Citations

Introduction: Obesity is a known risk factor and causes worse cardiovascular outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea. With the growing use of cannabis in the US, so we aimed to assess the impact of cannabis use disorder (CUD) on risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, AF; atrial fibrillation, AFL) and stroke in young patients with obesity-associated obstructive sleep apnea (OOSA). Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (2015Oct-2017) with relevant ICD-10 codes were used to identify admissions among young adults (18-44 years) with OOSA. We then matched (1:1) two cohorts of cannabis use disorder (CUD+) vs. without (CUD-) with controlling potential sociodemographic confounders. Primary outcomes of interest were frequency and risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias and stroke assessed by multivariable analysis. Results: Of 7470 demographically-matched OOSA admissions, CUD+ and CUD- cohorts had 3735 hospitalizations in each cohort. Both cohorts were comparable mean age of 38 years and CUD+ cohort more frequently included male (66.6% vs. 53.5%), African American (40.0% vs. 30.1%) patients admitted non-electively (92.3% vs. 84.5%). Rates of drug abuse, hypertension, smoking and chronic pulmonary disease were higher but diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and renal failure were lower in CUD+ cohort vs. CUD- cohort (p<0.001). The frequency of AF/AFL (5.7% vs 7.4%) related admissions were lower; however, the risk of AF/AFL (OR:1.64, 95%CI:1.17-2.30, p=0.004) and stroke (OR:4.41, 95%CI:1.41-13.77, p<0.011) admissions were significantly higher in the OOSA-CUD+ cohort vs. CUD- cohort in the multivariable analysis controlled for relevant cardiovascular/extracardiac comorbidities and concomitant alcohol/drug abuse and smoking. Conclusions: This propensity-matched analysis highlights that recreational cannabis use in young patients with OOSA may alarmingly increase emergency hospitalizations and independently increase the risk of AF/AFL and stroke.

Introduction: Ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF), are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Sedation through agents like benzodiazepines, propofol, and opiates are mainstays of treatment but are limited by side effects. Dexmedetomidine is a α2-presynaptic receptor agonist with a safe and efficacious sedative profile. Furthermore, it has been recently proposed as a sedative agent in VT due its additional antiarrhythmic properties. Methods: A systemic literature review was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials comparing the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias of dexmedetomidine with placebo or an alternative sedative agent were included. Two researchers independently extracted the data and performed quality assessments. Results: We identified 6 studies that met the selection criteria. Our meta-analysis demonstrated significant reduction of the overall risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients receiving dexmedetomidine (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16, 0.76). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in risk of mortality (RR 0.59 95% CI 0.12, 3.02). Dexmedetomidine also significantly increased the risk of bradycardia (RR 2.78 95% CI 2.00, 3.87). There was no significant difference in risk of tachycardia (RR 0.59 95% CI 0.12, 3.02) or hypotension (RR 1.07 95% CI 0.64, 1.81). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the dexmedetomidine reduces the risk of VA by 65% compared to control. Further prospective research is necessary to clarify the antiarrhythmic and sedative properties of dexmedetomidine and its potential effect on patient outcomes.

Background: Many cardiac implantable devices have the capability of monitoring the volume status in patients with heart failure by tracking the intra-thoracic impedance changes over time measured by OptiVol fluid index. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the intra-thoracic impedance measured by OptiVol fluid index and the onset of tachyarrhythmias. Methods: We searched Medline and EMBASE databases through January 2021 looking for studies evaluating intra-thoracic impedance measured by OptiVol with either ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) or atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF). After extracting the data from each study, we calculated the odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals using RevMan 5 software. Results: Ten studies met our inclusion criteria with a total of 118,504 patients were included in our analysis. Seven studies measured VT/VF included 94,816 patients and 5 studies measured AT/AF included 23,688 patients. Two studies measured both AT/AF and VT/VF. The odds ratio for developing VT/VF with OptiVol fluid index crossing a threshold of 60 Ω-days was 1.55 (95% CI 1.35, 1.78) (P<0.00001) and for developing AT/AF was 1.79 (95% CI 1.43, 2.24) (P<0.00001) {Figure1} Conclusion: The decrease in intra-thoracic impedance measured by OptiVol fluid index threshold crossing of 60 Ω-days is associated with higher risk for developing new onset AT/AF and VT/VF. Key Words: intra-thoracic impedance; OptiVol; tachyarrhythmia Figure1: Forest Plot for risk of developing VT/VF Figure: Forest Plot for risk of developing AT/AF

Introduction: Remote monitoring using implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) can be used as an adjunctive diagnostic tool to traditional hospital and clinic visits to monitor the volume status of patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov (inception through February 4th, 2021) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ICDs/CRT-D remote monitoring versus standard of care in patients with HF. Of 642 articles retrieved after removing duplicate items, we included 11 RCTs encompassing 5,965 patients. Absolute risk difference (ARD) with 95% credible interval (CrI) was estimated. Pooled (posterior) risk difference was computed using Bayesian hierarchical methods, random effects model and weakly informative prior. Results: The ARD for mortality was centered at -0.01 (95%CrI: -0.03; 0.01, Tau: 0.02), with 82% probability of ARD of ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring with respect to control being less than 0. The ARD for cardiovascular mortality was centered at -0.03 (95%CrI: -0.11; 0.05, Tau: 0.10), with 84% probability of ARD of ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring with respect to control being less than 0. The ARD for HF admissions was centered at -0.00 (95%CrI: -0.07; 0.06, Tau: 0.08), with 57% probability of ARD of ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring with respect to control being less than 0 [Figure]. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that ICD/CRT-D remote monitoring in patients with HF is associated with a higher probability of reduced all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality compared with standard care. However, ICD-CRT/D remote monitoring was associated with minimal probability of difference in HF hospitalizations.

Introduction: Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a rare sequelae of hormonally active neuroendocrine tumors that often requires cardiac surgical intervention. Little is reported on cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation in the CHD patient population. Hypothesis: We sought to establish the safety and efficacy of CIED implantation in patients with CHD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with a diagnosis of CHD who underwent CIED implantation at our institution (Mayo Clinic) and evaluated indications for implant, perioperative complications, and mortality. Results: A total of 27 patients with a cumulative follow up of 75 patient-years were identified during the study period. The most common indication for device implant was high grade atrioventricular block (n=18, 66.7%). 14 (51.8%) had baseline conduction disease and 26 (96.2%) underwent cardiac surgery prior to CIED implant. The majority of devices implanted were dual chamber permanent pacemakers (PPM) (n=17, 63.0%), while other devices included single chamber PPM, epicardial PPM, chronic resynchronization devices, and intracardiac defibrillators. Peri-operative complication occurred in 6 patients (22.2%), with 2 patients requiring ICU level care. No patient suffered carcinoid crisis during implantation and there was no peri-implant mortality. Long term, 3 patients required device extraction: 1 for infection, 1 for lead related pain, and 1 for generator migration. The median time to death from implant was 2.5 years, with one-year mortality at 15%. Conclusions: In this unique cohort of patients with CHD, CIED can be performed safely. CIED most often occurred in the post cardiac surgical period and carcinoid crisis was uncommon.

Introduction: Multiple arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia (VT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported in patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). We sought to determine the frequency of rhythm abnormalities on Holter monitoring, and their association with all-cause mortality, in patients with LVNC. Methods: Imaging databases from 2000-2016 were reviewed to identify patients with LVNC. On transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), LVNC was defined as: end systolic noncompacted: compacted (NC:C) ratio>2 and end diastolic epicardium to trough: epicardium to peak trabeculation (X:Y) ratio<0.5. Holter monitor reports from the medical record were evaluated. VT was defined as ≥3 consecutive beats of ventricular origin. All-cause mortality was obtained from a web-based research and location service (Accurint). We used a proportional hazards model to determine associations of Holter variables with all-cause mortality. Results: Among 340 LVNC patients, Holter reports were available for 177 patients (median age 45 years, interquartile range [IQR] 33-61; 45% females). On TTE, the median NC:C ratio was 2.7 (IQR 2.4-3.2) and X:Y ratio was 0.25 (IQR 0.20-0.28). The median ejection fraction (EF) was 48% (IQR 33-58). 48 patients (27%) had at least one episode of VT (median 4 episodes, IQR 2-4). The median longest duration of VT was 5 beats (IQR 4-9) and maximum rate was 148 beats per minute (IQR: 125-169). PVC burden >5% and 20% was present in 13% and 5% of patients respectively. Patients with EF<50% were more likely to have VT (43% vs 16%, p=0.0003) and PVC burden >5% (19% vs 7%, p=0.03). AF was infrequent (N=5, all persistent). All-cause mortality was 12% over median 6.9 years of follow up (IQR: 3.6-11.3 years). Presence of VT and PVC burden on Holter monitoring were not associated with all-cause mortality (p>0.05). Among patients with VT, the number, longest duration, and fastest rate of VT episodes were not associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Ventricular tachycardia on Holter monitoring is common among patients with LVNC, especially those with a reduced EF. However, the clinical significance of this finding is uncertain, and presence of VT was not associated with long term all-cause mortality.

Introduction: The treatment options for high and extreme-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis have changed significantly over the past decade because of advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However new permanent pacemaker implant (PPI) remains an impending concern after TAVR. Hypothesis: We sought to determine the frequency, predictors and outcomes of patients requiring PPI after TAVR. Methods: We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database using the ICD-9-CM procedure code of 35.05 for transfemoral/transaortic and 35.06 for transapical replacement of aortic valve .We identified TAVR procedures associated with new permanent pacemaker implants using appropriate validated ICD-9-CM codes. Using multivariate analysis we further identified predictors of PPM implants Results: An estimated 8828 TAVR procedures were performed in United States between 2011-2012. 773 (8.7%) TAVR procedures were associated with PPIs. PPI were higher in older (age>80 years), White race, diabetics, left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), transfemoral approach. The inhospital mortality ( 5.2% vs.4.6% ) , mean length of stay ( 9.8 vs. 8.3 days ) disposition to short term nursing facility was higher (38.2% vs. 32.1%) and mean total costs (82217$ vs. 52283$) was higher in TAVR + PPI group . On multivariate analysis, Age in 5 year increment [Odds ratio (OR) 1.11; Confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.17, p<0.001], diabetes [OR 1.26; CI 1.07-1.49, p<0.001], LBBB [OR 1.99; CI 1.55-2.56, p<0.001], RBBB [OR 5.36; CI 3.80-7.55, p<0.001] were independent predictors of PPI. Transfemoral approach was associated with more PPI implants [OR 1.41; CI 1.12 -1.78, p<0.001] Conclusion: Age, baseline conduction system disturbances, diabetes, transfemoral approach emerged as independent predictors of PPI after TAVR. This study provides useful tools to identify high-risk patients for PPI after TAVR.

Background: There is sparse comparative data on short-term readmissions following Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Methods: The study cohort was derived from the National Readmission Data (NRD) 2013, a subset of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) sponsored by AHRQ. TAVR and SAVR were identified using appropriate ICD-9-CM codes (TAVR - 35.05, 35.06 & SAVR - 35.21, 35.22) as either primary or secondary procedural codes. Variables which could affect treatment assignment, were adjusted with propensity score match analysis and Match (1:1) cohort was generated. Readmission causes were identified by ICD 9 code in primary diagnosis. Results: Our analysis included 3,886 TAVR and SAVR procedures each in the propensity matched cohorts. There was no significant difference in terms of readmission rates amongst patients who underwent TAVR vs. SAVR [21.41% vs. 21.07% (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.92 - 1.14) p = 0.702]. Cardiac etiologies were more likely to be responsible for readmissions following SAVR (42.66% vs. 35.91%, p = 0.006). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was a much more common cause of readmission following SAVR (7.81% vs. 3.37%, p <0.001). Overall vascular (3.24% vs. 1.32%, p = 0.006) and bleeding complications (9% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.025) were more likely to result in readmission in patients undergoing TAVR. Cost of care of index admission and readmission was similar in both groups. Readmission mortality was higher amongst patient with TAVR vs. SAVR (6.49 vs. 3.91, p = 0.02). 50% of TAVR and SAVR readmission occur within 11 days post discharge. Conclusion: In our study from a large nationwide database, there was no significant difference in readmission rate, median readmission rate and resource utilization between TAVR and SAVR. Arrhythmias especially AF accounted for more SAVR readmission and Bleeding/vascular complications were more commonly responsible for readmissions following TAVR.

Introduction: Electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) has been studied as a modality to improve the sensitivity and reduce false negative rates with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). We systematically reviewed the literature describing EAM guided EMB. Methods: An experienced librarian developed search strategies for Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid CDR, Cochrane Central, Scopus and Web of Science. There were no restrictions on language or publication date. Animal studies were excluded. Search strategy included MESH headings and keywords including endomyocardial biopsy and electroanatomic mapping. Results: Out of 139 studies initially identified, 16 (9 case series, 7 case reports) were included in this systematic review. EAM guided EMB was performed in 152 patients and results of 241 biopsies were available for analysis. The most common indications for EAM guided EMB were suspected arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), myocarditis and cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). While fluoroscopic visualization of the bioptome close to mapping catheter was the most commonly utilized biopsy technique (n=7 studies), direct visualization of bioptome on CARTO (n=4) and on NavX (n=2) were used as well. Low voltage areas had abnormal myocardial histology more commonly (range 60-100%) than normal voltage areas (range 11-52%). Sensitivity of low voltage areas for abnormal myocardium ranged from 60% to 82%. EAM guided EMB appears safe and adverse events were noted in only one study (remote hemopericardium). Conclusions: EAM guided EMB is a safe and efficacious method to improve the sensitivity and reduce the false negative rate of conventional fluoroscopy guided biopsy.

Background: Recent case series and smaller registries from around the world have reported higher frequency of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) in females.The aim of this study was to look for gender difference and age - gender interactions for TTC across the nation. Methods: This was a cross sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2007 database. TTC or Broken heart syndrome or Reversible left ventricular dysfunction following sudden emotional stress or Stress induced Cardiomyopathy or Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome was defined as patients discharged with any ICD code of 429.83 ( http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd9/agendasept05.pdf ). Multivariate logistic regression with interaction variable between age and sex was performed. Results: There were 6229 estimated discharges in 2007 NIS. Of these, 5558 (89.2 %) were females and 671 (10.8%) were males. 11.1 % were between 18-50 years, 32% between 50-65 years,58% were more than 65 years. Overall females had significantly higher odds of developing TTC (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 6.31-9.13). In age group > 55yrs, the odds of developing TTC was 9.5 times higher in females than in males, while in age 55yrs had 2.9 times higher odds of developing TTC while there was no such age difference in males. Conclusions: We conclude that women have 7.5 times higher odds of developing TTC than males. Females with age > 55 years have 2.9 times higher odds of developing TTC than females with age < 55 years. Further research needs to be done on hormonal influence and its effect on TTC.