Influence of the medical treatment schedule in new diagnoses patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

AIMS: Heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend treating all patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with quadruple therapy, although they do not establish how to start it. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of these recommendations, analyzing the efficacy and safety of the different therapeutic schedules. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective, observational, and multicenter registry that evaluated the treatment initiated in patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF and its evolution at 3 months. Clinical and analytical data were collected, as well as adverse reactions and events during follow-up. Five hundred and thirty-three patients were included, selecting four hundred and ninety-seven, aged 65.5 ± 12.9 years (72% male). The most frequent etiologies were ischemic (25.5%) and idiopathic (21.1%), with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 28.7 ± 7.4%. Quadruple therapy was started in 314 (63.2%) patients, triple in 120 (24.1%), and double in 63 (12.7%). Follow-up was 112 days [IQI 91; 154], with 10 (2%) patients dying. At 3 months, 78.5% had quadruple therapy (p < 0.001). There were no differences in achieving maximum doses or reducing or withdrawing drugs (< 6%) depending on the starting scheme. Twenty-seven (5.7%) patients had any emergency room visits or admission for HF, less frequent in those with quadruple therapy (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: It is possible to achieve quadruple therapy in patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF early. This strategy makes it possible to reduce admissions and visits to the emergency room for HF without associating a more significant reduction or withdrawal of drugs or significant difficulty in achieving the target doses.

Myocarditis in a young male affected with monkeypox infection: a case report.

Background: Concerns on monkeypox as a disease impacting global public health first emerged in May, 2022, and, since that time, has been identified in more than 50 countries. The condition mainly affects men who have sex with other men. Cardiac disease is a rare complication of monkeypox infection. Here, we describe a case of myocarditis in a young male subsequently diagnosed with monkeypox infection. Case summary: A 42-year-old male reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours with another male 10 days before presenting to the emergency department with chest pain, fever, maculopapular rash, and a necrotic chin lesion. Electrocardiography revealed diffuse concave ST-segment elevation associated with elevated cardiac biomarkers. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed normal biventricular systolic function without wall motion abnormalities. We excluded other sexually transmitted diseases or viral infections. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings suggested myopericarditis involving the lateral wall and adjacent pericardium. The results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests of pharyngeal, urethral, and blood samples were positive for monkeypox. The patient was treated with high-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine and he recovered soon. Discussion: Monkeypox infections are generally self-limited, with most patients experiencing benign clinical outcomes, no hospitalizations, and few complications. This is a rare report of monkeypox complicated with myopericarditis. Management with high-dose NSAIDs and colchicine relieved our patient's symptoms, suggesting a similar clinical outcome as other idiopathic or virus-related myopericarditis.

Mean Velocity of the Pulmonary Artery as a Clinically Relevant Prognostic Indicator in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) to pulmonary circulation (PC) coupling can stratify prognosis in heart failure (HF). In this study, we assessed the prognostic role of the mean velocity of the pulmonary artery (mvPA) determined by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS: Inclusion of 58 HFpEF outpatients that underwent CMR with measurement of RV-PC coupling parameters including mvPA between 2016 and 2019. The primary combined endpoint was a composite of HF readmissions and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Optimal cut-off value of mvPA calculated by receiver operating curve for the prediction of the primary endpoint was 9 cm/s. Over a median follow-up of 23 months (interquartile range: 24), 21 patients met the primary endpoint. The primary endpoint was more frequent in patients with mvPA ≤ 9 cm/s, as indicated by Kaplan-Meier survival curves; Log-Rank: 9.193, p = 0.02, regardless of RV dysfunction. On Cox multivariate analysis, mvPA ≤ 9 cm/s emerged as an independent prognostic predictor of the primary endpoint (HR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.28-13.19, p = 0.017), together with left atrial area by CMR (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.24, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: In our HFpEF cohort, mvPA was associated with a higher rate of the primary endpoint, regardless of RV function, thus enabling identification of patients at higher risk of cardiovascular events before structural damage onset.

Prognostic value of mean velocity at the pulmonary artery estimated by cardiovascular magnetic resonance as a prognostic predictor in a cohort of patients with new-onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) conveys a worse prognosis in heart failure (HF), in particular when right ventricular (RV) dysfunction ensues. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) non-invasively estimates pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), which has shown prognostic value in HF. Importantly, RV to pulmonary artery (PA) coupling is altered early in HF, before significant rise in PV resistance occurs. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of mean velocity at the pulmonary artery (mvPA), a novel non-invasive parameter determined by CMR, in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with and without associated PH. METHODS: Prospective inclusion of 238 patients admitted for new-onset HFrEF. MvPA was measured with CMR during index admission. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of HF readmissions and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 25 months, 91 patients presented with the primary endpoint. Optimal cut-off value of mvPA calculated by the receiver operator curve for the prediction of the primary endpoint was 9 cm/s. The primary endpoint occurred more frequently in patients with mvPA≤9 cm/s, as indicated by Kaplan-Meier survival curves; Log Rank 16.0, p <  0.001. Importantly, mvPA maintained its prognostic value regardless of RV function and also when considering mortality and HF readmissions separately. On Cox proportional hazard analysis, reduced mvPA≤9 cm/s emerged as an independent prognostic marker, together with NYHA III-IV/IV class, stage 3-4 renal failure and ischemic cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: In our HFrEF cohort, mvPA emerged as an independent prognostic indicator independent of RV function, allowing identification of a higher-risk population before structural damage onset. Moreover, mvPA emerged as a surrogate marker of the RV-PA unit coupling status.

Hiperpotasemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca en España y su impacto en las recomendaciones. Registro ESC-EORP-HFA Heart Failure Long-Term / Hyperkalemia in heart failure patients in Spain and its impact on guidelines and recommendations: ESC-EORP-HFA Heart Failure Long-Term Registry

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La hiperpotasemia es una preocupación creciente en el tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida, pues limita el uso de fármacos eficaces. Este trabajo ofrece estimaciones de la magnitud de este problema en la práctica clínica habitual en España, los cambios en las concentraciones de potasio en el seguimiento y los factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (n=881) y crónica (n=3.587) seleccionados en 28 hospitales españoles del registro europeo de insuficiencia cardiaca de la European Society of Cardiology y seguidos 1 año para diferentes desenlaces, incluidos cambios en las cifras de potasio y su impacto en el tratamiento. RESULTADOS: La hiperpotasemia (K+> 5,4 mEq/l) está presente en el 4,3% (IC95%, 3,7-5,0%) y el 8,2% (6,5-10,2%) de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica y aguda; causa el 28,9% de todos los casos en que se contraindica el uso de antagonistas del receptor de mineralocorticoides y el 10,8% de los que no alcanzan la dosis objetivo. Del total de 2.693 pacientes ambulatorios con fracción de eyección reducida, 291 (10,8%) no tenían registrada medición de potasio. Durante el seguimiento, 179 de 1.431 (12,5%, IC95%, 10,8-14,3%) aumentaron su concentración de potasio, aumento relacionado directamente con la edad, la diabetes mellitus y los antecedentes de ictus e inversamente con los antecedentes de hiperpotasemia. CONCLUSIONES: Este trabajo destaca el problema de la hiperpotasemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca de la práctica clínica habitual y la necesidad de continuar y mejorar la vigilancia de este factor en estos pacientes por su interferencia en el tratamiento óptimo

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperkalemia is a growing concern in the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction because it limits the use of effective drugs. We report estimates of the magnitude of this problem in routine clinical practice in Spain, as well as changes in potassium levels during follow-up and associated factors. METHODS: This study included patients with acute (n=881) or chronic (n=3587) heart failure recruited in 28 Spanish hospitals of the European heart failure registry of the European Society of Cardiology and followed up for 1 year. Various outcomes were analyzed, including changes in serum potassium levels and their impact on treatment. RESULTS: Hyperkalemia (K+> 5.4 mEq/L) was identified in 4.3% (95%CI, 3.7%-5.0%) and 8.2% (6.5%-10.2%) of patients with chronic and acute heart failure, respectively, and was responsible for 28.9% of all cases of contraindication to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use and for 10.8% of all cases of failure to reach the target dose. Serum potassium levels were not recorded in 291 (10.8%) of the 2693 chronic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. During follow-up, potassium levels increased in 179 of 1431 patients (12.5%, 95%CI, 10.8%-14.3%). This increase was directly related to age, diabetes, and history of stroke and was inversely related to history of hyperkalemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the magnitude of the problem of hyperkalemia in patients with heart failure in everyday clinical practice and the need to improve monitoring of this factor in these patients due to its interference with the possibility of receiving optimal treatment

Hyperkalemia in heart failure patients in Spain and its impact on guidelines and recommendations: ESC-EORP-HFA Heart Failure Long-Term Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperkalemia is a growing concern in the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction because it limits the use of effective drugs. We report estimates of the magnitude of this problem in routine clinical practice in Spain, as well as changes in potassium levels during follow-up and associated factors. METHODS: This study included patients with acute (n=881) or chronic (n=3587) heart failure recruited in 28 Spanish hospitals of the European heart failure registry of the European Society of Cardiology and followed up for 1 year. Various outcomes were analyzed, including changes in serum potassium levels and their impact on treatment. RESULTS: Hyperkalemia (K+> 5.4 mEq/L) was identified in 4.3% (95%CI, 3.7%-5.0%) and 8.2% (6.5%-10.2%) of patients with chronic and acute heart failure, respectively, and was responsible for 28.9% of all cases of contraindication to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use and for 10.8% of all cases of failure to reach the target dose. Serum potassium levels were not recorded in 291 (10.8%) of the 2693 chronic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. During follow-up, potassium levels increased in 179 of 1431 patients (12.5%, 95%CI, 10.8%-14.3%). This increase was directly related to age, diabetes, and history of stroke and was inversely related to history of hyperkalemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the magnitude of the problem of hyperkalemia in patients with heart failure in everyday clinical practice and the need to improve monitoring of this factor in these patients due to its interference with the possibility of receiving optimal treatment.

Velocidad media de la arteria pulmonar estimada por resonancia magnética cardiaca como predictor pronóstico precoz en insuficiencia cardiaca / Mean velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance as an early prognostic predictor in heart failure

Introducción y objetivo: La hipertensión pulmonar asocia peor pronóstico en insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). En este estudio buscamos identificar predictores pronósticos no invasivos en IC con y sin hipertensión pulmonar asociada, mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca y determinación de marcadores de estrés oxidativo y antiinflamatorios. Pacientes y métodos: Inclusión prospectiva de 70 pacientes ingresados por IC de comienzo, en los que se determinó la velocidad media de arteria pulmonar (vmAP) y la concentración sanguínea de TroloxTM (estatus antioxidante) e IL-10 (citocina antiinflamatoria). La muestra se dividió en dos grupos de acuerdo con el valor óptimo de vmAP para la predicción de sucesos calculados mediante curva ROC (vmAP=8cm/s), considerando los reingresos por IC y la mortalidad global como el suceso cardiovascular primario. Resultados: Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 290 días se produjeron 16 episodios. La vmAP ≤8cm/s predijo una mayor incidencia de episodios en pacientes con función ventricular derecha conservada, no así en aquellos con disfunción ventricular derecha; análisis de supervivencia con curva de Kaplan-Meier, log rank 6,01, p=0,014. Los pacientes con vmAP ≤ 8 cm/s presentaron niveles plasmáticos menores de Trolox(TM). Los pacientes con mayor concentración de IL-10 presentaron menor incidencia de episodios en el seguimiento. Conclusión: La vmAP es un indicador pronóstico no invasivo precoz en IC con y sin hipertensión pulmonar asociada, previo al desarrollo de disfunción ventricular derecha. La menor concentración de Trolox(TM) en pacientes con vmAP ≤ 8 cm/s refleja un mayor nivel de estrés oxidativo en pacientes de peor pronóstico, mientras que la mayor expresión de IL-10 en pacientes libres de eventos podría guardar relación con su efecto antiinflamatorio y potencialmente protector en IC

Background and objective: To identify early, non-invasive prognostic indicators in heart failure (HF), with and without associated pulmonary hypertension, by means of cardiac magnetic resonance, and oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory biomarkers such as TroloxTM (antioxidant status) and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine). Patients and methods: We prospectively included 70 patients admitted for new-onset HF. During index admission, mean velocity of the pulmonary artery (mvPA) was measured, and blood TroloxTM and IL-10 determined. The study sample was divided in two groups according to the optimal cut-off value for event prediction calculated by the ROC curve (mvPA=8cm/s), considering HF-readmission and all-cause mortality as the primary combined event. Results: During a median follow-up of 290 days, 16 events occurred. In patients with preserved right ventricular (RV) function, mvPA ≤8cm/s was associated with a higher incidence of events during follow-up, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log rank 6.01, p=.014). MvPA did not add prognostic value when RV dysfunction was already established. TroloxTM concentration was lower in patients with mvPA ≤8cm/s. Higher IL-10 expression was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events during follow-up. Conclusion: In HF patients, mvPA ≤8cm/s predicts a higher rate of cardiovascular events. Specifically, mvPA identifies a higher risk population among patients with preserved RV function, thus confirming its role as an early prognostic indicator. Lower TroloxTM concentration in the worse prognosis group concurs with previous studies on oxidative stress in pulmonary hypertension. Higher IL-10 concentration among patients free of cardiovascular events could be a reflection of its anti-inflammatory and thus protective role in HF

Mean velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance as an early prognostic predictor in heart failure. / Velocidad media de la arteria pulmonar estimada por resonancia magnética cardiaca como predictor pronóstico precoz en insuficiencia cardiaca.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To identify early, non-invasive prognostic indicators in heart failure (HF), with and without associated pulmonary hypertension, by means of cardiac magnetic resonance, and oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory biomarkers such as TroloxTM (antioxidant status) and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively included 70 patients admitted for new-onset HF. During index admission, mean velocity of the pulmonary artery (mvPA) was measured, and blood TroloxTM and IL-10 determined. The study sample was divided in two groups according to the optimal cut-off value for event prediction calculated by the ROC curve (mvPA=8cm/s), considering HF-readmission and all-cause mortality as the primary combined event. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 290 days, 16 events occurred. In patients with preserved right ventricular (RV) function, mvPA ≤8cm/s was associated with a higher incidence of events during follow-up, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log rank 6.01, p=.014). MvPA did not add prognostic value when RV dysfunction was already established. TroloxTM concentration was lower in patients with mvPA ≤8cm/s. Higher IL-10 expression was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events during follow-up. CONCLUSION: In HF patients, mvPA ≤8cm/s predicts a higher rate of cardiovascular events. Specifically, mvPA identifies a higher risk population among patients with preserved RV function, thus confirming its role as an early prognostic indicator. Lower TroloxTM concentration in the worse prognosis group concurs with previous studies on oxidative stress in pulmonary hypertension. Higher IL-10 concentration among patients free of cardiovascular events could be a reflection of its anti-inflammatory and thus protective role in HF.

mRNA PGC-1α levels in blood samples reliably correlates with its myocardial expression: study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator that has been proposed to play a protective role in mouse models of cardiac ischemia and heart failure, suggesting that PGC-1α could be relevant as a prognostic marker. Our previous studies showed that the estimation of peripheral mRNA PGC-1α expression was feasible and that its induction correlated with the extent of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction. In this study, we sought to determine if the myocardial and peripheral expressions of PGC-1α are well correlated and to analyze the variability of PGC-1α expression depending on the prevalence of some metabolic disorders. METHODS: This was a cohort of 35 consecutive stable heart failure patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent an elective aortic valve replacement surgery. mRNA PGC-1α expression was simultaneously determined from myocardial biopsy specimens and blood samples obtained during surgery by quantitative PCR, and a correlation between samples was made using the Kappa index. Patients were divided into two groups according to the detection of baseline expression levels of PGC-1α in blood samples, and comparisons between both groups were made by chi-square test or unpaired Student's t-test as appropriate. RESULTS: Based on myocardial biopsies, we found that mRNA PGC-1α expression in blood samples showed a statistically significant correlation with myocardial expression (Kappa index 0.66, p<0.001). The presence of higher systemic PGC-1α expression was associated with a greater expression of some target genes such as silent information regulator 2 homolog-1 (x-fold expression in blood samples: 4.43±5.22 vs. 1.09±0.14, p=0.044) and better antioxidant status in these patients (concentration of Trolox: 0.40±0.05 vs. 0.34±0.65, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with higher peripheral expression also had increased myocardial expression, so we conclude that the non-invasive estimation of mRNA PGC-1α expression from blood samples provides a good approach of the constitutive status of the mitochondrial protection system regulated by PGC-1α and that this could be used as prognostic indicator in cardiovascular disease.

Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance by Magnetic Resonance in Systolic Heart Failure / Valor Prognóstico da Resistência Vascular Pulmonar através de Ressonância Magnética em Insuficiência Cardíaca

Abstract Background: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with poor prognosis in heart failure. However, non-invasive diagnosis is still challenging in clinical practice. Objective: We sought to assess the prognostic utility of non-invasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: Prospective registry of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% and recently admitted for decompensated heart failure during three years. PVRwere calculated based on right ventricular ejection fraction and average velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated during cardiac magnetic resonance. Readmission for heart failure and all-cause mortality were considered as adverse events at follow-up. Results: 105 patients (average LVEF 26.0 ±7.7%, ischemic etiology 43%) were included. Patients with adverse events at long-term follow-up had higher values of PVR (6.93 ± 1.9 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7estimated Wood Units (eWu), p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, PVR ≥ 5 eWu(cutoff value according to ROC curve) was independently associated with increased risk of adverse events at 9 months follow-up (HR2.98; 95% CI 1.12-7.88; p < 0.03). Conclusions: In patients with HFrEF, the presence of PVR ≥ 5.0 Wu is associated with significantly worse clinical outcome at follow-up. Non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance might be useful for risk stratification in HFrEF, irrespective of etiology, presence of late gadolinium enhancement or LVEF.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertensão pulmonar está associada a mau prognóstico em insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, o diagnóstico não-invasivo é desafiador na prática clínica. Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade prognóstica da estimativa não-invasiva das resistências vasculares pulmonares (RVP) medidas através de ressonância magnética cardiovascular na previsão de desfechos cardiovasculares adversos em insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr). Métodos: Registro prospectivo de pacientes com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) < 40% internados recentemente por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada, durante três anos. As RVP foram calculadas com base na fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e velocidade média do fluxo na artéria pulmonar estimada por ressonância magnética cardíaca. Durante a evolução, reinternação por insuficiência cardíaca e mortalidade por todas as causas foram consideradas eventos adversos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 105 pacientes (FEVE média de 26,0 ± 7,7%, etiologia isquêmica em 43%). Os valores de RVP nos pacientes que apresentaram eventos adversos durante o seguimento em longo prazo foram mais altos (6,93 ± 1,9 versus 4,6 ± 1,7 unidades Wood estimadas (uWe), p < 0,001). Na análise de regressão multivariada de Cox, RVP ≥ 5 eWu (valor de corte segundo a curva ROC) mostrou-se independentemente associada a um maior risco de eventos adversos aos 9 meses de seguimento (RR = 2,98; IC 95% = 1,12-7,88; p < 0,03). Conclusões: Em pacientes com ICFEr, a presença de RVP ≥ 5,0 uW está associada a uma evolução clínica significativamente pior. A estimativa não-invasiva da RVP através de ressonância magnética cardíaca pode ser útil na estratificação de risco em ICFEr, independentemente da etiologia, presença de realce tardio pelo gadolínio ou FEVE.

Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance by Magnetic Resonance in Systolic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with poor prognosis in heart failure. However, non-invasive diagnosis is still challenging in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the prognostic utility of non-invasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Prospective registry of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% and recently admitted for decompensated heart failure during three years. PVR were calculated based on right ventricular ejection fraction and average velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated during cardiac magnetic resonance. Readmission for heart failure and all-cause mortality were considered as adverse events at follow-up. RESULTS: 105 patients (average LVEF 26.0 ± 7.7%, ischemic etiology 43%) were included. Patients with adverse events at long-term follow-up had higher values of PVR (6.93 ± 1.9 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7 estimated Wood Units (eWu), p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, PVR ≥ 5 eWu(cutoff value according to ROC curve) was independently associated with increased risk of adverse events at 9 months follow-up (HR2.98; 95% CI 1.12-7.88; p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFrEF, the presence of PVR ≥ 5.0 Wu is associated with significantly worse clinical outcome at follow-up. Non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance might be useful for risk stratification in HFrEF, irrespective of etiology, presence of late gadolinium enhancement or LVEF.

Los niveles en sangre de PGC-1alfa predice miocardio salvado y remodelado ventricular tras infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Blood pgc-1α concentration predicts myocardial salvage and ventricular remodeling after st-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Introducción y objetivos: El coactivador 1alfa del receptor activado gamma del proliferador de peroxisoma (PGC-1alfa) es un regulador metabólico que se induce durante la isquemia y previene el remodelado cardiaco en modelos animales. Su actividad puede estimarse en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el valor predictivo de los niveles en sangre de PGC-1α en la extensión del área necrótica y el remodelado ventricular tras infarto. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 31 pacientes con primer infarto de miocardio de localización anterior y reperfusión exitosa. Se determinó la expresión de PGC-1α en sangre periférica al ingreso y a las 72 h, evaluando su correlación con el daño miocárdico y el volumen ventricular y la función sistólica a los 6 meses. El edema y la necrosis miocárdica se estimaron mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca durante la primera semana. A los 6 meses, una resonancia de control evaluó tamaño del infarto y remodelado ventricular, definido como el incremento > 10% del volumen telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo. Se definió miocardio salvado como la diferencia entre las áreas de edema y de necrosis. Resultados: Se observó más miocardio salvado en los pacientes con expresión de PGC-1α detectable al ingreso (el 18,3% ± 5,3% frente al 4,5% ± 3,9%; p = 0,04). La inducción de PGC-1α a las 72 h se correlacionó con mayor remodelado ventricular (variación del volumen telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo a los 6 meses, el 29,7% ± 11,2% frente al 1,2% ± 5,8%; p = 0,04). Conclusiones: El grado de expresión basal de PGC–1α y una respuesta atenuada del sistema tras infarto agudo de miocardio se asocian con más miocardio salvado y predicen menos remodelado ventricular (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a metabolic regulator induced during ischemia that prevents cardiac remodeling in animal models. The activity of PGC-1α can be estimated in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of blood PGC-1α levels in predicting the extent of necrosis and ventricular remodeling after infarction. Methods: In this prospective study of 31 patients with a first myocardial infarction in an anterior location and successful reperfusion, PGC-1α expression in peripheral blood on admission and at 72 hours was correlated with myocardial injury, ventricular volume, and systolic function at 6 months. Edema and myocardial necrosis were estimated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during the first week. At 6 months, infarct size and ventricular remodeling, defined as an increase > 10% of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, was evaluated by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Myocardial salvage was defined as the difference between the edema and necrosis areas. Results: Greater myocardial salvage was seen in patients with detectable PGC-1α levels at admission (mean [standard deviation (SD)], 18.3% [5.3%] vs 4.5% [3.9%]; P = .04). Induction of PGC–1α at 72 hours correlated with greater ventricular remodeling (change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume at 6 months, 29.7% [11.2%] vs 1.2% [5.8%]; P = .04). Conclusions: Baseline PGC–1α expression and an attenuated systemic response after acute myocardial infarction are associated with greater myocardial salvage and predict less ventricular remodeling (AU)

Rendimiento diagnóstico del electrocardiograma de superficie en la detección precoz de miocardiopatía chagásica / Diagnostic performance of surface electrocardiogram in early detection of chagasic cardiomyopathy

Introducción y objetivo: La resonancia magnética cardíaca con contraste (RMCC) permite la detección precoz de la afectación miocárdica por el Trypanosoma cruzi. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue valorar el rendimiento diagnóstico del electrocardiograma de superficie (ECG) en la detección precoz de miocardiopatía chagásica (MCC) comparándolo con la RMCC. Métodos: Se incluyeron 43 pacientes asintomáticos (30 mujeres, edad media [DE] de 42 [9,8] años) diagnosticados de enfermedad de Chagas. Dividimos la muestra en 2 grupos, según la presencia (n = 17) o ausencia (n = 26) de alteraciones electrocardiográficas. Se realizó RMC a todos los pacientes y se consideró la captación tardía anómala de contraste miocárdico (CTC) como marcador de afectación precoz. Resultados: Seis pacientes (14%) presentaron CTC, siendo significativamente mayor en el grupo que presentaban alteraciones electrocardiográficas (29 frente a 4%, p < 0,05). Tomando la RMCC como método de referencia, el ECG presentó una sensibilidad del 83% y un valor predictivo negativo del 96% en la detección de MCC. Conclusiones: El ECG demostró ser una herramienta útil, de bajo coste y globalmente disponible para el cribado de MCC precoz en pacientes asintomáticos pero con afectación demostrada en la RMCC (AU)

Barckground and objective: Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) allows early detection of myocardial involvement by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in the early detection of Chagas’ cardiomyopathy (CCM) compared with CMR. Methods: We included 43 asymptomatic patients (30 women, 42 ± 9.8 years), diagnosed of Chagas disease. The sample was divided into 2 groups according to the presence (n = 17) or absence (n = 26) of electrocardiographic abnormalities. All patients underwent CMR and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was used as a marker of early myocardial involvement. Results: Six (14%) patients had a LGE significantly higher in the group who had electrocardiographic abnormalities (29 vs. 4%, P < .05). With CMR as the method of reference, the ECG had a sensitivity of 83% and a negative predictive value of 96% to detect CCM. Conclusion: ECG is a useful, inexpensive and globally available tool for the screening of CCM in asymptomatic patients but with proven myocardial involvement in CMR (AU)

Blood PGC-1α Concentration Predicts Myocardial Salvage and Ventricular Remodeling After ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a metabolic regulator induced during ischemia that prevents cardiac remodeling in animal models. The activity of PGC-1α can be estimated in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of blood PGC-1α levels in predicting the extent of necrosis and ventricular remodeling after infarction. METHODS: In this prospective study of 31 patients with a first myocardial infarction in an anterior location and successful reperfusion, PGC-1α expression in peripheral blood on admission and at 72 hours was correlated with myocardial injury, ventricular volume, and systolic function at 6 months. Edema and myocardial necrosis were estimated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during the first week. At 6 months, infarct size and ventricular remodeling, defined as an increase > 10% of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, was evaluated by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Myocardial salvage was defined as the difference between the edema and necrosis areas. RESULTS: Greater myocardial salvage was seen in patients with detectable PGC-1α levels at admission (mean [standard deviation (SD)], 18.3% [5.3%] vs 4.5% [3.9%]; P = .04). Induction of PGC-1α at 72 hours correlated with greater ventricular remodeling (change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume at 6 months, 29.7% [11.2%] vs 1.2% [5.8%]; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline PGC-1α expression and an attenuated systemic response after acute myocardial infarction are associated with greater myocardial salvage and predict less ventricular remodeling.

[Diagnostic performance of surface electrocardiogram in early detection of chagasic cardiomyopathy]. / Rendimiento diagnóstico del electrocardiograma de superficie en la detección precoz de miocardiopatía chagásica.

BARCKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) allows early detection of myocardial involvement by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in the early detection of Chagas' cardiomyopathy (CCM) compared with CMR. METHODS: We included 43 asymptomatic patients (30 women, 42 ± 9.8 years), diagnosed of Chagas disease. The sample was divided into 2 groups according to the presence (n=17) or absence (n=26) of electrocardiographic abnormalities. All patients underwent CMR and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was used as a marker of early myocardial involvement. RESULTS: Six (14%) patients had a LGE significantly higher in the group who had electrocardiographic abnormalities (29 vs. 4%, P<.05). With CMR as the method of reference, the ECG had a sensitivity of 83% and a negative predictive value of 96% to detect CCM. CONCLUSION: ECG is a useful, inexpensive and globally available tool for the screening of CCM in asymptomatic patients but with proven myocardial involvement in CMR.

Chest pain with minimal activities and flexion of trunk: a rare case of angina.

A 53-year-old woman presented with effort-induced chest pain during daily activities and similar symptoms with trunk flexion. A treadmill exercise test revealed a Mobitz II atrioventricular block. Coronarography and computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus, so surgical revascularization was indicated. We discuss the peculiarity of the clinical presentation and its possible pathogenic mechanism.

Prognostic value of pulmonary vascular resistance estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with chronic heart failure.

AIMS: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is known to be related to worse prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Quantification of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) still requires invasive right heart catheterization. Recent studies have shown an accurate method for non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of PVR calculated by CMR in patients with congestive HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We calculated PVR by CMR in 132 patients [age 65.6 ± 13.1 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35.1 ± 16.4%, ischaemic aetiology 40%] recently admitted for decompensated HF and derived to our cardiac imaging unit for diagnosis. Patients with cardiac events (readmission for HF or all-cause death) had higher values of PVR [6.77 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 1.6 Wood units (Wu), P < 0.001] during follow-up [mean 10.3 (1-31) months]. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, only a PVR ≥5.2 Wu [hazard ratio (HR) 4.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-10.42; P < 0.001) and the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.03-4.86; P = 0.04) were independent predictors for adverse events at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive estimation of PVR by CMR might be useful for risk stratification of patients with chronic HF, irrespective of aetiology or LVEF.

Clinical benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in patients with an ejection fraction > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator prolongs survival and improves quality of life in advanced heart failure. Traditionally, patients with ejection fraction > 35 estimated by echocardiography have been excluded. We assessed the prognostic impact of this therapy in a group of patients with severely depressed systolic function as assessed by echocardiography but with an ejection fraction > 35% as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients admitted for decompensated heart failure between 2004 and 2011. The patients were in functional class II-IV, with a QRS ≥ to 120 ms, ejection fraction ≤ 35% estimated by echocardiography, and a cardiac magnetic resonance study. We included all patients (n=103) who underwent device implantation for primary prevention. Ventricular arrhythmia, all-cause mortality and readmission for heart failure were considered major cardiac events. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to systolic function assessed by magnetic resonance. RESULTS: The 2 groups showed similar improvements in functional class and ejection fraction at 6 months. We found a nonsignificant trend toward a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with systolic function ≤ 35% at long-term follow-up. The presence of a pattern of necrosis identified patients with a worse prognosis for ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator leads to a similar clinical benefit in patients with an ejection fraction ≤ 35% or > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance. Analysis of the pattern of late gadolinium enhancement provides additional information on arrhythmic risk and long-term prognosis.