Persistence of effort in apathy

The syndrome of apathy has generated increasing interest in recent years as systematic evaluations have revealed its high prevalence and strong negative impact on quality of life across a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. However, although several theoretical models have been proposed to account for various aspects of the condition, understanding of this syndrome is still incomplete. One influential model has proposed that apathy might be described as a quantitative reduction of goal-directed behaviour in comparison to an individual's prior level of functioning. Persistence of activity defined as the capacity to continue with a task - sometimes in the face of setbacks, high levels of difficulty or fatigue - is a crucial but understudied aspect of goal-directed behaviour. Surprisingly, it has not been investigated yet in the context of apathy. Here, we provide an overview of theoretical and experimental aspects of persistence in effort that might assist to develop methods for the investigation of persistence in human behaviour, particularly within the pathologic context of apathy.

Negative symptoms and cognitive impairment are associated with distinct motivational deficits in treatment resistant schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Motivational deficits are a central feature of the negative syndrome in schizophrenia. They have consistently been associated with reduced willingness to expend physical effort in return for monetary rewards on effort based decision making (EBDM) paradigms. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying such altered performance are not well characterised, and it remains unclear if they are driven purely by negative symptoms, or also in part by cognitive impairment, antipsychotic treatment or even positive symptoms. Here we investigated the impact of all these factors using a paradigm that has not previously been used to measure EBDM in schizophrenia.

METHODS

Forty treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) patients on clozapine and matched controls (N = 80) completed a well validated EBDM task which offers monetary rewards in return for physical effort. Choice and reaction time data was analysed using logistic regressions, as well as Bayesian hierarchical drift diffusion modelling (HDDM). Behavioural parameters were compared between groups and their association with negative symptoms, cognitive function and serum clozapine levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, TRS patients accepted significantly less offers than controls during effort-based decision making, suggesting they were less motivated. They demonstrated reduced sensitivity to increasing rewards, but surprisingly were also less averse to increasing effort. Despite a positive correlation between negative symptoms and cognitive function in TRS, reward sensitivity was associated only with cognitive performance. In contrast, reduced effort aversion correlated with negative symptom severity. Clozapine levels and positive symptoms were not associated with either behavioural parameter.

CONCLUSION

Motivational deficits in TRS are characterised by both diminished reward sensitivity and reduced effort aversion during EBDM. Cognitive dysfunction and negative symptom severity account for distinct aspects of these behavioural changes, despite positive associations between themselves. Overall, these findings demonstrate that negative symptoms and cognitive impairment have significant independent contributions to EBDM in TRS, thereby opening the possibility of individualised treatment targeting these mechanisms to improve motivation.

Left Atrial Thrombus in the Setting of Mitral Stenosis

A 56-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented with exertional shortness of breath. Echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance, and computed tomography showed mitral stenosis and a left atrial thrombus. Left atrial thrombus formation is a well-known complication of severe mitral stenosis that can lead to systemic thromboembolism. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement, left atrial thrombus resection, and left atrial appendage closure that resulted in significant improvement in breathing.

Accidentally discovered non-communicating membranous ventricular septal aneurysm in a middle-aged male patient

Membranous interventricular septal (MIVS) aneurysm is a rare often asymptomatic, accidentally discovered congenital anomaly, which might be complicated with right ventricular obstruction, rupture, thromboembolism, and conduction abnormalities.

Ivabradine effects on COVID-19-associated postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a single center prospective study

BACKGROUND

A wide range of cardiac arrhythmias were reported in the setting of active infection or as a complication of COVID-19. The main pathophysiology can be attributed to dysautonomia or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex, multisystemic disorder affecting usually younger age with tachycardia at rest or with minimal effort being the main symptom. Data regarding the safety and efficacy of ivabradine in POTS treatment is limited to small studies and case reports.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included a total of 55 COVID-19-associated POTS patients after the exclusion of other causes of tachycardia. Ivabradine 5 mg twice daily was initiated. Re-assessment of patients' symptoms, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters' changes after 3 days of ivabradine therapy was done.

RESULTS

The mean age of the included patients was 30.5±6.9 years with 32 patients being males (58.2%). 43 of 55 (78%) of the included patients reported significant improvement of the symptoms within 7 days of ivabradine therapy. 24-hour heart rate (minimum, average, and maximum) was significantly lower (p-value < 0.0001*, = 0.001*, < 0.0001* consecutively) with a significant difference in HRV time-domain parameters (SDNN, rMSSD) (p-value < 0.0001*) after ivabradine therapy.

CONCLUSION

In a prospective study that evaluated the effects of ivabradine in post-COVID-19 POTS, patients treated with ivabradine reported improvement of their symptoms within 7 days of ivabradine treatment with a significant reduction of 24-hour average, minimum, and maximum heart rate, and improvement of HRV time domains parameters. Ivabradine might be a useful option to relieve symptoms of tachycardia in COVID-19 POTS. Further research is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of ivabradine in POTS treatment.

Ivabradine effects in hospitalized acute heart failure patients: a single center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

An increased heart rate (HR) is deleterious in patients with decompensated heart failure. Ivabradine, an HR lowering agent which acts by inhibiting the I_f current in the sinoatrial node, is indicated for chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, data regarding the safety and efficacy of ivabradine in acute decompensated heart failure is limited. This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate the effects of ivabradine on morbidity and short-term mortality of hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

METHODS

A total of 998 patients with acute decompensated heart failure on top of a chronic status from 1/5/2014 to 1/5/2019 who were already on guideline-directed treatment including a beta-blocker were included. Patients were divided into two groups, the first group (No-ivabradine) where patients continued the same dose of beta-blocker alone while the second group (ivabradine group) ivabradine 5 mg BID was added in addition to the same dose of beta-blocker. Patients with hemodynamic instabilities were excluded from the study. Propensity matching was performed to exclude confounding factors.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between groups regarding baseline patient characteristics, laboratory, and echocardiographic data. There were significant differences between groups regarding average HR (87 ± 15 and 90 ± 12 bpm in ivabradine and control groups, consecutively, P = 0.0006*) and length of hospital stay (5.3 ± 2.3 and 7.7 ± 5.6 days in ivabradine and control groups, consecutively, P < 0.0001*). However, there were no differences in rehospitalization and mortality rates at 1 month and 6 months.

CONCLUSION

In a retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effects of ivabradine on morbidity and short-term mortality of hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Ivabradine was associated with significantly lower average HR and length of hospital stay. However, there was no benefit in the reduction of rehospitalization and mortality rates at 1- and 6-month follow-ups.

How autologous platelet-rich plasma affects pregnancy and birth outcomes in women with repeated embryo implantation failure: A prisma-compliant meta-analysis

Repeated implantation failure refer to failure to conceive after three or more embryo transfer attempts. Several interventions were offered to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Our objective was to investigate the impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a promising intervention to improve both pregnancy and birth outcomes. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central, in addition to other relevant resources of grey literature. Only clinical trials were eligible to be included. We performed the meta-analysis using a random effects model. Eight randomized clinical trials, enrolling 1038 women with more than 3 implantation failure attempts, were included. We found a significant increase regarding all our prespecified primary outcomes. Chemical pregnancy rate [relative ratio (RR): 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.61, 2.39; p<0.001], clinical pregnancy rate (RR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.92, 2.88; p<0.001), and live birth rate (RR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.29, 12.63; p=0.02) were found to be statistically significant and increased in patients who received PRP compared with the control group. Implantation rate (RR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.75; p<0.001), miscarriage rate (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.83, p=0.01), and multiple pregnancy rate (RR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.42, p=0.04) were also found to be significantly increased in the PRP group. We provide strong evidence on how intrauterine PRP can improve implantation, pregnancy, and birth outcomes in RIF women, which should direct clinicians to consider this intervention as a very effective tool in assisted reproductive techniques.

Meta-Analysis of Provisional Versus Systematic Double-Stenting Strategy for Left Main Bifurcation Lesions

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the clinical outcomes with provisional versus double-stenting strategy for left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Despite two recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and several observational reports, the optimal LM bifurcation PCI technique remains controversial.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled-Trials (CENTRAL), Clinicaltrials.gov, International Clinical Trial Registry Platform were leveraged for studies comparing PCI bifurcation techniques for LM coronary lesions using second-generation drug eluting stents (DES). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel or lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis.

RESULTS

Two RCTs and 10 observational studies with 7105 patients were included. Median follow-up duration was 42 months (IQR: 25.7). Double stenting was associated with a trend towards higher incidence of MACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.20; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 1.53) compared with provisional stenting. This was mainly driven by higher rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR) (OR 1.50; 95 % CI 1.07 to 2.11). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MI, or stent thrombosis. On subgroup analysis according to the study type, provisional stenting was associated with lower MACE and TLR in observational studies, but not in RCTs.

CONCLUSION

For LM bifurcation PCI using second-generation DES, a provisional stenting strategy was associated with a trend towards lower incidence of MACE driven by statistically significant lower rates of TLR, compared with systematic double stenting. These differences were primarily driven by observational studies. Further RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings.

Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults with Ischemic Heart Disease in the United States, 2004-2018

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest (CA) among young adults (<45 y) with ischemic heart disease (IHD) remained understudied.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the trends in clinical profile, in-hospital mortality, and health care resource utilization in CA-related hospitalizations among young adults with IHD.

METHODS

National Inpatient Sample (2004-2018) was used to identify adults aged 18- 45 years.

RESULTS

Of 77,359 weighted CA-related hospitalizations (mean age: 39 [0.05] y; 34.3% women), 65% had a myocardial infarction (MI), and 58% had a shockable rhythm. Between 2004 and 2018, CA-related hospitalizations among young adults with IHD increased from 1.8% to 2.4%. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 36.4%, which was higher for women vs. men (40.4% vs. 34.2%; p<0.001) and Black vs. White adults (43.9% vs. 33.3%; p<0.001). In-hospital mortality increased from 33.5% to 38.1%, with a consistent upward trend in men, White adults, and both MI and non-MI cases. However, in STEMI (40%), in-hospital mortality decreased from 34.6% to 20.2% (p-trend <0.001), while it increased in NSTEMI (14.8%) from 34.3% to 47.5% (p-trend <0.001). Overall mean length of stay (LOS) (7 to 9 days) and mean inflation-adjusted care cost ($34,431 to $44,646) increased over the study duration.

CONCLUSION

CA-related hospitalizations and associated LOS and inflation-adjusted care costs have increased in the last 15 years. In-hospital mortality increased by ∼5% during the study period with a higher mortality in women and among black adults. While increased CA-related hospitalizations may reflect improved pre-hospital care, greater efforts are needed to address improve in-hospital survival in CA among young adults with IHD.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombi

Left ventricular thrombi form due to the presence of Virchow's triad in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This complication increases the incidence of systemic embolization, hence anticoagulation is recommended to decrease this risk. Up to the present time, vitamin K antagonists are recommended by all societal guidelines for patients with left ventricular thrombi. Recently, several studies have investigated the role of different anticoagulants and yielded promising outcomes. This opinion article focuses on the evidence supporting vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants in patients with left ventricular thrombi.

Switching from warfarin to direct-acting oral anticoagulants: it is time to move forward!

Oral vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), warfarin, have been in routine clinical use for almost 70 years for various cardiovascular conditions. Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as competitive alternatives for VKAs to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and have become the preferred choice in several clinical indications for anticoagulation. Recent guidelines have limited the use of DOACs to patients with non-valvular AF to reduce the risk of cardioembolic complications and to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although emerging evidence is suggestive of its high efficacy, there was a lack of data to support DOACs safety profile in patients with mechanical valve prosthesis, intracardiac thrombi, or other conditions such as cardiac device implantation or catheter ablation. Therefore, several clinical trials have been conducted to assess the beneficial effects of using DOACs, instead of VKAs, for various non-guideline-approved indications. This review aimed to discuss the current guideline-approved indications for DOACs, advantages, and limitations of DOACs use in various clinical indications highlighting the potential emerging indications and remaining challenges for DOACs use. Several considerations are in favour of switching from warfarin to DOACs including superior efficacy, better adverse effect profile, fewer drug-drug interactions, and they do not require frequent international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring. Large randomized controlled trials are required to determine the safety and efficacy of their use in various clinical indications.

Multimodality Imaging of a Silent Killer

CME CREDIT 

Earn free AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM by reading this case and reviewing the video quizzes embedded. Then follow the link to obtain CME credit.

Interaction between bacteria and cholesterol crystals: Implications for endocarditis and atherosclerosis

Background

The interaction between pathogenic bacteria and cholesterol crystals (CCs) has not been investigated. However, CCs are found extensively in atherosclerotic plaques and sclerotic cardiac valves. Interactions between pathogenic bacteria and CCs could provide insights into destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and bacterial adhesion to cardiac valves.

Methods

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to assess in vitro bacterial adhesion to CCs and proliferation in the presence of CCs compared to plastic microspheres and glass shards as controls. Ex vivo studies evaluated bacterial adhesion to atherosclerotic rabbit arteries compared to normal arteries and human atherosclerotic carotid plaques compared to normal carotid arteries. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize bacterial adhesion to CCs and confocal microscopy was used to detect cholesterol binding to bacteria grown in the presence or absence of CCs.

Results

In vitro, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa displayed significantly greater adhesion, 36% (p<0.0001) and 89% (p<0.0001), respectively, and growth upon exposure to CCs compared to microspheres or glass shards. Rabbit and human atherosclerotic arteries contained significantly greater bacterial burdens compared to controls (4× (p<0.0004); 3× (p<0.019), respectively. SEM demonstrated that bacteria adhered and appeared to degrade CCs. Consistent with this, confocal microscopy indicated increased cholesterol bound to the bacterial cells.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate an interaction between bacteria and CCs showing that bacteria dissolve and bind to CCs. This interaction helps to elucidate adhesion of bacteria to sclerotic valves and atherosclerotic plaques that may contribute to endocarditis and plaque destabilization.

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction as a Late Complication of Mild Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: A Case Report

Endothelial dysfunction with subsequent thrombosis and, less commonly, vasculitis has been implicated during the active phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection. However, less has been described during the recovery phase or as late sequelae. Here, we report a case of acute anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a female patient with no medical history of cardiovascular risk factors as a post-infectious complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of her left anterior descending, right coronary arteries, and tight stenosis in the left circumflex artery. Successful revascularization with a staged percutaneous coronary intervention was achieved. To date, there is not much data regarding the late cardiovascular sequelae of COVID-19 and its possible mechanisms. Prolonged follow-up, even for mild cases of COVID-19, is advised for early diagnosis and treatment of long-term complications of COVID-19.

Noninvasive Imaging for Patients with COVID-19 and Acute Chest Pain

Acute chest pain is a common presentation in patients with COVID-19. Although noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities continue to be important cornerstones of management, the pandemic has brought forth difficult and unprecedented challenges in the provision of timely care while ensuring the safety of patients and providers. Clinical practice has adapted to these challenges, with several recommendations and societal guidelines emerging on the appropriate use of imaging modalities. In this review, we summarize the current evidence base on the use of noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities in COVID-19 patients with acute chest pain, with a focus on acute coronary syndromes.

Transitioning From Room to Zoom: The 2020 Cardiovascular Fellows' Boot Camp in the COVID-19 Era

For 10 years, the annual Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Fellows’ Boot Camp hosted hundreds of cardiovascular trainees in Houston for a concise yet comprehensive 3-day training program for new fellows. The cornerstone of the program was the hands-on Skills Academy, which included a variety of timed learning stations that taught surgical techniques, dissection skills, and suturing techniques as well as echocardiography and cardiac catheterization using simulators. This was followed by 2 days of didactics covering essential topics in each specialty. However, that model was upended in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced the digitization of medical education and posed significant challenges as we transitioned Boot Camp to a virtual format. In this editorial, we review our experience designing and implementing a virtual cardiology track of the Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Fellows’ Boot Camp and highlight challenges and proposed solutions in the era of virtual education.

Impact of post-procedural length of stay on short-term outcomes and readmissions after TAVR and MitraClip

Background

Post-procedural hospital length of stay (P-LOS) is an important determinant of cost-related outcomes. In the present study, we aimed to assess the impact of P-LOS on short-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and MitraClip.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study, retrieving data from the National Readmissions Database (NRD) for patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR and MitraClip between January 2014 and December 2017. We employed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between P-LOS and 30-day all-cause mortality and readmissions.

Results

A total of 65,726 and 7347 patients underwent TAVR and MitraClip, respectively within the study period. After 30 days of discharge, 13.7% and 15.1% of TAVR and MitraClip patients were readmitted for any reason, while 0.5% and 0.9% died within the readmission hospitalization. A longer P-LOS was associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission in both TAVR (OR = 1.027, 95% CI [1.023-1.032]) and MitraClip (OR = 1.025, 95%CI [1.012-1.038]) patients. This finding remained true for patients who developed or did not develop complications after both procedures. In terms of 30-day inhospital mortality, a longer P-LOS was associated with a higher risk in TAVR patients (OR = 1.039, 95%CI [1.028-1.049]), but no increased risk in MitraClip patients (OR = 1.014, 95%CI [0.985-1.044]). Other predictors of 30-day readmission after both procedures included heart failure, post-procedural acute kidney injury, and discharge with disability.

Conclusion

The current study shows that shorter P-LOS was associated with reduced risk of short-term readmission after both TAVR and MitraClip and reduced short-term mortality after TAVR (mainly in patients who developed post-procedural complications). Shorter P-LOS is a predictor of readmission and sicker patient group. Patients requiring longer LOS should be followed closely to prevent readmission and enhance better outcomes. Future studies evaluating P-LOS impact on long-term and patient-oriented outcomes are needed.

Are direct oral anticoagulants preferable to warfarin for the treatment of left ventricular thrombi? A Bayesian meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

There is no clear consensus on the optimal choice of anticoagulant in patients with left ventricular thrombi (LVT). Given the potentially fatal complications associated with this disease entity, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to synthesize the latest evidence on this topic.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of electronic databases to identify RCTs comparing warfarin to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with LVT. A random-effects Bayesian analysis using a binomial-normal hierarchical model was performed to compare the two treatment options with regards to the risk of mortality, stroke, LVT resolution, and major bleeding.

Results

In an analysis comprising 3 RCTs (N = 139), there were no statistically significant differences regarding mortality (OR: 0.68; 95% CrI: 0.10 to 4.43), stroke (OR: 0.14; 95% CrI: 0.01 to 1.27), or LVT resolution (OR: 1.17; 95% CrI: 0.37 to 3.45). Major bleeding was significantly lower in the DOAC group (OR: 0.16; 95% CrI: 0.02 to 0.82).

Conclusion

In patients with LVT, the currently available evidence from RCTs supports the use of DOACs rather than warfarin due to lower major bleeding risks and no evidence of inferiority with respect to mortality, stroke or LVT resolution.

Left atrial appendage closure during cardiac surgery for atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) during cardiac surgery in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients has been investigated in multiple studies with variable safety and efficacy results.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was performed of all studies comparing LAAC and placebo arm during cardiac surgery in AF patients. A random-effect model was used to calculate risk ratios, mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials and 22 observational studies were included with a total of 540,111 patients. The LAAC group had significantly decreased postoperative stroke/embolic events as compared to the no LAAC group with all cardiac surgeries (3.74% vs 4.88%, p = 0.0002), isolated valvular surgery (1.95% vs 4.48%, p = 0.002). However, CABG insignificantly favored the LAAC group for stroke/embolic events (6.72% vs 8.30%, p = 0.07). There was no difference between both groups in all-cause mortality in the perioperative period (p = 0.42), but was significantly lower in the LAAC arm after two years (14.1% vs 18.3%, p = 0.02). There was no difference in major bleeding, all-cause rehospitalizations, or cross-clamp time between both groups (p = 0.53 and p = 0.45). The bypass and the cross-clamp time were longer in the LAAC group (4 and 9 min, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In AF patients, LAAC during cardiac surgery had a decreased risk of stroke and long-term all-cause mortality. Additionally, there was no difference in major bleeding, all-cause rehospitalizations, or cross-clamp time.

Patient with Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Setting of an Extremely Rare form of Complex Congenital Anomalous Coronaries

A single coronary artery is an exceedingly rare anomaly. Hereby, we present an unusual case of a young patient with an acute coronary syndrome who was found to have a single coronary artery originating from a single ostium in the right sinus of Valsalva with dual left anterior descending (LAD) arteries arising from the right coronary artery with two different anatomical courses, and additionally one of those LADs running a malignant intra-arterial course.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain as an indicator of myocardial injury in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors

Introduction

The incidence of acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients is frequently subclinical and can be identified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) provides an accurate validated method for early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction. So far, long-term cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are undetermined therefore several validated methods should be used for early diagnosis and intervention in those patients.

Purpose

The aim of this work was to describe GLS as an indicator of myocardial injury in a case series of non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients complaining of persistent dyspnea after resolution of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A total number of 18 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were not indicated for hospital admission due to mild symptoms presenting with residual persistent dyspnea following COVID-19 infection resolution. Through clinical examination and standard 2D transthoracic echocardiography with STE emphasizing on LV-GLS was performed using Philips Epic - Qlab 10 software.

Results

The mean age of the included patients was 37.44±6.33 years, the mean time from COVID-19 diagnosis was 48.1±15.45 days, all patients (100%) had persistent dyspnea grade II. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 62.9±3.46% while the mean LV-GLS was −15.55±2.16%. Clinical and echocardiographic data is presented in Table 1.

Conclusion

In a case series of non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors who complained of persistent dyspnea, GLS was low in comparison to the normally reported values of LV-GLS although they had normal LVEF indicating the persistence of myocardial injury even in mild cases of COVID-19 long after infection resolution. Further close follow-up of even mild and moderate COVID-19 survivors is certainly required to detect long-term cardiovascular sequelae. 2D STE with LV-GLS can be used as a readily available validated technique to detect early or persistent myocardial dysfunction succeeding COVID-19 infection.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: mechanisms of action, incidence, risk factors, prevention, and treatment

Anthracycline is a mainstay in treatment of many cancers including lymphoma and breast cancer among many others. However, anthracycline treatment can be cardiotoxic. Although anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is dose dependent, it can also occur early at the onset of treatment and even up to several years following completion of treatment. This review article focuses on the understanding of mechanisms of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, the treatments, and recommended follow-up and preventive approaches.

Sacubitril/Valsartan: A new dawn has begun!: A revisited review

Heart failure (HF) is among the major causes of global morbidity as well as mortality. Increased prevalence, frequent and prolonged hospitalization, rehospitalization, long-term consumption of healthcare resources, absenteeism, and death upsurge the economic burden linked to HF. For decades, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs), Beta-Blockers (BBs), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), have remained the mainstay of the standard of care for HF management. Despite their proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness, HF remains a global pandemic and is still increasing in prevalence. Sacubitril/Valsartan (SAC/VAL) is an Angiotensin Receptor/Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) that proved out to be a game-changer drug in HF treatment. Recent data indicated that SAC/VAL is more efficient and can improve the overall quality of life of HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with fewer side effects. It is now incorporated in the guidelines as an alternative to ACEIs or ARBs to lower morbidity in addition to mortality in HFrEF patients. This review article will discuss the current guidelines-approved indications and highlight the potential emerging indications, in addition to the currently ongoing clinical trials that will expand the use of SAC/VAL.

Acute pulmonary embolism in a patient with hepatitis C virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Background

Cardiac metastases in hepatocellular carcinoma patients are infrequently encountered and usually associated with a very poor prognosis.

Case presentation

Hereby, we report a case of an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) on top of HCC with direct cardiac invasion to the right atrium (RA) through the inferior vena cava with another metastasis to the right ventricular apex in the form of highly mobile cauliflower mass protruding through the tricuspid valve into RA and nearly obliterating right ventricular outflow tract in a multi-centric hepatocellular carcinoma patient.

Conclusion

Acute dyspnea in a patient with a long history of hepatitis C virus infection raises the suspicion of acute PE due to either hypercoagulable state induced by malignancy or by cardiac extension of the tumor which usually carries high mortality rates. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first case in the literature to show cardiac metastases in HCC with two different pathological mechanisms.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43044-021-00193-2.

The Role of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombi: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have a well-established role in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and in the reduction of thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. However, limited evidence supports their role in patients with left ventricular thrombi.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles published from inception to 1 August 2020. We included studies evaluating the effect of DOACs versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with left ventricular thrombi. The primary outcome was thrombus resolution, and the secondary outcomes were major bleeding and stroke or systemic embolization (SSE).

RESULTS

Five retrospective observational studies were included, with a total of 857 patients. VKAs and DOACs had a similar rate of thrombus resolution (odds ratio [OR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-1.65; p = 0.90). Our analysis also demonstrated a similar rate of major bleeding (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.27-1.44; p = 0.27) and SSE (OR 1.86; 95% CI 0.99-3.50; p = 0.05) between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients with left ventricular thrombi, DOACs and VKAs are associated with similar rates of thrombus resolution, major bleeding, and SSE.

Meta-Analysis of Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Redo-surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Failed Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve

This meta-analysis was conducted to compare clinical outcomes of valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) versus redo-surgical aortic valve replacement (Redo-SAVR) in failed bioprosthetic aortic valves. We conducted a comprehensive review of previous publications of all relevant studies through August 2020. Twelve observational studies were included with a total of 8,430 patients, and a median-weighted follow-up period of 1.74 years. A pooled analysis of the data showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.43; p = 0.21), cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, and the rate of moderate to severe paravalvular leakage between ViV-TAVI and Redo-SAVR groups. The rate of major bleeding (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.83, p = 0.02), procedural mortality (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.96, p = 0.04), 30-day mortality (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.74, p <0.0001), and the rate of stroke (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.81, p = 0.0001) were significantly lower in the ViV- TAVI arm when compared with Redo-SAVR arm. The mean transvalvular pressure gradient was significantly higher post-implantation in the ViV-TAVI group when compared with the Redo-SAVR arm (Mean difference 3.92; 95% CI 1.97 to 5.88, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, compared with Redo-SAVR, ViV-TAVI is associated with a similar risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, and the rate of moderate to severe paravalvular leakage. However, the rate of major bleeding, stroke, procedural mortality and 30-day mortality were significantly lower in the ViV-TAVI group when compared with Redo-SAVR.

Left atrial appendage closure versus oral anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation; a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) devices are an alternative therapy in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation (OAC). However, there are limited data about the clinical outcomes of LAAC devices compared to medical treatment.

METHODS

A comprehensive research for studies comparing LAAC devices and OAC for patients with NVAF was performed from inception to January 1, 2021. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Five studies were eligible that included a total of 4778 patients with a median-weighted follow-up period was 2.6 years. Compared to OAC, the LAAC device arm was associated with a lower risk of the composite of stroke, systematic embolism, and cardiovascular death (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.51-1.00; p = 0.05). LAAC device arm was also associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (OR of 0.60, 95% CI 0.46-0.77; p < 0.0001), cardiovascular mortality (OR of 0.57, 95% CI 0.46-0.70; p < 0.00001), hemorrhagic stroke (OR of 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.50; p= 0.0006), all major bleeding (OR of 0.61, 95% CI 0.43-0.88; p = 0.007) and non-procedural major bleeding (OR of 0.46, 95% CI 0.32-0.65; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in all stroke, ischemic stroke, and systematic embolization between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed lower all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hemorrhagic stroke, major bleeding, non-procedural major bleeding and the composite of stroke, systematic embolism, and cardiovascular death in the LAAC device arm when compared to OAC. However, the risk of all stroke, ischemic stroke, and systematic embolism were similar between the two arms.