Prognostic implications of dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging: a prospective multicenter registry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dipyridamole cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the prediction of major events (MEs) in patients with ischemic chest pain in a large multicenter registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. A total of 1722 patients who were undergoing cardiac MR imaging for chest pain were included. Wall motion abnormalities (WMAs) at rest, hyperemia perfusion defect (PD), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and inducible WMA were analyzed (abnormal if more than one abnormal segment was seen) with the 17-segment model. A cardiac MR categorization was created: category 1, no PD, LGE, or inducible WMA; category 2, PD without LGE and inducible WMA; category 3, LGE without inducible WMA; and category 4, inducible WMA. The association with ME was analyzed by using Cox proportional hazard regression multivariate models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 308 days, 61 MEs (4%) occurred (36 cardiac deaths, 25 nonfatal myocardial infarctions). MEs were associated with a greater extent of WMA, PD, LGE, and inducible WMA (P ≤ .001 for all analyses). In multivariable analyses, PD (P = .002) and inducible WMA (P = .0001) were the only cardiac MR predictors. ME rate in categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2% (14 of 901 patients), 3% (six of 219 patients), 4% (15 of 409 patients), and 14% (26 of 193 patients), respectively (category 4 vs category 1, adjusted P < .001). Cardiac MR-directed revascularization was performed in 242 patients (14%) and reduced the risk of ME in only category 4 (7% [six of 92 patients] vs 26% [26 of 101 patients], P = .0004). CONCLUSION: Dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging can be used to predict MEs in patients with ischemic chest pain. Patients with inducible WMA are at the highest risk for MEs and benefit the most from revascularization.

Improvement in risk stratification with the combination of the tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure.

AIM: Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) levels have shown to be associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Nevertheless, no attempt has been made to explore the utility of combining these two biomarkers. We sought to assess whether CA125 adds prognostic value to BNP in predicting 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with AHF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 1111 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Antigen carbohydrate 125 (U/mL) and BNP (pg/mL) were measured at a median of 72 +/- 12 h after instauration of treatment. Antigen carbohydrate 125 and BNP were dichotomized based on proposed prognostic cutpoints, and a variable with four categories was formed (BNP-CA125): C1 = BNP < 350 and CA125 < 60 (n = 394); C2 = BNP > or = 350 and CA125 < 60 (n = 165); C3 = BNP < 350 and CA125 > or = 60 (n = 331); and C4 = BNP > or = 350 and CA125 > or = 60 (n = 221). The independent association between BNP-CA125 and mortality was assessed with the Cox regression analysis, and their added predictive ability tested by the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index. At 6 months, 181 deaths (16.3%) were identified. The cumulative rate of mortality was lower for patients in C1 (7.8%), intermediate for C2 and C3 (17.8% and 16.9%, respectively), and higher for C4 (37.2%), and P-value for trend <0.001. After adjusting for established risk factors, the highest risk was observed when both biomarkers were elevated (C4 vs. C1: HR = 4.05, 95% CI = 2.54-6.45; P < 0.001) and intermediate when only one of them was elevated: (C2 vs. C1: HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.00-2.93; P = 0.050) and (C3 vs. C1: HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.30-3.39; P = 0.002). Moreover, when CA125 was added to the clinical model + BNP, a 10.4% (P < 0.0001) improvement in the IDI (on the relative scale) was found. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted with AHF, CA125 added prognostic value beyond the information provided by BNP, and thus, their combination enables better 6-month risk stratification.

Usefulness of pain presentation characteristics for predicting outcome in patients presenting to the hospital with chest pain of uncertain origin.

BACKGROUND: Decision making in chest pain of uncertain origin is challenging. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of simple characteristics of pain presentation in patients coming to the emergency department with chest pain and without electrocardiogram ischaemia or raised troponin. METHODS: 789 patients were studied. The following categorical pain characteristics were collected: effort related pain, pressing character, radiation, associated symptoms, and ≥ 2 episodes in 24 h. Additionally, a predefined semi-quantitative pain score including seven items (Geleijnse score) was completed. Risk factors and co-morbidities were also recorded. The primary and secondary endpoints were cardiac events at 30 days and at 1 year. RESULTS: After adjusting for risk factors and co-morbidites, the pain characteristics associated with the primary and secondary endpoints were effort related pain (HR=2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.0, p=0.0001; HR=1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p=0.0003) and ≥ 2 episodes in 24 h (HR=2.4, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.5, p=0.0001; HR=2.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.2, p=0.0001). Both variables retained their predictive value in women, diabetics and elderly (>70 years) patients. The discriminatory capacity of the predictive models including these two pain characteristics for the primary and secondary endpoints (C-statistic 0.76 and 0.76) was better than using the complex semi-quantitative pain score (C-statistic 0.69 and 0.71). CONCLUSION: In patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and without electrocardiogram ischaemia or raised troponin, effort related pain and ≥ 2 episodes in 24 h are the main characteristics to be considered for decision making.

Contractile reserve and extent of transmural necrosis in the setting of myocardial stunning: comparison at cardiac MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To perform a comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived ejection fraction (EF) during low-dose dobutamine infusion (EF(D)) with the extent of segments with transmural necrosis in more than 50% of their wall thickness (ETN) for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and late systolic recovery soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. One hundred nineteen consecutive patients with a first STEMI, a depressed left ventricular EF, and an open infarct-related artery underwent MR imaging at 1 week after infarction. EF(D) and ETN (by using a 17-segment model) were determined, and the prediction of MACEs and systolic recovery at follow-up was assessed by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: During follow-up (median, 613 days; range, 312-1243 days), 18 MACEs (five cardiac deaths, six myocardial infarctions, seven readmissions for heart failure) occurred. MACEs were associated with a lower EF(D) (43% +/- 12 [standard deviation] vs 49% +/- 10, P = .02) and a larger ETN (seven segments +/- three vs four segments +/- three, P < .001). Patients with systolic recovery (increase in EF of >5% at follow-up compared with baseline EF, n = 44) displayed a higher EF(D) (51% +/- 10 vs 47% +/- 9, P = .04) and a smaller ETN (three segments +/- two vs five segments +/- three, P = .002) at 1 week. ETN and EF(D) both related to MACEs (AUC: 0.78 vs 0.67, respectively, P = .1) and systolic recovery (AUC: 0.68 vs 0.62, respectively, P = .3). According to multivariable analysis, ETN was the only MR variable associated with time to MACEs (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 1.60; P < .001) and systolic recovery (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.64, 0.92; P = .004) independent of baseline characteristics. CONCLUSION: ETN is as useful as EF(D) for the prediction of MACEs and systolic recovery soon after STEMI.

Randomized comparison between clinical evaluation plus N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide versus exercise testing for decision making in acute chest pain of uncertain origin.

BACKGROUND: Exercise testing constitutes the usual tool for decision making in chest pain units. This policy implies logistical constrains. Our aim was to evaluate a new strategy, combining a clinical risk score and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain, without ischemic electrocardiogram changes or troponin elevation. METHODS: A total of 320 patients were randomized to either usual management, involving exercise testing, or a new strategy combining a clinical risk score and NT-proBNP without exercise testing. In the usual management, discharge decision was guided by the result of exercise test. In the new strategy, those patients with low clinical risk score and NT-proBNP were directly discharged. The primary outcome was hospitalization at the index episode. Secondary outcomes were cardiac events at 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients (69%) were hospitalized using usual management in comparison with 90 (56%) in the new strategy (P = .03). There were no differences in death or myocardial infarction (n = 11, 6.9% vs n = 6, 3.8%, P = .3) or cardiac events (n = 38, 24% vs n = 28, 18%, P = .2). Revascularizations at the index episode were more frequent under usual management (18% vs 8%, P = .01), although the new strategy was associated with higher rate of planned postdischarge revascularizations (0.6% vs 5%, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: A strategy combining clinical history and NT-proBNP is simpler and reduced initial emergency hospitalizations in patients with chest pain, in comparison with the usual strategy involving exercise testing. Larger studies to assess its impact on long-term hard end points are needed.

Prevalence and prognostic implications of active cytomegalovirus infection in patients with acute heart failure.

AHF (acute heart failure) causes significant morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have postulated that the expression of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, plays an important role in the development and progression of heart failure. A pro-inflammatory state has been postulated as a key factor in triggering CMV (cytomegalovirus) reactivation. Therefore we sought to determine the prevalence of active CMV infection in immunocompetent patients admitted for AHF and to quantify the association with the risk of the combined end point of death or AHF readmission. A total of 132 consecutive patients admitted for AHF were enrolled in the present study. Plasma CMV DNAaemia was assessed by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR), and cytokine measurements in plasma were performed by ELISA. Clinical data were evaluated by personnel blinded to CMV results. The independent association between active CMV infection and the end point was determined by Cox regression analysis. During a median follow-up of 120 [IQR (interquartile range), 60-240] days, 23 (17.4%) deaths, 34 (24.2%) readmissions for AHF and 45 (34.1%) deaths/readmissions for AHF were identified. Plasma CMV DNAaemia occurred in 11 (8.3%) patients, albeit at a low level (<100 copies/ml). The cumulative rate of the composite end point was higher in patients with CMV DNAaemia (81.8 compared with 29.8%; P<0.001). After adjusting for established risk factors, the occurrence of CMV DNAaemia was strongly associated with the clinical end point [hazard ratio = 4.39 (95% confidence interval, 2.02-9.52); P<0.001]. In conclusion, active CMV infection occurs, although uncommonly, in patients with AHF, and may be a marker of disease severity.

Uncontrolled immune response in acute myocardial infarction: unraveling the thread.

Recently, the theory that hyperinflammation is the body's primary response to potent stimulus has been challenged. Indeed, a deregulation of the immune system could be the cause of multiple organ failure. So far, clinicians have focused on the last steps of the inflammatory cascade. However, little attention has been paid to lymphocytes, which play an important role as strategists of the inflammatory response. Experimental evidence suggests a crucial role of T lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In summary, from the bottom of an imaginary inverted pyramid, a few regulatory T-cells control the upper parts represented by the wide spectrum of the inflammatory cascade. In AMI, a loss of regulation of the inflammatory system occurs in patients with a decreased activity of regulatory T-cells. As a consequence, aggressive T-cells boost and anti-inflammatory T-cells drop. A pleiotropic proinflammatory imbalance with damaging effects in terms of left ventricular performance and patient outcome is the result of this uncontrolled immune response. It is needed to unravel the thread of the inflammatory cells to better understand the pathophysiology as well as to open innovative therapeutic options in AMI.

Usefulness of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in predicting long-term mortality in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients who underwent cardiac angiography. Nevertheless, its role for risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes, specifically in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has not been elucidated. We sought to determine the association of N/L maximum value (N/L max) with mortality in the setting of STEMI and to compare its predictive ability with total white blood cell maximum count (WBC max). We analyzed 515 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI to a single university center. White blood cells (WBC) and differential count were measured at admission and daily for the first 96 hours afterward. Patients with cancer, inflammatory diseases, or premature death were excluded, and 470 patients were included in the final analysis. The association between N/L max and WBC max with mortality was assessed by Cox regression analysis. During follow-up, we registered 106 deaths (22.6%). A positive trend between mortality and N/L max quintiles was observed; 6.4%, 12.4%, 11.7%, 34%, and 47.9% of deaths occurred from quintiles 1 to 5 (p <0.001), respectively. In a multivariable setting, after adjusting for standard risk factors, patients in the fourth (Q4 vs Q1) and fifth quintile (Q5 vs Q1) showed the highest mortality risk (hazard ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interal 1.06 to 6.32, p = 0.038 and hazard ratio 4.20, 95% confidence interal 1.73 to 10.21, p = 0.001, respectively). When WBC max and cells subtypes were entered together, N/L max remained as the only WBC parameter; furthermore, the model with N/L max showed the most discriminative ability. In conclusion, N/L max is a useful marker to predict subsequent mortality in patients admitted for STEMI, with a superior discriminative ability than total WBC max.

Limitations of clinical history for evaluation of patients with acute chest pain, non-diagnostic electrocardiogram, and normal troponin.

Decision making and risk stratification for patients with acute chest pain, nondiagnostic electrocardiogram results, and normal troponin levels are challenging. The aim of this study was to optimize the clinical history for the evaluation of these patients. A total of 1,011 patients presenting to an emergency department were included. The following data were collected: clinical presentation (pain characteristics and number of pain episodes), coronary risk factors, previous ischemic heart disease, and extracardiac vascular disease (peripheral artery disease, stroke, or creatinine >1.4 mg/dl). Two different predictive models were calculated according to the end points: model 1 for 1-year major events (death or myocardial infarction) and model 2 for 30-day cardiac events (major events or revascularization). For 1-year major events, model 1 showed optimal discrimination capacity (C statistic = 0.80), which was significantly better than that of model 2 (C statistic = 0.77, p = 0.04). With respect to 30-day cardiac events, however, discrimination was lower in the 2 models, without differences between them (C statistic = 0.74 vs 0.75, p = NS). Using model 1, a large low-risk subgroup with <3 predictive variables could be defined, including 442 patients (44% of the total population) with a 1.4% rate of 1-year major events; however, the incidence of 30-day cardiac events (8%) was not negligible, mainly because of revascularizations. In conclusion, in patients with acute chest pain of uncertain coronary origin, clinical predictive models afford good risk stratification for long-term major events. Short-term outcomes, including revascularization, however, are not predicted as well. Therefore, ancillary tools, such as noninvasive stress tests, should be implemented for decision making at initial hospitalization or discharge.

Implantation of single-lead atrioventricular permanent pacemakers guided by electroanatomic navigation without the use of fluoroscopy.

AIMS: Fluoroscopy is the standard and almost unique tool used for cardiac imaging during permanent pacemaker implantation, and its use implies exposure of patients and operators to radiation. The usefulness for this purpose of electroanatomic systems not based on fluoroscopy is unknown. Our aim was to study the feasibility of implanting single-lead VDD pacemakers without the use of fluoroscopy. METHODS AND RESULTS: EnSite NavX, a catheter navigation tool based on the creation of a voltage gradient across the thorax of the patient, was used as an exclusive imaging tool during the implantation of single-lead atrioventricular (VDD) permanent pacemakers in 15 consecutive patients with atrioventricular block and normal sinus node function. A retrospective series of 15 consecutive patients in whom VDD pacemakers were implanted under fluoroscopic guidance was used as a control group. The pacemaker could be implanted in all patients. Time spent to obtain the right ventricle anatomy was 10.1 +/- 5.4 min and time to place the lead in an adequate position was 10.1 +/- 7.8 min. Total implant time was 59.3 +/- 15.6 min (51.5 +/- 12.3 min in the control group; P = 0.14). In one patient, a short pulse of radioscopy was needed for a correct catheterization of the subclavian vein. No complications were observed during the procedure. One lead dislodgement that required re-operation was detected 24 h after implantation. At 3 months follow-up, all pacemakers were functioning properly, with adequate pacing and sensing thresholds. CONCLUSION: Electroanatomic navigation systems such as NavX can be used for cardiac imaging during single-lead atrioventricular pacemaker implantation as a reliable and safe alternative to fluoroscopy.

[Prognostic value of the left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with acute heart failure]. / Valor pronóstico de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The relation between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and prognosis in patients with heart failure is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relation of LVEF in long-term mortality and readmissions for acute heart failure in a non-selected population of patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We included 507 patients admitted consecutively for AHF in a cardiology department of a single-centre. LVEF was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography during hospitalization. All-cause mortality and readmission for AHF were selected as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. The independent association between LVEF and endpoints was assessed with traditional Cox regression analysis for all-cause mortality and Cox regression for competing risks for readmission for AHF. RESULTS: 47% of patients exhibited LVEF > or = 50%. During a median follow-up of one year, 151 (30%) deaths and 139 (27%) readmissions for AHF were observed. Mortality rates were higher in patients with LVEF < 50% (34 vs 25%; p = 0.028) and no differences were observed for readmissions for AHF (26 vs 29%, p = 0.510). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for traditional risk factors, patients with LVEF < 50% did not show higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.57; p = 0.645) or readmissions for AHF (HR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.68-1.47; p = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preserved LVEF constitute a substantial proportion of patients with AHF, exhibiting similar mortality and readmissions risks compared with patients with depressed LVEF.

Evolution of 5 cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived viability indexes after reperfused myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous evolution of 5 cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived myocardial viability indexes. METHODS: We studied 72 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction and sustained TIMI 3 flow. In the first week and in the sixth month of the study, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, we determined wall thickening (WT) and the following viability indexes: wall thickness, WT with low-dose dobutamine, microvascular perfusion in first-pass imaging, microvascular obstruction in late-enhancement imaging, and transmural extent of necrosis. RESULTS: In 250 dysfunctional segments, the evolution outcomes for the viability indexes were as follows: (1) wall thickness thinned (8.6 +/- 2.9 versus 7.7 +/- 3 mm, P < .001), (2) WT with low-dose dobutamine improved (1.5 +/- 1.9 versus 2.6 +/- 3 mm, P < .001), (3) the number of segments showing abnormal microvascular perfusion in first-pass imaging decreased (22% versus 7%, P < .001), (4) the number of segments showing microvascular obstruction in late-enhancement imaging decreased (14% versus 2%, P < .001), and (5) the transmural extent of necrosis remained stable throughout follow-up (56% +/- 40% versus 54% +/- 39%, P = .3). CONCLUSIONS: After reperfused myocardial infarction, dynamic changes in wall thickness, contractile reserve, microvascular perfusion, and microvascular obstruction take place. These changes may affect their accuracy as viability indexes early after myocardial infarction. The transmural extent of necrosis does not vary, however.

A practical approach with outcome for the prognostic assessment of non-ST-segment elevation chest pain and normal troponin.

Patients with non-ST-elevation chest pain constitute a heterogeneous population. Our aim is to compare the outcome of patients with chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation, and normal troponin, categorized using a risk score, with that of patients with ST depression or troponin increase. A total of 1,449 patients with non-ST-elevation chest pain were evaluated. A validated risk score (using pain characteristics and risk factors) was applied to patients without ST depression or troponin increase. Accordingly, 4 risk categories were defined: group 1, no troponin increase, no ST depression, and risk score <3 points (n = 633); group 2, no troponin increase, no ST depression, but risk score > or = 3 points (n = 158); group 3, no troponin increase, ST depression (n = 106); and group 4, troponin increase (n = 552). Median follow-up was 26 months, and the end point was death or myocardial infarction. Group 1 experienced fewer events at 30 days (1.7%, p = 0.0001) and long-term follow-up (9.4%, p = 0.0001) than groups 2 (10.8% and 26%), 3 (6.6% and 30%), and 4 (9.5% and 25%). Kaplan-Meier curves overlapped among groups 2, 3, and 4, whereas group 1 showed a flatter curve (p = 0.0001). Using multivariate analysis, risk group (group 1 vs remaining groups) predicted 30-day (p = 0.0003) and long-term (p = 0.0001) outcome. There were no differences among groups 2, 3, and 4. In conclusion, application of a risk score to patients without troponin increase or ST deviation identified a high-risk group with prognosis similar to that of patients with troponin increase or ST depression and affords a practical classification for the full spectrum of non-ST-elevation chest pain.

Prognostic differences between routine invasive and conservative strategies for the management of high-risk, non-ST segment acute coronary syndromes: Experience from two consecutive periods in a single center.

BACKGROUND: The optimal revascularization strategy for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) remains controversial, especially in a real world context. The objective of this work was to assess differences at 1 year in all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of mortality or acute myocardial infarction (MI) between two management strategies for NSTE-ACS: a conservative strategy (CS) versus a routine invasive strategy (RIS). METHODS: Of 799 consecutive patients admitted to our institution, 369 were treated with CS (from January 2001 to October 2002); 430 patients admitted with the same diagnosis were treated with RIS (from November 2002 to November 2004). A propensity score (PS) matched sample was created and included 694 patients (87% of the original population). The event rate was compared between each paired member of the PS-matched sample, one receiving RIS and the other CS, and their differences were tested by Cox proportional analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between the two management cohorts. By design, the rate of in-hospital catheterization and revascularization procedures increased in RIS compared with CS. The mortality rate was lower, but not significant, in RIS (HR: 0.76, 95% CI=0.51-1.11; p=0.155). For the composite of death or MI, RIS showed a relative risk reduction of 29% (HR: 0.71, 95% CI=0.53-0.94); p=0.018) compared with CS, differences that become non-significant (p=0.680) if we adjust for differences in rate of revascularization procedures and changes in medication prescription. CONCLUSIONS: RIS was associated with a 1-year lower risk of the combined endpoint of all-cause death and MI in patients with NSTE-ACS, attributable to changes in frequency of revascularization procedures and in medical treatment.

New risk score for patients with acute chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation, and normal troponin concentrations: a comparison with the TIMI risk score.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to develop a risk score for patients with chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation electrocardiogram (ECG), and normal troponin levels. BACKGROUND: Prognosis assessment in this population remains a challenge. METHODS: A total of 646 consecutive patients were evaluated by clinical history (risk factors and chest pain score according to pain characteristics), ECG, and early exercise testing. ST-segment deviation and troponin elevation were exclusion criteria. The primary end point was mortality or myocardial infarction at one year. The secondary end point was mortality, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization at 14 days (similar to the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] risk score). RESULTS: Primary and secondary end point rates were 6.7% and 5.4%. A risk score was constructed using the variables related to the primary end point: chest pain score > or =10 points (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5; 1 point), > or =2 pain episodes in last 24 h (HR = 2.2; 1 point), age > or =67 years (HR = 2.3; 1 point), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (HR = 4.2; 2 points), and prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (HR = 2.2; 1 point). Patients were classified into five categories of risk (p = 0.0001): 0 points, 0% event rate; 1 point, 3.1%; 2 points, 5.4%; 3 points, 17.6%; > or =4 points, 29.6%. The accuracy of the score was greater than that of the TIMI risk score for the primary (C index of 0.78 vs. 0.66, p = 0.0002) and secondary (C index of 0.70 vs. 0.66, p = 0.1) end points. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with chest pain despite no ST-segment deviation or troponin elevation show a non-negligible rate of events at one year. A risk score derived from this specific population allows more accurate stratification than when using the TIMI risk score.

Usefulness of early exercise testing and clinical risk score for prognostic evaluation in chest pain units without preexisting evidence of myocardial ischemia.

We investigated whether the result of early exercise testing yields prognostic information in addition to that afforded by a clinical risk score in patients who present with chest pain in the emergency department. The study group consisted of 340 patients without preexisting evidence of myocardial ischemia. A clinical risk score was calculated. Primary (mortality or myocardial infarction) and secondary (mortality, myocardial infarction, or rehospitalization due to unstable angina) end points at 1 year were defined. Patients with a positive exercise test result underwent invasive management. Frequencies of primary (7.4% vs 2.1%, p = 0.06) and secondary (9.3% vs 2.8%, p = 0.04) end points and risk score (1.6 +/- 1.0 vs 1.0 +/- 0.9 points, p = 0.0001) were higher in patients with a positive exercise test result. However, in multivariate analysis, clinical risk score was the only independent predictor for the primary (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.2, p = 0.004) and secondary (hazard ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 2.9, p = 0.003) end points. In conclusion, if a policy of invasive management is implemented for patients with positive exercise test results, the clinical risk score constitutes the main prognostic predictor of 1-year outcome.

Prognostic usefulness of white blood cell count on admission and one-year outcome in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute chest pain.

Little is known about the prognostic value of leukocyte count on admission for patients with chest pain. In total, 1,461 patients who presented to the emergency department with non-ST-segment elevation chest pain were studied by clinical history, electrocardiography, serial troponin I determination, and leukocyte count on admission. End points were 1-year mortality and major events (mortality or infarction). Overall patient distribution by quartiles of leukocyte count showed increased mortality (6%, 7%, 6%, and 17%, p = 0.0001) and major events (13%, 13%, 15%, and 24%, p = 0.0001) in the fourth quartile. After adjustment for other risk factors, the fourth quartile cut-off value (>10,000 cells/ml) predicted mortality (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 2.8, p = 0.0001) but not major events (p = 0.07). When analysis was performed to assess troponin status, in the subgroup with increased troponin (n = 634, 16% mortality), a leukocyte count >10,000 cells/ml was related to mortality (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 3.4, p = 0.0001). However, in the subgroup with normal troponin levels (n = 827, 4.2% mortality), there were no differences in mortality between patients with or without a leukocyte count >10,000 cells/ml (4.4% vs 4.2%, p = 0.8), with survival curves showing a tight overlap (p = 0.9). Further, in the subgroup with normal troponin levels, leukocyte count was not significantly different between patients with or without ST depression (7,969 +/- 2,171 vs 8,108 +/- 2,356 cells/ml, p = 0.6) and was not associated with mortality in patients with ST depression (p = 0.7). In conclusion, leukocyte count on admission is predictive of mortality in patients with chest pain and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. However, in the absence of myocardial necrosis, leukocyte count lacks prognostic value.

Analysis of the extension of Q-waves after infarction with body surface map: relationship with infarct size.

AIMS: We aimed to characterize the extension of Q-waves after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction using body surface map (BSM) and its relationship with infarct size quantified with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were studied 6 months after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (23 anterior, 12 inferior). All cases had single-vessel disease and an open artery. The extension of Q-waves was analyzed by means of a 64-lead BSM. Infarct size was quantified with CMR. Absence of Q-waves in BSM was observed in 5 patients (14%), 2 of whom (40%) had >1 segment with transmural necrosis. Absence of Q-waves in 12-lead ECG was observed in 8 patients (23%), 7 of whom (87%) had >1 segment with transmural necrosis. Patients with inferior infarctions (n=12, 34%) showed a larger number of Q-waves in BSM (18+/-7.1 leads) than patients with anterior infarctions (n=23, 66%; 3.7+/-3.6 leads; p<0.0001). When the study group was analysed as a whole, the total number of Q-waves detected in BSM did not correlate with the number of necrotic segments (r=0.15; p=0.4). In anterior infarctions, a number of Q-waves >median (2 leads) was related to a higher number of necrotic segments (5.1+/-2.4 vs. 2+/-2.2 segments; p=0.004). The same was observed in inferior infarctions (median 20 leads: 3.5+/-1.9 vs. 1.2+/-1.2 segments; p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In a stable phase after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, absence of Q-waves does not mean non-transmural necrosis. Using BSM, extension of Q-waves is much higher in inferior infarctions; a separate analysis depending on infarct location is necessary. A major BSM-derived extension of Q-waves is related to larger infarct size both in anterior and in inferior infarctions.

[Limitations of myocardial blush grade in the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction and TIMI grade 3 flow]. / Limitaciones del blush miocárdico para el análisis de la perfusión miocárdica en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio y flujo TIMI 3.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: An analysis was made of variability in the measurement of the angiographic index blush between a university hospital and an independent core laboratory, as well as its correlation with perfusion analyzed by intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and the ventricular function at the sixth month. METHODS: The study comprised 40 patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, single-vessel disease and open infarct-related artery. Perfusion was quantified by angiography (median fifth day, range 3-7) with blush in our laboratory and in an independent core laboratory. MCE was performed. Ejection fraction at the sixth month was determined with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: We found a weak correlation (r=0.38) between both laboratories. In the comparison of blush measurements concordance was 80%, kappa=0.43 if normality was defined by blush 2-3; and concordance 55%, kappa=0.1 for blush 3. Neither perfusion analyzed by MCE (r= 0.23, P=.2) nor ejection fraction by resonance (r=0.20, P=.3) did correlate to blush. CONCLUSIONS: After infarction in patients with TIMI 3, variability is observed in blush measurements between a university hospital and an independent core laboratory, therefore it seems advisable to centralize blush measures in highly specialized core laboratories. A weak correlation was detected with perfusion analyzed by MCE and with late systolic function.

[Development of software for three-dimensional reconstruction and automatic quantification of intravascular ultrasound images. Initial experience]. / Desarrollo de software para la reconstrucción tridimensional y cuantificación automática de secuencias de ultrasonido intravascular. Experiencia inicial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Quantification of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images is essential in ischemic heart disease and interventional cardiology. Manual analysis is very slow and expensive. We describe an automated computerized method of analysis that requires only minimal initial input from a specialist. METHODS: This study was carried out by interventional cardiologists and biomedical engineers working in close collaboration. We developed software in which it was necessary only to identify the media-adventitia boundary in a few images taken from the whole sequence. A three-dimensional reconstruction was then generated from each sequence, from which measurements of areas and volumes could be derived automatically. In total, 2300 randomly selected images from video sequences of 11 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Results obtained using the proposed method differed only minimally from those obtained with the manual method: for vessel area measurements, the variability was 0.08 (0.07) (mean absolute error [standard deviation] normalized to the actual value; this corresponds to an error of 0.08 mm(2) per mm(2) of vessel area); for lumen area, 0.11 (0.11) (normalized), and for plaque volume, 0.5 (0.3) (normalized). Regions with severe lesions (<4 mm(2)) were correctly identified in more than 90% of cases. Specialist time needed for each reconstruction was 10 (8) minutes (vs 60 [10] minutes for manual analysis; P< .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The computerized method used dramatically reduced the time and effort needed for IVUS sequence analysis, and the automated measurements obtained were very promising.