Cardio-oncology in Austria: cardiotoxicity and surveillance of anti-cancer therapies : Position paper of the Heart Failure Working Group of the Austrian Society of Cardiology.

Survival in cancer is continuously improving due to evolving oncological treatment. Therefore, cardiovascular short-term and long-term side effects gain crucial importance for overall outcome. Cardiotoxicity not only presents as heart failure, but also as treatment-resistant hypertension, acute coronary ischemia with plaque rupture or vasospasm, thromboembolism, arrhythmia, pulmonary hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, acute myocarditis and others. Recent recommendations have proposed baseline cardiac risk assessment and surveillance strategies. Major challenges are the availability of monitoring and imaging resources, including echocardiography with speckle tracking longitudinal strain (GLS), serum biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) and highly sensitive cardiac troponins. This Austrian consensus encompasses cardiotoxicity occurrence in frequent antiproliferative cancer drugs, radiotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and cardiac follow-up considerations in cancer survivors in the context of the Austrian healthcare setting. It is important to optimize cardiovascular risk factors and pre-existing cardiac diseases without delaying oncological treatment. If left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) deteriorates during cancer treatment (from >10% to <50%), or myocardial strain decreases (>15% change in GLS), early initiation of cardioprotective therapies (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin or beta receptor blockers) is recommended, and LVEF should be reassessed before discontinuation. Lower LVEF cut-offs were recently shown to be feasible in breast cancer patients to enable optimal anticancer treatment. Interdisciplinary cardio-oncology cooperation is pivotal for optimal management of cancer patients.

Improved in-hospital outcome for radial access in a large contemporary cohort of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials have shown diverse results for radial access in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Moreover, it is questionable whether radial access improves outcome in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing PPCI. We aimed to investigate the outcome according to access site in patients with or without cardiogenic shock, in daily clinical practice. METHODS: For the present analysis we included 9,980 patients undergoing PPCI between 2012 and 2018, registered in the multi-centre, nationwide registry on PCI for myocardial infarction (MI). In-hospital mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and net adverse clinical events (NACE) until discharge were compared between 4,498 patients with radial (45%) and 5,482 patients with femoral (55%) access. RESULTS: Radial compared to femoral access was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (3.5% vs. 7.7%; P<0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed reduced in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.43 to 0.75]. Furthermore, MACE (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.78) as well as NACE (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.75) occurred less frequently in patients with radial access. Interaction analysis with cardiogenic shock showed an effect modification, resulting in lower mortality in PCI via radial access in patients without, but no difference in those with cardiogenic shock (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.96). CONCLUSIONS: Radial access for patients with acute MI undergoing PPCI is associated with improved survival in a large contemporary cohort of daily practice. However, this beneficial effect is restricted to hemodynamically stable patients.

Comparison of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in clinical practice: a propensity score analysis of five contemporary European registries.

AIMS: Among acute coronary syndromes (ACS), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has the most severe early clinical course. Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that novel antithrombotic therapies improve in-hospital outcomes in STEMI patients. We aimed to describe the effectiveness and safety of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors in clinical practice in patients with STEMI based on data from contemporary European ACS registries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five registries from the PIRAEUS initiative (AAPCI/ADPAT, ALKK-PIC, AMIS Plus, Belgium STEMI, and EYESHOT) provided data for the assessment of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor-based dual antiplatelet therapy. Registries were heterogeneous in terms of setting, patient characteristics, and treatment selection. Matched pair analysis and propensity score matching were used to assess all-cause in-hospital death rates based on data from 25 250 patients (8577 patients on prasugrel, 5995 on ticagrelor, and 10 678 on clopidogrel). The odds ratio (OR) for the death of any cause when compared with clopidogrel was 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.84, P < 0.001] in favour of the new P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (prasugrel and ticagrelor combined). In the comparison between prasugrel and ticagrelor, there were no relevant differences (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77-1.23; P = 0.81). Event rates of cardiovascular death and stroke were also substantially lower for the new P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. The differences between clopidogrel and prasugrel or ticagrelor on major bleeding were numerically in the same order as for death of any cause but were not statistically significant. No differences in ischaemic and bleeding outcomes were observed between prasugrel and ticagrelor. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that the prasugrel or ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel have favourable outcomes in clinical practice while not being inferior in terms of safety.

Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis: an interdisciplinary consensus statement.

The prevalence and significance of cardiac amyloidosis have been considerably underestimated in the past; however, the number of patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis has increased significantly recently due to growing awareness of the disease, improved diagnostic capabilities and demographic trends. Specific therapies that improve patient prognosis have become available for certain types of cardiac amyloidosis. Thus, the earliest possible referral of patients with suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis to an experienced center is crucial to ensure rapid diagnosis, early initiation of treatment, and structured patient care. This requires intensive collaboration across several disciplines, and between resident physicians and specialized centers. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide guidance for the rapid and efficient diagnosis and treatment of light-chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis, which are the most common forms of cardiac amyloidosis.

Evaluation of right ventricular function by coronary computed tomography angiography using a novel automated 3D right ventricle volume segmentation approach: a validation study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate right ventricle (RV) function by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) using a novel automated three-dimensional (3D) RV volume segmentation tool in comparison with clinical reference modalities. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with severe end-stage heart failure [left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction (EF) <35%] referred to CTA were enrolled. A specific individually tailored biphasic contrast agent injection protocol was designed (80%/20% high/low flow) was designed. Measurement of RV function [EF, end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV)] by CTA was compared with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and right heart invasive catheterisation (IC). RESULTS: Automated 3D RV volume segmentation was successful in 26 (100%) patients. Read-out time was 3 min 33 s (range, 1 min 50s-4 min 33s). RV EF by CTA was stronger correlated with right atrial pressure (RAP) by IC (r = -0.595; p = 0.006) but weaker with TAPSE (r = 0.366, p = 0.94). When comparing TAPSE with RAP by IC (r = -0.317, p = 0.231), a weak-to-moderate non-significant inverse correlation was found. Interobserver correlation was high with r = 0.96 (p < 0.001), r = 0.86 (p < 0.001) and r = 0.72 (p = 0.001) for RV EDV, ESV and EF, respectively. CT attenuation of the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) was 196.9 ± 75.3 and 217.5 ± 76.1 HU, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of RV function by CTA using a novel 3D volumetric segmentation tool is fast and reliable by applying a dedicated biphasic injection protocol. The RV EF from CTA is a closer surrogate of RAP than TAPSE by TTE. KEY POINTS: • Evaluation of RV function by cardiac CTA by using a novel 3D volume segmentation tool is fast and reliable. • A biphasic contrast agent injection protocol ensures homogenous RV contrast attenuation. • Cardiac CT is a valuable alternative modality to CMR for the evaluation of RV function.

Cohort profile: the Coronary Artery disease Risk Determination In Innsbruck by diaGnostic ANgiography (CARDIIGAN) cohort.

PURPOSE: The Coronary Artery disease Risk Determination In Innsbruck by diaGnostic ANgiography (CARDIIGAN) cohort is aimed to gain a better understanding of cardiovascular risk factors and their relation to the diagnosis and severity of coronary artery disease, as well as to the long-term prognosis in consecutive (including revascularised) patients referred for elective coronary angiography. PARTICIPANTS: The included patients visited the University Clinic of Cardiology at Innsbruck (Austria), which fulfils a secondary and tertiary hospital function. Inclusion took place in the period between February 2004 and April 2008 and resulted in a total of 8296 patients aged 18-91 years; 65% of them were men. FINDINGS TO DATE: There was one follow-up round on vital status through record linkage for 84% of the cohort (those with residence in Tyrol), resulting in a follow-up duration of over 5.5 to nearly 10.0 years among survivors. The data contain basic patient characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory measurements, medications, detailed information on the extent and severity of coronary artery disease, revascularisation history, treatment strategy and mortality specifics. A few studies have already been published. FUTURE PLANS: Various diagnostic and prognostic studies are planned, also concerning complications, competing risks and cost-effectiveness. Collaboration with other research groups is welcomed.

Upregulation of the aging related LMNA splice variant progerin in dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the LMNA gene are a common cause (6-8%) of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) leading to heart failure, a growing health care problem worldwide. The premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome (HGPS) is also caused by defined mutations in the LMNA gene resulting in activation of a cryptic splice donor site leading to a defective truncated prelamin A protein called progerin. Low levels of progerin are expressed in healthy individuals associated with ageing. Here, we aimed to address the role of progerin in dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: mRNA expression of progerin was analyzed in heart tissue of DCM (n = 15) and non-failing hearts (n = 10) as control and in blood samples from patients with DCM (n = 56) and healthy controls (n = 10). Sequencing confirmed the expression of progerin mRNA in the human heart. Progerin mRNA levels derived from DCM hearts were significantly upregulated compared to controls (1.27 ± 0.42 vs. 0.81 ± 0.24; p = 0.005). In contrast, progerin mRNA levels in whole blood cells were not significantly different in DCM patients compared to controls. Linear regression analyses revealed that progerin mRNA in the heart is significantly negatively correlated to ejection fraction (r = -0.567, p = 0.003) and positively correlated to left ventricular enddiastolic diameter (r = 0.551, p = 0.004) but not with age of the heart per se. Progerin mRNA levels were not influenced by inflammation in DCM hearts. Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed increased expression of progerin protein in cell nuclei of DCM hearts associated with increased TUNEL+ apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that progerin is upregulated in human DCM hearts and strongly correlates with left ventricular remodeling. Progerin might be involved in progression of heart failure and myocardial aging.

HerzMobil, an Integrated and Collaborative Telemonitoring-Based Disease Management Program for Patients With Heart Failure: A Feasibility Study Paving the Way to Routine Care.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a major health problem associated with frequent hospital admissions. HerzMobil Tirol is a multidisciplinary postdischarge disease management program for heart failure patients to improve quality of life, prevent readmission, and reduce mortality and health care costs. It uses a telemonitoring system that is incorporated into a network of specialized heart failure nurses, physicians, and hospitals. Patients are equipped with a mobile phone, a weighing scale, and a blood pressure and heart rate monitor for daily acquisition and transmission of data on blood pressure, heart rate, weight, well-being, and drug intake. These data are transmitted daily and regularly reviewed by the network team. In addition, patients are scheduled for 3 visits with the network physician and 2 visits with the heart failure nurse within 3 months after hospitalization for acute heart failure. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of HerzMobil Tirol by analyzing changes in health status as well as patients' self-care behavior and satisfaction and to derive recommendations for implementing a telemonitoring-based interdisciplinary disease management program for heart failure in everyday clinical practice. METHODS: In this prospective, pilot, single-arm study including 35 elderly patients, the feasibility of HerzMobil Tirol was assessed by analyzing changes in health status (via Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, KCCQ), patients' self-care behavior (via European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale, revised into a 9-item scale, EHFScB-9), and user satisfaction (via Delone and McLean System Success Model). RESULTS: A total of 43 patients joined the HerzMobil Tirol program, and of these, 35 patients completed it. The mean age of participants was 67 years (range: 43-86 years). Health status (KCCQ, range: 0-100) improved from 46.2 to 69.8 after 3 months. Self-care behavior (EHFScB-9, possible range: 9-22) after 3 months was 13.2. Patient satisfaction in all dimensions was 86% or higher. Lessons learned for the rollout of HerzMobil Tirol comprise a definite time schedule for interventions, solid network structures with clear process definition, a network coordinator, and specially trained heart failure nurses. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the positive evaluation results, HerzMobil Tirol has been officially introduced in the province of Tyrol in July 2017. It is, therefore, the first regular financed telehealth care program in Austria.

In-Hospital Outcome Comparing Bivalirudin to Heparin in Real-World Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Randomized controlled trials have shown conflicting results regarding the outcome of bivalirudin in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes of patients receiving heparin or bivalirudin in a real-world setting of PPCI: 7,023 consecutive patients enrolled in the Austrian Acute PCI Registry were included between January 2010 and December 2014. Patients were classified according to the peri-interventional anticoagulation regimen receiving heparin (n = 6430) or bivalirudin (n = 593) with or without GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs). In-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57 to 2.25, p = 0.72), major adverse cardiovascular events (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.14, p = 0.59), net adverse clinical events (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.77, p = 0.99), and TIMI non-coronary artery bypass graft-related major bleeding (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.86, p = 0.25) were not significantly different between the groups. However, we detected potential effect modifications of anticoagulants on mortality by GPIs (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.07, p = 0.06) and access site (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.03, p = 0.06) favoring bivalirudin in femoral access. In conclusion, this large real-world cohort of PPCI, heparin-based anticoagulation showed similar results of short-term mortality compared with bivalirudin. We observed a potential effect modification by additional GPI use and access favoring bivalirudin over heparin in femoral, but not radial, access.

External validation and extension of a diagnostic model for obstructive coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional predictive evaluation in 4888 patients of the Austrian Coronary Artery disease Risk Determination In Innsbruck by diaGnostic ANgiography (CARDIIGAN) cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To externally validate and extend a recently proposed prediction model to diagnose obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), with the ultimate aim to better select patients for coronary angiography. DESIGN: Analysis of individual baseline data of a prospective cardiology cohort. SETTING: Single-centre secondary and tertiary cardiology clinic. PARTICIPANTS: 4888 patients with suspected CAD, without known previous CAD or other heart diseases, who underwent an elective coronary angiography between 2004 and 2008 as part of the prospective Coronary Artery disease Risk Determination In Innsbruck by diaGnostic ANgiography (CARDIIGAN) cohort. Relevant data were recorded as in routine clinical practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The probability of obstructive CAD, defined as a stenosis of minimally 50% diameter in at least one of the main coronary arteries, estimated with the predictors age, sex, type of chest pain, diabetes status, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking status and laboratory data. Missing predictor data were multiply imputed. Performance of the suggested models was evaluated according to discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, depicted by the c statistic) and calibration. Logistic regression modelling was applied for model updating. RESULTS: Among the 4888 participants (38% women and 62% men), 2127 (44%) had an obstructive CAD. The previously proposed model had a c statistic of 0.69 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.70), which was lower than the expected c statistic while correcting for case mix (c=0.80). Regarding calibration, there was overprediction of risk for high-risk patients. All logistic regression coefficients were smaller than expected, especially for the predictor 'chest pain'. Extension of the model with high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fibrinogen, and C reactive protein led to better discrimination (c=0.72, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.74, p<0.001 for improvement). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed prediction model has a moderate performance to diagnose obstructive CAD in an unselected patient group with suspected CAD referred for elective CA. A small, but significant improvement was attained by including easily available and measurable cardiovascular risk factors.

Diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes in contemporary European registries: characteristics and outcomes.

Aims: Among patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), those with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at particularly high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events and premature death. We aimed to provide a descriptive overview of unadjusted analyses of patient characteristics, ACS management, and outcomes up to 1 year after hospital admission for an ACS/index-ACS event, in patients with DM in contemporary registries in Europe. Methods and results: A total of 10 registries provided data in a systematic manner on ACS patients with DM (total n =28 899), and without DM (total n= 97 505). In the DM population, the proportion of patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) ranged from 22.1% to 64.6% (other patients had non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI-ACS) or unstable angina). All-cause mortality in the registries ranged from 1.4% to 9.4% in-hospital; 2.8% to 7.9% at 30 days post-discharge; 5.1% to 10.7% at 180 days post-discharge; and 3.3% to 10.5% at 1 year post-discharge. Major bleeding events were reported in up to 3.8% of patients while in hospital (8 registries); up to 1.3% at 30 days (data from two registries only), and 2.0% at 1 year (one registry only). Registries differed substantially in terms of study setting, site, patient selection, definition and schedule of endpoints, and use of various P2Y12 inhibitors. In most, but not all, registries, event rates in DM patients were higher than in patients without DM. Pooled risk ratios comparing cohorts with DM vs. no DM were in-hospital significantly higher in DM for all-cause death (1.66; 95% CI 1.42-1.94), for cardiovascular death (2.33; 1.78 - 3.03), and for major bleeding (1.35; 1.21-1.52). Conclusion: These registry data from real-life clinical practice confirm a high risk for recurrent events among DM patients with ACS, with great variation across the different registries.

Use, patient selection and outcomes of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor treatment in patients with STEMI based on contemporary European registries.

AIMS: Among acute coronary syndromes (ACS), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has the most severe early clinical course. We aimed to describe the effectiveness and safety of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors in patients with STEMI based on the data from contemporary European ACS registries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve registries provided data in a systematic manner on outcomes in STEMI patients overall, and seven of these also provided data for P2Y12 receptor inhibitor-based dual antiplatelet therapy. The registries were heterogeneous in terms of site, patient, and treatment selection, as well as in definition of endpoints (e.g. bleeding events). All-cause death rates based on the data from 84 299 patients (9612 patients on prasugrel, 11 492 on ticagrelor, and 27 824 on clopidogrel) ranged between 0.49 and 6.68% in-hospital, between 3.07 and 7.95% at 30 days (reported in 6 registries), between 8.15 and 9.13% at 180 days, and between 2.41 and 9.58% at 1 year (5 registries). Major bleeding rates were 0.09-3.55% in-hospital (8 registries), 0.09-1.65% at 30 days, and 1.96% at 1 year (only 1 registry). Fatal/life-threatening bleeding was rare occurring between 0.08 and 0.13% in-hospital (4 registries) and 1.96% at 1 year (1 registry). CONCLUSIONS: Real-world evidence from European contemporary registries shows that death, ischaemic events, and bleeding rates are lower than those reported in Phase III studies of P2Y12 inhibitors. Regarding individual P2Y12 inhibitors, patients on prasugrel, and, to a lesser degree, ticagrelor, had fewer ischaemic and bleeding events at all time points than clopidogrel-treated patients. These findings are partly related to the fact that the newer agents are used in younger and less ill patients.

P2Y12 receptor inhibitors in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome in the real world: use, patient selection, and outcomes from contemporary European registries.

AIMS: Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is present in about 60-70% of patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes in clinical practice. This study provides a 'real-life' overview of NSTE-ACS patient characteristics, dual antiplatelet therapy clinical practice, and outcomes at both the time of discharge from hospital and up to 1-year post-discharge. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 10 registries (documenting 84 054 NSTE-ACS patients) provided data in a systematic manner on patient characteristics and outcomes for NSTE-ACS in general, and 6 of these (with 52 173 NSTE-ACS patients) also provided more specific data according to P2Y12 receptor inhibitor used. Unadjusted analyses were performed at the study level, and no formal meta-analysis was performed due to large heterogeneity between studies in the settings, patient characteristics, and outcome definitions. All-cause death rates across registries ranged from 0.76 to 4.79% in-hospital, from 1.61 to 6.65% at 30 days, from 3.66 to 7.16% at 180 days, and from 3.14 to 9.73% at 1 year. Major bleeding events were reported in up to 2.77% of patients while in hospital (in seven registries), up to 1.08% at 30 days (data from one registry only), and 2.06% at 1 year (one registry). CONCLUSIONS: There were substantial differences in the use of and patient selection for clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, which were associated with differences in short- and long-term ischaemic and bleeding events. In future registries, data collection should be performed in a more standardized way with respect to endpoints, definitions, and time points.

Contemporary registries on P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndromes in Europe: overview and methodological considerations.

Patient registries that document real-world clinical experience play an important role in cardiology as they complement the data from randomized controlled trials, provide valuable information on drug use and clinical outcomes, and evaluate to what extent guidelines are followed in practice. The Platelet Inhibition Registry in ACS EvalUation Study (PIRAEUS) project is an initiative of registry holders who are managing national or international registries observing patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of PIRAEUS is to systematically compare and combine available information/insights from various European ACS registries with a focus on P2Y12 inhibitors. The present publication introduces the 17 participating registries in a narrative and tabular form, and describes which ACS groups and which dual antiplatelet therapies were investigated. It sets the basis for upcoming publications that will focus on effectiveness and safety of the antiplatelets used.

Sex differences in independent factors associated with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing coronary angiography (CA) due to chest pain are more likely to present with less extensive coronary artery disease (CAD) than men, which might be attributed to different effects of cardiovascular risk factors on coronary atherogenesis between sexes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sex differences in independent factors associated with obstructive and non-obstructive CAD in a large consecutive cohort of patients undergoing elective CA. METHODS: Data from 7819 patients (2653 women and 5184 men), including cardiovascular risk factors, clinical presentation, CAD severity and treatment decisions were analysed. RESULTS: Women were older than men (65 ± 11 vs. 63 ± 11 years, p < 0.001); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL; 125 ± 38 vs. 122 ± 37 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol levels (62 ± 18 vs. 51 ± 15 mg/dL, p < 0.001) were higher in women; and smokers were more frequently men (14.4 vs. 20.1%, p < 0.001). Men more frequently had an obstructive CAD (41.1 vs. 65.6%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed age, HDL cholesterol, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and a positive family history being associated with obstructive CAD in both sexes, whereas smoking was independently associated with obstructive CAD only in women. The association of hypercholesterolaemia with obstructive CAD was stronger in men. For non-obstructive CAD, no sex-specific associated factors could be identified. CONCLUSION: The impact of smoking and hypercholesterolaemia on coronary atherosclerosis is different between women and men. This might be taken into account when planning individual interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Unmet needs of young interventional cardiologists: proceedings from the 2nd summit of the European association of percutaneous cardiovascular interventions.

Every year, the EAPCI Board invites presidents and representatives of the interventional working groups affiliated to EAPCI to discuss issues and strategies surrounding the goals of education and advanced healthcare practices in interventional cardiology. In 2013, the 2nd EAPCI Summit, organised by the EAPCI Board in collaboration with the NIFYI committee, was entirely dedicated to discussing the unmet needs of the young generation of interventional cardiologists. In this article, we highlight a selection of the key points and proposed actions highlighted during the summit.

Prognostic value of peripheral arterial tonometry in patients with coronary artery disease and a high cardiovascular risk profile.

AIM: Data regarding the prognostic value of peripheral endothelial function testing in patients with cardiovascular disease are conflicting. Peripheral arterial tonometry(PAT) is increasingly used to measure the peripheral endothelial function. The prognostic value of this method has not been investigated thus far in patients with cardiovascular disease and/or a high cardiovascular risk profile. METHODS: In 96 patients with significant coronary artery disease(CAD) or＜70% stenosis and ≥ three cardiovascular risk factors, reactive hyperemia was induced following upper arm occlusion and the PAT-ratio between baseline and hyperemia was calculated. The patients were followed for cardiovascular events(revascularization, acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular death, repeat coronary angiography due to chest pain) for 44±14 months. The first event was included in the combined end point. RESULTS: The study cohort was divided according to the median PAT-ratio(1.91). The combined end point occurred in 14 patients with a PAT-ratio below the median(1.91) and in 12 patients with a PAT-ratio of ≥1.91 (p=0.65). In a subgroup of 76 patients, the PAT-ratio was reassessed after six months. No differences in the event rate were found between the patients who exhibited deterioration(n=50) and those who exhibited an improvement in the PAT-ratio of ＞0.1(n=26; 22 vs. 32%, p=0.32). The combined end point occurred earlier in the patients with a PAT-ratio within the 1st tertile than in those with a PAT-ratio within the 2nd/3rd tertile(11.3±11.0 vs. 27.5±18.6 months, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with established CAD or a high cardiovascular risk profile, the PAT-ratio cannot be used to predict the risk of future cardiovascular events. However, a lower PAT-ratio may be associated with the earlier occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Comparison of brachial artery wall thickness versus endothelial function to predict late cardiovascular events in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography.

An increased brachial artery intima media thickness (BA-IMT) has been shown to be of prognostic value. Conflicting prognostic data have been reported for brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (BA-FMD), and the longest evaluated follow-up period to date is 5.5 years. We sought to investigate the very late prognostic value of BA-IMT and BA-FMD in 396 consecutive patients (age 54 ± 9 years) admitted for invasive evaluation of chest pain. BA-IMT and BA-FMD were measured using high-resolution ultrasonography. The patients were divided according to the median BA-IMT (0.37 mm) and median BA-FMD (7.6%). After a mean follow-up of 141 ± 12 months, cardiovascular events were documented. More cardiovascular events were found in patients with an increased BA-IMT (50 vs 78 events, p = 0.003). When the groups were compared according to the median BA-FMD, no differences in the number of events were documented (70 vs 75 events, p = 0.60). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, including age, number of risk factors, BA diameter, presence of coronary artery disease, BA-FMD, and BA-IMT, only the presence of coronary artery disease and BA-IMT remained significantly associated with outcome. In conclusion, BA-IMT, but not BA-FMD, predicted cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death with ≤12 years of follow-up in patients undergoing an invasive evaluation of chest pain. Our results represent, by far, the longest follow-up of BA-IMT and peripheral endothelial function testing compared with previously reported data.