Outcomes of Patients after Implantation of the Pericardial All-Biological Valve No-React Aortic Conduit (BioIntegral) for Root Replacement in Complex Surgical Procedures

Objective Therapy of complex aortic root pathologies remains a great surgical challenge. Though different graft materials are available to replace the often-destroyed aortic root, long durability and freedom from reoperation of the latter are still under debate. The aim of our study was to investigate patients' postoperative outcome after implantation of the BioIntegral conduit in complex aortic root pathologies. Methods From February 2014 to May 2017, 33 consecutive patients (69.7% male) with a median age of 73 (57.5; 76.2) years underwent aortic root replacement with the BioIntegral conduit at our institution. Severe aortic valve endocarditis (78.8%) was the predominant indication for surgery. In 28 patients (84.9%), implantation was performed as redo or in 87.8% as urgent and emergent surgery. Primary end-point was the 30-day survival time, evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Secondary midterm outcome and graft-related reoperation were analyzed. Results Median follow-up for all patients was 178 (8; 659) days. Median EuroScore II was 19.9% (13.4; 29.9). Freedom from reoperation was 97%. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 33% mainly caused by multiorgan failure in six (18.2%) patients and cardiac failure in five (15.1%) patients. One further death occurred during follow-up at day 156. None was directly conduit-related. Graft reinfection after the 4th surgery with basal abscess formation occurred in only one patient (3%). Early echocardiographic assessment of the valve revealed good functional results. A higher EuroScore II was significantly associated with a poorer 30-day survival time (hazard ratio, 1.039; 95% confidence interval, 1.015–1.063, p = 0.001). Conclusion Aortic root replacement for complex pathologies is associated with substantial 30-day mortality, but survival of patients after discharge from hospital was stable. Early functional status of the BioIntegral valve was good. Though freedom from re-operation was low, long-term outcome and long-term functional status have to be further evaluated.

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Long term clinical impact of successful recanalization of chronic total occlusion in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

10.21203/rs.3.rs-28914/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chuan-Tsai Tsai ◽

Wei-Chieh Huang ◽

Hsin-I Teng ◽

Yi-Lin Tsai ◽

Tse-Min Lu

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Total Occlusion ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Chronic Total Occlusions ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Diabetes Patients

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is one of the risk factors for coronary artery disease and frequently associated with multivessels disease and poor clinical outcomes. Long term outcome of successful revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTO) in diabetes patients remains controversial. Methods and results From January 2005 to December 2015, 739 patients who underwent revascularization for CTO in Taipei Veterans General Hospital were included in this study, of which 313 (42%) patients were diabetes patients. Overall successful rate of revascularization was 619 (84%) patients whereas that in diabetics and non-diabetics were 265 (84%) and 354 (83%) respectively. Median follow up was 1095 days (median: 5 years, interquartile range: 1–10 years). During 3 years follow-up period, 59 (10%) in successful group and 18 (15%) patients in failure group died. Although successful revascularization of CTO was non-significantly associated with better outcome in total cohort (Hazard ratio (HR):0.593, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.349–0.008, P:0.054), it might be associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.156–0.604, P: 0.001) and CV mortality (HR: 0.266, 95% CI: 0.095–0.748, P: 0.012) in diabetics (P: 0.512). In contrast, successful CTO revascularization didn’t improve outcomes in non-diabetics (all p > 0.05). In multivariate cox regression analysis, successful CTO revascularization remained an independent predictor for 3-years survival in diabetic subgroup (HR: 0.289, 95% CI: 0.125–0.667, P: 0.004). The multivariate analysis result was similar after propensity score matching (all-cause mortality, HR: 0.348, 95% CI: 0.142–0.851, P: 0.021). Conclusion Successful CTO revascularization was associated with reduced long term all-cause/cardiovascular mortality in diabetics but not in non-diabetic population.

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Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis for hemorrhagic moyamoya disease: long-term outcome of a consecutive series of 95 adult patients from a single center

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2017.12.jns172246 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 130 (6) ◽

pp. 1898-1905 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Qian-Nan Wang ◽

Xiang-Yang Bao ◽

Yong Zhang ◽

Qian Zhang ◽

De-Sheng Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moyamoya Disease ◽

Symptom Onset ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Posterior Group

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to investigate long-term outcomes after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) for the treatment of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (MMD) and identify the risk factors for recurrent hemorrhages.METHODSThe authors retrospectively reviewed 95 patients with hemorrhagic MMD who were treated with EDAS at 307th Hospital PLA. Clinical features, angiographic findings, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Rebleeding incidences were compared between anterior or posterior hemorrhagic sites. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate rebleeding risks after EDAS.RESULTSThe average age at symptom onset was 37.1 years (range 20–54 years) for adult patients. The ratio of female to male patients was 1.16:1. In 61 of 95 hemorrhagic hemispheres (64.2%), the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) or posterior communicating artery (PCoA) was extremely dilated, with extensive branches beyond the choroidal fissure, which only occurred in 28 of 86 nonhemorrhagic hemispheres (32.6%). Fifty-seven incidences were classified as anterior hemorrhages and 38 as posterior. Sixteen of 95 patients (16.8%) suffered cerebral rebleeding after a median follow-up duration of 8.5 years. The annual rebleeding rate was 2.2% per person per year. The incidence rate was higher for the posterior group than for the anterior group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that the age of symptom onset (OR 1.075, 95% CI 1.008–1.147, p = 0.028) was a predictor of rebleeding strokes.CONCLUSIONSThrough long-term follow up, EDAS proved beneficial for patients with hemorrhagic MMD. Dilation of the AChA-PCoA is associated with the initial hemorrhage of MMD, and rebleeding is age-related. Patients with hemorrhagic MMD should undergo follow-up over the course of their lives, even when neurological status is excellent.

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Impact of tricuspid valve regurgitation severity and its secondary reduction on long-term survival after transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2634 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M Geyer ◽

K Keller ◽

T Ruf ◽

F Kreidel ◽

A Petrescu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitral Valve ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Valve Regurgitation ◽

Term Survival ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Survival ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is a frequent heart valve disorder affecting 1–2% of the humans in the general population and over 10% of the individuals older than 75 years. While a symptomatic and prognostic benefit of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for MR (TMVR) was reported, data regarding long-term outcome as well as influence of concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are sparse. Purpose We aimed to investigate the impact of periinterventional development of TR on survival of patients undergoing interventional edge-to-edge repair for MR in a large retrospective monocentric study. Methods We retrospectively analyzed survival of patients successfully treated with isolated edge-to-edge repair for MR from 06/2010–03/2018 (exclusion of combined forms of TMVR) in our center. Baseline, periprocedural as well as follow-up data were gathered. Concomitant TR was evaluated at baseline and after 30 days and categorized from grades 0 (no TR) to grade III (severe TR). We analyzed the influence of severe vs. non-severe TR on 30-day, 1-year and long-term survival. Results Overall, 627 consecutive patients (47.0% female, 57.4% functional MR) were enrolled. Median follow-up time was 462 days [IQR 142–945]. Survival status was available in 96.7%. Survival rates were 97.6% at discharge, 75.7% after 1, 54.5% after 3, 37.6% after 5 and 21.7% after 7 years. TR at baseline (examination results were available in 92.3%) was categorized as severe TR in 25.6%, medium TR in 33.3%, mild TR in 35.1% and no TR in 6.0%. TR at 1 month (examination results were available in 81.1%) was severe in 16.7%, medium in 30.2%, mild in 45.6% and no TR was found in 7.4%; improvement by at least 1 TR-grade was documented in 33.6% of the patients. While a severe (compared to non-severe) TR at baseline did not affect the 30-day mortality (7.4% vs. 5.2%, p=0.354), 1-year survival was substantially impaired in those patients (36.5% vs. 23.0%, p=0.012). Accordingly, severe TR was not associated with 30d-mortality (as evaluated by univariate Cox regression, p=0.340), but with 1-year survival (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.19–2.65, p=0.005) and showed a trend towards impaired long-term survival (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.96–1.76, p=0.089). While residual severe TR at one month did not influence 1-year-mortality significantly (p=0.478), improvement of TR demonstrated a trend to better survival after the first year (86.9 vs. 81.0%, p=0.208) confirmed in the Cox regression analysis (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.36–1.22, p=0.188). Conclusions In this large retrospective monocentric study with a long-term follow-up-period of >7 years after edge-to-edge therapy for MR, we demonstrated that severe TR at the time of the intervention had an impact on 1-year-survival. Furthermore, a missing periinterventional improvement of TR was shown to be unfavorable regarding the long-term survival of these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Long-term outcome of patients with Marfan syndrome with previous aortic surgery but native aortic roots

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery ◽

10.1093/ejcts/ezaa221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 58 (6) ◽

pp. 1289-1295

Author(s):

Selim Mosbahi ◽

Murat Yildiz ◽

Paul-Philipp Heinisch ◽

Bettina Langhammer ◽

Silvan Jungi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Marfan Syndrome ◽

Aortic Root ◽

Aortic Surgery ◽

Current Data ◽

Aortic Root Replacement ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Aortic Interventions

Abstract OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to report the long-term outcomes of patients with Marfan syndrome who had aortic surgery on any aortic segment except for the replacement of the aortic root itself. METHODS An observational retrospective single-centre study was conducted with 115 Marfan syndrome patients who underwent 189 major aortic interventions from 1995 until 2018. Patients without aortic root replacement were identified and aortic root growth was analysed over time. RESULTS Eleven of 115 patients (9.5%) did not have aortic root replacement during a follow-up of 10.5 [standard deviation (SD) 5.7] years and a mean age at last follow-up of 53.9 (SD 13.4) years. Patients without root replacement did not suffer less frequently from any type of acute aortic dissection (type A 27% vs 25%, P = 0.999; type B 36% vs 25%, P = 0.474). Patients with native aortic roots did not undergo fewer aortic interventions than those with aortic root replacement [12/11, mean 1.09 (SD 0.54) operations/patient vs 177/104, mean 1.7 (SD 1.3); P = 0.128]. Progression of the aortic root dimension was 0.5 (SD 0.3) mm/year in the group of patients with native aortic roots. CONCLUSIONS Current data suggest that 10% of patients with Marfan syndrome with previous aortic surgery will be free from aortic root replacement until the sixth decade of life.

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Long term clinical impact of successful recanalization of chronic total occlusion in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

10.21203/rs.3.rs-28914/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chuan-Tsai Tsai ◽

Wei-Chieh Huang ◽

Hsin-I Teng ◽

Yi-Lin Tsai ◽

Tse-Min Lu

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Term Survival ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Chronic Total Occlusions ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Diabetes Patients

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the risk factors for coronary artery disease and frequently associated with multivessels disease and poor clinical outcomes. Long term outcome of successful revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTO) in diabetes patients remains controversial.Methods and results: From January 2005 to December 2015, 739 patients who underwent revascularization for CTO in Taipei Veterans General Hospital were included in this study, of which 313 (42 %) patients were diabetes patients. Overall successful rate of revascularization was 619 (84%) patients whereas that in diabetics and non-diabetics were 265 (84%) and 354 (83%) respectively. Median follow up was 1095 days (median: 5 years, interquartile range: 1 – 10 years). During 3 years follow-up period, 59 (10%) in successful group and 18 (15%) patients in failure group died. Although successful revascularization of CTO was non-significantly associated with better outcome in total cohort (Hazard ratio (HR):0.593, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.349–0.008, P:0.054), it might be associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.156 – 0.604, P: 0.001) and CV mortality (HR: 0.266, 95% CI: 0.095 – 0.748, P: 0.012) in diabetics (P: 0.512). In contrast, successful CTO revascularization didn’t improve outcomes in non-diabetics (all p>0.05). In multivariate cox regression analysis, successful CTO revascularization remained an independent predictor for 3-years survival in diabetic subgroup (HR: 0.289, 95% CI: 0.125–0.667, P: 0.004). The multivariate analysis result was similar after propensity score matching (all-cause mortality, HR: 0.348, 95% CI: 0.142 – 0.851, P: 0.021).Conclusions: Successful CTO revascularization in diabetes may be related to better long term survival benefit but not in non-diabetic population.

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Long-Term Clinical Outcome in Elderly Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1716324 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Julia Götte ◽

Armin Zittermann ◽

Kavous Hakim-Meibodi ◽

Masatoshi Hata ◽

Rene Schramm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitral Valve ◽

General Population ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Functional Class ◽

Tricuspid Valve Repair ◽

Valve Repair ◽

Cox Regression Analysis

Abstract Background Long-term data on patients over 75 years undergoing mitral valve (MV) repair are scarce. At our high-volume institution, we, therefore, aimed to evaluate mortality, stroke risk, and reoperation rates in these patients. Methods We investigated clinical outcomes in 372 patients undergoing MV repair with (n = 115) or without (n = 257) tricuspid valve repair. The primary endpoint was the probability of survival up to a maximum follow-up of 9 years. Secondary clinical endpoints were stroke and reoperation of the MV during follow-up. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess independent predictors of mortality. Mortality was also compared with the age- and sex-adjusted general population. Results During a median follow-up period of 37 months (range: 0.1–108 months), 90 patients died. The following parameters were independently associated with mortality: double valve repair (hazard ratio, confidence interval [HR, 95% CI]: 2.15, 1.37–3.36), advanced age (HR: 1.07, CI: 1.01–1.14 per year), diabetes (HR: 1.97, CI: 1.13–3.43), preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (HR: 1.41, CI: 1.01–1.97 per class), and operative creatininemax levels (HR: 1.32, CI: 1.13–1.55 per mg/dL). The risk of stroke in the isolated MV and double valve repair groups at postoperative year 5 was 5.0 and 4.1%, respectively (p = 0.65). The corresponding values for the risk of reoperation were 4.0 and 7.0%, respectively (p = 0.36). Nine-year survival was comparable with the general population (53.2 vs. 53.1%). Conclusion Various independent risk factors for mortality in elderly MV repair patients could be identified, but overall survival rates were similar to those of the general population. Consequently, our data indicates that repairing the MV in elderly patients represents a suitable and safe surgical approach.

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The Role of Hydraulic Silicate Cements on Long-Term Properties and Biocompatibility of Partial Pulpotomy in Permanent Teeth

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14020305 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 305

Author(s):

Chung-Min Kang ◽

Saemi Seong ◽

Je Seon Song ◽

Yooseok Shin

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Permanent Teeth ◽

Success Rates ◽

Pulp Tissue ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Clinical Variables

The use of hydraulic silicate cements (HSCs) for vital pulp therapy has been found to release calcium and hydroxyl ions promoting pulp tissue healing and mineralized tissue formation. The present study investigated whether HSCs such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) affect their biological and antimicrobial properties when used as long-term pulp protection materials. The effect of variables on treatment outcomes of three HSCs (ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA, and RetroMTA) was evaluated clinically and radiographically over a 48–78 month follow-up period. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Fisher’s exact test and Cox regression analysis were used to determine hazard ratios of clinical variables. The overall success rate of MTA partial pulpotomy was 89.3%; Cumulative success rates of the three HSCs were not statistically different when analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. None of the investigated clinical variables affected success rates significantly. These HSCs showed favorable biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties in partial pulpotomy of permanent teeth in long-term follow-up, with no statistical differences between clinical factors.

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Evaluation of different late left ventricular remodeling definitions for predicting long-term outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1486 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Zhang ◽

X Xie ◽

C He ◽

X Lin ◽

M Luo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ventricular Remodeling ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Left Ventricular Remodeling ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Long Term Mortality

Abstract Background Late left ventricular remodeling (LLVR) after the index acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common complication, and is associated with poor outcome. However, the optimal definition of LLVR has been debated because of its different incidence and influence on prognosis. At present, there are limited data regarding the influence of different LLVR definitions on long-term outcomes in AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Purpose To explore the impact of different definitions of LLVR on long-term mortality, re-hospitalization or an urgent visit for heart failure, and identify which definition was more suitable for predicting long-term outcomes in AMI patients undergoing PCI. Methods We prospectively observed 460 consenting first-time AMI patients undergoing PCI from January 2012 to December 2018. LLVR was defined as a ≥20% increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), or a >15% increase in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) from the initial presentation to the 3–12 months follow-up, or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% at follow up. These parameters of the cardiac structure and function were measuring through the thoracic echocardiography. The association of LLVR with long-term prognosis was investigated by Cox regression analysis. Results The incidence rate of LLVR was 38.1% (n=171). The occurrence of LLVR according to LVESV, LVEDV and LVEF definition were 26.6% (n=117), 31.9% (n=142) and 11.5% (n=51), respectively. During a median follow-up of 2 years, after adjusting other potential risk factors, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed LLVR of LVESV definition [hazard ratio (HR): 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–5.22, P=0.015], LLVR of LVEF definition (HR: 16.46, 95% CI: 6.96–38.92, P<0.001) and LLVR of Mix definition (HR: 5.86, 95% CI: 2.45–14.04, P<0.001) were risk factors for long-term mortality, re-hospitalization or an urgent visit for heart failure. But only LLVR of LVEF definition was a risk predictor for long-term mortality (HR: 6.84, 95% CI: 1.98–23.65, P=0.002). Conclusions LLVR defined by LVESV or LVEF may be more suitable for predicting long-term mortality, re-hospitalization or an urgent visit for heart failure in AMI patients undergoing PCI. However, only LLVR defined by LVEF could be used for predicting long-term mortality. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Association Between LLVR and outcomes Kaplan-Meier Estimates of the Mortality

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Clinicopathological Features of Remnant Gastric Cancer After Gastrectomy

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/00031348211056281 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482110562

Author(s):

Kenichi Iwasaki ◽

Edward Barroga ◽

Yota Shimoda ◽

Masaya Enomoto ◽

Erika Yamada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Records ◽

Tumor Invasion ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Remnant Stomach ◽

Invasion Depth ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Tumor Invasion Depth

Background Remnant gastric cancer (RGC) encompasses all cancers arising from the remnant stomach. Various studies have reported on RGC and its prognosis, but no consensus on its surgical treatment and postoperative management has been reached. Moreover, the correlation between the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term outcomes of RGC remains unclear. This study investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with the long-term survival of RGC patients. Methods The medical records (March 1993-September 2020) of 104 RGC patients from Tokyo Medical University Hospital database were analyzed. Of these 104 patients, the medical records of 63 patients who underwent surgical curative resection were analyzed using R. Kaplan-Meier plots of cumulative incidence of RGC were made. Differences in survival rates were compared using the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression analysis ( P < .05). Results Of the 104 RGC patients, 63 underwent total remnant stomach excision. The median time from the first surgery to the total excision was 10 years. The 5-year survival rate of the 63 RGC patients was .55 ((95% CI); .417-.671). The clinicopathological factors that were significantly associated with the long-term outcome of the RGC patients were tumor diameter (≥3.5 cm), presence or absence of combined resection of multiple organs, tumor invasion (deeper than T2), TNM stage, and postoperative morbidity. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor invasion depth was the only independent prognostic factor for RGC patients [HR (95% CI): 5.49 (2.629-11.5), P ≤ .005]. Conclusions Among prognostic factors, tumor invasion depth was the only independent factor affecting RGC’s long-term outcome.

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P1885Cha2ds-2vasc score lacks of ability to predict mortality in patients attending the emergency department with atrial fibrillation in the presence of troponin i

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0633 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M I Gonzalez Del Hoyo ◽

G Cediel ◽

A Carrasquer ◽

G Bonet ◽

K Vasquez-Nunez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Troponin I ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background CHA2DS2-VASc score has been used as a surrogate marker for predicting outcomes beyond thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Likewise, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a predictor of mortality in AF. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of cTnI and CHA2DS2-VASc score with long-term prognosis in patients admitted to the emergency department with AF. Methods A retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2012 and December 2013, enrolling patients admitted to the emergency department with AF and having documented cTnI measurements. CHA2DS2-VASc score was estimated. Primary endpoint was 5-year all-cause mortality, readmission for heart failure (HF), readmission for myocardial infarction (MI) and the composite end point of major adverse cardiac events defined as death, readmission for HF or readmission for MI (MACE). Results A total of 578 patients with AF were studied, of whom 252 patients had elevated levels of cTnI (43.6%) and 334 patients had CHA2DS2-VASc score >3 (57.8%). Patients with elevated cTnI tended to be oldercompared with those who did not have cTnI elevation and were more frequently comorbid and of higher ischemic risk, including hypertension, prior MI, prior HF, chronic renal failure and peripheral artery disease. The overall median CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in those with cTnI elevation compared to those patients elevated cTnI levels (4.2 vs 3.3 points, p<0.001). Main diagnoses at hospital discharge were tachyarrhythmia 30.3%, followed by heart failure 17.7%, respiratory infections 9.5% and acute coronary syndrome 7.3%. At 5-year follow-up, all-cause death was significantly higher for patients with cTnI elevation compared with those who did not have cTnI elevation (56.4% vs. 27%; logrank test p<0.001). Specifically, for readmissions for HF and readmissions for MI there were no differences in between patients with or without cTnI elevation. In addition, MACE was reached in 165 patients (65.5%) with cTnI elevation, compare to 126 patients (38.7%) without cTnI elevation (p<0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, cTnI elevation was an independent predictor of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–2.26, p=0.001) and of MACE (hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.15–1.88; P=0.002), but it did not reach statistical significance for readmissions for MI and readmissions for HF. CHA2DS2-VASc score was a predictor on univariate Cox regression analysis for each endpoint, but it did not reach significance on multivariable Cox regression analysis for any endpoint. Conclusions cTnI is independently associated with long-term all-cause mortality in patients attending the emergency department with AF. cTnI compared to CHA2DS2-VASc score is thus a biomarker with predictive capacity for mortality in late follow-up, conferring utility in the risk stratification of patients with atrial fibrillation.

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