Objective: To assess the prognostic significance of iron deficiency (ID) in a chronic heart failure (CHF) outpatient population. Methods and Results: We prospectively evaluated 127 patients with stable CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%. Clinical and analytical data as well as information regarding the occurrence of the composite endpoint of overall mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular events were assessed. Among the 127 patients enrolled [81% men, median age: 62 years (25th-75th percentile: 53-68)], 46 (36%) patients had ID. Women, patients with higher plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels (>400 pg/ml) and with right ventricular systolic dysfunction presented ID more frequently (p < 0.05 for all). At 225 ± 139 days of follow-up, the composite endpoint occurred in 15 (12%) patients. It was more frequent in ID (24 vs. 5%, p = 0.001) and anemic patients (25 vs. 8%, p = 0.014). In a Cox regression analysis, ID was associated with a higher likelihood of composite endpoint occurrence (HR 5.00, 95% CI 1.59-15.78, p = 0.006). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for clinical variables, including the presence of anemia, ID remained a significant predictor of the composite endpoint (HR 5.38, 95% CI 1.54-18.87, p = 0.009). Conclusion: In a CHF outpatient population, ID carried a higher risk of unfavorable outcome, irrespectively of the presence of anemia.

Aims To assess the proportion of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who are eligible for sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) based on the European Medicines Agency/Food and Drug Administration (EMA/FDA) label, the PARADIGM‐HF trial and the 2016 ESC guidelines, and the association between eligibility and outcomes. Methods and results Outpatients with HFrEF in the ESC‐EORP‐HFA Long‐Term Heart Failure (HF‐LT) Registry between March 2011 and November 2013 were considered. Criteria for LCZ696 based on EMA/FDA label, PARADIGM‐HF and ESC guidelines were applied. Of 5443 patients, 2197 and 2373 had complete information for trial and guideline eligibility assessment, and 84%, 12% and 12% met EMA/FDA label, PARADIGM‐HF and guideline criteria, respectively. Absent PARADIGM‐HF criteria were low natriuretic peptides (21%), hyperkalemia (4%), hypotension (7%) and sub‐optimal pharmacotherapy (74%); absent Guidelines criteria were LVEF>35% (23%), insufficient NP levels (30%) and sub‐optimal pharmacotherapy (82%); absent label criteria were absence of symptoms (New York Heart Association class I). When a daily requirement of ACEi/ARB ≥ 10 mg enalapril (instead of ≥ 20 mg) was used, eligibility rose from 12% to 28% based on both PARADIGM‐HF and guidelines. One‐year heart failure hospitalization was higher (12% and 17% vs. 12%) and all‐cause mortality lower (5.3% and 6.5% vs. 7.7%) in registry eligible patients compared to the enalapril arm of PARADIGM‐HF. Conclusions Among outpatients with HFrEF in the ESC‐EORP‐HFA HF‐LT Registry, 84% met label criteria, while only 12% and 28% met PARADIGM‐HF and guideline criteria for LCZ696 if requiring ≥ 20 mg and ≥ 10 mg enalapril, respectively. Registry patients eligible for LCZ696 had greater heart failure hospitalization but lower mortality rates than the PARADIGM‐HF enalapril group.

GLS was strongly associated with a higher disease severity status and predicted a lower prognostic estimate for life expectancy.

NCS is an important cause of epilepsy misdiagnosis. The HUTT is often critical for making an accurate diagnosis and subsequently selecting the appropriate treatment for patients presenting with TLOC. The diagnostic overlap between epilepsy and NCS is not uncommon, suggesting that electroencephalographic monitoring during a HUTT may play an important role in diagnosing patients with recurrent, undiagnosed TLOC episodes.

RESUMOA formação de trombos no ventrículo direito corresponde a uma situação rara porém potencialmente fatal. Tem sido descrita em associação a estados de hipercoagulabilidade, doenças autoimunes e cardiopatia dilatada. A ecocardiografia constitui o método de eleição para o diagnóstico e caracterização destas estruturas, permitindo, inclusive, a diferenciação entre os diversos tipos de trombos possíveis. Apresentamos o caso de um doente com miocardiopatia dilatada de etiologia alcoólica que foi admitido por insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e infeção respiratória baixa. Durante a marcha diagnóstica, o ecocardiograma de rotina revelou a presença de um volumoso trombo mural no ventrículo direito, em associação a disfunção sistólica biventricular de grau severo. Foi proposto o início de hipocoagulação oral, estratégia que o doente recusou. Palavras-chave: Cardiomiopatia Alcoólica; Trombose Coronária; Ecocardiografia; Disfunção; Ventricular Direita. ABSTRACTRight ventricular thrombosis is a rare yet potentially fatal condition. It has been described in association with hypercoagulability states, autoimmune diseases and dilated cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography constitutes the election tool for diagnosis and characterization of these entities, allowing for the differentiation between the various types of thrombi. We present a case of a patient with alcoholic dilated cardiomyopathy admitted for congestive heart failure and lower respiratory infection. In the diagnostic approach, a routine echocardiography revealed a large mural right ventricular thrombus in association with severe biventricular dysfunction. The patient was proposed for anticoagulation strategy, which he refused.

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Aims. Optimal outcome after cardiogenic shock (CS) depends on a coordinated healing response in which both debris removal and repair of the tissue extracellular matrix play a crucial role. Excessive inflammation can perpetuate a vicious circle, positioning leucocytes as central protagonists and potential therapeutic targets. High levels of circulating Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), were associated with death in acute myocardial infarction confirming excessive inflammation as determinant of bad outcome.The present study aims to describe the association of soluble TREM-1 with 90-day mortality and with various organ injuries in patients with CS. Methods and results. This is a post-hoc study of CardShock, a prospective, multicenter study assessing the clinical presentation and management in patients with CS. At the time of this study, 87 patients had available plasma samples at either baseline, and/or 48 hours and/or 96-120 hours for soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1) measurements. Plasma concentration of sTREM-1 was higher in 90-day non-survivors than survivors at baseline (median: 1392 IQR: (724 -2128) vs. 621 (525 -1233) pg/mL, p = 0.008), 48 hours (p=0.019) and 96-120 hours (p=0.029). The highest tertile of sTREM-1 at baseline (threshold: 1347 pg/mL) was associated with 90-day mortality with an unadjusted HR: 3.08 CI95% (1.48 -6.42). sTREM-1 at baseline was not associated to hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, use of vasopressors or inotropes) but rather with markers of organ injuries: renal (estimated glomerular filtration rate, p=0.0002), endothelial (bio-adrenomedullin, p=0.018), myocardial (Suppression of Tumourigenicity 2, p=0.002) or hepatic (bilirubin, p=0.008). Conclusion.In CS patients TREM-1 pathway is highly activated and gives an early prediction of injuries of vital organ and outcome.

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