Implementation of Rapid CMR Protocol in the COVID-19 era: improving scanning efficiency and increasing scanning capacity

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, many non-urgent elective cardiac MRI (CMR) appointments were cancelled to minimise the risk of infection to patients coming to hospital. At the time of the first lockdown, our scanning schedule allowed on average 228 scans/month. Non-urgent elective studies were cancelled from April-June 2020, resulting in 684 scans added to the waiting list. Upon reactivation of our clinical CMR service, we developed a service quality improvement initiative consisting of using a ‘Rapid CMR’ protocol to reduce scanning time without compromising the test’s diagnostic accuracy, increase our scanning capacity and improve efficiency in reducing the backlog of requests. Purpose To demonstrate the increased scanning capacity generated by the adoption of the "Rapid CMR" protocol. Methods The Rapid CMR protocol was implemented in November 2020 to all scans requiring cines, late gadolinium enhancement ± adenosine stress (non-stress and stress studies). The protocol was modelled on prior published experiences[1,2]. Patients who underwent these scans with additional imaging (e.g. T2-STIR imaging) were excluded. Data was collected from Nov 2020 to Jan 2021 and compared with the same time period the previous year when the standard protocol was used (cf. Image 1). Data collected included scan duration (time from first to last image), whether the Rapid CMR studies maintained diagnostic quality (yes/no), and the did-not-attend (DNA) rate. Results With the Rapid CMR protocol 254 patients were scanned (114 non-stress, 140 stress), compared with 286 patients scanned with standard protocol in November 2019 to January 2020 (155 non-stress, 131 stress). Median scanning time in minutes for non-stress was 29 (IQR 25-34; Rapid) vs 37 (IQR 33-41; standard); (p < 0.001). For stress studies the median scanning time in minutes was 32 (IQR 28-36; Rapid) vs 41 (IQR 29-45; standard; (p < 0.001). The rate of suboptimal imaging due to patient factors (such as breathing or arrhythmia) was similar for each protocol (14.4% Rapid, 20.2% standard; p = 0.04). All Rapid studies were of diagnostic quality (Table 1). Saving c.8 minutes per scan led to an improved scanning time and schedule capacity of 21%. Fewer patients were scanned with the Rapid protocol due to pandemic related issues: patient reluctance to accept appointments (unfilled slots), cleaning measures between patients (on average ∼5 mins per slot reducing overall capacity), and a higher DNA rate: 15.3% (Rapid) vs 6.5% (standard); p < 0.001. Conclusion The Rapid CMR protocol resulted in a statistically significant reduction in scanning time (-8 min for both stress and non-stress CMRs) increasing our schedule capacity and improving efficiency by 21%, whilst maintaining diagnostic quality. The implementation of the Rapid CMR protocol is a feasible and effective strategy to tackle the backlog of CMR clinical request accumulated during the pandemic.

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Rising patients" adherence to CVD preventive treatment via medical and psychological counseling using remote technologies

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.319 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

OV Kopylova ◽

NA Sirota ◽

VM Yaltonsky

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Medical Treatment ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Preventive Treatment ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Counselling ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Item Questionnaire ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Low adherence to healthy lifestyle and CVD preventive medical treatment is a seriouse problem in lowering of CVD morbidity and mortality. Using modern medical, psychological and remote technologies may help to increase patients" adherence. Purpose To study the efficacy of medical and psychological counselling using remote technologies in rising patients" adherence to CVD preventive treatment. Methods The study included 140 patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (RF CVD), who were divided into two comparable groups: group of medical and psychological counselling with the use of remote technologies (n = 70) and group of control (n = 70). The study lastet 12 months. Level of adherence was measured via standard Morisky-Green"s 4-item questionnaire as well as via additional questionnaire developed by authors for this study. Results Comparative analysis of the level of adherence in the two groups did not reveal statistically significant differences at baseline. After 12 months, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in adherence to preventive treatment compared with the control group (р=0,001) Conclusion(s) Medical and psychological counselling using remote technologies is an effective method for rising patients" adherence to CVD preventive medical treatment

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The underrepresentation of female participants in studies assessing the impact of high-dose exercise on cardiovascular outcomes: a scoping review

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.367 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Pallikadavath ◽

R Patel ◽

CL Kemp ◽

M Hafejee ◽

N Peckham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

High Volume ◽

Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽

High Dose ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Review Protocol ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiovascular adaptations as a result of exercise conducted at high-intensity and high-volume are often termed the ‘Athlete’s heart’. Studies have shown that these cardiovascular adaptations vary between sexes. It is important that both sexes are well represented in this literature. However, many studies assessing the impact of high-dose exercise on cardiovascular outcomes under-recruit female participants. Purpose This scoping review aimed to evaluate the representation of females in studies assessing the impact of high-dose exercise on cardiovascular outcomes and demonstrate how this has changed over time. Methods The scoping review protocol as outlined by Arksey and O’Malley was used. OVID and EMBASE databases were searched and studies independently reviewed by two reviewers. Studies must have investigated the effects of high-dose exercise on cardiovascular outcomes. To assess how the recruitment of females has changed over time, two methods were used. One, the median study date was used to categorise studies into two groups. Two, studies were divided into deciles to form ten equal groups over the study period. Mean percentage of female recruitment and percentage of studies that failed to include females were calculated. Results Overall, 250 studies were included. Over half the studies (50.8%, n = 127) did not include female participants. Only 3.2% (n = 8) did not include male participants. Overall, mean percentage recruitment was 18.2%. The mean percentage of recruitment was 14.5% before 2011 and 21.8% after 2011. The most recent decile of studies demonstrated the highest mean percentage of female recruitment (29.3%) and lowest number of studies that did not include female participants (26.9%). Conclusion Female participants are significantly underrepresented in studies assessing cardiovascular outcomes caused by high-dose exercise. The most recent studies show that female recruitment may be improving, however, this still falls significantly short for equal representation. Risk factors, progression and management of cardiovascular diseases vary between sexes, hence, translating findings from male dominated data is not appropriate. Future investigators should aim to establish barriers and strategies to optimise fair recruitment. Mean percentage females recruited per study (%) Percentage studies that do not include women (%) Overall (n = 250) 18.2 50.8 (n = 127) Studies before 2011 (n = 121) 14.5 59.5 (n = 72) Studies after 2011 (n = 129) 21.8 42.6 (n = 55) Table 1: Female recruitment characteristics. The year 2011 (median study year) was chosen as this divides all included studies into two equal groups.

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Factors associated with the practice of minimal counseling by medical residents

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Z Bargaoui ◽

K Mzoughi ◽

I Zairi ◽

O Aouina

Keyword(s):

Analytical Study ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Medical Residents ◽

Medical Studies ◽

Gender Ratio ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Prospective Data ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Smoking is a public health problem. Doctors have an important role in the fight against smoking, in particular through the minimum advice they can give. Purpose The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of the application of minimal advice by medical residents and to identify factors that may influence its practice. Methods We conducted a descriptive and analytical study with a prospective data collection that included 302 residents practicing in Tunisia and who agreed to respond to an online questionnaire submitted between February and March 2020. Results Residents mean age was of 28 ± 2 years and the gender ratio was 0.65. Sixty-four percent of residents were non-smokers. During their practice, 94% of residents systematically identified the patient"s smoking status and 61.9% were unfamiliar with the concept of minimal advice. The rate of application of the minimum advice by residents was 57.6%. In multivariate analysis, the factors influencing the application of minimum counseling were: gender (OR =0.321, p = 0.0001), knowledge of minimum counseling (OR = 2.808, p = 0.002) and having attended the minimum advice given by a senior (OR = 2.328, p = 0.0001). Conclusion The rate of application of the minimum advice remains low. Improving one"s theoretical and practical teaching during medical studies is essential.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on electrophysiological procedures at a national referral center

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

A Cueva-Parra ◽

G Munoz-Benavides ◽

W Ortiz-Solis ◽

J Gomez-Flores ◽

MF Marquez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electronic Devices ◽

Referral Center ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices ◽

Electrophysiological Studies ◽

Electrophysiological Procedures ◽

The Impact ◽

Large Groups ◽

Made In ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background - Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated serious repercussions on the health system, reducing the number of all cardiology procedures worldwide. Objectives Describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the procedures performed by the electrophysiology department in a national referral center. Methods We made a retrospective review of our data base and we compared procedures made in the last 3 years since 2017 to 2019 with the procedures made in the 2020. We divide the procedures into two large groups: Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) related procedures (which included implants, revisions, changes, upgrades and extractions) and electrophysiological studies and ablations (which included conventional and complex procedures). Other types of procedures were no included. Results There was a significant reduction in all procedures, the average of procedures performed in the last 3 previous years was 467 (there were 479 in 2017, 411 in 2018 and 511 in 2019), while in 2020 we performed only 319 (p = 0.01); this represents a reduction of 33.4% in the total number of procedures performed in our center. There was no statistical difference regarding the CIED related procedures, the average of procedures of the last 3 previous years was 174 (there were 186 in 2017, 148 in 2018 and 188 in 2019), and in 2020 we performed 189 procedures, this value is near to the average of the last 3 previous years and very close to the value of the 2019 (p = 0.46). Regarding the electrophysiological studies and ablations, the average of procedures of the last 3 previous years was 293 (there were 293 in 2017, 263 in 2018 and 323 in 2019), while in 2020 we performed only 129 procedures, considerably decreasing compared to the previous years (p < 0.01). The reduction in the electrophysiological studies and ablations was 55.97%. The most affected months were April, May and June. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic considerably affected the number of electrophysiological procedures in our center, reducing it by 33.4% compared to the previous years. The reduction of procedures fundamentally affected the electrophysiological studies and ablations, reducing them by 55.97%. The number of CIED related procedures were no affected. Electrophysiological procedures Procedures2017201820192017-2019 average2020CIED related procedures186148188174189Electrophysiological studies and ablations293263323293129Total479411511467319Comparative table of the electrophysiological procedures performed in our center in recent years.Abstract Figure. Comparison of the procedures.

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Electrocardiographic characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) related pneumonia at first presentation

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

U Nguyen ◽

M Strik ◽

S Abu-Arib ◽

A Bruekers ◽

T Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Presentation ◽

Negative Group ◽

Male Mortality ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Atrial Enlargement ◽

Study Population ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Repolarization Abnormalities ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Purpose To evaluate electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics at first presentation in patients with possible coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods and results 356 patients presenting at the emergency room with possible COVID-19 pneumonia based on clinical presentation and computed tomography findings were included and subdivided into a COVID-19 positive group ([COVID-19-positive], n = 231, 65%) and a COVID-19 negative group ([COVID-19-negative], n = 125, 35%) based on polymerase chain reaction tests. The study population was predominantly middle aged-elderly (67 ± 14 year; n = 235, 66% male). Mortality rate was 24% after 1-month follow-up. There were no significant (NS) differences in sex, age, and mortality between the COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative group. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was common (9%), though its prevalence was NS (regression analyses adjusted for age and sex) different in the COVID-19-positive vs. the COVID-19-negative group. ECG characteristics reflecting atrial enlargement and repolarization abnormalities were frequently present (<38% and 14% respectively). No significant differences were found between the COVID-19-positive vs. the COVID-19-negative group for the majority of morphological ECG characteristics (Figure 1 for more detailed data). Conclusion AF and ECG characteristics reflecting atrial enlargement and repolarization abnormalities are commonly present in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of these ECG characteristics however do NS differ from their COVID-19-negative counterparts. Abstract Figure.

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Impact of air pollution on mortality due to cerebrovascular diseases

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.177 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

L Kuzma ◽

EJ Dabrowski ◽

A Kurasz ◽

M Swieczkowski ◽

H Bachorzewska-Gajewska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Cold Season ◽

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

Term Effect ◽

Short Term ◽

Short Term Effect ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Specific Mortality ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The short-term effect of air pollution on cardiovascular mortality is well-documented but a scarce number of studies focus on cause-specific mortality in low-polluted areas. Purpose We decided to distinguish deaths due to cerebrovascular disease (CbVD) from a region widely known as the Green Lungs of Poland to assess the short-term effect of air pollution on CbVD mortality. Methods The analysis with almost 4,500,000 person-years of follow-up with a time-stratified case-crossover design was performed. Results are reported as odds ratio (OR) associated with an increase in interquartile range (IQR) of air pollution. Results In the overall analysis of the studied region PM2.5 had an impact on increased CbVD mortality at LAG 0 (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.013 – 1.080, P = 0.006), LAG 0-1 (1.048, 1.002-1.082, P = 0.040), and LAG 0-3 (1.052, 1.015-1.090, P = 0.006). The influence of PM10 was noted at LAG 0 (1.041, 1.002-1.082, P = 0.040). CbVD mortality in Bialystok was increased by exposure to PM10 at LAG 0 (1.05, 1.00-1.09, P = 0.048) and CO at LAG 1 (1.07, 1.00-1.14, P = 0.04). Additionally, an effect of CO was observed in cold season at LAG 1 (1.09, 1.02-1.17, P = 0.02), LAG 0-1 (1.08, 1.00-1.016, P = 0.04), and LAG 0-3 (1.09, 1.01-1.18, P = 0.04). In Suwalki, an impact of PM2.5 was also observed. Conclusions A short-term increase in air pollutants concentrations, especially in PM2.5 and CO, had an influence on CbVD mortality. Mortality rates were significantly increased in cold season. We also found heterogeneity in the influence of major contributors on mortality between analyzed cities.

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Long term stability of the subcutaneous cardioverter defibrillator implanted by means of the intermuscular two incision technique

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.403 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

G Bisignani ◽

A Bisignani ◽

AL Cavaliere ◽

M Lovecchio ◽

S Valsecchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thoracic Wall ◽

Fat Tissue ◽

Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

Long Term Stability ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Incision Technique ◽

Post Implantation ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background To ensure effective defibrillation with the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD), both the lead and the generator must be adequately positioned extrathoracically. We assessed the long-term adequacy of the S-ICD system position and its stability in a group of patients who received the S-ICD by means of the two-incision intermuscular technique. Methods The PRAETORIAN score uses chest radiography to provide feedback on S-ICD positioning, and identifies patients with high defibrillation thresholds. We compared radiographs taken immediately after implantation and on 12-month follow-up examination. Results We analyzed data from 38 patients with the S-ICD generator positioned in an intermuscular pocket. The median PRAETORIAN score was 38 [25th to 75th percentile: 30 to 60]. Two (5%) patients had a score of 90 (intermediate risk of conversion failure). The thickness of the adipose tissue between the coil and the sternum was ≤1 coil width in 72% of patients, the generator was on, or posterior to, the midline in 94% of patients, and the amount of fat tissue between the generator and the thoracic wall was less than the generator width in 78% of patients. No generator or electrode dislodgments were detected on analyzing radiographs collected at the 12-month visit. In all patients, assessment of the PRAETORIAN score confirmed the values calculated on post-implantation analysis. During follow-up, no ineffective therapies, sudden cardiac or device-related deaths occurred. Conclusions The position of the S-ICD system implanted using the two-incision intermuscular technique was adequate at the time of implantation and remained stable after 12 months.

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Generating Virtual Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) Images from T1- and T2-Weighted Images Using a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network in Spine Imaging

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11091542 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1542

Author(s):

Johannes Haubold ◽

Aydin Demircioglu ◽

Jens Matthias Theysohn ◽

Axel Wetter ◽

Alexander Radbruch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inversion Recovery ◽

Training Dataset ◽

Validation Dataset ◽

Generative Adversarial Network ◽

Diagnostic Quality ◽

Adversarial Network ◽

Scanning Time ◽

T1 And T2 ◽

Short Tau Inversion Recovery ◽

T2 Weighted Images

Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences are frequently used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. However, STIR sequences require a significant amount of scanning time. The purpose of the present study was to generate virtual STIR (vSTIR) images from non-contrast, non-fat-suppressed T1- and T2-weighted images using a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). The training dataset comprised 612 studies from 514 patients, and the validation dataset comprised 141 studies from 133 patients. For validation, 100 original STIR and respective vSTIR series were presented to six senior radiologists (blinded for the STIR type) in independent A/B-testing sessions. Additionally, for 141 real or vSTIR sequences, the testers were required to produce a structured report of 15 different findings. In the A/B-test, most testers could not reliably identify the real STIR (mean error of tester 1–6: 41%; 44%; 58%; 48%; 39%; 45%). In the evaluation of the structured reports, vSTIR was equivalent to real STIR in 13 of 15 categories. In the category of the number of STIR hyperintense vertebral bodies (p = 0.08) and in the diagnosis of bone metastases (p = 0.055), the vSTIR was only slightly insignificantly equivalent. By virtually generating STIR images of diagnostic quality from T1- and T2-weighted images using a cGAN, one can shorten examination times and increase throughput.

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A novel ventricular map of electrograms duration as a method to identify areas of slow conduction during ablation of ventricular tachycardia

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.358 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

P Rossi ◽

FM Cauti ◽

M Polselli ◽

L Iaia ◽

V Fanti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ventricular Tachycardia ◽

Wave Front ◽

Conduction Delay ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Diastolic Phase ◽

Slow Conduction ◽

Reentry Circuit ◽

Background Wave ◽

Mean Time ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background – Wave front inhomogeneous propagation is crucial for reentry circuit generation. Bipolar EGM duration is indicative of local conduction delay and may identify areas of low conduction as a functional substrate. This study aimed to create a map of EGM duration during the VT (VEDUM Map) to identify the area of the slowest conduction and to verify if RF delivery at this area allows to rapidly interrupt the VT. Methods – 24 high-density VTs maps (21 patients) were analyzed. Activation maps and voltage maps during SR were performed. An offline remap confirmed with MathLab software was customized to visualize the longest duration electrogram during VT. Results – All of the VTs were interrupted during the first RF delivery (mean time 7,3 ± 5,4 sec (range 3-25 sec)) at the area with the longest EGM duration (212 ± 47 ms (range 113-330 ms)). . In 9 pts (37,5%) the longest EGM was located at the entrance or exit area of the activation maps while in 5 pts (21%) the EGM covered the full diastolic phase. Finally, in 10 pts the longest EGM occurred in the mid-exit-diastolic phase. Conclusions - A novel Ventricular map of Electrograms DUration (VEDUM Map) is highly accurate in defining a conductive vulnerable zone of the VT circuit. The longest EGM duration within the isthmus is highly predictive of rapid VT termination. Quantitative variablesQualitative variablesMeanMedianStandard DeviationAge71738.40BMI26.624.54.02LV EDV16315442.7LV EDD61.2629.9LV EF38.7369.74VT cycle lenght (TCL)35537556.4EGM max. duration in VT21220847EGM max dur / TCL58.260.512Maximum EGM duration localization in CLProto = 12.5%Meso = 33.3%Tele = 25%Full = 20.8%Myocardium voltage characteristics in VEDUM EGMHealthy = 25%Transition = 20.8%Scar = 41.7%Critical Isthmus area12.3107.3VT Interruption during RFYes = 79.2%No = 20.8%Time (seconds) to interruption765Access typeEndo = 58.3%Epi = 29.2%Clinical and procedural dataAbstract Figure.

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Causes of sudden cardiac death in young athletes and nonathletes: systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.378 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

F D"ascenzi ◽

F Valentini ◽

S Pistoresi ◽

F Frascaro ◽

P Pietro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sudden Cardiac Death ◽

Cardiac Death ◽

Ventricular Hypertrophy ◽

Total Population ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Normal Heart ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Funding Acknowledgements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction. The etiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people is still debated. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the most frequent causes of SCD in individuals aged ≤35 years, the differences between athletes and nonathletes and among geographic areas. Methods. Studies published between 01/01/1990 and 01/31/2020 and evaluating post-mortem the etiology of SCD in young individuals (≤35 years) were included. Individuals were divided in athletes and nonathletes. Studies that did not report separately data between athletes and nonathletes were excluded. Results. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and a total population of 5,060 victims of SCD were analysed (2,890 athletes, 2,170 nonathletes). Structurally normal heart, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy, and anomalous origin of coronary arteries (AOCA) were the most frequent causes of SCD in athletes while coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), and channelopathies were frequent causes of SCD in nonathletes. The number of SCDs due to ischemic heart disease (19.6% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.009), ACM (11.5% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.03) and channelopathies (8.4% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.02) was higher in nonathletes comparing with athletes. SCD due to non-ischemic left ventricular scar (5.1% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.01) was more frequent in athletes. HCM (p = 0.01) and AOCA (p = 0.004) were more frequently cause of SCD in US while ACM (p = 0.001), structurally normal heart (p = 0.02), and channelopathies (p = 0.02) in Europe. Conclusions. Structurally normal heart, HCM, AOCA were frequent causes of SCD in athletes while CAD, ACM and channelopathies in nonathletes. The causes of SCD differ between US and Europe.

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