Giovanni Benfari

Acute electrocardiographic differences between Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare ECG findings between anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) in a similar sample of postmenopausal women. METHODS Between 2008 and 2011, 27 patients with TC were retrospectively enrolled and matched with 27 STEMI patients with the same age and sex taken from the prospective database of our laboratory. RESULTS The absence of abnormal Q waves, the ST depression in aVR and the lack of ST elevation in V1 were significantly associated with TC (respectively: 52% vs 18%, p=0.01; 47% vs 11%, p=0.01; 80% vs 41%, p=0.01). The combination of these ECG findings identified TC with a specificity of 95% and a positive predictive value of 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS The ECG on admission may be useful to distinguish TC from anterior STEMI. The combination of three ECG findings identifies patients with TC with high specificity and positive predictive value.

iFR-FFR comparison in daily practice: a single-center, prospective, online assessment.

Aims To compare the performance of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) with fractional flow reserve (FFR) in a real-life, prospective, single-center, and independent study. Methods and results Fifty-four patients were included and 89 angiographic intermediate lesions underwent functional evaluation with both iFR and FFR. FFR was used as the gold standard, and the patients having FFR values 0.80 or less only underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Linear regression demonstrated close agreement between the two techniques (R = 0.83, P < 0.0001). Receiver operator characteristic analysis confirmed the strong correlation, with an area under the curve approximately equal to unity. iFR detected ischemia with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 87%, respectively, thus revealing a positive predictive value of 78% and a negative predictive value of 100%. In addition, according to FFR assessment, percutaneous coronary intervention was performed on 39 lesions (43.8%) in 27 patients (50%), whereas positive iFR values were found in 52 lesions (+14.6% compared with FFR). At clinical follow-up (ranging from 6 to 16 months), all patients remained asymptomatic and none of them experienced major adverse cardiovascular events. Conclusions In this independent, online, comparison of iFR-FFR values in patients with angiographic intermediate lesions, results are consistent with those derived from previous offline controlled trials, and support the correlation between iFR and FFR in daily clinical practice.

Tpeak-to-Tend/QT is an independent predictor of early ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmic death in anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction patients

Background: The aim of our study was to analyse the markers of transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization, especially Tpeak-to-Tend and Tpeak-to-Tend /QT ratio, in patients with anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction on admission and to evaluate their association with in-hospital life-threatening arrhythmias and mortality. Methods and results: A total of 223 consecutive patients with anterior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction admitted to our Division of Cardiology between January 2010 and December 2012 were prospectively evaluated. A standard electrocardiogram was obtained on admission and then analysed. The primary end point was constituted by in-hospital ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmic death. At univariate analysis heart rate (odds ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence intervals 1.006-1.05; p=0.001), maximal ST elevation (odds ratio =1.25; 95% confidence intervals 1.10–1.43; p=0.0001), QTc Bazett (odds ratio = 1.01; 95% confidence intervals 1.006–1.02; p=0.002), QT dispersion (odds ratio = 1.02; 95% confidence intervals 1.002–1.04; p=0.02) and both Tpeak-to-Tend and Tpeak-to-Tend/QT (odds ratio = 1.02; 95% confidence intervals 1.01–1.03; p<0.0001 and OR = 1.07; 95% confidence intervals 1.03–1.11; p<0.0001 respectively) were significantly associated with ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmic mortality. Of note, Tpeak-to-Tend /QT remained a predictor of early ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmic death (odds ratio = 1.04; 95% confidence intervals 1.003 – 1.10; p=0.03) independently from heart rate and maximal ST elevation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that Tpeak-to-Tend /QT values <0.31 had a predictive negative value of 92% for the prediction of the composite outcome. Conclusions: Tpeak-to-Tend /QT was an independent predictor of early ventricular arrhythmias and arrhythmic mortality in patients with anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction. Especially, Tpeak-to-Tend /QT <0.31 may identify a subgroup of ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with low risk of early arrhythmias and arrhythmic death.

Dynamic changes of repolarization abnormalities in takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Objective This study analyses dynamic changes in dispersion of ventricular repolarization over the time course of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), and their relationships with clinical features and life-threatening arrhythmias. Methods and results All consecutive patients admitted to our division between January 2008 and December 2011 with a diagnosis of TC were analysed. Patients with prior myocardial infarction, symptoms-onset-to-admission time greater than 12 hours, an implanted pacemaker, or under treatment with drugs aff ecting QT interval, were excluded. Standard 12-lead ECG recordings during the acute, subacute and chronic phases were collected for each patient. Twentyfour patients (23 women, 63 ± 14 years) were included in our analysis. Only one patient experienced ventricular arrhythmias (4.2%). Signifi cant increases were observed in QT and QTc intervals (from 420 ± 423 to 505 ± 66 ms, P < 0.00001, and from 479 ± 33 to 551 ± 51 ms, P < 0.00001, respectively), QT dispersion (from 59 ± 18 to 100 ± 44 ms, P = 0.0006), Tpeak-to-Tend (from 82 ± 20 to 123 ± 39 ms, P = 0.00006) and Tpeak-to-Tend/QT (from 0.20 ± 0.33 to 0.26 ± 0.57, P = 0.0003) during the subacute phase. All these parameters returned to baseline values in the chronic phase and did not show any signifi cant diff erences between the acute and chronic phases. Conclusions A marked increase in QTc, QT dispersion, Tpeak-to-Tend and Tpeak-to-Tend/QT was observed during the subacute phase; this increase was transient and reverted in all patients before hospital discharge. Of note, these fi ndings were not associated with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.

Clinical presentation and outcome of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with systolic dysfunction

Aims The impact of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction on presentation and clinical outcome is uncertain due to confounding comorbidities and mediocre regurgitation ascertainment. Methods and results In a cohort of patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction, EF < 50%) and functional TR (assessed quantitatively), we matched TR grade-groups for age, sex, EF, and TR velocity. Association of quantified TR (effective regurgitant orifice, ERO, severe if ≥0.4 cm2) to clinical presentation and outcome was analysed. In the 291 cohort patients (age 70 ± 12 years) with left ventricular dysfunction (EF 31 ± 10%), functional TR ERO was 0.26 ± 0.3 cm2. Presentation with right heart failure was strongly related to TR quantified severity [adjusted odds ratios were 4.15 (1.95-8.84), P = 0.0002 for moderate TR and 6.86 (3.34-14.1), P < 0.0001 for severe TR]. Effective regurgitant orifice ≥0.4 cm2 was associated with increased mortality [hazard ratio 1.6 (1.17-2.2), P = 0.003] unadjusted and after comprehensive adjustment [hazard ratio 1.8 (1.16-2.8), P = 0.009]. Furthermore, ERO ≥0.4 cm2 was associated with increased cardiac events (mortality, new atrial fibrillation or heart failure) unadjusted [hazard ratio 1.9 (1.3-2.7), P = 0.002] and after comprehensive adjustment [hazard ratio 2.2 (1.1-4.6), P = 0.02]. Conclusion Tricuspid regurgitation, even moderate, is associated at diagnosis with more severe heart failure presentation. While moderate TR is associated with heart failure at presentation, our quantitative data show that the threshold associated with reduced survival and more cardiac events is ERO ≥0.4 cm2. These data emphasize the clinical impact of functional TR and warrant large cohort-analysis and clinical trials of treatment of TR associated with left ventricular dysfunction.

Pathophysiology of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: New 3-Dimensional Imaging Insights

Despite its high prevalence, little is known about mechanisms of mitral regurgitation in degenerative mitral valve disease apart from the leaflet prolapse itself. Mitral valve is a complex structure, including mitral annulus, mitral leaflets, papillary muscles, chords, and left ventricular walls. All these structures are involved in physiological and pathological functioning of this valvuloventricular complex but up to now were difficult to analyze because of inherent limitations of 2-dimensional imaging. The advent of 3-dimensional echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging overcoming these limitations provides new insights into mechanistic analysis of degenerative mitral regurgitation. This review will detail the contribution of quantitative and qualitative dynamic analysis of mitral annulus and mitral leaflets by new imaging methods in the understanding of degenerative mitral regurgitation pathophysiology.

Mitral Effective Regurgitant Orifice Area Predicts Pulmonary Artery Pressure Level in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis

Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) and elevated pulmonary artery pressure are common findings in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). The pathophysiologic role of quantitatively defined MR as a determinant of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is incompletely characterized across the whole spectrum of AS degrees. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the quantification of MR reveals a link to PH in patients with AS. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing comprehensive echocardiography and presenting peak aortic velocity ≥ 2.5 m/sec were prospectively enrolled. Effective regurgitant orifice area (ERO) and regurgitant volume were obtained using the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was calculated by adding right atrial pressure to the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient. Results A total of 642 patients were enrolled between 2008 and 2013 (mean age, 79 ± 11 years; mean ejection fraction, 62 ± 10%; mean aortic valve area, 1.09 ± 0.39 cm2); MR was present in 187 (29%). Of note, 154 of 187 patients (82%) showed ERO < 0.20 cm2. ERO and regurgitant volume had the most significant associations with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (R2 = 0.30 and R2 = 0.35, respectively, P < .0001). This relationship persisted after multivariate adjustment and in the subgroups of patients with severe AS or reduced ejection fraction (P < .0001). For each 0.10‐cm2 increase, the odds ratio for PH was 3.56 (95% CI, 2.65–4.86; P < .0001). Conclusions In patients with MR and a wide range of AS severity, ERO is independently associated with PH. Also, the role of MR quantification appears stronger than other continuous variables commonly associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, such as E/e′ ratio and left atrial volume. HighlightsSecondary MR is associated with PH in patients with aortic valve stenosis of a wide severity range.Each 0.1 cm2 of mitral ERO increase doubles the risk of presenting with PH.The MR relationship with pulmonary pressure is independent of ventricular function.

MITRAL ANNULAR DISJUNCTION PREVALENCE AND PHYSIOLOGIC CONSEQUENCES IN DEGENERATIVE MITRAL REGURGITATION: A DYNAMIC 3-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Background: Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is a localized detachment of annulus supporting the posterior leaflet from ventricular wall, described in myxomatous valve disease (MMVD). Whether this localized detachment causes physiologic consequences for annular and valvular dynamics is unknown.

Optimizing the role of transthoracic echocardiography to improve the cardiovascular risk stratification: the dream of subclinical coronary artery disease detection

Detecting coronary artery disease at a subclinical level has always been a challenging task for cardiologists. Various non-invasive echocardiographic approaches such as measurements of left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic function, left atrial enlargement, valve sclerosis and calcification, epicardial fat thickness, and pulse wave velocity have been proposed to integrate the available risk-charts. The present review is a collection of evidence that supports the role of the above mentioned features in cardiac risk stratification, summarizing the state of the art in non-invasive echocardiographic coronary risk assessment. Each parameter is presented with its strengths and weaknesses, aiming to trace the future directions for the development of a reliable non-invasive approach.

Concomitant mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis: One step further to low-flow preserved ejection fraction aortic stenosis

Aims Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and normal ejection fraction (EF) can paradoxically present low-transaortic flow and worse prognosis. The role of co-existing mitral regurgitation (MR) in determining this haemodynamic inconsistency has never been quantitatively explored. The hypothesis is that MR influences forward stroke volume and characterizes the low-flow AS pattern. Methods and results Consecutive patients with indexed aortic valve area (AVA) ≤0.6 cm2/m2 and EF > 50% formed the study population. Complete echocardiographic data were collected, and mitral effective regurgitant orifice area (ERO) and regurgitant volume were obtained with proximal isovelocity surface area method. Patients were divided into subgroups according to indexed stroke volume (SV index). Included patients were 273 [age 79 ± 10 years, 53% female, EF 65 ± 7%, indexed AVA 0.47 ± 0.09 cm2/m2, mean transaortic gradient (MG) 32 ± 17 mmHg]. Mitral regurgitation was present in 89 (32%); ERO was 0.12 ± 0.08 cm2 (range 0.02-0.49 cm2). A low-flow state (SV index ≤35 mL/m2) was diagnosed in 41 (15%) patients. The prevalence of MR was higher in with low-flow vs. normal-flow group (56 vs. 28%, P = 0.03). Effective regurgitant orifice was associated to low-flow state univariately (OR: 1.75 [1.59-2.60]; P = 0.004) and after comprehensive adjustment (OR:1.76 [1.12-2.75]; P = 0.01). When MG was forced in the model, ERO remained significant (P < 0.009). On average, there was a 6 mL reduction in forward SV appeared per each 0.1 cm2 of ERO. Conclusion In patients with severely reduced AVA and preserved EF, MR is a major determinant of the low-flow condition. Furthermore, MR quantification by ERO predicts the presence of reduced flow independently of chamber volumes, systolic function, and transaortic gradient.