Prospective Cohort Study of Infective Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs

BackgroundInfective endocarditis (IE) in people who inject drugs (PWID) is an emergent public health problem.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate IE in PWID and compare it with IE in non-PWID patients.MethodsTwo prospective cohort studies (ICE-PCS and ICE-Plus databases, encompassing 8,112 IE episodes from 2000 to 2006 and 2008 to 2012, with 64 and 34 sites and 28 and 18 countries, respectively). Outcomes were compared between PWID and non-PWID patients with IE. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate risk factors for 6-month mortality and relapses amongst PWID.ResultsA total of 7,616 patients (591 PWID and 7,025 non-PWID) were included. PWID patients were significantly younger (median 37.0 years [interquartile range: 29.5 to 44.2 years] vs. 63.3 years [interquartile range: 49.3 to 74.0 years]; p < 0.001), male (72.5% vs. 67.4%; p = 0.007), and presented lower rates of comorbidities except for human immunodeficiency virus, liver disease, and higher rates of prior IE. Amongst IE cases in PWID, 313 (53%) episodes involved left-side valves and 204 (34.5%) were purely left-sided IE. PWID presented a larger proportion of native IE (90.2% vs. 64.4%; p < 0.001), whereas prosthetic-IE and cardiovascular implantable electronic device-IE were more frequent in non-PWID (9.3% vs. 27.0% and 0.5% vs. 8.6%; both p < 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus caused 65.9% and 26.8% of cases in PWID and non-PWID, respectively (p < 0.001). PWID presented higher rates of systemic emboli (51.1% vs. 22.5%; p < 0.001) and persistent bacteremia (14.7% vs. 9.3%; p < 0.001). Cardiac surgery was less frequently performed (39.5% vs. 47.8%; p < 0.001), and in-hospital and 6-month mortality were lower in PWID (10.8% vs. 18.2% and 14.4% vs. 22.2%; both p < 0.001), whereas relapses were more frequent in PWID (9.5% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.001). Prior IE, left-sided IE, polymicrobial etiology, intracardiac complications, and stroke were risk factors for 6-month mortality, whereas cardiac surgery was associated with lower mortality in the PWID population.ConclusionsA notable proportion of cases in PWID involve left-sided valves, prosthetic valves, or are caused by microorganisms other than S. aureus.     

Stroke Complicating Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundStroke is one of the most common and potentially disabling complications of infective endocarditis (IE). However, scarce data exist about stroke complicating IE after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with definite IE after TAVR complicated by stroke during index IE hospitalization.MethodsData from the Infectious Endocarditis after TAVR International Registry (including 569 patients who developed definite IE following TAVR from 59 centers in 11 countries) was analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to stroke occurrence during IE admission (stroke [S-IE] vs. no stroke [NS-IE]).ResultsA total of 57 (10%) patients had a stroke during IE hospitalization, with no differences in causative microorganism between groups. S-IE patients exhibited higher rates of acute renal failure, systemic embolization, and persistent bacteremia (p < 0.05 for all). Previous stroke before IE, residual aortic regurgitation ≥moderate after TAVR, balloon-expandable valves, IE within 30 days after TAVR, and vegetation size >8 mm were associated with a higher risk of stroke during the index IE hospitalization (p < 0.05 for all). Stroke rate in patients with no risk factors was 3.1% and increased up to 60% in the presence of >3 risk factors. S-IE patients had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (54.4% vs. 28.7%; p < 0.001) and overall mortality at 1 year (66.3% vs. 45.6%; p < 0.001). Surgical treatment was not associated with improved outcomes in S-IE patients (in-hospital mortality: 46.2% in surgical vs. 58.1% in no surgical treatment; p = 0.47).ConclusionsStroke occurred in 1 of 10 patients with IE post-TAVR. A history of stroke, short time between TAVR and IE, vegetation size, valve prosthesis type, and residual aortic regurgitation determined an increased risk. The occurrence of stroke was associated with increased in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates, and surgical treatment failed to improve clinical outcomes.     

Diagnostic Value of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography in Prosthetic Pulmonary Valve Infective Endocarditis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performances of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients with pulmonary prosthetic valve or conduit endocarditis (PPVE) suspicion.BackgroundPPVE is a major issue in the growing CHD population. Diagnosis is challenging, and usual imaging tools are not always efficient or validated in this specific population. Particularly, the diagnostic yield of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT remains poorly studied in PPVE.MethodsA retrospective multicenter study was conducted in 8 French tertiary centers. Children and adult CHD patients who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the setting of PPVE suspicion between January 2010 and May 2020 were included. The cases were initially classified as definite, possible, or rejected PPVE regarding the modified Duke criteria and finally by the Endocarditis Team consensus. The result of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT had been compared with final diagnosis consensus used as gold-standard in our study.ResultsA total of 66 cases of PPVE suspicion involving 59 patients (median age 23 years, 73% men) were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in PPVE suspicion were respectively: 79.1% (95% CI: 68.4%-91.4%), 72.7% (95% CI: 60.4%-85.0%), 91.9% (95% CI: 79.6%-100.0%), and 47.1% (95% CI: 34.8%-59.4%). ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT findings would help to correctly reclassify 57% (4 of 7) of possible PPVE to definite PPVE.ConclusionsUsing ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT improves the diagnostic accuracy of the Duke criteria in CHD patients with suspected PPVE. Its high positive predictive value could be helpful in routine to shorten diagnosis and treatment delays and improve clinical outcomes.     

Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundInfective endocarditis may affect patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to provide detailed information on incidence rates, types of microorganisms, and outcomes of infective endocarditis after TAVR.MethodsBetween February 2011 and July 2018, consecutive patients from the SwissTAVI Registry were eligible. Infective endocarditis was classified into early (peri-procedural [<100 days] and delayed-early [100 days to 1 year]) and late (>1 year) endocarditis. Clinical events were adjudicated according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 endpoint definitions.ResultsDuring the observational period, 7,203 patients underwent TAVR at 15 hospitals in Switzerland. During follow-up of 14,832 patient-years, endocarditis occurred in 149 patients. The incidence for peri-procedural, delayed-early, and late endocarditis after TAVR was 2.59, 0.71, and 0.40 events per 100 person-years, respectively. Among patients with early endocarditis, Enterococcus species were the most frequently isolated microorganisms (30.1%). Among those with peri-procedural endocarditis, 47.9% of patients had a pathogen that was not susceptible to the peri-procedural antibiotic prophylaxis. Younger age (subhazard ratio [SHR]: 0.969; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.944 to 0.994), male sex (SHR: 1.989; 95% CI: 1.403 to 2.818), lack of pre-dilatation (SHR: 1.485; 95% CI: 1.065 to 2.069), and treatment in a catheterization laboratory as opposed to hybrid operating room (SHR: 1.648; 95% CI: 1.187 to 2.287) were independently associated with endocarditis. In a case-control matched analysis, patients with endocarditis were at increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 6.55; 95% CI: 4.44 to 9.67) and stroke (hazard ratio: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.54 to 10.52).ConclusionsInfective endocarditis after TAVR most frequently occurs during the early period, is commonly caused by Enterococcus species, and results in considerable risks of mortality and stroke. (NCT01368250)     

Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but serious complication following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Despite substantial improvements in the TAVR procedure (less invasive) and its expansion to younger and healthier patients, the incidence of IE after TAVR remains stable, with incidence rates similar to those reported after surgical aortic valve replacement. Although IE after TAVR is recognized as a subtype of prosthetic valve endocarditis, this condition represents a particularly challenging scenario given its unique clinical and microbiological profile, the high incidence of IE-related complications, the uncertain role of cardiac surgery, and the dismal prognosis in most patients with TAVR-IE. The number of TAVR procedures is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, increasing the number of patients at risk of developing this life-threatening complication. Therefore, a detailed understanding of this disease and its complications will be essential to improve clinical outcomes.     

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Residual Lesion of the Aortic Valve Following “Healed” Infective Endocarditis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and mid-term efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the setting of aortic valve (AV) infective endocarditis (IE) with residual lesion despite successful antibiotic treatment.BackgroundPatients with AV-IE presenting residual lesion despite successful antibiotic treatment are often rejected for cardiac surgery due to high-risk. The use of TAVR following IE is not recommended.MethodsThis was a multicenter retrospective study across 10 centers, gathering baseline, in-hospital, and 1-year follow-up characteristics of patients with healed AV-IE treated with TAVR. Matched comparison according to sex, EuroSCORE, chronic kidney disease, left ventricular function, prosthesis type, and valve-in-valve procedure was performed with a cohort of patients free of prior IE treated with TAVR (46 pairs).ResultsAmong 2,920 patients treated with TAVR, 54 (1.8%) presented with prior AV-IE with residual valvular lesion and healed infection. They had a higher rate of multivalvular disease and greater surgical risk scores. A previous valvular prosthesis was more frequent than a native valve (50% vs. 7.5%; p < 0.001). The in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were 5.6% and 11.1%, respectively, comparable to the control cohort. After matching, the 1-year III to IV aortic regurgitation rate was 27.9% (vs. 10%; p = 0.08) and was independently associated with higher mortality. There was only 1 case of IE relapse (1.8%); however, 18% of patients were complicated with sepsis, and 43% were readmitted due to heart failure.ConclusionsTAVR is a safe therapeutic alternative for residual valvular lesion after successfully healed AV-IE. At 1-year follow-up, the risk of IE relapse was low and mortality rate did not differ from TAVR patients free of prior IE, but one-fourth presented with significant aortic regurgitation and >50% required re-admission.     

Comparison Between ESC and Duke Criteria for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to assess the value of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria, including ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) in prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVE). Secondary objectives were: 1) to assess the reproducibility of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT; 2) to compare its diagnostic value with that of echocardiography; and 3) to assess the diagnostic value of the presence of a diffuse splenic uptakeBackground¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT has been added as a major criterion in the ESC 2015 infective endocarditis (IE) guidelines, but the benefit of the ESC criteria has not been prospectively compared with the conventional Duke criteria.MethodsBetween 2014 and 2017, 175 patients with suspected PVE were prospectively included in 3 French centers. After exclusion of patients with uninterpretable ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, 115 patients were evaluated, including 91 definite and 24 rejected IE, as defined by an expert consensus.ResultsCardiac uptake by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was observed in 67 of 91 patients with definite PVE and 6 with rejected IE (sensitivity 73.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 63.3% to 82.3%], specificity 75% [95% CI: 53.3% to 90.2%]). The ESC 2015 classification increased the sensitivity of Duke criteria from 57.1% (95% CI: 46.3% to 67.5%) to 83.5% (95% CI: 74.3% to 90.5%) (p < 0.001), but decreased its specificity from 95.8% (95% CI: 78.9% to 99.9%) to 70.8% (95% CI: 48.9% to 87.4%). Intraobserver reproducibility of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was good (kappa = 0.84) but interobserver reproducibility was less satisfactory (kappa = 0.63). A diffuse splenic uptake was observed in 24 (20.3%) patients, including 23 (25.3%) of definite PVE, and only 1 (4.2%) rejected PVE (p = 0.024).Conclusions¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is a useful diagnostic tool in suspected PVE, and explains the greater sensitivity of ESC criteria than Duke criteria. However, ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT also presents with important limitations concerning its feasibility, specificity, and reproducibility. Our study describes for the first time a new endocarditis criterion, that is, the presence of a diffuse splenic uptake on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT.     

5-Year Prognostic Value of Quantitative Versus Visual MPI in Subtle Perfusion Defects: Results From REFINE SPECT

ObjectivesThis study compared the ability of automated myocardial perfusion imaging analysis to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) to that of visual analysis.BackgroundQuantitative analysis has not been compared with clinical visual analysis in prognostic studies.MethodsA total of 19,495 patients from the multicenter REFINE SPECT (REgistry of Fast Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with NExt generation SPECT) study (64 ± 12 years of age, 56% males) undergoing stress Tc-99m-labeled single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging were followed for 4.5 ± 1.7 years for MACE. Perfusion abnormalities were assessed visually and categorized as normal, probably normal, equivocal, or abnormal. Stress total perfusion deficit (TPD), quantified automatically, was categorized as TPD = 0%, TPD >0% to <1%, ≤1% to <3%, ≤3% to <5%, ≤5% to ≤10%, or TPD >10%. MACE consisted of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or late revascularization (>90 days). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to test the performance of visual and quantitative assessments in predicting MACE.ResultsDuring follow-up examinations, 2,760 (14.2%) MACE occurred. MACE rates increased with worsening of visual assessments, that is, the rate for normal MACE was 2.0%, 3.2% for probably normal, 4.2% for equivocal, and 7.4% for abnormal (all p < 0.001). MACE rates increased with increasing stress TPD from 1.3% for the TPD category of 0% to 7.8% for the TPD category of >10% (p < 0.0001). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for MACE increased even in equivocal assessment (HR: 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37 to 1.78) and in the TPD category of ≤3% to <5% (HR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.41 to 2.14; all p < 0.001). The rate of MACE in patients visually assessed as normal still increased from 1.3% (TPD = 0%) to 3.4% (TPD ≥5%) (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsQuantitative analysis allows precise granular risk stratification in comparison to visual reading, even for cases with normal clinical reading.     

Feasibility of 68Ga-Labeled Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor PET/CT in Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis

BackgroundSystemic amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common type of amyloidosis, leading to cardiomyocyte necrosis and interstitial fibrosis. Gallium-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor 04 (⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04) has recently been introduced for imaging fibroblast activation in cardiac diseases. To date, cardiac fibroblast and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) phenotype activities have not been mapped.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in assessing AL CA.MethodsThirty consecutive patients (mean age: 59.1 ± 7.7 years; 20 men, 10 women) with biopsy-proven AL amyloidosis were enrolled prospectively (including 27 with AL CA and 3 without AL CA). All patients underwent ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT (107.4 ± 26.5 MBq). Global standardized uptake values and left ventricular (LV) molecular volume were calculated in correlation to echocardiography (n = 30), cardiac magnetic resonance (n = 18), and clinical biomarkers. Subsequently, the patients were categorized as having patchy (PET-patchy), extensive (PET-extensive), and negative (PET-negative) patterns.ResultsOf all patients, 80% (24 of 30) showed increased LV uptake (PET-patchy [n = 4] vs PET-extensive [n = 20]), whereas 6 patients did not show visible myocardial uptake. Standardized uptake value ratio and LV molecular volume were significantly higher in the PET-extensive than the PET-patchy group (2.79 mL ± 1.22 mL vs 1.53 mL ± 0.66 mL [P = 0.045] and 198.3 mL ± 59.97 mL vs 127.8 mL ± 25.82 [P = 0.005], respectively). Additionally, ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 uptake was significantly correlated with clinical biomarkers (Mayo stage and N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide), interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-systolic volume, extracellular volume, and LV global strain (P < 0.05).Conclusions⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT is feasible in detecting myocardial fibroblast activation in patients with AL CA in correlation with myocardial remodeling. It might provide complementary information on cardiac molecular characterization and staging of disease.     

Prevalence and Outcomes of Concomitant Aortic Stenosis and Cardiac Amyloidosis

BackgroundOlder patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are increasingly identified as having cardiac amyloidosis (CA). It is unknown whether concomitant AS-CA has worse outcomes or results in futility of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).ObjectivesThis study identified clinical characteristics and outcomes of AS-CA compared with lone AS.MethodsPatients who were referred for TAVR at 3 international sites underwent blinded research core laboratory ^99mtechnetium-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) bone scintigraphy (Perugini grade 0: negative; grades 1 to 3: increasingly positive) before intervention. Transthyretin-CA (ATTR) was diagnosed by DPD and absence of a clonal immunoglobulin, and light-chain CA (AL) was diagnosed via tissue biopsy. National registries captured all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 407 patients (age 83.4 ± 6.5 years; 49.8% men) were recruited. DPD was positive in 48 patients (11.8%; grade 1: 3.9% [n = 16]; grade 2/3: 7.9% [n = 32]). AL was diagnosed in 1 patient with grade 1. Patients with grade 2/3 had worse functional capacity, biomarkers (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and/or high-sensitivity troponin T), and biventricular remodeling. A clinical score (RAISE) that used left ventricular remodeling (hypertrophy/diastolic dysfunction), age, injury (high-sensitivity troponin T), systemic involvement, and electrical abnormalities (right bundle branch block/low voltages) was developed to predict the presence of AS-CA (area under the curve: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.78 to 0.94; p < 0.001). Decisions by the heart team (DPD-blinded) resulted in TAVR (333 [81.6%]), surgical AVR (10 [2.5%]), or medical management (65 [15.9%]). After a median of 1.7 years, 23% of patients died. One-year mortality was worse in all patients with AS-CA (grade: 1 to 3) than those with lone AS (24.5% vs. 13.9%; p = 0.05). TAVR improved survival versus medical management; AS-CA survival post-TAVR did not differ from lone AS (p = 0.36).ConclusionsConcomitant pathology of AS-CA is common in older patients with AS and can be predicted clinically. AS-CA has worse clinical presentation and a trend toward worse prognosis, unless treated. Therefore, TAVR should not be withheld in AS-CA.     

Multiparametric Echocardiography Scores for the Diagnosis of Cardiac Amyloidosis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the accuracy of a broad range of echocardiographic variables to develop multiparametric scores to diagnose CA in patients with proven light chain (AL) amyloidosis or those with increased heart wall thickness who had amyloid was suspected. We also aimed to further characterize the structural and functional changes associated with amyloid infiltration.BackgroundCardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a serious but increasingly treatable cause of heart failure. Diagnosis is challenging and frequently unclear at echocardiography, which remains the most often used imaging tool.MethodsWe studied 1,187 consecutive patients evaluated at 3 referral centers for CA and analyzed morphological, functional, and strain-derived echocardiogram parameters with the aim of developing a score-based diagnostic algorithm. Cardiac amyloid burden was quantified by using extracellular volume measurements at cardiac magnetic resonance.ResultsA total of 332 patients were diagnosed with AL amyloidosis and 339 patients with transthyretin CA. Concentric remodeling and strain-derived parameters displayed the best diagnostic performance. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating relative wall thickness, E wave/e′ wave ratio, longitudinal strain, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion had the greatest diagnostic performance in AL amyloidosis (area under the curve: 0.90; 95% confidence interval: 0.87 to 0.92), whereas the addition of septal apical–to–base ratio yielded the best diagnostic accuracy in the increased heart wall thickness group (area under the curve: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.85 to 0.90).ConclusionsSpecific functional and structural parameters characterize different burdens of CA deposition with different diagnostic performances and enable the definition of 2 scores that are sensitive and specific tools with which diagnose or exclude CA.     

A Contemporary Picture of Enterococcal Endocarditis

BackgroundEnterococcal endocarditis (EE) is a growing entity in Western countries. However, quality data from large studies is lacking.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and analyze the prognostic factors of EE in the GAMES cohort.MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of patients from 35 Spanish centers from 2008 to 2016. Characteristics and outcomes of 516 cases of EE were compared with those of 3,308 cases of nonenterococcal endocarditis (NEE). Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to investigate risk factors for in-hospital and 1-year mortality, as well as relapses.ResultsPatients with EE were significantly older; more frequently presented chronic lung disease, chronic heart failure, prior endocarditis, and degenerative valve disease; and had higher median age-adjusted Charlson score. EE more frequently involved the aortic valve and prosthesis (64.3% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001; and 35.9% vs. 28.9%; p = 0.002, respectively) but less frequently pacemakers/defibrillators (1.5% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.001), and showed higher rates of acute heart failure (45% vs. 38.3%; p = 0.005). Cardiac surgery was less frequently performed in EE (40.7% vs. 45.9%; p = 0.024). No differences in in-hospital and 1-year mortality were found, whereas relapses were significantly higher in EE (3.5% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.035). Increasing Charlson score, LogEuroSCORE, acute heart failure, septic shock, and paravalvular complications were risk factors for mortality, whereas prior endocarditis was protective and persistent bacteremia constituted the sole risk factor for relapse.ConclusionsBesides other baseline and clinical differences, EE more frequently affects prosthetic valves and less frequently pacemakers/defibrillators. EE presents higher rates of relapse than NEE.     

Prognostic Value of Stress CMR Perfusion Imaging in Patients With Reduced Left Ventricular Function

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients with reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function.BackgroundPatients with ischemic cardiomyopathy are at risk from both myocardial ischemia and heart failure. Invasive testing is often used as the first-line investigation, and there is limited evidence as to whether stress testing can effectively provide risk stratification.MethodsIn this substudy of a multicenter registry from 13 U.S. centers, patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (<50%), referred for stress CMR for suspected myocardial ischemia, were included. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. The secondary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina or congestive heart failure, and unplanned late coronary artery bypass graft surgery.ResultsAmong 582 patients (mean age 62 ± 12 years, 34% women), 40% had a history of congestive heart failure, and the median LV ejection fraction was 39% (interquartile range: 28% to 45%). At median follow-up of 5.0 years, 97 patients had experienced the primary outcome, and 182 patients had experienced the secondary outcome. Patients with no CMR evidence of ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) experienced an annual primary outcome event rate of 1.1%. The presence of ischemia, LGE, or both was associated with higher event rates. In a multivariate model adjusted for clinical covariates, ischemia and LGE were independent predictors of the primary (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68 to 4.14; p < 0.001; and HR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.29; p = 0.03) and secondary (HR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.55 to 2.95; p < 0.001; and HR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.49; p = 0.007) outcomes. The addition of ischemia and LGE led to improved model discrimination for the primary outcome (change in C statistic from 0.715 to 0.765; p = 0.02). The presence and extent of ischemia were associated with higher rates of use of downstream coronary angiography, revascularization, and cost of care spent on ischemia testing.ConclusionsStress CMR was effective in risk-stratifying patients with reduced LV ejection fractions. (Stress CMR Perfusion Imaging in the United States [SPINS] Study; NCT03192891)     

CMR and CT of the Patient With Cardiac Devices: Safety,Efficacy, and Optimization Strategies

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac CT (CCT) have evolved into powerful diagnostic tools in the evaluation of patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, the use of these imaging techniques poses potential safety concerns for patients with implanted cardiac devices. These concerns result from the potential for electromagnetic interaction between the device and the CMR field or CCT x-ray radiation, which could lead to device heating, malfunction, or dislocation. Additionally, the presence of cardiac devices may induce significant image artifacts due to local magnetic field inhomogeneities (CMR) or photon starvation/beam hardening (CCT). In this review summarizes the safety issues regarding imaging in patients with cardiac devices. Optimization strategies to mitigate image artifacts and to improve imaging efficacy are discussed.     

Effect of Immunosuppressive Therapy and Biopsy Status in Monitoring Therapy Response in Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis

BackgroundPatients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis frequently undergo fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging to assess disease activity at baseline and after treatment initiation.ObjectivesThis study investigated the effect of immunosuppressive therapy and biopsy status to achieve complete treatment response (CTR), partial treatment response (PTR), or no response (NR) on myocardial FDG-PET/CT.MethodsThis study analyzed 83 patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis (aged 53 ± 1.8 years, 71% were male, 69% were White, 61% had a history of biopsy-confirmed sarcoidosis) who were treatment naive, had evidence of myocardial FDG at baseline, and underwent repeat PET imaging after treatment initiation. CTR was graded visually, and PTR/NR were measured both visually and quantitatively using the total glycolytic activity. Patients were also evaluated for the occurrence of death, sustained ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure admissions.ResultsOverall, 59 patients (71%) achieved CTR/PTR (30%/41%) at follow-up scan (P = 0.04). Total glycolytic activity and visual estimate of PTR/NR had excellent agreement (κ = 0.86 [95% CI: 0.72-0.99]; P < 0.0001). In patients receiving prednisone only, the highest rates of CTR/PTR were observed in patients initiated on moderate or high dose (P < 0.01). In a regression model, moderate prednisone start dose (P = 0.03) was more strongly associated with achieving CTR/PTR than was high prednisone start dose. However, the latter patients were tapered faster between start dose and follow-up scan (P < 0.01). After a median follow-up of 4.7 (IQR: 3.1-7.8) years, patients who were biopsy-proven (vs non-biopsy-proven; P = 0.029) and with preserved left ventricular function (P = 002) were less likely to experience major adverse cardiac events. Outcomes based on treatment response status (CTR vs PTR vs NR; P = 0.23) were not significantly different.ConclusionsAmong patients with suspected sarcoidosis and evidence of myocardial inflammation, treatment response by serial FDG-PET was variable, but a favorable response was more common when using moderate-to-high intensity prednisone dose. Biopsy-proven individuals and those with preserved systolic function were less likely to experience adverse outcomes during follow-up.     

Incidence,Characterization, and Clinical Impact of Device-Related Thrombus Following Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in the Prospective Global AMPLATZER Amulet Observational Study

ObjectivesThis study sought to report the incidence, characteristics, and clinical impact of device-related thrombus (DRT) following left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the AMPLATZER Amulet device (Abbott, Plymouth, Minnesota).BackgroundDRT is a potential serious complication of LAAO, but the incidence and clinical impact of DRTs in a real-world setting are not well characterized.MethodsA total of 1,088 patients were enrolled in a multicenter prospective study and followed for 1 year. All events were adjudicated by an independent committee, including the presence of DRT. Patients with DRT were reviewed for suboptimal device implantation and characterization of DRT formation. Multiple Cox regression was performed to identify predictors of DRT formation.ResultsDevice implantation was successful in 1,078 (99%) patients, with 1-year follow-up completed in 96.3% of patients. A total of 18 DRTs occurred in 17 patients (1.7%/year), as a second DRT developed following complete resolution of an initial DRT in 1 patient. The left upper pulmonary vein ridge was not covered by the Amulet disc in 82% of DRT patients, indicating suboptimal implantation, with most thrombus developing in the untrabeculated area of the LAA ostium between the pulmonary vein ridge and the upper edge of the disc. Three (18%) DRT patients had an ischemic stroke, all within 3 months of DRT diagnosis. Patients with a DRT were at a greater risk for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack compared with non-DRT patients (hazard ratio: 5.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.58 to 17.55; p = 0.007). Larger LAA orifice width was a predictor of DRT formation (hazard ratio: 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 1.19; p = 0.04).ConclusionsFollowing LAAO with the AMPLATZER Amulet device, DRT was observed infrequently. Although the presence of DRT was associated with an increased rate of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack as compared with patients without DRT, the large majority of DRT patients (82%) did not experience any ischemic neurologic events.     

DPD Quantification in Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Novel Imaging Biomarker

ObjectivesTo assess whether single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) quantification of bone scintigraphy would improve diagnostic accuracy and offer a means of quantifying amyloid burden.BackgroundTransthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis is common and can be diagnosed noninvasively using bone scintigraphy; interpretation, however, relies on planar images. SPECT/CT imaging offers 3-dimensional visualization.MethodsThis was a single-center, retrospective analysis of ^99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) scans reported using the Perugini grading system (0 = negative; 1 to 3 = increasingly positive). Conventional planar quantification techniques (heart/contralateral lung, and heart/whole-body retention ratios) were performed. Heart, adjacent vertebra, paraspinal muscle and liver peak standardized uptake values (SUV_peak) were recorded from SPECT/CT acquisitions. An SUV retention index was also calculated: (cardiac SUV_peak/vertebral SUV_peak) × paraspinal muscle SUV_peak. In a subgroup of patients, SPECT/CT quantification was compared with myocardial extracellular volume quantification by CT imaging (ECV_CT).ResultsA total of 100 DPD scans were analyzed (patient age 84 ± 9 years; 52% male): 40 were Perugini grade 0, 12 were grade 1, 41 were grade 2, and 7 were grade 3. Cardiac SUV_peak increased from grade 0 to grade 2; however, it plateaued between grades 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Paraspinal muscle SUV_peak increased with grade (p < 0.001), whereas vertebral SUV_peak decreased (p < 0.001). The composite parameter of SUV retention index overcame the plateauing of the cardiac SUV_peak and increased across all grades (p < 0.001). Cardiac SUV_peak correlated well (r² = 0.73; p < 0.001) with ECV_CT. Both the cardiac SUV_peak and SUV retention index had excellent diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.999). The heart to contralateral lung ratio performed the best of the planar quantification techniques (AUC: 0.987).ConclusionsSPECT/CT quantification in DPD scintigraphy is possible and outperforms planar quantification techniques. Differentiation of Perugini grade 2 or 3 is confounded by soft tissue uptake, which can be overcome by a composite SUV retention index. This index can help in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis and may offer a means of monitoring response to therapy.     

Prognostic Value of Initial Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With Reperfused STEMI

ObjectivesThis study sought to establish the best definition of left ventricular adverse remodeling (LVAR) to predict outcomes and determine whether its assessment adds prognostic information to that obtained by early cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).BackgroundLVAR, usually defined as an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) is the main cause of heart failure after an ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction; however, the role of assessment of LVAR in predicting cardiovascular events remains controversial.MethodsPatients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction who received percutaneous coronary intervention within 6 h of symptom onset were included (n = 498). CMR was performed during hospitalization (6.2 ± 2.6 days) and after 6 months (6.1 ± 1.8 months). The optimal threshold values of the LVEDV increase and the LV ejection fraction decrease associated with the primary endpoint were ascertained. Primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, or ventricular arrhythmia.ResultsThe study was completed by 374 patients. Forty-nine patients presented the primary endpoint during follow-up (72.9 ± 42.8 months). Values that maximized the ability to identify patients with and without outcomes were a relative rise in LVEDV of 15% (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1; p = 0.007) and a relative fall in LV ejection fraction of 3% (HR: 2.5; p = 0.001). However, the predictive model (using C-statistic analysis) failed to demonstrate that direct observation of LVAR at 6 months adds information to data from early CMR in predicting outcomes (C-statistic: 0.723 vs. 0.795).ConclusionsThe definition of LVAR that best predicts adverse cardiovascular events should consider both the increase in LVEDV and the reduction in LV ejection fraction. However, assessment of LVAR does not improve information provided by the early CMR.     

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of establishing a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) program for acute ischemic stroke in a community hospital using interventional cardiologists working closely with neurologists.BackgroundAmerican Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2018 guidelines give a Class I (Level of Evidence: A) recommendation for MT in eligible patients with large vessel occlusion stroke. Improvement in neurological outcomes with MT is highly time sensitive. Most hospitals do not have trained neurointerventionalists to perform MT, leading to treatment delays that reduce the benefit of reperfusion therapy.MethodsAn MT program based in the cardiac catheterization laboratory was developed using interventional cardiologists with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction teams.ResultsForty patients underwent attempted MT for acute ischemic stroke. An additional 5 patients who underwent angiography did not undergo attempted thrombectomy, because of absence of target thrombus (n = 4) or unsuitable anatomy (n = 1). Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score prior to MT was 19 and at discharge was 7. TICI (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction) grade 2b or 3 flow was restored in 80% of patients (32 of 40). At 90 days, 55% of patients (22 of 40) were functionally independent (modified Rankin score ≤2). In-hospital mortality was 13% (5 of 40). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 15% of patients (6 of 40). Major vascular complications occurred in 5% of patients (2 of 40).ConclusionsMT can be successfully performed by interventional cardiologists with carotid stenting experience working closely with neurologists in hospitals lacking formally trained neurointerventionists. This model has the potential to increase access to timely care for patients with acute ischemic stroke.