Investigation of Skeletal Muscle Indices Affecting Anaerobic Thresholds after Acute Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate skeletal muscle indices influencing the anaerobic threshold (AT) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). METHODS: This study included 125 consecutive men (median age: 66.0 years) diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction who underwent CPX before discharge. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their AT: the AT-lowering and AT-maintaining groups, comprising those with AT <11 and ≥11 ml/min/kg, respectively. Skeletal muscle indices that influenced AT, strengths of such influences, and respective cutoff values were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis, decision-tree analysis, and the random-forest method. Skeletal muscle indices included grip strength, knee extension strength, lower-limb skeletal muscle index, phase angle (PhA), lower-limb PhA, arm circumference (AC), and calf circumference. RESULTS: Lower-limb PhA, AC, age, and body mass index (BMI) influenced AT (model X2 test: p <0.05; Hosmer-Lemeshow test: p = 0.98). Among the skeletal muscle indices, Gini impurity reduction was the highest in the lower-limb PhA. The cutoff values for AT were ≥4.0° for BMI <24 kg/m2 and ≥6.4° for BMI ≥24 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: Lower-limb PhA was the most influential skeletal muscle index affecting AT. PhA measured using body composition analyzers is useful to identify exercise-limiting factors and determine the effectiveness of exercise because it can be easily performed shortly.

Outcomes of mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for patients with hemodynamic instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) for the patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in hemodynamically unstable conditions, such as cardiogenic shock, still remain unclear. We aimed to integrate previous publications regarding M-TEER indicated for life-threatening conditions and indirectly particularly compared the short-term outcomes thereof, with that of other treatments. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases for studies from inception to June 2023, regarding M-TEER in patients with hemodynamic instability and severe MR. The primary outcomes analyzed included the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates, and peri-procedural complications. RESULTS: Of the initial 820 publications, we conducted a meta-analysis of a total of 25 studies. The relative risk of moderate-to-severe or severe MR was 0.13 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.18, I2 = 45.2 %). The pooled in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 11.8 % (95 % CI: 8.7-15.9, I2 = 96.4 %) and 14.1 % (95 % CI: 10.9-18.3, I2 = 35.5 %), respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was statistically significantly correlated with the residual moderate-to-severe or severe MR, as per the meta-regression analysis (coefficient ß = 3.48 [95 % CI: 0.99-5.97], p = 0.006). Regarding peri-procedural complications, the pooled rates of a stroke or transient ischemic attack, life-threatening or major bleeding, acute kidney injury, and peri-procedural mitral valve surgery were 2.3 % (95 % CI: 1.9-2.6), 7.6 % (95 % CI: 6.8-8.5), 32.9 % (95 % CI: 31.6-34.3), and 1.0 % (95 % CI: 0.8-1.3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the relatively higher rates of procedural complications were observed, nevertheless, M-TEER can potentially provide favorable short-term outcomes even in hemodynamically unstable patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023468946.

Correction to: Percutaneous transcatheter closure of high-risk patent foramen ovale in the elderly.

In the original publication of the article, the below sentence were garbled.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transcatheter aortic valvuloplasty prior to non-cardiac surgery in Japanese patients with severe aortic stenosis.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter aortic valvuloplasty (PTAV) performed prior to non-cardiac surgery and the safety of non-cardiac surgery after PTAV in elderly Japanese patients. Between March 2012 and August 2018, 14 patients who underwent PTAVs prior to non-cardiac surgery were enrolled. The mean age was 82.2 ± 7.0 years. A total of 9 patients (64.3%) were women. A retrograde approach was selected for 57.1% of the patients. More than 75% of the procedures were performed using echocardiographic imaging. Echocardiographic data including the aortic valve area (AVA), peak aortic valve blood velocity flow (AVF), peak aortic valve pressure gradient (AVPG), and mean AVPG significantly improved after PTAV (AVA; from 0.54 ± 0.11 to 0.80 ± 0.13 cm2, peak AVF; from 4.6 ± 0.8 to 3.8 ± 0.7 m/s, peak AVG; from 87.9 ± 28.0 to 62.2 ± 19.9 mmHg, mean AVG; from 49.8 ± 18.9 to 35.7 ± 11.6 mmHg; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.0012, respectively). Neither complications related to the PTAV procedure nor procedural mortality were noted. Non-cardiac surgery after PTAV was safely performed; there were no significant adverse events during non-cardiac surgery and no in-hospital mortality occurred after non-cardiac surgery. PTAV prior to non-cardiac surgery in elderly Japanese patients with severe aortic stenosis is safe and effective. In addition, non-cardiac surgery after PTAV can be safety performed without adverse events.

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of high-risk patent foramen ovale in the elderly.

The efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter closure for preventing recurrent cerebrovascular events in elderly patients with high-risk patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains unclear, whereas in young patients, it has been shown to effectively prevent the recurrence of embolic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure in elderly patients with high-risk PFO. Between September 2012 and October 2018, 14 patients ≥ 60 years old with high-risk PFO underwent percutaneous closure to prevent recurrence of cerebrovascular events. The primary end point was recurrence of cerebrovascular events after closure in elderly patients with high-risk PFO, and the secondary end points were occurrence of device-related complications, cerebral hemorrhage, and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). The mean patient age and number of cerebrovascular events before closure were 75.2 ± 6.5 years and 1.7 ± 0.7, respectively. All procedures were successfully performed under general anesthesia by transesophageal echocardiography and using a 25-mm Amplatzer Cribriform device. No procedure-related complications occurred. Patients were followed up for a mean 2.6 ± 1.8 years. No patients experienced device-related complications or recurrent cerebrovascular events. However, one patient had AF-related device closure complications at 1 month postoperatively. In addition, other patient had a cerebral hemorrhage with unknown relationship to PFO closure 3 years postoperatively. Percutaneous closure of high-risk PFO in elderly patients may be as effective and safe as in younger patients. It is crucial to evaluate PFO morphology regardless of age in cases of paradoxical embolism.

Paradoxical Embolism of Stroke-Related Patent Foramen Ovale in a Nonagenarian Woman.

There are few clinical reports of elderly patients with paradoxical embolism in the current literature. Herein, we describe the case of a nonagenarian patient with paradoxical embolism of stroke-related patent foramen ovale (PFO). A 95-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of dysarthria. Her medical history included cerebral infarction, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Magnetic resonance imaging performed in the emergency room revealed cerebral infarction of the left temporal lobe. After hospitalization in the neurosurgery department, we performed further clinical investigations to diagnose the type of stroke. There was no significant stenosis with plaque of the carotid and cerebral arteries, and there were no sources of cardiac embolism or an episode of atrial arrhythmia. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed PFO with separation and the Eustachian valve. In addition, spontaneous bidirectional shunt flow through the PFO was detected by TEE with the patient at rest. Ultrasonography of the leg vein revealed a thrombus in the deep vein. Therefore, she was diagnosed as having paradoxical embolism of stroke-related PFO and prescribed a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). This very rare case in which stroke-related PFO was diagnosed in a nonagenarian patient demonstrates that PFO is the cause of paradoxical embolism of stroke regardless of age.

Predictors of early restenosis after intracardiac echocardiography guided antegrade balloon aortic valvuloplasty in high-risk or inoperable patients.

Antegrade balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) may be more effective than retrograde BAV. However, early restenosis is found inconstantly within three months after BAV. To evaluate the factor of ER after intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) guided Antegrade BAV, fifty patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) underwent BAV procedures with ICE. ER was defined as mean aortic valve pressure gradient (PG) >40 mmHg. During one-year follow-up period, 6 patients died and 2 patients underwent aortic valve replacement. ER was present in 13 patients (26%) at three months after BAV. Procedural, clinical, and hemodynamic data were collected. The mean age of the patient population was 85.4 ± 7.6 years; the mean STS score and EuroSCORE were 7.8 ± 1.1 and 14.6 ± 4.1, respectively. The mean aortic valve PG decreased from 63.4 ± 19.8 to 28.5 ± 10.1 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. There is no significant difference of mean aortic valve PG immediate after BAV(ER; 29 ± 8.8 mmHg, nonER; 21 ± 6.1 mmHg, p = ns). Univariate analysis showed patients with ER group had significantly higher rate of left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, and high mean aortic valve PG at admission. Multivariate analysis revealed high mean aortic valve PG at admission as independent predictors of ER. Antegrade BAV may be effective for severe AS. Left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension and high mean PG were predictor of early restenosis. Early intervention should be considered for these patients.

In vivo optical coherence tomography of very late drug-eluting stent thrombosis compared with late in-stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: Autopsy findings have suggested delayed arterial healing as a primary cause of very late stent thrombosis (VLST) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Optical coherence tomography of DES-treated lesions that developed VLST (n = 6) was compared with that of DES-treated lesions that developed late in-stent restenosis (L-ISR: n = 32) among patients with recurrent ischemia >1 year after DES implantation (mean, 37 ± 17 months), and with the stented segment without any evidence of VLST or L-ISR (no-event: n = 20; mean, 38 ± 19 months). The proportion of uncovered and malapposed struts in each stented segment was evaluated. A total of 961 frames, 9,763 struts were analyzed. The proportion of uncovered struts was higher in the VLST group than in the L-ISR group and the no-event group (29.2 ± 22.8%, 7.9 ± 9.7%, and 7.6 ± 8.0%, respectively; P = 0.0002). The proportion of malapposed struts was higher in the VLST group than in the no-event group (7.3 ± 8.7% vs 1.1 ± 2.4%, P = 0.01). Two patients in the VLST group had lower rates of uncovered and malapposed struts, but this involved lipid-laden-like neointima with disruptions. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed neointimal coverage and incomplete stent apposition were frequently observed in the DES-treated lesions that developed very late thrombosis. Lipid-laden-like neointima with disruption within the DES may be another possible mechanism for very late thrombosis.

The potential benefits and risks of the use of dual antiplatelet therapy beyond 6 months following sirolimus-eluting stent implantation for low-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) in patients undergoing intracoronary sirolimus-eluting stent implantation remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effects of long duration DAT in patients undergoing intracoronary sirolimus-eluting stent implantation in daily practice. In addition, to attempt to identify the optimal duration of DAT after implantation of a sirolimus-eluting stent. METHODS: We retrospectively report on 1293 consecutive patients who underwent successful intracoronary sirolimus-eluting stent implantation. We analyzed the cumulative incidence of stent thrombosis, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), death from cardiac causes, and the cumulative incidence of bleeding complications. RESULTS: We compared the study end point in patients who received DAT for <6 months (n=1136) with that for patients who received DAT for >6 months (n=157). The median follow-up period was 1260 ± 462 days. Major bleeding occurred in 35 patients and intracranial hemorrhage in 8. In patients on DAT for >6 months, the incidence of any bleedings, major bleedings, and intracranial hemorrhage was significantly increased. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the risk of the primary end points (stent thrombosis, non-fatal MI, death from cardiac causes, death or MI). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged DAT for more than 6 months was not significantly more beneficial than aspirin monotherapy in reducing the risk of the occurrence of acute MI, stent thrombosis, and death, although it was associated with an increase in bleeding complications for low-risk patients.

The impact of gender difference on the effects of preinfarction angina on microvascular damage with reperfused myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed gender differences in evoking preconditioning. In an experimental study, it was reported that the preconditioning effect disappeared after gonadectomy. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the effects of preinfarction angina (PA) on myocardial damage using intravenous contrast echocardiography. METHODS: We studied 334 consecutive patients with anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent successful angioplasty. All patients underwent myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) 14 days after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Contrast defect was calculated as contrast defect area/myocardial area. Typical angina occurring in the 24-hour period preceding myocardial infarction was present in 133 patients (29 women) (group PA) and absent in 201 patients (43 women) (group non-PA). All women were postmenopausal. RESULTS: The contrast defect size and peak creatinine phosphokinase (max CPK) level in women were both significantly higher than that of men in group PA (18.3% +/- 6.3% vs 11.9% +/- 9.0%; P < 0.01 and 5000 +/- 599 IU/L vs 2672 +/- 221 IU/L; P < 0.005). The functional status of the myocardium among group PA, as expressed by risk area wall motion score index, was better in men than in women at 14 days (1.1 +/- 0.8 vs 1.7 +/- 0.8; P < 0.01) and at 6 months (0.7 +/- 0.4 vs 1.6 +/- 0.6; P < 0.01). However there were no significant gender differences in group non-PA. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the female gender (P < 0.05) was a significant independent predictor for microvascular damage. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that preconditioning effects were attenuated in women with reperfused AMI.

Waist circumference reduction is more strongly correlated with the improvement in endothelial function after acute coronary syndrome than body mass index reduction.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial function predicts recurrence of adverse cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Moreover, the recovery of endothelial function correlates with cardiac event-free survival. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine which clinical factors correlate with the improvement in endothelial function after ACS. METHODS: Vascular endothelial function was assessed in 98 patients with ACS by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery using high-resolution ultrasound at 2 weeks and 6 months after ACS. We measured several risk parameters including plasma markers of glucose homeostasis, lipids, and blood pressure at baseline and at 6 months after ACS. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were also measured as anthropometric assessments. RESULTS: At baseline, FMD was significantly correlated with BMI, WC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and brachial artery diameter (r=-0.32, p=0.001; r=-0.44, p<0.0001; r=0.34, p=0.0006; r=-0.21, p=0.04; r=-0.47, p<0.0001, respectively). In a stepwise multivariate regression analysis at baseline, larger WC and brachial artery diameter were independently correlated with lower brachial artery FMD (R(2)=0.319, p<0.0001). At 6 months, the change in FMD was significantly correlated with the change in WC and BMI (r=-0.59, p<0.0001; r=-0.33, p=0.001, respectively). In a stepwise multivariate regression analysis, WC reduction was independently correlated with improved FMD (R(2)=0.349, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: WC reduction is more strongly correlated with the improvement of endothelial function after ACS than BMI reduction.

Relationship of admission neutrophil count to microvascular injury, left ventricular dilation, and long-term outcome in patients treated with primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of admission neutrophil count to the degree of microvascular injury, left ventricular (LV) volume, and long-term outcome after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was examined in the present study. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group comprised 228 consecutive patients with a first anterior wall AMI who underwent primary angioplasty within 12 h of onset. The degree of microvascular injury was evaluated by Doppler guidewire. Adverse cardiac events were recorded during an average follow-up of 52+/-28 months. Using a receiver-operating characteristic analysis, a neutrophil count >or=7,260 cells/mm(3) was the best predictor of future cardiac events. By regression analysis, the neutrophil count significantly correlated with diastolic deceleration time (r=-0.40, p<0.0001), coronary flow reserve (r=-0.43, p<0.0001), and LV end-diastolic volume at 4 weeks (r=0.32, p<0.0001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a higher incidence of adverse cardiac events in patients with a high neutrophil count (p=0.002). By multivariate analysis, a neutrophil count >or=7,260 cells/mm(3) was an independent predictor of long-term adverse cardiac events (odds ratio 3.8, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Neutrophilia on admission is associated with impaired microvascular perfusion, LV dilation, and long-term adverse cardiac events in patients treated with primary angioplasty for AMI.

Effects of smoking cessation on coronary endothelial function in patients with recent myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is associated with an increased risk and extent of advanced atherosclerotic vascular disease, but few studies have examined the clinical effect of smoking cessation on human coronary endothelial function. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the effects of smoking cessation on endothelial function in patients with recent myocardial infarction. METHODS: Infarcted-not-related coronary arteries of 53 patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing successful angioplasty were examined in two groups: smoking cessation group (n=35, 28 males, mean age 56 years) and non-smoking group (n=18, 10 males, mean age 65 years). We infused acetylcholine into the coronary artery and the diameter was assessed by quantitative angiography at baseline and 6 months after PTCA. RESULTS: The mean % diameter change from baseline was significantly more constricted in the smoking cessation group than in the non-smoking group (38%+/-5 vs. 19%+/-5, p<0.05). However, the response after six months was significantly decreased after smoking cessation (from 38%+/-5 to 28%+/-4, p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed smoking cessation (p=0.03) was a significant determinant factor for improvement of endothelial function. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that just 6 months of smoking cessation improves coronary endothelial function in patients with recent myocardial infarction.

Usefulness of coronary flow reserve immediately after primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction in predicting long-term adverse cardiac events.

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) evaluated immediately after reperfusion is thought to reflect the degree of microvascular injury and predict left ventricular (LV) functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction. It was hypothesized that CFR immediately after reperfusion would be predictive of the occurrence of long-term adverse cardiac events. Using a Doppler guidewire, CFR was evaluated immediately after primary coronary angioplasty in 118 consecutive patients with first anterior acute myocardial infarctions. Adverse cardiac events combining cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure were recorded during an average follow-up period of 62 +/- 32 months. Using receiver-operating characteristic analysis, CFR 1.3 (n = 68). Patients with CFR 1.3. CFR was significantly correlated with the LV ejection fraction at 4 weeks (r = 0.50, p <0.0001) and LV end-diastolic volume at 4 weeks (r = -0.43, p <0.0001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a higher incidence of adverse cardiac events in patients with CFR

Relation between neutrophil counts on admission, microvascular injury, and left ventricular functional recovery in patients with an anterior wall first acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary angioplasty.

Increased neutrophil counts have been associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical events after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined the association of neutrophil counts on admission with degree of microvascular injury and left ventricular functional recovery after primary coronary angioplasty in AMI. We studied 116 patients with a first anterior wall AMI who underwent primary coronary angioplasty within 12 hours of onset. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on initial neutrophil count: low (<5,000/mm(3)), intermediate (5,000 to 10,000/mm(3)), and high (>10,000/mm(3)). Coronary flow velocity parameters were assessed immediately after reperfusion using a Doppler guidewire. We defined severe microvascular injury as the presence of systolic flow reversal and a diastolic deceleration time <600 ms. Echocardiographic wall motion was analyzed before revascularization and 4 weeks after revascularization. In patients with a high neutrophil count, systolic flow reversal was more frequently observed, diastolic deceleration time was shorter, and coronary flow reserve was lower. By regression analysis, neutrophil count significantly correlated with diastolic deceleration time (r = -0.38, p <0.0001), coronary flow reserve (r = -0.33, p = 0.0004), and score for change in wall motion (r = -0.36, p = 0.0004). Multivariate analysis showed that neutrophil count on admission was an independent predictor of severe microvascular injury (odds ratio 2.94, p = 0.02). In conclusion, neutrophilia on admission is associated with impaired microvascular reperfusion and poor functional recovery after primary coronary angioplasty.

Early prediction of myocardial salvage after primary coronary angioplasty: comparative study of coronary flow velocity pattern immediately after primary coronary angioplasty and perfusion-metabolism mismatch.

OBJECTIVES: Perfusion-metabolism mismatch in the subacute phase using thallium-201/radio iodinated beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (T1/BMIPP) dual scintigraphy is an indicator of viable myocardium in acute myocardial infarction. This study investigated early prediction of myocardial salvage from the T1/BMIPP mismatch and coronary flow velocity (CFV) patterns in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Thirty three patients with first anterior wall myocardial infarction underwent primary coronary angioplasty and achieved reflow within 8 hr of onset. By using a Doppler guide wire, CFV patterns were assessed immediately after primary coronary angioplasty. T1/BMIPP dual scintigraphy was performed within 3 days after reperfusion. The extent of discordance in severity score was defined as the T1/BMIPP mismatch score. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed dual scintigraphy mismatch score correlated well with deceleration time of diastolic flow velocity (r = 0.54, p < 0.01). Mismatch score was greater in the non-early systolic reversal flow group than in the early systolic reversal flow group (5.5 +/- 3.3 vs 1.9 +/- 2.1, respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in CFV patterns correlated well with T1/BMIPP mismatch score. CFV pattern immediately after reperfusion is useful for early prediction of myocardial salvage.