[Clinical pathway for electrical storm treatment in a healthcare network modeling. A proposal from ANMCO Tuscany]. / Percorso clinico-assistenziale in rete per il trattamento del paziente con "storm" aritmico. La proposta dell'ANMCO Toscana.

Electrical storm (ES) is defined as three or more episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF) within 24 h, or an incessant VT/VF lasting more than 12 h. It usually occurs in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients, and three or more device interventions are typically used for the diagnosis. ES incidence is particularly high in case of ICD implanted in secondary prevention (10-30%), with recurrences occurring in up to 80% of patients. A comprehensive evaluation of triggers, predictive factors of high-risk patients and an appropriate management of the acute/subacute and chronic phases are pivotal to reduce mortality and recurrences. Medical therapy with antiarrhythmic and anesthetic drugs, with appropriate device reprogramming and neuroaxial modulation if needed, are used to cool down the ES, which should ultimately be treated with ablation therapy or, less often, with an alternative treatment, such as denervation or stereotactic radiosurgery. An optimization of the clinical pathway in a network modeling is crucial to achieve the best treatment, eventually addressing patients to centers with VT ablation programs, and identifying the most challenging procedures and the most critical patients that should be treated only in high-volume tertiary centers. In this paper, we present a proposal of healthcare network modeling for ES treatment in a regional setting.

ACUTE HF score, a multiparametric prognostic tool for acute heart failure: A real-life study.

BACKGROUND: Acute heart failure (AHF) is the first cause of hospitalization for over-65 individuals, associated with high mortality and readmission rate. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of a multiparametric score combining clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic indexes in AHF for clinical practice. METHODS: 830 patients hospitalized for AHF were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were: active neoplasms; previous heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation. Different variables were analyzed: etiology of AHF, clinical and biochemical data, lung congestion on chest-X ray, echocardiographic parameters and administered therapy. The endpoints were: all-cause mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 5 years and the duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: 771 patients met eligibility criteria. Using the univariate and multivariate analysis the indexes with the best correlation with outcome were discretized and used to create the ACUTE HF score, computed as: 1.4*[serum creatinine>2 mg/dl] + 0.8*[ejection fraction<30] + 0.7*[age > 76] + 0.7*[prior hospitalization for AHF] + 0.9*[prior stroke/transient ischemic attack] + 0.5*[more than moderate mitral regurgitation] + 0.8*[use of non-invasive ventilation] and used to divide patients into 3 groups according to the risk of 6-months mortality. With the receiver operating curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis, this score proved to have a high predictive power for mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 5 years from hospitalization, and for event-free survival rates, providing a risk stratification capability superior to that of single variables. CONCLUSIONS: The ACUTE HF score could be a complete and useful tool for assessing prognosis of AHF patients. It could represent a step in the long standardization pathway of prognostic protocols for AHF.

Effects of levosimendan in heart failure: The role of echocardiography.

Heart failure (HF) represents a deadly epidemic that nowadays affects more than 2% of the general population, representing a major public health concern that implies a high economic burden for the health system. Levosimendan in HF patients is usually used for its inotropic and vasodilator effects that act without myocardial oxygen consumption, differently from other inotropic drugs. The symptoms and hemodynamic profile improve together with the myocardial function, and this can be demonstrated by an echocardiographic examination. Currently, the available data about the effects of levosimendan assessed by echocardiography are still lacking. This review discusses the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of therapeutic effects of levosimendan in HF.

Speckle tracking echocardiography in cardiac amyloidosis.

Speckle tracking echocardiography is an imaging method, based on analysis of 2D echocardiographic images, that is useful in providing information on tissue deformation in different cardiac diseases. Cardiac amyloidosis is a complex pathological entity that can be confused with other causes responsible for cardiac hypertrophy, and for this reason, it can be misdiagnosed, especially in the early stages. Cardiac magnetic resonance and endomyocardial biopsy are reference methods for specific diagnosis, but their use is limited by a number of factors, both of a logistical and technical nature. Considering the limits of standard 2D echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography can be a useful method to enhance the clinical suspicion, to provide prognostic information, and to address patients more appropriately towards reference methods for definitive diagnosis.

Layer-specific strain in dipyridamole stress echo: A new tool for the diagnosis of microvascular angina.

BACKGROUND: Dipyridamole stress echocardiography (DSE) represents a fundamental test in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The diagnosis of microvascular disease is still challenging. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of left ventricular (LV) layer-specific longitudinal (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) by Speckle Tracking in detecting CAD during DSE and to study if they can help in discriminate between a negative echo and a suspected microvascular angina. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 66 patients with known or suspected CAD. All underwent standard DSE. We identified 3 groups according to the result of DSE (36 negative DSE, 19 positive DSE, 11 indicatives for microvascular disease). Wall motion score index, global LV LS and CS (global longitudinal strain [GLS] and global circumferential strain [GCS]), and layer-specific LV LS and CS were measured at rest and peak stress. The Delta between rest and peak stress values was calculated. GLS increased after injection in negative DSE and microvascular disease while reducing in positive DSE. Endocardial GCS and transmural GCS values were stable in microvascular disease while increasing significantly in negative DSE, helping in the diagnosis. The specific analysis of endocardial LS showed the most powerful difference between healthy and macrovascular CAD patients, both for LS and CS. CONCLUSIONS: Global circumferential strain can be a new valuable added tool in the echocardiographic diagnosis of microvascular disease. Endocardial GLS is the best indicator of an altered wall deformation in the presence of macrovascular ischemia.

Left heart longitudinal deformation analysis in mitral regurgitation.

In mitral regurgitation (MR), left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) undergo remodeling even if the patient is asymptomatic. The aim of our study was to identify the best echo index that correlates with MR severity in asymptomatic patients affected by MR. We enrolled 150 MR patients (50: mild, 50: moderate, 50: severe), asymptomatic for exertional dyspnea and 50 healthy controls. MR was graded using Doppler quantitative method. All underwent standard and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) with analysis of global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), LV longitudinal strain (LS) and global atrio-ventricular strain (GAVS). LA dimensions showed significant differences between the groups while LV end-diastolic diameter did not significantly differ, although having a slight increase. PALS was slightly higher in patients with mild MR, while decreased in moderate and, mainly, in severe MR (controls 37.4 ± 12.2%, mild MR 38.2 ± 9%, moderate MR 29.1 ± 9%, severe MR 19.8 ± 10.6%, p < 0.0001 by ANOVA); the same was found for GAVS (56.1 ± 13%, 57.6 ± 9.7%, 48.2 ± 9% 39 ± 9.4%, p < 0.0001 by ANOVA). LV LS showed a tendency for gradual reduction in the three groups. In multivariate analysis, PALS and GAVS were far superior than GLS as predictors of MR groups. PALS emerged as an added value to the LA indexed volumes as predictor of MR severity. STE-derived PALS and GAVS emerged as promising tools to investigate heart longitudinal function in patients with chronic MR and no symptoms. PALS can represent a surplus in the prediction of severity of MR, in addition to the assessment of LA volumes.

Left Atrial Strain Predicts Pro-Thrombotic State in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a high prevalence in the population and it is responsible for up to the 25% of the strokes in elderly people. The aim of our study was to assess the correlations of left atrial (LA) functional parameter, global peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), derived from speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings in patients with persistent AF undergoing TEE before electrical cardioversion or ablation procedures. METHODS: 79 patients (58 males, 21 females) with persistent AF waiting for cardioversion were included in the study. The patients underwent conventional two-dimensional (2D) and 2D speckle tracking echocardiogram. PALS were measured in all subjects. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of reduced LA appendage (LAA) emptying velocity (<25 cm/s) and/or thrombus in the LAA at TEE examination. RESULTS: Patients with reduced LAA emptying velocity and/or thrombus at TEE examination showed a significantly higher LA volume and increased E/E' ratio. 4-chamber, 2-chamber and global PALS were significantly lower in patients with reduced LAA emptying velocity and/or thrombus (6.8 ± 2.0% vs. 27.5 ± 5.4%, P < 0.0001; 8.6 ± 3.5% vs. 29.4 ± 7.1%, P < 0.0001; 7.9 ± 3.2% vs. 28.5 ± 6.1%, P <0.0001, respectively). Among all variables analyzed, global PALS demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.92) and, with a cut-off value less than 8.1%, good sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 94%, respectively, to predict LAA thrombus and/or reduced LAA emptying velocity.

[Percutaneous transcatheter closure of an aorta to left atrium fistula with an Amplatzer septal occluder in a patient with a mitral bioprosthesis]. / Chiusura percutanea transcatetere di una fistola tra aorta e atrio sinistro mediante occlusore settale Amplatzer in un paziente con protesi mitralica biologica.

We describe the case of a patient with a mitral bioprosthetic valve undergoing percutaneous closure with fluoroscopy and echocardiographic guidance of a rare left sinus of Valsalva‒left atrial fistula. The original aspect of this case is that the fistula was located at the level of the left sinus of Valsalva next to the mitral valve bioprosthesis with subsequent risk of prosthesis damage and/or occlusion of the left coronary artery at its origin during the procedure.

Effects of levosimendan on heart failure in normotensive patients: does loading dose matter?

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer and K(+)-ATP channel opener with inotropic and vasodilatatory effects irrespective of myocardial oxygen consumption, used for treatment of heart failure (HF). A loading dose is usually given by infusion for 12 h; however, profound lowering of blood pressure often disrupts or prolongs the infusion. The aim of this study was to assess clinical, biochemical and myocardial differences between different regimes of levosimendan therapy, with or without loading dose, and compared to standard therapy in heart failure. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (mean age ± SD: 60.9 ± 9.3 years, 45 males) with HF, New York Heart Association (NYHA) III-IV, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were included. Twenty patients (NB group) were given levosimendan without loading dose, 14 patients (B group) were given levosimendan with loading dose, and 23 patients (C group) were given standard therapy. Clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics at baseline and one week after treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Groups were similar at baseline. After one week NHYA class (P < 0.001), NT pro-BNP (P < 0.001), LVEF (P = 0.045), E/A (P = 0.048) E/e' (P < 0.001), and PAPs (P < 0.001) decreased. DT (P = 0.011) and TAPSE (P = 0.035) increased in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan, as well as standard therapy, improves myocardial function and symptoms of HF, irrespective of the loading dose administration. Treatment options for patients with end-stage heart failure refractory to conventional medical therapy are limited. Inotropic drugs play an important role in heart failure (HF).

Neurohumoral improvement and torsional dynamics in patients with heart failure after treatment with levosimendan.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan improves clinical and hemodynamic parameters exerting an anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect in decompensated heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of levosimendan on LV torsion, plasma levels of NT-proBNP and on the balance between pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). METHODS: We enrolled 24 patients (age 62 ± 7 years) with acute HF, NYHA class IV and severe LV dysfunction. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography using two-dimensional speckle tracking analysis to detect LV twist angle (LVTA), at baseline and 1 week after treatment with levosimendan infusion. Biochemical parameters (pro-BNP, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA). RESULTS: After one week, we observed an improvement in LV function especially in LVTA (4.15 ± 2.54 vs 2.9 ± 2.1 p < 0.01), in LV ejection fraction (27.3 ± 8.04 vs 21.6 ± 6.8 p = 0.03) and also a significant reduction in BNP levels (1844 ± 560 vs 4713 ± 1050, p = 0.03). The multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relation between a reduction of TNF α/IL-10 ratio (Δ > 20%) and BNP (Δ > 40%), LVEF (Δ > 10%) and LVTA (Δ > 20%) (O.R. 1.77, 95% C.I. 1.11-2.83; O.R. 1.49, 95% C.I. 1.08-2.67; O.R. 1.66, 95% C.I. 1.10-2.74, respectively, confirmed p, all < 0.01 by Hosmer-Lemeshov confirmation and the formal test for interaction). CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan exerts a hemodynamic effect by improving EF and LV torsion in patients with acute HF in association with a positive effect on the balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Left ventricular twisting modifications in patients with left ventricular concentric hypertrophy at increasing after-load conditions.

AIMS: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops as a result of several clinical conditions, such as intensive training, hypertension, aortic valve stenosis. Aim of this study was to analyze the left ventricular twist (LVT) modifications in LVH patients with increasing after-load conditions. METHODS: A total of 131 patients were enrolled: 17 healthy sedentary people (Hg), without concentric LVH; 45 water polo players (ATg); 22 patients with hypertensive cardiopathy (HPg); 47 patients with different degrees of aortic stenosis (ASg); all patients had concentric LVH, ejection fraction (EF) >54%, and were age-matched. The left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (LV-ESWS) was used as index of after-load. RESULTS: Left ventricular twist value showed a progressive increase from ATg to ASg, according to increasing after-load. Longitudinal left ventricular function by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was reduced in HPg and ASg. There was a negative correlation between LVT and longitudinal systolic function at TDI and STE (r = -0.4; P < 0.001; -0.23; P < 0.05). E/A ratio was lower in HPg and ASg than ATg and Hg. LVT was linearly related to LV-ESWS (r = 0.36; P < 0.01), E/A ratio (r = -0.59; P < 0.001), E/E' ratio (r = 0.43; P < 0.001), age (r = 0.5; P < 0.001), relative wall thickness (RWT) (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), heart rate (HR) (r = 0.3; P < 0.05), maximum (G. max), and mean transvalvular gradient (G. mean) in ASg (r = 0.37; P < 0.01, r = 0.4; P < 0.01). RWT, E/A ratio, and HR were independent predictor of LVT (ß = 0.23; P = 0.007; -0.44; P = 0.001; 0.17; P = 0.049). Only in ASg, G. mean was independent predictor of LVT (ß = 0.44; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Left ventricular twist showed a linear trend at increasing after-load values to compensate the reduction in systolic longitudinal function in pathological LVH patients.

Effects of ω-3 PUFAs supplementation on myocardial function and oxidative stress markers in typical Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder with a 300-fold increased risk rate for sudden cardiac death. A subclinical myocardial biventricular dysfunction has been recently reported in RTT by our group and found to be associated with an enhanced oxidative stress (OS) status. Here, we tested the effects of the naturally occurring antioxidants ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) on echocardiographic parameters and systemic OS markers in a population of RTT patients with the typical clinical form. A total of 66 RTT girls were evaluated, half of whom being treated for 12 months with a dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs at high dosage (docosahexaenoic acid ~71.9 ± 13.9 mg/kg b.w./day plus eicosapentaenoic acid ~115.5 ± 22.4 mg/kg b.w./day) versus the remaining half untreated population. Echocardiographic systolic longitudinal parameters of both ventricles, but not biventricular diastolic measures, improved following ω-3 PUFAs supplementation, with a parallel decrease in the OS markers levels. No significant changes in the examined echocardiographic parameters nor in the OS markers were detectable in the untreated RTT population. Our data indicate that ω-3 PUFAs are able to improve the biventricular myocardial systolic function in RTT and that this functional gain is partially mediated through a regulation of the redox balance.

Comparison of right versus left ventricular strain analysis as a predictor of outcome in patients with systolic heart failure referred for heart transplantation.

The aim of the present study was to explore the relation between right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic parameters with clinical outcome in patients with advanced heart failure referred for cardiac transplantation. Ninety-eight consecutive patients with advanced systolic heart failure, referred for cardiac transplant evaluation, were enrolled. All patients were prospectively followed for the development of new outcome events, which included hospitalization for acute heart failure, cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, intra-aortic balloon pump implantation, and ventricular assist device implantation. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all subjects. RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) by speckle-tracking echocardiography was assessed by averaging all segments in apical 4-chamber view (global RVLS) and by averaging RV free-wall segments (free-wall RVLS). LV global longitudinal and global circumferential strains were also calculated. Of the 98 subjects at baseline, 46 had 67 new events during a mean follow-up of 1.5 ± 0.9 years. Free-wall RVLS, global RVLS, N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, RV fractional area change, and LV end-diastolic volume were independently predictive of combined outcomes (all p <0.0001). The overall performance for the prediction of cardiovascular events was greatest for free-wall RVLS (area under the curve free-wall RVLS: 0.87; global RVLS: 0.67; RV fractional area change: 0.60; N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, 0.62; global circumferential strain: 0.55; global longitudinal strain: 0.35; and LV ejection fraction: 0.26). Free-wall RVLS showed the highest adjusted hazards ratio. A graded association between the grade of RV dysfunction and the risk of cardiovascular events was only evident for free-wall RVLS and global RVLS. In conclusion, in patients referred for heart transplantation, RVLS is a stronger predictor of outcome than LV longitudinal strain and other conventional parameters, providing a stronger prognostic stratification.

Speckle tracking echocardiography as a new technique to evaluate right ventricular function in patients with left ventricular assist device therapy.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) systolic function has a critical role in determining the clinical outcome and the success of using left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in patients with refractory heart failure. RV deformation analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has recently allowed a deeper analysis of RV longitudinal function. The aim of the study was to observe RV function by STE in patients with advanced heart failure before and after LVAD implantation. METHODS: Transthoracic echo Doppler was performed in 10 patients referred for LVAD therapy at baseline and with serial echocardiograms after LVAD implantation. In a sub-group of 4 patients, an echocardiographic evaluation was also made after intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support was initiated and before LVAD implantation. All echocardiographic images were analyzed off-line to calculate the free wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS). RESULTS: Three patients who presented the lowest free wall RVLS values at baseline, showed a progressive decline of RVLS after LVAD implant, presenting finally RV failure; however, patients with higher values of RVLS at baseline presented a further and overt increase of strain values in the course of follow-up. The overall performance for the prediction of RV failure after LVAD implant was greatest for free wall RVLS (area under the curve, 0.93). For the sub-group receiving the IABP as an intermediate step, only 2 patients with an increase of RVLS after IABP implantation also showed an increase of RVLS levels, after subsequent LVAD implantation. The 2 patients without an increase of RVLS after IABP implantation also presented with RV failure after LVAD therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study of 10 patients indicates that the new parameter of RVLS, representing RV myocardial deformation, may have important clinical implications for the selection and management of LVAD patients. A large multicenter study is required to confirm these observations and to quantify the clinical significance of changes in RVLS value.

Subclinical myocardial dysfunction in Rett syndrome.

AIMS: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder frequently linked to methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene mutations. RTT is associated with a 300-fold increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Rhythm abnormalities and cardiac dysautonomia do not to fully account for cardiac mortality. Conversely, heart function in RTT has not been explored to date. Recent data indicate a previously unrecognized role of MeCP2 in cardiomyocytes development. Besides, increased oxidative stress markers (OS) have been found in RTT. We hypothesized that (i) RTT patients present a subclinical biventricular dysfunction and (ii) the myocardial dysfunction correlate with OS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated typical (n = 72) and atypical (n = 20) RTT female and healthy controls (n = 92). Main outcome measurements were (i) echocardiographic biventricular systo-diastolic parameters; (ii) correlation between echocardiographic measures and OS levels, i.e. plasma and intra-erythrocyte non-protein-bound iron (NPBI) and plasma F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs). A significant reduction in longitudinal biventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, S' of lateral and septal mitral annulus, S' of tricuspidal annulus) was evidenced in RTT patients vs. controls. No significant changes in the LV ejection fraction were found. Peak-early filling parameters (E, E' of lateral mitral annulus, E' of tricuspidal annulus) and right ventricular systolic pressure were reduced. A-wave, E/A, and E/E' were normal. OS markers were increased, but only F2-IsoPs correlated to LV systolic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: These data indicate a previously unrecognized subclinical systo-diastolic biventricular myocardial dysfunction in typical and atypical RTT patients. A reduced preload is evidenced. The biventricular dysfunction is partially related to OS damage.

Effects of levosimendan without loading dose on systolic and diastolic function in patients with end-stage heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Levosimendan (L) is used in clinical practice for the treatment of severe heart failure (HF); it has inotropic and vasodilatory effects, without increasing myocardial oxygen consumption. In acute HF, levosimendan improves hemodynamic parameters; previous studies have demonstrated that it has favorable effects on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of on LV long-axis function that represents the earlier marker of diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: We enrolled 41 patients (age 62 ± 12 years) admitted to our Department for acute HF, NYHA class IV and severe LV dysfunction. Twenty-six patients were treated with L (0.1 µg/kg/min ev for 24 h without loading dose) and 15 patients were treated with standard therapy (C). We evaluated clinical, blood exams and echocardiographic parameters at baseline and one week after L or C treatment. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, clinical and biochemical data were similar in both groups. After one week, the L group had shown a significant improvement in NYHA class and a reduction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP). In echocardiographic study, we observed an improvement in LV longitudinal function (p 〈 0.05) and LV ejection fraction (p 〈 0.05) with a reduction of E/E' (p 〈 0.05) in the L group. We divided the L group into ischemic and non- -ischemic patients and we demonstrated a significant increase in systolic function in the former. No differences were found between subgroups in diastolic function. CONCLUSIONS: L therapy, without loading dose, improves NYHA class and ventricular function in patients with acute HF; we believe that these prolonged hemodynamic effects are due to active metabolities of L.

Influence of aetiology on long-term effects of resynchronization on cardiac structure and function in patients treated with ß-blockers.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) elicits more beneficial effects on left-ventricular (LV) structure and function, and long-term clinical outcomes in nonischemic heart failure patients. Rates of ß-blocker use in recent heart failure trials are higher than in CRT trials and this may influence the response to CRT. This study examined the long-term effects of CRT on LV structure and function in New York Heart Association class III-IV ß-blocker-treated patients. METHODS: One hundred and four (41 ischemic and 63 nonischemic) CRT patients, who were receiving ß-blockers before and throughout 12 months following device implantation, were retrospectively selected. Variations in echocardiographic parameters recorded before, and 6 and 12 months after CRT were analyzed. RESULTS: Selected patients were all stable on ß-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (97%) and diuretics (97%) before implantation. CRT was associated with significant improvements in LV morphological and systo-diastolic functional parameters at 6 months, with further improvements between 6 and 12 months seen in nonischemic patients only. Accordingly, rates of echocardiographic response to CRT were similar at 6 months but significantly higher in nonischemic patients after 1 year. The degree of reduction in LV diameters and volumes, and of increase in ejection fraction, was significantly larger in nonischemic patients at both 6 and 12 months. In addition, a significant reduction in LV mass and severity of mitral regurgitation was more evident in nonischemic patients both 6 and 12 months following CRT. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic aetiology of heart failure is associated with less favorable long-term effects of CRT on LV structure and function despite the systematic use of ß-blockers.

Massive mitral regurgitation secondary to acute ischemic papillary muscle rupture: the role of echocardiography.

Papillary muscle rupture is an infrequent but often fatal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We report the case of an AMI complicated by the development of an abrupt cardiogenic shock due to the rupture of the head of the postero-medial papillary muscle with echocardiographic demonstration of severe mitral regurgitation due to flail posterior mitral valve leaflet. After initial stabilization with medical therapy and diagnostic coronary angiography, the patient was referred for urgent cardiac surgery and successfully underwent mitral valve replacement with implantation of a bioprosthesis. This case confirms the importance of transthoracic echocardiography in diagnosing mechanical acute complications during an AMI and in the decision making of patients with sudden onset of hemodynamic compromise. Transthoracic echocardiography should be immediately carried out in all patients in whom a mechanical complication during an AMI is suspected.

Cardiogenic shock complicating myocardial infarction in a doped athlete.

Abuse of doping agents may pose a higher risk for heart disease including acute myocardial infarction. We report the case of a 50-year-old body-builder Caucasian man with a long-standing abuse of nandrolone and erythropoietin that developed a ventricular septal defect following acute myocardial infarction. This mechanical complication led to cardiogenic shock ultimately treated with the implantation of a circulatory support by means of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The patient subsequently underwent orthotopic heart transplantation. The association of intense isometric exercise, abuse of erythropoietin and nandrolone is likely to have predisposed to coronary thrombus formation and acute myocardial infarction, as the patient presented no traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

[An unusual cause of syncope in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / Una rara causa di sincope nella cardiomiopatia ipertrofica.

Syncope and pre-syncope represent common symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The clinical scenario of recurrent and frequent syncopal episodes is one of the most challenging in the management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Syncope in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients usually recognizes two underlying mechanisms: arrhythmias or primary hemodynamic mechanism. The concomitant presence of myocardial ischemia is one of the potential triggers in the context of syncope due to hemodynamic mechanism. Myocardial ischemia is not generally related to epicardial coronary artery atherosclerotic disease but rather to the presence of partially obliterated intramural coronary arteries or narrowed vessels. We report the rare case of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presenting with recurrent syncopal episodes due to myocardial ischemia secondary to severe stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery.