Small lipid core burden index in patients with stable angina pectoris is also associated with microvascular dysfunction: Insights from intracoronary electrocardiogram.

Near-infrared spectroscopy with intravascular ultrasound (NIRS)-IVUS enables precise detection of lipid core burden. Intracoronary electrocardiography (ECG) can detect slight ischemia during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), indicating microvascular dysfunction (MD) by distal embolization, etc. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether plaques with a low max-lipid core burden index (LCBI) at 4 mm (LCBI4mm) influence MD, using intracoronary ECG. We enrolled 40 consecutive patients who underwent PCI for stable angina pectoris (SAP) due to stenosis of the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery in this study. Max-LCBI4mm was measured for each culprit lesion. Gray-scale IVUS data including plaque burden were measured. Intracoronary ECG was performed to measure the time from the initiation of ST-segment elevation from the isoelectric baseline after stent balloon inflation to the return of the ST-segment to the isoelectric baseline after the deflation of the stent balloon, which was defined as the severity of the MD. The patients were divided into two groups according to median max-LCBI4mm of 120 as follows: low- [n = 20] and high- [n = 20] LCBI groups. The overall mean Max-LCBI4mm was 120 ± 86. No differences in baseline characteristics, including prevalence of dyslipidemia, were found between both groups, as well as in the gray-scale IVUS parameters. The severity of the MD was greater in the high-LCBI group than in the low-LCBI group (16.6 ± 9.1 vs 4.7 ± 4.8 s, P < 0.01). The no-reflow and slow-flow phenomena were not observed. Even max-LCBI4mm value <400 on NIRS-IVUS was associated with MD during PCI in patients with SAP.

Utility of Saline-Induced Resting Full-Cycle Ratio Compared with Resting Full-Cycle Ratio and Fractional Flow Reserve.

BACKGROUND: The saline-induced distal coronary pressure/aortic pressure ratio predicted fractional flow reserve (FFR). The resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) represents the maximal relative pressure difference in a cardiac cycle. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the results of saline-induced RFR (sRFR) with FFR. METHODS: Seventy consecutive lesions with only moderate stenosis were included. The FFR, RFR, and sRFR values were compared. The sRFR was assessed using an intracoronary bolus infusion of saline (2 mL/s) for five heartbeats. The FFR was obtained after an intravenous injection of papaverine. RESULTS: Overall, the FFR, sRFR, and RFR values were 0.78 ± 0.12, 0.79 ± 0.13, and 0.83 ± 0.14, respectively. With regard to anatomical morphology were 40, 18, and 12 cases of focal, diffuse, and tandem lesion. There was a significant correlation between the sRFR and FFR (R = 0.96, p < 0.01). There were also significant correlations between the sRFR and FFR in the left coronary and right coronary artery (R = 0.95, p < 0.01 and R = 0.98, p < 0.01). Furthermore, significant correlations between sRFR and FFR were observed in not only focal but also in nonfocal lesion including tandem and diffuse lesions (R = 0.93, p < 0.01 and R = 0.97, p < 0.01). A close agreement on FFR and sRFR was shown using the Bland-Altman analysis (95% CI of agreement: -0.08-0.07). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff value of sRFR to predict an FFR of 0.80 was 0.81 (area under curve, 0.97; sensitivity 90.6%; and specificity 98.2%). CONCLUSION: The sRFR can accurately and safely predict the FFR and might be effective for diagnosing ischemia.

The effect of the debulking by excimer laser coronary angioplasty on long-term outcome compared with drug-coating balloon: insights from optical frequency domain imaging analysis.

This study evaluated the 1-year efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) before drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilatation for the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Forty consecutive patients with ISR were treated by DCB with or without the use of ELCA (ELCA plus DCB, N = 20; DCB alone, N = 20). Debulking efficiency (DE) value was defined as the neointima area on optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) debulked by ELCA. The patients in the ELCA plus DCB group were divided into two groups (greater DE (GDE), N = 10; smaller DE (SDE), N = 10) based on the median value of DE. Thereafter, the ISR segment was prepared with a scoring balloon, followed by DCB. At follow-up, binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) were evaluated. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, comorbidity, and ISR type. Overall, the incidence of neoatherosclerosis in the ISR segment was 17.5%. Post-PCI, acute gain of minimum lumen diameter on quantitative coronary angiography and of minimum lumen area on OFDI was numerically higher in the GDE than in the SDE and the DCB alone group. At follow-up, the occurrences of binary restenosis and TLR in the ELCA plus DCB group were 20.0% and 10.0%; these values in the DCB alone group were 20.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Two patients from the SDE and none from the GDE developed TLR. DCB alone treatment was inferior to ELCA plus DCB treatment. However, greater ELCA debulking might be required to obtain optimal outcomes.

The effect of dapagliflozin treatment on epicardial adipose tissue volume.

BACKGROUND: Glycosuria produced by sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors is associated with weight loss. SGLT-2 inhibitors reportedly might reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a pathogenic fat depot that may be associated with coronary atherosclerosis. The present study evaluated the relationship between an SGLT-2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) and EAT volume. METHODS: In 40 diabetes mellitus patients with coronary artery disease (10 women and 30 men; mean age of all 40 patients was 67.2 ± 5.4 years), EAT volume was compared prospectively between the dapagliflozin treatment group (DG; n = 20) and conventional treatment group (CTG; n = 20) during a 6-month period. EAT was defined as any pixel that had computed tomography attenuation of - 150 to - 30 Hounsfield units within the pericardial sac. Metabolic parameters, including HbA1c, tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels, were measured at both baseline and 6-months thereafter. RESULTS: There were no significant differences at baseline of EAT volume and HbA1c, PAI-1, and TNF-α levels between the two treatment groups. After a 6-month follow-up, the change in HbA1c levels in the DG decreased significantly from 7.2 to 6.8%, while body weight decreased significantly in the DG compared with the CTG (- 2.9 ± 3.4 vs. 0.2 ± 2.4 kg, p = 0.01). At the 6-month follow-up, serum PAI-1 levels tended to decline in the DG. In addition, the change in the TNF-α level in the DG was significantly greater than that in the CTG (- 0.5 ± 0.7 vs. 0.03 ± 0.3 pg/ml, p = 0.03). Furthermore, EAT volume significantly decreased in the DG at the 6-month follow-up compared with the CTG (- 16.4 ± 8.3 vs. 4.7 ± 8.8 cm3, p = 0.01). Not only the changes in the EAT volume and body weight, but also those in the EAT volume and TNF-α level, showed significantly positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Treatment with dapagliflozin might improve systemic metabolic parameters and decrease the EAT volume in diabetes mellitus patients, possibly contributing to risk reduction in cardiovascular events.

The utility of total lipid core burden index/maximal lipid core burden index ratio within the culprit plaque to predict filter-no reflow: insight from near-infrared spectroscopy with intravascular ultrasound.

Filter-no reflow (FNR) is a phenomenon wherein flow improves after the retrieve of distal protection. Near-infrared spectroscopy with intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) enables lipid detection. We evaluated the predictors of FNR during PCI using NIRS-IVUS. Thirty-two patients who underwent PCI using the Filtrap® for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were enrolled. The culprit plaque (CP) was observed using NIRS-IVUS. Total lipid-core burden index (T-LCBI) and maximal LCBI over any 4-mm segment (max-LCBI4mm) within CP were evaluated. T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio within CP was calculated as an index of the extent of longitudinal lipid expansion. The attenuation grade (AG) and remodeling index (RI) in CP were analyzed. AG was scored based on the extent of attenuation occupying the number of quadrants. The patients were divided into FNR group (N = 8) and no-FNR group (N = 24). AG was significantly higher in FNR group than in no-FNR group (1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 0.9 ± 0.42, p = 0.01). RI in FNR group tended to be greater than in no-FNR group. T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio within the culprit plaque was significantly higher in FNR group than in no-FNR group (0.50 ± 0.10 vs. 0.33 ± 0.13, p < 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, AG > 1.04 (odds ratio [OR] 18.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-215.7, p = 0.02) and T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio > 0.42 (OR 14.4, 95% CI 1.2-176.8, p = 0.03) were independent predictors for the occurrence of FNR. The use of T-LCBI/max-LCBI4mm ratio within CP might be an effective marker to predict FNR during PCI in patients with ACS.

Brugada syndrome and idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia unmasked by exercise and a class Ic drug.

The patient was a 33-year-old male. Twenty years ago, he underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for idiopathic sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) with an RBBB and superior axis pattern. The VT was inducible by programmed stimulation and entrained by rapid pacing. At this presentation, he developed palpitation and VT with the same morphology at the peak exercise on a treadmill with appearance of typical ECG pattern for Brugada syndrome (BrS). Pilsicainide induced the typical ECG pattern and premature ventricular beats (PVBs) of the same morphology as VT. The relationship between BrS and VT of left ventricular origin was discussed.

Predictors and outcomes of acute recoil after ultrathin bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents implantation: an intravascular ultrasound in native coronary arteries.

BACKGROUND: Ultrathin bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SESs) may easily lead to acute recoil. This study investigated acute recoil after BP-SES implantation on the basis of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS: We enrolled 40 consecutive stents. Absolute acute recoil by quantitative coronary angiography was defined as the difference between the mean diameter of the last inflated balloon (X) and mean lumen diameter of the BP-SES immediately after balloon deflation (Y). Percent (%) acute recoil was defined as (X-Y)×100/X. IVUS was performed within the culprit lesion. Plaque eccentricity, % plaque burden and calcification grade score were assessed using IVUS. Calcification grade was scored on the basis of quadrants. On the basis of the median acute recoil value of 5.0%, the stents were divided into two groups: low (LAR, n = 20) and high % acute recoil (HAR, n = 20). RESULTS: Mean % acute recoil was 5.8 ± 5.3%. Plaque eccentricity, % plaque burden and stent/artery ratio were significantly higher in the HAR group than in the LAR group. Significant differences in % acute recoil were not observed regarding the types of stent diameter. In multivariate logistic regression and multiple linear regression analysis, plaque eccentricity and % plaque burden in the culprit plaque were significant positive predictors for the occurrence of % acute recoil. No significant differences, including clinical outcomes, were found between both groups at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Acute recoil of BP-SESs may be influenced by an eccentric plaque with a large burden, which did not affect long-term outcomes. However, the present study might suggest the proper strategy (e.g. a more exhaustive plaque preparation) before BP-SES implantation in a case with these IVUS characteristics.

The Effect of Dapagliflozin Treatment on Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume and P-Wave Indices: An Ad-hoc Analysis of The Previous Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may be associated with arrhythmogenesis. P-wave indices such as P-wave dispersion and P-wave variation indicated a slowed conduction velocity within the atria. This study investigated the effect of dapagliflozin on EAT volume and P-wave indices. METHODS: In the present ad hoc analysis, 35 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were classified into dapagliflozin group (n=18) and conventional treatment group (n=17). At baseline, EAT volume, HbA1c and plasma level of tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) levels, echocardiography, and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed. EAT volume was measured using computed tomography. Using 12-lead ECG, P-wave indices were measured. RESULTS: At baseline, EAT volumes in the dapagliflozin and conventional treatment groups were 113±20 and 110±27 cm3, respectively. Not only HbA1c and plasma level of TNF-α but also echocardiography findings including left atrial dimension and P-wave indices were comparable between the two groups. After 6 months, plasma level of TNF-α as well as EAT volume significantly decreased in the dapagliflozin group only. P-wave dispersion and P-wave variation significantly decreased in the dapagliflozin group only (-9.2±8.7 vs. 5.9±19.9 ms, p=0.01; -3.5±3.5 vs. 1.7±5.9 ms, p=0.01). The change in P-wave dispersion correlated with changes in EAT volume and plasma level of TNF-α. In multivariate analysis, the change in EAT volume was an independent determinant of the change in P-wave dispersion. CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin reduced plasma level of TNF-α, EAT volume, and P-wave indices, such as P-wave dispersion. The changes in P-wave indices were especially associated with changes in EAT volume.The number and date of registration: UMIN000035660, 24/Jan/2019.

The Determinants and Outcomes of Myocardial Injury After Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation: SAPIEN 3 Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of myocardial injury (MI) post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on clinical outcomes is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MI severity on clinical outcome and left ventricle function 30 days post-TAVI and determine MI post-TAVI predictors. METHODS: Overall, 138 consecutive patients who underwent successful transfemoral TAVI using SAPIEN3 and diagnosed using echocardiography and computed tomography were analyzed. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (TnT) was evaluated at baseline, immediately, and at 24, 48, and 72 h post-TAVI. Echocardiography findings and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-pro BNP) levels were evaluated 30 days post-TAVI. RESULTS: Mean age and STS score were 84.4 ±â€¯3.5 years and 6.4 ±â€¯3.2%, respectively. All cases showed severe aortic valve stenosis. Peri-procedural MI was observed in 48 of 100 patients (48.0%). Patients were grouped into MI (n = 48) and non-MI (n = 52), without significant difference in characteristics. Pre-balloon aortic valvuloplasty rate and total pacing time were significantly higher in MI vs non-MI. Total rapid pacing time (TRPT) was an independent predictor for MI (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.16; p = 0.04). Echocardiography and Nt-pro BNP changes 30 days post-TAVI were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Peri-procedural MI, assessed by TnT changes, was observed in 48% of patients. The MI was not associated with overt cardiac dysfunction, and the recovery of left ventricular function and Nt-pro BNP level occurred similarly by 30 day post-TAVI between both groups. In multivariate analysis, TRPT was associated with MI after SAPIEN3 implantation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000036669.

The comparison of early healing 1-month after PCI among CoCr-everolimus-eluting stent (EES), biodegradable polymer (BP)-EES and BP-sirolimus-eluting stent: Insights from OFDI and coronary angioscopy.

BACKGROUND: Third-generation stents with abluminal biodegradable polymer (BP) might facilitate early healing. Therefore, we compared early healing between second-generation and third-generation stents using coronary angioscopy (CAS) and optical frequency domain imaging [OFDI]. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 30 consecutive patients with stent implantation for acute coronary syndrome (cobalt­chromium [CoCr] everolimus-eluting stent [EES] [n = 10], BP-EES [n = 10], and BP-sirolimus eluting stent [SES] [n = 10]). All patients underwent CAS and OFDI 1 month after initial percutaneous coronary intervention. On OFDI, the stent coverage (SC), thrombus, and peri-strut low intensity area (PLIA) were assessed. CAS findings were recorded for the grade of SC, grade of yellow color (YC), and grade of the thrombus (TG). RESULTS: On OFDI, the incidences of any thrombus at the 1-month follow-up were 70%, 80%, and 80% in the CoCr-EES, BP-EES, and BP-SES groups, respectively. The percentage of coverage was comparable among the groups (CoCr-EES 79.8 vs. BP-EES 79.9 vs. BP-SES 80.1%, P = 0.96). However, the number of struts with PLIA was numerically higher in the BP-SES group than in the CoCr-EES and BP-EES groups (46.4 ±â€¯25.1 vs. 21.6 ±â€¯13.2 vs. 22.0 ±â€¯7.2%, P = 0.08). In the CoCr-EES, BP-EES, and BP-SES groups, mean grades of SC were 1.25 ±â€¯0.5, 1.25 ±â€¯0.5, and 0.85 ±â€¯0.70 (P = 0.60); mean grades of YC were 0.75 ±â€¯0.5, 0.80 ±â€¯0.45, and 0.88 ±â€¯0.37 (P = 0.65), and mean grades of TG were 1.00 ±â€¯1.00, 1.20 ±â€¯0.83, and 0.88 ±â€¯0.64 (P = 0.75), respectively. CONCLUSION: Third-generation stents are not inferior to second-generation stents regarding stent coverage. However, PLIA on OFDI was often observed with BP-SESs, indicating involvement of the fibrin component.

A Case of Undifferentiated Sarcoma in the Superior Vena Cava and Bilateral Cervical Veins.

BACKGROUND Intimal sarcoma (IS) is a malignant mesenchymal tumor with predominantly intraluminal growth in large vessels and the heart. Due to the rarity of cases it often poses diagnostic problems in clinical and pathological settings. Although the classification of IS is still controversial, undifferentiated type of IS has recently been found to show immunohistochemical positivity with MDM2, CDK4, or PDGFRA and amplification of MDM2/CDK4 and PDGFRA. CASE REPORT The patient was a 76 years-old Japanese man who presented with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. CT identified a tumor or thrombi in the SVC, bilateral brachiocephalic, and jugular veins. The histology of the biopsy specimen revealed an undifferentiated tumor without immunohistochemical positivity for all antibodies available except vimentin and smooth muscle actin. He was treated conservatively and died of respiratory failure 2 months after presentation. At autopsy, the large veins were filled by a sausage-like tumor and the cut sections revealed hemorrhagic and necrotic tumor. The tumor cells were negative with MDM2, CDK4, and PDGFRA by immunohistochemistry. Amplification of MDM2 and PDGFRA was not identified by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that the case was an undifferentiated sarcoma (IS without any specific phenotype) arising in the SVC, bilateral brachiocephalic, and jugular veins. We propose a way of subtyping sarcomas with predominantly intraluminal growth in large vessels and the heart based on immunohistochemistry and amplification of MDM2 and PDGFRA. However, proper subtyping of these sarcomas requires further study.