Assessment of transabdominal fat volumes as a predictor of prognosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a well-established treatment option for eligible patients with severe aortic stenosis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between abdominal fat tissue volumes, measured using computed tomography (CT), and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. The study included 258 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR at a single center between September 2017 and November 2020. During the preoperative preparation, CT scans were used to perform a semi-quantitative measurement of abdominal fat components. Body mass index (BMI) for each participant was calculated. The relationship between fat parameters and overall survival was determined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Participants had a mean age of 76.8 ± 7.8 years, of whom 32.9% were male. The median follow-up period was 12 months, during which 38 patients (14.7%) died. Both the survivor and non-survivor groups showed comparable risk factors. Regarding transabdominal fat volume parameters, deceased individuals exhibited significantly lower values. However, no significant differences were observed in BMI and transabdominal area measurements. Among transabdominal fat parameters, only subcutaneous fat volume [adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 0.83, p = 0.045] and total fat volume (TFV) [aHR = 0.82, p = 0.007] were identified as significant predictors of reduced all-cause mortality. Furthermore, TFV demonstrated the highest discriminative performance with a threshold of ≤ 9.1 L (AUC = 0.751, p < 0.001, sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 70.9%). Preoperative CT-based abdominal fat volume parameters, particularly TFV, can serve as potential predictors of survival in patients undergoing TAVR.

Prognostic significance of medical therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

AIMS: The use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) among patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains suboptimal. The SMYRNA study aims to identify the clinical factors for the non-use of GDMT and to determine the prognostic significance of GDMT in patients with HFrEF in a real-life setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SMYRNA study is a prospective, multicentre, and observational study that included outpatients with HFrEF. Patients were divided into three groups according to the status of GDMT at the time of enrolment: (i) patients receiving all classes of HF medications including renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs); (ii) patients receiving any two classes of HF medications (RAS inhibitors and beta-blockers, or RAS inhibitors and MRAs, or beta-blockers and MRAs); and (iii) either patients receiving class of HF medications (only one therapy) or patients not receiving any class of HF medications. The primary outcome was a composite of hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death. The study population consisted of 1062 patients with HFrEF, predominantly men (69.1%), with a median age of 68 (range: 20-96) years. RAS inhibitors, beta-blockers, and MRAs were prescribed in 76.0%, 89.4%, and 55.1% of the patients, respectively. The proportions of patients receiving target doses of guideline-directed medications were 24.4% for RAS inhibitors, 11.0% for beta-blockers, and 11.1% for MRAs. Overall, 491 patients (46.2%) were treated with triple therapy, 353 patients (33.2%) were treated with any two classes of HF medications, and 218 patients (20.6%) were receiving only one class of HF medication or not receiving any HF medication. Patient-related factors comprising older age, New York Heart Association functional class, rural living, presence of hypertension, and history of myocardial infarction were independently associated with the use or non-use of GDMT. During the median 24-month period, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 362 patients (34.1%), and 177 of 1062 (16.7%) patients died. Patients treated with two or three classes of HF medications had a decreased risk of hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death compared with those patients receiving ≤1 class of HF medication [hazard ratio (HR): 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.85; P = 0.002, and HR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.47-0.79; P < 0.001, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The real-life SMYRNA study provided comprehensive data about the clinical factors associated with the non-use of GDMT and showed that suboptimal GDMT is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death in patients with HFrEF.

Real-World Evaluation of Anticoagulant Treatment Patterns in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Data from Multicenter ROTA Study.

OBJECTIVE: Oral anticoagulant therapy is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation management to prevent stroke and systemic embolism. However, there is limited real-world information regarding stroke and systemic embolism prevention strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the ROTA study is to obtain the real-world data of anticoagulant treatment patterns in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: The ROTA study is a prospective, multicenter, and observational study that included 2597 patients with atrial fibrillation. The study population was recruited from 41 cardiology outpatient clinics between January 2021 and May 2021. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 72 years (range: 22-98 years) and 57.4% were female. The median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4 (range: 0-9) and 1 (range: 0-6), respectively. Vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants were used in 15.9% and 79.4% of patients, respectively. The mean time in therapeutic range was 52.9% for patients receiving vitamin K antagonists, and 76% of those patients had an inadequate time in therapeutic range with <70%. The most common prescribed direct oral anticoagulants were rivaroxaban (38.1%), apixaban (25.5%), and edoxaban (11.2%). The rate of overuse of vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants was high (76.1%) in patients with low stroke risk, and more than one-fourth of patients on direct oral anticoagulant therapy were receiving a reduced dose of direct oral anticoagulants. Among patients who were on direct oral anticoagulant treatment, patients with apixaban treatment were older, had higher CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, and had lower creatinine clearance than the patients receiving other direct oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: The ROTA study provides important real-world information about anticoagulant treatment patterns in patients with atrial fibrillation.time in therapeutic range with <70%.

The value of PRECISE-DAPT score and lesion complexity for predicting all-cause mortality in patients with NSTEMI.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic effects of stroke risk scores (SRS), SYNTAX score (SX score), and PRECISE-DAPT score on mortality in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Three hundred forty-three patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of NSTEMI and underwent coronary angiography (CAG) between January 1, 2022, and June 1, 2022, were included retrospectively in this single-center study. Patients' demographic, clinical and routine biochemical parameters were recorded. The scores (CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, R2CHA2DS2-VASc, ATRIA, SX score, PRECISE-DAPT) of each patient were calculated. Participants were then divided into two groups by in-hospital status; all-cause mortality (+) and all-cause mortality (-). RESULTS: Overall, the mean age was 63.5 ± 11.8 years, of whom 63.3% (n = 217) were male. In-hospital mortality occurred in 31 (9.3%) patients. In the study population, those who died had significantly higher SX (p < 0.001), PRECISE-DAPT (p < 0.001), and ATRIA (p = 0.002) scores than those who survived. In logistic regression analysis, PRECISE-DAPT score [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.063, 95% CI 1.014-1.115; p = 0.012] and SX score [OR: 1.061, 95% CI 1.015-1.109, p = 0.009] were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital all-cause mortality among NSTEMI patients. In ROC analysis, the PRECISE-DAPT score performed better discriminative ability than the SX score in determining in-hospital mortality [Area under the curve = 0.706, 95% CI 0.597-0.814; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: During the hospital stay, both PRECISE-DAPT and SX scores showed better performance than SRS in predicting all-cause mortality among NSTEMI patients undergoing CAG. Aside from their primary purpose, both scores might be useful in determining risk stratification for such patient populations.

PrevAleNce and Associated factors of inappropriaTe dosing of direct Oral anticoaguLants In pAtients with Atrial Fibrillation: the ANATOLIA-AF Study.

PURPOSE: Inappropriate dosing of direct oral anticoagulants is associated with an increased risk of stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding, cardiovascular hospitalization, and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The main goal of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of inappropriate dosing of direct oral anticoagulants in real-life settings. METHODS: This study was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study that included 2004 patients with atrial fibrillation. The study population was recruited from 41 cardiology outpatient clinics between January and May 2021. The main criteria for inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant dosing were defined according to the recommendations of the European Heart Rhythm Association. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 72 years and 58% were women. Nine-hundred and eighty-seven patients were prescribed rivaroxaban, 658 apixaban, 239 edoxaban, and 120 dabigatran. A total of 498 patients (24.9%) did not receive the appropriate dose of direct oral anticoagulants. In a logistic regression model, advanced age, presence of chronic kidney disease and permanent atrial fibrillation, prescription of reduced doses of direct oral anticoagulants or edoxaban treatment, concomitant use of amiodarone treatment, and non-use of statin treatment were significantly associated with potentially inappropriate dosing of direct oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that the prevalence of inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant dosing according to the European Heart Rhythm Association recommendations was 24.9% in patients with atrial fibrillation. Several demographic and clinical factors were associated with the inappropriate prescription of direct oral anticoagulants.

HATCH Score for Predicting Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between HATCH score [hypertension, age >75 yr, previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke (doubled), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure (doubled)] and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Overall, 572 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between Mar 15 and Apr 15, 2020, were included in this multicenter retrospective study, in Turkey. The HATCH score of each patient was calculated. Mortality results were followed for 50 days. The patients were divided into 2 groups developing mortality (n=267) and non-mortality (n=305). Clinical outcomes were defined as in-hospital mortality improvement status. Results: HATCH scores in non-survivors of COVID-19 were significantly higher than in survivors (P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, HATCH score (OR: 1.253, 95% CI: 1.003-1.565; P=0.047), platelet count (OR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.993-0.998; P<0.001), C-reactive protein level (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.007-1.013, P<0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) level (OR: 0.963, 95% CI: 0.953-0.973; P<0.001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The HATCH score is useful in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

The Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) on Serum Apelin Levels in Patients with Aortic Valvular Stenosis

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on serum apelin levels in patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS). Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients (76.9±7.4 years, n=27 women) who underwent TAVI and 45 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study. Echocardiographic parameters, serum apelin, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP), and troponin I levels were compared between the groups. In addition, the preprocedural and first-month follow-up echocardiographic parameters and serum apelin values of TAVI patients were compared. Results: Serum median troponin I and Pro-BNP levels were significantly higher and serum apelin levels were significantly lower in TAVI patients before TAVI procedure than in the control subjects (P<0.001, for all). Median troponin I and Pro-BNP levels were significantly decreased and apelin levels were significantly increased after TAVI procedure compared to the peri-procedural levels. There was a significant and moderate negative correlation between Pro-BNP and apelin levels measured before and after TAVI procedure. A statistically significant and strong negative correlation was found between aortic valve area and Pro-BNP level before TAVI procedure, while a statistically significant but weak positive correlation was found between valve area and apelin level. Conclusion: In our study, apelin levels were significantly lower and Pro-BNP levels were higher in AS patients compared with the control group. Moreover, after TAVI procedure, a significant increase in apelin levels and a significant decrease in Pro-BNP levels were observed. There was also a negative and moderate correlation between apelin and Pro-BNP levels.

Impact of objective nutritional indexes on 1-year mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a prospective observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The prognostic value of objective nutritional indexes has been demonstrated in many diseases. This study evaluated the prognostic value of these indexes in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Totally, 119 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI between January 2016 and December 2018 were evaluated. All patients were followed-up for one year. Objective nutritional index (geriatric nutritional risk index [GNRI], prognostic nutritional index [PNI]) and controlling nutritional status [CONUT]) scores were calculated before TAVI. RESULTS: Mean age of the study population was 77.1 ± 7.8 years (59.7% female). During one-year follow-up, 31 (26.1%) deaths were observed. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, mortality rates were significantly increased in patients with lower GNRI and PNI and higher CONUT scores (50.01% vs. 4.4%; p < .001, 48.1% vs. 15.2%; p < .001, 57.5% vs. 12.8%; p < .001, respectively). Pairwise comparisons of the ROC curves demonstrated that the GNRI score was a significantly better predictor of mortality than the PNI and CONUT scores (area under curve; 0.898, 0.664, and 0.722, respectively, for both; p < .001). According to Cox proportional hazard analyses, the GNRI (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.898) and STS (HR: 1.359) score were independently associated with increased 1-year mortality (for all p < .05). CONCLUSION: The GNRI, PNI and CONUT scores were associated with 1-year all-cause mortality in patients who underwent TAVI. The predictive value of the GNRI score was significantly better than the PNI or CONUT scores. Assessment of the GNRI should be considered before TAVI.

Gender-related clinical and management differences in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

AIM: Gender-related differences have been described in the clinical characteristics and management of patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, published data are conflictive in this regard. METHODS: We investigated differences in clinical and management variables between male and female patients from the ATA study, a prospective, multicentre, observational study that included 1462 outpatients with chronic HFrEF between January and June 2019. RESULTS: Study population was predominantly male (70.1%). In comparison to men, women with chronic HFrEF were older (66 ± 11 years vs 69 ± 12 years, P < .001), suffered more hospitalisations and presented more frequently with NYHA class III or IV symptoms. Ischaemic heart disease was more frequent in men, whereas anaemia, thyroid disease and depression were more frequent in women. No difference was seen between genders in the use rate of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, or ivabradine, or in the proportion of patients achieving target doses of these drugs. Regarding device therapies, men were more often treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and women received more cardiac resynchronisation therapy. CONCLUSION: In summary, although management seemed to be equivalent between genders, women tended to present with more symptoms, require hospitalisation more frequently and have different comorbidities than men. These results highlight the importance of gender-related differences in HFrEF and call for further research to clarify the causes of these disparities. Gender-specific recommendations should be included in future guidelines in HFrEF.

The Impact of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) on Serum Apelin Levels in Patients with Aortic Valvular Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on serum apelin levels in patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS). METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients (76.9±7.4 years, n=27 women) who underwent TAVI and 45 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study. Echocardiographic parameters, serum apelin, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP), and troponin I levels were compared between the groups. In addition, the preprocedural and first-month follow-up echocardiographic parameters and serum apelin values of TAVI patients were compared. RESULTS: Serum median troponin I and Pro-BNP levels were significantly higher and serum apelin levels were significantly lower in TAVI patients before TAVI procedure than in the control subjects (P<0.001, for all). Median troponin I and Pro-BNP levels were significantly decreased and apelin levels were significantly increased after TAVI procedure compared to the peri-procedural levels. There was a significant and moderate negative correlation between Pro-BNP and apelin levels measured before and after TAVI procedure. A statistically significant and strong negative correlation was found between aortic valve area and Pro-BNP level before TAVI procedure, while a statistically significant but weak positive correlation was found between valve area and apelin level. CONCLUSION: In our study, apelin levels were significantly lower and Pro-BNP levels were higher in AS patients compared with the control group. Moreover, after TAVI procedure, a significant increase in apelin levels and a significant decrease in Pro-BNP levels were observed. There was also a negative and moderate correlation between apelin and Pro-BNP levels.

The Influence of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity on Short-Term Functional Capacity in Patients with Mild Paravalvular Regurgitation Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, the clinical significance of mild paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) has been evaluated and suggested that it can be predictor of clinical outcomes. In our study, we aimed to investigate the interaction of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and mild PAR and their effects on the functional status of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: A total of 109 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis were enrolled prospectively. After TAVI procedure, they were divided in to three groups according to PAR and PWV measurements. Patients without PAR were defined as the NonePAR group (n=60), patients with mild PAR and normal PWV were defined as the MildPAR-nPWV group (n=23), and patients with mild PAR and high PWV were defined as the MildPAR-hPWV group (n=26). RESULTS: Compared with other groups, the MildPAR-hPWV group was older (P<0.001), hypertensive (P=0.015), and had a higher pulse pressure (P=0.018). In addition to PWV, this group had lower aortic regurgitation index (ARI) (P=0.010) and higher rate of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II (at least) patients (P<0.001) in 30-day follow-up period. On multivariate regression analysis, the MildPARhPWV group (odds ratio=1.364, 95% confidence interval 1.221-1.843; P=0.011) as well as N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and ARI were independently related with 30-day functional NYHA classification. However, NonePAR or MildPAR-nPWV group was not an independent predictor of early functional status. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that high PWV may adversely affect early functional status in patients with mild PAR in contrast to normal values following TAVI.

The influence of aortic pulse wave velocity on short-term functional capacity in patients with mild paravalvular regurgitation following transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Introduction: Recently, the clinical significance of mild paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) has been evaluated and suggested that it can be predictor of clinical outcomes. In our study, we aimed to investigate the interaction of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and mild PAR and their effects on the functional status of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: A total of 109 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis were enrolled prospectively. After TAVI procedure, they were divided in to three groups according to PAR and PWV measurements. Patients without PAR were defined as the NonePAR group (n=60), patients with mild PAR and normal PWV were defined as the MildPAR-nPWV group (n=23), and patients with mild PAR and high PWV were defined as the MildPAR-hPWV group (n=26). Results: Compared with other groups, the MildPAR-hPWV group was older (P<0.001), hypertensive (P=0.015), and had a higher pulse pressure (P=0.018). In addition to PWV, this group had lower aortic regurgitation index (ARI) (P=0.010) and higher rate of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II (at least) patients (P<0.001) in 30-day follow-up period. On multivariate regression analysis, the MildPARhPWV group (odds ratio=1.364, 95% confidence interval 1.221-1.843; P=0.011) as well as N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and ARI were independently related with 30-day functional NYHA classification. However, NonePAR or MildPAR-nPWV group was not an independent predictor of early functional status. Conclusion: It was concluded that high PWV may adversely affect early functional status in patients with mild PAR in contrast to normal values following TAVI.

Adherence to guideline-directed medical and device Therapy in outpAtients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: The ATA study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite recommendations from heart failure guidelines on the use of pharmacologic and device therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), important inconsistencies in guideline adherence persist in practice. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to guideline-directed medical and device therapy for the treatment of patients with chronic HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%). METHODS: The Adherence to guideline-directed medical and device Therapy in outpAtients with HFrEF (ATA) study is a prospective, multicenter, observational study conducted in 24 centers from January 2019 to June 2019. RESULTS: The study included 1462 outpatients (male: 70.1%, mean age: 67±11 years, mean LVEF: 30%±6%) with chronic HFrEF. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and ivabradin were used in 78.2%, 90.2%, 55.4%, and 12.1% of patients, respectively. The proportion of patients receiving target doses of medical treatments was 24.6% for RAS inhibitors, 9.9% for beta-blockers, and 10.5% for MRAs. Among patients who met the criteria for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), only 16.9% of patients received an ICD (167 of 983) and 34% (95 of 279) of patients underwent CRT (95 of 279). CONCLUSION: The ATA study shows that most HFrEF outpatients receive RAS inhibitors and beta-blockers but not MRAs or ivabradin when the medical reasons for nonuse, such as drug intolerance or contraindications, are taken into account. In addition, most eligible patients with HFrEF do not receive target doses of pharmacological treatments or guideline-recommended device therapy.

Morning blood pressure surge increases in patients with hypertensive primary hyperparathyroidism and is independently associated with serum calcium level.

Introduction: There is not enough data on the effects of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) on morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) in the literature. We aimed to determine whether there was any change in MBPS value in patients with hypertensive pHPT and to determine the parameters related to MBPS.Method: 80 patients with newly diagnosed pHPT with hypertension (HT) and 80 controls with newly diagnosed hypertension were included. Routine laboratory examinations and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed in all patients.Results: In patients with pHPT, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride, hs-CRP, uric acid, serum calcium (Ca), parathormone (PTH), daytime SBP and MBPS levels are higher than others (p < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) and Ca level were independently associated with MBPS. In patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg, BMI, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, Ca and PTH levels were found to be higher than others. BMI values and Ca levels determine the patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg (p < 0.05) independently. According to this analysis, increase in BMI (for each 1 unit) and Ca level (for each 0.1 mg/dL) was found to increase the probability of MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg by 17.8% and 7.7%, respectively. When the cut-off value for Ca was taken as 10 mg/dL, the patients with MBPS ≥ 25 mmHg were determined with 73.5% sensitivity and 73.1% specificity.Conclusion: MBPS significantly increases in patients with newly diagnosed hypertensive pHPT. This increase in MBPS is closely associated with increased Ca levels. In patients with pHPT, lowering the Ca level below 10 mg/dL may have clinical implications.

T wave positivity in lead aVR is associated with mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with increased comorbidity. Lead aVR in surface ECG has valuable information about prediction of mortality in many cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to determine the relationship between ischemic changes in lead aVR and mortality in TAVI patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 86 patients with TAVI. The ST segment deviation in lead aVR (STaVR) and T wave polarity (TPaVR) on surface ECG were measured. The absolute values of TPaVR and STaVR were calculated. A ratio (TP/STaVR or vice versa) was obtained from the division of the larger absolute value by the smaller one. RESULTS: The patients were divided into two groups as living and deceased. The living group had 68 patients, and the deceased group had 18 patients. The number of positive TPaVR patients after TAVI, TPaVR after TAVI, and TP/STaVR ratio after TAVI were significantly higher in the deceased group. The deceased group had a significantly shorter aortic annulus-LMCA distance. Presence of positive TPaVR (OR = 8.765, 95% CI: 1.088-70.618, p = 0.041), aortic annulus-LMCA distance (for each 1 mm increase, OR = 0.306, 95% CI: 0.158-0.595, p < 0.001) and TP/STaVR ratio (for each 0.1 increase, OR = 1.966, 95% CI: 1.276-3.024, p = 0.002) were determined as independent predictors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic changes in lead aVR may provide valuable information about mortality after TAVI.

Can QT interval prolongation or dispersion detected in a positive exercise ECG test predict critical coronary artery disease?

INTRODUCTION: Exercise electrocardiography (EET) is frequently used in coronary artery disease, but the specificity of this test is very low. In the literature, parameters such as QT prolongation and QT dispersion which show coronary artery disease and arrhythmia were not sufficiently investigated using EET. The aim of this study was to investigate whether QT interval prolongation or dispersion (QT disp) in a positive EET test could predict critical coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a positive exercise test were included in the study. Data regarding QT, QTc (corrected QT interval) and QT disp values before, during and after EET were noted. Critical coronary artery occlusions (≥ 70%) was recorded from coronary angiographic images. Patients were divided into two groups (critical CAD and non-critical CAD). RESULTS: A total of 192 patients were found to be eligible for the study. There were 126 patients in the non-critical CAD group (group 1) and 66 patients in the critical CAD group (group 2). Recovery QTc, peak QT disp, and recovery QT disp were significantly increased in group 2 (p < 0.001 for each). Also, target heart rate (p = 0.012), basal systolic blood pressure (p = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group 1. Recovery QTc (OR = 1.051) and recovery QT disp (OR = 1.117) were determined as the independent predictors for critical CAD. The ROC analysis results indicated that critical CAD could be diagnosed with 90% sensitivity when the recovery QTc cut-off value was set as 404 ms. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with positive EET, prolonged QTc and QT disp values measured during the recovery period would predict critical CAD. Thus, the clinical accuracy of EET may be enhanced.

Complete Heart Block due to Octreotide Infusion in Patient with Cryptogenic Cirrhosis.

A 62-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department (ED) with the complaint of intense hematemesis. He was admitted to intensive care unit because of acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage. He underwent sclerotherapy followed by a slow infusion of intravenous octreotide. Complete heart block occured in the patient during octreotide infusion and infusion was stopped. Temporary pacemaker was placed in the patient's heart. Normal sinus rhythm was observed in the follow up one day later and the pacemaker was removed from patient. He was discharged upon recommendation.

Lead aVR is a predictor for mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Normally, lead augmented vector right (aVR) has a negative T wave polarity (TaVR) in the electrocardiography (ECG). Positive TaVR and ST segment deviation in lead aVR (STaVR) have negative effects on mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients. AIM: Our aim was to investigate the relationship between lead aVR changes and mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 249 patients in 2011-2015 years (mean age 70.8±11.9 years and follow-up period 38.3±9.6 months). ECG, echocardiographic, and laboratory findings were recorded and compared in the study. Existence of positive TaVR, STaVR, and quantitative TaVR values were recorded and the absolute numerical values of TaVR and STaVR were recorded from the 12-lead surface ECG (T/STaVR ratio or vice versa). RESULTS: The patients were divided into two groups: living (171) and deceased (78). Age, systolic blood pressure, left atrial diameter, QRS duration, positive TaVR frequency, STaVR, absolute value of TaVR, and ratio were significantly higher in the deceased group. Age (OR: 1.106), STaVR (OR: 2.349), TaVR (OR: 1.612), and T/STaVR ratio (OR: 5.156) were determined as independent predictors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ST segment and T wave polarity changes in lead aVR closely associated with mortality in patients with HFpEF.