Anatomical-functional discordance between quantitative coronary angiography and diastolic pressure ratio during wave-free period.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the predictors of anatomical-functional discordance between quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) derived diameter stenosis (QCA-DS) and diastolic pressure ratio during wave-free period (dPRWFP ). BACKGROUND: The discrepancy between angiographical stenosis and physiological significance is frequently experienced in clinical practice. Although the anatomical-functional discordance between angiography and fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been intensively investigated, that of resting index including dPRWFP remains to be elucidated. METHODS: In a total of 647 angiographically intermediate lesions with QCA-DS between 30 and 70% in 502 patients, predictors of having QCA-DS >50% and dPRWFP > 0.89 (QCA-dPRWFP mismatch), and those of having QCA-DS ≤50% and dPRWFP ≤ 0.89 (QCA-dPRWFP reverse mismatch) were determined. FFR ≤0.80 was defined as positive FFR and the predictors of QCA-FFR discordance were determined as well. RESULTS: QCA-dPRWFP mismatch and reverse mismatch were observed in 27.5 and 17.6% of cases, respectively. The predictors of mismatch were non-left anterior descending artery (LAD) lesion, large minimal lumen diameter, low baseline heart rate, and high coronary flow reserve (CFR), while those of reverse mismatch were LAD lesion, non-culprit lesion of acute coronary syndrome, long lesion length, low left ventricular ejection fraction, and low CFR and index of microcirculatory resistance. Age, sex, and the culprit vessel of prior myocardial infarction were not significant determinants of QCA-dPRWFP discordance unlike QCA-FFR discordance derived from the same cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical-functional discordance between angiography and dPRWFP was not uncommon. Predictors differed between QCA-dPRWFP discordance and QCA-FFR discordance.

Coronary physiological assessment combining fractional flow reserve and index of microcirculatory resistance in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention with grey zone fractional flow reserve.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between fractional flow reserve (FFR) values and change in coronary physiological indices after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: Decision making for revascularization when FFR is 0.75-0.80 is controversial. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 296 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent physiological examinations before and after PCI. To investigate the differences of coronary flow improvement between territories with low-FFR (<0.75) and grey-zone FFR (0.75-0.80), serial changes in physiological indices including mean transit time (Tmn), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: Compared to low-FFR territories, grey-zone FFR territories showed significantly lower prevalence of Tmn shortening, CFR improvement, and decrease in IMR (Tmn shorting, 63.9% vs. 87.0%, P < .001; CFR improvement, 63.0% vs. 75.7%, P = .019; IMR decrease, 51.3% vs. 63.3%, P = .040) and lower extent of their absolute changes (Tmn shorting, 0.06 (-0.03 to 0.16) vs. 0.22 (0.07-0.45), P < .001; CFR improvement, 0.45 (-0.32 to 1.87) vs. 1.08 (0.02-2.44), P < .01; IMR decrease, 0.2 (-44.0 to 31.3) vs. 2.9 (-2.9 to 11.8), P = .022). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-PCI IMR predicted improved coronary flow profile in both groups, whereas pre-PCI FFR predicted increased coronary flow indices in low-FFR territories. CONCLUSIONS: Worsening of physiological indices after PCI was not uncommon in territories showing grey-zone FFR. Physiological assessment combining FFR and IMR may help identify patients who may benefit by PCI, particularly those in the grey zone.

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVST) can occur after first-generation cryoballoon ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, severity, and characteristics of PVST after second-generation cryoballoon ablation. METHODS: In total, 103 patients underwent PV isolation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using second-generation cryoballoons with a single big-balloon 3-minute freeze technique. Cardiac enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed both before and a median of 6.0 (4.0-8.0) months after the procedure in all. PVST was classified as follows: minimal (<25%), mild (25-50%), moderate (50-70%), or severe (>70%). RESULTS: In total, 406 PVs were analyzed. MDCT demonstrated PV stenosis in 10(2.5%) PVs among 8(7.8%) patients. In detail, minimal and mild PVSTs were observed in 6 and 4 PVs, respectively. PVST occurred in the left superior (LSPV), left inferior, and right superior PVs in 6, 1, and 3 PVs, respectively. No stenosis was observed in 15 PVs with active balloon deflations during freezing. All PVSTs had concentric patterns except for 2 PVs with minimal stenosis. Balloon deformities were observed during freezing of 2 PVs with mild stenosis. When the PVST was defined as a >25% decreased diameter, the incidence was 0.98% (4/406; including 3 LSPVs). PVST did not progress further during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of PVST was low, it could occur even if a single big-balloon short freeze technique was applied. The risk of PV stenosis significantly differed among the 4 PVs, and reaching balloon temperatures of -60 °C and active balloon deflations during freezing were not associated with any PV stenosis.

Preprocedural fractional flow reserve and microvascular resistance predict increased hyperaemic coronary flow after elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial focal coronary artery stenosis, diffuse coronary disease, and microvascular resistance (MR) may limit coronary flow. The purpose of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is to increase coronary flow by targeting epicardial lesions. After PCI, MR might change and affect coronary flow. We investigated whether PCI influences MR using the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and if pre-PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR) or MR predicts the post-PCI change in hyperaemic coronary flow. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective study included 245 vessels from 229 patients with stable angina pectoris undergoing elective PCI. FFR and IMR were measured before and after PCI. Post-PCI increase in hyperaemic coronary flow was assessed using the change in thermodilution-derived transit time (pre-PCI Tmn - post-PCI Tmn ). IMR significantly decreased after PCI (median 1.9; interquartile range, -4.9 to 10.1) and was significantly associated with pre-PCI IMR (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). Increased coronary flow was significantly correlated with pre-PCI IMR (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and pre-PCI FFR (r = 0.51, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with decreased post-PCI IMR were pre-PCI IMR (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.19; P < 0.001) and angiographic reference diameter (OR, 2.44; 95% CI; 1.09-5.48; P = 0.03). Factors significantly associated with increased coronary flow post-PCI were pre-PCI IMR (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08-1.23; P < 0.001) and pre-PCI FFR (OR, <0.001; 95% CI, 0.000-0.003; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PCI affected MR. Pre-PCI FFR and MR were independent predictors of post-PCI changes in hyperaemic coronary flow. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association Between Prior Aspirin Use and Morphological Features of Culprit Lesions at First Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndrome Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The effect of prior use of aspirin (ASA) on the onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been clarified. This study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the morphological features of culprit lesions of ACS in patients with prior ASA use.Methods and Results:In total, 442 patients with their first ACS episode undergoing OCT for the culprit lesions were investigated. Clinical characteristics, OCT findings, and adverse events at 30 days were compared between patients with prior ASA use and ASA-naïve patients (non-ASA). 67 patients (15.2%) had received ASA at presentation. The ASA group was older, had higher frequency of dyslipidemia and hypertension, and lower renal function than the non-ASA group. Non-ST-elevation ACS was more prevalent in the ASA than in the non-ASA group (79.1 vs. 53.6%, P<0.001). Propensity score matching yielded 49 patients in both groups. OCT revealed less frequent thrombi in the ASA than in the non-ASA group in both the entire (37.3 vs. 75.2%, P<0.001) and score-matched cohorts (38.8 vs. 75.5%, P<0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed in plaque characteristics. Rate of adverse events did not differ between the ASA and the non-ASA groups in the matched cohort. CONCLUSIONS: With a first ACS presentation, patients with prior ASA use were more likely to present with non-ST-elevation ACS with less frequent intraluminal thrombi, but no significant difference in underlying plaque characteristics or clinical course.

Prevalence of Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma in Relation to the Severity of Anatomical and Physiological Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the features of morphologically unstable plaque and physiological lesion severity remains elusive. We aimed to investigate this relationship using optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived high-risk plaque characteristics and fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the degree of anatomical and physiological stenosis severity.Methods and Results:We investigated 286 de novo intermediate and severe coronary lesions in 248 patients who underwent OCT and FFR examinations. Lesions were divided into tertiles based on either FFR or quantitative coronary angiographic diameter stenosis (QCA-%DS). The OCT findings were compared among the tertiles of FFR and QCA-%DS. FFR and QCA tertiles were defined as follows: FFR-T1 (FFR <0.74), FFR-T2 (0.74≤FFR≤0.81), and FFR-T3 (FFR >0.81); and QCA-T1 (%DS ≥61%), QCA-T2 (51%≤%DS<61%), and QCA-T3 (%DS <51%). The prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was significantly greater in FFR-T1 (20.0%) than in FFR-T2 and FFR-T3 (7.0%, P=0.03 and 7.7%, P=0.04, respectively), although no significant differences were observed among the QCA tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological severity of coronary stenosis evaluated by FFR correlated with plaque instability in terms of TCFA. Preferable clinical outcomes for lesions with negative FFR based on the existing clinical evidence might be attributable to less likelihood of TCFA.

Efficacy of Multidetector Computed Tomography to Predict Periprocedural Myocardial Injury After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion.

Specific signatures of culprit lesions detected on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) were identified as predictors of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable angina; PMI has been shown to be associated with a worse prognosis. We investigated the association between preprocedural culprit lesion characteristics, assessed by MDCT, and PMI after PCI for chronic total occlusion (CTO). From three medical centers, 81 patients who underwent pre-PCI MDCT and CTO PCI, and systematic cardiac troponin (cTn) sampling before and after PCI, were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of post-PCI cTn elevation. Patient characteristics, MDCT findings, and procedural variables were compared between the two groups. Procedure success was observed in 65 patients (80.2%) and was not associated with PMI. The incidence of PMI was higher in patients treated with the retrograde versus the antegrade approach. On MDCT, lesion length and the presence of the napkin-ring sign were significantly associated with PMI. Multivariate analysis revealed that the lesion length (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.08; P < 0.05), napkin-ring sign (OR: 5.41; 95% CI: 1.01-29.0; P < 0.05), and retrograde approach (OR: 4.78; 95% CI: 1.28-15.4; P < 0.05) were significant predictors of PMI. PMI is not uncommon in patients undergoing elective CTO PCI, regardless of procedure success or failure. Pre-PCI MDCT may help identify patients at high risk for PMI after CTO PCI.

The influence of elective percutaneous coronary intervention on microvascular resistance: a serial assessment using the index of microcirculatory resistance.

This study investigates whether hyperemic microvascular resistance (MR) is influenced by elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by using the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). Seventy-one consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris undergoing elective PCI were prospectively studied. The IMR was measured before and after PCI and at the 10-mo follow-up. The IMR significantly decreased until follow-up; the pre-PCI, post-PCI, and follow-up IMRs had a median of 19.8 (interquartile range, 14.6-28.9), 16.2 (11.8-22.1), and 14.8 (11.8-18.7), respectively (P < 0.001). The pre-PCI IMR was significantly correlated with the change in IMR between pre- and post-PCI (r = 0.84, P < 0.001) and between pre-PCI and follow-up (r = 0.93, P < 0.001). Pre-PCI IMR values were significantly higher in territories with decreases in IMR than in those with increases in IMR [pre-PCI IMR: 25.4 (18.4-35.5) vs. 12.5 (9.4-16.8), P < 0.001]. At follow-up, IMR values in territories showing decreases in IMR were significantly lower than those with increases in IMR [IMR at follow-up: 13.9 (10.9-17.6) vs. 16.6 (14.0-21.4), P = 0.013]. The IMR decrease was significantly associated with a greater shortening of mean transit time, indicating increases in coronary flow (P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off values of pre-PCI IMR to predict a decrease in IMR after PCI and at follow-up were 16.8 and 17.0, respectively. In conclusion, elective PCI affected hyperemic MR and its change was associated with pre-PCI MR, resulting in showing a wide distribution. Overall hyperemic MR significantly decreased until follow-up. The modified hyperemic MR introduced by PCI may affect post-PCI coronary flow.

Erratum to: "Efficacy of 265-nm ultraviolet light in inactivating infectious SARS-CoV-2" [Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jpap.2021.100050.].

The impact of lesion complexity on predicting mortality of coronary artery disease patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most frequent cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Nevertheless, there have been limited studies focusing on the impact of lesion complexity on resuscitated CAD patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between coronary lesion complexity and the mortality of CAD patients after OHCA. METHODS: From pooled database of two centers, which comprised 706 successfully resuscitated OHCA patients, 172 patients undergoing coronary angiography were retrospectively investigated. A total of 148 patients exhibited coronary stenosis on angiogram and were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics, pre-and post-hospital care, general status after resuscitation and angiographical findings were compared between the patients who deceased within 30 days and those who survived and the predictors of 30-day mortality were determined. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients (63.5%) survived at 30 days. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (Odds ratio (OR) 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14-0.96; P = 0.041), revascularization of coronary stenosis (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.19-0.86; P < 0.001), GRACE risk score (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.05; P < 0.001) and SYNTAX score (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.13; P = 0.025) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. As multiple predictors such as bystander CPR, GRACE score and SYNTAX score were combined, the 30-day mortality gradually deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to bystander CPR, GRACE score and revascularization, SYNTAX score independently predicted 30-day mortality of CAD patients after OHCA.

Predictors of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-Detected Lipid-Rich Plaques by Optical Coherence Tomography-Defined Morphological Features in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides the localization of lipid-rich components in coronary plaques. However, morphological features in NIRS-detected lipid-rich plaques (LRP) are unclear. Methods: A total of 140 de novo culprit lesions in 140 patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent NIRS and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations for the culprit lesions at the time of percutaneous coronary interventions were investigated. We defined a NIRS-LRP as a lesion with a maximum lipid core burden index of 4 mm [LCBI4mm] > 500 in the culprit plaque. Clinical demographics, angiographic, and OCT findings were compared between the patients with NIRS-LRP (n = 54) vs. those without NIRS-LRP (n = 86). Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the independent OCT morphological predictors for NIRS-LRP. Results: Clinical demographics showed no significant differences between the two groups. The angiographic minimum lumen diameter was smaller in the NIRS-LRP group than in the non- NIRS-LRP group. In OCT analysis, the minimum flow area was smaller; lipid angle, lipid length, the prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma, and cholesterol crystals were greater in the NIRS-LRP group than in the non-NIRS-LRP group. Plaque rupture and thrombi were more frequent in the NIRS-LRP group, albeit not significant. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, presence of thin-cap fibroatheroma [odds ratio (OR): 2.56; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.84; p = 0.03] and cholesterol crystals (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.20 to 6.99; p = 0.02) were independently predictive of NIRS-LRP. Conclusions: In ACS culprit lesions, OCT-detected thin-cap fibroatheroma and cholesterol crystals rather than plaque rupture and thrombi were closely associated with a great lipid-core burden.

Efficacy of 265-nm ultraviolet light in inactivating infectious SARS-CoV-2.

Although, Low-pressure (LP) mercury lamps that emit wavelengths of around 254 nm have been widely applied as ultraviolet (UV) light devices for decontamination of microorganisms, they have raised environmental concerns due to their mercury content. Therefore, UV-LED lamps have high potential for practical use as a replacement for LP mercury lamps. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of 265-nm UV irradiation in comparison to 254-nm and 280-nm UV irradiation for inactivating infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Irradiation from a 265-nm deep UV light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) lamp efficiently inactivated SARS-CoV-2 at a similar level as a 254-nm UV cold cathode lamp, and at a higher level than a 280-nm DUV-LED lamp.

Coronary spasm and optical coherence tomography defined plaque erosion causing ST-segment-elevation acute myocardial infarction in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia.

An 84-year-old man with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia developed ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and was brought to the catheterization laboratory. His angiogram showed a haziness in distal right coronary artery, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) exhibited vascular spasm and OCT-defined plaque erosion, which were thought to be the causes of non-obstructive myocardial infarction. .

FFR=1.0 flow changes after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the relationships between physiological indices and increased coronary flow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a novel index of "anticipated maximum flow" [AMF; theoretical coronary flow of fractional flow reserve (FFR) = 1]. FFR-guided PCI aims to increase coronary flow, whereas recent studies have reported that PCI does not necessarily increase coronary flow despite improvement in FFR. METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed in 71 functionally significant lesions treated with elective PCI. AMF obtained by hyperemic average peak coronary flow velocity (h-APV) divided by FFR would not change after PCI given the constant microvascular resistance, which is the assumption of FFR as a surrogate of coronary flow. We evaluated the relationship between AMF and coronary flow during PCI. RESULTS: Post-PCI AMF was significantly different from pre-PCI AMF (p = 0.022), which impacted discordance between FFR improvement and change in coronary flow. Coronary flow increase >50% was associated with smaller minimum lumen diameter (p = 0.010), greater diameter stenosis (p = 0.003), lower pre-PCI FFR (p < 0.001), lower pre-PCI coronary flow reserve (p = 0.001), higher pre-PCI hyperemic stenosis resistance (p < 0.001), lower pre-PCI h-APV (p = 0.001), and lower pre-PCI AMF (p = 0.031). Pre-PCI AMF provided significant incremental predictive capability for coronary flow increase >50% when added to the clinical model including pre-PCI FFR. CONCLUSION: Pre-PCI AMF provided incremental ability to predict increased coronary flow after PCI and impacted the discordance between FFR improvement and increased coronary flow.

Impact of Sex Difference on the Discordance of Revascularization Decision Making Between Fractional Flow Reserve and Diastolic Pressure Ratio During the Wave-Free Period.

Background Sex difference in fractional flow reserve (FFR) and resting index has not been fully clarified. We sought to investigate the impact of sex on the discordance of revascularization decision making between FFR and diastolic pressure ratio during the diastolic wave-free period (dPRWFP). Methods and Results A total of 759 angiographically intermediate lesions with 30% to 80% diameter stenosis by quantitative coronary angiography in 577 patients in whom FFR and dPRWFP were measured were investigated. dPRWFP was measured during the wave-free window of 5 heart cycles at an independent core laboratory. FFR ≤0.80 and dPRWFP ≤0.89 were considered positive studies. A total of 164 vessels in 126 women (21.6%) and 595 vessels in 451 men (78.4%) were included. In lesions with negative dPRWFP, positive FFR was less frequently observed in women (13 of 73; 17.8%) than in men (97 of 286; 33.9%) (P=0.009). In lesions with positive dPRWFP, the frequency of negative FFR was observed in 22 of 91 vessels (24.2%) in women and 51 of 309 vessels (16.5%) in men, which did not reach statistical significance (P=0.098). In multivariable analyses, female sex was independently associated with FFR-dPRWFP discordance both in negative dPRWFP cohort (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.98; P=0.036) and in positive dPRWFP cohort (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.17-4.96; P=0.017) after adjustment for age, weight, quantitative coronary angiography data, and baseline physiological indexes. Conclusions The frequency of FFR-dPRWFP discordance was significantly associated with sex, which may indicate potential shift of optimal threshold of either FFR or dPRWFP, or both of them, according to sex.

The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score predicts mortality and neurological outcome in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and subsequent post-cardiac arrest syndrome are often compromised by multi-organ failure. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score has been used to predict clinical outcome of patients requiring intensive care for multi-organ failure. Thus, the assessment of SOFA score is recommended as a criterion for sepsis. Although post-cardiac arrest patients frequently develop sepsis-like status in ICU, there are limited reports evaluating the SOFA score in post-cardiac arrest patients. We investigated the predictive value of the SOFA score in survival and neurological outcomes in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. METHODS: A total of 231 cardiovascular arrest patients achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were finally extracted from the institutional consecutive database comprised of 1218 OHCA patients transferred to the institution between January 2015 and July 2018. The SOFA score was calculated on admission and after 48h. Predictors of survival and neurological outcome defined as having cerebral-performance-category (CPC) 1 or 2 at 30 days were determined. RESULTS: SOFA score was lower in survived patients (5.0 vs 10.0, p<0.001) and those with favorable neurological outcome (5.0 vs 8.0, p<0.001) as compared with the counterparts. The SOFA score on admission was an independent predictor of survival (OR 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.78; p<0.001) and favorable neurological performance (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.69-0.90; p<0.001) at 30 days. Furthermore, a change in SOFA score (48-0h) was predictive of favorable 30-day neurological outcome (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60-0.85; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the SOFA score in the ICU is useful to predict survival and neurological outcome in post-cardiac arrest patients.

Plaque morphology assessed by optical coherence tomography in the culprit lesions of the first episode of acute myocardial infarction in patients with low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level.

BACKGROUND: There remains a residual risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) even with low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. This study aimed to characterize the culprit lesion morphology of AMI by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with low LDL-C. METHODS: Four-hundred and nine culprit lesions of 409 patients with their first presentation of AMI imaged by OCT were investigated. OCT analysis included the presence of plaque rupture and thin-capped fibroatheroma (TCFA). Fibrous cap thickness and lipid length were also measured. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed in 368 (90.0%) patients. OCT and IVUS findings were compared between patients with LDL-C < 100 mg/dl (lower-LDL group) and those with LDL ≥ 100 mg/dl (higher-LDL group). RESULTS: Lower-LDL group included 93 (22.7%) patients. Plaque rupture (54.8% vs. 68.7%, p = 0.018) and TCFA (39.8% vs. 54.6%, p = 0.013) were less frequently observed in lower-LDL than in higher-LDL. Fibrous cap was thicker [73 (59-109) µm vs. 63 (57-83) µm, p = 0.028] and lipid length was smaller [5.4 (2.3-9.9) mm vs. 7.1 (4.1-10.5) mm, p = 0.012] in lower-LDL than in higher-LDL. There were no significant differences in IVUS parameters including plaque burden or remodeling index between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower LDL-C showed more prevalent intact fibrous cap and less vulnerable features in the culprit lesions, which may suggest the need for exploring a specific strategy for the prevention of plaque erosion in low LDL-C subjects.

Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Atherosclerotic Coronary Lesion with Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery.

Congenital coronary artery anomalies, including anomalous origin of a coronary artery, can manifest as life-threatening conditions, such as myocardial infarction or arrhythmia, and may even lead to sudden death associated with specific congenital anatomical features. Such arteries can also develop atherosclerotic lesions. This report describes the case of a 75-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital due to exertional dyspnea. The right coronary artery was found to originate from the left coronary sinus and exhibit tight stenosis due to atherosclerosis, causing effort angina pectoris. This case highlights the fact that coronary artery anomalies can cause angina pectoris via both atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic effects, and successful revascularization was achieved noninvasively via percutaneous coronary angioplasty.

Relationship between optical coherence tomography-defined in-stent neoatherosclerosis and out-stent arterial remodeling assessed by serial intravascular ultrasound examinations in late and very late drug-eluting stent failure.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the association between chronological out-stent vessel remodeling and in-stent tissue characteristics of drug-eluting stent (DES) failure. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serial vessel remodeling after DES implantation and neoatherosclerosis (NA) assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with DES failure. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with late and very late stent failure after DES implantation, who underwent intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at both the initial percutaneous coronary intervention and the time of stent failure and OCT imaging at the time of stent failure, were retrospectively investigated. NA on OCT was defined as neointimal formation with the presence of lipids or calcification inside the stents. Lesions were divided into two groups: those with NA and those without NA (NA: n=21; non-NA: n=27). From the serial IVUS examinations, external elastic membrane (EEM) volume and out-stent plaque volume were normalized by stent length and their changes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The NA group showed older stent age [median, 5.1 years (IQR, 4.8-8.3) vs 1.4 years (IQR, 0.8-4.5); p<0.01] and more prevalent sirolimus-eluting stents (SES; 81.0% vs. 29.6%; p<0.01). IVUS findings of the NA group showed a greater serial increase in both normalized EEM volume and normalized out-stent plaque volume (OSPVI) [1.05 (0.41-1.90) vs. 0.11 (-0.64 to 0.80) mm2; p<0.01; and 0.88 (0.57-1.98) vs. 0.12 (-0.41 to 0.78) mm2; p<0.01]. On multivariate analysis, percentage change in OSPVI (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14; p=0.02) and SES (OR, 9.78; 95% CI, 2.20-43.40; p<0.01) remained independent predictors of NA. CONCLUSIONS: NA in late and very late DES failure was associated with out-stent positive vessel remodeling. In addition to SES, out-stent progressive positive remodeling may help predict NA in late and very late DES failure.

Guidewire shadow artifacts in optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Because of the high resolution made possible by optical coherence tomography (OCT), previously indistinguishable guidewire artifacts are recognized during coronary imaging, and these affect image interpretation. This study aimed to assess the effect of guidewire size and structure on the artifacts produced and to introduce a novel guidewire specifically for OCT imaging that produces fewer artifacts. Elimination or minimization of guidewire artifacts supports optimal OCT imaging. METHODS: Silicon tubes simulating the coronary arteries were used to assess guidewire shadow artifacts in OCT imaging. The angles of artifacts produced by 4 types of guidewires were evaluated, including our newly designed guidewire. Clinical data of guidewire artifacts were also obtained from 20 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent OCT examination with these guidewires before stenting. RESULTS: The angles of the guidewire artifacts decreased with a reduction in the wire diameter. Wires with the dipping polymer structure produced unique artifacts brought about by a combination of the sparse spring coil structure, wire core, and polymer, and these affected image interpretation. The guidewire designed in this study could be used in clinical settings and produced fewer artifacts than the other examined guidewires. Our novel guidewire, which had a small diameter, lacked the dipping polymer structure, and was easy to handle, was successfully used for OCT imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Guidewire artifacts are affected by guidewire size and structure. We developed a specialized guidewire for optimal OCT imaging that effectively produced fewer shadow artifacts than its generally used counterparts.