19^th Annual Cardiology Conference (10 Plenary Forums - 1 Event) August 30-31, 2017 Philadelphia, USA

Biography:

John Kassotis, MD is a practicing Cardiac Electrophysiologist in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1990 and has been in practice for 26 years. He completed a residency at Columbia Hospital. He is also specializes in Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease) and Internal Medicine. He currently practices at Division of Cardiovascular Medicine EP Section and is affiliated with Lutheran Medical Center and SUNY Downstate Medical Center University Hospital of Brooklyn. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, and advanced heart failure and transplant. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Angiology, and the American Society of Sleep Medicine

Abstract:

Sudden Cardiac Death remains a significant public health concern. With approximately 400,000 cases in the US alone, the incidence is higher than death associated with breast cancer, traffic accidents and other more commonly published disease states. Despite significant advances, the incidence of sudden cardiac death remains high. With greater public awareness, ease of access to defibrillators (e.g. AEDs) we are hopeful that there will be a significant impact in reducing morbidity and mortality. However, the most significant impact will be derived from focusing our attention on identifying and managing patient’s known to have a predisposition for SCD, pre-event. With improvements in technology and refinements in implantation techniques, the placement of implantable cardioverter defibrillator, has emerged as the standard of care for primary and secondary prevention. The purpose of this review will be to acquaint the audience to better identification of patient’s at high risk for SCD, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions as well as, future initiatives.

Biography:

Salah A. Mohamed has his expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the health and wellbeing. Since 2002 he is working as laboratory and group leader in the Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Luebeck, Germany. He is an Associate Professor in molecular biology/cardiac surgery at the University of UKSH-Campus Luebeck, Germany. His research has included ● cardiovascular disease (e.g. Genetic Etiology and Molecular), ● Epidemiology of aortic and aortic valve disease, ● Evaluation and Validation of Drugs and Biomarkers, and ● aging of the heart. His Laboratory also focuses on understanding the causes of atrial fibrillation investigating.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The normal diameter of the aorta in adults is approximately 35 mm. A vessel bulge (aneurysm) is defined as permanent and exceeding of the standard value involving all layers of the vessel wall. Aneurysm of the ascending aorta is responsible for 1–2% of all deaths in industrialized countries. In approximately 50% of patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital heart disease, aneurysms of any or all segments of the aorta occurs. While aortic aneurysms are generally a benign condition, a consistent increase in the diameter of an aneurysm can give rise to catastrophic events such as acute aortic dissection (AAD) or aortic rupture. Methodology & Research orientation: Comprehensive genetic, molecular analysis and proteomic approaches to understand complex cellular processes and networks in the pathophysiology of aneurysms of the ascending aorta. To support two known kinds of hypotheses proposed to explain the causality in aneurysms formation, intrinsic factor is further investigated and analyzed in sense of vascular remodeling between congenital BAV and Marfan’s patients (MFS). In MFS, mutations in the gene encoding for the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1 can be observed; this mutations lead to dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-beta signaling. Findings: The interaction between mechanical forces and biological function is intimately coupled. In the subsequent molecular investigations of AAD, further genes were described, and their proteins were altered in patients with AAD. Conclusion & Significance: The etiology of BAV and the thoracic aortic aneurysm appears to be multiple. At the onset of valvulogenesis a number of mechanisms [e.g. Genes, epigenetic factors, fluid forces (Fig)] may be involved, either alone or combined, in the pathogenesis. 

Fig. Genetic basis and pathogenesis of BAV/BAV associated aortopathy

1. Navarrete Santos et al., (2016). Collagen analysis of the ascending aortic dilatation associated with bicuspid aortic valve disease compared with tricuspid aortic valve. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2016;5:1-6

2. Lazar-Karsten et al., (2016). Generation and Characterization of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Lines Derived from a Patient with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

3. Paloschi et al., (2015). Aneurysm Development in Patients With a Bicuspid  Aortic Valve Is Not Associated With Transforming  Growth Factor-ß Activation. ATVBAHA 2015

4. Mohamed et al., (2006). Novel missense mutations (Thr595Met and Pro1795His) in NOTCH1 in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. BBRC. 2006;345:1460-146

5. Mohamed et al., (2005). Ubiquitin fusion degradation 1-like gene   dysregulation in Bicuspid Aortic Valve. J Thorac Cardiovas Sur; 2005;130:1531-1536

Biography:

Lobina Kaniz Kalam is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore, Bronx, NY. I have a Distinguished Fellowship in Cardiology from The American Academy of Cardiology, 2007. I am a self-published poet and oil painter.

Abstract:

1)Statement of the problem: There is a decrease in morbidity and mortality from the use of Statin drugs for known Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) as well as those without clinical evidence of CAD. Regression of atherosclerotic plaque occurs after lipid lowering begins. This can best be characterized through intra-coronary or Carotid ultrasonography. Using statins alone, studies have shown plaque regression occur earliest at 12 months. Furthermore, chronic inflammation plays a part in multiple unstable plaques in different coronary arteries.

2)Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: A randomized controlled study on 1500 patients over 12 months with Inclusion criteria of hyperlipidemia, and known coronary or carotid atherosclerosis. Statin arm: Zocor 20, and 40 mg, 80mg and usual American diet.

Low-Calorie diet arm meal plan: breakfast will be three eggs any way with any Vegetables. Lunch will be the Detox juice (which I myself have tried for 6 months with incredible outcomes for both BMI and Lipids), with three Red Apples, 1 cup Spinach, 1 cup Kale, 1 cup Celery. Dinner will be 1 cup brown rice, 1 cup any meat cooked anyway, 1 cup vegetables.

3) Findings: This study will take 1 year of dedicated research for data collection. Outcomes to be studied will be a) LDL b) HDL c) TG d) BMI e) CRP f) carotid and coronary vessel wall thickness. 

4) Conclusion and Significance: Hypothesis of study: A low calorie-high anti inflammatory diet as the Detox juice diet plan, may be as effective as Statins in regression of Atherosclerotic plaque.

Recent publications:

Last publication was in basic science on Xenopus developmental genetics.

Biography:

To be Updated Soon..

Abstract:

 Blood group antigen (ABO and Rh) distribution in Myocardial Infarction (MCI) Patients of Hail region in Saudi Arabia. M.Parvaiz. Farshori (supervisor).

M. Parvaiz Farshori*, Yaser Ghareeb Ibrahim Alrashdan , Abdulmmajeed Hamoud M Alshammari, Raiya Khaled Ali AlTamimi, Hayam Abdullah Houmood Alshammari, Abrar Hamad Saleh Alageel, Fayez Ammar S. Alshammari.

*Department of Physiology, College of Medicine University of Hail, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: According to WHO 2014 world health ranking survey Saudi Arabia ranks 27th in coronary heart disease (CHD) related deaths. According to the same survey CHD was also the leading cause of deaths in Saudi Arabia followed by stroke, influenza, diabetes, and the kidney disease (WHO, 2014 survey).

Several studies have suggested relationship between inheritance of blood group antigens and certain diseases such as diabetes (Farshori et al, 2016, 2017, Fagherazzi et al, 2015, Meo et al 2016), cardio vascular disease (Saima et al, 2015, Chen et al. 2016) and cancers (Zhang et al, 2015). Although many studies have suggested an association between the blood groups and the cardiovascular diseases however results have been inconsistent. For example one study suggests an association between the O blood groups and the increased risks of coronary heart disease Biswas et al., 2013, while others show blood group A to be associated with an increased risk CHD (Chen et al., 2016).

Aim: Since there are different studies with different conclusions about the association between CAD and the inheritance of AB and Rh (D) antigens, and since it is the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, we decided to perform a small study on 120 CHD patients who have had an acute myocardial infarction (MCI) in the recent past and were admitted to king Khaled hospital (KKH) in Hail region of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: This study included 329 control and 111male myocardial infarction patients enrolled at (KKH) Cardiology Department in Hail region of Saudi Arabia. On these patients’ ABO data was collected along with some other risk factors such as diabetes, smoking habits, age, gender, obesity and the family history of CAD. Data was statistically analyzed using Z- test for two population proportions.

Results: Out of 329 control male population (age range 12-86, mean age 32.7 years), 3.35% were A- and 20.7% were A+, 3.95% were B- and 14.28% were B+, 2.43% were AB- and 8.2% were AB+, 8.5% were O- and 38.3% were O+. In comparison when we analyzed the blood group distribution among patients with myocardial infarction (age range 16-90, mean age 49.4 years), we found: Out of 111 male patients 0.9% were A- and 30.6% were A+, 1.8% were B- and 18.01% were B+, 0.9% were AB- and 6.3% were AB+, 0.9% were O- and 40.5.3% were O+.

Conclusions: As compared to control group A+ male patient show statistically high incidences of MCI and O- show significantly low incidences of MCI.

References:

Bai-Lin Zhang, Na He, Yu-Bei Huang, Feng-Ju Song, Ke-Xin Chen. 2015. ABO blood groups and Risk of Cancer: A systematic review and meta analysis. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. 15: 11, 4643-50.

Biography:

John Kassotis, is a practicing Cardiac Electrophysiologist in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1990 and has been in practice for 26 years. He completed a residency at Columbia Hospital. He is also specializes in Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease) and Internal Medicine. He currently practices at Division of Cardiovascular Medicine EP Section and is affiliated with Lutheran Medical Center and SUNY Downstate Medical Center University Hospital of Brooklyn. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, and advanced heart failure and transplant. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Angiology, and the American Society of Sleep Medicine.

Abstract:

Sudden Cardiac Death remains a significant public health concern. With approximately 400,000 cases in the US alone, the incidence is higher than death associated with breast cancer, traffic accidents and other more commonly published disease states. Despite significant advances, the incidence of sudden cardiac death remains high. With greater public awareness, ease of access to defibrillators (e.g. AEDs) we are hopeful that there will be a significant impact in reducing morbidity and mortality. However, the most significant impact will be derived from focusing our attention on identifying and managing patient’s known to have a predisposition for SCD, pre-event. With improvements in technology and refinements in implantation techniques, the placement of implantable cardioverter defibrillator, has emerged as the standard of care for primary and secondary prevention. The purpose of this review will be to acquaint the audience to better identification of patient’s at high risk for SCD, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions as well as, future initiatives.

Biography:

Christine Gasperetti is an interventional cardiologist with interests in high risk and protected coronary intervention as well as acute myocardial infarction. She has been involved in many studies of coronary artery disease and determinants of platelet function during coronary intervention. She is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Health System and works at several of their hospitals and affiliates

Abstract:

With advancements in cardiac technology, it has now become possible to offer patients with complex and high-risk coronary artery disease, including those with cardiogenic shock (CGS) revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Such patients often require hemodynamic support and are the procedure is thus termed "protected PCI". Protected PCI has led to breakthrough in the survival ceiling for patients presenting with CGS complicating acute myocardial infarction (Ml) and to redefinition of protocols with which to best offer PCI in the setting of CGS. Ultimately, use of varying support models may lead to improved understanding of the components of shock states in ischemia and infarction.
The presentation includes two patients who required high risk PCI in the setting of CGS. The first patient presented with Inferior Ml complicated by RV infarction and was supported with RV Assist Device

(RVAD). The second patient presented with cardiac arrest during Anterior Ml and underwent emergent PCI with limited support in the off-site cardiac catheterization laboratory setting.

Following these presentations, an introduction to analysis of hemodynamics of support using the Harvi model developed by Daniel Burkhoff, MD PhD and colleagues will be given and used to illustrate important hemodynamic concepts in ventricular supfjort including changes in cardiac power, uncoupling of systemic and LV pressures, changes in contractility and coronary perfusion pressure, and comparison of devices used.

References

1. Burkhoff D, Sayer G, Doshi D, et al. (2015) Hemodynamics of Mechanical Circulatory Support.

JACC Vol. 66. No. 23. 2015 2663-74.

2. Burkhoff, D, Naidu SS (2012) The science behind percutaneous hemodynamic support: review

and comparison of support strategies. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. Vol. 80.

No. 5. 2012. 816-29.

3. Kapur NK, Qias X, Parchuri V, et al. (2015) Mechanical Pre-Conditioning With Acute Circulatory

Support Before Reperfusion Limits Infarct Size in Acute Myocardial Infarction. JACC Heart Failure

(2015) Vol. 3. No. 11. 2015. 873-82.

4. Napp LC, Kuh C, Bauersachs J. (2017) ECMO in cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. Herz 2017:

vol. 42. 27-44.

5. O'Neill W, Basir M, Dixon S, et al. (2017) Feasibility of Early Mechanical Support During

Mechanical Reperfusion of Acute Myocardial Infarct Cardiogenic Shock. JACC Vol. 10. No. 6.

2017 624-5.

6. Rihal CS, Naidu SS, Givertz MM, et al. (2015) 2015 SCAI/ACC/HFSA/STS Clinical Expert Consensus

Statement on the Use of Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices in

Cardiovascular Care. JACC Vol. 65. No.l9. 2015 e7-e26.

Biography:

Ajeya N Ukadgaonkar is pursuing a superspeciality course (DNB) in Cardiology in Poona Hospital and Research Centre, India. He has completed his MD in Internal Medicine and has worked as an assistant professor in Internal Medicine. He has 2 publications in international and 1 publication in a national journal to his name. He bears a special interest in the field of research.

Abstract:

Coronary artery aneurysms are rarely seen with an overall incidence of 1.5 to 5% and post coronary intervention incidence is 0.2 to 1.7%. They are reported to be more common after a drug eluting stent (DES) rather than a bare metal stent (BMS). Post stent coronary artery aneurysm formation is a dreaded complication which can lead to sudden death. We report a case of a 53 years old diabetic and hypertensive male who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with everolimus eluting stent (EES). Two months later he presented with angina, heart failure and severe left ventricular dysfunction. His check coronary angiography revealed a giant (30 x 20 mm) type 2 coronary artery aneurysm arising from LAD with occluded stent distal to the aneurysm. He was posted for surgery, during which the aneurysm was found to be communicating directly to the left ventricular cavity. Surgical aneurysmectomy with coronary artery bypass graft to LAD was done. Post operatively, the patient recovered rapidly and was discharged. To the best of our knowledge, acquired (post PTCA) giant coronary artery aneurysm communicating to the left ventricular cavity has hardly been reported yet. Due to paucity of these types of cases we have a limited experience in diagnosis and management of these patients. This case report will serve as an informative tool for diagnosis and management of these rare presentations of the heterogeneous disease. Prompt identification and treatment is the key for management of this fatal complication.

 

Recent Publications

1. Gadepalli R et al (2017) A case of early development of giant coronary artery aneurysms after drug-eluting stents implantation: An unpredictable menace. Interventional Medicine & Applied Science, Vol. 9 (1), pp. 47–50.

2. Kar et al (2016) Post Balloon Stent Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm: Cardiologist’s Nightmare. J Cardiovasc Dis Diagn 2016, S1.

3. Bhupali et al (2015) Giant Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm  after Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2015, 6, 554-560.

4.  Mishra et al (2014) Multiple Giant Coronary Arterial Aneurysms following Sirolimus Drug Eluting Stents Implantation. Journal of the association of physicians of india  vol 62  october, 2014.

5. Crawley PD, Mahlow WJ, Huntsinger DR, Afiniwala S, Wortham DC (2014) : Giant coronary artery aneurysms: Review and update. Tex Heart Inst J 41, 603–608.

6. Kadakia MB, EppsKC, JulienME, OgbaraJ, Giri J, KolanskyDM, Woo YJ, Wilensky RL (2014) : Early aneurysm formation after everolimus eluting stent implantation. Circ Cardiovasc Interv 7, 266–267.

7. Bennett J, Dubois C (2013) : A novel platinum chromium everolimus eluting stent for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Biologics 7, 149–159.

8. Marla R, Ebel R, Crosby M, Almassi GH (2009): Multiple giant coronary artery aneurysms. Tex Heart Inst J 36, 244.

9. Pahlavan PS, Niroomand F (2006) : Coronary artery aneurysm: A review. Clin Cardiol 29, 439–443

Biography:

Claudia Montanaro is a Cardiologist with an interest in Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiac Imaging. She currently is a fellow at Royal Brompton Hospital in London, UK. She trained at the Hospital San Raffaele in Milan, Italy. She is board certified in adult congenital heart disease echo (ESC). Her academic interests include outcome analysis in patients with congenital heart disease (in particular pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect) as well as 3D-CMR reconstruction of complex heart lesion. Her innovative research, supported by the Italian Society of Cardiology, is directed into the non-invasive detection of atrial fibrosis. Dr. Montanaro is a member of the editorial board of The International Journal of Cardiology. She is co-author of manuscripts published in peer review journals and book chapters focused on congenital heart disease and heart failure.

Abstract:

In 2009 in the European Union the costs related to cardiovascular diseases amounted to E106 billion, representing ~9% of the total expenditure on healthcare^[i]. The scientific community has allocated significant funds to identify behaviour in the young which might adversely affect health in adult life. Based on the American Heart Association guidelines, the ideal cardiovascular health(iCVH) construct^[ii] consists of 4 ideal health behaviors (nonsmoking, BMI <25 kg/m², physical activity at goal level, and diet consistent with current recommendations) and 3 ideal health factors (untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, untreated BP <120/<80 mmHg, and untreated fasting glucose <100 mg/dL). Adolescents from a high socio-economic class are more likely to have a healthy diet, high levels of physical fitness and consequently lower cardiovascular risk^[iii]. Only 47% of U.S. adolescents and 54% of European adolescents exhibit at least 5 of the 7 iCVH components[iv] ^[v]. Scientific literature shows that psychological and biological factors, social environment and community settings play an important role in the adolescent’s habits.  Healthy habits and good physical activity is paramount for these patients. In the past, all patients with CHD were excluded from competitive sports mainly because of the risk of sudden death (SD). It has been noted that sudden death in CHD patients is generally rare. Aerobic activity and sport in general should always be recommended; there are exceptions as patients with severe left and/or right outflow tract obstructions, failing Senning or Mustard repairs, severe pulmonary hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic dilation and particular cases of anomalous coronary artery, in which it is reasonable to discourage competitive sports. Nowadays, available tools to estimate the risk of SD are appropriate interpretation of ECG, fibrosis evaluation with cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiopulmonary exercise test.  

Patients with congenital heart disease should be cared for in a tertiary centre where high level of expertise and knowledge informs any ad hoc counselling based on objective and self-perceived patient capacity and potentiality

 

Biography:

Heba Kamal Weshahy, assistant lecturer of pediatrics and pediatric cardiology in National Heart Institute, Egypt. She has M.B.B.Ch degree in medicine in December 2004- Cairo University, Master degree in pediatrics and neonatology in August 2009- Cairo University, studying MD degree in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology- Cairo University.  She has about 12 years experience in pediatric cardiology, multislice CT angiography, pediatric echocardiography, pediatric diagnostic and interventional catheterization, medical and surgical pediatric cardiac intensive care unit and congenital cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. She did about 2000 multislice CT angiography for cases of congenital heart diseases of the heart and blood vessels, about 4000 echocardiography for cases of congenital heart diseases, about 100 interventional catheterization for cases of congenital heart diseases and about 50 diagnostic catheterization for  cases of congenital heart diseases

Abstract:

1-(Dilated cariomyopathy in a four years old girl):

Clinical picture: dysnea, respiratory distress, cardiomegaly and gallop.

Echocardiography: dilated left ventricle with impaired contractility EF 20%, FS 10%.
CT angiography
Absent left main coronary artery.
Anomalous origin of the LCX and LAD by separate ostia from the left side of the main pulmonary artery.
Diffuse dilatation of the RCA.
Many dilated intercoronary collaterals.

Conclusion: adult type of ALCAPA. 

2-(Dilated cardiomyopathy in a ten months old girl):
Clinically: dysnea, recurrent pneumonia, respiratory distress, cardiomegaly and gallop.
Echocardiography: dilated left ventricle with impaired contractility EF 22%, FS 10%, suspected ALCAPA.

CT:
Anomalous origin of the LAD from the left side of the main pulmonary artery.

The left circumflex arises from the left coronary sinus of Valsalva and runs its normal course.
Mild diffuse dilatation of the RCA.

Conclusion: ALCAPA. 

3-(ASD with severe pulmonary hypertension):
Clinically: 9 months old female, recurrent pneumonia, feeding difficulties, poor weight gain, cardiomegaly and accentuated S2.
Echocardiography: dilated RV, severe TR, moderate sized secundum ASD and pulmonary hypertension.

CT:
Average sized main pulmonary artery continuous with its left branch.
Absent right pulmonary artery.
Indirect MAPCA supplying the right lung.
Diminished right lung volume.

4-(Tetralogy of Fallot with upper limb weakness):
Clinically: 20 months old female, dysnea, cyanosis, left upper limb weakness, and systolic murmur.
Echocardiography: TOF.

CT:
Average sized confluent main pulmonary artery and its both branches.
Abnormal origin of the left subclavian artery from the left pulmonary artery.
Right sided aortic arch.

5-(Postoperative Residual VSD):
Clinically: 18 months old female, 6 months following surgical closure of VSD and epicardial pacemaker insertion, dysnea, respiratory distress, pansystolic murmur.
Echocardiography: abnormal flow directed from the aorta to the RV, suspected ruptured sinus of Valsalva.

CT :
Residual VSD between the LVOT and RV cavity just below the Tricuspid valve.

Recent publications:

1-Weinberg PM, Natarajan S, Rogers LS. (2013) Aortic arch and vascular anomalies.

2-Uchino A, Saito N, Okada Y, et al.(2013) Variation of the origin of the left common carotid artery diagnosed by CT angiography.

3-Mosieri J, Chintala K, Delius RE, Walters HL 3rd, Hakimi M.(2004) Abnormal origin of the right subclavian artery from the right pulmonary artery in a patient with D-transposition of the great vessels and left juxtaposition of the right atrial appendage an unusual anatomical variant.

4-Pena E, Nguyen ET, Merchant N, Dennie C (2009) ALCAPA syndrome not just a pediatric disease.

5-Yua J, singh R, Halpern EJ, Fischman D (2011) anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.

6-Atik E, Tanamati C, Kajita L, Babero-Marcial M (2006) unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis.

7-Deutsch MA, Thieme SF, Hinterseer M, (2010) adult presentation of combined unilateral atresia of the right proximal pulmonary artery and left patent ductus arteriosus.