Coronary Atherosclerosis and Aortic Valve Disease as Long-Term Sequelae of Radiation Therapy in Childhood

Coronary atherosclerosis and valvular heart disease are rare, but potentially severe sequelae following mediastinal radiation therapy. We present a case of premature ischemic heart disease and severe aortic stenosis in a 40-year-old woman following radiation therapy in childhood. We stress the awareness of prior mediastinal radiation therapy as an important risk factor for premature coronary atherosclerosis and valvular heart disease, particularly in younger patients without classical risk factors for coronary artery disease.

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The effects of long-term vigorous endurance exercise on the coronary arteries

Swiss Sports & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.34045/2019/13 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

Keyword(s):

Endurance Training ◽

Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽

Calcium Score ◽

The Other ◽

Disease Phenotype ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Future Work ◽

Summary Data

Moderate endurance training is known to improve cardiovascular risk factors, and prolongs life expectancy. On the other hand, there has been some discussion whether “too much” exercise might have a contrarious effect by accelerating coronary atherosclerosis. The goal of this review was to evaluate the current literature on the effects of long-term vigorous endurance training on the coronary vasculature. In summary, data point to an increased calcium score, and a higher burden of atherosclerotic plaque in male athletes compared to sedentary controls. However, the plaques found in athletes were more prone to be calcified. The pathogenesis and clinical relevance of this athlete coronary artery disease phenotype remains incompletely understood and represents an area of important future work.

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The effects of long-term vigorous endurance exercise on the coronary arteries

Swiss Sports & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.34045/ssem/2019/35 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

Keyword(s):

Endurance Training ◽

Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽

Calcium Score ◽

The Other ◽

Disease Phenotype ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Future Work ◽

Summary Data

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Coronary risk of patients with valvular heart disease: prospective validation of CT-Valve Score

Open Heart ◽

10.1136/openhrt-2020-001380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. e001380

Author(s):

Rasmus Bo Hasselbalch ◽

Mia Marie Pries-Heje ◽

Sarah Louise Kjølhede Holle ◽

Thomas Engstrøm ◽

Merete Heitmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Multislice Ct ◽

Cost Effective ◽

University Hospital ◽

Before And After ◽

History Of ◽

Artery Disease

ObjectiveTo prospectively validate the CT-Valve score, a new risk score designed to identify patients with valvular heart disease at a low risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) who could benefit from multislice CT (MSCT) first instead of coronary angiography (CAG).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of patients referred for valve surgery in the Capital Region of Denmark and Odense University Hospital from the 1 February 2015 to the 1 February 2017. MSCT was implemented for patients with a CT-Valve score ≤7 at the referring physician’s discretion. Patients with a history of CAD or chronic kidney disease were excluded. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients needing reevaluation with CAG after MSCT and risk of CAD among the patients determined to be low to intermediate risk.ResultsIn total, 1149 patients were included. The median score was 9 (IQR 3) and 339 (30%) had a score ≤7. MSCT was used for 117 patients. Of these 29 (25%) were reevaluated and 9 (7.7%) had CAD. Of the 222 patients with a score ≤7 that did not receive an MSCT, 14 (6%) had significant CAD. The estimated total cost of evaluation among patients with a score ≤7 before implementation was €132 093 compared with €79 073 after, a 40% reduction. Similarly, estimated total radiation before and after was 608 mSv and 362 mSv, a 41% reduction. Follow-up at a median of 32 months (18–48) showed no ischaemic events for patients receiving only MSCT.ConclusionThe CT-Valve score is a valid method for determining risk of CAD among patients with valvular heart disease. Using a score ≤7 as a cut-off for the use of MSCT is safe and cost-effective.

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P1692 The past returns after 20 years: a case report

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.1055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Habjan ◽

D Cantisani ◽

I S Scarfo` ◽

M C Guarneri ◽

G Semeraro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Aortic Valve ◽

Aortic Stenosis ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Radiation Treatment ◽

Severe Aortic Stenosis ◽

Aortic Valve Area ◽

Radiation Induced ◽

Valve Area

Abstract Introduction Radiation therapy is one of the cornerstones of treatment for many types of cancer. These patients can later in life develop cardiovascular complications associated with radiation treatment. Late cardiovascular effects of radiation treatment include coronary artery disease (CAD), valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, pericardial disease and sudden death. The most common sign of radiation-induced valvular heart disease is the calcification of the intervalvular fibrosa between the aortic and mitral valve. Case presentation A 71-year-old male patient with a history of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy 20 years ago, CAD, arterial hypertension, diabetes type II, dyslipidemia, obesity and currently smoking presented in the emergency room in our medical facility with acute pulmonary edema. The patient had unstable angina pectoris in 2018, the coronary angiography showed two-vessel disease with a non-significant stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) and 70% stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), for which he refused the percutaneous coronary intervention. At the same time, a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed severe aortic stenosis and moderately severe mitral stenosis, at that time the patient refused the operation. After the initial treatment for pulmonary edema, TTE and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were performed and showed a tricuspid aortic valve with calcification of the cusps and a very severe aortic stenosis (planimetric aortic valve area 0.74 cm², functional aortic valve area 0.55 cm², indexed functional aortic valve area 0.25 cm²/m², mean gradient 61 mmHg, peak gradient 100 mmHg, stroke volume (SV) 69 ml, stroke volume index (SVI) 31 ml/m², flow rate 221 ml/s, aortic annulus 20x26 mm). The left ventricle was severely dilated (end diastolic volume 268 ml) with diffuse hypokinesia and severe systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 32%). We appreciated a calcification of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa and the mitral annulus, without mitral stenosis but with moderate mitral regurgitation. The calcification of the intervalvular fibrosa suggested our final diagnosis of radiation-induced valvular heart disease with a severe aortic stenosis in low-flow conditions. The patient was successfully treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Conclusion Radiation-induced heart disease is a common reality and is destinated to raise due to the increasing number of cancer survivors. Effects are seen also many years after the radiation treatment. The exact primary mechanism of radiation injury to the heart is still unknown. The treatment of radiation-induced valve disease is the same as the treatment of valve disease in the general population. Abstract P1692 Figure. Radiation-induced valvular heart disease

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Long-term risk of second malignancy and cardiovascular disease after Hodgkin lymphoma treatment

Hematology ◽

10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.323 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 (1) ◽

pp. 323-330 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Flora E. van Leeuwen ◽

Andrea K. Ng

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Premature Menopause ◽

Malignant Neoplasms ◽

Cardiovascular Toxicity ◽

Solid Malignancies ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) experience several late adverse effects of treatment, with second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) being the leading causes of death in these patients. Other late effects have also been identified, such as pulmonary dysfunction, endocrinopathies (thyroid dysfunction, infertility), neck muscle atrophy, and persistent fatigue. HL survivors have two- to fourfold increased risks to develop SMNs and CVD compared with the general population. With respect to SMNs, radiotherapy is associated with 1.5- to 15-fold increased risk of solid malignancies. The relative risk (RR) of solid tumors increases steadily with increasing follow-up time from 5 to 15 years since radiotherapy, and remains elevated for at least 40 years. The RR of solid SMNs increases strongly with younger age at first treatment. Risks of lung, breast, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers increase with higher radiation dose. Alkylating agent chemotherapy, especially procarbazine, does not only increase risk of leukemia but also of solid malignancies, in particular, cancers of the lung and GI tract. In contrast, gonadotoxic chemotherapy decreases the risk of radiation-associated breast cancer, through induction of premature menopause. Smoking appears to multiply the radiation- and chemotherapy-associated risks of lung cancer. Both radiotherapy and chemotherapy for HL may cause cardiovascular toxicity. Radiotherapy increases the risk of coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure (HF), and pericarditis, whereas anthracycline-containing chemotherapy increases the risks of HF and valvular heart disease. Cardiovascular toxicity following radiotherapy is usually observed from 5 to at least 35 years after therapy, whereas anthracycline-related toxicity is already observed during treatment, up to at least 25 years. The joint effects of anthracyclines, radiotherapy, and conventional cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, smoking, and physical inactivity) appear to be additive rather than multiplicative. HL survivors need lifelong risk-based screening for selected SMNs and CVDs. Furthermore, preventive strategies should include lifestyle and drug-based interventions to minimize exposure to conventional risk factors for cancer and CVD.

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Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Prognosis of Elderly Valvular Heart Disease Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Five-Year Experience from a Single-Center Study of Southern China

Cardiology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2021/2558639 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Yuan-Feng Liang ◽

Feier Song ◽

Huixia Liu ◽

Jian Liu ◽

Yu-Yuan Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Single Center ◽

Long Term Outcome

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prognostic marker in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases, but its predictive value in elderly valvular heart disease (VHD) patients is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DM on the long-term outcome of elderly VHD patients. Methods. This single-center, observational study enrolled patients aged 65 and older consecutively with confirmed VHD using echocardiography. Patients, divided into the DM group and non-DM group, were followed up for major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including all-cause death, ischemic stroke, and heart failure rehospitalization. Results. Our study consisted of 532 patients over a median follow-up of 52.9 months. Compared with the non-DM group (n = 377), the DM group (n = 155) had higher incidences of ischemic stroke (25.2% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.001 ), heart failure rehospitalization (37.4% vs. 20.7%, P < 0.001 ), and MACCEs (60.0% vs. 35.8%, P < 0.001 ). After adjustment of confounders by the multivariable cox regression, DM appeared as an independent predictor for MACCEs (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR: 1.88; 95% confidence interval 1.42–2.48; P < 0.001 ). In the subgroup analysis of VHD etiology and functional style, conversely, DM was a protective factor for MACCEs in the patients with rheumatic VHD compared with those without rheumatic VHD (aHR: 0.43 vs. 2.27, P = 0.004 ). Conclusions. DM was an independent predictor for ischemic stroke and heart failure rehospitalization in elderly VHD patients undergoing conservative treatment.

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Heart failure requiring hospitalization in patients after cardiac surgery for valvular heart disease

Ukrainian Journal of Cardiology ◽

10.31928/1608-635x-2019.2.5762 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 57-62

Author(s):

A. V. Zhadan

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cardiac Surgery ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Heart Valves ◽

Reverse Remodeling ◽

Damage Indicators ◽

Heart Pathology ◽

Permanent Form

The aim – to determine the factors associated with the frequency of hospitalizations for decompensation of heart failure (HF) after cardiac surgery in patients with valvular heart disease. Materials and methods. 235 patients who underwent cardiac surgery for valvular heart disease were examined. During the period from 2014 to 2017, a part of patients (129 people) had no hospitalizations, while 106 people were on inpatient treatment from 1 to 10 times, on average 2.78±1.95. The complex of examination of patients along with physical examination included electrocardiography, echocardiography. Results and discussion. During dynamic observation for 2 years in the group of patients without hospitalization, a progressive statistically significant decrease in the size of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) as well as an increase in LV contractility were noted, while in the group of patients after hospitalization such changes were not observed. The dimensions of the chambers of the heart remained practically unchanged for 2 years. Thus, it can be concluded that the more severe course of heart failure after prosthetics of heart valves is accompanied by the absence of reverse remodeling of the heart chambers. Predictors of hospitalizations for HF are the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and permanent form of atrial fibrillation. Conclusions. The probability of progression of heart failure in patients after cardiosurgical intervention for valvular heart pathology is not affected by sex, age, type of lesion of the valve, etiology of valve damage, indicators of echocardiography. Predictors of hospitalizations for heart faiure in the long-term postoperative period are the presence of diabetes, AF, and AH. The more severe course of heart failure after prosthetics of heart valves is accompanied by the absence of reverse remodeling of the heart chambers.

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Community prevalence, mechanisms and outcome of mitral or tricuspid regurgitation

Heart ◽

10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318482 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. heartjnl-2020-318482

Author(s):

Thomas J Cahill ◽

Anthony Prothero ◽

Jo Wilson ◽

Andrew Kennedy ◽

Jacob Brubert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Tricuspid Regurgitation ◽

Valvular Heart Disease ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Age Dependent ◽

Study Population

ObjectiveThe study aims were (1) to identify the community prevalence of moderate or greater mitral or tricuspid regurgitation (MR/TR), (2) to compare subjects identified by population screening with those with known valvular heart disease (VHD), (3) to understand the mechanisms of MR/TR and (4) to assess the rate of valve intervention and long-term outcome.MethodsAdults aged ≥65 years registered at seven family medicine practices in Oxfordshire, UK were screened for inclusion (n=9504). Subjects with known VHD were identified from hospital records and those without VHD invited to undergo transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within the Oxford Valvular Heart Disease Population Study (OxVALVE). The study population ultimately comprised 4755 subjects. The severity and aetiology of MR and TR were assessed by integrated comprehensive TTE assessment.ResultsThe prevalence of moderate or greater MR and TR was 3.5% (95% CI 3.1 to 3.8) and 2.6% (95% CI 2.3 to 2.9), respectively. Primary MR was the most common aetiology (124/203, 61.1%). Almost half of cases were newly diagnosed by screening: MR 98/203 (48.3%), TR 69/155 (44.5%). Subjects diagnosed by screening were less symptomatic, more likely to have primary MR and had a lower incidence of aortic valve disease. Surgical intervention was undertaken in six subjects (2.4%) over a median follow-up of 64 months. Five-year survival was 79.8% in subjects with isolated MR, 84.8% in those with isolated TR, and 59.4% in those with combined MR and TR (p=0.0005).ConclusionsModerate or greater MR/TR is common, age-dependent and is underdiagnosed. Current rates of valve intervention are extremely low.

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Radiation-induced heart disease: surveillance and management

ESC CardioMed ◽

10.1093/med/9780198784906.003.0288 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 1153-1156

Author(s):

Ersilia M. DeFilippis ◽

Anju Nohria

Keyword(s):

Heart Disease ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Cardiovascular Effects ◽

Pericardial Disease ◽

Long Term Follow Up ◽

Radiation Induced ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Effects Of Radiation

Radiation-induced heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. It encompasses many clinical entities, including pericardial disease, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, conduction system abnormalities, autonomic dysfunction, and peripheral vascular disease. As the cardiovascular effects of radiation manifest many years after treatment, long-term follow-up with regular screening is essential. This chapter reviews the epidemiology and pathogenesis of radiation-induced heart disease as well as existing consensus recommendations regarding surveillance and management.

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