scholarly journals Left atrial strain evaluation and prognostic value in constrictive pericarditis patients undergoing pericardiectomy

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Lo Presti ◽  
N Chan ◽  
Y Saijo ◽  
T Wang ◽  
A Klein

Abstract Background Left Atrial (LA) phasic volumes analyses is flawed with geometrical assumption requiring high endocardial border definition. LA strain analysis is an emergent technique that overcome some of these technical limitations. Prior studies of LA mechanics in pericardiectomy patients found improvement in LA strain at follow-up and manifested as symptomatic improvement, however their relationships with survival have not been investigated. Purpose We assessed LA strain before and after pericardiectomy and its association with all- cause mortality. Methods Consecutive patients with constrictive pericarditis who underwent pericardiectomy from 2000–2017 were retrospectively analyzed, analyzing pre-operative and post-operative (at 12 months) echocardiography. Exclusion criteria included atrial fibrillation, previous left sided valve surgery, concomitant valvular surgery at the index pericardiectomy, more than mild left sided valvulopathy and poor echocardiographic windows. Strain analyses was performed with Vector velocity imaging independent software. Univariate and multivariable analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with reduced survival. Results Amongst 190 patients included in the analyses, mean age was 58.5±12.7 years and 37 (19.5%) were female. The etiology of constriction was deemed idiopathic in 61.6% of the cases, median time interval surgery-postoperative echo was 67 days (IQR 6, 312 days). During median follow up of 3.3 years (IQR 0.73, 5.9 years) there were 37 deaths. After surgery, there was a significant decrease in LA reservoir, conduit and regional wall strains. (Table 1). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that postoperative 4C AL strain reservoir was independently associated with all-cause mortality (Table 2). Conclusions In pericardiectomy patients, postoperative 4C LA strain reservoir is independently associated with all-cause mortality. Perhaps, compensatory changes of septal and antero-posterior walls during constriction explain why after surgery these walls become less dynamic, negatively impacting the overall function. Overall, LA quantification and strains may become a useful clinical tool for risk stratification in pericardiectomy patients FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. Left atrial variables. Table 2. All-cause mortality predictors

Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001794
Author(s):  
Serge C Harb ◽  
Tom Kai Ming Wang ◽  
David Nemer ◽  
Yuping Wu ◽  
Leslie Cho ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe CHA2DS2-VASc score is the preferred risk model for anticoagulation decision-making in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Recent studies have found this score to have prognostic value in other cardiovascular diseases. We assessed the relationships between CHA2DS2-VASc score and long-term mortality in adults referred for stress testing,Methods165 184 consecutive patients from January 1991 to December 2014 from a prospective registry were studied, with CHA2DS2-VASc score calculated for all patients, and AF and anticoagulation status were recorded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.ResultsIn this cohort, 12 450 (7.5%) patients had AF and mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.2±1.2. There were 22 152 (18.4%) deaths during mean follow-up of 6.1±4.8 years. In multivariable analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc score, presence of AF and anticoagulation use, along with end-stage renal failure and smoking were all independently associated with mortality with HRs (95% CIs) of 1.23 (1.21 to 1.25), 1.18 (1.10 to 1.27) and 1.50 (1.40 to 1.60), respectively. Higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was incrementally associated with worse survival both in patients with and without AF (log-rank p<0.001). Anticoagulation use was associated with reduced survival in non-AF patients with alternative anticoagulation indications at all CHA2DS2-VASc score categories, and AF patients with lower CHA2DS2-VASc score 0–2, but was protective in AF patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score 4–9.ConclusionIncrementally higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, a simple clinical tool, is associated with mortality in patients regardless of presence of AF and anticoagulation status. Anticoagulation use was associated with worse survival in non-AF patients and AF patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc scores, but was protective in AF patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc scores.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
João Ferreira ◽  
Valdirene Gonçalves ◽  
Patrícia Marques-Alves ◽  
Rui Martins ◽  
Sílvia Monteiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most common primary valvular heart disease leading to surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement (AVR) in Europe and its prevalence keeps growing. While other risk factors in severe AS are well documented, little is known about the prognostic value of left atrial (LA) function in AS. Our aim is to clarify the relationship between LA function measured at severe AS diagnosis (evaluated by means of volumetric assessment) and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Methods We retrospectively evaluated patients diagnosed with severe AS for the first time at our echocardiography laboratory. We evaluated LA reservoir, conduit and pump function by measuring LA volumes at different timings of cardiac cycle. Treatment strategy was decided according to heart team consensus and patient decision. We divided patients into groups according to terciles of LA reservoir, conduit and pump function. Primary outcome was defined by the occurrence of all-cause mortality during follow-up. Results A total of 408 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up time of 45 months (interquartile range 54 months). 57.9% of patients underwent AVR and 44.9% of patients registered the primary outcome during follow-up. Left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) was the best LA functional parameter and the best overall parameter in discriminating primary outcome (AUC 0.845, 95%CI 0.81–0.88, P < 0.001). After adjustment for clinical, demographic and echocardiographic variables, cumulative survival of patients with LAEF < 37% and LAEF 37 to 53% relative to patients with LAEF ≥54% remained significantly lower (HR 13.91, 95%CI 6.20–31.19, P < 0.001 and HR 3.40, 95%CI 1.57–7.37, P = 0.002, respectively). After adjustment for AVR, excess risk of LAEF < 37% and LAEF 37 to 53% relative to LAEF ≥54% remained significant (HR 11.71, 95%CI 5.20–26.40, P < 0.001 and HR 3.59, 95%CI 1.65–7.78, P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions In patients with a first diagnosis of severe AS, LA function, evaluated by means of volumetric assessment, is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and a more potent predictor of death compared to classical severity parameters. These data can be useful to identify high-risk patients who might benefit of AVR.


Author(s):  
Robin Chazot ◽  
Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers ◽  
Christophe Mariat ◽  
Anne Frésard ◽  
Etienne Cavalier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Identifying people with HIV (PWH) at risk for chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular events, and death is crucial. We evaluated biomarkers to predict all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events, and measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) slope. Methods Biomarkers were measured at enrollment. Baseline and 5-year mGFR were measured by plasma iohexol clearance. Outcomes were a composite criterion of all-cause mortality and/or cardiovascular events, and mGFR slope. Results Of 168 subjects, 146 (87.4%) had undetectable HIV load. Median follow-up was 59.1 months (interquartile range, 56.2–62.1). At baseline, mean age was 49.5 years (± 9.8) and mean mGFR 98.9 mL/min/1.73m2 (± 20.6). Seventeen deaths and 10 cardiovascular events occurred during 5-year follow-up. Baseline mGFR was not associated with mortality/cardiovascular events. In multivariable analysis, cystatin C (hazard ratio [HR], 5.978; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.774–12.88; P &lt; .0001) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR) at inclusion (HR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001–1.004; P &lt; .001) were associated with mortality/cardiovascular events. Area under receiver operating curve of cystatin C was 0.67 (95% CI, .55–.79) for mortality/cardiovascular event prediction. Biomarkers were not associated with GFR slope. Conclusions uACR and cystatin C predict all-cause mortality and/or cardiovascular events in PWH independently of mGFR.


Author(s):  
Ray S. Tabucanon ◽  
Tom Kai Ming Wang ◽  
Michael Chetrit ◽  
Muhammad M. Furqan ◽  
Nicholas Chan ◽  
...  

Background: Worsening tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity may occur after pericardiectomy surgery for constrictive pericarditis patients; however, its mechanisms and predictors are not well established. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, associated factors, and outcomes of worsening TR after pericardiectomy. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis without tricuspid valve surgery and with pre- and postoperative echocardiography available during 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively studied. Clinical, imaging, hemodynamic, and mortality characteristics were analyzed by those with and without worsening TR by at least one grade. Results: Among 381 patients (age 61 [17] years, 318 [83.5%] male), 193 (50.7%) had worsening TR post-operatively, and 75 died during the 2.5 (5.4) years follow-up. In univariable analysis, worsening TR was associated with a history of congestive heart failure (47.2% versus 31.9%, P =0.003), increased left atrial volume indexed (23 versus 20 mL/m 2 , P =0.020), reduced right ventricular fractional area change (47% versus 54%, P <0.001), and worsening mitral regurgitation (39.7% versus 16.6%, P <0.001). Worsened TR had a trend toward reduced survival during follow-up (log-rank P =0.080), especially those with worsened TR but no recovery of TR grade on subsequent echocardiography within the first year compared with those without worsened TR (log-rank P =0.02). In multivariable analysis, right ventricular fractional area change, left atrial volume indexed, left ventricular mass indexed, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and right atrial pressure/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio were most associated with worsened TR, while blood urea nitrogen, hematocrit, lateral and medial e’ tissue Doppler and heart rate were most associated with mortality during follow-up. Conclusions: Worsening TR severity was prevalent after pericardiectomy and had a trend toward reduced survival, especially if TR severity did not recover on subsequent echocardiography. Presence of parameters associated with worsened TR and reduced survival should alert clinicians to carefully manage these patients during follow-up.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep S Sidhu ◽  
Karen P Alexander ◽  
Zhen Huang ◽  
Sean M O’Brien ◽  
Bernard R Chaitman ◽  
...  

Background: In the ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial, all-cause mortality was similar in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) randomized to invasive (INV) and conservative (CON) management strategies. This analysis details specific causes of cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV mortality by treatment group. Methods: In ISCHEMIA, 289 deaths occurred after a median follow-up of 3.2 years; 145 (5.6%) in INV and 144 (5.6%) in CON (HR 1.05, CI 0.83-1.32). Deaths were adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee as CV, non-CV with or without a CV contributor or undetermined. The protocol defined CV death as deaths from CV causes, non-CV causes with CV contributor, and cause undetermined; non-CV death was defined as death from non-CV causes without a CV contributor. Multivariable analyses were used to identify factors associated with cause-specific death. Results: CV death was similar between groups [INV 92 (3.6%), CON 111 (4.3%); HR 0.87 (CI 0.66, 1.15)], but INV had more non-CV death [INV 53 (2.0%), CON 33 (1.3%); HR 1.63 (CI 1.06, 2.52)]; fewer undetermined deaths [INV 12 (0.5%) and CON 26 (1.0%); HR 0.48 (0.24, 0.95)] and more malignancy deaths [INV 41 (1.6%), CON 20 (0.8%); HR 2.11 (1.24, 3.61)]. In multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with CV death were age [HR 1.42 (CI 1.19-1.70) per 10-year increase], diabetes [HR 1.39 (CI 1.03-1.87)], history of heart failure [HR 1.96 (CI 1.33-2.91)], and eGFR [HR 1.18 (CI 1.11-1.26) per 5-ml/min decrease below 80ml/min]. Factors associated with non-CV death were age [HR 2.31 (CI 1.75-3.03) per 10-year increase] and randomization to INV [HR 1.76 (CI 1.13-2.75)]. Conclusions: In ISCHEMIA, all-cause mortality was similar for the INV and CON strategies. Excess non-CV deaths in INV with a higher number of deaths from malignancy but a higher number of undetermined deaths in CON requires further evaluation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Andreas Bugge Tinggaard ◽  
Kasper Korsholm ◽  
Jesper Møller Jensen ◽  
Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk

Abstract Background  The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF). Transcatheter closure is non-inferior to warfarin therapy in preventing stroke. Case summary  A patient with two consecutive strokes associated with AF was referred for transcatheter LAA occlusion (LAAO). Preprocedural cardiac CT and transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a spontaneously occluded LAA with a smooth left atrial surface, with stationary results at 6- and 12-month imaging follow-up. Warfarin was discontinued, and life-long aspirin instigated. Discussion  Left atrial appendage occlusion has shown non-inferiority to warfarin for prevention of stroke, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality. No benefits from anticoagulation have been demonstrated in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. In the present case, we observed that the LAA was occluded and, therefore, treated with aspirin monotherapy assuming similar efficacy as transcatheter LAAO.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Ferreira ◽  
Valdirene Gonçalves ◽  
Patrícia Marques-Alves ◽  
Rui Martins ◽  
Sílvia Monteiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most common primary valvular heart disease leading to surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement (AVR) in Europe and its prevalence keeps growing. While other risk factors in severe AS are well documented, little is known about the prognostic value of left atrial (LA) function in AS. Our aim is to clarify the relationship between LA function measured at severe AS diagnosis (evaluated by means of volumetric assessment) and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients diagnosed with severe AS for the first time at our echocardiography laboratory. We evaluated LA reservoir, conduit and pump function by measuring LA volumes at different timings of cardiac cycle. Treatment strategy was decided according to heart team consensus and patient decision. We divided patients into groups according to terciles of LA reservoir, conduit and pump function. Primary outcome was defined by the occurrence of all-cause mortality during follow-up. Results: A total of 408 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up time of 45 months (interquartile range 54 months). 57.9% of patients underwent AVR and 44.9% of patients registered the primary outcome during follow-up. Left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) was the best LA functional parameter and the best overall parameter in discriminating primary outcome (AUC 0.845, 95%CI 0.81-0.88, P <0.001). After adjustment for clinical, demographic and echocardiographic variables, cumulative survival of patients with LAEF <37% and LAEF 37 to 53% relative to patients with LAEF ≥54% remained significantly lower (HR 13.91, 95%CI 6.20-31.19, P <0.001 and HR 3.40, 95%CI 1.57-7.37, P =0.002, respectively). After adjustment for AVR, excess risk of LAEF <37% and LAEF 37 to 53% relative to LAEF ≥54% remained significant (HR 11.71, 95%CI 5.20-26.40, P <0.001 and HR 3.59, 95%CI 1.65-7.78, P =0.001, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with a first diagnosis of severe AS, LA function, evaluated by means of volumetric assessment, is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and a more potent predictor of death compared to classical severity parameters. These data can be useful to identify high-risk patients who might benefit of AVR.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Annunziata ◽  
F Notaristefano ◽  
L Spighi ◽  
S Piraccini ◽  
G Giuffre' ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Left atrial strain (LAs) shows correlation with atrial fibrosis and is a predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after transcatheter ablation. Little is known about LAs evolution after ablation. Purpose We sought to evaluate the atrial function with echocardiographic strain before and 6 months after AF ablation. Methods 65 consecutive patients undergoing radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation at our centre were enrolled. They underwent a transthoracic echocardiography before the procedure and at 6 months follow-up. 5 patients were excluded because of low quality images. Global left atrial strain during the reservoir phase (LASr) was calculated as a mean of the values obtained in 4 and 2 chamber apical view; the ventricular end-diastole was set as reference to allow the calculation both in patients in AF and sinus rhythm during the echocardiography. Recurrence was defined as any atrial arrhythmia episode lasting more than 30 seconds recorded on an EKG strip after the 3 months blanking period; all patients underwent a 24 hours EKG Holter after the blanking period to detect asymptomatic recurrence. Quality of life was assessed before the procedure and at follow-up with the EQ-5D-3L model. Results At 6 months 14 patients (13%) had AF recurrence. Patients with recurrence (AF-R) had similar baseline characteristics compared to those without recurrence (AF-NR) but the former had a longer history of AF (39±53 vs 85±94 months, p=0,018). LASr, LA volume and left ventricle ejection fraction (EF) were similar at baseline between groups. At follow-up LASr was significantly impaired in the AF-R group compared to AF-NR (14±6% vs 26±10% respectively, p&lt;0,0001) whereas LA volume, LV end systolic volume and EF remained similar. Compared to baseline LASr worsened in patients experiencing AF recurrence (22±11% vs 14±6%, p=0.016) and this finding was consistent also in patients in sinus rhythm during both examinations (29±8 vs 17±7, p=0,005). Compared to baseline LASr (22±10% vs 26±10%, p=0.024), LV end-systolic volume (29±15 ml vs 22±6 ml, p=0,006) and EF (51±9% vs 58±18%, p=0,038) improved in the AF-NR group but the effect was driven mainly by patients restoring sinus rhythm. Both groups showed a significant improvement of the quality of life (55±23 vs 85±13, p&lt;0,0001 AF-NR; 63±17 vs 80±12, p=0,012 AF-R). Conclusions Atrial fibrillation recurrence after transcatheter ablation is associated with significant left atrial strain worsening which indicates disease progression and may predispose to further long-term recurrences whereas a successful ablation has a protective effect on atrial function. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 691-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liton F. Francisco ◽  
Saro Armenian ◽  
Mukta Arora ◽  
Yanjun Chen ◽  
Jessica Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The high intensity of therapeutic exposures (for autologous and allogeneic HCT) and chronic GvHD and its management (in allogeneic HCT) increase the risk for late mortality. Significant changes in transplantation strategies have been instituted over the past 4 decades, with the overarching goal of improving outcomes. The impact of these changes on late mortality remains unknown. Methods: We evaluated late mortality in 5,566 patients who had survived at least 2y after HCT performed between 1974 and 2010. Vital status information was ascertained as of May 2016, using medical records, National Death Index and Accurint databases. Separate analyses were conducted for allogeneic and autologous HCT. For all-cause mortality, relapse-related (RRM) and non-relapse-related (NRM) mortality, we examined trends over 4 time periods: <1990 (n=656); 1990-1999 (n=1650); 2000-2004 (n=1292) and 2005-2010 (n=1968). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of all-cause mortality. Proportional subdistribution hazards model (Fine-Gray) for competing risks was used for RRM and NRM. Multivariable analysis included demographics, primary disease, conditioning regimens, disease status at HCT, stem cell source (for allogeneic and autologous HCT recipients); for allogeneic HCT recipients, it also included transplant intensity, GvH prophylaxis, chronic GvHD. Results: Allogeneic HCT:The cohort included 2,999 2y survivors followed for a median of 12.4y (range, 2.0-40.7) from HCT. Significant differences in HCT strategies (p<0.0001) observed over time in the cohort included increases in age at HCT (median: 21.7y to 40.4y); use of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs: 0% to 62%) and cord blood stem cells (0% to 21%); reduced intensity HCTs (0% to 54%); GvH prophylaxis with tacrolimus (0% to 57%), sirolimus (0% to 49%), MMF (0% to 27%); prevalence of chronic GvHD (43% to 60%); and decreases in GvH prophylaxis with methotrexate (71% to 32%), steroids (63% to 0.3%). Multivariable analysis revealed a 44% reduction over the 4 decades in risk of all-cause late mortality (Figure 1, <1990: HR=1.0; 1990-1999: HR=0.77, p=0.01; 2000-2004: HR=0.53, p=0.0003; 2005-2010: HR=0.56, p=0.005). The reduction in risk was more marked in NRM (80% reduction over 4 decades: <1990: HR=1.0; 1990-1999: HR=0.52, p<0.001; 2000-2004: HR=0.41, p=0.0005; 2005-2010: HR=0.2, p<0.0001) than RRM (51% decline over 4 decades: <1990: HR=1.0; 1990-1999: HR=0.74, p=0.02; 2000-2004: HR=1.06, p=0.7; 2005-2010: HR=0.49, p<0.0001) (Figure 1). Autologous HCT: The cohort included 2,567 2y survivors followed for a median of 9.3y (2-31) from HCT. Significant (p<0.0001) changes in transplantation strategies observed over time included increases in: median age at HCT (29.3y to 53.1y); use of PBSCs (39% to 100%); and decreases in: HCT for AML/MDS (18% to 5%), conditioning with TBI (43% to 12%). Multivariable analysis revealed a 75% reduction in risk of all-cause late mortality over 4 decades (Figure 2, <1990: HR=1.0; 1990-1999: HR=0.55, p<0.0001; 2000-2004: HR=0.35, p<0.0001; 2005-2010: HR=0.25, p<0.0001). The decline in risk of NRM was pronounced (96% decline over 4 decades; Figure 2, <1990: 1.0; 1990-1999: HR=0.41, p<0.0001; 2000-2004: HR=0.22, p<0.0001; 2005-2010: HR=0.04, p<0.0001). The decline in risk of RRM was 83% over 4 decades, and was statistically significant only after 2000 (Figure 2, <1990: HR=1.0; 1990-1999: HR=0.77, p=0.3; 2000-2004: HR=0.46, p<0.0001; 2005-2010: HR=0.17, p<0.0001). Analyses restricted to autologous and allogeneic HCT recipients transplanted between 1974 and 2004 with follow-up for all for the first 10y after HCT (to ensure comparable follow-up across all time periods) showed similar findings (data not shown). Conclusions: Changes in transplantation strategies have contributed to a progressive decline in late mortality for both allogeneic and autologous HCT. The all-cause mortality has declined 44% for allogeneic HCT recipients and 75% for autologous HCT recipients over the 4 decades examined in this study. The decline in risk, while evident for relapse-related mortality, is more prominent for non-relapse mortality. Disclosures Forman: Mustang Therpapeutics: Other: Construct licensed by City of Hope.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Fumagalli ◽  
Chiara Zocchi ◽  
Francesca Bonanni ◽  
Luigi Tassetti ◽  
Matteo Beltrami ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Incidence of stroke in patients with an advanced stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with adverse outcome, impaired quality of life and loss of productivity. Still today, however, the real burden of stroke in both patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) is unresolved. To assess the prevalence and incidence of AF and stroke in patients with an advanced stage HCM implanted with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) at our institution, a long-standing high flow referral centre for cardiomyopathies. Methods and results Clinical and instrumental data of HCM patients implanted with CIEDs [either pacemakers (PM) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)] from 1998 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were site-designated diagnosis of HCM, age at diagnosis &gt;18 years, Follow-up &gt;1 year. HCM phenocopies (e.g. Fabry disease) were carefully excluded. Patients were divided into three categories according to presence of AF (‘AF prior to CIED implantation’ vs. ‘AF after CIED implantation’ vs. ‘sinus rhythm’). Outcome was measured against incidence of thromboembolic events [stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)] at Follow-up. Patients were also stratified by left atrial diameter (LAD) in two groups (&lt;47 vs.  &gt; 48mm). Of 1861 patients followed at our Unit, a total of 185 (9.9%) patients implanted with a CIED were included (57% men, mean age at implantation 54 ± 17 years). At baseline, AF was present in 72 (36%) patients. Mean CHA2DS2VASc was 1.7 + 1.3 with no differences among patients with or without AF. Patients with AF at baseline had a more pronounced LAD dilation (51 ± 7 vs. 44 ± 8, P &lt; 0.001) and a lower ejection fraction (55 ± 11 vs. 64 ± 12, P &lt; 0.001). After 5.0 ± 3.8 years from CIED implantation, de novo AF was detected in 24 (21%) individuals, resulting in an annual incidence rate of 4.1%/year. Overall, 89 (48%) of patients remained is sinus rhythm. Stroke/TIAs were reported in 19 (10.3%) patients: seven (37%, 1.1%/year) occurred in patients with prior history of AF, three (16%, 2.2%/year) in patients with de novo AF, and nine (63%, 2.3%/year) in patients with no history of arrhythmias documented at CIED interrogation. Among patients in sinus rhythm, those with a LAD &gt; 48 mm had the greatest risk of stroke (4.8%/year vs. 0.5%/year, P &lt; 0.01, for LAD &gt; 48 vs. LAD &lt; 47, respectively). At multivariable analysis, after adjustment for CHA2DS2VASc, AF, and obstructive physiology, only LAD was associated with a higher risk for stroke (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions In a large cohort of consecutive high risk HCM patients referred to CIED implantation, the incidence of stroke was high, with 1-in-10 patients experiencing at least one event. Among patients in sinus rhythm, those with a marked left atrial dilatation were at highest risk of ischaemic stroke, suggesting the existence of an unmet need to stratify risk of stroke even in patients with no detected arrhythmias.


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