-
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a disease of high heterogeneity, and the association between AF phenotypes and the outcome of different catheter ablation strategies remains...
OBJECTIVE
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a disease of high heterogeneity, and the association between AF phenotypes and the outcome of different catheter ablation strategies remains unclear. Conventional classification of AF (e.g. according to duration, atrial size, and thromboembolism risk) fails to provide reference for the optimal stratification of the prognostic risks or to guide individualized treatment plan. In recent years, research on machine learning has found that cluster analysis, an unsupervised data-driven approach, can uncover the intrinsic structure of data and identify clusters of patients with pathophysiological similarity. It has been demonstrated that cluster analysis helps improve the characterization of AF phenotypes and provide valuable prognostic information. In our cohort of AF inpatients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation, we used unsupervised cluster analysis to identify patient subgroups, to compare them with previous studies, and to evaluate their association with different suitable ablation patterns and outcomes.
METHODS
The participants were AF patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation at West China Hospital between October 2015 and December 2017. All participants were aged 18 years or older. They underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation during their hospitalization. They completed the follow-up process under explicit informed consent. Patients with AF of a reversible cause, severe mitral stenosis or prosthetic heart valve, congenital heart disease, new-onset acute coronary syndrome within three months prior to the surgery, or a life expectancy less than 12 months were excluded according to the exclusion criteria. The cohort consisted of 1102 participants with paroxysmal or persistent/long-standing persistent AF. Data on 59 variables representing demographics, AF type, comorbidities, therapeutic history, vital signs, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings, and laboratory findings were collected. Overall, data for the variables were rarely missing (<5%), and multiple imputation was used for correction of missing data. Follow-up surveys were conducted through outpatient clinic visits or by telephone. Patients were scheduled for follow-up with 12-lead resting electrocardiography and 24-hours Holter monitoring at 3 months and 6 months after the ablation procedure. Early ablation success was defined as the absence of documented AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia >30 seconds at 6-month follow-up. Hierarchical clustering was performed on the 59 baseline variables. All characteristic variables were standardized to have a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one. Initially, each patient was regarded as a separate cluster, and the distance between these clusters was calculated. Then, the Ward minimum variance method of clustering was used to merge the pair of clusters with the minimum total variance. This process continued until all patients formed one whole cluster. The "NbClust" package in R software, capable of calculating various statistical indices, including pseudo t index, cubic clustering criterion, silhouette index etc, was applied to determine the optimal number of clusters. The most frequently chosen number of clusters by these indices was selected. A heatmap was generated to illustrate the clinical features of clusters, while a tree diagram was used to depict the clustering process and the heterogeneity among clusters. Ablation strategies were compared within each cluster regarding ablation efficacy.
RESULTS
Five statistically driven clusters were identified: 1) the younger age cluster (=404), characterized by the lowest prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities but the highest prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (14.4%); 2) a cluster of elderly adults with chronic diseases (=438), the largest cluster, showing relatively higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; 3) a cluster with high prevalence of sinus node dysfunction (=160), with patients showing the highest prevalence of sick sinus syndrome and pacemaker implantation; 4) the heart failure cluster (=80), with the highest prevalence of heart failure (58.8%) and persistent/long-standing persistent AF (73.7%); 5) prior coronary artery revascularization cluster (=20), with patients of the most advanced age (median: 69.0 years old) and predominantly male patients, all of whom had prior myocardial infarction and coronary artery revascularization. Patients in cluster 2 achieved higher early ablation success with pulmonary veins isolation alone compared to extensive ablation strategies (79.6% vs. 66.5%; odds ratio [OR]=1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-3.03). Although extensive ablation strategies had a slightly higher success rate in the heart failure group, the difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided a unique classification of AF patients undergoing catheter ablation by cluster analysis. Age, chronic disease, sinus node dysfunction, heart failure and history of coronary artery revascularization contributed to the formation of the five clinically relevant subtypes. These subtypes showed differences in ablation success rates, highlighting the potential of cluster analysis in guiding individualized risk stratification and treatment decisions for AF patients.
PubMed: 38948279
DOI: 10.12182/20240560101 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Jun 2024Apart from listening to the cry of a healthy newborn, it is the declaration by the attending paediatrician in the labour room that the child is normal which brings... (Review)
Review
Apart from listening to the cry of a healthy newborn, it is the declaration by the attending paediatrician in the labour room that the child is normal which brings utmost joy to parents. The global incidence of children born with congenital anomalies has been reported to be 3%-6% with more than 90% of these occurring in low- and middle-income group countries. The exact percentages/total numbers of children requiring surgical treatment cannot be estimated for several reasons. These children are operated under several surgical disciplines, viz, paediatric-, plastic reconstructive, neuro-, cardiothoracic-, orthopaedic surgery . These conditions may be life-threatening, , trachea-oesophageal fistula, critical pulmonary stenosis, . and require immediate surgical intervention. Some, , hydrocephalus, may need intervention as soon as the patient is fit for surgery. Some, , patent ductus arteriosus need 'wait and watch' policy up to a certain age in the hope of spontaneous recovery. Another extremely important category is that of patients where the operative intervention is done based on their age. Almost all the congenital anomalies coming under care of a plastic surgeon are operated as elective surgery (many as multiple stages of correction) at appropriate ages. There are advantages and disadvantages of intervention at different ages. In this article, we present a review of optimal timings, along with reasoning, for surgery of many of the common congenital anomalies which are treated by plastic surgeons. Obstetricians, paediatricians and general practitioners/family physicians, who most often are the first ones to come across such children, must know to guide the parents appropriately and convincingly impress upon the them as to why their child should not be operated immediately and also the consequences of too soon or too late.
PubMed: 38947997
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.90583 -
The International Journal of... Jun 2024Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling has been linked to clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter valve...
Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling has been linked to clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI). However, the best timing for prognostic assessment remains uncertain. Our aim was to determine the impact of RV longitudinal function parameters and RV-PA coupling on mortality in patients undergoing TAVI. Retrospective, single center, analysis including patients with AS who underwent TAVI between 2007 and 2021. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed before, shortly after the procedure, and during follow-up. RV-PA uncoupling was defined as a TAPSE/PASP ratio<0.55 (severe RV uncoupling was defined as TAPSE/PASP ratio<0.32. The effect of RV parameters on all-cause mortality up to 12 months was assessed. Among the 577 patients included, pre-procedural TAPSE/PASP ratio data were available for 205. RV-PA uncoupling was present in 113 patients (55.1%), with severe uncoupling observed in 31 (15.1%). Within the first 12 months after TAVI, 51 patients (9%) died. Severe RV-PA uncoupling was associated with mortality in univariable Cox regression; however, this association was lost after adjusting for EuroSCORE II. A significant association was found between the TAPSE/PASP ratio (per 0.1-unit increase) after the procedure and the primary endpoint (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.97; p=0.029). Higher postprocedural PASP (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.06; p<0.001 was also associated with all-cause mortality. V-PA uncoupling and PASP after TAVI are associated with all-cause mortality in patients and may be valuable for patient selection and for planning post-procedural care.
PubMed: 38940965
DOI: 10.1007/s10554-024-03165-0 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, and its symptoms lack specificity. For patients with coronary heart disease(CHD), hypertension and other common...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, and its symptoms lack specificity. For patients with coronary heart disease(CHD), hypertension and other common cardiovascular diseases, PAVF is easy to be ignored. We presented a case of massive PAVF complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease by interventional treatment to improve the understanding of this complex disease.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 77-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital due to chest tightness and shortness of breath following activities, which was diagnosed with CHD and hypoxemia in other hospitals. Coronary angiography showed that the patient had severe stenosis of coronary artery while pulmonary vascular DSA showing the patient had PAVF. After interventional therapy of both coronary artery and PAVF, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved.
CONCLUSION
We presented a case of massive PAVF complicated with CHD by interventional treatment. For patients with unexplained hypoxemia and symptoms similar with CHD, the possibility of PAVF often leads to oversight, and various auxiliary examinations should be improved to avoid missed diagnosis. And intervention treatment should be carried out to improve the prognosis of patients as much as possible.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Arteriovenous Fistula; Pulmonary Artery; Coronary Artery Disease; Pulmonary Veins; Coronary Angiography
PubMed: 38937815
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02866-w -
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery Jun 2024The increasing number of congenital heart disease patients undergoing reoperative cardiac surgery presents critical and growing challenges. Our objective was to evaluate...
BACKGROUND
The increasing number of congenital heart disease patients undergoing reoperative cardiac surgery presents critical and growing challenges. Our objective was to evaluate the association between number of prior cardiopulmonary bypass operations and operative mortality and morbidity in a national cohort.
METHODS
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (STS-CHSD) was reviewed for index cardiac operations on cardiopulmonary bypass during 2016-2021. Infants and patients with functionally univentricular physiology were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for covariates in the STS-CHSD Mortality Risk Model, STAT Mortality Category, and institutional volume.
RESULTS
Of 50,625 eligible operations, 22,100 (44%) were performed on patients with ≥1 prior cardiopulmonary bypass operation. Most common diagnoses were Tetralogy of Fallot (4,340/22,100 [19.6%]), pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect (1,334/22,100 [6.0%]), and aortic stenosis (966/22,100 [4.4%]). Operative mortality correlated with number of prior cardiopulmonary bypass operations, 157/28,525 (0.6%) for zero, 127/13,488 (0.9%) for one, 81/5,664 (1.4%) for two, 61/2,039 (3.0%) for three, 35/623 (5.6%) for four, 10/207 (4.8%) for five, and 5/79 (6.3%) for ≥6 (p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients with ≥3 prior cardiopulmonary bypass operations had higher risk of operative mortality (OR 2.31, p<0.001) and major morbidity (OR 1.60, p<0.001). Annual institutional volume and age were not associated with either outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Three or more prior cardiopulmonary bypass operations was an independent risk factor for operative mortality/morbidity, even after controlling for risk factors and institutional volume. Future research is needed to identify modifiable factors to optimize outcomes, particularly for those with ≥3 prior cardiopulmonary bypass operations.
PubMed: 38936590
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2024.06.013 -
The American Journal of the Medical... Jun 2024Some patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) do not display typical clinical features, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
PURPOSE
Some patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) do not display typical clinical features, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed PTB patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2017 and 2020. They are divided into pathological group (diagnosed through pathological biopsy) and control group (diagnosed via sputum or lavage fluid). Clinical data of both groups were compared. Based on radiographic features, the pathological group was further divided into the inflammation group, peripheral nodule group, and central occupancy group. We then statistically analyzed the computed tomography (CT) signs, bronchoscopic manifestations and results of pathological biopsy for each subgroup.
RESULTS
The pathological group consisted of 75 patients, while the control group had 338 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the pathological group had more diabetes (OR=3.266, 95%CI=1.609-6.630, P=0.001), lower ESR (OR=0.984, 95%CI=0.971-0.998, P=0.022), and lower CRP (OR=0.990, 95%CI=0.980-0.999, P=0.036). In the three subgroups, the exudative lesions in the inflammation group were mostly located in atypical areas of PTB. The lobulation sign and spiculation sign were frequently observed in the peripheral nodule group. All presented with significant hilar mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the central occupancy group. In the pathological group, bronchoscopic manifestations typically included mucosal edema and bronchial stenosis.
CONCLUSION
Diabetes is an independent risk factor for atypical PTB. Expression of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in atypical PTB is low. Radiologically, it is most easily misdiagnosed when presented as peripheral solid nodules or masses, so a biopsy is recommended.
PubMed: 38936510
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2024.06.023 -
Turk Gogus Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Dergisi Apr 2024In this article, we present a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of a patient with Pentalogy of Cantrell, dextrocardia, perimembranous ventricular septal...
In this article, we present a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of a patient with Pentalogy of Cantrell, dextrocardia, perimembranous ventricular septal defect, secundum atrial septal defect, pulmonary valvular stenosis, and left ventricle diverticulum during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
PubMed: 38933310
DOI: 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2024.24969 -
Annals of Pediatric Cardiology 2024Noonan syndrome (NS) is a pleomorphic genetic disorder. Up to 50-80% of individuals have associated congenital heart disease. The scope of cardiac disease in NS is quite...
Noonan syndrome (NS) is a pleomorphic genetic disorder. Up to 50-80% of individuals have associated congenital heart disease. The scope of cardiac disease in NS is quite variable depending on the gene mutation. The most common forms of cardiac defects include pulmonary stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), atrial septal defect and left-sided lesions. Amongst the rare vascular abnormalities few case reports have been mentioned about coronary artery lesions apart from sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, aortic dissection, intracranial aneurysm. This is a case report a rare case of asymptomatic coronary artery aneurysm in a young male with NS. There is lack of unified protocol for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of coronary artery disease in patients with NS. We conclude, echocardiography is sufficient in most cases in children. But a CT scan is appropriate in adults or when other lesions are suspected.
PubMed: 38933057
DOI: 10.4103/apc.apc_145_23 -
Annals of Pediatric Cardiology 2024Transcatheter closure of superior vena cava (SVC) form of sinus venosus defects (SVDs) using covered stents is emerging as an alternative to surgery in the current... (Review)
Review
Transcatheter closure of superior vena cava (SVC) form of sinus venosus defects (SVDs) using covered stents is emerging as an alternative to surgery in the current decade. A covered stent placed in the cavoatrial junction creates a roof for the right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) that stops the left-to-right shunt and redirects the vein to the left atrium. While surgical literature has clearly documented the incidence of stenosis of SVC and RUPV, sinus nodal dysfunction, and persistent residual shunts following surgical correction, it is imperative to have similar data after this new transcatheter intervention on the incidence of complications and follow-up outcomes. Since patients with pretricuspid shunts are often clinically asymptomatic, correction is primarily performed to prevent a persistent right heart volume overload and allow remodeling of the heart chambers. Any residual left-to-right shunt after a correction will result in persistent right heart dilatation. Residual flows can result from various mechanisms, including lack of apposition of the covered stent to the free edge of the SVD, fabric breach, and persistent anomalous drainage of additional right-sided pulmonary veins that drain very high in the SVC or can be due to a coexistent defect in the oval fossa. This review analyzes the different mechanisms, explains the transesophageal and angiographic images for each one, and offers solutions tailored for various reasons. Different mechanisms warrant different treatment principles. A solution for residual shunt from one mechanism may not be appropriate for residual flow through another mechanism. A thorough understanding would aid the operator in effective interventions for these SVDs.
PubMed: 38933051
DOI: 10.4103/apc.apc_190_23 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Advances in perinatal intensive care have significantly enhanced the survival rates of extremely low gestation-al-age neonates but with continued high rates of... (Review)
Review
Advances in perinatal intensive care have significantly enhanced the survival rates of extremely low gestation-al-age neonates but with continued high rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Nevertheless, as the survival of these infants improves, there is a growing awareness of associated abnormalities in pulmonary vascular development and hemodynamics within the pulmonary circulation. Premature infants, now born as early as 22 weeks, face heightened risks of adverse development in both pulmonary arterial and venous systems. This risk is compounded by parenchymal and airway abnormalities, as well as factors such as inflammation, fibrosis, and adverse growth trajectory. The presence of pulmonary hypertension in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD-PH) has been linked to an increased mortality and substantial morbidities, including a greater susceptibility to later neurodevelopmental challenges. BPD-PH is now recognized to be a spectrum of disease, with a multifactorial pathophysiology. This review discusses the challenges associated with the identification and management of BPD-PH, both of which are important in minimizing further disease progression and improving cardiopulmonary morbidity in the BPD infant.
PubMed: 38929946
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123417