Restrictive vs Liberal Blood Transfusions for Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Anaemia by Heart Failure Status: An RCT Subgroup Analysis

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell transfusion can cause fluid overload. We evaluated the interaction between heart failure (HF) at baseline and transfusion strategy on outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

We used data from the randomized REALITY trial (https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/study/NCT02648113), comparing restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies in patients with AMI and anaemia. HF was defined as history of HF or Killip class > 1 at randomization. Primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: composite of all-cause death, non-recurrent AMI, stroke, or emergency revascularization prompted by ischaemia) at 30 days.

RESULTS

Among 658 randomized patients, 311 (47.3%) had HF. HF patients had higher rates of MACE at 30 days and 1 year, and higher rates of non-fatal new-onset HF. There was no interaction between HF and effect of randomized assignment on the primary outcome or non-fatal new-onset HF. A liberal transfusion strategy was associated with increased all-cause death at 30 days and at 1 year in HF patients (Pinteraction = 0.009 and P = 0.049, respectively). The main numerical difference in cause of death between restrictive and liberal strategies was death by HF at 30 days (4 vs 11).

CONCLUSIONS

HF is frequent in AMI patients with anaemia and is associated with higher risk of MACE (including all-cause death) and non-fatal new-onset HF. While there was no interaction of HF with effect of transfusion strategy on MACE, a liberal transfusion strategy was associated with higher all-cause death that appears driven by a higher risk of early death due to HF.

New-onset atrial fibrillation and chronic coronary syndrome in the CLARIFY registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data on new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) are scarce. This study aims to describe the incidence, predictors, and impact on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes of NOAF in CCS patients.

METHODS

Data from the international (45 countries) CLARIFY registry (prospeCtive observational LongitudinAl RegIstry oF patients with stable coronary arterY disease) were used. Among 29 001 CCS outpatients without previously reported AF at baseline, patients with at least one episode of AF/flutter diagnosed during 5-year follow-up were compared with patients in sinus rhythm throughout the study.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of NOAF was 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.18] per 100 patient-years (cumulative incidence at 5 years: 5.0%). Independent predictors of NOAF were increasing age, increasing body mass index, low estimated glomerular filtration rate, Caucasian ethnicity, alcohol intake, and low left ventricular ejection fraction, while high triglycerides were associated with lower incidence. New-onset atrial fibrillation was associated with a substantial increase in the risk of adverse outcomes, with adjusted hazard ratios of 2.01 (95% CI 1.61-2.52) for the composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke, 2.61 (95% CI 2.04-3.34) for CV death, 1.64 (95% CI 1.07-2.50) for non-fatal myocardial infarction, 2.27 (95% CI 1.85-2.78) for all-cause death, 8.44 (95% CI 7.05-10.10) for hospitalization for heart failure, and 4.46 (95% CI 2.85-6.99) for major bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Among CCS patients, NOAF is common and is strongly associated with worse outcomes. Whether more intensive preventive measures and more systematic screening for AF would improve prognosis in this population deserves further investigation.

Left atrial appendage closure in very elderly patients in the French National Registry

OBJECTIVE

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is recommended to decrease the stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation. However, age-stratified data are scarce. The aim of this study was to provide information on the safety and efficacy of LAAC, with emphasis on the oldest patients.

METHODS

A nationwide, prospective, multicentre, observational registry was established by 53 French cardiology centres in 2018-2021. The composite primary endpoint included ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism, and unexplained or cardiovascular death. Separate analyses were done in the groups <80 years and ≥80 years.

RESULTS

Among the 1053 patients included, median age was 79.7 (73.6-84.3) years; 512 patients (48.6%) were aged ≥80 years. Procedure-related serious adverse events were non-significantly more common in octogenarians (7.0% vs 4.4% in patients aged <80 years, respectively; p=0.07). Despite a higher mean CHA2DS2-VASc score in octogenarians, the rate of thromboembolic events during the study was similar in both groups (3.0 vs 3.1/100 patient-years; p=0.85). By contrast, all-cause mortality was significantly higher in octogenarians (15.3 vs 10.1/100 patient-years, p<0.015), due to a higher rate of non-cardiovascular deaths (8.2 vs 4.9/100 patient-years, p=0.034). The rate of the primary endpoint was 8.1/100 patient-years overall with no statistically significant difference between age groups (9.4 and 7.0/100 patient-years; p=0.19).

CONCLUSION

Despite a higher mean CHA2DS2-VASc score in octogenarians, the rate of thromboembolic events after LAAC in this age group was similar to that in patients aged <80 years.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03434015).

P2Y12 Inhibitor Loading Time Before Elective PCI and the Prevention of Myocardial Necrosis

BACKGROUND

There are dated and conflicting data about the optimal timing of initiation of P2Y12 inhibitors in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Peri-PCI myocardial necrosis is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to assess the impact of the P2Y12 inhibitor loading time on periprocedural myocardial necrosis in the population of the randomized Assessment of Loading With the P2Y12 Inhibitor Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel to Halt Ischemic Events in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Stenting (ALPHEUS) trial, which compared ticagrelor with clopidogrel in high-risk patients who received elective PCI.

METHODS

The ALPHEUS trial divided 1809 patients into quartiles of loading time. The ALPHEUS primary outcome was used (type 4 [a or b] myocardial infarction or major myocardial injury) as well as the main secondary outcome (type 4 [a or b] myocardial infarction or any type of myocardial injury).

RESULTS

Patients in the first quartile group (Q1) presented higher rates of the primary outcome (P = 0.01). When compared with Q1, incidences of the primary outcome decreased in patients with longer loading times (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 0.70 [0.52.-0.95]; P = 0.02 for Q2; adjOR 0.65 [0.48-0.88]; P < 0.01 for Q3; adjOR 0.66 [0.49-0.89]; P < 0.01 for Q4). Concordant results were found for the main secondary outcome. There was no interaction with the study drug allocated by randomization (clopidogrel or ticagrelor). Bleeding complications (any bleeding ranging between 4.9% and 7.3% and only 1 major bleeding at 48 hours) and clinical ischemic events were rare and did not differ among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In elective PCI, administration of the oral P2Y12 inhibitor at the time of PCI could be associated with more frequent periprocedural myocardial necrosis than an earlier administration. The long-term clinical consequences remain unknown.

Restrictive or Liberal Transfusion Strategy in Myocardial Infarction and Anemia

BACKGROUND

A strategy of administering a transfusion only when the hemoglobin level falls below 7 or 8 g per deciliter has been widely adopted. However, patients with acute myocardial infarction may benefit from a higher hemoglobin level.

METHODS

In this phase 3, interventional trial, we randomly assigned patients with myocardial infarction and a hemoglobin level of less than 10 g per deciliter to a restrictive transfusion strategy (hemoglobin cutoff for transfusion, 7 or 8 g per deciliter) or a liberal transfusion strategy (hemoglobin cutoff, <10 g per deciliter). The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction or death at 30 days.

RESULTS

A total of 3504 patients were included in the primary analysis. The mean (±SD) number of red-cell units that were transfused was 0.7±1.6 in the restrictive-strategy group and 2.5±2.3 in the liberal-strategy group. The mean hemoglobin level was 1.3 to 1.6 g per deciliter lower in the restrictive-strategy group than in the liberal-strategy group on days 1 to 3 after randomization. A primary-outcome event occurred in 295 of 1749 patients (16.9%) in the restrictive-strategy group and in 255 of 1755 patients (14.5%) in the liberal-strategy group (risk ratio modeled with multiple imputation for incomplete follow-up, 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99 to 1.34; P = 0.07). Death occurred in 9.9% of the patients with the restrictive strategy and in 8.3% of the patients with the liberal strategy (risk ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.47); myocardial infarction occurred in 8.5% and 7.2% of the patients, respectively (risk ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.49).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia, a liberal transfusion strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction or death at 30 days. However, potential harms of a restrictive transfusion strategy cannot be excluded. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; MINT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02981407.).

Impact of transfusion strategy on platelet aggregation and biomarkers in myocardial infarction patients with anemia

BACKGROUND

Higher rates of thrombotic events have been reported in myocardial infarction (MI) patients requiring blood transfusion. The impact of blood transfusion strategy on thrombosis and inflammation is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the impact of a liberal vs. a restrictive transfusion strategy on P2Y12 platelet reactivity and biomarkers in the multicentric randomized REALITY trial.

METHODS

Patients randomized to a liberal (hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL) or a restrictive (hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL) transfusion strategy had VASP-PRI platelet reactivity measured centrally in a blinded fashion and platelet reactivity unit (PRU) measured locally using encrypted VerifyNow; at baseline and after randomization. Biomarkers of thrombosis (P-selectin, PAI-1, vWF) and inflammation (TNF-α) were also measured. The primary endpoint was the change in the VASP-PRI (difference from baseline and post randomization) between the randomized groups.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients randomized were included in this study (n = 50 in each group). Transfused patients received on average 2.4 ± 1.6 units of blood. We found no differences in change of the VASP PRI (difference 1.2% 95% CI (-10.3-12.7%)) or by the PRU (difference 13.0 95% CI (-21.8-47.8)) before and after randomization in both randomized groups. Similar results were found in transfused patients (n = 71) regardless of the randomized group, VASP PRI (difference 1.7%; 95% CI (-9.5-1.7%)) or PRU (difference 27.0; 95% CI (-45.0-0.0)). We did not find an impact of transfusion strategy or transfusion itself in the levels of P-selectin, PAI-1, vWF, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found no impact of a liberal vs. a restrictive transfusion strategy on platelet reactivity and biomarkers in MI patients with anemia. A conclusion that should be tempered due to missing patients with exploitable biological data that has affected our power to show a difference.

Association between coffee or tea consumption and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease: Analysis from the CLARIFY registry

BACKGROUND

Conflicting data exist on the association between consumption of coffee or tea and cardiovascular outcomes, and few focus on patients with established coronary artery disease.

AIM

To describe the association between coffee or tea consumption and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease, using an extensive contemporary international registry, allowing the identification of multiple potential confounders.

METHODS

The Prospective Observational Longitudinal Registry of Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease (CLARIFY) registry enrolled in 2009 and 2010 in 45 countries, with a 5-year follow-up. Patients were categorized according to daily consumption of coffee or tea, and were compared with those declaring neither. The primary composite outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death was analysed at 5years, as well as all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses were performed with a multivariable model.

RESULTS

A total of 15,459 and 10,029 patients declared coffee or tea consumption, respectively. At 5years, after full adjustment, no association was found between coffee consumption and the primary outcome: hazard ratio 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.89-1.21) for 1 cup; 0.94 (0.82-1.08) for 2-3 cups; and 1.04 (0.86-1.27) for ≥4 cups (P=0.51). Drinking tea was not associated with a different incidence of the primary outcome before or after adjustment, with fully adjusted hazard ratios of 1.08 (95% confidence interval 0.84-1.38) for 1 cup, 1.12 (0.96-1.31) for 2-3 cups and 0.95 (0.79-1.14) for ≥4 cups (P=0.30). After full adjustment, neither coffee nor tea drinking was associated with all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In outpatients with stable coronary artery disease, there was no association between coffee or tea consumption and ischaemic outcomes or all-cause mortality.

Multicentre medicoeconomic evaluation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for predicting coronary artery disease in left ventricular dysfunction: The CAMAREC study design

BACKGROUND

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may provide a non-invasive alternative to coronary angiography for differentiating between ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy in cases of unexplained reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

AIM

The CAMAREC study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in predicting significant coronary artery disease in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, using coronary angiography as the gold standard for comparison.

METHODS

CAMAREC is a prospective cohort study of 406 patients in 10 centres with newly diagnosed, unexplained left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45%. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography will be conducted within a 2-week interval, starting with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; independent committees will review the results blindly. Primary outcome is sensitivity of detecting ischaemic scar on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for predicting significant coronary artery disease on coronary angiography according to Felker's criteria. Secondary outcomes include specificity and positive and negative predictive values (with 95% confidence intervals) of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for predicting significant coronary artery disease in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, kappa concordance coefficient between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and coronary angiography for diagnosing the affected myocardial territory, and the impact of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on revascularization decisions. Two ancillary studies will evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging first versus coronary angiography first, and the sensitivity of pre- and postcontrast T1-mapping for predicting significant coronary artery disease in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

CONCLUSION

Our study protocol is designed to rigorously evaluate cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive alternative to coronary angiography in patients with unexplained reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The results will have significant implications for patient management, and may support growing evidence for the clinical utility of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Economic evaluation of restrictive vs. liberal transfusion strategy following acute myocardial infarction (REALITY): trial-based cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses

AIMS

To estimate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios of a restrictive vs. liberal transfusion strategy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with anaemia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients (n = 666) with AMI and haemoglobin between 7-8 and 10 g/dL recruited in 35 hospitals in France and Spain were randomly assigned to a restrictive (n = 342) or a liberal (n = 324) transfusion strategy with 1-year prospective collection of resource utilization and quality of life using the EQ5D3L questionnaire. The economic evaluation was based on 648 patients from the per-protocol population. The outcomes were 30-day and 1-year cost-effectiveness, with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) averted as the effectiveness outcome. and a 1-year cost-utility ratio.The 30-day incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €33 065 saved per additional MACE averted with the restrictive vs. liberal strategy, with an 84% probability for the restrictive strategy to be cost-saving and MACE-reducing (i.e. dominant). At 1 year, the point estimate of the cost-utility ratio was €191 500 saved per quality-adjusted life year gained; however, the cumulated MACE was outside the pre-specified non-inferiority margin, resulting in a decremental cost-effectiveness ratio with a point estimate of €72 000 saved per additional MACE with the restrictive strategy.

CONCLUSION

In patients with AMI and anaemia, the restrictive transfusion strategy was dominant (cost-saving and outcome-improving) at 30 days. At 1 year, the restrictive strategy remained cost-saving, but clinical non-inferiority on MACE was no longer maintained.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02648113.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY

The use of a restrictive transfusion strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with lower healthcare costs, but more evidence is needed to ascertain its long-term clinical impact.

Optimal or standard control of systolic and diastolic blood pressure across risk factor categories in patients with chronic coronary syndromes

AIMS

Guidelines have lowered blood pressure (BP) targets to <130/80 mmHg. We examined the benefit of intensive control for each BP component, versus the burden of other modifiable risk factors, in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The CLARIFY registry (ISRCTN43070564) enrolled 32 703 CCS patients, from 2009-2010, with a 5-year follow-up. Patients with either BP component below European guideline safety boundaries (120/70 mmHg) were excluded, leaving 19 167 patients (mean age 63.8 ± 10.1 years, 78% men) in the present analysis. A multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed a gradual increase in cardiovascular risk (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) when the number of uncontrolled risk factors (active smoking, no physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥100 mg/dL, and diabetes with glycated haemoglobin ≥7%) increased [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-1.52, 1.65 (1.40-1.94), and 2.47 (1.90-3.21) for 1, 2, and 3 or 4 uncontrolled risk factors, respectively, versus 0], without significant interaction with BP. Although uncontrolled systolic (≥140 mmHg) and diastolic (≥90 mmHg) BP were both associated with higher risk than standard BP, standard BP was associated with higher risk than optimal control for only the diastolic component (adjusted HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.94-1.25 for systolic BP 130-139 versus 120-129 mmHg and 1.43; 95% CI: 1.27-1.62 for diastolic BP 80-89 versus 70-79 mmHg).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that optimal BP target in CCS may be ≤139/79 mmHg, and that optimizing the burden of other risk factors should be prioritized over further reduction of systolic BP.

External applicability of the Effect of ticagrelor on Health Outcomes in diabEtes Mellitus patients Intervention Study (THEMIS) trial: An analysis of patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease in the REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) registry

AIMS

THEMIS is a double-blind, randomized trial of 19,220 patients with diabetes mellitus and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) comparing ticagrelor to placebo, in addition to aspirin. The present study aimed to describe the proportion of patients eligible and reasons for ineligibility for THEMIS within a population of patients with diabetes and CAD included in the Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The THEMIS eligibility criteria were applied to REACH patients. THEMIS included patients ≥50 years with type 2 diabetes and stable CAD as determined by either a history of previous percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, or documentation of angiographic stenosis of ≥50% of at least one coronary artery. Patients with prior myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded. In REACH, 10,156 patients had stable CAD and diabetes. Of these, 6515 (64.1%) patients had at least one exclusion criteria. From the remaining population, 784 patients did not meet inclusion criteria (7.7%) mainly due to absence of aspirin treatment (7.2%), yielding a 'THEMIS-eligible population' of 2857 patients (28.1% of patients with diabetes and stable CAD). The main reasons for exclusion were a history of myocardial infarction (53.1%), use of oral anticoagulation (14.5%), or history of stroke (12.9%). Among the 4208 patients with diabetes and a previous PCI, 1196 patients (28.4%) were eligible for inclusion in the THEMIS-PCI substudy.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population of patients with diabetes and stable coronary artery disease, a sizeable proportion appear to be 'THEMIS eligible.'

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier: NCT01991795.

Procedural Tools and Technics for Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure: Lessons from a Decade of Experience

Prosthetic paravalvular leaks (PVLs) are associated with congestive heart failure and hemolysis. Surgical PVL closure carries high risks. Transcatheter implantation of occluding devices in PVL is a lower risk but challenging procedure. Of the available devices, only two have been specifically approved in Europe for transcatheter PVL closure (tPVLc): the Occlutech^® Paravalvular Leak Device (PLD) and Amplatzer™ ParaValvular Plug 3 (AVP 3). Here, we review the various tools and devices used for tPVLc, based on three observational registries including 748 tPVLc procedures performed in 2005-2021 at 33 centres in 11 countries. In this case, 12 registry investigators with over 20 tPVLc procedures each described their practical tips and tricks regarding imaging, approaches, delivery systems, and devices. They considered three-dimensional echocardiography to be the cornerstone of PVL assessment and procedure guidance. Anterograde trans-septal mitral valve and retrograde aortic approaches were used in most centres, although some investigators preferred the transapical approach. Hydrophilic-coated low-profile sheaths were used most often for device deployment. The AVP 3 and PLD devices were chosen for 89.0% of procedures. Further advances in design and materials are awaited. These complex procedures require considerable expertise, and experience accumulated over a decade has no doubt contributed to improve practices.

The Effects of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibition on Major Coronary Events in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the PARADISE-MI Trial

BACKGROUND

In patients who survive an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors decrease the risk of subsequent major cardiovascular events. Whether angiotensin-receptor blockade and neprilysin inhibition with sacubitril/valsartan reduce major coronary events more effectively than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in high-risk patients with recent AMI remains unknown. We aimed to compare the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on coronary outcomes in patients with AMI.

METHODS

We conducted a prespecified analysis of the PARADISE-MI trial (Prospective ARNI vs ACE Inhibitors Trial to Determine Superiority in Reducing Heart Failure Events After MI), which compared sacubitril/valsartan (97/103 mg twice daily) with ramipril (5 mg twice daily) for reducing heart failure events after myocardial infarction in 5661 patients with AMI complicated by left ventricular systolic dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, or both. In the present analysis, the prespecified composite coronary outcome was the first occurrence of death from coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for angina, or postrandomization coronary revascularization.

RESULTS

Patients were randomly assigned at a median of 4.4 [3.0-5.8] days after index AMI (ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction 76%, non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction 24%), by which time 89% of patients had undergone coronary reperfusion. Compared with ramipril, sacubitril/valsartan decreased the risk of coronary outcomes (hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.74-0.99], P=0.04) over a median follow-up of 22 months. Rates of the components of the composite outcomes were lower in patients on sacubitril/valsartan but were not individually significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

In survivors of an AMI with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and pulmonary congestion, sacubitril/valsartan-compared with ramipril-reduced the risk of a prespecified major coronary composite outcome. Dedicated studies are necessary to confirm this finding and elucidate its mechanism.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT02924727.

Increased serum S100A12 levels are associated with higher risk of acute heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The hyperglycaemic stress induces the release of inflammatory proteins such as S100A12, one of the endogenous ligands of the receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Chronic activation of RAGE has multiple deleterious effects in target tissues such as the heart and the vessels by promoting oxidative stress, inflammation by the release of cytokines, macrophages infiltration, and vascular cell migration and proliferation, causing ultimately endothelial cell and cardiomyocyte dysfunction. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of circulating S100A12 beyond established cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) for heart failure (HF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serum S100A12 concentrations were measured at baseline in 1345 type 2 diabetes patients (58% men, 64 ± 11 years) recruited in the SURDIAGENE prospective cohort. Endpoints were the occurrence of acute HF requiring hospitalization (HHF) and MACE. We used a proportional hazard model adjusted for established CVRF (age, sex, duration of diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin/creatinine ratio, history of coronary artery disease) and serum S100A12. During the median follow-up of 84 months, 210 (16%) and 505 (38%) patients developed HHF and MACE, respectively. Baseline serum S100A12 concentrations were associated with an increased risk of HHF [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) 1.28 (1.01-1.62)], but not MACE [1.04 (0.90-1.20)]. After adjustment for CVRF, S100A12 concentrations remained significantly associated with an increased risk of HHF [1.29 (1.01-1.65)]. In a sub-analysis, patients with high probability of pre-existing HF [N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >1000 pg/mL, n = 87] were excluded. In the remaining 1258 patients, the association of serum S100A12 with the risk of HHF tended to be more pronounced [1.39 (1.06-1.83)]. When including the gold standard HF marker NT-proBNP in the model, the prognostic value of S100A12 for HHF did not reach significance. Youden method performed at 7 years for HHF prediction yielded an optimal cut-off for S100A12 concentration of 49 ng/mL (sensitivity 53.3, specificity 52.2). Compared with those with S100A12 ≤ 49 ng/mL, patients with S100A12 > 49 ng/mL had a significantly increased risk of HHF in the univariate model [HR = 1.58 (1.19-2.09), P = 0.0015] but also in the multivariate model [HR = 1.63 (1.23-2.16), P = 0.0008]. After addition of NT-proBNP to the multivariate model, S100A12 > 49 ng/mL remained associated with an increased risk of HHF [HR = 1.42 (1.07-1.90), P = 0.0160]. However, the addition of S100A12 categories on top of multivariate model enriched by NT-pro BNP did not improve the ability of the model to predict HHF (relative integrated discrimination improvement = 1.9%, P = 0.1500).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes, increased serum S100A12 concentration is independently associated with risk of HHF, but not with risk of MACE. Compared with NT-proBNP, the potential clinical interest of S100A12 for the prediction of HF events remains limited. However, S100A12 could be a candidate for a multimarker approach for HF risk assessment in diabetic patients.

Balance of benefit and risk of ticagrelor in patients with diabetes and stable coronary artery disease according to bleeding risk assessment with the CRUSADE score: Data from THEMIS and THEMIS PCI

BACKGROUND

The THEMIS trial demonstrated that in high-risk patients with stable coronary artery disease and diabetes without previous myocardial infarction or stroke, ticagrelor, in addition to aspirin, reduced the incidence of ischemic events but increased major bleeding. Identification of patients who could derive the greatest net benefit from the addition of ticagrelor appears important. We used the CRUSADE bleeding risk score to risk stratify the THEMIS population.

METHODS

The population was divided into tertiles: score ≤22, 23 to 33, and ≥34. In each tertile, primary efficacy (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and safety (TIMI major bleeding) outcomes were analyzed. NACE (net adverse clinical events) was defined as the irreversible harm composite, in which all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, amputations, fatal bleeds, and intracranial hemorrhage were counted.

RESULTS

Patients in the lower risk tertile experienced fewer ischemic events with ticagrelor than placebo, whereas there was no significant benefit from ticagrelor in the other tertiles (P_interaction = .008). Bleeding rates were consistently increased with ticagrelor across all tertiles (P_interaction = .79). Ticagrelor reduced NACE in the first tertile (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61-0.90) but not in the others (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.86-1.23 and HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.91-1.22, respectively; P_interaction = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable coronary artery disease and diabetes without a history of myocardial infarction or stroke, only those at the lower end of the bleeding risk spectrum according to the CRUSADE score derived net benefit from ticagrelor.

Left atrial appendage closure for thrombus trapping: the international, multicentre TRAPEUR registry

BACKGROUND

Although the presence of a thrombus contraindicates left atrial appendage closure procedure (LAAC), a previous study reported the feasibility of the thrombus trapping procedure (TTP) technique to overcome this limitation.

AIMS

This study aimed to analyse the short-term outcomes in a series of patients who underwent LAAC using the TTP (TTP-LAAC).

METHODS

This retrospective series included patients who underwent TTP-LAAC between January 2018 and May 2020 in 13 European centres. Device choice, pre-interventional work-up and post-discharge antithrombotic therapy regimens were left to the discretion of the operators. The primary endpoint was the 30-day occurrence of stroke, systemic embolism or cardiovascular death.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 1,918 patients underwent LAAC. A thrombus was identified in 71 cases but completely disappeared in 24 patients before procedure. TTP-LAAC was finally performed in 53 cases (3%). Thrombi were identified ahead of the actual day of implantation in 47 patients (87%) and were mostly limited in size (50 cases with extension <50% of the LAA surface). The Amplatzer Amulet and WATCHMAN FLX occluders were implanted in 44 and 9 patients, respectively. A single deployment approach was applied in 70% and a cerebral embolic protection system was used in 9% of the patients. The overall success rate was 100%. Small pericardial effusion without tamponade was observed in 6% of the cases. Patients were discharged with 72% under antiplatelet therapy and 10% under short-term oral anticoagulation. The primary endpoint occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

TTP-LAAC might be used in a minority of LAAC procedures but appears to be feasible and safe in the short-term, in select cases.

Acute myocarditis revealing autoimmune and inflammatory disorders: Clinical presentation and outcome

BACKGROUND

Acute myocarditis (AM) may be the heralding manifestation of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (AIID). We aimed to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of patients with AM revealing AIID.

METHODS

All consecutive adult patients with AM admitted in a department of Cardiology (Bichat Hospital, Paris, France) from January 2011 to January 2019 were included. Diagnosis of AM was based on clinical manifestations, elevated Troponin, myocardial inflammation on CMR and no evidence for coronary artery disease. AIID were classified using international criteria.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and eighteen (35.3 [26.4-47.1] years, 75.2% males) patients with AM were included. Overall, AM revealed AIID in 15 (6.9%), including systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 3), adult onset Still's disease (n = 3), sarcoidosis (n = 2), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 1), anti-Jo1 syndrome (n = 1), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 1), antiphospholipid syndrome (n = 1), reactive arthritis (n = 1), Graves' disease (n = 1) and Crohn's colitis (n = 1). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at onset was <30% in 5 (33.3%) patients with AIID. All but 2 patients with AIID were treated with steroids, immunosuppressive and/or immunomodulatory drugs and LVEF normalized in all by the end of follow-up. By comparing patients with AIID to patients with idiopathic AM (n = 203), multivariable analysis showed that pericardial effusion, lack of chest pain and high CRP level at onset were independently associated with AIID.

CONCLUSION

Acute myocarditis revealing AIID may be life-threatening at the acute phase but has an overall good prognosis under specific treatment. Pericardial effusion and CRP level at admission suggest an AIID as the cause for AM.

International Observational Analysis of Evolution and Outcomes of Chronic Stable Angina: The Multinational CLARIFY Study

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Although angina is common in patients with stable coronary artery disease, limited data are available on its prevalence, natural evolution, and outcomes in the era of effective cardiovascular drugs and widespread use of coronary revascularization.

Methods:

Using data from 32 691 patients with stable coronary artery disease from the prospective observational CLARIFY registry (Prospective Observational Longitudinal Registry of Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease), anginal status was mapped each year in patients without new coronary revascularization or new myocardial infarction. The use of medical interventions in the year preceding angina resolution was explored. The effect of 1-year changes in angina status on 5-year outcomes was analyzed using multivariable analysis.

Results:

Among 7212 (22.1%) patients who reported angina at baseline, angina disappeared (without coronary revascularization) in 39.6% at 1 year, with further annual decreases. In patients without angina at baseline, 2.0% to 4.8% developed angina each year. During 5-year follow-up, angina was controlled in 7773 patients, in whom resolution of angina was obtained with increased use of antianginal treatment in 11.1%, with coronary revascularization in 4.5%, and without any changes in medication or revascularization in 84.4%. Compared to patients without angina at baseline and 1 year, persistence of angina and occurrence of angina at 1 year with conservative management were each independently associated with higher rates of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.12−1.55] for persistence of angina; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.11−1.70] for occurrence of angina) at 5 years. Patients whose angina had resolved at 1 year with conservative management were not at higher risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction than those who never experienced angina (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.82−1.15]).

Conclusions:

Angina affects almost one-quarter of patients with stable coronary artery disease but resolves without events or coronary revascularization in most patients. Resolution of angina within 1 year with conservative management predicted outcomes similar to lack of angina, whereas persistence or occurrence was associated with worse outcomes. Because most patients with angina are likely to experience resolution of symptoms, and because there is no demonstrated outcome benefit to routine revascularization, this study emphasizes the value of conservative management of stable coronary artery disease.

Registration:

URL: https://www.isrctn.com; Unique identifier: ISRCTN43070564.

Prevalence, Incidence and Prognostic Implications of Left Bundle Branch Block in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndromes (From the CLARIFY Registry)

Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) is a frequently encountered electrical abnormality in patients with chronic (more than 3 months after myocardial infarction, or evidence of coronary artery disease with ischemia) coronary syndromes (CCS), but its prognostic significance remains unclear. We aimed to describe the prevalence, incidence and five-year outcomes of LBBB in outpatients with CCS using the CLARIFY registry. Main outcome was a composite of CV death, MI or stroke. Secondary outcomes included all cause death, hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and permanent pacemaker implantation. Among 23.544 patients with available information regarding LBBB status at baseline, 1.041 (4.4%) had LBBB at baseline and 1.015 (4.5%) patients developed a new LBBB during 5-year follow-up. In multivariate analysis, LBBB at baseline was not associated with the composite outcome of CV death, MI or stroke (HR 1.06, 95% CI [0.86 - 1.31], p = 0.67) or the risk of all-cause death (HR 1.07, 95% CI [0.87 - 1.32], p = 0.52) but was significantly associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for HF (HR 1.50, 95% CI [1.21 - 1.88], p < 0.001) and permanent pacemaker implantation (HR 2.11, 95% CI [1.45 - 3.07], p < 0.001). The main factors associated with new-onset LBBB were male sex (HR 0.8 [0.66-0.98], p = 0.028) history of atrial fibrillation (HR 1.29, 95% CI [1.01 - 1.64], p = 0.04), CABG (HR 1.27, [1.08 - 1.51], p = 0.004) and MI (HR 1.19, 95% CI [1.01 - 1.40], p = 0.034). In conclusion, in a contemporary registry of outpatients with CCS, the prevalence of LBBB was 4.4% and the additional 5-years incidence 6.2%. LBBB, in itself, was not associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events or all cause mortality. It was however an independent predictor of risk of hospitalization for heart failure and permanent pacemaker implantation.

Predictors and clinical impact of thrombosis after transcatheter mitral valve implantation using balloon-expandable bioprostheses

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report the predictors and clinical impact of transcatheter heart valve (THV) thrombosis in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 130 patients who consecutively underwent TMVI. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and/or computed tomography (CT) were performed in 91.7% of patients at discharge, in 73.3% at three months and in 72% beyond three months. THV thrombosis was defined as the presence of at least one thickened leaflet with restricted motion confirmed by TOE or contrast CT and classified as immediate, early, or late according to the timing of diagnosis. THV thrombosis was observed in 16 (12.3%) patients: immediate in 43.7%, early in 37.5% and late in 18.8%. Most of these thromboses were subclinical (93.7%) and non-obstructive (87.5%). No thromboembolic event occurred. After optimisation of antithrombotic treatment, THV thromboses resolved in all but one patient. Predictors were shock for immediate (p<0.001), male sex for early (p=0.045) and absence of anticoagulation for both early (p=0.018) and late (p=0.023) THV thromboses.

CONCLUSIONS

THV thrombosis is frequent after TMVI, occurs mainly within the first three months, is mostly subclinical and resolves after optimisation of antithrombotic treatment. An anticoagulation therapy for at least three months after the procedure is mandatory.

Effect of a Restrictive vs Liberal Blood Transfusion Strategy on Major Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Anemia: The REALITY Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The optimal transfusion strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a restrictive transfusion strategy would be clinically noninferior to a liberal strategy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Open-label, noninferiority, randomized trial conducted in 35 hospitals in France and Spain including 668 patients with myocardial infarction and hemoglobin level between 7 and 10 g/dL. Enrollment could be considered at any time during the index admission for myocardial infarction. The first participant was enrolled in March 2016 and the last was enrolled in September 2019. The final 30-day follow-up was accrued in November 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a restrictive (transfusion triggered by hemoglobin ≤8; n = 342) or a liberal (transfusion triggered by hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL; n = 324) transfusion strategy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary clinical outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of all-cause death, stroke, recurrent myocardial infarction, or emergency revascularization prompted by ischemia) at 30 days. Noninferiority required that the upper bound of the 1-sided 97.5% CI for the relative risk of the primary outcome be less than 1.25. The secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Among 668 patients who were randomized, 666 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 77 [69-84] years; 281 [42.2%] women) completed the 30-day follow-up, including 342 in the restrictive transfusion group (122 [35.7%] received transfusion; 342 total units of packed red blood cells transfused) and 324 in the liberal transfusion group (323 [99.7%] received transfusion; 758 total units transfused). At 30 days, MACE occurred in 36 patients (11.0% [95% CI, 7.5%-14.6%]) in the restrictive group and in 45 patients (14.0% [95% CI, 10.0%-17.9%]) in the liberal group (difference, -3.0% [95% CI, -8.4% to 2.4%]). The relative risk of the primary outcome was 0.79 (1-sided 97.5% CI, 0.00-1.19), meeting the prespecified noninferiority criterion. In the restrictive vs liberal group, all-cause death occurred in 5.6% vs 7.7% of patients, recurrent myocardial infarction occurred in 2.1% vs 3.1%, emergency revascularization prompted by ischemia occurred in 1.5% vs 1.9%, and nonfatal ischemic stroke occurred in 0.6% of patients in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia, a restrictive compared with a liberal transfusion strategy resulted in a noninferior rate of MACE after 30 days. However, the CI included what may be a clinically important harm.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02648113.

Arterial Thrombotic Events in Adult Inpatients With COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical course of and risk factors for arterial thrombotic events in adult inpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

All consecutive adult patients admitted for COVID-19 infection in a referral center in France and discharged from the hospital between April 1 and April 30, 2020, were included. All arterial thrombotic events that occurred through discharge were considered for analysis. Epidemiologic, demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were extracted from electronic medical records with use of a standardized data collection form.

RESULTS

Overall, 531 COVID-19+ patients were analyzed. Among them, 30 (5.6%) experienced arterial thrombotic events. Arterial thrombotic events in the setting of COVID-19 infection happened at a median of 11 (5-20) days after the first symptoms of infection; occurred in high-risk patients according to traditional cardiovascular risk factors; had an atypical pattern, such as thrombosis of the aorta, upper limb, or renal arteries or cerebral microvasculopathy in 7 (23.3%) cases; and were associated with an in-hospital mortality rate of 40%. Arterial thrombotic events increased the risk of death by 3-fold in COVID-19+ patients (hazard ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.7; P=.002). A subdistribution survival hazard model showed that a concentration of D-dimer above 1250 ng/mL increased the risk of arterial thrombotic events in COVID-19+ patients by more than 7 (subdistribution hazard ratio, 7.68; 95% CI, 2.9 to 20.6; P<.001).

CONCLUSION

A dramatically high rate of in-hospital death was observed in patients who suffered arterial thrombotic events in the setting of COVID-19 infection. A D-dimer level above 1250 ng/mL at entry may identify COVID-19+ patients at risk for arterial thrombotic events.

Current Indications for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement Using Transcatheter Aortic Valves

Use of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) using transcatheter aortic valves in clinical practice is limited to patients with failing bioprostheses and rings or mitral valve disease associated with severe mitral annulus calcification. Whereas the use of valve-in-valve TMVR appears to be a reasonable alternative to surgery in patients at high surgical risk, much less evidence supports valve-in-ring and valve-in-mitral annulus calcification interventions. Data on the results of TMVR in these settings are derived from small case series or voluntary registries. This review summarizes the current evidence on TMVR using transcatheter aortic valves in clinical practice from the characteristics of the TMVR candidates, screening process, performance of the procedure, and description of current results and future perspectives. TMVR using dedicated devices in native noncalcified mitral valve diseases is beyond the scope of the article.

Sex Differences in Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes in Patients With Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the TAO Trial

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have observed poorer outcomes in females with myocardial infarction, but older age and lower use of percutaneous coronary intervention in females are factors that potentially explain the worse outcome. This study sought to determine if female sex is an independent factor of ischemic and bleeding outcomes in non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome treated with a systematic invasive approach.

METHODS

The TAO trial (Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome With Otamixaban) randomized patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome treated invasively to heparin plus eptifibatide versus otamixaban. In this post hoc analysis, the primary ischemic end point (all-cause death, myocardial infarction within 180 days) and the primary safety end point (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major or minor bleeding within 30 days) were analyzed according to sex.

RESULTS

Of 13 229 randomized patients, 3980 (30.1%) were females and 9249 (69.9%) were males. Females were older (64.8±11.0 versus 60.7±11.1 years), had more comorbidities, received less peri-procedural antithrombotic therapy, and underwent less frequently revascularization. Overall, females experienced a higher risk of ischemic (10.2% versus 9.1%; odds ratio [OR], 1.15 [1.01-1.30]) and bleeding events (4.2% versus 3.4%; OR, 1.23 [1.02-1.49]) than males. After multivariate analysis, the risk of ischemic outcomes (OR, 1.04 [0.90-1.19]), death (OR, 1.00 [0.75-1.23]), or bleeding (OR, 1.05 [0.85-1.28]), were similar between females and males. Only, noncoronary artery bypass graft related Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major bleeding were increased in females (OR, 1.69 [1.11-2.56]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome with systematic invasive management, ischemic outcomes, bleeding events, and mortality were higher in females. After multivariate analyses, female sex was not an independent predictor of ischemic and bleeding events although noncoronary artery bypass graft related Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major bleeding was higher in females. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01076764.

Restrictive vs liberal red blood cell transfusion strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction and anemia: Rationale and design of the REALITY trial

Background

Anemia is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and is an independent predictor of mortality. The optimal transfusion strategy in these patients is unclear.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that a “restrictive” transfusion strategy (triggered by hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL) is clinically noninferior to a “liberal” transfusion strategy (triggered by hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL), but is less costly.

Methods

REALITY is an international, randomized, multicenter, open‐label trial comparing a restrictive vs a liberal transfusion strategy in patients with AMI and anemia. The primary outcome is the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) at 30 days, using the primary composite clinical outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; comprising all‐cause death, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal recurrent myocardial infarction, or emergency revascularization prompted by ischemia) as the effectiveness criterion. Secondary outcomes include the ICER at 1 year, and MACE (and its components) at 30 days and at 1 year.

Results

The trial aimed to enroll 630 patients. Based on estimated event rates of 11% in the restrictive group and 15% in the liberal group, this number will provide 80% power to demonstrate clinical noninferiority of the restrictive group, with a noninferiority margin corresponding to a relative risk equal to 1.25. The sample size will also provide 80% power to show the cost‐effectiveness of the restrictive strategy at a threshold of €50 000 per quality‐adjusted life year.

Conclusions

REALITY will provide important guidance on the management of patients with AMI and anemia.

Use of risk scores to identify lower and higher risk subsets among COMPASS-eligible patients with chronic coronary syndromes. Insights from the CLARIFY registry

Background

The COMPASS trial showed a reduction of ischemic events with low‐dose rivaroxaban and aspirin in chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) compared with aspirin alone, at the expense of increased bleeding.

Hypothesis

The CHA₂DS₂VaSc Score, REACH Recurrent Ischemic (RIS), and REACH Bleeding Risk Score (BRS) could identify patients with a favorable trade‐off between ischemic and bleeding events, among COMPASS‐eligible patients.

Methods

We identified the COMPASS‐eligible population within the CLARIFY registry (>30.000 patients with CCS). High‐bleeding risk patients (REACH BRS > 10) were excluded, as in the COMPASS trial. Patients were categorized as low (0–1) or high (≥ 2) CHA₂DS₂VaSc; low (0–12) or intermediate (13–19) REACH RIS, and low (0–6) or intermediate (7–10) REACH BRS. Ischemic outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke. Bleeding was defined as serious bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke, hospitalization for bleeding, transfusion).

Results

The COMPASS‐eligible population comprised 5.142 patients with ischemic and bleeding outcome of 2.3 (2.1–2.5) and 0.5 (0.4–0.6) per 100 patient‐years, respectively. Patients with intermediate REACH RIS (n = 1934 [37.6%]) had the higher ischemic risk (3.0 [2.6–3.4]) with similar bleeding risk (0.5 [0.4–0.7]) as the overall population. Patients with low CHA₂DS₂VaSc (n = 229 [4.4%]) had a very low ischemic risk (0.6 [0.3–1.3]) with similar bleeding risk (0.5 [0.2–1.1]).

Conclusions

Intermediate REACH RIS identified potential optimal candidates for adjunction of low‐dose rivaroxaban while patients with low CHA₂DS₂VaSc score .appears unlikely to benefit from the COMPASS regimen. None of the three risk scores predicted the occurrence of serious bleeding.

Management of patients with myocardial tuberculosis: A case series

BACKGROUND

Myocardial Tuberculosis (MT) is exceedingly rare. We aimed to report on myocardial involvement in tuberculosis (TB).

METHODS

All adult patients admitted in a department of Internal Medicine over an 8-year period with microbiologically proven MT were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, medical history, laboratory, imaging, pathologic findings, treatment, and follow-up data were extracted from medical records.

RESULTS

Six patients (4 women, 37.6 [21.3-62.1] years) with MT were identified. MT included cardiac mass (n = 1), coronaritis (n = 1), left ventricle spontaneous rupture (n = 1) and myocarditis (n = 3). Pericardial effusion was associated with myocardial involvement in 2 cases. Four patients presented with acute heart failure. CRP serum level was high in all cases. The mean delay between the first symptoms and TB diagnosis was of 6 [1-44] months. The time from admission to diagnosis was of 18 (9-28) days. No patient had human immunodeficiency virus infection. Fluorodeoxyglucose - positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) detected extra-cardiac asymptomatic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection localization and guided biopsy in 5 cases. As compared to TB patients without cardiac involvement, patients with MT were younger and more frequently women. All patients received antituberculosis therapy for 7.5 to 12 months associated with steroids for at least 6 weeks. Cardiac surgery was required in all but one patient. No patient died over a median follow-up of 1.2 [0.2-4.4] years.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes the clinical spectrum of life-threatening MT. Early diagnosis using FDG-PET imaging to target biopsy in extra-cardiac tissues and combined treatment strategy associating antituberculosis therapy, corticosteroids and surgery prevent complications and death.

Incidence, clinical impact and treatment outcomes of valve thrombosis after transcatheter mitral valve implantation

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is a new treatment option for high-risk surgical patients with degenerated bioprosthesis (ViV), failed annuloplasty rings (ViR) and severe mitral annular calcification (ViMAC). However, limited data exist on transcatheter heart valve thrombosis.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report the incidence, clinical impact and treatment outcomes of transcatheter heart valve (THV) thrombosis in patients undergoing TMVI.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing TMVI in our center between July 2010 and September 2019 were included. A transoesophageal echocardiography and a computed tomography (CT) were performed before hospital discharge and at each clinical visit, at 3 months, at 1 year and yearly after. THV thrombosis was defined as the presence of at least one thickened leaflet with restricted motion suggestive of thrombus confirmed by TOE and/or contrast CT. All patients received anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and a low dose of aspirin for the first 3 months.

Results

A total of 132 patients underwent TMVI (62 ViV, 36 ViR and 34 ViMAC). Among them, 16 (12.1%) patients had a THV thrombosis. Median age was 67 years old and 56.2% of patients were women. Median time to diagnosis of THV thrombosis was 78 days. Early THV thrombosis was observed in 7 (43.7%) and in 13 (81.2%) patients THV thrombosis occurred within the first 6 months after the procedure. 8 out 9 patients with subacute or late THV thrombosis were not anticoagulated or with subtherapeutic anticoagulation. No stroke or thromboembolic events occurred in these patients. No change in mitral gradient was observed in 14 out 16 patients. VKA were indicated in all patients. THV thrombosis resolved in all but one patient.

Conclusion

THV thrombosis is frequent after TMVI, occurs mainly within the first 6-months after the procedure, are mostly subclinical and resolves after optimization of anticoagulation treatment. An anticoagulation therapy for at least 6 months may be necessary.

Timing of THV thrombosis

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

CCS patients with polyvascular disease are a high risk but heterogenous subset of patients: insights from the CLARIFY registry

Introduction

Polyvascular disease constitutes a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events, is found in 10 to 15% of chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) patient. Smoking and diabetes mellitus are strongly associated with polyvascular disease. Risk stratification is key to select the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for a given patient.

Purpose

We aimed to describe 5-year ischaemic risk of CCS patients according to vascular disease phenotype and diabetic or smoking status.

Method

We analyzed data from 32 703 consecutive CCS outpatients (45 countries) enrolled between November 2009 to June 2010 in the prospective observational CLARIFY registry. Three mutually exclusive groups were compared: Coronary artery disease (CAD) alone, CAD with peripheral artery disease (PAD) or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) (CAD+1), CAD with CVD and PAD (CAD+2). Primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke, adjusted on age, sex and geographic origin at 5 years.

Results

At baseline, 26440 (80.8%) patients were diagnosed with CAD alone, 4967 (15.2%) had CAD+1, 1296 (4%) had CAD+2. Overall, 9501 (29%) patients were diabetics, 19184 (58.7%) were smokers or ex-smokers and only 9220 (28.2%) were free of these two major cardiovascular risk factors. Primary outcome increasing gradually according to the number of arterial diseases locations from 8.4% (95% CI 8.09–8.73) in patients with CAD alone to 17.4% (95% CI 16.95–17.83) of CAD+2 patients (p&lt;0.001). Subgroup analysis according to diabetes or smoking status further enriched risk stratification from 7% (95% CI 6.48–7.59) in non-diabetic, non-smoking CAD alone patients to 20.3% (95% CI 19.08–21.44) in diabetics and smokers CAD+ 2 patients (Figure 1). Diabetic CAD alone patients had a comparable risk to that of non-diabetic and non-smoking polyvascular patients, 9.8% (95% CI 8.82–10.68) vs 10.3% (95% CI 9.61–10.96), p=0.38. Outcome was similar between polyvascular diabetic patients, regardless of the number of arterial diseases, 15.5% (95% CI 14.31–16.60) for CAD+1 and 15.0 (95% CI 13.88–16.13) for CAD+2, p=0.83. Smoking increased 5-year risk proportionally to the number of symptomatic arterial bed, 8.2% (95% CI 7.72–8.68) vs 11.8% (95% CI 11.18–12.31) vs 17.9% (95% CI 17.18–18.54), respectively for CAD alone, CAD+1 and CAD+2.

Conclusion

CCS patients with polyvascular disease remain at high risk of ischaemic events in the contemporary practice with widespread secondary prevention therapies. Polyvascular is a very heterogenous subset of patients with ischaemic risk varying not only according to the number of vascular bed diseased but also according to smoking and diabetes status, two conditions present in the vast majority of CCS patients. Diabetes confers upfront a maximal increased risk. Identification of higher risk subsets in polyvascular patients can potentially identify those that could derived the greatest benefit from new secondary prevention strategies.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris

Transseptal transcatheter mitral valve implantation versus redo surgical mitral valve replacement for degenerated mitral bioprostheses

Background

The growing use of surgical bioprostheses raises concerns about a future reoperation for bioprosthesis degeneration. There are few data on outcome after transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation (TMVI) compared with redo surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR).

Purpose

To compare the feasibility, safety and outcomes of TMVI versus SMVR for degenerated mitral bioprosthesis in high-risk patients.

Methods

In our institution, 52 patients underwent TMVI by transseptal approach and 33 SMVR for degenerated mitral bioprosthesis. The composite endpoint of event-free survival included cardiovascular mortality, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for heart failure or mitral valve reintervention.

Results

Mean age and EuroSCORE II were higher in TMVI group vs. SMVR group (age 63±21 years vs. 51±15 years, p=0.002; EuroSCORE II 12.5±12.2% vs. 6.2±3.3%, p=0.001) (Table). In-hospital mortality was 3.8% after TMVI vs. 3.0% after SMVR (p=1.0).

Median follow-up was 2.2 years. At 5 years, survival was 69.7±9.4% after TMVI vs. 86.6±7.6% after SMVR (p=0.10) and event-free survival was lower after TMVI (40.1±9.9% vs 78.7±8.8% respectively, p=0.003) (Figure). In multivariate analysis, older age (p=0.02), neurologic history (p=0.05) and non-elective procedure (p&lt;0.0001) were associated with lower event-free survival, while TMVI vs. SMVR was no longer significant (p=0.17). At last follow-up, 84% patients from TMVI group and 78% from SMVR group were NYHA I-II class. Mean mitral valve gradient and pulmonary artery systolic pressure were respectively 6.8±2.5 mmHg and 45±14 mmHg in TMVI group, and 4.8±2.0 mmHg and 37±11 mmHg in SMVR group.

Conclusion

TMVI is an alternative to SMVR in high-risk patients with degenerated mitral bioprosthesis. Comparison of mid-term results of the two techniques must take into account the differences in patient characteristics.

Event-free survival

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients according to heart failure at admission: Insights from a large trial with systematic early invasive strategy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies published before the era of systematic early invasive strategy have reported a higher mortality in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with heart failure. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical characteristics, outcomes and causes of death of patients according to their heart failure status at admission in a large non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction population with planned early invasive management.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Otamixaban randomised trial which included non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with systematic coronary angiography within 72 h. Patients were categorised according to presence or absence of heart failure (Killip grade ≥2) at admission.

RESULTS

A total of 13,172 patients were enrolled, of whom 944 (7.2%) had heart failure. At day 30, death occurred in 213 patients (1.6%) and cardiovascular death was the dominant cause of death in both groups ((with vs without heart failure) 78.8% vs 78.4%, p = 0.94). At six months, death occurred in 90/944 (9.5%) patients with heart failure and 258/12228 patients without heart failure (2.1%) (p < 0.001). After adjustment on Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score, heart failure was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality at day 30 (odds ratio: 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.36, p = 0.02) and at day 180 (odds ratio: 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.42, p < 0.001) as well as of ischaemic complications (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis or stroke at day 30 (odds ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.62, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with heart failure at admission still have worse outcomes than those without heart failure, even with systematic early invasive strategy. Further efforts are needed to improve the prognosis of these high risk patients.

Proposal for a standardized discharge letter after hospital stay for acute myocardial infarction

In patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction, the communication and transition from specialists to primary care physicians is often delayed, and the information imparted to subsequent healthcare providers (HCPs) may be sub-optimal. A French group of cardiologists, lipidologists and diabetologists decided to establish a consensus to optimize the discharge letter after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction. The aim is to improve both the timeframe and the quality of the content transmitted to subsequent HCPs, including information regarding baseline assessment, procedures during hospitalization, residual risk, discharge treatments, therapeutic targets and follow-up recommendations in compliance with European Society of Cardiology guidelines. A consensus was obtained regarding a template discharge letter, to be released within two days after patient’s discharge, and containing the description of the patient’s history, risk factors, acute management, risk assessment, discharge treatments and follow-up pathway. Specifically for post acute MI patients, tailored details are necessary regarding the antithrombotic regimen, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic treatments, including therapeutic targets. Lastly, the follow-up pathway needs to be precisely mentioned in the discharge letter. Additional information such as technical descriptions, imaging, and quality indicators may be provided separately. A template for a standardized discharge letter based on 8 major headings could be useful for implementation in routine practice and help to improve the quality and timing of information transmission between HCPs after acute MI.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COMPASS eligible patients in France. An analysis from the REACH Registry

BACKGROUND

Following the publication of the COMPASS trial, the European Medicines Agency has approved a regimen of combination of rivaroxaban 2.5mg twice daily and a daily dose of 75-100mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischemic events. However, the applicability of such a therapeutic strategy in France is currently unknown.

AIMS

To describe the proportion of patients eligible to COMPASS in France, their baseline clinical characteristics and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events, using the REACH registry.

METHODS

From the the REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) registry database, a large international registry of patients with, or at risk, of atherothrombosis, we analyzed patients included in France with either established CAD and/or PAD and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the COMPASS trial. The ischemic outcome was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke, and serious bleeding were defined as haemorrhagic stroke or bleeding leading to hospitalization or transfusion.

RESULTS

Among more than 65000 patients enrolled in REACH, 2.012 patients were evaluable and enrolled in France. Among them, 1194 patients (59.3%) were eligible to COMPASS. The main reasons for exclusion of the COMPASS trial, were high bleeding risk (59.1%), anticoagulant use (43.4%), requirement for dual antiplatelet therapy within 1 year of an ACS or PCI (24.7%). In the "COMPASS eligible population", the rate of MACE (CV, MI and stroke) at 4 years follow-up was 13.4% [11.3-15.8], and serious bleeding was 2.5% at 4 years [1.6-3.4]. Patients with polyvascular disease (n=219) had the highest rate of MACE, compared with patients with CAD only and PAD only (19.1% [13.9-26.1] vs. 11.6% [9.1-14.8] vs 13.2% [9.2-18.8], P<0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The COMPASS therapeutic strategy in France appears to be applicable to more than half of CAD or PAD patients. This population appears at high residual risk of atherothrombotic events, and patients with polyvascular disease experienced the highest rate of events.

Plasma Trimethylamine N-Oxide and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Even though trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been demonstrated to interfere with atherosclerosis and diabetes pathophysiology, the association between TMAO and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has not been specifically established in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the association of plasma TMAO concentrations with MACE and all-cause mortality in a single-center prospective cohort of consecutively recruited patients with T2D.

RESULTS

The study population consisted in 1463 SURDIENE participants (58% men), aged 65 ± 10 years. TMAO concentrations were significantly associated with diabetes duration, renal function, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1) concentrations (R2 = 0.27) and were significantly higher in patients on metformin, even after adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 6.7 (8.5) vs 8.5 (13.6) µmol/L, respectively (PeGFR-adjusted = 0.0207). During follow-up (median duration [interquartile range], 85 [75] months), 403 MACE and 538 deaths were registered. MACE-free survival and all-cause mortality were significantly associated with the quartile distribution of TMAO concentrations, patients with the highest TMAO levels displaying the greatest risk of outcomes (P < 0.0001). In multivariate Cox models, compared with patients from the first 3 quartiles, those from the fourth quartile of TMAO concentration had an independently increased risk for MACE: adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR) 1.32 (1.02-1.70); P = 0.0325. Similarly, TMAO was significantly associated with mortality in multivariate analysis: adjHR 1.75 (1.17-2.09); P = 0.0124, but not when sTNFR1 and angiopoietin like 2 were considered: adjHR 1.16 (0.95-1.42); P = 0.1514.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed an association between higher TMAO concentrations and increased risk of MACE and all-cause mortality, thereby opening some avenues on the role of dysbiosis in cardiovascular risk, in T2D patients.

Blood transfusion and ischaemic outcomes according to anemia and bleeding in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: Insights from the TAO randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The benefits and risks of blood transfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction who are anemic or who experience bleeding are debated. We sought to study the association between blood transfusion and ischemic outcomes according to haemoglobin nadir and bleeding status in patients with NST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

The TAO trial randomized patients with NSTEMI and coronary angiogram scheduled within 72h to heparin plus eptifibatide versus otamixaban. After exclusion of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, patients were categorized according to transfusion status considering transfusion as a time-varying covariate. The primary ischemic outcome was the composite of all-cause death or MI within 180 days of randomization. Subgroup analyses were performed according to pre-transfusion hemoglobin nadir and bleeding status.

RESULTS

12,547 patients were enrolled. Among these, blood transfusion was used in 489 (3.9%) patients. Patients who received transfusion had a higher rate of death or MI (29.9% vs. 8.1%, p<0.01). This excess risk persisted after adjustment on GRACE score and nadir of hemoglobin (HR 3.36 95%CI 2.63-4.29 p<0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that blood transfusion was associated with a higher risk in patients without overt bleeding (adjusted HR 6.25 vs. 2.85; p-interaction 0.001) as well as in those with hemoglobin nadir > 9.0 g/dl (HR 4.01; p-interaction<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with NSTEMI, blood transfusion was associated with an overall increased risk of ischaemic events. However, this was mainly driven by patients without overt bleeding and those hemoglobin nadir > 9.0g/dl. This suggests possible harm of transfusion in those groups.

Head-to-head comparison of the diagnostic performances of Rubidium-PET and SPECT with CZT camera for the detection of myocardial ischemia in a population of women and overweight individuals

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performances for the detection of myocardial ischemia of 82-Rb-PET-MPS and 99m-Tc-SPECT-MPS in overweight individuals and women.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Men with BMI ≥ 25 and women referred for MPS were considered for inclusion. All individuals underwent 99m-Tc-SPECT-MPS with CZT cameras and 82-Rb-PET-MPS in 3D-mode. Individuals with at least one positive MPS were referred for coronary angiography (CA) with FFR measurements. A criterion for positivity was a composite endpoint including significant stenosis on CA or, in the absence of CA, the occurrence of acute coronary event during the following year. 313 patients (46% women) with mean BMI of 31.8 ± 6.5 were included. Sensitivity for the detection of myocardial ischemia was higher with 82-Rb-PET-MPS compared with 99m-Tc-SPECT-MPS (85% vs. 57%, P < .05); specificity was equally high with both imaging techniques (93% vs. 94%, P > .05). 82-Rb-PET allowed for a more accurate detection of patients with a high-risk coronary artery disease (HR-CAD) than 99m-Tc-SPECT-MPS (AUC = 0.86 vs. 0.75, respectively; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

In women and overweight individuals, 82-Rb-PET-MPS provides higher sensitivity for the detection of myocardial ischemia than 99m-Tc-SPECT-MPS thanks to a better image quality and an improved detection of HR-CAD.