Clinical and Angiographic Profiles of Myocardial Infarction in a Young South Indian Population.

Introduction Myocardial infarction (MI) in young South Indians presents a shifting epidemiological landscape, challenging traditional perceptions of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigates the clinical and angiographic profiles of MI in this subgroup of the population in detail, emphasizing the interaction between lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to the incidence of MI in younger people. Methodology Utilizing a descriptive observational design, the study analyzed data from 70 young adults (aged 18-45 years) admitted to Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Chennai, with acute MI over six months. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and angiographic findings were collected and analyzed using standardized protocols. Statistical analysis employed chi-square tests and subgroup analyses to assess associations and differences between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Results The study revealed a predominance of males (84.29%) among MI cases, with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) being the most common presentation (52.86%). Anterior wall involvement was prevalent (50%), and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was observed in the majority (67%) of patients. Chest pain (87%) was the predominant symptom, and diabetes (47%) and hypertension (47%) were the risk variables that were most common. Angiographically, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was often affected (51%), with single-vessel disease predominating (41.43%). Conclusion The findings underscore the significance of early detection and intervention strategies for MI in young South Indians. Gender-specific risk assessment, prompt diagnosis, and tailored treatment approaches are imperative. The high prevalence of LVSD highlights the burden of cardiac morbidity, particularly in diabetic individuals. Lifestyle modifications and weight management interventions are crucial for MI prevention. This study provides insights into the frequency and features of MI in young South Indians, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts for early identification and control of modifiable risk factors to mitigate the burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) in this population subset.

Early multicenter experience of Melody valve implantation in India.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter valves provide a safe and effective alternative to surgery for treating dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs). We present our early multicenter experience of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) using Melody valve (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN). METHODS: Patients with stenosed conduits or degenerated bioprosthetic valves in RVOT with combined stenosis and regurgitation were evaluated for suitability of Melody valve implantation. After undergoing an initial structured training, PPVI using Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) was guided by an approved proctor. Conduits were serially dilated and prestented with careful coronary interrogation, and bioprosthetic valves were dilated with high-pressure balloons. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was performed at 6 monthly intervals. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (three females) aged 23.1 ± 9.5 years in NYHA Class II-III underwent Melody TPV implantation in four Indian centers. The underlying anatomy comprised surgically implanted bioprosthetic valves for pulmonary regurgitation (n= 5), conduit repair for pulmonary atresia (n = 4), Rastelli repair (n = 3), truncus (n = 1), and Ross procedure (n = 2). Twelve patients had more than one previous surgery. Doppler gradient decreased from 74.2 ± 21.5 mmHg to 10.2 ± 4.5 mmHg after the PPVI. At a median follow-up of 14 months (1-39 months), all the patients were in NYHA Class I with echocardiographic gradients of 8 ± 5.7 mmHg with no evidence of pulmonary regurgitation. There were no major procedural adverse events or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Our early experience shows encouraging results of the PPVI program in India with proctored case selection and meticulous planning. It also confirms the safety and efficacy of Melody TPV for treating dysfunctional RVOT in postoperative patients.

MitraClip and mitral annuloplasty device as a bridge to transplantation.

A 42-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy and endstage heart failure was evaluated for heart transplantation. He received a MitraClip and Carillon annuloplasty device for functional mitral regurgitation as palliation for his heart failure. Subsequently, he underwent successful heart transplantation.

Percutaneous closure of symptomatic large tricuspid paravalvular regurgitation using two muscular VSD occluders.

Paravalvular leaks are common following valve replacement surgery. Majority are benign and do not require any active intervention. However, occasionally severe paravalvular regurgitation can produce heart failure and/or hemolysis, needing closure of the defect. It is more commonly associated with aortic and mitral prosthesis, symptomatic tricuspid paravalvular regurgitation being a rare entity. In this report we present the successful percutaneous transcatheter closure of a large paravalvular tricuspid regurgitation in a 59-year old lady with history of multiple previous operations. The elongated crescent-shaped defect was closed using two muscular VSD devices without any residual leak and without hampering the bio-prosthetic tricuspid valve function. Patient had transient complete heart block during the procedure which recovered later. There was marked improvement in the symptomatic status of the patient at discharge (NYHA IV to NYHA II), which was sustained at follow-up.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in men presenting with acute coronary syndrome, successfully managed by intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. It is most commonly seen in young women, without atherosclerosis, in the peripartum period. Management options include conservative medical treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention or a surgical approach depending on the presentation, extent of dissection and luminal stenosis. We describe three unusual cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissection occurring in young/middle-aged men-the first in association with heavy mechanical work, the second in association with high levels of anxiety and emotional distress and the third in association with intense physical exercise. In each case we report the use of coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of the condition, and their successful management using percutaneous coronary intervention.

Use of IABP in contrast media-induced anaphylactic shock: the ultimate lifesaver.

Anaphylactic reaction to contrast media during selective coronary angiography is a rare occurrence. It can be occasionally resistant to medical treatment leading to cardiovascular collapse and death. The use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counter-pulsation when the supportive medical treatment fails during anaphylactic shock is not well documented in the literature. We report a case of a severe contrast media-induced anaphylactic shock which failed to respond to the supportive medical management and the timely insertion of IABP for further circulatory support that prevented death in a patient who had an elective diagnostic coronary angiography. The clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis was challenging at the onset of shock as the typical rash developed after a few minutes.

Outcomes following PCI in patients with previous CABG: a multi centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Limited data is available to guide operators as to the optimal revascularisation strategy in patients with previous CABG representing with angina. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 161 patients with prior CABG undergoing PCI in two centres between September 2005 and April 2008. RESULTS: 161 patients (132 male, 68 ± 8 years) underwent PCI at 126 ± 65 months after index CABG. Clinical presentation of recurrent ischaemia was stable in 59.7% and as an acute coronary syndrome in 40.3% of patients. Mean follow-up after PCI was 13.5 ± 4.8 months. About 62.7% of patients underwent native vessel PCI, 32.9% had a graft only PCI, and 4.4% having a combination of both. Drug eluting stents were used in 84.9% of cases. There was one cardiac death and one case of redo CABG during follow-up. Mean CCS angina class decreased from 2.87 to 0.67 (P < 0.0001) in the follow-up group. About 13.6 % of all patients had a MACE at follow up. This was higher in the graft PCI group (21.6% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.048). About 12.4% of the total cohort underwent repeat PCI although 30% of these required PCI for a de-novo lesion. TVR rate was significantly higher in patients undergoing graft PCI than native vessel PCI (15% vs. 4.9%, P = 0.031). Graft PCI was an independent predictor (HR 3.73, 1.27-10.87 [95%CI], P = 0.016) of MACE in these patients. CONCLUSION: PCI significantly improved angina in these patients with low overall rates of TVR. However TVR rate was significantly higher in patients undergoing graft PCI than those undergoing native vessel PCI.

Telescoping catheter technique for enlarged aortas.

Selective coronary angiography in severely dilated ascending aorta is technically challenging and sometimes impossible. The Terumo "five-in-six" system uses an extra long 5Fr guide catheter in a standard 6Fr guide catheter, so that the tip of the 5Fr guide catheter protrudes beyond the tip of the 6Fr catheter allowing an extra reach. This system has been used successfully to advance balloon catheters across chronic total occlusions (Takahashi et al, Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:452-456) and stent delivery beyond proximal obstruction point (Mamas et al, Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2008;71:358-363). We describe the successful use of this system in an atraumatic manner for selective coronary angiography in a patient with a severely dilated ascending aorta.

Combined catheter ventricular septal defect closure and multivessel coronary stenting to treat postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect and triple-vessel coronary artery disease: a case report.

Ventricular septal defect following acute myocardial infarction is a rare but life-threatening complication. Early surgical closure improves survival but carries a considerable risk. Percutaneous transcatheter closure is an alternative but experience to date is limited. We report a case of successful transcatheter closure of postmyocardial infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a 55-year-old male with the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder device and complete percutaneous revascularization with successful multivessel coronary stenting for three-vessel disease as a staged procedure. The technique and its potential use as an alternative to surgical approach for treatment of acute myocardial infarction and its complication (VSD) are discussed.