Aim. To study the changes of left ventricular (LV) contractile function in patients with severe mitral valve (MV) insufficiency with assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) indicators and LV myocardial function after the mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) within 12-month follow-up.Material and methods. The study consisted of 43 patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) as follows: 23 patients with functional MR (FMR), 20 patients with degenerative MR (DMR). A comprehensive echocardiographic study, including speckle tracking echocardiography, was performed at baseline, 4-5 days, 6 and 12 months after TEER. Standard structural and functional indicators of the LV, LV GLS and myocardial performance parameters were assessed.Results. The early postoperative period (4-5 days) was characterized by a decrease in global constructive work (GCW) (FMR group — from 977 [684; 1253] to 857 [736; 1488] mm Hg%, (p=0,038); DMR group — from 1458 [1283; 1848] to 1350 [1010; 1488] mm Hg% (p=0,011)), an increase in global wasted work (GWW) (FMR group — from 177 [130; 280] to 336 [242; 388] mm Hg% (p=0,004); DMR group — from 128 [81; 172] to 216 [164; 279] mm Hg% (p=0,043)), which was accompanied by a decrease in myocardial efficiency (FMR group — from 81,5 [77; 87] to 76 [73; 79]%, (p=0,021); DMR group — from 90 [85; 93] to 82 [79; 85]% (p=0,018)). After 12-month follow-up, there was a significant increase in GCW relative to the initial values in both cohorts of patients as follows: FMR group — to 1128 [890; 1711] mm Hg% (p=0,048); DMR group — to 1818 [1478; 2034] mm Hg% (p<0,001). There was also an increase in GWW in the FMR group to 255 [214; 363] mm Hg% (p=0,024) and in the DMR group to 230 [140; 270] mm Hg% (p=0,043). There were no significant improvement of LV GLS in both groups.Conclusion. The early postoperative period after TEER was characterized by a temporary deterioration in all LV performance parameters, which recovered by 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Myocardial function restoration by one year of follow-up was noted due to an increase in GCW. LV GLS and ejection fraction did not change significantly by 1 year of follow-up compared to baseline values.

Aim. To analyze the experience of Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology in patient selection for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Materials and methods. 901 patients, whose documents were sent to Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology from regional medical and prophylactic institutions, were screened as selection for LVAD implantation. Firstly, all patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography performed according to the extended protocol with a comprehensive assessment of the left and right ventricle size and function. Patients who underwent the screening procedure underwent further examination including both laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods. In addition, the polyclinic database of patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure (CHF) and dilated cardiomyopathy was also analyzed. Results. Among 901 screened patients 7.9% were suitable candidates for LVAD implantation and only 23 (2.6%) patients underwent surgery. Among those not eligible for surgery: 208 (29%) patients were not on optimal medical therapy, 15% of patients had indications for other surgical treatment of CHF, 12% of patients had severe right ventricular failure, 9.8% had severe comorbidities, 6.8% of patients refused surgery. Conclusions. The main problems of selection for LVAD implantation were: low awareness of doctors about the introduction of new treatment methods, poor quality of transthoracic echocardiography, a large percentage of patients not receiving basic therapy for CHF, untimely referral of patients for other types of surgical treatment.

AIM:To search for predictors of adverse cardiovascular events after edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) of various origins with an assessment of structural and functional remodeling of the heart and left ventricular (LV) contractile function. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study included 73 patients (median age 71 [63; 80] years, 60.3% men) at a high surgical risk with severe MR of primary and secondary genesis, who underwent TMVR. The second-generation (58.9%) and fourth-generation (41.1%) clips were implanted. In addition to standard echocardiographic (EchoCG) indices, the parameters of left heart chamber longitudinal strain and LV myocardial function were assessed at baseline, on days 4-5, and at 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Also, the N-terminal fragment of the pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed at baseline and on days 4-5 after TMVR. RESULTS:A significant decrease in MR was achieved during 12 months of follow-up. In the group with primary mitral regurgitation (PMR), MR decreased from 4.0 [3.4; 4.0] to 2.0 [1.5; 2.5] at one year of follow-up (p&lt;0.001). In the group with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), MR decreased from 3.5 [3.0; 3.9] to 2.0 [2.0; 2.5] at 12 months of follow-up (p&lt;0.001). This effect was associated with volumetric unloading of the left heart chambers evident as a significant decrease in the volumetric indices of the left chambers and an increase in the cardiac index. In the early postoperative period, the LV function was impaired as shown by decreases in the ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV myocardial function parameters, and an associated increase in NT-proBNP. By 12 months of follow-up, statistically significant improvements in global constructive work (GCW) and global work index (GWI) relative to baseline values were noted in both groups without significant changes in EF and LV GLS. A strong correlation was found between LV EF and GCW (r=0.812, p&lt;0.001) and GWI (r=0.749, p&lt;0.001). The overall survival was 89%, not differing between groups (p=0.72); the absence of hospitalization for decompensated heart failure (HF) was 79.5%, also without significant differences between the groups (p=0.78). According to multivariate regression analysis, the baseline GCW value was the strongest predictor of rehospitalization for decompensated HF (relative risk (RR) 0.997; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.995-1.000; p=0.021) and the composite endpoint (CEP) (hospitalization for decompensated HF + all-cause mortality) (RR 0.998; 95% CI 0.996-1.000; p=0.033) in the cohort with PMR. In the group with SMR, the initial degree of MR was related with rehospitalization and the CEP (OR 12.252; 95% CI 2.125-70.651; p=0.005 and OR 16.098; 95% CI 2.944-88.044; p=0.001, respectively). The most significant predictor of overall mortality in the study population was the preoperative value of LV stroke volume (OR 0.824; 95% CI 0.750-0.906; p&lt;0.001). CONCLUSION:Edge-to-edge TMVR exerts a positive effect on the prognosis and structural and functional remodeling of the heart in patients with PMR and SMR. Myocardial function indices may be useful in assessing the LV contractile function in patients with severe MR of various origins. Identification of predictors for adverse cardiovascular events, including with new EchoCG technologies, may contribute to better patient stratification.

We present reversible cardiomyopathy in a patient recovered from severe COVID-19. In addition to heart failure, the patient had thrombosis of abdominal aorta, lower extremity arteries and kidney infarction. At admission, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 18%. Primary diagnosis was SARSCoV2-induced myocarditis. However, cardiac MRI with delayed gadolinium enhancement revealed no fibrosis or active myocarditis. Troponin was normal. Atrial fibrillation persisted. Arrhythmia was first verified a week before COVID-19. Previously effective treatment failed to support adequate heart rate after COVID-19. Angiography revealed subtotal stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. After strict rate control and percutaneous coronary intervention, the patient was discharged on optimal medical therapy. Six months later, LVEF was 45%. Pulmonary vein isolation and cardioversion were performed. One week later, LVEF was 60%. In our opinion, this was a mixed cardiomyopathy with predominant role of AF and myocardial ischemia. Probably, COVID-19 modulated natural course of cardiovascular pathology. We also discuss potential contribution of COVID-19 to the course of cardiovascular pathology in long-term period of disease. © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a fairly common mild cardiac defect that causes a shunting across the atrial septum. PFO is also a known risk factor for cryptogenic stroke. Much less frequently, PFO is associated with non-cerebral systemic embolic events. The article describes a case series of paradoxical embolism of the coronary arteries (CA), which caused myocardial infarction (MI). The presence of PFO was confirmed by imaging techniques. Subsequently, the patients underwent successful endovascular closure of the PFO. Thus, paradoxical CA embolism is a rare and underdiagnosed cause of acute MI. It should be considered in patients with MI and a low risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. However, in most cases, it is not possible to verify the source of the embolism. The significance of occluder implantation as one of the treatment tactics requires further clarification.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the effect of the procedure on the course of chronic heart failure (CHF) compared with the use of antiarrhythmic therapy (AAT).Materials and methods. The study included patients (n=80) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50% and AF, who were divided into 2 groups: the first group (n=40) underwent CA, the second group included patients on AAT. At baseline and after 6 months of follow-up, transthoracic echocardiography, determination of NT-proBNP concentration, 6-minute walk test and The Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire were performed.Results. After 6 months of follow-up, the absence of documented AF paroxysms was observed in 80% in the CA group versus 45% in the AAT group (p=0,001). A significant increase in LV EF was revealed in both groups, however, in CA group it was more significant (57% [50,5; 60] in the CA group versus 46% [40; 50] in the AAT group (p=0,0001)). There was a decrease in the left ventricle ESD and the left atrial size and volume in the CA group, while in the AAT group the dynamics of these parameters did not change within six months (p=0.0001). An improvement in the clinical course of CHF was observed in both groups: the level of NT-proBNP was 196,6 [116,5; 327,1] pg/ml and 540.5 [382,8; 861,2] pg/ml (0,0001), the 6-minute walk distance increased to 470 m [400; 500] and 368 [330; 400] m (p=0,0001), respectively, the improvement of the functional class (1,15±0,67 and 2,05±0,55 (p=0,0001)) and the quality of life (p=0,0001) were observed.Conclusion. CA is an effective method for patients with AF and CHF. The use of CA in patients with CHF promotes reverse remodeling, a decrease in the level of NT-proBNP, as well as an improvement in the quality of life and an increase in exercise tolerance.

Aim To evaluate 30-day results of the transcatheter correction of degenerative aortic stenosis using a novel self-expandable valve, PorticoTM.Material and methods Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was performed in 42 patients with an intermediate surgical risk (mean age, 74.3±6.5 years, 8 men, 34 women, EuroSCORE II risk, 2.5 (1.5;4.1)) with severe degenerative aortic stenosis (AS). 20 (48 %) patients had ischemic heart disease; 8 (19%) of patients had atrial fibrillation, and 16 (38%) of patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most of the patients (88 %) had preserved systolic function, and 5 patients had a pronounced decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction. Early efficacy and safety of the intervention were evaluated with VARC-2 criteria.Results In-hospital and 30-day mortality following TAVI was absent. Also, there were no adverse events, including cerebrovascular disorders, perioperative myocardial infarction, and conversion to open surgery. One patient had prosthesis migration to the aorta, which required implantation of the second self-expandable valve. Mean duration of the procedure was 90 min (80;110), fluoroscopy time was 21 min (19;24), and contrast volume 154 ml (200;240). Following TAVI, the mean aortic valve (AV) pressure gradient significantly decreased from 56.1±21.2 to 11.2±4.0 mm Hg, the maximal gradient decreased from 88.9±27.8 to 20.0±7.0 mm Hg, and the AV effective orifice area increased from 0.67±0.2 to 1.9±0.3 cm2 (p<0.001). By the time of discharge from the hospital, all patients showed regression of AS clinical manifestations. The percentage of patients with NYHA functional class III chronic heart failure reduced from 62 % to 7 % (p<0.001) after TAVI. In one case after the implantation, grade 3 aortic regurgitation was observed, which required endovascular occlusion to close the paraprosthetic fistula. Moderate paraprosthetic regurgitation (grade <2) was observed in 3 (7 %) patients. Only 2 (4.8%) patients required permanent pacemaker implantation.Conclusion Results of the single-center prospective TAVI study using a novel self-expandable valve Porticoтм showed satisfactory hemodynamic parameters, efficacy and safety of the procedure for the 30-day follow-up period. A relatively low radial force of the carcass can be beneficial for reducing the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVI.

Patent ductus arteriosus in adults is an extremely rare clinical phenomenon, since it is usually discovered and treated during childhood. Presented herein is a case report regarding successful single-stage endovascular treatment of a 66-year-old male patient with newly diagnosed patent ductus arteriosus and type III aortic dissection. High risk of conventional surgical treatment due to systolic myocardial dysfunction and high pulmonary hypertension became the ground for choosing an endovascular approach. The patient underwent endoprosthetic repair of the thoracic aorta in zone 2 according to Ishimaru with endobranching of the left subclavian artery in combination with implantation of an occluder into the Botallian duct. We obtained good immediate and one-year results of the operation as positive remodeling of cardiac chambers, with improved contractility of the left ventricle and normalization of pressure in the pulmonary artery, as well as thrombosis of the false lumen in the thoracic aorta.

А clinical case of a young patient with recurrent ischemic strokes is presented. The problems of diagnostic embolic strokes are discussed. We set out the algorithm for identifying patients, in whom patent foramen ovale is the most probable cause of embolic stroke. Detailed consideration of imaging diagnostic methods possibility is included. Hypothesis of probable source of cardioembolism from patent foramen ovale is presented. Recommendations for the secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke, associated with patent foramen ovale, are provided. We also considered the issues of antithrombotic treatment.

Транскатетерные методы лечения тяжелой митральной регургитации, прежде всего, краевая пластика створок митрального клапана, эффективно используется у пациентов высокого хирургического риска, однако несмотря на высокий профиль безопасности, данная процедура не лишена специфических осложнений. Представляем уникальное наблюдение летального исхода после транскатетерной пластики митрального клапана системой MitraClip, осложненное разрывом межпредсердной перегородки и синдромом Такоцубо. Центральным звеном патогенеза явилась высокая легочная гипертензия, тотальному внутрисердечному шунтированию крови справа налево через ятрогенный дефект межпредсердной перегородки. В статье рассматриваются трудности диагностики редкой комбинации осложнений транскатетерного лечения митральной регургитации и обсуждаются особенности отбора пациентов для проведения данного вмешательства.

Aim. To study the immediate and short-term outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip NT in patients with severe mitral regurgitation as part of the MitraClip Russia prospective single-center study.Material and methods. The study included 16 patients (men, 10; women, 6) with mean age of 70,1±2,1 years (mean Euroscore II, 6,90±5,56%; STS, 6,33±3,94%). Immediate technical success was defined as successful access, delivery, and removal of the device, and adequate placing the clip(s) to reduce the mitral regurgitation to grade 2 or below without the need for device- or procedure-related reintervention.Results. Immediate technical success was achieved in all patients. The average number of implanted clips per 1 patient was 1,7. In 1 patient (6,3%), a clip was attached to one mitral leaflet, which required an non-scheduled implantation of a second clip. In hospital mortality was 6,3%: a 92-year-old patient on the 3rd day after the operation had a sudden cardiac arrest followed by coma, hemispheric ischemic stroke and death on the 6th day. An autopsy revealed an iatrogenic atrial septal defect. Echocardiography performed on the 10th and 30th day after surgery showed a decrease in mitral regurgitation grade in 15 patients, while grade 3 residual mitral regurgitation did not reveal in any patient.Conclusion. Transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip is a minimally invasive method for treating severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (degenerative and functional). The results demonstrate high immediate efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in high surgical risk patients. Based on the analysis of death causes, the authors conclude that it is necessary to include initial pulmonary hypertension above 75 mm Hg as a relative contraindication to this procedure. The study limitations are the small sample size and short follow-up period.

Aim. To study myocardial remodeling in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) against the background of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) therapy.Material and methods. In a group of 100 patients with HFrEF and AF, transthoracic echocardiography was performed before CCM device implantation and after 2, 6 and 12 months. All patients received longterm optimal medical therapy for HF before surgery.Results. Against the background of CCM therapy, there was a significant increase in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, a decrease in LV volume and linear dimensions, a decrease in left atrial volume in patients with coronary and non-coronary HFrEF, with an initial LVEF < and >35%, and also regardless of AF type.Conclusion. CCM therapy in patients with HFrEF and AF led to favorable myocardial remodeling changes. Further study of CCM effect on echocardiographic parameters in randomized clinical trials is needed.

A 58-year-old female patient with severe chronic heart failure and mitral regurgitation receiving an optimal drug therapy was implanted with an Optimizer Smart device for modulation of cardiac contractility and underwent transcatheter mitral plasty using a MitraClip system. The complex therapy resulted in a significant clinical improvement and beneficial dynamics of echocardiographic parameters.

A 63-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and severe COVID-19 3 months earlier presented with NYHA class III-IV heart failure (HF) and intermittent claudication. Three months before, patient noted increasing dyspnea. SARS-CoV2 was verified. CT scan showed pneumonia; the severity of disease required dexamethasone and tocilizumab. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and LV EF 30% were first detected. CT scan disclosed left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis. Despite anticoagulants, 3 weeks later the patient developed lower limbs ischemia. Ultrasound and CT scan showed multiple thrombosis in the abdominal aorta and lower limbs arteries (Figure A). Surgery for limb ischemia was not performed due to a further decrease of LV EF to 18%. At that point, diagnosis was SARSCoV2-induced myocarditis. Нe visited our hospital for second opinion. ECG showed AF with mean heart rate (HR) of 158/min (B). Careful history collection suggested a longer AF duration which was missed and untreated due to lockdown. CRP, troponin were normal. NT-proBNP was 9326 pg/ml. After strict rate control was achieved, LV EF became 23%. Cardiac MRI with delayed gadolinium contrast revealed no fibrosis or active myocarditis (C). Angiography showed stenosis >70% of the left anterior descending artery (D). After PCI, LV EF became 27%. The patient was discharged on guideline-recommended optimal medical therapy. Three months later LV EF became 30%, six months later - 47%. Thrombus in LAA was dissolved. Pulmonary vein isolation and cardioversion were performed. One week later LV EF was 60%. Currently, the patient has stable sinus rhythm and no signs of HF for > 6 months. Thus, COVID-19 could contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, modify the substrate and aggravate the severity of AF, but it was not the only cause of a serious illness in the patient. COVID-19 also had an indirect negative impact - delay the detection of cardiac pathology and cause its underdiagnosis under the guise of "post-COVID".

This article presents a clinical case of successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation in an elderly patient with critical aortic stenosis at the stage of systolic dysfunction with development of genuine cardiogenic shock. The role of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the pathogenetic treatment of acute heart failure due to decompensated aortic stenosis was briefly discussed.

We present a case of cardiomyopathy with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of up to 18%, multivessel arterial thrombosis in a patient who had undergone severe COVID-19 3.5 months earlier. The cardiopathy was initially considered as an outcome of SARSCoV2-induced myocarditis, but MRI with delayed gadolinium contrast revealed no fibrosis or evidence of active myocarditis. A detailed collection of the medical history showed that the duration of tachyform atrial fibrillation exceeded the 4 months indicated in the medical records. Oligosymptomatic manifestation of arrhythmia occurred 8 months earlier, the patient did not consult a physician due to epidemic conditions. Coronary angiography revealed subtotal stenosis of the anterior descending artery. Most probably, the cardiopathy was arrhythmogenic and ischemic. After achieving normosystole and coronary stenting, the left ventricular ejection fraction was 25-27%. At the first hospitalization 4 months ago, left atrial auricular thrombus was detected. After COVID-19 the patient received inadequately low dose of apixaban 5 mg per day. Three weeks after COVID-19, the patient was diagnosed with infarction of the right kidney, wall thrombosis in the abdominal aorta, thrombosis of the superficial femoral, deep femoral, popliteal, anterior tibial arteries on the left, right popliteal artery; thrombotic complications could have developed both in situ and as a result of cardioembolism. Administration of dabigatran 300 mg per day and aspirin helped to dissolve the thrombus in the left atrial auricle, improve the course of intermittent claudication, and avoid recurrent thrombotic complications. COVID-19 could contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, more malignant course of atrial fibrillation, development of thrombosis, but coronavirus infection is not the only cause of severe disease in a patient. СOVID-19 can not only be the cause of direct lesions of the heart and vessels, but also have an indirect negative effect - to delay the detection of cardiac pathology and be the cause of its hypodiagnosis under the mask of “postcovid”.

The article presents a case report of a 28-year-old male patient with mixed dilated cardiomyopathy: myocardial noncompaction and chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity, which led to severe heart failure (HF). With optimal drug therapy, the patient was implanted with a cardiac contractility modulation device in order to improve exercise tolerance, quality of life and relieve HF symptoms. Complex therapy has led to significant clinical and echocardiographic improvement. This case demonstrates a 4-year follow-up of a patient with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and an implanted cardiac contractility modulation device, whose condition, after several severe HF decompensations, was stabilized.