Management of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome After Cardiovascular Interventions. Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Implications

A substantial number of patients may experience systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and related adverse events after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Although a clear etiology has not been established, endothelial disruption and tissue-ischemic response secondary to the foreign material may represent the trigger events. A latency period (0 to 48 hours) may occur between the initial injury and onset of symptoms mirroring an initial local response followed by a systemic response. Clinical presentation can be mild or severe depending on external triggers and characteristics of the patient. Diagnosis is challenging because it simulates an infection, but lack of response to antibiotics, negative cultures are supportive of SIRS. Increased in-hospital stay, readmissions, major cardiovascular events, and reduced durability of the device used are the main complications. Treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. In conclusion, further studies are warranted to fully explore pathophysiologic mechanisms underpinning SIRS and the possibility of enhancing device material immune compatibility to reduce the inflammatory reaction of the host tissue.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement outcomes in patients with low-flow very low-gradient aortic stenosis

AIMS

In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), low-flow low-gradient (LG) is a known predictor of worse outcomes. However, very LG may represent a distinct population with further cardiac dysfunction. It is unknown whether this population benefits from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed to describe the patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of low-flow very LG severe AS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This single-centre study included all patients with low-flow severe AS between 2019 and 2021. Patients were divided into groups with very LG [mean pressure gradient (MPG) ≤ 20 mmHg], LG (20 < MPG < 40 mmHg), and high-gradient (HG) (MPG ≥ 40 mmHg). Composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and heart failure rehospitalization was compared. A total of 662 patients [very LG 130 (20%); LG 339 (51%); HG 193 (29%)] were included. Median follow-up was 12 months. Very LG cohort had a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (45% vs. 57% vs. 60%; P < 0.001). There was a graded increase in the risk of composite endpoint in the lower MPG strata (P < 0.001). Among those who underwent TAVR, very LG was an independent predictor of the composite endpoint (adjusted HR 2.42 [1.29-4.55]). While LG and HG cohorts had decreased risk of composite endpoint after TAVR compared with conservative management, very LG was not associated with risk reduction (adjusted HR 0.69 [0.35-1.34]).

CONCLUSION

Low-flow very LG severe AS represents a distinct population with significant comorbidities and worse outcomes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the short- and long-term benefits of TAVR in this population.

Echo HALT: do we really need a cardiac CT?

Leaflet thrombosis is usually an incidental finding and Cardiac CT is the gold standard for its diagnosis, but the classic features of hypoattenuation leaflet thickening (HALT) and hypoattenuation affecting motion (HAM) can also be seen on echocardiography and more specifically on trans-esophageal echocardiography. We describe a case of transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis where both the diagnosis and treatment were based exclusively on the echocardiographic evaluation, without the need of cardiac CT, with good outcome for the patient.

Beyond the Cardiovascular Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Body Slimming and Plaque Stabilization. Are New Statins Born?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid and inflammatory cell deposits in the inner layer of large- and medium-sized elastic and muscular arteries. Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the overall and cardiovascular mortality, and it is a pro-atherogenic factor that induces atherosclerosis development and/or accelerates its progression through a multifactorial process. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a new class of drugs, belonging to the armamentarium to fight type 2 DM, that have shown robust reductions in atherosclerotic events and all-cause mortality in all studies. Preclinical studies have shown that GLP-1RAs play a role in the immunomodulation of atherosclerosis, affecting multiple pathways involved in plaque development and progression. In this review, we wanted to explore the translational power of such preclinical studies by analyzing the most recent clinical trials investigating the atheroprotective effect of GLP-1RAs.

Gut Microbiota Composition and Cardiovascular Disease: A Potential New Therapeutic Target?

A great deal of evidence has revealed an important link between gut microbiota and the heart. In particular, the gut microbiota plays a key role in the onset of cardiovascular (CV) disease, including heart failure (HF). In HF, splanchnic hypoperfusion causes intestinal ischemia resulting in the translocation of bacteria and their metabolites into the blood circulation. Among these metabolites, the most important is Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), which is responsible, through various mechanisms, for pathological processes in different organs and tissues. In this review, we summarise the complex interaction between gut microbiota and CV disease, particularly with respect to HF, and the possible strategies for influencing its composition and function. Finally, we highlight the potential role of TMAO as a novel prognostic marker and a new therapeutic target for HF.

Advances in Imaging for Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives

Severe tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation (TR) has been associated with adverse long-term outcomes in several natural history studies, but isolated TV surgery presents high mortality and morbidity rates. Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) therefore represent a promising field and may currently be considered in patients with severe secondary TR that have a prohibitive surgical risk. Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) represents one of the most frequently used TTVI options. Accurate imaging of the tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus is crucial for T-TEER preprocedural planning, in order to select the right candidates, and is also fundamental for intraprocedural guidance and post-procedural follow-up. Although transesophageal echocardiography represents the main imaging modality, we describe the utility and additional value of other imaging modalities such as cardiac CT and MRI, intracardiac echocardiography, fluoroscopy, and fusion imaging to assist T-TEER. Developments in the field of 3D printing, computational models, and artificial intelligence hold great promise in improving the assessment and management of patients with valvular heart disease.

Coronary Obstruction during Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Pre-Procedural Risk Evaluation, Intra-Procedural Monitoring, and Follow-Up

Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is emerging as an effective treatment for patients with symptomatically failing bioprosthetic valves and a high prohibitive surgical risk; a longer life expectancy has led to a higher demand for these valve reinterventions due to the increased possibilities of outliving the bioprosthetic valve's durability. Coronary obstruction is the most feared complication of valve-in-valve (ViV) TAVR; it is a rare but life-threatening complication and occurs most frequently at the left coronary artery ostium. Accurate pre-procedural planning, mainly based on cardiac computed tomography, is crucial to determining the feasibility of a ViV TAVR and to assessing the anticipated risk of a coronary obstruction and the eventual need for coronary protection measures. Intraprocedurally, the aortic root and a selective coronary angiography are useful for evaluating the anatomic relationship between the aortic valve and coronary ostia; transesophageal echocardiographic real-time monitoring of the coronary flow with a color Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler is a valuable tool that allows for a determination of real-time coronary patency and the detection of asymptomatic coronary obstructions. Because of the risk of developing a delayed coronary obstruction, the close postprocedural monitoring of patients at a high risk of developing coronary obstructions is advisable. CT simulations of ViV TAVR, 3D printing models, and fusion imaging represent the future directions that may help provide a personalized lifetime strategy and tailored approach for each patient, potentially minimizing complications and improving outcomes.

Prognostic value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in mitral regurgitation: a systematic review

Conventional echocardiographic assessment may overestimate the left ventricular (LV) function in mitral regurgitation (MR). LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) is more sensitive marker to detect subclinical LV dysfunction. Multiple studies have investigated the prognostic value of LV-GLS in MR to examine its potential to determine the timing and indication of intervention. This systematic review aimed to assess the prognostic value of LV-GLS in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) to define its clinical applicability. PUBMED and EMBASE were queried through July 2021 to identify studies investigating the prognostic value of LV-GLS in MR. A total of 24 observational studies with 5267 patients were identified. Sixteen studies investigated for primary MR, 7 studies for secondary MR, and 1 study for both. Most studies included patients who underwent intervention. There was significant heterogeneity in patient population, intervention status, follow-up period, LV-GLS cutoff value, outcomes, and statistical methods among the studies. Meta-analysis was not performed considering the significant variability. With exception to 1 study, all studies demonstrated significant association between impaired LV-GLS and worse clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in primary MR. Prognostic value of LV-GLS in secondary MR was less certain due to inconsistent findings and limited reporting. LV-GLS is a promising parameter of prognostication in primary MR and can be considered as alternative to determine the timing of intervention. However, the optimal cutoff value remains unclear. The prognostic value of LV-GLS in secondary MR is less clear. Further large-scale prospective study is warranted before its routine clinical application.

Downregulation of Circulating Hsa-miR-200c-3p Correlates with Dyslipidemia in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD), one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, is a multifactorial disease whose early diagnosis is demanding. Thus, biomarkers predicting the occurrence of this pathology are of great importance from a clinical and therapeutic standpoint. By means of a pilot study on peripheral blood cells (PBMCs) of subjects with no coronary lesions (CTR; n = 2) and patients with stable CAD (CAD; n = 2), we revealed 61 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (18 promoter regions, 24 genes and 19 CpG islands) and 14.997 differentially methylated single CpG sites (DMCs) in CAD patients. MiRNA-seq results displayed a peculiar miRNAs profile in CAD patients with 18 upregulated and 32 downregulated miRNAs (FC ≥ ±1.5, p ≤ 0.05). An integrated analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation and miRNA-seq results indicated a significant downregulation of hsa-miR-200c-3p (FCCAD = −2.97, p ≤ 0.05) associated to the hypermethylation of two sites (genomic coordinates: chr12:7073122-7073122 and chr12:7072599-7072599) located intragenic to the miR-200c/141 genomic locus (encoding hsa-miR-200c-3p) (p-value = 0.009) in CAD patients. We extended the hsa-miR-200c-3p expression study in a larger cohort (CAD = 72, CTR = 24), confirming its reduced expression level in CAD patients (FCCAD = −2; p = 0.02). However, when we analyzed the methylation status of the two CpG sites in the same cohort, we failed to identify significant differences. A ROC curve analysis showed good performance of hsa-miR-200c-3p expression level (AUC = 0.65; p = 0.02) in distinguishing CAD from CTR. Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between hsa-miR-200c-3p expression and creatinine clearance (R2 = 0.212, p < 0.005, Pearson r = 0.461) in CAD patients. Finally, a phenotypic correlation performed in the CAD group revealed lower hsa-miR-200c-3p expression levels in CAD patients affected by dyslipidemia (+DLP, n = 58) (p < 0.01). These results indicate hsa-miR-200c-3p as potential epi-biomarker for the diagnosis and clinical progression of CAD and highlight the importance of deeper studies on the expression of this miRNA to understand its functional role in coronary artery disease development.

Treatment of HFpEF beyond the SGLT2-Is: Does the Addition of GLP-1 RA Improve Cardiometabolic Risk and Outcomes in Diabetic Patients?

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common clinical syndrome frequently seen in elderly patients, the incidence of which is steadily increasing due to an ageing population and the increasing incidence of diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, chronic renal failure, and so on. It is a multifactorial disease with different phenotypic aspects that share left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and is the cause of about 50% of hospitalizations for heart failure in the Western world. Due to the complexity of the disease, no specific therapies have been identified for a long time. Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) and Glucagon-Like Peptide Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are antidiabetic drugs that have been shown to positively affect heart and kidney diseases. For SGLT2-Is, there are precise data on their potential benefits in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as well as in HFpEF; however, insufficient evidence is available for GLP-1 RAs. This review addresses the current knowledge on the cardiac effects and potential benefits of combined therapy with SGLT2-Is and GLP-1RAs in patients with HFpEF.

Target-controlled infusion during MitraClip procedures in deep-sedation with spontaneous breathing

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system is an alternative procedure for high-risk patients not suitable for conventional surgery. The MitraClip can be safely performed under general anesthesia (GA) or deep sedation (DS) with spontaneous breathing using a combination of propofol and remifentanil. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil and administration of propofol during DS compared with manual administration of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) medication during GA in patients undergoing MitraClip. We assessed the impact of these procedures in terms of remifentanil dose, hemodynamic profile, adverse events, and days of hospital stay after the process.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2013 to June 2015 (mean age 73.5 ± 9,54), patients underwent transcatheter MitraClip repair, 27 received DS via TCI and 27 GA with TIVA.

RESULTS

Acute procedural success was 100%. DS-TCI group, in addition to a significant reduction of remifentanil dose administrated (249 µg vs. 2865, p < 0.01), resulted in a decrease in vasopressor drugs requirement for hemodynamic adjustments (29.6% vs. 63%, p = 0.03) during the procedure and a reduction of hypotension (p = 0.08). The duration of postoperative hospitalization did not differ between the two groups (5.4 days vs. 5.8 days, p = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of remifentanil by TCI for DS in spontaneously breathing patients offers stable anesthesia conditions, with a lower amount of drugs, higher hemodynamic stability, and decreased side effects.

Biomolecular Mechanisms of Cardiorenal Protection with Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, primarily from cardiovascular and renal diseases. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) are novel drugs for the treatment of type 2 DM and heart failure (HF). SGLT2-Is mediate protective effects on both the renal and cardiovascular systems. This review addresses the current knowledge on the biomolecular mechanisms of the cardiorenal protective effects of SGLT2-Is, which appear to act mainly through non-glucose-mediated pathways. Cardiorenal protection mechanisms lead to reduced chronic renal disease progression and improved myocardial and coronary endothelial function. Concomitantly, it is possible to observe reflected changes in biomarkers linked with diabetic kidney disease and HF.

Case report: Paravalvular regurgitation post transcatheter aortic valve replacement: When in doubt choose cardiac magnetic resonance

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a common complication following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Significant PVL is associated with adverse prognosis, but may be challenging to assess accurately. We report the case of an 81-year-old man with shortness of breath 5 months post TAVR. Echocardiography classified PVL as either moderate or severe depending on the parameter utilized, while angiography found only mild PVL. Cardiac magnetic resonance allowed an exact quantification of regurgitant flow volume, classified as clinically and hemodynamically significant. This case highlights the role of multimodality imaging assessment including cardiac magnetic resonance for a more accurate assessment of PVL severity, especially when other imaging modalities show discordant results.

Concurrent cardiac and central nervous system complications of acute infective endocarditis: case report

BACKGROUND

Cerebral mycotic aneurysms represent a rare but life-threatening complication of infective endocarditis (IE), with high mortality rate when ruptured. Due to the lack of randomized controlled trials, management of infectious aneurysms complicating endocarditis remains a controversial topic.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe a case of Streptococcus salivarius bicuspid aortic and mitral valve endocarditis with concurrent spontaneous mycotic aneurysm rupture and acute subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). A 40-year-old man with history of intravenous drug abuse presented to our emergency department with altered mental status and dyspnoea. Echocardiography documented large vegetations on a bicuspid aortic valve and on the mitral valve, causing acute severe aortic and mitral regurgitation. Brain computed tomography imaging documented a ruptured fusiform aneurysm in a distal branch of the right middle cerebral artery causing acute SAH and acute obstructive hydrocephalus. An external ventricular drain was emergently placed and endovascular embolization of the aneurysm was achieved with deployment of six coils. Blood cultures grew S. salivarius and antibiotic therapy according to microbiological sensitivities was administered. Hospital stay was complicated by acute heart failure, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, conduction disturbances, cerebral vasospasm, recurrent mycotic aneurysm rupture, and death.

DISCUSSION

Clinicians should be mindful of the rare, potentially severe complication of IE with cerebral mycotic aneurysms to enable prompt treatment. Generally, central nervous system procedures are performed prior to cardiac surgical management of IE, since cardiopulmonary bypass may exacerbate cerebral haemorrhage, ischaemic damage, and oedema in areas of blood-brain barrier disruption. A multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for optimal patient management.

Combined MitraClip and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Is It Still a Utopia?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting 32 million individuals worldwide, particularly the elderly. It is the main cause of ischemic strokes. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is the gold standard strategy for stroke prevention. Still, there is a not negligible share of patients who have contraindications to this therapy, more frequently due to an increased risk of bleeding. AF is often associated with moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR), the second most frequent valvular disease in elderly patients. Data from the literature reported that more than half of patients with severe mitral regurgitation are not suitable candidates for cardiac surgery. Given the progressive aging of the population and the simultaneous increase in the number of patients with comorbidities, the advent of new therapeutic strategies, such as the combined approach of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) and MitraClip procedure, is acquiring great interest. At present, the category of patients who may benefit from combined percutaneous therapies and the long-term risks and benefits might not have been identified. Despite the efforts of researchers, the correct selection of patients is a very important clinical need that has not yet been met to avoid committing human and financial resources to interventions that may be unnecessary. It is conceivable that the most modern and recent innovations in cardiovascular imaging, particularly three-dimensional echocardiography and new methods of volume imaging, could improve our ability to select patients appropriately. Since data in the literature are scarce, future studies will be needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined MitraClip and LAA occlusion.

Risk of sudden cardiac death in a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection presenting with thyroid storm

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a spontaneous separation of the coronary artery wall whose etiology appears to be poorly understood. SCAD is a rare cause of acute coronary syndromes, and it is a life-threatening condition.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a young woman who developed SCAD during a thyroid storm (TS).

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SCAD during a TS, and it suggests a possible association between high levels of circulating thyroid hormones and SCAD susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Early identification of SCAD predisposing factors is important to identify high-risk patients. In patients presenting to the emergency department because of chest pain with a history of dysthyroidism, early determination of thyroid hormones and troponin could prevent certain forms of sudden cardiac death.

Antithrombotic therapy management in a man with ST elevation myocardial infarction and triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome: case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder associated with vascular complications including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). AMI pathogenesis in APS is considered to be acute thrombosis of coronary arteries, in contrast to typical AMI where the pathogenesis is atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Therapeutic management is therefore a clinical challenge. There is no consensus among experts about optimal antithrombotic therapy in secondary prevention. The role of coronary stents is still to be determined, due to the higher rates of stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in APS patients.

CASE REPORT

We described the case of a 51-year-old male, smoker, that presented with anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as first manifestation of APS. The patient underwent primary PCI on left main and ostial left anterior descending artery.

RESULTS

We discussed antithrombotic therapy management after PCI in our patient and reviewed literature on current therapeutic management of this specific population.

CONCLUSIONS

APS patients with STEMI should undergo PCI, usually associated with thrombus aspiration, and in select cases stent implantation in the culprit lesion. In the latter case, triple antithrombotic therapy with short-term dual antiplatelet therapy and long-term anticoagulant therapy is recommended. Clinicians should include autoimmune etiologies in the differential diagnosis of underlying causes of AMI.

A Rare Case of Left Ventricular Non-Compaction with Coronary Artery Anomaly Complicated by ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Subcutaneous Defibrillator Implantation

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy caused by arrest of normal endomyocardial embryogenesis and characterized by the persistence of ventricular hypertrabeculation, isolated or associated to other congenital defects. A 33-year-old male, with family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD), presented to our ER with typical chest pain and was diagnosed with anterior STEMI. Coronary angiography showed an anomalous origin of the circumflex artery from the right coronary artery and a critical stenosis on the proximal left anterior descending artery, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The echocardiogram documented left ventricular severe dysfunction with lateral wall hypertrabeculation, strongly suggestive for non-compaction, confirmed by cardiac MRI. At 3 months follow up, for the persistence of the severely depressed EF (30%) and the family history for SCD, the patient underwent subcutaneous ICD (sICD) implantation for primary prevention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of LVNC associated with anomalous coronary artery origin and STEMI reported in the literature. Arrhythmias are common in LVNC due to endocardial hypoperfusion and fibrosis. sICD overcomes the risks of transvenous ICD, and it is a valuable option when there is no need for pacing therapy for bradycardia, cardiac resynchronization therapy and anti-tachycardia pacing.

Mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy: molecular abnormalities and phenotypical variants

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a diabetes mellitus-induced pathophysiological condition characterized by cardiac structural, functional, and metabolic changes that can result in heart failure (HF), in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular heart disease. Metabolic alterations such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and increased metabolism of free fatty acids result in oxidative stress, inflammation, advanced glycation end products formation, abnormalities in calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis that are responsible for structural remodeling. Cardiac stiffness, hypertrophy, and fibrosis eventually lead to dysfunction and HF with preserved ejection fraction and/or HF with reduced ejection fraction. In this review, we analyzed in detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms and the metabolic pathways involved in the pathophysiology of DCM. Different phenotypes are observed in DCM, and it is not clear yet if the restrictive and the dilated phenotypes are distinct or represent an evolution of the same disease. Phenotypic differences can be observed between T1DM and T2DM DCM, possibly explained by the different myocardial insulin action. Further studies are needed in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of DCM and to identify appropriate therapeutic targets and novel strategies to prevent and reverse the progression toward heart failure in diabetic patients.

733 Evaluation of pulmonary pressures in patients underwent to MitraClip

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most frequent valve heart disease in Europe and its underlying mechanism primary-organic (due to disease of the mitral leaflets), or secondary-functional (where valve leaflets and chordae are structurally normal and MR results from alterations in left ventricle and left atrium geometry), determines the therapeutic approach. Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) with MitraClip implantation is a minimal-invasive treatment that according to 2021 ESC Guidelines should be considered (class indication IIa) in selected symptomatic patients with severe MR despite optimal medical therapy, not eligible for surgery and fulfilling COAPT trial inclusion criteria, suggesting an increased chance of responding to treatment. Optimal valve morphology features for TEER are central pathology (second scallop), no leaflet calcifications, mitral valve area &gt;4 cm2, mobile length of posterior leaftel &gt;10 mm, coaptation depth &lt;11mm, normal leaflet strength and mobility, flail width &lt;15 mm, flail gap &lt;10 mm. TEER may be considered (class IIb) only in selected cases when the COAPT criteria are not fulfilled with the aim of improving symptoms and quality of life. MR occurs during systole, that at normal heart rates represents 30–50% of the cardiac cycle. As such, marked left atrial (LA) pressure elevation is present only transiently, representing less of a drive to development of secondary pulmonary hypertension compared to chronic LA pressure elevation seen in severe mitral stenosis. Anyway, in patients with severe MR echocardiography often reveals elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs) and MitraClip implantation usually is associated with a slight increase of the trans-mitral gradient with possible repercussions on pulmonary pressures. To better describe the effect of MitraClip implantation on pulmonary pressures and clinical outcomes we did a retrospective study enrolling in the period 2012–2021 25 patients with severe mitral regurgitation treated with TEER. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes (symptoms, signs of heart failure, NYHA functional class) and the pulmonary pressures assessed by an echocardiographic examination before and after the intervention. At 6-month follow-up all patients with repaired mitral regurgitation showed an improvement in the NYHA class (from IV to II) and no need for re-hospitalization. We observed a trend in the reduction of the mean sistolic pulmonary arterial pressure of 2.68 mmHg ± 15 mmHg (P 0.39, 95% C.I. −9.03 to 3.67) with an unchanged left ventricle ejection fraction. Moreover, the echocardiographic exam showed a normalization of the S and D waves pattern in the pulmonary veins at the PW Doppler evaluation. We can assume that the clinical improvement and the reduction of dyspnoea in these patients underwent TEER is related to a reduction of pressures in the pulmonary circulation regardless of the ejection fraction. This finding could be used as a tool that the cardiologist has to evaluate in the echocardiography lab to reveal a new mitral valve disfunction. Considering the small sample, a greater number of patients will be enrolled to highlight the statistical significance.

447 Left ventricular non-compaction with coronary artery anomaly: incidental diagnosis after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy thought to be caused by arrest of normal endomyocardial morphogenesis. A 33-year-old male, smoker, dyslipidemic not on medical therapy, with family history for sudden cardiac death (SCD) presented to the ER for chest pain radiated to the left arm, unrelated to exertion. The physical examination was within normal limits. Blood tests showed increased cardiac enzymes levels (Troponin I hs 49 308.7 ng/l). The EKG showed STE in the anterior leads and diffuse ventricular repolarization anomalies, suggestive of anterior STEMI. The patient underwent coronary catheterization, with evidence of anomalous origin of the Cx from the RCA and critical stenosis on the proximal LAD, treated with PPCI and implantation of a DES with good angiographic result. The patient was transferred to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. TTE showed moderate LV dilatation, severe LV dysfunction (EF 30%) with apical, septal and anterior wall akinesis, and lateral wall hypertrabecularization with multiple prominent trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses communicating with the cavity, suggestive for LVNC. Cardiac MRI documented dilated LV with EF 34%, anterior and antero-septal wall akinesis (associated with increased T1 mapping values and areas of LGE after contrast injection, compatible with ischaemic outcomes), infero-lateral wall hypokinesia and LV free wall marked hypertrabecularization with a ratio of not compacted(T)/compacted(M) myocardium of 5 (Petersen criteria for LVNC diagnosis: T/M &gt; 2.3 in telediastolic long-axis view). The patient was discharged in stable clinical conditions in DAPT(Cardioaspirin and Ticagrelor). At two months cardiologic follow-up the patient was asymptomatic and TTE confirmed a dilated LV with severely depressed EF (30%). In consideration of the post-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy with severely depressed EF and of the family history of SCD (father deceased at 54-years-old), the patient was admitted in our Cardiology Unit and he underwent subcutaneous ICD (sICD) implantation. He was discharged in stable conditions with remote home monitoring transmitter. The association between LVNC and anomalous coronary artery origin is rare. LVNC is sometimes associated with coronary artery disease, but only rare cases of acute myocardial infarction have been described in literature, with exceptionally rare cases of LVNC incidental diagnosis after STEMI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of LVNC associated with anomalous coronary artery origin and STEMI reported in literature. Some authors hypothesized that a single gene responsible for both myocardial development and coronary endothelium could be involved in the pathogenesis of LVNC and at the same time predispose to coronary atherosclerosis. Further studies are necessary in order to assess the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that correlate LVNC and coronary atherosclerosis. According to European guidelines, LVNC in the absence of additional risk factors is not an indication for primary ICD implantation, and for arrhythmic risk stratification it’s recommended to follow the criteria used for non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The anomalous origin of the Cx from the RCA has an incidence of 0.37%, and it is generally not linked to an increased risk of SCD. Involvement of RV in LVNC cannot be excluded even when RV appears normal on CMR, and if involved there is higher risk of perforation by the lead. sICD overcomes disadvantages of transvenous ICD in patients without a need for pacing therapy. In literature use of sICD is reported only in 14 patients with LVNC, mainly children and young adults.

699 Incidence of COPD in primary and secondary outcomes in patients undergoing a TAVI

Aims

The association between severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in-hospital mortality (IHM) as well as incidence of post-procedural intubation and length of in-hospital stay (LOHS) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transfemoral (TF) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still unclear. We evaluated the impact of severe COPD on IHM, post-procedural tracheal intubation and LOHS in patients with severe AS undergoing TF TAVI.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed a total of 550 consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI in our centre between 2011 and 2021. We divided the patients in Group 1 (affected by severe COPD) and Group 2 (without COPD). We further divided the patients affected by COPD into Subgroup A (on COPD medical treatment) and Subgroup B (without COPD medical treatment).

Results

A total of 550 patients who underwent TF TAVI were included in this analysis. 38.55% (n=212) had a diagnosis of COPD (Group 1) and 61.45% (n=338) were not affected by COPD (Group 2). In Group 1, 29.38% (n=62) of patients were receiving medical treatment for COPD (Subgroup A), while 70.6% (n=149) were not on COPD medications (Subgroup B). The mean age was 81.83±6.67 in Group 1 vs. 81.33±7.21 in Group 2 (P=0.45), and 82.12±7.6 in Subgroup A vs. 82.14±6.82 in Subgroup B (P=0.98). The gender distribution showed 127 (45%) men in Group 1 vs. 96 (50%) men in Group 2 (P=0. 33), and 21 (42%) men in Subgroup 1 vs. 75 (53%) men in Subgroup B (P=0.28). The mean EUROSCOREII was 8.26±7.03 in Group 1 vs. 6.81± 7.57 in Group 2, P= 0.11, and 7.24±5.49 in Subgroup A vs. 9.30±7.5 in Subgroup B, P=0.52. There was no difference observed for in-hospital mortality between Group 1 and Group 2 (0.04% vs. 0.05%; P=0.6) and between Subgroup A and Subgroup B (0.04% vs. 0.04%; P=0.7). Similarly, the incidence of post-procedural intubation was comparable between Group 1 and Group 2 (0.06% vs. 0.03%; P=0.18), and between Subgroup A and Subgroup B (0.08% vs. 0.05%; P=0.78). Finally, also the mean length of in-hospital stay was similar between Group 1 and Group 2 (10±4.46 days vs. 9.68± 5.02 days; P=0.47), and between Subgroup A and Subgroup B (10.36±4.24 days vs. 9.87±4.54 days; P=0.5).

Conclusions

In patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with transfemoral TAVI, the presence of severe COPD does not affect in-hospital mortality, incidence of post-procedural intubation and length of in-hospital stay. COPD medications do not impact any of the outcomes evaluated. Therefore, TF TAVI is a safe procedure also for patients affected by severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that are not on COPD medications.

432 ACS-STEMI in a young man with triple positive antiphospholipid syndrome: clinical implications about antithrombotic therapy management

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by venous and arterial thromboembolic (TE) disease, and/or pregnancy morbidity, associated with persistent elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, LA, anticardiolipin, aCL, and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I, anti-β2GPI). A 51 year-old man, smoker, presented to our ER with chest pain. EKG showed Q waves and STE in the anterior leads, with increased troponin levels. A diagnosis of anterior STEMI was made and he was taken into our catheterization laboratory, where a high burden thrombotic plaque determining LM and ostial LAD subocclusion was treated with PPCI and a DES implantation; in addition, multiple failed PCI attempts were performed on a distal LAD occlusion, and an integrilin bolus was administered. The patient was admitted to our CICU and a DAPT with ASA and Ticagrelor was started. TTE showed LVEF 40%, apical akinesis, septal and anterior hypokinesis, and no significant valve disease. An aPTT abnormal value (100.5 s; reference range 25–38.5 s) was detected, not corrected by aPTT mixing study. Given suspected autoimmune prothrombotic state, normal Hb and PLT values and low bleeding risk, LMWH 100 IU/kg every 12 h was started, in addition to DAPT with switch from Ticagrelor to Clopidogrel. LA and aCL and anti-β2GPI IgG were positive, with negativity of others rheumatologic tests, confirming primary APS diagnosis. Repeat TTE showed EF 50%. The patient was discharged in ‘triple therapy’ (DAPT plus LMWH), and referred to the rheumatology clinic. LA, aCL, and anti-β2GPI tests 12 weeks later were positive, confirming a triple positive APS and satisfying revised Sapporo criteria. The rheumatologist switched therapy to Clopidogrel plus Warfarin. At 3 months follow-up, the patient, former smoker, was asymptomatic and TTE confirmed EF 50%, so he was recommended to continue with his medical therapy. APS is rarely associated with AMI (∼5.5%) and in only 2.8% cases AMI represents the onset of the disease. AMI pathogenesis in APS is considered to be acute thrombosis of coronary arteries, in contrast with atherosclerotic plaque rupture in typical AMI. Key discriminators to identify APS as potential underlying cause of AMI include young age, previous unprovoked thromboses, low platelets count (they are consumed in the thrombotic process), high aPTT value (LA may interfere with assembly of the prothrombinase complex on phospholipids), coronary artery thromboses in the setting of otherwise normal otherwise appearing coronary arteries. APS antibodies have also pro-inflammatory activity on vascular endothelial cells, leading to accelerated atherosclerosis. aGAPSS score (high risk ≥10) is useful for risk stratification of recurrent thrombosis and AMI in young patients with APS. The treatment of AMI in APS is therefore a clinical challenge. Strict management of additional CV risk factors is crucial. VKA (INR &gt;3 with Warfarin, INR2–3 with Warfarin and ASA) should be provided for life, because of the very high risk of recurrent TE. DOACs are less effective and less safe than VKAs for TE prevention in APS. The role of coronary stents, considering higher rates of stent thrombosis after PCI in APS patients triple therapy concomitant risks, requires further studies. Due to lack of large, randomized, prospective studies, there is no clear experts consensus about optimal antithrombotic therapy in secondary prevention after arterial TE. APS patients with STEMI should undergo PCI, usually associated with thrombus aspiration, and in selected cases DES implantation in culprit lesion followed by triple antithrombotic therapy with short-term DAPT and long-term VKA.

Two RECK Splice Variants (Long and Short) Are Differentially Expressed in Patients with Stable and Unstable Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study

Primary prevention is crucial for coronary heart disease (CAD) and the identification of new reliable biomarkers might help risk stratification or predict adverse coronary events. Alternative splicing (AS) is a less investigated genetic factors implicated in CAD etiology. We performed an RNA-seq study on PBMCs from CAD patients and control subjects (CTR) and observed 113 differentially regulated AS events (24 up and 89 downregulated) in 86 genes. The RECK (Reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs) gene was further analyzed in a larger case study (24 CTR subjects, 72 CAD and 32 AMI patients) for its Splicing-Index FC (FC = −2.64; p = 0.0217), the AS event involving an exon (exon 18), and its role in vascular inflammation and remodeling. We observed a significant downregulation of Long RECK splice variant (containing exon 18) in PBMCs of AMI compared to CTR subjects (FC = −3.3; p < 0.005). Interestingly, the Short RECK splice variant (lacking exon 18) was under-expressed in AMI compared to both CTR (FC = −4.5; p < 0.0001) and CAD patients (FC = −4.2; p < 0.0001). A ROC curve, constructed combining Long and Short RECK expression data, shows an AUC = 0.81 (p < 0.001) to distinguish AMI from stable CAD patients. A significant negative correlation between Long RECK and triglycerides in CTR group and a positive correlation in the AMI group was found. The combined evaluation of Long and Short RECK expression levels is a potential genomic biomarker for the discrimination of AMI from CAD patients. Our results underline the relevance of deeper studies on the expression of these two splice variants to elucidate their functional role in CAD development and progression.