Citations

Multimodality imaging plays a pivotal role in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation by providing critical insights into arrhythmogenic substrates and guiding procedural strategies. This updated review explores the integration of various imaging techniques, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), electroanatomical mapping (EAM), and nuclear imaging, to optimize VT ablation outcomes. Echocardiography, particularly transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), is an essential first-line tool for evaluating structural heart disease and left ventricular function. Moreover, echocardiography aids in risk stratification and procedural planning by detecting regional wall motion abnormalities and thrombus formation. Meanwhile, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) enhances ablation precision by providing real-time catheter visualization, improving procedural success, and reducing complications such as cardiac tamponade. Nonetheless, CMR is the gold standard for myocardial tissue characterization, enabling the identification of scar burden and conduction channels critical for VT pathogenesis. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) facilitates preprocedural planning by localizing arrhythmogenic substrates, predicting VT recurrence risk, and informing ablation strategies. Additionally, T1- and T2-mapping techniques refine the assessment of myocardial fibrosis and inflammation, further improving patient selection and outcomes. MDCT complements CMR by offering high-resolution anatomical visualization and aids in delineating scar distribution, epicardial fat, and vascular structures, informing safe and effective ablation approaches. The integration of these imaging modalities significantly enhances VT ablation precision, reduces recurrence rates, and improves patient outcomes.

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. While advances in treatment have improved outcomes, the greatest gains in public health will come from primary prevention. Risk stratification is the foundation of CVD prevention. Traditional tools, such as pooled cohort equations (PCEs) and SCORE2, do not capture non-traditional risk factors and individual variability, driving efforts to refine existing approaches. We critically discuss emerging risk determinants for primary CVD prevention. Coronary artery calcium scoring can reclassify CVD risk but has limitations related to cost, access, and unvalidated improvements in clinical endpoints. Biomarkers such as apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) may identify residual risk beyond LDL-C, particularly in patients with lipid discordance, but remain underused due to uncertain thresholds and the lack of prospective triallevel outcome data. Trials of colchicine in primary prevention have yielded mixed results, making the role of targeting inflammation unclear in CVD prevention. Polygenic risk scores can stratify genetic risk but face challenges in sensitivity, specificity, and generalizability. Multiomics approaches, while offering the promise of deeper phenotyping, lack established clinical applications and consensus on when their use is appropriate. Artificial intelligence may allow better prediction across cohorts but requires broader validation. Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, a marker of inflammation and age-related CVD risk, lacks evidence supporting routine screening or intervention in younger, asymptomatic individuals. The proliferation of new risk stratification tools poses a key challenge: determining when additional data meaningfully alter clinical decisions. Until robust outcome-based evidence emerges, risk enhancers should guide, but not dictate, therapy in selected patients.

e16304 Background: Hepatic reserve is a critical determinant of outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet traditional scoring systems such as MELD are frequently unavailable or underpowered in real-world datasets. The albumin–bilirubin index (ALBI) is a validated, objective measure of liver function derived from routine laboratory values and has emerged as a pragmatic alternative for risk stratification. However, the impact of ALBI on longitudinal outcomes following locoregional therapy (LRT) for HCC in routine clinical practice remains incompletely characterized. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX to identify adults with HCC treated with locoregional therapies (transarterial chemoembolization, yttrium-90 radioembolization, stereotactic body radiation therapy, or thermal ablation). Hepatic reserve was assessed using an albumin–bilirubin–based definition with labs within 30 days pre-therapy. Low ALBI (preserved function) was defined as albumin ≥3.5 g/dL and bilirubin ≤2.0 mg/dL, and high ALBI (impaired function) as albumin < 3.5 g/dL or bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL. Propensity score matching (1:1) balanced demographics and comorbidities. Outcomes at 6 months, 1, 3, and 5 years included mortality, hepatic failure, ascites, portal hypertension, and esophageal varices. RD, RR, OR, and HR with 95% CIs were reported. Results: After matching, 509 patients were included in each ALBI group. High ALBI was consistently associated with significantly worse outcomes across all time points. Overall mortality was higher in the high-ALBI group at 6 months (19.6% vs 8.7%), 1 year (31.0% vs 13.9%), 3 years (51.0% vs 28.3%), and 5 years (57.1% vs 35.6%). Corresponding hazard ratios for mortality ranged from 2.32 to 2.65 across time points (all p < 0.05). High ALBI was also associated with substantially increased risks of hepatic failure (5-year RD 23.9%, HR 3.29), ascites (5-year RD 18.5%, HR 2.50), and esophageal varices (5-year RD 8.5%, HR 2.60). These associations persisted from early through long-term follow-up, demonstrating durable prognostic separation by ALBI status. Conclusions: In this large, real-world cohort of HCC patients undergoing locoregional therapy, impaired hepatic reserve as defined by a high albumin–bilirubin index was strongly and consistently associated with worse short- and long-term survival and higher rates of hepatic decompensation. An albumin–bilirubin–based ALBI classification represents a pragmatic and clinically meaningful tool for risk stratification when MELD is unavailable and may inform treatment selection, prognostication, and post-therapy surveillance in routine clinical practice.

8597 Background: Lorlatinib improves outcomes in NSCLC but commonly causes marked hyperlipidemia, prompting initiation of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Beyond lipid control, LLT may be associated with vascular events; however, its association with thromboembolism, healthcare utilization, and mortality among lorlatinib-treated patients has not been characterized in real-world cohorts. Methods: Using TriNetX, we identified adults with NSCLC who received lorlatinib (index = first lorlatinib record). Patients were grouped by early LLT initiation within 30 days of index versus no LLT within 30 days. LLT included statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, or fibrates. Cohorts were balanced 1:1 using propensity score matching on demographics and baseline comorbidities. Outcomes were assessed through 365 days; patients with prior outcome documentation were excluded. Results: After matching, 387 patients per cohort were analyzed. Early LLT was associated with lower all-cause mortality at 365 days (16.1% vs 26.4%; risk ratio [RR] 0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.81; p=0.0004) and improved time to death (hazard ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.82). Early LLT was also associated with lower venous thromboembolism (6.2% vs 12.1%; RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.86; p=0.0093) and fewer inpatient hospitalizations (14.6% vs 23.6%; RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.97; p=0.0320). Emergency department visits were numerically lower (8.3% vs 13.9%; RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-1.00; p=0.0467). No significant differences were observed for acute kidney injury or major adverse cardiovascular events. Conclusions: In a real-world propensity-matched cohort of lorlatinib-treated NSCLC patients, LLT initiated within 30 days was associated with lower 1-year mortality, venous thromboembolism, and hospitalization. Given the frequency of lorlatinib-associated dyslipidemia, these findings support early lipid monitoring and timely LLT initiation in practice. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these associations. 365-day outcomes after matching. Outcome Early LLT (n=387) No early LLT (n=387) RR (95% CI) HR (95% CI) p All-cause mortality 16.1% 26.4% 0.608 (0.458-0.806) 0.597 (0.435-0.818) 0.0004; log-rank 0.001 Venous thromboembolism 6.2% 12.1% 0.509 (0.302-0.857) — 0.0093 Inpatient hospitalization 14.6% 23.6% 0.619 (0.396-0.967) — 0.0320 ED visit 8.3% 13.9% 0.593 (0.352-1.001) — 0.0467 Acute kidney injury 5.4% 7.1% 0.769 (0.429-1.378) — 0.3758 MACE 4.6% 4.6% 1.006 (0.511-1.979) — 0.9868

5079 Background: Treatment sequencing in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after ADT and ARPI exposure varies in practice. While 177 Lu-PSMA use is expanding in routine practice, real world head to head comparisons with docetaxel in ARPI-exposed mCRPC are limited, particularly for short-term outcomes and treatment related acute care utilization. Methods: Using TriNetX, adults > 18 years of age with metastatic prostate cancer and prior ARPI exposure who initiated 177 Lu-PSMA or docetaxel were identified (index = first administration). Cohorts were balanced with 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) on demographics and baseline comorbidities. Outcomes from day 1–180 post-index included all-cause mortality (primary), hospitalization, acute kidney injury (AKI; ICD-10 N17), and thromboembolic/ischemic events (ICD-10 I21/I26/I63/I82). For each outcome, patients with prior documentation of that outcome were excluded. Outcomes are reported as risks and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Before matching, 563 patients initiated 177 Lu-PSMA-617 and 8,749 initiated docetaxel; after 1:1 PSM, 497 patients per cohort were analyzed. At 180 days, all-cause mortality was 7.3% (36/494) with 177 Lu-PSMA-617 versus 12.2% (60/491) with docetaxel (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40–0.88). Hospitalization occurred in 7.2% (21/290) versus 21.1% (52/247) (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.55). In a separate matched renal-safety analysis (480 per cohort), AKI occurred in 2.8% (11/390) versus 9.0% (36/399) (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.60). Thromboembolic/ischemic events were 3.8% (15/394) versus 6.4% (26/404) (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.32–1.10). Conclusions: In ARPI-exposed mCRPC, 177 Lu-PSMA was associated with lower 180-day mortality risk and substantially fewer hospitalizations than docetaxel, with a lower risk of AKI. These findings highlight a potential short-term effectiveness and acute-care utilization advantage of 177 Lu-PSMA in routine practice and support further prospective evaluation. Key 180-day outcomes after matching. Outcome 177 Lu-PSMA Docetaxel Effect estimate (180 days) All-cause mortality 36/494 (7.3%) 60/491 (12.2%) RR 0.596 (0.402-0.884) Hospitalization 21/290 (7.2%) 52/247 (21.1%) RR 0.344 (0.213-0.554); Acute kidney injury (AKI)* 11/390 (2.8%) 36/399 (9.0%) RR 0.312 (0.163-0.595) Thromboembolic/ischemic† 15/394 (3.8%) 26/404 (6.4%) RR 0.592 (0.318-1.100) *AKI analysis used a separate matched run (480 per cohort). †Composite of I21, I26, I63, I82.

ABSTRACT Observational studies comparing Impella and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) in cardiogenic shock have reported inconsistent findings. We performed an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis, with exploratory matched‐cohort analyses where directly reportable propensity score–matched event‐level data were available. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception through March 2026 for observational studies comparing Impella versus VA‐ECMO in adult patients with cardiogenic shock. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included all‐cause mortality, ICU outcomes, access site bleeding requiring transfusion, peripheral vascular complications, renal outcomes, and stroke. Random‐effects models using restricted maximum likelihood were applied. Fifteen observational studies including 22,618 patients were analyzed. In the primary crude analysis, Impella was not associated with a statistically significant difference in in‐hospital mortality (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.66−1.07; p = 0.15) with substantial heterogeneity ( I ² = 92.9%). However, leave‐one‐out analysis identified an influential registry study; its exclusion markedly reduced heterogeneity and favored Impella ( p < 0.01). In exploratory propensity score‐matched analysis, Impella was also associated with lower in‐hospital mortality (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56−0.85, p < 0.01). Thirty‐day and 6‐month all‐cause mortality were neutral, whereas 12‐month mortality modestly favored Impella ( p = 0.048). Sensitivity analyses similarly resolved heterogeneity and favored Impella for selected secondary outcomes, including 6‐month mortality, acute kidney injury, and ischemic stroke. ICU mortality was neutral, while ICU length of stay was shorter with Impella ( p = 0.01). Impella was also associated with lower access site bleeding requiring transfusion ( p < 0.01), peripheral vascular complications ( p < 0.01), and hemorrhagic stroke ( p < 0.01). In this updated meta‐analysis of observational studies, the primary crude analysis of in‐hospital mortality was neutral overall but highly heterogeneous, whereas sensitivity and exploratory matched‐cohort analyses showed a more consistent association favoring Impella. Impella was also associated with lower bleeding and vascular complications and shorter ICU length of stay, although several outcomes remained sensitive to study‐level influence. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the observational design, predominance of serious risk of bias, and strong potential for confounding by indication.

Abstract Background Postoperative spinal implant infections (PSIIs) are a serious complication of instrumented spinal fusion. Although debridement with implant retention is standard for early infection, the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy remains uncertain. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study across 10 US academic centers, including adults with early PSII (≤90 days after fusion surgery) from 2017 to 2021. We excluded patients who experienced treatment failure within 6 weeks of debridement. The primary outcome was treatment failure. Antibiotic therapy effect was analyzed as a time-varying exposure using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Secondary analyses included 12-week landmark and clone-censor-weighted models to compare durations ≤ 12 weeks versus &gt;12 weeks. Results A total of 116 patients out of 499 (23.2%) experienced treatment failure during a median follow-up of 3.2 years. Among patients who remain failure-free 6 weeks from debridement, being on antibiotics was not associated with treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.71; 95% CI .48–1.07; P = .10). In a 12-week landmark analysis limited to 359 patients who were not on indefinite suppressive antibiotic therapy, treatment durations &gt; 12 weeks did not significantly reduce the risk of failure (aHR 1.01; 95% CI .62–1.64; P = .99). Results were consistent in the clone-censor-weight sensitivity analysis (aHR 0.85; 95% CI .62–1.16; P = .30). Conclusions Prolonged antibiotic therapy was not associated with improved outcomes in early PSII managed with debridement and implant retention. These results support shorter, individualized antibiotic courses in patients with adequate surgical source control.

Background and importance Emergency tracheal intubation in critically ill adults is associated with a high risk of peri-intubation adverse events, making first-attempt success a key safety target. Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) improves the proportion of first-attempt success and reduces adverse events during emergent intubations outside the operating room. Methods This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials or nonrandomized studies comparing sedative-hypnotic plus NMBA versus sedative-hypnotic alone in critically ill adults undergoing emergency endotracheal intubation in nonoperative settings. Animal, cadaveric, manikin/simulation, and pediatric studies were excluded. Articles were screened on 21 August 2025, in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Main results Of 4736 screened citations, 13 studies (8 cohort; 5 before-after studies) were included in the quantitative analysis, with 14 072 participants. NMBA use was associated with higher first-attempt success, which ranged from 69 to 92% (pooled odds ratio, 2.72; 95% onfidence interval: 1.42–5.21; low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes related to adverse events were rated as very low certainty due to sparse data, inconsistent reporting, and serious imprecision. Conclusion NMBA use during emergency intubation was associated with improved first-attempt success, although the certainty of evidence was low.

Background: Access to high-quality airway equipment is critical for effective otolaryngological and emergency care. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), challenges in the procurement infrastructure may hinder equipment availability, impacting patient outcomes. Given the paucity of literature investigating equipment procurement in SSA, this study aims to map out the multilevel barriers to procurement of airway equipment in SSA to inform opportunities for improvement. Methods: A qualitative study design was employed using semi-structured interviews and open-ended survey responses. Participants included otolaryngologists in SSA, manufacturing company representatives and international policymakers, selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation of various roles in the procurement process. Six interviews, one focus group and six survey responses with regional healthcare providers (n = 13), manufacturing representatives (n = 3) and international policymakers (n = 2) explored supply chain dynamics, regulatory challenges, manufacturing capabilities, financial constraints and policy frameworks. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurrent themes and interrelationships. Results: Systemic barriers exist in the procurement process, including fragmented supply chains, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, limited local manufacturing capacity and insufficient funding mechanisms. Otolaryngologists emphasised frequent delays in equipment availability, while manufacturers reported logistical challenges and regulatory hurdles. Policymakers noted gaps in infrastructure and regional coordination. Emerging themes suggest opportunities for streamlining procurement processes, fostering local production and enhancing collaboration to improve supply chain efficiency. Conclusion: This study underscores the multifaceted challenges in airway equipment procurement in SSA and highlights the need for integrated approaches involving stakeholders across the supply chain. Contribution: Findings provide actionable insights to inform policy development and capacity-building initiatives with the goal of enhancing access to life-saving airway equipment and improving healthcare outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart disease inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Studies have shown that novel first-in-class targeted myosin inhibitor-Mavacamten significantly improves LV diastolic function, systolic anterior motion measures, exercise capacity and left ventricular outflow (LVOT) obstruction in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). HCM primarily affects the left side of the heart, making pulmonary hypertension (PH) a common complication. However, the clinical significance and prognostic impact of PH in HCM are not yet fully understood. Purpose This study evaluated the effects of Mavacamten on echo-Doppler-derived pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) in oHCM patients. Methods 70 Adult patients (53% male, mean age 60±12 years) meeting the imaging criteria for oHCM and receiving Mavacamten treatment were identified. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics were analyzed. The impact of Mavacamten on echo-Doppler-derived PASP was assessed. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups were conducted at a median of 12 weeks (IQR: 7–24 weeks) and 74 weeks (IQR: 38–97 weeks) after the baseline echocardiographic assessment. Results The mean PASP of the cohort was 32 ± 10 mmHg, with 39% of patients having PASP &gt;30 mmHg. When stratified by baseline PASP (using a 30-mmHg cut-off ), patients with elevated PASP were older and had more pronounced diastolic dysfunction. At the first follow-up, PASP decreased from 33 ± 10 mmHg to 29 ± 6 mmHg, and at the second follow-up, it further decreased to 27 ± 9 mmHg (p &lt; 0.001). PASP decrease was more pronounced in patients with elevated PASP at baseline (Figures 1, 2). When analyzing changes in echocardiographic parameters over time according to baseline PASP levels, the group with elevated PASP at baseline demonstrated more pronounced changes. While LVOT gradient changed significantly from baseline to both follow-ups in both the elevated and normal PASP groups, certain parameters of diastolic dysfunctions including the E/e' ratio, showed significant changes only in the elevated PASP group (Figure 1). We observed that in univariate regression analysis, age was significantly associated with elevated baseline PASP along with MR and echocardiographic parameters indicative of diastolic dysfunction such as left atrial volume index (LAVI), TR velocity, and E/e. In multivariate analysis TR velocity remained significantly associated with PASP (β=23.05, 95% CI 3.17 to 167.8; p=0.002), highlighting a significant relationship between diastolic dysfunction parameters and PASP. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Mavacamten therapy significantly improves echocardiographic parameters and reduces PASP in patients with oHCM, with particularly pronounced benefits in those with elevated baseline PASP. These findings highlight the potential of Mavacamten as a targeted therapy for addressing both LVOT obstruction and associated PH in oHCM.Changes of echocardiographic parameters PASP over time in oHCM