Prevalence of left internal mammary artery disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis and meta-regression study.

Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to bypass left anterior descending artery has demonstrated to improve survival in multivessel coronary artery disease, but its routine angiography during index coronary angiography is seldom performed as LIMA is rarely diseased. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases selecting the studies reporting prevalence of LIMA disease among patients undergoing coronary angiography and considered for CABG. Meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence of LIMA disease and the relative predictive value of canonical risk factors. After scrimmage, 9 studies for a total of 1365 patients were included. LIMA disease prevalence was 1.8 % (95 % CI; 1.2 %-2.8 %) in the entire cohort, whereas we reported a rate of subclavian artery disease of 7.6 % (95 % CI, 6-9.9 %). At univariate meta-regression analysis, only age (p = 0.031) and smoking habit (p = 0.035) were directly correlated with LIMA disease. In conclusion, LIMA angiographic assessment might be considered in selected patients that could undergo CABG, during index coronary angiography. However, prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the safety of routine selective LIMA angiography prior to CABG and whether the practice is associated with improved clinical outcomes among those individuals.

Medical therapy of pericarditis: tips and tricks for clinical practice.

Medical therapy of pericarditis should be targeted at its aetiology. Unfortunately, many cases of pericarditis remain idiopathic after a complete diagnostic workup. In such cases, empiric anti-inflammatory therapy for pericarditis is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing recurrences. The aim of the present clinical review is to summarize published evidence, guidelines, and to provide tips and tricks for clinical management of acute and recurrent pericarditis.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature-Tracking Identifies Preclinical Abnormalities in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Sarcomere Gene Mutation Carriers.

BACKGROUND: Assessing myocardial strain by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (FT) has been found to be useful in patients with overt hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Little is known, however, of its role in sarcomere gene mutation carriers without overt left ventricular hypertrophy (subclinical HCM). METHODS: Thirty-eight subclinical HCM subjects and 42 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this multicenter case-control study. They underwent a comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance study. Two-dimensional global radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (LV) were evaluated by FT analysis. RESULTS: The subclinical HCM sample was 41 (22-51) years old and 32% were men. FT analysis revealed a reduction in global radial strain (29±7.2 versus 47.9±7.4; P<0.0001), global circumferential strain (-17.3±2.6 -versus -20.8±7.4; P<0.0001) and global longitudinal strain (-16.9±2.4 versus -20.5±2.6; P<0.0001) in subclinical HCM compared with control subjects. The significant differences persisted when considering the 23 individuals free of all the structural and functional ECG and cardiac magnetic resonance abnormalities previously described. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the differential diagnostic performances of FT in discriminating subclinical HCM from normal subjects were good to excellent (global radial strain with optimal cut-off value of 40.43%: AUC, 0.946 [95% CI, 0.93-1.00]; sensitivity 90.48%, specificity 94.44%; global circumferential strain with cut-off, -18.54%: AUC, 0.849 [95% CI, 0.76-0.94]; sensitivity, 88.10%; specificity, 72.22%; global longitudinal strain with cut-off, -19.06%: AUC, 0.843 [95% CI, 0.76-0.93]; sensitivity, 78.57%; specificity, 78.95%). Similar values were found for discriminating those subclinical HCM subjects without other phenotypic abnormalities from healthy volunteers (global radial strain with optimal cut-off 40.43%: AUC, 0.966 [95% CI, 0.92-1.00]; sensitivity, 90.48%; specificity, 95.45%; global circumferential strain with cut-off, -18.44%: AUC, 0.866 [95% CI, 0.76-0.96]; sensitivity, 92.86%; specificity, 77.27%; global longitudinal strain with cut-off, -17.32%: AUC, 0.838 [95% CI, 0.73-0.94]; sensitivity, 90.48%; specificity, 65.22%). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac magnetic resonance FT-derived parameters are consistently lower in subclinical patients with HCM, and they could emerge as a good tool for discovering the disease during a preclinical phase.

Efficacy of colchicine in addition to anakinra in patients with recurrent pericarditis.

AIM: Anakinra, an anti IL-1 agent targeting IL-1 alfa and beta, is available for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in cases with corticosteroid dependence and colchicine resistance after failure of conventional therapies. However, it is unclear if the combination with colchicine, a non-specific inhibitor of the inflammasome targeting the same inflammatory pathway of IL-1, could provide additional benefit to prevent further recurrences. The aim of the present observational study is to assess whether the addition of colchicine on top of anakinra could prolong the time to first recurrence and prevent recurrences better than anakinra alone. METHODS: International, all-comers, multicentre, retrospective observational cohort study analysing all consecutive patients treated with anakinra for corticosteroid-dependent and colchicine-resistant recurrent pericarditis. The efficacy endpoint was recurrence rate and the time to the first recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 256 patients (mean age 45.0±15.4 years, 65.6% females, 80.9% with idiopathic/viral aetiology) were included. 64 (25.0%) were treated with anakinra as monotherapy while 192 (75.0%) with both anakinra and colchicine. After a follow-up of 12 months, 56 (21.9%) patients had recurrences. Patients treated with colchicine added to anakinra had a lower incidence of recurrences (respectively, 18.8% vs 31.3%; p=0.036) and a longer event-free survival (p=0.025). In multivariable analysis, colchicine use prevented recurrences (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.91; p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of colchicine on top of anakinra treatment could be helpful to reduce recurrences and prolong the recurrence-free survival.

Interleukin-1 Blockers: A Paradigm Shift in the Treatment of Recurrent Pericarditis.

Recurrent pericarditis is a problematic clinical condition that impairs the quality of life of the affected patients due to the need for repeated hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and complications from medications, especially glucocorticoids. Unfortunately, available treatments for recurrent pericarditis are very limited, including only a handful of medications such as aspirin/NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, colchicine, and immunosuppressants (such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockers, azathioprine, and intravenous human immunoglobulins). Until recently, the clinical experience with the latter class of medications was very limited. Nevertheless, in the last decade, experience with IL-1 blockers has consistently grown, and valid clinical data have emerged from randomized clinical trials. Accordingly, IL-1 blockers are a typical paradigm shift in the treatment of refractory recurrent pericarditis with a clearly positive cost/benefit ratio for those unfortunate patients with multiple recurrences. A drawback related to the above-mentioned medications is the absence of universally accepted and established treatment protocols regarding the full dose administration period and the need for a tapering protocol for individual medications. Another concern is the need for long-standing treatments, which should be discussed with the patients. The above-mentioned unmet needs are expected to be addressed in the near future, such as further insights into pathophysiology and an individualized approach to affected patients.

INFLA-score: A new diagnostic paradigm to identify pericarditis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pericarditis may be challenging because not all patients meet the conventional criteria. An overlooked diagnosis implies a longer course of symptoms and an increased risk of recurrences. C-reactive protein (CRP), widely used as an inflammation marker, has some limitations. This study aimed to assess the usefulness and prognostic value of INFLA-score, a validated index assessing low-grade inflammation, in the definite diagnosis of pericarditis. METHODS: Patients with suspected pericarditis were included. The INFLA-score was computed based on white blood cells and platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP, ranging from -16 to +16. An INFLA-score > 0 was considered positive for the presence of pericardial inflammation. The primary end point was the association of INFLA-score with diagnosis of pericarditis according to conventional criteria. The recurrence of pericarditis at 6 months was the secondary end point. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were included, aged 47 ± 17 years, and 57% were females. Among 72 (36%) patients with a diagnosis of pericarditis, an INFLA-score > 0 was observed in 86% (vs. 36%, p < 0.001), abnormal CRP in 42% (vs. 10%, p < 0.001), pericardial effusion in 44% (vs. 19%, p < 0.001), abnormal electrocardiogram in 56% (vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and rubs in 5% (vs. 0.1%, p = 0.072). INFLA-score > 0 had the strongest predictive value for the diagnosis of pericarditis (hazard ratio 8.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.39-21.21), with 86% sensitivity and 64% specificity, as opposed to CRP (hazard ratio 1.72, non-significant 95% CI 0.69-4.29). Recurrent pericarditis at 6 months was more frequent in patients with a positive INFLA-score (37% vs. 8%, p < 0.001, rate ratio 4.15, 95% CI 2.81-6.12). In patients with normal CRP, INFLA-score-confirmed ongoing inflammation in 78% of the cases. Compared with the conventional criteria, the INFLA-score had the highest accuracy (area under the curve = 0.82). Different cutoffs were valuable to rule out (INFLA-score > 0, sensitivity 86%, and negative likelihood ratio 0.22) or rule in (INFLA-score ≥ 10, specificity 97%, and positive likelihood ratio 13) the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The INFLA-score is a useful diagnostic tool to assess the probability of pericarditis, with a strong prognostic value for further recurrences, outperforming CRP.

Sustained Pericarditis Recurrence Risk Reduction With Long-Term Rilonacept.

BACKGROUND: Rilonacept, a once-weekly interleukin-1 alpha and beta cytokine trap, reduced pericarditis recurrence in the phase 3 study, RHAPSODY (Rilonacept Inhibition of Interleukin-1 Alpha and Beta for Recurrent Pericarditis: A Pivotal Symptomatology and Outcomes Study). The RHAPSODY long-term extension further explored recurrent pericarditis natural history and treatment duration decision-making during 24 additional months of open-label rilonacept treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-four patients commenced the long-term extension, with a median (maximum) total rilonacept duration of 22 (35) months. Individually, 18 months after the most proximal pericarditis recurrence, investigators decided to continue rilonacept on study, suspend rilonacept for off-treatment observation (rescue allowed), or discontinue the study. The annualized incidence of pericarditis recurrence on rilonacept up to the 18-month decision milestone was 0.04 events/patient-year versus 4.4 events/patient-year prestudy while on oral therapies. At the 18-month decision milestone, 64% (33/52) continued rilonacept, 15% (8/52) suspended rilonacept for observation, and 21% (11/52) discontinued the study. Among the 33 patients (1/33; 3.0%) continuing rilonacept (median time to recurrence could not be estimated due to too few events), a single recurrence occurred 4 weeks after a treatment interruption. Among patients suspending rilonacept, 75% (6/8) experienced recurrence (median time to recurrence, 11.8 weeks [95% CI, 3.7 weeks to not estimable]). There was a 98% reduction in risk of pericarditis recurrence among patients continuing rilonacept treatment after the 18-month decision milestone versus those suspending treatment for observation (hazard ratio, 0.02; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the RHAPSODY long-term extension, continued rilonacept treatment resulted in continued response; treatment suspension at the 18-month decision milestone was associated with pericarditis recurrence. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03737110.

Post-cardiac injury syndrome and pericardial effusion recurrence after pericardial effusion drainage in chronic idiopathic pericardial effusion.

INTRODUCTION: The management of even large pericardial effusions in asymptomatic patients is still a matter of debate. Aim of the present study is to explore, in a multicenter setting, the rate of post-cardiac injury syndromes (PCIS) and pericardial effusion recurrence after pericardial effusion drainage procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a multicenter international retrospective study including a consecutive cohort of patients diagnosed with large, chronic and idiopathic pericardial effusions, prospectively evaluated from January 2003 to December 2021 who underwent a clinically indicated pericardial drainage procedure. Two separate end-points were recorded: 1) recurrence of pericardial effusion after drainage without any sign of pericardial inflammation 2) occurrence of PCIS, defined as the new onset of pericarditis 1 to 6 weeks after pericardial intervention. RESULTS: 124 patients were enrolled (50 % female, mean age 64 years old). A mean follow-up of 29.6 ± 25.6 months was obtained in 110 patients (88 %). 110 patients were treated with pericardiocentesis (89 %), 25 with pleuro-pericardial windows (20 %), and 1 with pericardiectomy (1 %). PCIS occurred in 21 out of 124 patients followed for at least 6 weeks (16.9%). Recurrence of pericardial effusion after drainage without any sign of pericardial inflammation occurred in 68 out of 110 patients at a longer follow-up (61.8 %). At multivariate analysis only inflammatory cells in pericardial fluid was associated with PCIS and pericardiocentesis with pericardial effusion recurrency. CONCLUSION: Our data support the need of caution with the use of pericardiocentesis in asymptomatic patients with large pericardial effusion as it is often associated with pericardial effusion recurrence. Of interest the presence of inflammatory cells in the pericardial fluid is associated with PCIS after pericardial drainage procedures.

Efficacy and safety of colchicine for the treatment of myopericarditis.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of colchicine only in simple pericarditis, excluding cases of concomitant myocarditis. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine for the treatment of the first attack of acute pericarditis with concomitant myocardial involvement. METHODS: Double-centre retrospective cohort study analysing consecutive patients admitted for first attack of pericarditis with myocarditis and treated with or without colchicine. The primary efficacy end point was the time to the first recurrence. Propensity score matching was used to generate two groups of patients with similar baseline characteristics. Colchicine-associated side effects were analysed as safety end-point. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients (mean age 46.2±20.1 years, 25.1% females, 88.6% with idiopathic/viral aetiology) were included. Seventy-nine (45.1%) patients were treated with colchicine. After a median follow-up of 25.3 (IQR 8.3-45.6) months, 58 (33.1%) patients had recurrences. The propensity score generated two groups of 73 patients with similar baseline characteristics but the use of colchicine. Patients treated with colchicine had a lower incidence of recurrences (respectively, 19.2% vs 43.8%; p=0.001) and a longer event-free survival (p=0.005). In multivariable analysis, women (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.73; p=0.037) and corticosteroid use (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.47; p=0.018) were independent risk factors for recurrences. Colchicine-associated side effects were mild and occurred in 3 (1.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with first attack of pericarditis associated with myocardial involvement, colchicine was safe and efficacious for the reduction of recurrences.

ECG/echo indexes in the diagnostic approach to amyloid cardiomyopathy: A head-to-head comparison from the AC-TIVE study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The discordance between QRS voltages on electrocardiogram (ECG) and left ventricle (LV) wall thickness (LVWT) on echocardiogram (echo) is a recognized red flag (RF) of amyloid cardiomyopathy (AC) and can be measured by specific indexes. No head-to-head comparison of different ECG/echo indexes among subjects with echocardiographic suspicion of AC has yet been undertaken. The study aimed at evaluating the performance and the incremental diagnostic value of different ECG/echo indexes in this subset of patients. METHODS: Electrocardiograms of subjects with LV hypertrophy, preserved ejection fraction and ≥ 1 echocardiographic RF of AC participating in the AC-TIVE study, an Italian prospective multicenter study, were independently analyzed by two cardiologists. Low QRS voltages and 8 different ECG/echo indexes were evaluated. Cohort specific cut-offs were computed. RESULTS: Among 170 patients, 55 (32 %) were diagnosed with AC. Combination of low QRS voltages with interventricular septum ≥ 1,6 cm was the most specific (specificity 100 %, positive predictive value 100 %) ECG/echo index, while the ratio between the sum of all QRS voltages and LVWT <7,8 was the most sensitive and accurate (sensitivity 94 %, negative predictive value 97 %, accuracy 82 %). When the latter index was added to a model using easily-accessible clinical variables, the diagnostic accuracy for AC greatly increased (AUC from 0,84 to 0,95; p = 0,007). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with non-dilated hypertrophic ventricles with normal ejection fraction and echocardiographic RF of AC, easily-measurable ECG/echo indexes, mainly when added to few clinical variables, can help the physician orient second level investigations. External validation of the results is warranted.

Real-world candidacy to mavacamten in a contemporary hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy population.

AIMS: In the EXPLORER-HCM trial, mavacamten reduced left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and improved functional capacity of symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients. We sought to define the potential use of mavacamten by comparing real-world HOCM patients with those enrolled in EXPLORER-HCM and assessing their eligibility to treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected information on HOCM patients followed up at 25 Italian HCM outpatient clinics and with significant LVOTO (i.e. gradient ≥30 mmHg at rest or ≥50 mmHg after Valsalva manoeuvre or exercise) despite pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapy. Pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapy resolved LVOTO in 1044 (61.2%) of the 1706 HOCM patients under active follow-up, whereas 662 patients (38.8%) had persistent LVOTO. Compared to the EXPLORER-HCM trial population, these real-world HOCM patients were older (62.1 ± 14.3 vs. 58.5 ± 12.2 years, p = 0.02), had a lower body mass index (26.8 ± 5.3 vs. 29.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2 , p < 0.0001) and a more frequent history of atrial fibrillation (21.5% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.027). At echocardiography, they had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 66 ± 7% vs. 74 ± 6%, p < 0.0001), higher left ventricular outflow tract gradients at rest (60 ± 27 vs. 52 ± 29 mmHg, p = 0.003), and larger left atrial volume index (49 ± 16 vs. 40 ± 12 ml/m2 , p < 0.0001). Overall, 324 (48.9%) would have been eligible for enrolment in the EXPLORER-HCM trial and 339 (51.2%) for treatment with mavacamten according to European guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world HOCM patients differ from the EXPLORER-HCM population for their older age, lower LVEF and larger atrial volume, potentially reflecting a more advanced stage of the disease. About half of real-world HOCM patients were found eligible to mavacamten.

Current status of global research on pericardial diseases: a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 from Web of Science.

Introduction: Bibliometric studies can help guide researchers and funding bodies toward fields where more research activity is warranted. Bibliometric analyses have previously been published in many specialties and sub-specialties. Our literature search did not show a bibliometric analysis on pericardial diseases. We performed a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 cited manuscripts on pericardial diseases to identify knowledge. Material and methods: Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method to assess research performance and analyze publication trends. Web of Science was searched in April 2020 to identify the top 100 cited manuscripts in pericardial diseases. Results: Twenty-six out of the top 100 cited manuscripts were published between 2000 and 2009. These manuscripts were cited on average189 times (range: 110-743) since publication. Only two manuscripts were cited > 500 times. Among the top-ten cited manuscripts, there were 6 original articles, 1 case series, and 3 review articles. Of the 3 review articles, 2 were society guidelines. 90% of the authors had written just 1 manuscript. There were ten manuscripts with women as first authors with a significant association between gender of the first and corresponding author (odds ratio = 44, p < 0.001). Only 20% of manuscripts were funded. Most publications came from institutions in the United States (n = 40), Italy (n = 10), and Spain (n = 5). Conclusions: Our study provides an insight into the characteristics and quality of the highly cited literature in the field of pericardial diseases. This can be used to guide further research in the field of pericardial diseases.

Risk of incident pericarditis after coronavirus disease 2019 recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Data regarding the risk of incident pericarditis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovered patients are lacking. We determined the risk of incident pericarditis after COVID-19 infection by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of available data. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE and Scopus to locate all articles published up to 11 February 2023 reporting the risk of incident pericarditis in patients who had recovered from COVID-19 infection compared to noninfected patients (controls) defined as those who did not experience the disease over the same follow-up period. Pericarditis risk was evaluated using the Mantel-Haenszel random effects models with hazard ratio (HR) as the effect measure with 95% confidence interval (CI) while heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2 statistic. RESULTS: Overall, 16 412 495 patients (mean age 55.1 years, 76.8% males), of whom 1 225 715 had COVID-19 infection, were included. Over a mean follow-up of 9.6 months, pericarditis occurred in 3.40 (95% CI: 3.39-3.41) out of 1000 patients who survived COVID-19 infection compared with 0.82 (95% CI: 0.80-0.83) out of 1000 control patients. Recovered COVID-19 patients presented a higher risk of incident pericarditis (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.56-2.43, I2 : 71.1%) compared with controls. Meta-regression analysis showed a significant direct relationship for the risk of incident pericarditis using HT ( P  = 0.02) and male sex ( P  = 0.02) as moderators, while an indirect association was observed when age ( P  = 0.01) and the follow-up length ( P  = 0.02) were adopted as moderating variables. CONCLUSIONS: Recovered COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of pericarditis compared with patients from the general population.

[ANMCO Position paper: Colchicine as a therapeutic agent in coronary syndromes]. / Position paper ANMCO: La colchicina come agente terapeutico nelle sindromi coronariche.

With the growing knowledge about the role of inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions, inflammation has been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor and therapeutic target to reduce the residual risk in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Several therapeutic agents with anti-inflammatory action have been tested to evaluate their efficacy and safety in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Among these, colchicine, a drug with multiple therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory action, in randomized clinical trials conducted in the setting of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease secondary prevention, significantly reduced the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.This position paper of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) summarizes the main biological mechanisms through which colchicine contributes to the inhibition of inflammatory processes that increase the atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the document reports the available evidence on clinical impact of colchicine treatment in the reduction of residual cardiovascular risk in chronic and acute coronary syndromes. Finally, practical information is provided regarding the use of this drug in this specific clinical setting, emphasizing precautions and possible side effects.

Cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency caused by the progressive accumulation of pericardial fluid (effusion), blood, pus or air in the pericardium, compressing the heart chambers and leading to haemodynamic compromise, circulatory shock, cardiac arrest and death. Pericardial diseases of any aetiology as well as complications of interventional and surgical procedures or chest trauma can cause cardiac tamponade. Tamponade can be precipitated in patients with pericardial effusion by dehydration or exposure to certain medications, particularly vasodilators or intravenous diuretics. Key clinical findings in patients with cardiac tamponade are hypotension, increased jugular venous pressure and distant heart sounds (Beck triad). Dyspnoea can progress to orthopnoea (with no rales on lung auscultation) accompanied by weakness, fatigue, tachycardia and oliguria. In tamponade caused by acute pericarditis, the patient can experience fever and typical chest pain increasing on inspiration and radiating to the trapezius ridge. Generally, cardiac tamponade is a clinical diagnosis that can be confirmed using various imaging modalities, principally echocardiography. Cardiac tamponade is preferably resolved by echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis. In patients who have recently undergone cardiac surgery and in those with neoplastic infiltration, effusive-constrictive pericarditis, or loculated effusions, fluoroscopic guidance can increase the feasibility and safety of the procedure. Surgical management is indicated in patients with aortic dissection, chest trauma, bleeding or purulent infection that cannot be controlled percutaneously. After pericardiocentesis or pericardiotomy, NSAIDs and colchicine can be considered to prevent recurrence and effusive-constrictive pericarditis.

Cardiac imaging for the prediction of sudden cardiac arrest in patients with heart failure.

The identification of heart failure (HF) patients at risk for arrhythmic sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major challenge in the cardiovascular field. In addition to optimal medical treatment for HF, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is currently recommended to prevent SCA in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The indication for an ICD implantation, in addition to HF etiology, New York Health Association (NYHA) class and life expectancy, mainly depends on LVEF value at echocardiography. However, the actual role of LVEF in the prediction of SCA has recently been debated, while newer multimodality imaging techniques with increased prognostic accuracy have been developed. Speckle tracking imaging allows the quantification of mechanical dispersion, a marker of electrophysiological heterogeneity predisposing to malignant arrhythmias, while advanced cardiac magnetic resonance techniques such as myocardial T1-mapping and extracellular volume fraction assessment allow the evaluation of interstitial diffuse fibrosis. Nuclear imaging is helpful for the appraisal of sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, while newer computed tomography techniques assessing myocardial delayed enhancement allow the identification of focal myocardial scar. This review will focus on the most modern advances in the field of cardiovascular imaging along with its applications for the prediction of SCA in patients with HF. Modern artificial intelligence applications in cardiovascular imaging will also be discussed.

D-dimer as a diagnostic and prognostic plasma biomarker in patients with a first episode of acute pericarditis.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of plasma biomarkers on diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute pericarditis (AP) has been poorly investigated. This study aims to assess the diagnostic and prognostic role of d-dimer (DD), an easily obtainable biomarker, in patients with AP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective clinical study enrolling 265 consecutive patients hospitalized between September 2010 and May 2019 with a first episode of AP. At baseline, demographics, clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings were recorded. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 18 months. Endpoints included cardiac tamponade, new-onset atrial fibrillation, pericardial drainage, recurrent/constrictive pericarditis and death. RESULTS: DD was measured in 165 out of 265 patients (62.3%, median levels 1456 ng/mL) Among them, 121 patients (73.3%) presented with elevated age-adjusted DD levels. Patients with elevated DD depicted a higher rate of pleural (69.4%, vs 38.6%, p<0.001) and pericardial effusions (89.3% vs 72.7%, p = 0.009). Elevated DD correlated with admission (rho=0.37) and peak (rho=0.36) C-reactive protein values. Patients with elevated DD depicted a trend towards a greater prevalence of pericardial tamponade vs those without (14.9% vs 4.5% respectively, p = 0.07). In the 43.8% of patients with elevated DD who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), no case of pulmonary embolism or aortic syndrome was unveiled. CONCLUSION: DD elevation is detected in the majority of AP cases at presentation and may herald cardiac tamponade. In patients with chest pain not attributable to alternative causes, elevated DD denotes an inflammatory condition and should not prompt unnecessary investigations, such as CTPA.