Temporal progression of replacement and interstitial fibrosis in optimally managed dilated cardiomyopathy patients: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

To prospectively examine the dynamic evolution of fibrotic processes within a one-year in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

METHODS

Between May 2019 and September 2020, 102 DCM patients (mean age 45.2 ± 11.8 years, EF 29.9 ± 11.6%) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR-1). After 13.9 ± 2.9 months, 92 of these patients underwent a follow-up CMR (CMR-2). Replacement fibrosis was assessed via late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), quantified in terms of LGE mass and extent. Interstitial fibrosis was evaluated via T1-mapping and expressed as extracellular volume fraction (ECV). This data, along with left ventricular (LV) mass, facilitated the calculation of LV matrix and cellular volumes.

RESULTS

At CMR-1, LGE was present in 45 patients (48.9%), whereas at CMR-2 LGE was detected in 46 (50%) (p = 0.88). Although LGE mass remained stable, LGE extent increased from 2.18 ± 4.1% to 2.7 ± 4.6% (p < 0.01). Conversely, ECV remained unchanged [27.7% (25.5-31.3) vs. 26.7% (24.5-29.9); p = 0.19]; however, LV matrix and cell volumes exhibited a noteworthy regression. During a subsequent follow-up of 19.2 ± 9 months (spanning from CMR-2 to April 30th, 2023), the composite primary outcome (all-cause mortality, HTX, LVAD or heart failure worsening) was evident in 18 patients. Only the LV matrix volume index at follow-up was an independent predictor of outcome (OR 1.094; 95%CI 1.004-1.192; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In optimally managed DCM patients, both replacement and interstitial fibrosis remained stable over the course of one year. In contrast, LV matrix and cell volumes displayed significant regression. LV matrix volume index at 12-month follow-up was found to be an independent predictor of outcome in DCM.

Impact of progressive aortic regurgitation on outcomes after left ventricular assist device implantation

Aortic regurgitation (AR) following continuous flow left ventricular assist device implantation (cf-LVAD) may adversely impact outcomes. We aimed to assess the incidence and impact of progressive AR after cf-LVAD on prognosis, biomarkers, functional capacity and echocardiographic findings. In an analysis of the PCHF-VAD database encompassing 12 European heart failure centers, patients were dichotomized according to the progression of AR following LVAD implantation. Patients with de-novo AR or AR progression (AR_1) were compared to patients without worsening AR (AR_0). Among 396 patients (mean age 53 ± 12 years, 82% male), 153 (39%) experienced progression of AR over a median of 1.4 years on LVAD support. Before LVAD implantation, AR_1 patients were less frequently diabetic, had lower body mass indices and higher baseline NT-proBNP values. Progressive AR did not adversely impact mortality (26% in both groups, HR 0.91 [95% CI 0.61-1.36]; P = 0.65). No intergroup variability was observed in NT-proBNP values and 6-minute walk test results at index hospitalization discharge and at 6-month follow-up. However, AR_1 patients were more likely to remain in NYHA class III and had worse right ventricular function at 6-month follow-up. Lack of aortic valve opening was related to de-novo or worsening AR (P < 0.001), irrespective of systolic blood pressure (P = 0.67). Patients commonly experience de-novo or worsening AR when exposed to continuous flow of contemporary LVADs. While reducing effective forward flow, worsening AR did not influence survival. However, less complete functional recovery and worse RV performance among AR_1 patients were observed. Lack of aortic valve opening was associated with progressive AR.

Improved survival of left ventricular assist device carriers in Europe according to implantation eras - results from the PCHF-VAD registry

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Temporal changes in patient selection and major technological developments in have occurred in the field of LVADs, yet analyses depicting this trend are lacking for Europe. We describe the advances of European LVAD programmes from the PCHF-VAD registry across device implantation eras.

METHODS

Of 583 patients from 13 European centres in the registry, 556 patients (mean age 53 ± 12 years, 82% male) were eligible for this analysis. Patients were divided to eras (E) by date of LVAD implantation: E1 from December 2006 to and including December 2012 (6 years), E2 from January 2013 to January 2020 (7 years).

RESULTS

Patients implanted more recently were older with more comorbidities, but less acutely ill. Receiving an LVAD in E2 was associated with improved 1-year survival in adjusted analysis (HR 0.58 [0.35-0.98] p = 0.043). LVAD implantation in E2 was associated with a significantly lower chance of heart transplantation (adjusted HR 0.40 [0.23-0.67], p = 0.001), and lower risk of LVAD-related infections (adjusted HR 0.64, [0.43-0.95], p = 0.027), both in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The adjusted risk of haemocompatibility-related events decreased (HR 0.60 [0.39-0.91], p = 0.016), while the heart failure-related events increased in E2 (HR 1.67 [1.02-2.75], p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

In an analysis depicting the evolving landscape of cf-LVAD carriers in Europe over 13 years, a trend towards better survival is seen in the recent years, despite older recipients with more comorbidities, potentially attributable to increasing expertise of LVAD centres, improved patient selection and pump technology. However, a smaller chance of undergoing heart transplantation was noted in the second era, underscoring the relevance of improved outcomes on LVAD support.