Development and Validation of a Prediction Model and Score for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Diagnosis: T-Amylo.

Background: Although transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is often underdiagnosed, clinical suspicion is essential for early diagnosis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a feasible prediction model and score to facilitate the diagnosis of ATTR-CA.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent Tc-DPD scintigraphy for suspected ATTR-CA.

Rationale and design of the rigorous atrial analysis in advanced interatrial block (ARABIA) prospective study.

Background: Advanced interatrial block (IAB) is present in 10% of subjects ≥75 years and is associated with the risk of clinical events.

Methods And Results: Prospective multicenter study that will include subjects ≥75 years without exclusion criteria (indication for anticoagulation, cardiac devices, severe valve disease, systolic dysfunction, moderate or severe cognitive impairment, poor echocardiographic window, non-sinus rhythm or partial IAB, stroke, and life expectancy <2 years). A total of 356 subjects, 178 patients with advanced IAB (exposed) and 178 matched individuals with normal P-wave (non-exposed) will be included.

Levosimendan in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator supported patients: Impact on the success of weaning and survival.

Weaning failure and mortality rates in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) supported patients are significant. Small studies suggest the possible usefulness of levosimendan in this environment, especially in postcardiotomy shock. We performed a retrospective analysis of VA-ECMO implants in a referral hospital comparing weaning failure and survival of patients treated with levosimendan with a control group.