Robert Chait

Midterm outcomes and quality of life following percutaneous coronary intervention in nonagenarians.

The midterm clinical and functional benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients aged ≥90 years have not been clearly defined. From January 2005 to June 2009, 173 patients aged ≥90 years underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization, of whom 90 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. There were 45 men (50%) and 45 women (50%), with a mean age of 92 years (range 90 to 101). Of these, 24 patients (27%) presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 31 (34%) with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 28 (31%) with unstable angina pectoris, and 2 (2%) with stable angina pectoris; 5 patients (6%) were studied for preoperative risk assessment. A total of 127 lesions were successfully treated using 102 drug-eluting stents and 37 bare-metal stents, with a mean of 1.5 stents per patient. Postprocedural complications included renal insufficiency in 5 patients (5.6%), heart failure in 6 patients (6.7%), and cardiogenic shock in 2 patients (2.2%). Seventy-seven patients (85.6%) experienced no postprocedural complications. In-hospital mortality was 7.8%, and actuarial survival was 61.5 ± 5.2% at 24 months and 31.6 ± 6.1% at 48 months. The SF-36 Health Survey was administered at follow-up, and results demonstrated a quality of life similar to that of the general population corrected for age and gender. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that percutaneous coronary intervention in nonagenarians can be accomplished with low mortality and morbidity and excellent midterm results. Moreover, functional improvement in nonagenarians supports enhanced quality of life comparable to that of the general population.

COCAINE ABUSE IN OLDER ADULTS: AN UNDERSCREENED COHORT

optimal serum 25(OH)D status (o75 nmol/L), and although a recent study showed a high proportion of adults displaying suboptimal serum 25(OH)D in winter for this location, the finding that a significant number of older adults may also have lower than optimal serum 25(OH)D status during summer is troubling. For the associations between serum 25(OH)D and functional measures, it was observed that lower serum 25(OH)D status was associated with higher TUG test scores in women, a finding potentially important from a public health position. This is because of the association observed between higher TUG scores and greater fall risk in community-dwelling adults, a significant cause of morbidity in this population, although at the multivariable level, when potential confounders such as age were added, serum 25(OH)D was not observed to be a significant determinant of TUG score. It is likely that the serum 25(OH)D status of this population affected the lack of relationship seen at the multivariable level between functional measures and serum 25(OH)D status. For example, research has shown that the most significant improvements in muscle strength may occur between low levels of serum 25(OH)D, up to a level of 50 nmol/L. Thus, with few of the participants having serum 25(OH)D less than 50 nmol/ L, this research adds further evidence that there may be a ‘‘threshold’’ at which the functional performance and risk of falling in populations with largely optimal serum 25(OH)D status may not be significantly improved with further increases in serum 25(OH)D status above 50 nmol/L.

A case of electromagnetic interference between HeartMate 3 LVAD and implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have been shown to have a significant benefit in reducing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with systolic heart failure. Additionally, cardiac devices as a bridge to transplant or destination therapy are often used in patients with end‐stage systolic heart failure. As a result, most patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) also have an ICD. Here, we present an electromagnetic interference (EMI) between HeartMate 3 LVAD and ICD. This issue might be critical for both electrophysiologists and advanced heart failure cardiologists to understand prior to implantation of ICD/LVADs in these patients.

Devices and interventions for the prevention of adverse outcomes of tachycardia on heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization in the USA. Despite advances in pharmacologic management, the incidence of HF is on the rise and survivability is persistently reduced. Sympathetic overdrive is implicated in the pathophysiology of HF, particularly HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Tachycardia can be particularly deleterious and thus has spurred significant investigation to mitigate its effects. Various modalities including vagus nerve stimulation, baroreceptor activation therapy, spinal cord stimulation, renal sympathetic nerve denervation, left cardiac sympathetic denervation, and carotid body removal will be discussed. However, the effects of these modalities on tachycardia and its outcomes in HFrEF have not been well-studied. Further studies to characterize this are necessary in the future.

Ultrafiltration versus intravenous loop diuretics in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background Intravenous loop diuretics are the first-line therapy for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) but many patients are discharged with unresolved congestion resulting in higher re-hospitalization and mortality rates. Ultrafiltration (UF) is a promising intervention for ADHF. However, studies comparing UF to diuretics have been inconsistent in their clinical outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed. Trials were included if they met the following criteria: (1) randomization with a control group, (2) comparison of UF with a loop diuretic, and (3) a diagnosis of ADHF. Results When compared to diuretics, UF was associated with a reduced risk of clinical worsening (odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38-0.86, P-value 0.007), increased likelihood for clinical decongestion (OR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.09-4.91, P-value 0.03) with greater weight (0.97 Kg, 95% CI: 0.52-1.42, P-value <0.0001) and volume reduction (1.11 L, 95% CI: 0.68-1.54, P-value <0.0001). The overall risk of re-hospitalization (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.62-1.38, P-value 0.70), return to emergency department (OR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.44-1.08, P-value 0.10) and mortality (OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.60-1.62, P-value 0.97) were not significantly improved by UF treatment. Conclusions UF is associated with significant improvements in clinical decongestion but not in rates of re-hospitalization or mortality.

Left Ventricular Aneurysm Presenting as Bidirectional Ventricular Tachycardia

Background: Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia is a rare form of ventricular arrhythmia, characterized by a changing of the mean QRS axis of 180 degrees. Digitalis toxicity is the most common cause of bidirectional ventricular tachycardia; other causes include myocarditis, aconite toxicity, metastatic cardiac tumor, myocardial infarction, and cardiac channelopathies. Case Report: A 73-year-old male with hypertension and a pacemaker implanted for sick sinus syndrome presented with a complaint of substernal chest pressure for several days. He also stated he had had an episode of near syncope. The patients physical examination was unremarkable; however, electrocardiogram demonstrated sustained bidirectional ventricular tachycardia. Echocardiogram showed severe anterior wall hypokinesis and an estimated ejection fraction of 35%, as well as an apical ventricular aneurysm. Electrophysiology study showed that the apical ventricular aneurysm was the site of the bidirectional arrhythmia. The patient was successfully treated with ventricular tachycardia ablation. Conclusion: This case is a unique example of a patient with bidirectional ventricular tachycardia originating from an apical left ventricular aneurysm that was treated successfully by ablation.

REDUCTION IN RADIATION AND CONTRAST DOSE IN TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT OVER TIME: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is recommended for severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). This study aims to evaluate the association between radiation dose, time and contrast dose in TAVR with improved experience over time. A Retrospective analysis of 570 patients with severe AS who

Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Severe Peripheral Artery Disease in a 20-Year-Old with Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with perinatally acquired HIV may be at increased risk due to the viral infection itself and exposure to HAART in utero or as part of treatment. A 20-year-old female with transplacentally acquired HIV infection presented with symptoms of transient aphasia, headache, palpitations, and blurry vision. She was admitted for hypertensive emergency with blood pressure 203/100 mmHg. Within a few hours, she complained of typical chest pain, and ECG showed marked ST depression. Troponin I levels escalated from 0.115 to 10.8. She underwent coronary angiogram showing 95% stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA) and severe peripheral arterial disease including total occlusion of both common iliacs and 95% infrarenal aortic stenosis with collateral circulation. She underwent successful percutaneous intervention with a drug-eluting stent to the mid-RCA. Patients with HIV are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Of these, coronary artery disease is one of the most critical complications of HIV. Perinatally acquired HIV infection can be a high-risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A high degree of suspicion is warranted in such patients, especially if they are noncompliant to their ART.

Perioperative Outcomes and Safety of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation in Octogenarians: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Benefits of Rhythm Control

Objectives: Catheter ablation for rhythm control has emerged as a successful therapeutic option for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), though it has not been well studied in octogenarians. This study evaluates its safety in octogenarians in a community hospital and reviews the benefits of rhythm control. Methods: Among 1,592 patients undergoing AF ablation, 84 octogenarian were identified. The primary outcome was normal sinus rhythm (NSR) on electrocardiogram at discharge. Secondary outcomes were periprocedural complications and markers and risks of reablation compared to younger cohorts. Results: An NSR on discharge occurred in 83 patients. Three patients required pacing for symptomatic sinus bradycardia, complete heart block, and symptomatic junctional bradycardia, respectively. Reablation for recurrent AF occurred in 23 octogenarians. Using the octogenarians as reference, the relative risk (RR) of 1 reablation was not significantly different among the age groups 70-79, 60-69, and <60 years. The RR of 2 reablations was greater in the octogenarian group (RR 0.26 [95% CI 0.09-0.71, p = 0.008], 0.42 [95% CI 0.17-1.04, p = 0.06], and 0.27 [95% CI 0.1-0.75, p = 0.01], respectively). Coronary artery disease (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.68, p = 0.026) and percutaneous coronary intervention (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.63, p = 0.021) were markers for reablation. Conclusion: AF catheter ablation achieved an NSR with minimal periprocedural complications. The benefits of rhythm control should be considered in treatment.

ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTIVATION TIME VIA HEMOTAG AND 2D ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: CORRELATION WITH TRICUSPID REGURGITATION PEAK VELOCITY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Background: Cardiac time intervals (CTI) have been classically obtained with phonocardiography, though this technique has been overlooked since the advent of the 2D M-mode echocardiography. The “HemoTag” is a new technology that uses heart sounds and an ECG signal transduced via 3 thoracic