Left atrial appendage closure: A new technique for clinical practice

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Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on systemic inflammation and neurohormonal pathways in heart failure

Background: The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on systemic inflammation and neurohormonal alterations associated with heart failure is not well characterized. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the long term effects of CRT on systemic inflammation and neurohormonal factors in heart failure patients. Methods and results: In 47 HF patients (NYHA III–IV) we evaluated, at baseline and after one year of CRT: TNF-α, TNF soluble receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), insulin-like growth factor-1α (IGF-1α), adiponectin, norepinephrine, pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP), N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and angiotensin II, NYHA functional class, quality of life (the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire), a 6-minute walk test and an echocardiogram. Long-term CRT decreased activation of renin–angiotensin system (RAS) only in patients with reverse remodelling. It failed to prevent a decline in adiponectin levels, regardless of reverse remodelling. NT-proBNP remained unchanged in patients with reverse remodelling, whereas its levels increased in those without reverse remodelling. IGF-1α increased with CRT, whereas CRT had no effect on pro-ANP and inflammatory markers. Conclusions: Long-term CRT is associated with decreased RAS activation and stabilization of NT-proBNP in heart failure patients with reverse remodelling. Long-term CRT, with or without reverse remodelling, does not affect systemic inflammation and fails to prevent a decline in adiponectin

Hemodynamic sensor in cardiac implantable electric devices: the endocardial accelaration technology

There have been substantial progresses in the technology of cardiac implantable electric devices (CIEDs) during the past decades. One of the progresses is represented by the development of a hemodynamic sensor embedded at the tip of a pacing lead that measures myocardial contractility by the analysis of myocardial mechanical vibrations occurring during the cardiac cycle. This sensor, providing continuous hemodynamic monitoring, could play an important role in clinical practice because of several clinical applications in CIEDs recipients. The objectives of this work are to report how this sensor operates and to review the main findings about its clinical applications

Non-traumatic splenic rupture on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticagrelor after stenting for acute coronary syndrome

AbstractWe report a case of non-traumatic splenic rupture in a 57-year-old man on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and ticagrelor, seven months after percutaneous coronary intervention and drug-eluting stent implantation for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. No splenic abnormalities were found at histopathological analysis after splenectomy, and no history of recent trauma was reported. Once restarted, DAPT after splenectomy, assessment of platelet function was performed by light transmittance aggregometry, showing a profound inhibition of platelet function by adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid, and collagen. Taking into account the bleeding risk associated with low on-treatment platelet reactivity, and to switch the patient from ticagrelor to a less potent P2Y12 inhibitor such as clopidogrel, cytochrome P450, genetic polymorphisms accounting for clopidogrel response variability were analyzed. The polymorphisms associated with lower response (CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3) were absent. Therefore, ticagrelor was withdrawn, and DAPT was continued with aspirin and clopidogrel. Rupture of the spleen may occur in the absence of major trauma or previous splenic diseases, and could be a complication of antithrombotic treatments. Moreover, low on-treatment platelet reactivity during DAPT is emerging as a possible risk factor for bleeding complications, so underlining the usefulness of assessing platelet function in special conditions to ensure that the patient receives the best tailored antiplatelet therapy.<Learning objective: Non-traumatic splenic rupture is a rare event, and is more often associated with pre-existing splenic abnormalities. However, it may be also a complication of medical treatments, especially with antithrombotic drugs. Low on-treatment platelet reactivity is emerging as a possible risk factor for bleeding complications; therefore, assessing platelet function in special conditions could be useful to ensure the patient receives the best-tailored antiplatelet therapy.