Early Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients in a Virtual Multicenter Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Registry.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic effects among patients with a history of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of acute coronary syndrome associated with emotional and physical stress, are unknown. Methods: For this cross-sectional cohort study, participants of the Mayo Clinic "Virtual" Multicenter SCAD Registry were surveyed about the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Among 1352 participants, 727 (53.8%) completed surveys between June 2, 2021 and September 29, 2021. The majority of respondents (96.7%) were female, with a mean age of 54.9 ± 9.4 years. At the time of completing the survey, which was early in the pandemic, 91 respondents (12.6%) reported having prior COVID-19 symptoms, with < 1% experiencing hospitalization (n = 4) or cardiac complications (n = 6). A total of 14% had ≥ moderate anxiety symptoms, per the General Anxiety Disorder-7 item survey, and 11.8% had ≥ moderate depressive symptoms, per the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item. Higher stress scores on the Likert scale were correlated with pandemic-related reduction in work hours and/or pay and/or unemployment (P = 0.013), remote work and/or change of job (P < 0.001), and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage (P = 0.025). A higher anxiety level, as measured on the Likert scale, was correlated with pandemic-related remote work and/or change of job (P = 0.007) and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage (P = 0.008). Since the start of the pandemic, 54% of respondents reported having at least monthly chest pain. Chest pain and COVID symptoms were each associated with higher scores on the General Anxiety Disorder-7 item survey and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item. Conclusions: Early in the pandemic, COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and cardiac complications were uncommon among SCAD patients. The burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms was minimal to mild, similar to that in prior reports. Likert-scale measures of stress and anxiety were higher among persons with work and/or pay reduction and/or unemployment, remote work and/or change of job, and loss of insurance and/or medical coverage. Over half of respondents reported experiencing chest pain, which was correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting an overarching clinical need.

Contexte: On ne connaît pas les effets de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur les personnes ayant des antécédents de dissection spontanée de l'artère coronaire (DSAC), une cause du syndrome coronarien aigu qui est une source de stress physique et émotionnel. Méthodologie: Pour les besoins de cette étude de cohorte transversale, les participants au registre « virtuel ¼ multicentrique sur la DSAC de la clinique Mayo ont été interrogés dans le cadre d'une enquête sur la pandémie de COVID-19. Résultats: Parmi les 1 352 participants au registre, 727 (53,8 %) ont répondu à l'enquête entre le 2 juin et le 29 septembre 2021. La majorité des répondants (96,7 %) étaient des femmes, et l'âge moyen était de 54,9 ± 9,4 ans. Au moment de l'enquête, réalisée au début de la pandémie, 91 répondants (12,6 %) avaient indiqué avoir déjà présenté des symptômes de COVID-19, et < 1 % avaient été hospitalisés (n = 4) ou avaient présenté des complications cardiaques (n = 6). Au total, 14 % des participants présentaient des symptômes d'anxiété à tout le moins modérés d'après le questionnaire GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7 item) et 11,8 %, des symptômes dépressifs à tout le moins modérés d'après le questionnaire PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item). Une corrélation a été établie entre un score de stress plus élevé sur une échelle de Likert et une réduction des heures de travail et/ou du salaire, une période de chômage (p = 0,013), le télétravail et/ou un changement d'emploi (p < 0,001) et la perte de l'assurance et/ou de la couverture médicale (p = 0,025) en lien avec la pandémie. Une corrélation a également été établie entre un niveau d'anxiété plus élevé mesuré sur une échelle de Likert et le télétravail et/ou un changement d'emploi (p = 0,007) et la perte de l'assurance et/ou de la couverture médicale (p = 0,008) en lien avec la pandémie. Depuis le début de la pandémie, 54 % des répondants ont indiqué ressentir une douleur thoracique au moins une fois par mois. La douleur thoracique et les symptômes de la COVID-19 ont par ailleurs été associés à des scores plus élevés aux questionnaires GAD-7 et PHQ-9. Conclusions: Au début de la pandémie, les symptômes de la COVID-19, les hospitalisations et les complications cardiaques n'étaient pas fréquents chez les patients présentant une DSAC. Le fardeau des symptômes anxieux et dépressifs allait de minime à léger, comme en faisaient état les rapports précédents. L'anxiété et le stress mesurés sur une échelle de Likert ont été plus élevés chez les personnes ayant connu une réduction des heures de travail et/ou du salaire ou une période de chômage, ayant dû recourir au télétravail et/ou changer d'emploi, ou ayant perdu leur assurance et/ou couverture médicale. Plus de la moitié des répondants ont indiqué ressentir une douleur thoracique, laquelle a été mise en corrélation avec les symptômes d'anxiété et de dépression, ce qui souligne l'existence d'un besoin clinique important.

Coronary Artery Tortuosity and Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Association With Echocardiography and Global Longitudinal Strain, Fibromuscular Dysplasia, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The etiology and significance of coronary artery tortuosity (TCA) among patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are unknown. The aim of this prospective imaging cohort study was to report echocardiographic findings and evaluate whether TCA correlates with cardiac anatomy and function among patients with SCAD. Comorbidities including fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and outcomes were also assessed. METHODS: TCA was determined on coronary angiography performed during the diagnosis of SCAD, and cardiac structure and function were evaluated using prospective comprehensive echocardiography. RESULTS: Among 116 patients with SCAD, the mean age at echocardiography was 50.8 ± 8.8 years, a median of 10.9 months after SCAD. Sixty-two patients (53.4%) had FMD, 41 (35.3%) had histories of hypertension, and 17 (14.8%) were hypertensive during echocardiography. Most patients (n = 78 [69%]) had normal left ventricular geometry with normal median ejection fraction (61%; interquartile range, 56% to 64%) and normal global longitudinal strain (-22.2%; interquartile range, -24.0% to -19.9%). Fifteen patients (13.4%) had diastolic dysfunction that was associated with hypertension at the time of echocardiography. Patients with TCA (n = 96 [82.8%]) were older (mean age, 52.1 ± 8.0 vs 44.7 ± 9.9 years; P < .001) with a higher prevalence of FMD (59.4% vs 25%, P = .007) but a similar prevalence of hypertension (35% vs 35%, P > .99) compared with patients without TCA. Across the age range (31.5 to 66.9 years), each decade of age was associated with an approximately 0.89-unit increase in coronary tortuosity score (P < .0001). Echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Median follow-up duration was 4.4 years (95% CI, 3.8 to 5.2 years). The Kaplan-Meier 3-year SCAD recurrence rate was 9.4% (95% CI, 3.7% to 14.8%). There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with SCAD had normal or near normal echocardiographic results, including global longitudinal strain, with no differences according to TCA. However, patients with SCAD with TCA were older, with a higher prevalence of FMD.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) from an Interventionalist Perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly among women < 50 years of age. Here, we aim to review the pathogenesis of SCAD, discuss SCAD as an initial manifestation of systemic arterial disease, and highlight invasive strategies as well as unique challenges in the care of women with SCAD. RECENT FINDINGS: A paradigm shift has occurred in the care of SCAD patients in the past decade as recommendations for conservative management have become widespread. Invasive interventions are reserved for patients with hemodynamic compromise or active ischemia due to increased periprocedural complications and failure rates. Certain patient populations have been identified for larger territory infarcts and proximal disease including patients with known connective tissue disease, premenopausal women, and patients with pregnancy-associated SCAD (P-SCAD). Current recommended management of SCAD is conservative. Despite a growing awareness of SCAD and its known association with systemic arteriopathies in women, evidence-based data remains scarce. Future studies focused on identifying genetic factors, optimal medical therapy after SCAD, and techniques to minimize interventional complications are needed.

Radiation protection for healthcare professionals working in catheterisation laboratories during pregnancy: a statement of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One.

The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One support continuous review and improvement, not only in the practice of assuring patients a high quality of care but also in providing health professionals with support documents to help them in their career and enhance gender equity. Recent surveys have revealed that radiation exposure is commonly reported as the primary barrier for women pursuing a career in interventional cardiology or cardiac electrophysiology (EP). The fear of foetal exposure to radiation during pregnancy may lead to a prolonged interruption in their career. Accordingly, this joint statement aims to provide a clear statement on radiation risk and the existing data on the experience of radiation-exposed cardiologists who continue to work in catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) throughout their pregnancies. In order to reduce the barrier preventing women from accessing these careers, increased knowledge in the community is warranted. Finally, by going beyond simple observations and review of the literature, our document suggests proposals for improving workplace safety and for encouraging equity.

Association of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection With Atrial Arrhythmias.

The co-morbidities and long-term complications of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are incompletely understood. This study investigated the association of atrial arrhythmias (AA), defined as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, with SCAD in a patient registry and population-based cohort. This observational study was performed in 2 parts. The first was a retrospective study reviewing patients diagnosed with AA in the Mayo Clinic SCAD Registry. The second was a population-based, case-control study to assess AA in patients with SCAD compared with age- and gender-matched controls. Of 1,214 patients in the Mayo Clinic SCAD Registry, 45 patients (3.7%) with SCAD were identified with an AA. A total of 8 of those patients (17.8%) had a pre-SCAD AA; 20 (44.4%) had a peri-SCAD AA; and 17 (37.8%) had a post-SCAD AA. The univariate analysis did not reveal significant associations with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In the population-based cohort, 5 patients with SCAD (4%) and 4 controls (1%) developed an AA before the date of SCAD for each patient (odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 19.0, p = 0.04). A total of 5 patients with SCAD (4%) and 3 controls (1%) developed an AA in the 10 years after SCAD (hazard ratio 6.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 32.8, p = 0.03). A subgroup of patients with SCAD experienced AA before and after SCAD. Patients with a history of SCAD were more likely to develop AA in the next 10 years than were age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

IMPROvE-CED Trial: Intracoronary Autologous CD34+ Cell Therapy for Treatment of Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Angina and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries.

BACKGROUND: Coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) causes angina/ischemia in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD). Patients with CED have decreased number and function of CD34+ cells involved in normal vascular repair with microcirculatory regenerative potential and paracrine anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated safety and potential efficacy of intracoronary autologous CD34+ cell therapy for CED. METHODS: Twenty NOCAD patients with invasively diagnosed CED and persistent angina despite maximally tolerated medical therapy underwent baseline exercise stress test, GCSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor)-mediated CD34+ cell mobilization, leukapheresis, and selective 1×105 CD34+ cells/kg infusion into left anterior descending. Invasive CED evaluation and exercise stress test were repeated 6 months after cell infusion. Primary end points were safety and effect of intracoronary autologous CD34+ cell therapy on CED at 6 months of follow-up. Secondary end points were change in Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class, as-needed sublingual nitroglycerin use/day, Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores, and exercise time at 6 months. Change in CED was compared with that of 51 historic control NOCAD patients treated with maximally tolerated medical therapy alone. RESULTS: Mean age was 52±13 years; 75% were women. No death, myocardial infarction, or stroke occurred. Intracoronary CD34+ cell infusion improved microvascular CED (%acetylcholine-mediated coronary blood flow increased from 7.2 [-18.0 to 32.4] to 57.6 [16.3-98.3]%; P=0.014), decreased Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class (3.7±0.5 to 1.7±0.9, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P=0.00018), and sublingual nitroglycerin use/day (1 [0.4-3.5] to 0 [0-1], Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P=0.00047), and improved all Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores with no significant change in exercise time at 6 months of follow-up. Historic control patients had no significant change in CED. CONCLUSIONS: A single intracoronary autologous CD34+ cell infusion was safe and may potentially be an effective disease-modifying therapy for microvascular CED in humans. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03471611.

Systems of Care for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association.

The introduction of Mission: Lifeline significantly increased timely access to percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In the years since, morbidity and mortality rates have declined, and research has led to significant developments that have broadened our concept of the STEMI system of care. However, significant barriers and opportunities remain. From community education to 9-1-1 activation and emergency medical services triage and from emergency department and interfacility transfer protocols to postacute care, each critical juncture presents unique challenges for the optimal care of patients with STEMI. This policy statement sets forth recommendations for how the ideal STEMI system of care should be designed and implemented to ensure that patients with STEMI receive the best evidence-based care at each stage in their illness.

Physical Activity and Exercise Patterns After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Insights From a Large Multinational Registry.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the physical activity (PA) and exercise patterns among participants in a large multinational spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) registry. Patients and Methods: Participants with SCAD enrolled from March 2011 to November 2019 completed surveys including details regarding PA and exercise habits prior to SCAD, and PA counseling received from their provider after SCAD. Demographics and clinical characteristics were collected by electronic record review. Exercise prescribed to patients after SCAD was categorized according to exercise components: type, intensity, frequency, time/session, and extreme environmental conditions. Results: We included 950 participants; mean ± age was 46.8 ± 9.5 years old at the time of first SCAD; most (96.3%) were women and (77.0%) attended ≥1 cardiac rehabilitation session. Hyperlipidemia (34.3%), hypertension (32.8%), and elevated body weight (overweight = 27.0%; obesity = 20.0%) were the most common comorbidities. Prior to SCAD, 48.5% performed aerobic exercise ≥3 times/week, and only 32.0% performed strength-building exercise regularly. PA counseling details after SCAD in 299/950 participants showed that most (93.3%) patients received some form of counseling including exercise prescription (EXP), non-specific recommendations, and discouraged from any exercise. Limits regarding exercise type and intensity were the most common advice among participants who received EXP. Conclusion: Insights from our study suggest that only 48% of the patients performed some aerobic exercise three or more times per week, and 32.0% performed strength-building exercises, which suggest that most of them may not be as active as assumed. Furthermore, 70% of the SCAD patients have ≥1 cardiovascular risk factors. We suggest guiding patients based on individual assessment, taking into consideration baseline PA habits, treatment, and risk factors. SCAD-tailored PA guidelines are needed for optimal EXP without compromising patient safety.

Ten-year trends, predictors and outcomes of mechanical circulatory support in percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock.

AIMS: There are limited data on the trends and outcomes of mechanical circulatory support (MCS)-assisted early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). In this study, we sought to assess the use, temporal trends, and outcomes of percutaneous MCS-assisted early PCI in AMI-CS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2005-2014, a retrospective cohort of AMI-CS admissions receiving early PCI (hospital day zero) was identified. MCS use was defined as intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, resource utilisation, trends and predictors of MCS-assisted PCI. Of the 110,452 admissions, MCS assistance was used in 55%. IABP, pLVAD and ECMO were used in 94.8%, 4.2% and 1%, respectively. During 2009-2014, there was a decrease in MCS-assisted PCI due to a decrease in IABP, despite an increase in pLVAD and ECMO. Younger age, male sex, lower comorbidity, and cardiac arrest independently predicted MCS use. MCS-assisted PCI was predictive of higher in-hospital mortality (31% vs 26%, adjusted odds ratio 1.23 [1.19-1.27]; p<0.001) and greater resource utilisation. IABP-assisted PCI had lower in-hospital mortality and lesser resource utilisation compared to pLVAD/ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: MCS-assisted PCI identified a sicker AMI-CS cohort. There was a decrease in IABP and an increase in pLVAD/ECMO.

Shock in the cardiac intensive care unit: Changes in epidemiology and prognosis over time.

There are few studies documenting the changing epidemiology and outcomes of shock in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. We sought to describe the changes in shock epidemiology and outcomes over time in a CICU population. METHODS: We included 1859 unique patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic Rochester CICU from 2007 through 2018 with an admission diagnosis of shock. Temporal trends, including mortality, were assessed across 3-year periods. RESULTS: Shock comprised 15.1% of CICU admissions during the study period, increasing from 8.8% of CICU admissions in 2007 to 21.6% in 2018 (P < .01 for trend). Mean age was 68 ±â€¯14 years (38% females). Shock was cardiogenic in 65%, septic in 10% and mixed cardiogenic-septic in 15%. Concomitant diagnoses in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) included acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 17%, heart failure (HF) in 35% and both in 40%. There was no significant change in the prevalence of individual shock subtypes over time (P > .1). Among patients with CS, the prevalence of ACS decreased and the prevalence of HF increased over time (P < .01). Hospital mortality was highest among patients with mixed shock (39%; P = .05). Among patients with CS, hospital mortality was lower among those with HF compared to those without HF (31% vs. 40%, P < .01). Hospital mortality decreased over time among patients with shock (P < .01) and CS (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of shock in the CICU has increased over time, with a substantial prevalence of mixed CS. The etiology of CS has changed over the last decade with HF overtaking ACS as the most common cause of CS in the CICU.

Pregnancy-Associated Myocardial Infarction: Prevalence, Causes, and Interventional Management.

Pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction is a primary contributor to maternal cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Specific attention to the cause of myocardial infarction, diagnostic evaluation, treatment strategies, and postevent care is necessary when treating women with pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction. This review summarizes the current knowledge, consensus statements, and essential nuances.

Association of Pregnancy With Recurrence of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Among Women With Prior Coronary Artery Dissection.

Importance: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a notable cause of acute coronary syndrome in women of childbearing age. Objective: To test the hypothesis that pregnancy after SCAD is associated with recurrent SCAD. Design, Setting, and Participants: Three study designs were implemented: a case series of women with pregnancy after SCAD; a nested case-control study comparing patients with recurrent SCAD to matched controls without recurrent SCAD; and a cohort study. Women with SCAD who were of childbearing potential and enrolled into the Mayo Clinic SCAD Registry from August 30, 2011, to April 4, 2019, were included in the study. Patients with coronary dissections associated with iatrogenesis, trauma, or atherosclerosis were not enrolled. Exposures: Pregnancy after SCAD. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was SCAD recurrence, defined as an acute coronary syndrome or cardiac arrest due to new SCAD. Other demographic measures collected included age, year of SCAD occurrence, and comorbidities. Results: The cohort included 636 women of childbearing potential. Twenty-three of those women had a total of 32 pregnancies after SCAD. The median (interquartile range) age of women with pregnancy after SCAD was 38 years (34-40 years), and 20 (87%) were White. In the nested case-control study, 92 cases of recurrent SCAD were matched to 158 controls. There was no significant difference in exposure to subsequent pregnancies in the women with recurrent SCAD as compared with matched controls (2 of 92 [2%] vs 13 of 158 [8%]; P = .06). In the overall cohort of 636 patients, recurrent SCAD was present in 122 patients with a Kaplan-Meier 5-year SCAD recurrence estimate of 14.8%. The Cox analysis showed no significant association between subsequent pregnancy and SCAD recurrence with a nonsignificant hazard ratio of 0.38 (95% CI, 0.09-1.6) when controlling for age at first SCAD, year of first SCAD, and fibromuscular dysplasia. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that most women tolerated pregnancy and lactation after SCAD without evidence for increased risk of SCAD recurrence when compared with women with a history of SCAD who did not experience pregnancy. Although this study is reassuring and indicates complex contributors to SCAD recurrence, the results need to be interpreted prudently because of study selection bias and the small total number of women who became pregnant after SCAD. The notable hemodynamic changes that occur with pregnancy and severe presentation of pregnancy-associated SCAD are reasons for concern when considering pregnancy after SCAD.

Sex and Gender Disparities in the Management and Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Cardiogenic Shock in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes by sex in older adults with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of older (≥75 years) AMI-CS admissions during January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, was identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Interhospital transfers were excluded. Use of angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and noncardiac interventions was identified. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality stratified by sex, and secondary outcomes included temporal trends of prevalence, in-hospital mortality, use of cardiac and noncardiac interventions, hospitalization costs, and length of stay. RESULTS: In this 15-year period, there were 134,501 AMI-CS admissions 75 years or older, of whom 51.5% (n=69,220) were women. Women were on average older, were more often Hispanic or nonwhite race, and had lower comorbidity, acute organ failure, and concomitant cardiac arrest. Compared with older men (n=65,281), older women (n=69,220) had lower use of coronary angiography (55.4% [n=35,905] vs 49.2% [n=33,918]), PCI (36.3% [n=23,501] vs 34.4% [n=23,535]), MCS (34.3% [n=22,391] vs 27.2% [n=18,689]), mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis (all P<.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P<.001) and more frequent discharges to a skilled nursing facility. In subgroup analyses of ethnicity, presence of cardiac arrest, and those receiving PCI and MCS, female sex remained an independent predictor of increased mortality. CONCLUSION: Female sex is an independent predictor of worse in-hospital outcomes in older adults with AMI-CS in the United States.

Bench to bedside defining calcific aortic valve disease: osteocardiology.

INTRODUCTION: For years, calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) was thought to be due to a degenerative process, but recent scientific discoveries have proven it to be an active process. Understanding the cellular mechanisms for the development of disease and translating the cellular changes critical in the development of calcific phenotypes. The use of multimodality imaging has been the gold standard to define the development of calcification to determine the timing of therapy. AREAS COVERED: This review will discuss the scientific literature in a new and evolving field known as osteocardiology, which specifically defines the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of the osteogenic phenotype in the heart and vasculature. The work in this field has been highlighted by the calcific aortic valve disease working group at the NIH. This review will discuss the appropriate use criteria for multimodality imaging techniques to identify early cellular and hemodynamic disease progression in the aortic valve to help determine the timing of therapy, the osteocardiology theory. EXPERT OPINION: The authors will provide their background in basic science and clinical medicine to support the opinions in this paper.

Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Resiliency Within the Unique Population of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Survivors.

Background Mental health after spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a cause of myocardial infarction in young women, remains largely unexplored. We assessed the prevalence and severity of psychiatric symptoms after SCAD. Methods and Results Individuals with confirmed SCAD who consented to the Mayo Clinic "Virtual" Multicenter SCAD Registry were sent the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnostic Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and an SCAD-specific questionnaire. Among 782 patients contacted, 512 surveys were returned. Most respondents were women (97.5%), with median age at time of SCAD and survey completion of 47 and 52 years, respectively. Eighty-two percent had at least one trauma, with mild or more posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in 28%. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed in 41% and 32%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, those of younger age at first SCAD and low resiliency scored higher on measures of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Those with higher anxiety sensitivity had more severe anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Emotional and social quality of life was higher in those with high resiliency scores. Time from SCAD event to survey completion was associated with lower Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score severity. Conclusions Survivors of SCAD have significant rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, which are associated with lower quality of life specifically among those with lower resiliency. Given the prevalence and potential impact, screening and treatment for the psychological distress is advised. Behavioral interventions targeted toward resiliency training may be beneficial for this patient population.

Changes in comorbidities, diagnoses, therapies and outcomes in a contemporary cardiac intensive care unit population.

Prior studies have demonstrated that the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patient population has evolved over time. We sought to describe the temporal changes in comorbidities, illness severity, diagnoses, procedures and adjusted mortality within our CICU practice in recent years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed unique CICU admissions at the Mayo Clinic from January 2007 to April 2018. Comorbidities, severity of illness scores, discharge diagnosis codes and CICU procedures and therapies were recorded, and temporal trends were assessed using linear regression and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Trends in adjusted hospital mortality over time were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 12,418 patients with a mean age of 67.6 years (including 37.7% females). Temporal trends in the prevalence of several comorbidities and discharge diagnoses were observed, reflecting an increase in the prevalence of non-coronary cardiovascular diseases, critical care diagnoses, and organ failure (all P ≪ .05). The use of several CICU therapies and procedures increased over time, including mechanical ventilation, invasive lines and vasoactive drugs (all P ≪ .05). A temporal decrease in adjusted hospital mortality was observed among the subgroup of patients with (adjusted OR per year 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, P = .023) and without (adjusted OR per year 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.96, P = .002) a critical care discharge diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increasing prevalence of critical care and organ failure diagnoses as well as increased utilization of critical care therapies in this CICU cohort, associated with a decrease in risk-adjusted hospital mortality over time.

A Dangerous Dilemma: Thrombus in Transit During Pregnancy.

Pregnancy is associated with venous thromboembolism. Occasionally, thrombus can become entrapped across a patent foramen ovale, with risk of systemic embolism. This report presents a case of a pregnant woman who had thrombus in transit diagnosed by echocardiography, which was successfully removed by surgical thrombectomy. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: Acute findings on coronary computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: The coronary computed tomography angiography features of acute spontaneous coronary artery dissection, an important cause of acute coronary syndrome in young women, have not been assessed. METHODS: The "Virtual" Multicenter Mayo Clinic Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Registry was established in 2010 and includes retrospective and prospective patient data. Retrospective assessment of acute coronary computed tomography angiography images was performed for 14 patients (16 vessels) who had images performed within two days of invasive coronary angiography diagnosis of acute spontaneous coronary artery dissection. RESULTS: Four pertinent diagnostic coronary features of acute spontaneous coronary artery dissection were observed in order of prevalence: 1) abrupt luminal stenosis (64%); 2) intramural hematoma (50%); 3) tapered luminal stenosis (36%); and 4) dissection (14%). Additional findings include epicardial fat stranding (42%), coronary tortuosity (29%), and coronary bridge (14%). Fifty percent of patients had myocardial hypoperfusion in the myocardial distribution of the dissected coronary artery. CONCLUSIONS: We define key coronary computed tomography angiography features of acute spontaneous coronary artery dissection, the most common of which are abrupt luminal stenosis and intramural hematoma. Importantly, intramural hematoma appears similar to noncalcified atherosclerotic plaque, emphasizing the importance of invasive coronary angiography for acute diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection until the sensitivity and specificity of coronary computed tomography angiography is better understood.

Prevalence and Clinical Factors of Migraine in Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of acute coronary syndrome predominantly in women without usual cardiovascular risk factors. Many have a history of migraine headaches, but this association is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine migraine prevalence among SCAD patients and assess differences in clinical factors based on migraine history. Methods and Results A cohort study was conducted using the Mayo Clinic SCAD "Virtual" Multi-Center Registry composed of patients with SCAD as confirmed on coronary angiography. Participant-provided data and records were reviewed for migraine history, risk factors, SCAD details, therapies, and outcomes. Among 585 patients (96% women), 236 had migraine history; the lifetime and 1-year prevalence of migraine were 40% and 26%, respectively. Migraine was more common in SCAD women than comparable literature-reported female populations (42% versus 24%, P<0.0001; 42% versus 33%, P<0.0001). Among all SCAD patients, those with migraine history were more likely to be female (99.6% versus 94%; P=0.0002); have SCAD at a younger age (45.2±9.0 years versus 47.6±9.9 years; P=0.0027); have depression (27% versus 17%; P=0.025); have recurrent post-SCAD chest pain at 1 month (50% versus 39%; P=0.035); and, among those assessed, have aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, or dissections (28% versus 18%; P=0.018). There was no difference in recurrent SCAD at 5 years for those with versus without migraine (15% versus 19%; P=0.39). Conclusions Many SCAD patients have a history of migraine. SCAD patients with migraine are younger at the time of SCAD; have more aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and dissections among those imaged; and more often report a history of depression and post-SCAD chest pain. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT01429727, NCT01427179.