Association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor treatment, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, D-Dimer and clinical severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: a multicenter, observational study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between worse clinical outcomes and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A total of 247 adult patients (154 males, 93 females; mean age: 51.3 ± 14.2 years) hospitalized for COVID-19 as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were analyzed using various statistical modeling. Primary outcomes were defined as the need for intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation, or occurrence of death. Of the patients, 48 were treated in the ICU with a high flow oxygen/noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV, n = 12) or mechanical ventilation (n = 36). Median length of ICU stay was 13 (range, 7-18) days. Mortality was seen in four of the ICU patients. Other patients were followed in the COVID-19 services for a median of 7 days. There was no significant correlation between the primary outcomes and use of ACEIs/ARBs (frequentist OR = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-2.34, p = 0.715 and Bayesian posterior median OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.31-2.02) and presence of hypertension (frequentist OR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.52-2.92, p = 0.631 and Bayesian posterior median OR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.58-2.60). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer levels were strongly associated with primary outcomes. In conclusion, the presence of hypertension and use of ACEIs/ARBs were not significantly associated with poor primary clinical outcomes; however, NLR and D-dimer levels were strong predictors of clinical worsening.

Is the Nexfin finger cuff method for cardiac output measurement reliableduring coronary artery bypass grafting? A prospective comparison with the echocardiography and FloTrac/Vigileo methods.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the current study was to assess the accuracy of cardiac output (CO) measurements obtained by the Nexfin finger cuff method as compared with the FloTrac/Vigileo and echocardiography methods in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First-time elective CABG patients were prospectively enrolled in this study and divided into three groups according to CO measurement method. CO measurements were performed simultaneously by three different contributors and were collected by the fourth one 24 h postoperative in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Seventeen female and 13 male patients between 42 and 78 years of age (with a mean of 56 ± 4) were the subjects of this study. The mean CO measurements were 5.9 ± 1.4 L/min, 5.8 ± 1.1 L/min, and 6.0 ± 1.1 L/min for the Nexfin, FloTrac/Vigileo, and echocardiography methods, respectively (P > 0.05). The correlation values between Nexfin and FloTrac/Vigileo, Nexfin and echocardiography, and FloTrac/Vigileo and echocardiography were r = 0.445, r = 0.377, and r = 0.384, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nexfin yielded results comparable to those obtained with FloTrac/Vigileo and echocardiography for the postoperative CO assessment of CABG patients. Nexfin may be used in uncomplicated, hemodynamically stable patients in ICU as a reliable and totally noninvasive method of CO measurement.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with bicuspid aortic stenosis and a borderline-sized annulus.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is currently considered an exclusion criterion for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The risk of adverse aortic events such as incomplete sealing, severe paravalvular regurgitation or dislocation due to elliptic shape and asymmetric calcifications in annulus are higher in TAVI. In this case report, we detailed a case of successful trans-femoral TAVI in a 51-year old male with BAV and its management without in-hospital and 30-day complications. The challenge in this case was the patient's anatomy with a 27-mm annulus for balloon expandable device. The applied strategy was balloon sizing and overdilating the 29-mm stented valve with additional volume that obviated re-ballooning. Trans-femoral TAVI was performed uneventfully under fluoroscopic and transoesophageal echocardiography guidance. A multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) evaluation at 1 month did not show device dislodgement or any other complications. Evidence for evaluation post-TAVI is not sufficient in BAV. We believe patients with BAV should undergo a comprehensive assessment after TAVI including MDCT evaluation.

Comparison of Effects of Low- versus High-Dose Heparin on Access-Site Complications during Transradial Coronary Angiography: A Double-Blind Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVES: Although heparin is highly effective in reducing the rate of radial artery occlusion after transradial catheterization, the optimal heparin dose is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different heparin doses during transradial coronary angiography. METHODS: 490 consecutive patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography were prospectively enrolled into this double-blind randomized trial. A total of 202 patients enrolled in the low-dose (LD; 2,500 U of heparin) group and 202 patients enrolled in the high-dose (HD; 5,000 U of heparin) group were included in the final analysis. The primary endpoint of the study was radial artery occlusion. Bleeding and hematomas were the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: At day 7, radial artery occlusion occurred in 5.9% of the patients in the LD group and in 5.4% of the patients in the HD group (p = 0.83). Bleeding during deflation of the transradial band occurred in 6.4% of the patients in the LD group and in 18.3% of the patients in the HD group; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Higher-dose heparin was found to be an independent predictor of bleeding (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: A lower dose of heparin (i.e. 2,500 U) decreases bleeding during transradial band deflation without an increase in radial artery occlusion.

Association between serum vitamin D levels and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and plaque burden/composition in young adult population.

Evidence suggests that low 25-OH vitamin D 25(OH)D concentrations may increase the risk of several cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, myocardial infarction, heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Recent studies suggested a possible relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased carotid intima-media wall thickness and vascular calcification. We hypothesized that low 25(OH)D may be associated with coronary atherosclerosis and coronary plaque burden and composition, and investigated the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and coronary atherosclerosis, plaque burden or structure, in young adult patients by using dual-source 128x2 slice coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We included 98 patients with coronary atherosclerosis and 110, age and gender matched, subjects with normal findings on CCTA examinations. Patients with subclinical atherosclerosis had significantly higher serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, hs-CRP, uric acid, HbA1c and creatinine levels and lower serum 25(OH)D levels in comparison with controls. There was no significant correlation between 25(OH)D and plaque morphology. There was also a positive relationship between 25(OH)D and plaque burden of coronary atherosclerosis. In multivariate analysis, coronary atherosclerosis was associated high hs-CRP (adjusted OR: 2.832), uric acid (adjusted OR: 3.671) and low 25(OH)D (adjusted OR: 0.689). Low levels of 25(OH)D were associated with coronary atherosclerosis and plaque burden, but there was no significant correlation between 25(OH)D and plaque morphology.

Impact of QRS duration on survival benefit with prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: QRS duration is an important risk factor for both sudden cardiac death and all-cause mortality in patients with moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether baseline QRS duration can help predict the mortality benefit from implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) when used for primary prevention purposes. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine the relationship between baseline QRS duration and mortality reduction with ICDs implanted for primary prevention by performing a meta-analysis of all available randomized clinical trials. METHODS: A systematic literature search of SCOPUS (covering MEDLINE and EMBASE) was conducted for randomized controlled clinical trials involving ICDs. Primary prevention trials of systolic dysfunction that reported all-cause mortality according to subgroups on the basis of baseline QRS duration were included. RESULTS: A total of four randomized controlled clinical trials enrolling 3561 patients were included. Patients with QRS durations less than 120 ms [n = 2002, hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-0.96, P = 0.018] and at least 120 ms (n = 1559, hazard ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.48-0.73, P = 0.0000009) had significant decreases in all-cause mortality. On heterogeneity analysis, a strong trend for greater magnitude of benefit in patients with QRS at least 120 ms was observed (22% risk reduction vs. 41% risk reduction, P = 0.066). CONCLUSION: For primary prevention purposes, ICDs are effective in reducing all-cause mortality in moderate to severe systolic dysfunction regardless of QRS duration. However, patients with a baseline QRS duration of at least 120 ms seem to derive a greater mortality benefit from ICDs.

Right ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis mimicking Ebstein anomaly in a patient with Behçet's disease: case report and review of the literature.

Behçet's disease is a multisystemic, chronic inflammatory disorder with diffuse clinical manifestations including the cardiovascular system. Endomyocardial fibrosis is a rarely seen complication of Behçet's disease leading to progressive heart failure. We report a case of right ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis mimicking Ebstein anomaly in a 26-year-old male Turkish patient with Behçet's disease, who had heart failure symptoms. In addition, the previously reported cases of endomyocardial fibrosis complicating Behçet's disease are reviewed in this article.

Coronary artery bypass grafting vs percutaneous coronary intervention and long-term mortality and morbidity in multivessel disease: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of the arterial grafting and stenting era.

IMPORTANCE: Recent trials of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for multivessel disease were not designed to detect a difference in mortality and therefore were underpowered for this outcome. Consequently, the comparative effects of these 2 revascularization methods on long-term mortality are still unclear. In the absence of solid evidence for mortality difference, PCI is oftentimes preferred over CABG in these patients, given its less invasive nature. OBJECTIVES: To determine the comparative effects of CABG vs PCI on long-term mortality and morbidity by performing a meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials of the current era that compared the 2 treatment techniques in patients with multivessel disease. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was conducted for all randomized clinical trials directly comparing CABG with PCI. STUDY SELECTION: To reflect current practice, we included randomized trials with 1 or more arterial grafts used in at least 90%, and 1 or more stents used in at least 70% of the cases that reported outcomes in patients with multivessel disease. DATA EXTRACTION: Numbers of events at the longest possible follow-up and sample sizes were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 6 randomized trials enrolling a total of 6055 patients were included, with a weighted average follow-up of 4.1 years. There was a significant reduction in total mortality with CABG compared with PCI (I2 = 0%; risk ratio [RR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.62-0.86]) (P < .001). There were also significant reductions in myocardial infarction (I2 = 8.02%; RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.48-0.72]) (P < .001) and repeat revascularization (I2 = 75.6%; RR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.21-0.41]) (P < .001) with CABG. There was a trend toward excess strokes with CABG (I2 = 24.9%; RR, 1.36 [95% CI, 0.99-1.86]), but this was not statistically significant (P = .06). For reduction in total mortality, there was no heterogeneity between trials that were limited to and not limited to patients with diabetes or whether stents were drug eluting or not. Owing to lack of individual patient-level data, additional subgroup analyses could not be performed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In patients with multivessel coronary disease, compared with PCI, CABG leads to an unequivocal reduction in long-term mortality and myocardial infarctions and to reductions in repeat revascularizations, regardless of whether patients are diabetic or not. These findings have implications for management of such patients.

The long-term incidence and predictors of radial artery occlusion following a transradial coronary procedure.

BACKGROUND: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is an infrequent complication of transradial coronary procedures (TRA). To our knowledge, there is no satisfactory data regarding the late term incidence and predictors of RAO in the literature. Our aim was to establish the long-term incidence of radial artery occlusion and investigate its predictors. METHODS: This was a single center prospective study. A total number of 409 consecutive patients undergoing their first TRA were recruited. Clinical and procedural data were all recorded. Doppler ultrasound examination was performed at 6-15 months following the intervention. RESULTS: RAO was detected in 67 patients and 342 patients maintained radial artery patency. The overall RAO incidence was 16.4% at late term. Patients with RAO were younger than the patients with patent radial arteries (55.9 ± 9.7 vs. 59.1 ± 9.4 years, p = 0.014). The incidence of RAO in hypertensive patients (9.8%) was lower (p < 0.001) than the observed incidence (23%) in non-hypertensive patients. RAO group had higher rate (28%, p = 0.027) of post--procedural access site pain. Regression analysis revealed that hypertension was negative while post-procedural access site pain was positive independent predictors for RAO. In addition, the relative risk for RAO also increased significantly (p < 0.001) when the ratio of sheath/artery diameter (S/A) was > 1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that the long-term incidence of RAO is 16.4%. Hypertension, post-procedural access site pain and S/A ratio > 1 are independent predictors of RAO at late term.

A hybrid therapy as a third approach for type 1 proximal endoleak of thoracic endovascular aortic replacement: Caroticocarotid bypass and re-redo endovascular therapy.

INTRODUCTION: In selected cases with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), thoracic endovascular aortic replacement (TEVAR) is commonly used and shall be proper therapy method. We are presenting a case of TAA previously treated twice by endovascular aortic approaches and complicated by type 1 endoleak. CASE: A 67-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with back pain at rest. He underwent TEVAR five years ago, twice in 6 month. With contrasted computed tomography of chest and abdomen, a new type 1 proximal endoleak was diagnosed, and after routine preoperative follow up, the patient was operated on. At the same session right to left caroticocarotid bypass and re-redo TEVAR were performed. The new endovascular graft was placed as the proximal landing zone to be set between left carotid artery and brachiocephalic truncus. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 without any problems. CONCLUSION: As new techniques and methods have been developed, mortality rates have decreased to 2-3% but in older and high risk patients, mortality rates still remain high [1]. TEVAR is a safe and effective treatment method in the proper and selected patients with thoracic artery aneurysm [2]. Moreover, TEVAR can also be performed as a part of hybrid procedures for arcus aortic aneurysms [3]. But it should be kept in mind that late secondary intervention rates are higher in TEVAR.

Management of an iatrogenic radial artery perforation: a case report.

A 73-year-old female patient underwent transradial coronary angiography with stable angina and signs of significant myocardial ischemia revealed by exercise stress test. After insertion of a 6F radial sheath into the right radial artery and intra-arterial administration of heparin plus verapamil, the hydrophilic guidewire could not be advanced under fluoroscopic guidance. Immediately afterwards, radial angiography was performed, which displayed a radial artery perforation with significant contrast extravasation. The perforated segment was crossed meticulously with the same guidewire after additional vasodilator drug administration. Afterwards, a 5F TIG catheter was advanced to the axillary artery and held in place for 20 minutes with application of external compression with a sphygmomanometer cuff at the level of systolic blood pressure. The same maneuver was again performed following cuff deflation and completion of coronary angiography with the 5F catheter. Final angiography displayed complete sealing of the perforation without a need for neutralization of heparin. External compression was continued for two hours, and after documentation of normal triphasic radial artery flow by Doppler ultrasound (DUS), the radial sheath was removed. The patient was discharged the following day with no evidence of hand ischemia and well-palpable radial artery pulse. DUS demonstrated normal radial artery flow one month later. This unusual complication was managed successfully with a simple and easily applicable technique that can be performed in such cases.

Concomitant complete atrioventricular block and left main coronary artery occlusion during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now considered a viable alternative therapy to surgery in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, considered to have a high risk for surgery. Herein, we present a case of severe aortic stenosis treated with transfemoral aortic valve implantation and complicated by complete atrioventrciular block and left main coronary artery obstruction that was successfully managed with permanent pacemaker implantation and left main coronary artery stenting. Although less invasive, TAVI can be associated with major complications. Therefore, extra care is required when performing TAVI in patients with borderline valve to coronary ostia distance.

Incidence and predictors of radial artery spasm at the beginning of a transradial coronary procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish the frequency of radial artery spasm (RAS) and its predictors at the beginning of a transradial approach (TRA). METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study. A total of 1,722 consecutive patients undergoing their first transradial coronary procedure were recruited. After radial artery puncture, a hydrophilic sheath was used to complete arterial puncture, then 500 µg glycerol trinitrate and 2.5 mg verapamil were injected into radial artery along the sheath. After retrograde radial arteriography spasm was defined angiographically as a stenosis greater than 25%. Patient demographics, procedural data such as total procedural duration, the number of catheters and guidewires used, the amount of contrast media usage, dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time, and vascular complications were recorded. RESULTS: The overall spasm incidence was 10.3%. The procedural success rate was lower in patients with spasm than in patients without spasm (80% vs. 95.7%, P < 0.001). The patients with spasm were older (mean age 63.9 ± 9.4 years vs. 60.0 ± 11.2 years, P < 0.001) and more commonly female (51.3% vs. 34.4%, P < 0.001). Spasm was more common in hypertensive patients (66% vs. 56%, P < 0.009). Surprisingly, smoking was less common in patients with spasm (17% vs. 29%, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR = 1,524, 95% CI: 1.033-2.248, P = 0.034) was the only independent predictor of RAS at the beginning of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RAS was 10,3%, and female gender was the sole independent predictor of RAS at the very beginning of the procedure in patients undergoing a TRA.

Arterial anatomic variations and its influence on transradial coronary procedural outcome.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish the frequency of arterial anatomic variations and its relation to coronary procedural outcome in patients undergoing a first transradial coronary procedure. METHODS: This was a single center prospective study. A total of 1,446 consecutive patients undergoing their first transradial coronary procedure were recruited. Retrograde radial arteriography was performed to define radial artery anatomy. If the operator encountered serious problems during crossing the subclavian-aortic truncus, retrograde subclavian arteriography was also performed. Patient demographics; procedural data such as: total procedural duration, the number of catheters and guidewires used, the amount of contrast media usage, dose area product (DAP), and fluoroscopy time; and vascular complications were recorded. RESULTS: Anatomic variations were noted in 270 patients (18.6%), and these patients were significantly older (mean age 64.4 ± 10.4 vs. 59.2 ± 10.8 years, P < 0.001) and more commonly female (46% vs. 33%, P < 0.001) with significantly higher procedural failure rates (8.8% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.006). In addition, procedural duration (P < 0.001) and fluoroscopy time (P < 0.001) were statistically longer in patients with anatomic variations. Anatomic variations also had an adverse impact on the amount of contrast agent usage (63.9 ± 28.3 mL vs. 59.1 ± 25.3 mL, P = 0.006) and minor vascular complication rate (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that anatomic variation of the arterial path has an adverse impact on transradial coronary procedural outcome.

A randomized study comparing the effectiveness of right and left radial approach for coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to compare the effectiveness between right radial approach (RRA) and left radial approach (LRA) by means of a randomized study in a large unselected patient population undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. METHODS: Totally, 1,000 patients were randomized to undergo to RRA (n = 500) or LRA (n = 500). Procedure success was defined as coronary angiography completed with the initial radial artery approach without changing to another route. Performance of the procedure: Total procedural duration, the number of catheters and guidewires used were recorded. Safety of the procedure: The parameters collected for radiation exposure were dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: The percentage of success was not different between the two aproaches (LRA, 94.0%; RRA,93.8%; P = 0.96). The crossover rate to femoral was low, accounting for 38 cases (3.8%), without differences between RRA and LRA (20 and 18 cases, respectively, P > 0.05). An almost triple incidence of operator-reported subclavian tortuosity in the RRA compared with LRA was observed (44 cases vs. 15 cases, P < 0.001). With respect to the total procedural duration there was no difference between those two aproaches (LRA, 8.54 ± 4.09 min vs. RRA, 8.63 ± 5.20; P = 0.772). However, the fluoroscopy time was significantly shorter via the LRA compared with RRA (2.76 ± 2.00 min vs. 3.08 ± 2.62 min; P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: LRA for coronary angiography is associated with the same success rate and procedural duration time compared with RRA. However, the fluoroscopy time is significantly shorter in favor of LRA.

Simultaneous endovascular stent and renal stent placement for acute type B aortic dissection with malperfusion of kidney.

Acute aortic dissection frequently causes life-threatening organ ischemia. The optimal therapy for acute type-B aortic dissection is still controversial. Surgery for acute dissection with organ malperfusion is known to carry a high morbidity and mortality; however endovascular treatment is becoming an alternative form of treatment. We report a clinical case of emergency percutaneous thoracal aorta endovascular stenting and renal artery stenting in a patient who had renal malperfusion and acute renal failure due to acute type-B dissection. The present case is a fundamental examples of collaboration between the cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon in a hybrid procedure.