Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with Features of Venous Involvement: A Detective's Task

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis are rare types of histopathological substrates within the spectrum of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a very poor prognosis. They are characterized by a widespread fibroproliferative process of the small caliber veins and/or capillaries with sparing of the larger veins, resulting in a pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension phenotype. Clinical presentation is unspecific and similar to other PAH etiologies. Definitive diagnosis is obtained through histological analysis, although lung biopsy is not advised due to a higher risk of complications. However, some additional findings may allow a presumptive clinical diagnosis of PVOD, particularly a history of smoking, chemotherapy drug use, exposure to organic solvents (particularly trichloroethylene), low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), exercise induced desaturation, and evidence of venous congestion without left heart disease on imaging, manifested by a classical triad of ground glass opacities, septal lines, and lymphadenopathies. Lung transplant is the only effective treatment, and patients should be referred at the time of diagnosis due to the rapid progression of the disease and associated poor prognosis. We present a case of a 58-year-old man with PAH with features of venous/capillary involvement in which clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early referral for lung transplantation were determinant factors for the successful outcome.

Coronary Artery Calcium Identified on Non-Gated Chest CT Scans: A Wasted Opportunity for Preventive Cardiological Care

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) evaluated on dedicated cardiac computed tomography (CT) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between CAC detected on non-gated standard chest CT and coronary lesions on coronary angiography (CAG) and determine its impact on prognosis.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent CAG due to acute coronary syndrome and had prior non-contrasted non-gated chest CT were included and retrospectively evaluated. Coronary artery calcium was evaluated by quantitative (Agatston score) and qualitative (visual assessment) assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were included in this study. The mean time difference between chest CT and CAG was 23 months. Coronary artery calcium was visually classified as mild, moderate, and severe in 31%, 33%, and 16% of patients, respectively. Moderate or severe CAC was an independent predictor of significant lesions on CAG (OR 22; 95% CI 8-61; p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (OR 4; 95% CI 2-9; p=0.001). Quantitative CAC evaluation accurately predicted significant lesions on CAG (AUC 0.81; p<0.001). While significant CAC was identified in 80% of chest CTs, formal reporting was 25%.

CONCLUSION

Coronary artery calcium evaluation with chest CT was feasible and strongly associated with severity of coronary disease on CAG and mortality. Although the identification of CAC on chest CT represents a unique opportunity for cardiovascular risk stratification for preventive care, CAC underreporting is frequent.

Oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 during severe connective tissue disease flares: report of two cases

Antiviral therapies targeting SARS-CoV-2 replication change the course of COVID-19. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a nirmatrelvir/ritonavir combination that inhibits the main protease of the virus. Molnupiravir, an RNA polymerase misdirector, is proposed by EMA in selected cases, despite still without marketing authorisation. Both are for use in mild disease with a high risk of progression to severe COVID. Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases under immunosuppression, mainly high-dose glucocorticoids, are at higher risk of developing severe COVID. We report two clinical cases in which nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir were successfully used to treat COVID-19 in immunosuppressed patients during severe flares of connective tissue diseases, namely systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. No significant adverse events attributable to these drugs were noted.

Comparison of 5 acute pulmonary embolism mortality risk scores in patients with COVID-19

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: Initial experience of patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is a potentially curative procedure in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study reports the initial experience of a Portuguese PH center with patients undergoing PEA at an international surgical reference center.

METHODS

Prospective observational study of consecutive CTEPH patients followed at a national PH center, who underwent PEA at an international surgical reference center between October 2015 and March 2019. Clinical, functional, laboratory, imaging and hemodynamic parameters were obtained in the 12 months preceding the surgery and repeated between four and six months after PEA.

RESULTS

27 consecutive patients (59% female) with a median age of 60 (49-71) years underwent PEA. During a median follow-up of 34 (21-48) months, there was an improvement in functional class in all patients, with only one cardiac death. From a hemodynamic perspective, there was a reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure from 48 (42-59) mmHg to 26 (22-38) mmHg, an increase in cardiac output from 3.3 (2.9-4.0) L/min to 4.9 (4.2-5.5) L/min and a reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance from 12.1 (7.2-15.5) uW to 3.5 (2.6-5,2) uW. During the follow-up, 44% (n=12) of patients had no PH criteria, 44% (n=12) had residual PH and 11% (n=3) had PH recurrence. There was a reduction of N-terminal pro-B-type natriureticpeptide from 868 (212-1730) pg/mL to 171 (98-382) pg/mL. Rright ventricular systolic function parameters revealed an improvement in longitudinal systolic excursion and peak velocity of the plane of the tricuspid ring from 14 (13-14) mm and 9 (8-10) cm/s to 17 (16-18) mm and 13 (11-15) cm/s, respectively. Of the 26 patients with preoperative right ventricular dysfunction, 85% (n=22) recovered. The proportion of patients on specific vasodilator therapy decreased from 93% to 44% (p<0.001) and the proportion of those requiring oxygen therapy decreased from 52% to 26% (p=0.003). The six-minute walk test distance increased by about 25% compared to the baseline and only eight patients had significant desaturation during the test.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary endarterectomy performed at an experienced high-volume center is a safe procedure with a very favorable medium-term impact on functional, hemodynamic and right ventricular function parameters in CTEPH patients with operable disease. It is possible for PH centers without PEA differentiation to refer patients safely and effectively to an international surgical center in which air transport is necessary.

Prognostic Accuracy of the Modified CHA2DS2-VASc Score in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department Due to Clinical Worsening

INTRODUCTION

Risk factors comprising the CHA2DS2VASc score are recognized as risk factors for venous thromboembolism and mortality in COVID-19 patients. A modified CHA2DS2VASc score (M-CHA2D2VASc), developed by changing gender criteria from female to male, has been proposed to predict in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of M-CHA2D2VASc for adverse clinical outcomes and short-term mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to the Emergency Department.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients admitted to the ED who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography due to suspected pulmonary embolism or clinical worsening. Patients were stratified into three M-CHA2DS2-VASc risk-categories: low (0 - 1 points), intermediate (2 - 3 points) and high-risk (≥ 4 points).

RESULTS

We included 300 patients (median age 71 years, 59% male). The overall mortality was 27%. The M-CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in non-survivors compared to survivors [4 (IQR:3 - 5) vs 2 (IQR: 1 - 4), respectively, p < 0.001). The M-CHA2DS2-VASc score was identified as an independent predictor of mortality in a multivariable logistic regression model (OR 1.406, p = 0.007). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the M-CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with short-term mortality (log-rank test < 0.001), regardless of hospitalization (log-rank test p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). The survival proportion was 92%, 80% and 63% in the lower, intermediate, and higher risk-groups. As for the risk-categories, no difference was found in pulmonary embolism, Intensive Care Unit admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study to validate M-CHA2DS2-VASc score as a predictor of short-term mortality in patients admitted to the Emergency Department.

CONCLUSION

The M-CHA2DS2-VASC score might be useful for prompt risk-stratification in COVID-19 patients during admission to the Emergency Department.

Pulmonary embolism and COVID-19: A comparative analysis of different diagnostic models performance

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Several diagnostic prediction rules based on pretest probability and D-dimer have been validated in non-COVID patients, but it remains unclear if they can be safely applied in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the standard approach based on Wells and Geneva scores combined with a standard D-dimer cut-off of 500 ng/mL with three alternative strategies (age-adjusted, YEARS and PEGeD algorithms) in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all COVID-19 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) due to PE suspicion. The diagnostic prediction rules for PE were compared between patients with and without PE.

RESULTS

We included 300 patients and PE was confirmed in 15%. No differences were found regarding comorbidities, traditional risk factors for PE and signs and symptoms between patients with and without PE. Wells and Geneva scores showed no predictive value for PE occurrence, whether a standard or an age-adjusted cut-off was considered. YEARS and PEGeD algorithms were associated with increased specificity (19% CTPA reduction) but raising non-diagnosed PE. Despite elevated in all patients, those with PE had higher D-dimer levels. However, incrementing thresholds to select patients for CTPA was also associated with a substantial decrease in sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

None of the diagnostic prediction rules are reliable predictors of PE in COVID-19. Our data favour the use of a D-dimer threshold of 500 ng/mL, considering that higher thresholds increase specificity but limits this strategy as a screening test.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Despite vitamin K antagonists (VKA) being the gold standard in the prevention of thromboembolic events in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants/direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been used off-label.

Objective

We aimed to perform a systematic review comparing DOACs to VKA regarding prevention of thromboembolic events, occurrence of bleeding events and mortality in patients with APS.

Methods

An electronic database search was performed through MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Web of Science. After data extraction, we pooled the results using risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I². The outcomes considered were all thromboembolic events as primary, and major bleeding, all bleeding events and mortality as secondary. Evidence confidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology.

Results

We included 7 studies and a total of 835 patients for analyses. Thromboembolic events were significantly increased in DOACs arm, compared with VKA—RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.62, I²—24%, n=719, 6 studies. In studies using exclusively rivaroxaban, which was the most representative drug in all included studies, the thromboembolic risk was increased threefold (RR 3.36, 95% CI 1.53 to 7.37). The risks of major bleeding, all bleeding events and mortality were not significantly different from control arm. The grade of certainty of our results is very low.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests DOACs use, particularly rivaroxaban, among patients with APS, is less effective than VKA since it is associated with 69% increased risk of thromboembolic events.

Trial registration number

CRD42020216178.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: initial experience of patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is a potentially curative procedure in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This study reports the initial experience of a Portuguese PH center with patients undergoing PEA at an international surgical reference center.

METHODS

Prospective observational study of consecutive CTEPH patients followed at a national PH center, who underwent PEA at an international surgical reference center between October 2015 and March 2019. Clinical, functional, laboratory, imaging and hemodynamic parameters were obtained in the 12 months preceding the surgery and repeated between four and six months after PEA.

RESULTS

27 consecutive patients (59% female) with a median age of 60 (49-71) years underwent PEA. During a median follow-up of 34 (21-48) months, there was an improvement in functional class in all patients, with only one cardiac death. From a hemodynamic perspective, there was a reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure from 48 (42-59) mmHg to 26 (22-38) mmHg, an increase in cardiac output from 3.3 (2.9-4.0) L/min to 4.9 (4.2-5.5) L/min and a reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance from 12.1 (7.2-15.5) uW to 3.5 (2.6-5, 2) uW. During the follow-up, 44% (n=12) of patients had no PH criteria, 44% (n=12) had residual PH and 11% (n = 3) had PH recurrence. There was a reduction of N-terminal pro-B-type natriureticpeptide from 868 (212-1730) pg/mL to 171 (98-382) pg/mL. Rright ventricular systolic function parameters revealed an improvement in longitudinal systolic excursion and peak velocity of the plane of the tricuspid ring from 14 (13-14) mm and 9 (8-10) cm/s to 17 (16-18) mm and 13 (11-15) cm/s, respectively. Of the 26 patients with preoperative right ventricular dysfunction, 85% (n=22) recovered. The proportion of patients on specific vasodilator therapy decreased from 93% to 44% (p<0.001) and the proportion of those requiring oxygen therapy decreased from 52% to 26% (p=0.003). The six-minute walk test distance increased by about 25% compared to the baseline and only eight patients had significant desaturation during the test.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary endarterectomy performed at an experienced high-volume center is a safe procedure with a very favorable medium-term impact on functional, hemodynamic and right ventricular function parameters in CTEPH patients with operable disease. It is possible for PH centers without PEA differentiation to refer patients safely and effectively to an international surgical center in which air transport is necessary.

The heart failure specialists of tomorrow: a network for young cardiovascular scientists and clinicians

The “Heart failure specialists of Tomorrow” (HoT) group gathers young researchers, physicians, basic scientists, nurses and many other professions under the auspices of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology. After its foundation in 2014, it has quickly grown to a large group of currently 925 members. Membership in this growing community offers many advantages during, before, and after the ‘Heart Failure and World Congress on Acute Heart Failure’. These include: eligibility to receive travel grants, participation in moderated poster sessions and young researcher and clinical case sessions, the HoT walk, the career café, access to the networking opportunities, and interaction with a large and cohesive international community that constantly seeks multinational collaborations.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) comprise a superfamily with 11 subfamilies. Within these families, more than 40 isoforms are expressed. Phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitors (PDE3i) are used as inotrope/vasodilators for acute heart failure (HF), and PDE5i for pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction. Despite being studied for chronic HF, none of the PDEis have been presently approved for such an indication itself. The PDE3is milrinone (the PROMISE trial and OPTIME-CHF), raised safety concerns.   Although low-dose intravenous milrinone with a beta-blocker is till proposed by some. Enoximone failed to show significant benefits in patients with severe chronic HF in a series of phase 3 clinical trials (ESSENTIAL 1, ESSENTIAL II, EMOTE, EMPOWER).   Of the PDE5is, Sildenafil is the most extensively investigated, with proven efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, but it has only been tested in relatively small trials in the field of HFrEF, but shows some promise in HFpEF and in pulmonary hypertension complicating HF.  Elucidation of the potential clinical role of PDEis on across the spectrum of HF phenotypes will require more definitive evidence from large-scale clinical trials.

The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in takotsubo syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a transient form of left ventricular dysfunction associated with a distinctive contraction pattern in the absence of significant coronary artery disease triggered by stressful events. Several aspects of its clinical profile have been described but it still remains difficult to quickly establish the diagnosis at admission.Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has achieved great improvements in the last years, which in turn has made this imaging technology more attractive in the diagnosis and evaluation of TS. With its superior tissue resolution and dynamic imaging capabilities, CMR is currently the most useful imaging technique in this setting.In this review, we propose to comprehensively define the role of CMR in the evaluation of patients with TS and to summarize a set of criteria suitable for diagnostic decision making in this clinical setting.

Epicardial ablation for prevention of ventricular fibrillation in a patient with Brugada syndrome

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with Brugada syndrome, permanent type 1 electrocardiographic pattern, who had previously received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. She suffered frequent syncopal episodes and multiple appropriate shocks (around five per month) due to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, refractory to quinidine therapy. Combined epicardial and endocardial electroanatomical mapping was performed with a view to substrate ablation. An area of abnormal fractionated electrograms, lasting up to 370 ms and up to 216 ms after the end of the surface QRS, was identified in the epicardium in the lower anterior part of the right ventricular outflow tract. Extensive epicardial ablation of this area, which eliminated the fractionated electrograms, led to the disappearance of the Brugada electrocardiographic pattern six weeks after ablation. Despite discontinuation of quinidine, no further ventricular arrhythmias occurred during follow-up, which is still of short duration.