Impact of increased venous pressure on kidney function and mortality in cardiovascular patients with preserved ejection fraction

Background: Right but not left ventricular hemodynamic parameters have been found to be independently associated with adverse renal outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Aim: To investigate the hemodynamic profile of patients without acute decompensated heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction >50% referred for elective left and right heart catheterization and to correlate left and right filling pressures, stroke volume and arterial blood pressure to renal function parameters. Subsequently, we tested the hypothesis that right ventricle and left ventricle hemodynamic parameters can predict all-cause mortality in our non-HF subjects. Methods: Between October 2009 and November 2010, 151 consecutive patients referred for elective left and right heart catheterization were studied and consequently followed up for a mean period of 8 years in order to identify all-cause mortality. Patient’s initial cohort was subdivided in two groups according to right atrial pressure. The RAPRLOW group (Right Atrium Pressure ≤ 9 mmHg) and the RAPRHIGH group (Right Atrium Pressure > 9mmHg) Results: No correlation between blood pressure, pulmonary capillary wedges pressure, cardiac index, stroke volume and stroke volume index (SVI), and parameters of kidney function was observed. However, a weak, although, significant correlation between right atrial pressure (RAP) and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) (r = –0.202; p =.014) could be detected. RAPRLOW patients had a statistically significant lower MDRD value of 16.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 than RAPRHIGH patients. Increased RAP (HR = 2.03; 95% [CI]: 1.05 to 3.9; p =.025) and age (HR = 1.08, 95% [CI] 1.04–1.12, p <.001) independently predicted all-cause mortality during follow up. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that right ventricular preload affects renal function in patients with preserved systolic function and that neither aortic systolic pressure nor left ventricle pressure indices were related to estimated glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that an increased RAP is able to predict a worse prognosis in patients with preserved ejection fraction independently of well-established risk factors, such as blood pressure and SVI. © 2020, © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Cardiology in the digital era: from artificial intelligence to Metaverse, paving the way for future advancements.

Tweetable abstract Cardiology's digital revolution: AI diagnoses, ChatGPT consults, Metaverse educates. Challenges & promises explored. #CardiologyTech #DigitalHealth

TAVI with the ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve in special populations: A systematic review

The ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve is a self-expanding device suitable for both transfemoral and transapical approach, but specific groups of patients are under-represented in clinical trials. We aim to provide a comprehensive systematic review on TAVI with ACURATE neo in those special populations. TAVI in bicuspid aortic valve, TAVI in patients with small aortic annulus, TAVI for pure aortic regurgitation and valve-in-valve procedures, were systematically reviewed. The primary endpoint was device success as defined by VARC-2 criteria. The secondary endpoints were safety and performance outcomes according to VARC-2 consensus document.ACURATE neo exhibited similar outcomes in bicuspid vs tricuspid aortic valve except for pre and post-dilatation rates in one observational study. Lower mean aortic gradient and higher pre-dilatation rates with comparable safety outcomes were described for ACURATE neo when compared to Lotus and Evolut-R for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. 2 studies compared ACURATE in small aortic annuli. ACURATE neo showed lower transvalvular gradients and lower patient prosthesis mismatch rates compared to Sapien 3 and when compared to Evolut R/ Evolut PRO/ Portico, results were similar except for pre-dilatation rates. 3 studies investigated ACURATE neo for pure aortic regurgitation and one for valve-in-valve procedure and demonstrated safety and efficacy, with the exception of malposition events in patients designated for higher valve deployment in the valve-in-valve implantation study.ACURATE neo valve may be a feasible and safe option for patients with bicuspid anatomy, small aortic annulus, previously implanted bioprosthetic aortic valve and pure aortic regurgitation. Registration number: Available at https://osf.io/aus26 (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AUS26). © 2022 Hellenic Society of Cardiolog