well preserved right ventricular systolic function (TAPSE - 24 mm). Due to disease progression, treatment of HF and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy were initiated. The patient was presented for surgical valve replacement, however he did not agree to surgical treatment. Abstract P221 Figure

Purpose Platelet activity is believed to play an important role in patients (pts)after myocardial infarction (MI). This study sought to examine a change in platelet activity after 2D echocardiography semi-supine exercise test (ExE) in pts with at least moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) qualified for cardiosurgical treatment - coronary artery bypass grafting alone (CABG) or CABG with mitral reconstruction (CABGmr). Methods We collected venous blood samples from 70 patients (M 41, 66 ± 9 years) with at least moderate IMR, 3-24 weeks after MI. Platelet activity was estimated with the use of rapid, point-of-care platelet analyzer as the time (in seconds) for flowing whole blood to occlude a collagen-epinephrine ring, with shorter closure times, indicating greater activity (CEPI-CT- for assessing the thromboxane A2 –dependent activation pathway). CEPI-CT was evaluated before (CEPI-CT rest) and 20 min after ExE (CEPI-CT ExE). All the patients received 75-100 mg of aspirin daily (without clopidogrel treatment). Effective regurgitation orifice (ERO) was used for quantitative IMR assessment (moderate ≥10-20, severe ≥ 20 mm²). All the pts were referred for CABG (multivessel coronary disease, ejection fraction (EF) 42,6 ± 10,1%, wall motion score index (WMSI) 1.65 ± 0.36). Results We observed a significant decrease in CEPI–CT’s in all analyzed group (rest vs exe: 202 sec vs 124 sec, respectively; p Conclusions 1. Significant increase in platelet activity after exercise was observed in patients after MI with IMR qualified for cardiosurgical treatment. 2. The increase in platelet activity after exercise is correlated with exercise changes of IMR size. 3. Aspirin may have a limited antithrombotic effect after physical exercise in patients after MI with significant IMR. Table 1. CEPI-CT rest CEPI-CT ExE p ERO rest ERO exe p All 202 124 < 0,0001 17 22

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the size of acute functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (FIMR) and selected left ventricle echocardiography measurements in patients (pts) with first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with effective primary angioplasty (PCI). Methods We analyzed 1578 consecutive hospitalized pts with STEMI (M-914; 66,4 ± 10,2 years) treated with PCI. The echocardiographic examination was performed at up to 3 days after admission. We assessed the frequency and size of FIMR, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), ejection fraction (EF), wall motion score index (WMSI) and systolic sphericity index (Sls). Effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) was used for quantitative FIMR assessment (mild: Results We observed mild FIMR in 550 pts (34,9%) - group I, moderate in 356 pts (22,5%) - group II, severe in 57 pts (3,6%) - group III, no FIMR in 615 pts (39%) – group IV. Mean values of selected echocardiographic parameters in each analyzed group are shown in table 1. The positive good correlations between SIs and size of FIMR were found (r = 0,68) as well as weak correlations between LVEDd, WMSI and FIMR (ro = 0,25, ro = 0,34, respectively). The negative weak correlation between EF and size of IMR was present (ro = - 0,34). Conclusions 1. FIMR is a common complication in pts with STEMI treated with PCI. 2. We found a statistically significant correlation between SIs and FIMR severity. Table 1 Group I Group II Group III Group IV p LVEDd (cm) 5,22 ± 0,64 5,42 ± 0,56 5,72 ± 0,64 4,98 ± 0,58 NS EF (%) 48 ± 6 42 ± 8 35 ± 8 51 ± 8 NS WMSI 1,34 ± 0,28 1,42 ± 0,24 1,68 ± 0,32 1,32 ± 0,22 NS SIs 0,22 ± 0,1 0,32 ± 0,1 0,68 ± 0,1 0,18 ± 0,1 0,01 NS - non-significant

Late recovery of left ventricular function in patients with non-severe ischemic mitral regurgitation and multivessel disease qualified to cardiosurgery treatment. Purpose In patients (pts) after myocardial infarction (MI) with chronic left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, the presence and degree of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) are predominantly related to LV remodelling and mitral valvular deformation. The aim of this study was to compare functional recovery (LVFR) as well as reverse remodelling of the left ventricle (LVRR) in pts with non-severe IMR qualified for cardiosurgical treatment - coronary artery bypass grafting alone (CABGa) or CABG with mitral repair (CABGmr in the 12-month follow-up. Materials and methods A total of 100 pts (mean age 64,4 ± 7,9 years) after MI, eligible for CABG, were included in a prospective study. Echo and clinical assessment were performed before and 12-months after surgery. Pts were referred for CABG a(gr.1; n = 74) or CABGmr (gr.2; n = 26) based on clinical assessment, 2D echo at rest and exercise and myocardial viability assessment (low dose dobutamine - dbx). Effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) was used for quantitative IMR assessment. An increase in EF≥ 5% (ΔEF) from baseline value was considered as LVFR. A decrease in LV end-systolic volume > 15% from baseline value was considered as LVRR. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the strongest factors of lack of LVFR and LVRR. Results An LVFR was observed, at late control, in 35 (49%) of pts in the CABGa group and in 11 (48%) of pts in CABGmr group (p = 0,948). LVRR was observed in 41 (56%) of pts in the CABGa group and in 16 (70%) of pts in CABGmr group 12 months follow-up (p = 0,5). In pts with LVFR, there was a lower incidence of at least moderate IMR at follow-up (ΔEF dbx≥5% vs ΔEFdbx Conclusions 1. LVFR and LVRR were reported in most of the pts in both analyzed groups. 2. Preoperative assessment of changes EF during dbx (ΔEFdbx)can be used to identify pts with IMR at increased risk of lack of improvement in LV function and risk of residual IMRin 12-month f-up after surgery. Parameters Odds ratio (OR) Odds ratio (OR) p CABGa vs CABGmr 0,644 0,215 - 1,927 0,432 Age (increase by every 5 years) 1,11 1,039 - 1,879 0,003 ΔEF dbx (increase by every 5%) 0,21 0,096 - 0,46

Purpose Human platelets play a major role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between exercise and level of platelet inhibition in patients (pts) after myocardial infarction (MI) with at least moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) qualified for cardiosurgical treatment - coronary artery bypass grafting alone (CABG) or CABG with mitral reconstruction (CABGmr). Methods We collected venous blood samples from 70 pts (M 41, 66 ± 9 years) with at least moderate IMR, 3-24 weeks after MI. Platelet reactivity was estimated with the use of rapid, point-of-care platelet analyzer as the time for flowing whole blood to occlude a collagen-epinephrine ring, with shorter closure times (CEPI-CT), indicating greater activity. CEPI-CT was evaluated before (CEPI-CT rest) and 20 min after ExE (CEPI-CT ExE). Inadequate inhibition of the TXA2-dependent activation pathway was defined as CEPI-CT Results We observed inadequate platelet in 26 (37%) pts at rest (CEPI-CT 1. Inadequate antiplatelet effect of aspirin at rest was observed in 37% pts after MI with IMR. 2. Symptoms limited exercise test has revealed inadequate platelet inhibition (TXA2 –dependent activation pathway) in 68% of patients after MI with IMR. 3. Aspirin may have a limited antithrombotic effect after physical exercise in patients after MI with significant IMR.

OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and efficacy of transcathether aortic valve-in-valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) in degenerated stentless bioprostheses with failed stented valves and degenerated native aortic valves. INTRODUCTION Little is known about ViV-TAVI in degenerated stentless valves. METHODS Out of 45 ViV-TAVI procedures reported in the POL-TAVI registry, 20 failed stentless valves were compared with 25 stented prostheses and propensity-matched with 45 native TAVI cases. The mean follow-up was 633 (95% confidence interval [CI], 471-795) days and Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) definitions were applied. RESULTS Patients with degenerated stentless valves were younger (65.6, CI 58-73.1 years vs 75.6, CI 72.2-78 [stented] vs 80.1, CI 78.7-81.6 y. [native], P

Background: Bleeding complications are frequent and independently impact mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Thromboelastography (TEG) measures viscoelastic properties of clot formation and is currently best known for perioperative management to reduce blood transfusion in cardiac surgery. Aim: We sought to determine whether TEG may be predictive of bleeding in patients treated with TAVI. Methods and results: Overall, 54 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with TAVI were prospectively included. In all patients, two blood samples were obtained for TEG measurement (the first — 12 h prior to procedure tested with citrated kaolin [CK] TEG assay, and the second — immediately after prosthesis deployment tested with CK and citrated heparinised kaolin assay [CHK]). Major or life-threatening bleeding (MLTB) was diagnosed in 13 (24%) patients. In receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis the only TEG parameters showing significant sensitivity and specific­ity for predicting MLTB were those obtained in the CK sample at the end of the procedure: R value (reaction time, time to initiation of clot formation) area under the curve (AUC) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.88, p = 0.04; angle (the rate of clot formation), AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.59–0.92, p = 0.007, and maximum amplitude (MA, ultimate strength of fibrin clot), AUC 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.93, p = 0.003. After controlling for confounding factors on multivariate logistic regression, MA remained as the only TEG parameter that significantly correlated with bleeding after TAVI, both as a continuous variable (p = 0.004; 95% CI 0.92–0.98; odds ratio [OR] 0.95 per 1 mm increment) and after using the cut-off value derived from ROC analysis; MA < 46.6 mm (OR 10.4; 95% CI 2.1–51.8; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Low strength of fibrin clot measured by TEG immediately after TAVI may serve as an independent predictor of short-term major and life-threatening bleeding complications.

Introduction: Bleeding is an independent risk factor of mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). BleeMACS project focuses on long-term bleeding events after hospital discharge, thus we evaluated gender-related differences in post-discharge bleeding among patients with ACS. Materials and methods: We investigated 13,727 ACS patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and discharged on dual antiplatelet therapy (either with clopidogrel or prasugrel/ticagrelor). Endpoint was defined as intracranial bleeding or any other bleeding leading to hospitalization and/or red blood transfusion. Results: Post-discharge bleeding was reported more frequently in females as compared with males (3.7% vs. 2.7%, log-rank P = 0.001). Females (n = 3165, 23%) were older compared to men (69.0 vs. 61.5 years, P < 0.001) and with more comorbidities. Hence, in multivariate analysis female sex was not identified as an independent risk factor of bleeding (HR 1.012, CI 0.805 to 1.274, P = 0.816). Administration of newer antiplatelet agents compared to clopidogrel was associated with over twofold greater bleeding rate in females (7.3% vs. 3.5%, log-rank P = 0.004), but not in males (2.6% vs. 2.7%, log-rank P = 0.887). Differences among females remained significant after propensity score matching (7.2% vs 2.4%, log-rank P = 0.020) and multivariate analysis confirmed that newer antiplatelet agents are independent risk factor for bleeding only in women (HR 2.775, CI 1.613 to 4.774, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Bleeding events occurred more frequently in women, but female sex itself was not independent risk factor. Administration of newer antiplatelet agents was identified as independent risk factor of bleeding after hospital discharge in female gender, but not in male patients.