Acute myocardial infarction following radiofrequency catheter ablation in a child: a case report on the mechanism of coronary artery occlusion assessed by cardiovascular imaging.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation is a common treatment for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, even in paediatric patients weighing ≥15 kg, where outcomes are similar to those in adults. However, reports of acute coronary artery occlusion after radiofrequency ablation for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia are rare. Case summary: An 11-year-old girl with symptomatic atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia refractory to drug treatment underwent radiofrequency ablation. During the procedure, ST elevation was observed, and coronary angiography revealed occlusion of the right coronary artery at the segment 4 atrioventricular branch. Intravascular ultrasonography showed a narrowed lumen and an abnormal area of low echogenicity in the adjacent myocardium. After dilation with a 1.5 mm diameter balloon, blood flow was successfully restored. Follow-up coronary computed tomography angiography revealed residual stenosis in the right coronary artery at the segment 4 atrioventricular branch; however, blood flow to the distal occlusion was preserved. The patient was discharged without further complications. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of coronary artery occlusion following radiofrequency ablation for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, evaluated using intravascular ultrasonography and coronary computed tomography angiography. Based on the imaging findings, direct thermal injury was considered the cause of occlusion.

Long-Term Impact of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors for Secondary Prevention in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Introduction: The long-term impact of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors for secondary prevention in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coexisting coronary artery disease remains unclear. Methods: Altogether, 1,160 consecutive patients with CKD (mean age, 70 ± 9 years; 78% men) who underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2000 and 2018 were included and analyzed. Based on their RAS inhibitor use, 674 patients (58%) were allocated to the RAS inhibitor group, and 486 patients (42%) were allocated to the non-RAS inhibitor group. This study evaluated the incidence of 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (3P-MACE), including cardiovascular death, nonfatal acute coronary syndrome and nonfatal stroke, admission for heart failure (HF), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and all-cause death. Results: During a median follow-up duration of 7.8 years, 280 patients (24.1%) developed 3P-MACE, 134 patients (11.6%) were hospitalized for HF, 171 patients (14.7%) underwent TVR, and 348 patients (30.0%) died of any causes. The cumulative incidence rate of 3P-MACE in the RAS inhibitor group was significantly lower than in the non-RAS inhibitor group (31.7% vs. 39.0%, log-rank test, p = 0.034); however, that of admission for HF in the RAS inhibitor group was significantly higher than in the non-RAS inhibitor group (28.1% vs. 13.3%, log-rank test, p < 0.001). The subgroup of preserved ejection fraction, non-acute myocardial infarction, and non-proteinuria tended to promote the onset of HF rather than cardiovascular prevention by RAS inhibitors. Conclusion: The long-term RAS inhibitor use for patients with CKD after PCI might prevent cardiovascular events but increase the risk of HF.

Outcome after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) may reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events but remains challenging. The study aim was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI with CS. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study of patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI between April 2004 and December 2017 at Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death (CVD) during the median 3-year follow-up. We performed a landmark analysis for the incidence of CVD from 0 day to 1 year and from 1 to 10 years. RESULTS: Among the 1758 STEMI patients in the cohort, 212 (12.1 %) patients with CS showed significantly higher 30-day CVD rate on admission than those without (26.4 % vs 2.9 %). Landmark Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CVD from day 0 to year 1 was significantly higher in the patients with CS (log-rank p < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CS was significantly associated with higher cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 11.8; 95%confidence intervals, 7.78-18.1; p < 0.0001), but the mortality rates from 1 to 10 years were comparable (log-rank p = 0.68). CONCLUSION: The cardiovascular 1-year mortality rate for patients with STEMI was higher for those with CS on admission than without, but the mortality rates of >1 year were comparable. Surviving the early phase is essential for patients with STEMI and CS to improve long-term outcomes.

Impact of Low-Dose Prasugrel on Platelet Reactivity in Chronic Phase of Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (CHAPERON): a Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Asians often face the problems of clopidogrel resistance and East Asian paradox. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of P2Y12 inhibitors, including low-dose prasugrel 2.5 mg, on the P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) in the chronic phase after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 348 patients were studied. PRU was measured 6-12 months after PCI and subsequently, 6 months later using a P2Y12 assay, respectively. This study evaluated the proportion of bleeding risk (PRU ≤ 85) and ischemic risk (PRU ≥ 239) as primary endpoints, and the prediction of bleeding risk and ischemic risk using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At baseline, 136 patients (39%) received prasugrel 3.75 mg, 48 patients (14%) received prasugrel 2.5 mg, and 164 patients (47%) received clopidogrel 75 mg. Clopidogrel 75 mg had a significantly higher proportion of ischemic risk within one year after PCI than the other groups, and was an independent predictor for ischemic risk with reference of prasugrel 3.75 mg. In addition, switching from clopidogrel 75 mg to prasugrel 2.5 mg significantly lowered and aggregated the PRU value. Whereas, dose reduction of prasugrel had a significantly lower proportion of bleeding risk over one year after PCI than the continuation of prasugrel 3.75 mg, and was an independent predictor for bleeding risk with reference of continuation of prasugrel 3.75 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Prasugrel 2.5 mg has a lower ischemic risk and a more stable PRU value compared with clopidogrel treatment. Prasugrel also contributes to a decline in bleeding risk with concomitant dose reduction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN), ID: UMIN000029541, Date: October 16, 2017 ( https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000033395 ).

Impact of Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs. Culprit Vessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have shown that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-culprit lesions (NCLs) reduces the risk of adverse events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the effect on long-term outcomes remains unclear in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of ACS patients who underwent primary PCI between April 2004 and December 2017 at Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Japan, was performed. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular disease death (CVD death) and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) during the mean follow-up period of 2.7 years, and a landmark analysis for the incidence of the primary endpoint from 31 days to 5 years between the multivessel PCI group and the culprit only PCI group was performed. Multivessel PCI was defined as PCI including non-infarct-related coronary arteries within 30 days after the onset of ACS. RESULTS: Of the 1109 ACS patients with multivessel coronary artery disease of the current cohort, multivessel PCI was performed in 364 (33.2 %) patients. The incidence of the primary endpoint from 31 days to 5 years was significantly lower in the multivessel PCI group (4.0 % vs. 9.6 %, log-rank p = 0.0008). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that multivessel PCI was significantly associated with fewer cardiovascular events (HR 0.37, 95 % CI 0.19-0.67, p = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, multivessel PCI may reduce the risk of CVD death and non-fatal MI compared to culprit-lesion-only PCI.

Shorter door-to-balloon time, better long-term clinical outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: J-MINUET substudy.

BACKGROUND: The impact of shorter door-to-balloon (DTB time on long-term outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: We investigated 3283 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction selected from a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry (J-MINUET database comprising 28 institutions in Japan between July 2012 and March 2014. Among the study population, we analyzed 1639 STEMI patients who had PPCI within 12 h of onset. Patients were stratified into four groups (DTB time < 45 min, 45-60 min, 61-90 min, >90 min. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, cardiac failure, and urgent revascularization for unstable angina up to 3 years. We performed landmark analysis for incidence of the primary endpoint from 31 days to 3 years among the four groups. RESULTS: The primary endpoint rate from 31 days to 3 years increased significantly and time-dependently with DTB time (10.2 % vs. 15.3 % vs. 16.2 % vs. 19.3 %, respectively; log-rank p = 0.0129. Higher logarithm-transformed DTB time was associated with greater risk of a primary endpoint from 31 days to 3 years, and the increased number of adverse long-term clinical outcomes persisted even after adjusting for other independent variables. CONCLUSION: Shorter DTB time was associated with better long-term clinical outcomes in STEMI patients treated with PPCI in contemporary clinical practice. Further efforts to shorten DTB time are recommended to improve long-term clinical outcomes in STEMI patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Unique trial Number: UMIN000010037.

Relationship between coronary high-intensity plaques on T1-weighted imaging by cardiovascular magnetic resonance and vulnerable plaque features by near-infrared spectroscopy and intravascular ultrasound: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the coronary plaque characterization by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) (NIRS-IVUS), and to determine whether pre-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) evaluation using CMR identifies high-intensity plaques (HIPs) at risk of peri-procedural myocardial infarction (pMI). Although there is little evidence in comparison with NIRS-IVUS findings, which have recently been shown to identify vulnerable plaques, we inferred that CMR-derived HIPs would be associated with vulnerable plaque features identified on NIRS-IVUS. METHODS: 52 patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent CMR with non-contrast T1-weighted imaging and PCI using NIRS-IVUS were studied. HIP was defined as a signal intensity of the coronary plaque-to-myocardial signal intensity ratio (PMR) ≥ 1.4, which was measured from the data of CMR images. We evaluated whether HIPs were associated with the NIRS-derived maximum 4-mm lipid-core burden index (maxLCBI4mm) and plaque morphology on IVUS, and assessed the incidence and predictor of pMI defined by the current Universal Definition using high-sensitive cardiac troponin-T. RESULTS: Of 62 lesions, HIPs were observed in 30 lesions (48%). The HIP group had a significantly higher remodeling index, plaque burden, and proportion of echo-lucent plaque and maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400 (known as large lipid-rich plaque [LRP]) than the non-HIP group. The correlation between the maxLCBI4mm and PMR was significantly positive (r = 0.51). In multivariable logistic regression analysis for prediction of HIP, NIRS-derived large LRP (odds ratio [OR] = 5.41; 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.65-17.8, p = 0.005) and IVUS-derived echo-lucent plaque (OR = 5.12; 95% CIs 1.11-23.6, p = 0.036) were strong independent predictors. Furthermore, pMI occurred in 14 of 30 lesions (47%) with HIP, compared to only 5 of 32 lesions (16%) without HIP (p = 0.005). In multivariable logistic regression analysis for prediction of incidence of pMI, CMR-derived HIP (OR = 5.68; 95% CIs 1.53-21.1, p = 0.009) was a strong independent predictor, but not NIRS-derived large LRP and IVUS-derived echo-lucent plaque. CONCLUSIONS: There is an important relationship between CMR-derived HIP and NIRS-derived large LRP. We also confirmed that non-contrast T1-weighted CMR imaging is useful for characterization of vulnerable plaque features as well as for pre-PCI risk stratification. Trial registration The ethics committee of Juntendo Clinical Research and Trial Center approved this study on January 26, 2021 (Reference Number 20-313).

Impact of simple equation for estimating appendicular skeletal muscle mass in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Sarcopenia, which is evaluated based on appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, is a prognostic predictor for adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, a simple equation for estimating ASM is yet to be validated in clinical practice. Methods: We enrolled 2211 patients with CAD who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at our hospital between 2010 and 2017. The mean age was 68 years and 81.5 % were men. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on each ASM index (ASMI): low; male < 7.3 and female < 5.0 and high; male ≥ 7.3 and female ≥ 5.0. ASM was calculated using the following equation: 0.193 × bodyweight + 0.107 × height - 4.157 × gender - 0.037 × age - 2.631. Primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE, which includes cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure), and all-cause mortality. Results: During the median follow-up period of 4.8 years, cumulative incidence of events were significantly higher in the low ASMI group. Cox proportional hazards model revealed that the low ASMI group had a significantly higher risk of primary endpoints than the high ASMI group (all-cause mortality; hazard ratio (HR): 2.13, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-3.22, p < 0.001 and 4-point MACE; HR: 1.72, 95 % CI: 1.12-2.62, p = 0.01). Similar trends were observed after stratification by age of 65 years. Conclusion: Low ASMI, evaluated using the aforementioned equation, is an independent predictor of MACE and all-cause mortality in patients with CAD.

Paradoxical Long-Term Impact Between Serum Apolipoprotein E and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

AIM: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) strongly affects arteriosclerosis but has atheroprotective effects in combination with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The impact of the quantitative relationship between serum ApoE and HDL-C levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 3632 consecutive patients who underwent their first intervention between 2000 and 2016 were included. They were categorized into normal and abnormal HDL-C groups based on the normal HDL-C value, and each group was subdivided into high and low ApoE subgroups based on the group-specific median ApoE value. We evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and all-cause deathResults: During a 6.4-year follow-up, 419 patients developed MACCE and 570 patients died. The interaction term between ApoE levels and HDL-C status in MACCE and all-cause death proved to be statistically significant. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative incidence of MACCE was significantly higher for elevated pre-procedural ApoE levels than for reduced preprocedural ApoE levels in the normal HDL-C group. Conversely, the cumulative incidence of MACCE was significantly higher for reduced pre-procedural ApoE levels than for elevated pre-procedural ApoE levels in the abnormal HDL-C group. After adjustment for important covariates, multivariable Cox hazard analysis revealed that the serum ApoE level was a strongly independent predictor of MACCE; this was inversely related in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Serum ApoE levels may have a paradoxical impact on the future cardiovascular risk depending on the HDL-C status in patients with CAD.

Relationship Between Optical Coherence Tomography-Derived In-Stent Neoatherosclerosis and the Extent of Lipid-Rich Neointima by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Intravascular Ultrasound: A Multimodal Imaging Study.

Background In-stent restenosis, especially for neoatherosclerosis, is a major concern following percutaneous coronary intervention. This study aimed to elucidate the association of features of in-stent restenosis lesions revealed by optical coherence tomography (OCT)/optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) and the extent of lipid-rich neointima (LRN) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intravascular ultrasound, especially for neoatherosclerosis. Methods and Results We analyzed patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for in-stent restenosis lesions using both OCT/OFDI and NIRS-intravascular ultrasound. OCT/OFDI-derived neoatherosclerosis was defined as lipid neointima. The existence of large LRN (defined as a long segment with 4-mm maximum lipid core burden index ≥400) was evaluated by NIRS. In 59 patients with 64 lesions, neoatherosclerosis and large LRN were observed in 17 (26.6%) and 21 lesions (32.8%), respectively. Naturally, large LRN showed higher 4-mm maximum lipid core burden index (median [interquartile range], 623 [518-805] versus 176 [0-524]; P<0.001). In OCT/OFDI findings, large LRN displayed lower minimal lumen area (0.9±0.4 versus 1.3±0.6 mm2; P=0.02) and greater max lipid arc (median [interquartile range], 272° [220°-360°] versus 193° [132°-247°]; P=0.004). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 4-mm maximum lipid core burden index was the best predictor for neoatherosclerosis, with a cutoff value of 405 (area under curve, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.83-1.00]). In multivariable logistic analysis, only low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (odds ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.11-2.08]) was an independent predictor for large LRNs. Conclusions NIRS-derived large LRN was significantly associated with neoatherosclerosis by OCT/OFDI. The neointimal characterization by NIRS-intravascular ultrasound has potential as an alternative method of OCT/OFDI for in-stent restenosis lesions.

Combined impacts of low apolipoprotein A-I levels and reduced renal function on long-term prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship of apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and renal function in patients after intervention remain unclear, thus, we aimed to evaluate the combined impacts of ApoA-I and kidney disease (KD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Altogether, 4101 consecutive patients who underwent intervention between 2000 and 2016 were included. The patients were divided into four groups based on the median ApoA-I values and presence of KD. We evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal acute coronary syndrome and non-fatal stroke, and all-cause death. RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 6.2 years, 618 patients (15.1%) developed MACCE, and 627 patients (15.3%) died. ApoA-I level was significantly related to estimated glomerular filtration rate, and ApoA-I levels and KD status interaction term was statistically significant. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the low ApoA-I with KD had the significantly highest cumulative incidence rate of MACCE and all-cause death compared to the other three groups. Additionally, ApoA-I levels and KD status were independent predictors of MACCE and all-cause death in multivariable Cox hazard analysis. CONCLUSION: The combined impacts of ApoA-I and renal function could be useful for evaluating cardiovascular and life prognoses in patients undergoing intervention.

Clinical features and predictors of outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Although short-term mortality of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has decreased dramatically in the past few decades, sudden cardiac arrest remains a serious complication. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical characteristics and predictors of prognosis in AMI patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: We retrospectively registered consecutive AMI patients who were treated with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2004 and 2017. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with OHCA and those without OHCA. RESULTS: Among 2101 AMI patients, 95 (4.7%) presented with OHCA. Younger age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-0.97; p < 0.0001), absence of diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.30-0.85; p = 0.01) or dyslipidemia (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.88; p = 0.01), left main trunk (LMT) or left anterior descending artery (LAD) as the culprit lesion (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.99-5.33; p < 0.0001), and renal deficiency (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 2.27-5.84; p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with incidence of OHCA. Thirty-day mortality was 32.6% in patients with OHCA and 4.5% in those without OHCA. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed LMT or LAD as the culprit lesion (OR, 12.18; 95% CI, 2.27-65.41; p = 0.004), glucose level (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; p = 0.01), and renal deficiency (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.07-10.53; p = 0.04) as independent predictors of 30-day mortality among AMI patients with OHCA. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AMI who underwent emergency PCI, 30-day mortality was six times greater in those having presented initially with OHCA compared with those without OHCA. Younger age, absence of diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia, LMT or LAD as the culprit lesion, and renal deficiency were independent predictors of OHCA. OHCA patient with higher blood glucose level on admission, LMT or LAD as the culprit lesion, or renal deficiency showed worse clinical outcomes.

Impact of Lipoprotein(a) as a Residual Risk Factor in Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Statins.

The association between lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels and cardiovascular disease has been reported. However, it is still uncertain whether Lp(a) concentration could be a residual risk factor for cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of Lp(a) on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS treated with statins. We studied 1,758 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention between 2008 and 2017. We finally enrolled 1,131 patients for whom Lp(a) data were available and who were treated with statins at discharge. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to Lp(a) levels (median Lp(a) 15.0 mg/100 ml). The primary end points were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), composite of all-cause death, and myocardial infarction up to 5 years. Overall, 107 MACEs (9.5%) were identified. The cumulative incidence of MACE was significantly higher in the high Lp(a) group than the low Lp(a) group (log-rank p = 0.01). After adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, the high Lp(a) group had a significantly higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 2.61, p = 0.03). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis also showed that increasing Lp(a) as a continuous variable was associated with the incidence of MACE (hazard ratio 1.35 per log Lp[a] 1 increase, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.72, p = 0.01). In conclusion, high Lp(a) level is significantly associated with long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS treated with statins after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and is likely to be a potential biomarker for residual risk prediction of future clinical events.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between percutaneous coronary intervention for de novo lesions versus in-stent restenosis lesions.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains the primary concern after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is considered to be associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, comparative data on ISR and de novo lesions are rare. Therefore, we aimed to compare PCI-related clinical outcomes between patients with de novo lesions and those with ISR lesions. We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone a PCI between 2013 and 2020. The incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause death over a 2-year follow-up period were evaluated. In total, 1538 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: a de novo lesions group (n = 1258, 81.8%) and an ISR lesions group (n = 280, 18.2%). Patients in the ISR lesions group were significantly older, with a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease than those in the de novo lesions group. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no significant between-group differences in the incidence of MACCE (log-rank, p = 0.93) and all-cause death (p = 0.09). After adjustment for other covariates, PCIs for ISR lesions were not found to be significantly associated with MACCE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidential interval [CI] 0.49-2.49; p = 0.81) and all-cause death (HR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.26-1.31; p = 0.19). PCIs for ISR lesions were not associated with worse clinical outcomes compared with PCIs for de novo lesions.

Combined impact of residual inflammatory risk and chronic kidney disease on long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory status is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and renal function impairment. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, whether the presence of residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and CKD together has a synergistic effect on the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with stable CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. METHODS: We assessed 2,948 consecutive patients with stable CAD who underwent the first PCI from 2000 to 2016. Of these, we analyzed the data of patients (2,087) with measurements of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) available at follow-up (6-9 months later). High RIR was defined as hs-CRP of >0.6 mg/L according to the median value at follow-up. Patients were classified into four groups: Group 1 (low RIR, non-CKD), Group 2 (high RIR, non-CKD), Group 3 (low RIR, CKD), and Group 4 (high RIR, CKD). We evaluated all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The median follow-up period was 5.2 (interquartile range, 1.9-9.9) years. RESULTS: In total, 189 (16.1%) and 128 (11.2%) cases of all-cause mortality and MACE, respectively, were identified during follow-up. The rates of all-cause mortality and MACE were significantly higher in Group 4 than those in the other groups (p<0.001). There was a stepwise increase in the incidence of all-cause mortality and MACE. Upon adjustment for important covariates, the presence of high RIR and/or CKD showed an independent association with a high incidence of MACE and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of high RIR and CKD conferred a synergistic adverse effect on the long-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing PCI.

Impact of Prior Stroke on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background: Cerebrovascular disease often coexists with coronary artery disease (CAD), and it has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in CAD patients. However, the prognostic effect of prior stroke on long-term outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still unclear. Methods and Results: An observational cohort study of ACS patients who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between January 1999 and May 2015 was conducted. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their history of stroke. We evaluated both all-cause death and cardiac death. Of the 2,548 consecutive ACS patients in the current cohort, 268 (10.5%) had a history of stroke at the onset of ACS. Patients with a history of stroke were older and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension or renal deficiency. The cumulative incidences of all-cause death and cardiac death were significantly higher in patients with a history of stroke (both log-rank P<0.0001). Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis showed that a history of stroke was significantly associated with the incidences of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.85, P=0.0004) and cardiac death (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.93, P=0.03). Conclusions: About 10% of the ACS patients had a history of stroke and had worse clinical outcomes.

Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome During Travel.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death among travelers, but the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients who develop acute coronary syndrome (ACS) while traveling have not been assessed. We evaluated 2548 patients with ACS who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 1999 and 2015 and compared the incidences of all-cause and cardiac death during follow-up between travelers and locals. We assessed 192 (7.5%) patients who developed ACS while traveling. These patients were younger and had a higher prevalence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction than local patients. During a median follow-up period of 5.3 years, 632 (24.8%) all-cause deaths were identified, including 310 cardiac deaths (12.2%). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative incidence of all-cause death was significantly lower among the travelers than locals (P = 0.001, log-rank test). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis revealed that travel was significantly associated with a lower rate of all cause death (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.80; P = 0.002). Cardiac mortality did not significantly differ between travelers and locals (P = 0.29). Patients with ACS treated with primary PCI while traveling had more favorable long-term clinical outcomes than local patients. Appropriate initial treatments and secondary preventions might improve the prognosis of travelers.

Gas in Joints After Diving: Computed Tomography May Be Useful for Diagnosing Decompression Sickness.

A 26-y-old experienced scotoma scintillans after 59 min of scuba diving at a maximum depth of 26 m. After the patient smoked a cigarette, the scotoma scintillans ceased. However, he then developed a headache, general fatigue, and shoulder and elbow pain. He therefore called an ambulance. Based on the rules of the medical cooperative system for decompression sickness in Izu Peninsula, the fire department called a physician-staffed helicopter. After a physician checked the patient, his complaints remained aside from a low-grade fever. A portable ultrasound revealed bubbles in his inferior vena cava. Because of the risk of his being infected with COVID-19, he was transported to our hospital not by air evacuation but via ground ambulance staff while receiving a drip infusion of fluid and oxygen. After arriving at the hospital, his symptoms had almost subsided. Whole-body computed tomography revealed gas around the bladder, left hip, right knee, bilateral shoulder, joints, and right intramedullary humerus. The patient received high-concentration oxygen, infusion therapy, and observational admission. On the second day of admission, his symptoms had completely disappeared, and he was discharged. To our knowledge, this is the first report that computed tomography might be useful for detecting gas in multiple joints, suggesting the onset of decompression sickness after diving. This might be the first report of gas in an intramedullary space after diving as a potential cause of dysbaric osteonecrosis.

Prognostic Factors in Trauma Patients Transported by Physician-Staffed Helicopter in Japan: An Investigation Based on the Japan Trauma Data Bank.

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively investigated prognostic factors for patients evacuated by the physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service using the Japan Trauma Data Bank. METHODS: The study period was from January 2004 to May 2019. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the outcome: the survival group and the fatal group. RESULTS: A total of 19,370 patients were enrolled as subjects. There were 17,080 patients in the survival group and 2,290 in the fatal group. In a multivariate analysis of factors that showed statistical significance in a univariate analysis, the Revised Trauma Score, age, Injury Severity Score, Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAX-AIS) for the upper extremity (negative), year of helicopter dispatch, Japan Coma Scale, MAX-AIS for the head, MAX-AIS for the abdomen/pelvis, and MAX-AIS for the spine were identified as significant predictors of a fatal outcome . CONCLUSION: This is the first report to investigate the prognostic factors of patients evacuated by helicopter emergency medical service using the Japan Trauma Data Bank. The results suggest that physiological abnormality, age, traumatic anatomic abnormality (other than upper extremity abnormality), and year of helicopter dispatch may be prognostic factors.

Suspected Virus-Inducing Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated by Multimodal Therapy Including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Immune Modulation Therapy.

A 44-year-old man who had been feeling general fatigue was found in an unconscious state on the same day. He had no remarkable medical history. On arrival at the hospital, his Glasgow Coma Scale was E1V2M3; he had tachycardia and hypertension, was afebrile, and in a severe hypoxic state. His PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) was under 100, even with tracheal intubation with 100% oxygen. Chest X-ray and CT revealed a bilateral ground-glass appearance with consolidation. Cardiac echo initially showed hyper-dynamic wall motion. The main results of a blood analysis suggested an acute inflammatory reaction, rhabdomyolysis, and pancreatitis. The microscopic findings of sputum and a rapid test for bacterial and viral infections were all negative. As he showed deterioration of P/F, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was started. He also showed hypotension and therefore underwent vasopressor and steroid administration. Due to concerns of pneumonia, he received meropenem and azithromycin in addition to the infusion of γ-globulin and glycyrrhizin. The results of a COVID-19 test, culture of sputum, and collagen disease test were all negative. The serum virus neutralization assay as a serological test for Coxsackievirus B4 showed a four-fold increase in titer. The multimodal therapy mentioned above resulted in the improvement of his general condition, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this report, we discuss the benefits of ECMO and immune modulation therapy in the treatment of severe ARDS.