Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on ventricular function in systemic right ventricular failure.

Background: Systemic right ventricle (sRV) patients are at an increased risk of developing heart failure. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) could be a valuable treatment option. This study investigated the changes in ventricular function in sRV failure patients in the first year after starting SGLT2i.

Echocardiographic effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in single ventricle circulatory failure.

Background: Single ventricle patients are at high risk of developing circulatory failure. There is limited evidence for pharmacological treatment. This study assessed the echocardiographic changes in ventricular function during sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapy in patients with single ventricle failure (SVF).

Preconception counselling in women of reproductive age attending cardiology clinics in Scotland.

Background: Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) recommend preconception risk stratification and counselling in all women of childbearing age. We assessed the provision of preconception counselling (PCC) among women of reproductive age attending general cardiology outpatient clinics over a 12-month period in two large health boards in Scotland.

Methods And Results: Electronic health records were reviewed and data on patient demographics, cardiac diagnoses, medication use and the content of documented discussions regarding PCC were recorded.

Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Robust evidence-based treatment options are lacking.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and short-term HF-related effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in a real-world ACHD population.

Vascular biomechanics and molecular disease activity in the thoracic aorta: a novel imaging method.

Aims: The influence haemodynamics have on vessel wall pathobiology in aortic disease is incomplete. This aim of this study was to develop a repeatable method for assessing the relationship between aortic wall shear stress (WSS) and disease activity by fusing 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with hybrid positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods And Results: As part of an ongoing clinical trial, patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) were prospectively imaged with both 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET, a marker of calcification activity, and 4D flow CMR.

Thoracic Aortic F-Sodium Fluoride Activity and Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Established Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Aortic atherosclerosis represents an important contributor to ischemic stroke risk. Identifying patients with high-risk aortic atheroma could improve preventative treatment strategies for future ischemic stroke.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether thoracic F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) could improve the identification of patients at the highest risk of ischemic stroke.

Outcomes of adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot from the national Scottish Cohort.

Background: The adult population of repaired tetralogy of Fallot is increasing and at risk of pre-mature death and arrhythmia. This study evaluates risk factors for adverse outcome and the effect of pulmonary valve replacement within a national cohort.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 341 adult repaired tetralogy of Fallot (16-72 years) managed through a single national service was undertaken incorporating over 1200 patient-years of follow-up.

Quantifying microcalcification activity in the thoracic aorta.

Background: Standard methods for quantifying positron emission tomography (PET) uptake in the aorta are time consuming and may not reflect overall vessel activity. We describe aortic microcalcification activity (AMA), a novel method for quantifying F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) uptake in the thoracic aorta.

Methods: Twenty patients underwent two hybrid F-NaF PET and computed tomography (CT) scans of the thoracic aorta less than three weeks apart.

Inherited Thoracic Aortic Disease: New Insights and Translational Targets.

Inherited thoracic aortopathies denote a group of congenital conditions that predispose to disease of the thoracic aorta. Aortic wall weakness and abnormal aortic hemodynamic profiles predispose these patients to dilatation of the thoracic aorta, which is generally silent but can precipitate aortic dissection or rupture with devastating and often fatal consequences. Current strategies to assess the future risk of aortic dissection or rupture are based primarily on monitoring aortic diameter.

Outcome of subsequent pregnancies in patients with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Aims: Subsequent pregnancies (SSPs) in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have a high risk of heart failure relapse. We report on outcome of SSPs in PPCM patients in Germany, Scotland, and South Africa.

Methods And Results: Among 34 PPCM patients with a SSP, pregnancy ended prematurely in four patients while it was full-term in 30.

Late gadolinium enhancement and adverse outcomes in a contemporary cohort of adult survivors of tetralogy of Fallot.

Objective: Myocardial fibrosis has been associated with poorer outcomes in tetralogy of Fallot, however only a handful of studies have assessed its significance in the current era. Our aim was to quantify the amount of late gadolinium enhancement in both the LV and RV in a contemporary cohort of adults with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot, and assess the relationship with adverse clinical outcomes.

Design: Single centre cohort study SETTING: National tertiary referral center Patients: One hundred fourteen patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot with median age 29.

Biomarkers in congenital heart disease.

The population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) now exceeds the population of children with CHD. The long-term management of these patients relies on sequential assessment of anatomy and physiology and integration with symptoms, all targeted toward decision making around intervention. The advances in technology have vastly improved our assessment of anatomy and function.