Expansion in calcific lesions and overall clinical outcomes following bioresorbable scaffold implantation optimized with intravascular ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes following bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) optimized with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and furthermore expansion of BRS in calcific lesions. BACKGROUND: Although IVUS use has contributed to improved clinical outcomes with metallic stent implantation, it is unclear if this is also true with regards to BRS, especially in calcified lesions. METHODS: Between May 2012 and April 2015, 291 lesions in 198 patients were treated with BRS with IVUS use. We evaluated overall clinical outcomes at 1-year and investigated the expansion and eccentricity index of BRS amongst quadrants categorized by calcium arc (CA) every 90-degrees. RESULTS: The rates of major adverse cardiac events were 5.4% (at 6 months) and 10.7% (at 12 months). TLR was observed in 3.1% at 6-month and 7.5% at 12-month follow up. Although there was a significant difference among quadrants regarding to eccentricity of calcium (0°â‰¦CA < 90°: 0.82 ± 0.09, 90°â‰¦CA < 180°: 0.75 ± 0.12, 180°â‰¦CA < 270°: 0.78 ± 0.11, and 270°â‰¦CA≦360°: 0.79 ± 0.09, ANOVA P = 0.002), the BRS expansion index [minimal scaffold area (MSA) divided by BRS area expanded at a nominal pressure] was comparable between quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IVUS to optimize BRS implantation results in favorable clinical outcomes even for complex lesions. Although eccentric calcium distribution resulted in asymmetric expansion of BRS, the final MSA was comparable irrespective of calcium distribution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Clinical Characteristics of Craniocervical Junction Arteriovenous Fistulas].

OBJECTIVE: Craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistulas(CCJ-AVFs)are extremely rare lesions that may result in both subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)and myelopathy. Diagnosis of CCJ-AVF is difficult and may be delayed due to variable clinical features and a spectrum of neuroradiological findings. To elucidate the clinical characteristics of CCJ-AVF, we analyzed the clinical symptoms, neuroimaging findings, and the results of surgical treatment in five patients. RESULTS: Among the five patients, four were diagnosed with dural AVFs, and the remaining patient was diagnosed with radicular AVF. Two of the five patients presented with SAH, and the rest presented with myelopathy. In both the SAH patients, the initial digital subtraction angiography(DSA)failed to reveal the AVFs, and a definitive diagnosis was made only after repeated DSAs. In two of the three myelopathy patients, the diagnosis was delayed because of nonspecific chronic neurological symptoms which resembled a thoracolumbar lesion. Four patients underwent shunt occlusion through direct surgery and demonstrated favorable outcomes. One myelopathy patient, however, demonstrated abrupt onset, associated with progressive neurological deterioration, which resulted in poor prognosis. The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)findings, which included intramedullary high intensity on a T2 weighted image, flow void, and varix at the cervical cord, were specific for the myelopathy patients. CONCLUSION: A thorough 4-vessel DSA study, including the cervical region, is mandatory for SAH patients whose clots are predominantly in the posterior fossa, and repeated DSA must be considered in cases of unknown origin. CCJ-AVF may cause myelopathy, with symptoms such as urinary dysfunction and/or paraparesis. Screening with a cervical MRI is useful for detecting CCJ-AVF in cases of myelopathy. Emergency radical treatment must be attempted for those patients demonstrating abrupt onset associated with symptoms of progressive deterioration, such as respiratory dysfunction or bulbar palsy.

[Hemorrhagic Onset of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis:A Case Report and Review of Literature].

We report on a case of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma(SEGA)in a patient with tuberous sclerosis(TSC)that presented with intratumoral hemorrhage and acute hydrocephalus. Initial treatment was external ventricular drainage to control the intracranial pressure;however, the tumor increased in size due to recurrent hemorrhage. Subsequently, the tumor was successfully removed via the transcortical-transventricular approach without neurological deterioration. Although intratumoral hemorrhage is extremely rare in patients with SEGA, subsequent acute hydrocephalus resulting from obstruction of the foramen of Monro will be fatal if prompt surgical treatment is not available. Careful and periodical radiographic examination of the central nervous system will be mandatory in patients with TSC, especially in those who have subependymal nodules(SEN)or SEGA around the foramen of Monro. Radical surgical removal should be considered before they become symptomatic.

Increased cystatin C levels as a risk factor of cardiovascular events in patients with preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate after elective percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular events. Cystatin C (CysC) has been proposed as a sensitive marker for CKD. However, the predictive value of CysC for cardiovascular events in CAD patients with preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is unclear. We enrolled 277 consecutive patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES). Patients with an eGFR ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were excluded. Serum CysC levels were measured immediately before SES implantation. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were defined as cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and hospitalization because of congestive heart failure. After a median follow-up of 63 months, 29 patients had MACCE. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on median serum CysC levels and eGFR (0.637 mg/L and 72.43 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the high CysC group had a significantly higher occurrence of MACCE than the low CysC group (p = 0.006), although a low level of eGFR was not significantly associated with an increased risk for occurrence of MACCE. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum CysC levels were an independent predictor of MACCE [hazards ratio: 1.30 per 0.1 mg/L (1.01-1.63), p = 0.038]. These data suggested that serum CysC level is an independent predictor of MACCE, even in patients with preserved eGFR after elective SES implantation.

Comparison of vascular closure devices for access site closure after transfemoral aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: The majority of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures are currently performed by percutaneous transfemoral approach. The potential contribution of the type of vascular closure device to the incidence of vascular complications is not clear. AIM: To compare the efficacy of a Prostar XL- vs. Perclose ProGlide-based vascular closure strategy. METHODS: The ClOsure device iN TRansfemoral aOrtic vaLve implantation (CONTROL) multi-center study included 3138 consecutive percutaneous transfemoral TAVI patients, categorized according to vascular closure strategy: Prostar XL- (Prostar group) vs. Perclose ProGlide-based vascular closure strategy (ProGlide group). Propensity-score matching was used to assemble a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Propensity matching identified 944 well-matched patients (472 patient pairs). Composite primary end point of major vascular complications or in-hospital mortality occurred more frequently in Prostar group when compared with ProGlide group (9.5 vs. 5.1%, P = 0.016), and was driven by higher rates of major vascular complication (7.4 vs. 1.9%, P < 0.001) in the Prostar group. However, in-hospital mortality was similar between groups (4.9 vs. 3.5%, P = 0.2). Femoral artery stenosis occurred less frequently in the Prostar group (3.4 vs. 0.5%, P = 0.004), but overall, Prostar use was associated with higher rates of major bleeding (16.7 vs. 3.2%, P < 0.001), acute kidney injury (17.6 vs. 4.4%, P < 0.001) and with longer hospital stay (median 6 vs. 5 days, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Prostar XL-based vascular closure in transfemoral TAVI procedures is associated with higher major vascular complication rates when compared with ProGlide; however, in-hospital mortality is similar with both devices.

Comparison of Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes After Bare Metal Stents and Drug-Eluting Stents Following Rotational Atherectomy.

Few studies have investigated the clinical outcomes of rotational atherectomy (RA) prior to and during the drugeluting stent (DES) era. The goal of this study was to assess the long-term outcome after RA followed by DES and bare metal stent (BMS) implantation in complex calcified coronary lesions and to compare the outcomes among various DESs.This was a single center retrospective observational study. Consecutive 406 patients who underwent elective RA followed by BMS or DES implantation at our institution from 2001 to 2011 were included. This study compared the long-term outcomes after treatment with RA among BMS and 3 different DESs (sirolimus-eluting stent, paclitaxel-eluting stent, and everolimus-eluting stent) implantation.The mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. Patients with DES were older and exhibited more vessel disease, longer lesion length, and smaller vessel size. Patients with BMS had a significantly higher rate of target lesion revascularization, restenosis, and larger late lumen loss than those with DES. Composite events including mortality, ACS, and target vessel revascularization were significantly higher in the BMS-RA group than in the DES-RA group. After adjustment, BMS remained an independent predictor of MACE and ACS plus death in patients treated with RA. However, there were no significant differences in late lumen loss, restenosis rate, and MACE among the 3 DES.The combination of DES-RA has a favorable effect in both the angiographic and clinical outcomes compared with BMS-RA. However, no significant differences in late loss and events rates were observed among the 3 DES groups.

Provisional hybrid 2-stent Strategy utilizing bioresorbable vascular scaffold and drug-eluting metal stent: "T-stenting and small protrusion" technique.

We present a case of side-branch restenosis after T-stenting and small protrusion (TAP) technique using a bioresorbable vascular scaffold and a drug-eluting metallic stent. According to intravascular ultrasound imaging findings, the simultaneous balloon deflation after kissing balloon post-dilatation was the likely cause of restenosis. In cases where bifurcation treatment requires the TAP technique, operators should pay particular attention to perform kissing balloon inflation with sequential deflation (main branch first, side branch last).

Comparison of 2-year outcomes between zotarolimus-eluting and everolimus-eluting new-generation cobalt-chromium alloy stents in real-world diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: To date, it remains unknown whether different types of new-generation drug-eluting stents have a differential impact on long-term outcomes in diabetic patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this historical cohort study (two Italian centers), we analyzed 400 diabetic patients with 553 coronary lesions treated with new-generation CoCr zotarolimus-eluting stents (R-ZES: 136 patients, 196 lesions) or everolimus-eluting stents (EES: 264 patients, 357 lesions) between October 2006 and August 2012. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) over a 2-year follow-up period. MACE was defined as all-cause mortality, any myocardial infarction (MI) and/or target lesion revascularization (TLR). Multivessel revascularization, intervention for restenotic lesion and use of intravascular ultrasound were significantly higher in the R-ZES group, whereas small stent (≤2.5 mm) deployment was significantly higher in the EES group. At 2-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in occurrence of MACE (R-ZES vs EES: 22.8% vs 18.9%, P = 0.39). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality/MI (10.0% vs 10.3%, P = 0.86) or TLR (12.4% vs 7.4%, P = 0.11). Adjustment for confounders and baseline propensity-score matching did not alter the aforementioned associations. CONCLUSION: After 2 years of follow up similar outcomes (MACE, all-cause mortality/MI, TLR) were observed in real-world diabetic patients, including those with complex lesions and patient characteristics, treated with R-ZES and EES.

Comparison of early clinical outcomes between ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold and everolimus-eluting stent implantation in a real-world population.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the early clinical outcomes between ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) and cobalt chromium everolimus-eluting stents in real-world patients with mostly complex disease. BACKGROUND: BVS represents the most interesting development in the drug-eluting stent field over recent years with promising results emerging from clinical trials. Available data however on the use of the ABSORB in real-world patients is limited. METHODS: All patients (n = 92) treated with BVS and 1296 patients treated with EES were included in this study. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in baseline clinical characteristics, yielding 92 patient pairs (BVS = 92 patients with 137 lesions and EES = 92 patients with 124 lesions). Clinical outcomes were examined between the 2 groups at 6-months. RESULTS: In both groups, most lesions were classified as either B2 or C (83.9% vs. 77.4%, P = 0.19). Predilatation (97.8% vs. 75.8%, P < 0.01) as well as postdilation (99.3% vs. 77.4%, P < 0.01) was more common in the BVS group. Clinical outcomes at 6-months were similar between the two groups with respect to both target lesion revascularization (3.3% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.41) and major adverse cardiac events (defined as the composite of target vessel revascularization, follow-up myocardial infraction and all-cause death) (3.3% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: ABSORB BVS for the treatment of complex lesions appears to be associated with good procedural and early clinical outcomes similar to those observed with conventional drug-eluting stents. Larger studies with long-term follow-up are required in order to fully assess the role of BVS in the treatment of such lesions and how this compares with that of conventional stents. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical outcomes following bioresorbable scaffold implantation for bifurcation lesions: Overall outcomes and comparison between provisional and planned double stenting strategy.

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes of patients treated with a provisional stenting (PS) versus a double stenting (DS) strategy for coronary bifurcation lesions with bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS). There are limited data available with regards to outcomes following BRS implantation for bifurcation lesions. A total of 132 bifurcation lesions treated with BRS between 2012 and 2014 were analyzed. Of the total of 132 bifurcation lesions, 10 lesions were treated without crossover stenting. 99 lesions (81%) were treated with a PS strategy and 23 lesions (19%) with a DS strategy. The DS group consisted of patients with a greater number of true bifurcation lesions (PS 52.0% vs. DS 91.3%: P < 0.001). In the PS group, seven lesions (7.1%) were crossed-over to T-stenting. In the DS group, 13 lesions (57%) were treated with BRS to the side branch (SB). A hybrid stenting technique [BRS to the main branch, and metallic drug-eluting stent (DES) to the SB] was utilized in 10 (43%) lesions. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were 5.5% for PS and 11.2% for DS (P = 0.49) at 1-year follow-up. Definite scaffold thrombosis did not occur at the site of any bifurcation lesion. These findings suggest that BRS implantation for bifurcation lesions is technically feasible. The rates of TLR tended to be higher in the DS group compared to when a PS strategy was employed. Larger studies are eagerly awaited to determine longer-term follow-up of this treatment strategy.

First generation versus new generation drug-eluting stents for the treatment of ostial/midshaft lesions in unprotected left main coronary artery: the Milan and New-Tokyo (MITO) registry.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes following unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of ostial/midshaft lesions between first and new generation drug-eluting stents (DES). BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes after treatment of ostial/midshaft lesions in ULMCA with first generation DES were favorable. However, to date, data regarding treatment for those lesion subsets with new generation DES have not been reported. METHODS: A total of 219 patients with ostial/midshaft lesions in ULMCA treated with first (n = 139) or new generation DES (n = 80) were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a higher prevalence of IVUS use (35.2% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.032) and postdilation (70.5% vs. 93.8%, P < 0.001) with larger maximum balloon diameter (3.81 ± 0.45 vs. 4.08 ± 0.44, P < 0.001) in the new generation DES group. At a median follow-up period of 730 days, there were no significant differences in the propensity-score adjusted analyses, for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as composite endpoint of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization (hazard ratio (HR) [new vs. first generation DES]: 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64-2.31; P = 0.549). Of note, target lesion revascularization rates at 2-years were only 0.9% and 2.7%, for first and new generation DES groups, respectively (P = 0.339). On multivariable analysis, SYNTAX score (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.11, P = 0.006) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00-1.31, P = 0.051) were independent predictors for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that new generation DES for ostial/midshaft lesions in ULMCA are associated with favorable clinical outcomes, similar to those observed with first generation DES.

Effects of Phase II Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation on Coronary Plaque Volume After Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The present study aimed to determine the effects of phase II (PII) comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on coronary plaque volume in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).We assigned 46 patients with ACS who had undergone standard phase I CR into groups who proceeded with PII-CR (PII-CR; n = 21) and those who did not (non-PII-CR; n = 25). We then measured anthropometric parameters and daily physical activity using a pedometer for up to 60 days. The isokinetic strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles and exercise tolerance were tested and non-culprit lesions were analyzed using volumetric intravascular ultrasound at baseline and 6 months later.Baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups and exercise tolerance was significantly improved in both. Waist size and fat weight were significantly decreased, and muscle strength was significantly increased in the PII-CR group but not in the non-PII-CR group. The percent change in plaque volume (primary endpoint) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The percent change in plaque volume was significantly and negatively correlated with daily physical activity.Although risk factors, muscle strength, and exercise tolerance were improved by PII-CR, plaque regression did not differ significantly between the two study groups. A significant correlation between percent change in coronary plaque volume and physical activity was observed. A comprehensive phase II-CR, including frequent supervised exercise sessions and a program encouraging an increase in daily physical activity, may reduce plaque volume in patients after ACS (UMIN000006038).

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a residual risk factor associated with long-term clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease who achieve optimal control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Diabetes mellitus is recognized an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and mortality. Clinical trials have shown that statins significantly reduce cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. However, residual cardiovascular risk persists despite the achievement of target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with statin. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an established coronary risk factor that is independent of LDL-C levels. We evaluated the impact of HDL-C on long-term mortality in diabetic patients with stable CAD who achieved optimal LDL-C. We enrolled 438 consecutive diabetic patients who were scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention between 2004 and 2007 at our institution. We identified 165 patients who achieved target LDL-C <100 mg/dl. Patients were stratified into two groups according to HDL-C levels (low HDL-C group, baseline HDL-C <40 mg/dl; high HDL-C group, ≥40 mg/dl). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) that included all-cause death, acute coronary syndrome, and target lesion revascularization were evaluated between the two groups. The median follow-up period was 946 days. The rate of MACE was significantly higher in diabetic patients with low-HDL-C who achieved optimal LDL-C (6.9 vs 17.9 %, log-rank P = 0.030). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HDL-C is significantly associated with clinical outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio for MACE 1.33, 95 % confidence interval 1.01-1.75, P = 0.042). Low HDL-C is a residual risk factor that is significantly associated with long-term clinical outcomes among diabetic patients with stable CAD who achieve optimal LDL-C levels.

Relationship Between the Frequency and Duration of Physical Therapy and Hospitalization-associated Disability Among Geriatric Patients with Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the frequency and duration of physical therapy (PT) and the development of hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) in hospitalized geriatric patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included hospitalized patients with HF aged 65 years or older who had received PT. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, medications, rehabilitation, and activities of daily living (ADLs) status were collected from electronic medical records. Based on the average frequency and duration of PT, patients were divided into three groups: Group 1, ≥3 days/week and ≥120 minutes/week; Group 2, ≥3 days/week and <120 minutes/week; and Group 3, <3 days/week and <120 minutes/week. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between the average frequency and duration of weekly PT and the incidence of HAD. RESULTS: In all, 105 patients (mean age, 84.8 years; proportion of women, 59%) were enrolled in the study, and 43 (41.0%) patients exhibited HAD at discharge. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, Group 2 (odds ratio [OR], 3.66) and Group 3 (OR, 6.71) had a significantly elevated risk of developing HAD using Group 1 as the reference, even after adjusting for age, ADLs before admission, cognitive function, and severity of HF. CONCLUSION: This study showed that a lower frequency and shorter duration of PT are associated with developing HAD in hospitalized geriatric patients with HF. However, further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Prediction of Neurological Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Head Trauma Using the Geriatric Trauma Outcome Score: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Introduction Head trauma in elderly people is a problem in today's aging society. Elderly people are susceptible to head trauma because of their declining physical function; this tends to be severe. Outcome prediction is important in decision-making regarding treatment strategies; however, there is no unified method for predicting neurological outcomes in elderly patients with head trauma. Methods Elderly patients with head trauma admitted to the Japan Red Cross Narita Hospital between January 2019 and August 2023 were enrolled in this single-center, retrospective observational study. A favorable neurological outcome was defined as a cerebral performance category scale of 1 or 2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to investigate the association between geriatric trauma outcome scores and outcomes and to evaluate the predictive value of geriatric trauma outcome scores. The primary outcome was a favorable neurological outcome at discharge, and the secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results A total of 313 elderly patients with head trauma were eligible for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the geriatric trauma outcome score was significantly associated with a favorable neurological outcome at discharge (odds ratio 0.94, P <0.0001). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the geriatric trauma outcome score had a good predictive value for favorable neurological outcomes at discharge (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.83). Conclusions The geriatric trauma outcome score had good predictive value for favorable neurological outcomes at discharge in elderly patients with head trauma and has the potential to aid in decision-making regarding treatment strategies for elderly patients with head trauma.

Transverse diameter of brainstem infarction is a strong predictor of miserable outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for acute basilar artery occlusion.

Although the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) has been established in two randomized controlled studies, many patients have miserable clinical outcomes after MT for ABAO. Predicting severe disability prior to the procedure might be useful in determining the appropriateness of treatment interventions. Among the ABAO cases treated at 10 hospitals between July 2014 and December 2021, 144 were included in the study, all of whom underwent MRI before treatment. A miserable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 5-6 at 3 months. The associations between clinical, imaging, and procedural factors and miserable outcomes were evaluated. A miserable outcome was observed in 54 cases (37.5%). Multivariate analysis identified the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), transverse diameter of brainstem infarction, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage as independent factors associated with miserable outcomes, with cutoff values of NIHSS 22 and transverse diameter of brainstem infarction 15 mm. Cases with a higher preoperative severity may result in miserable postoperative outcomes. Particularly, the transverse diameter of a brainstem infarction can be easily measured and serves as a useful criterion for determining treatment indications.

Impact of red blood cell distribution width on long-term mortality in diabetic patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a novel prognostic marker that reflects oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in patients with cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus increases oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, which accelerate atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between RDW and long-term outcome in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects comprised 560 consecutive diabetic patients (mean age, 66.6 years; male, 80%) with stable CAD who had undergone elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to median RDW at baseline (13.1%): a high RDW group (mean RDW, 14.0%; interquartile range, 13.3-14.2%); and a low RDW group (mean RDW, 12.6%; interquartile range, 12.4-12.9%). All-cause mortality rates were compared between groups. Mean duration of follow up was 3.9 years. Patients with high RDW were more likely to be older, show dyslipidemia and have a lower ejection fraction and decreased hemoglobin level. Twenty-nine patients (5.2%) died during follow up. The cumulative incidence of all-cause death was significantly higher in the high RDW group than in the low RDW group (log-rank P=0.0015). Multivariate analysis identified high RDW as being associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-6.62; P=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Increased RDW was significantly associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality in diabetic patients after PCI.

Contamination of sea surface water offshore the Tokai region and Tokyo Bay in Japan by small microplastics.

A nested double neuston net was prepared and used to collect samples from the surface of coastal waters around Japan to obtain information about the properties of both small microplastics (SMPs; <350 µm) and large microplastics (LMPs; >350 µm). The SMP concentrations ranged from 1000 to 5900 pieces m-3 in the open ocean and averaged approximately 3000 pieces m-3 in the inner part of Tokyo Bay. The SMP concentrations were around 20-60 times greater than the LMP concentrations. By analyzing the seawater, we obtained a microplastic size distribution that spanned 50-5000 µm. The LMPs mainly comprised packaging-related plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene, while the SMPs were dominated by paint-related plastics. SMPs derived from packaging materials (e.g., PE) may have gradually sank down from the sea surface when they were smaller than 600 µm.

Usefulness of Dapagliflozin for Nephrotic Syndrome Secondary to Diabetic Kidney Disease.

An 81-year-old woman with a medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy was admitted with a diagnosis of multiple cerebellar infarctions. Proteinuria and leg edema were observed on the day after admission and diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome. Furosemide and spironolactone were started but showed no diuretic effect, and the renal function deteriorated. These agents were then replaced with dapagliflozin, which resulted in a positive diuretic effect and subsequent improvement of hypoalbuminemia and renal dysfunction. This case report demonstrates the utility of dapagliflozin for nephrotic syndrome to achieve a positive diuretic effect and improve hypoalbuminemia without deteriorating the renal function.

Successful Surgical and Endovascular Multidisciplinary Therapy for Mid-aortic Syndrome with Complicated Atherosclerotic Comorbidities in an Older Patient.

Mid-aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare vascular disorder that causes refractory hypertension. A 76-year-old woman was hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF) with drug-resistant hypertension; other comorbidities included epigastric artery rupture, old myocardial infarction, an intraventricular thrombus, and a cerebral artery aneurysm. Angiography revealed severe narrowing of the descending aorta, which led to the diagnosis of MAS. Although intensive medical treatment improved her HF, optimal blood pressure (BP) could not be achieved. Percutaneous coronary intervention and surgical bypass for diseased aorta was then performed in two stages, resulting in the achievement of optimal BP and alleviation of HF.