Radial versus femoral access for left main percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis from the Veterans Affairs Clinical, Reporting, and Tracking Program.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and procedural outcomes of left main percutaneous interventions (LM-PCI) by transradial (TRA) versus transfemoral (TFA) approach in the VA healthcare system. BACKGROUND: TRA for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is steadily increasing. However, the frequency and efficacy of TRA for LM-PCI remain less studied. METHODS: All LM-PCIs performed in the VA healthcare system were identified for fiscal year 2008 through 2018. Patients' baseline characteristics and procedure-related variables were compared by access site. Both short- and long-term clinical outcomes were analyzed using propensity score matching. RESULTS: A total of 4004 LM-PCI were performed in the VA via either radial or femoral access from 2008 to 2018. Among these, 596 (14.9%) LM PCIs were performed via TRA. Use of TRA for LM-PCI increased from 2.2% to 31.5% over the study period. Propensity matched outcome analysis, comparing TRA versus TFA, showed a similar procedural success (98.4% for TRA vs. 97.8% for TFA; RR: 1.01 [0.98, 1.03]) and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (25.9% for TRA vs. 26.8% TFA; RR: 0.96 [0.74, 1.25]). There were no statistically significant differences among secondary outcomes analyses including major bleeding. CONCLUSION: Use of TRA for LM-PCI has been steadily increasing in the VA healthcare system. These findings demonstrate similar procedural success and 1-year MACE across access strategies, suggesting an opportunity to continue increasing TRA use for LM-PCI.

Comparative feasibility of dobutamine stress echocardiography performed with and without intravenous contrast in patients with class III obesity.

BACKGROUND: Concern exists regarding adequacy of visualization of stress echocardiograms performed without intravenous contrast in persons with Class III obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2 ). METHODS: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) was performed on 128 candidates for bariatric surgery with class III obesity without chest pain or pre-existent coronary artery disease (CAD). DSE without intravenous contrast was initially performed on 62 patients with class III obesity, then was subsequently was performed with intravenous contrast on 66 patients with class III obesity. Left ventricular (LV) regional wall motion was assessed at baseline and peak stress using the 16-segment model. RESULTS: In the intravenous contrast group, 1046 of 1056 LV segments studied (99.1%) were well-visualized and interpretable at baseline and 1044 of 1056 LV segments studied (98.9%) were well-visualized and interpretable at peak stress. In the non-contrast group, 905 of 992 segments studied (91.2%) were well-visualized and interpretable at baseline and 886 of 992 segments studied (89.3%) were well-visualized and interpretable at peak stress. A significantly greater number of LV segments were well-visualized and interpretable in the intravenous contrast group than in the group compared to the non-contrast group, at baseline and at peak stress (p < 0.00001 for both). DSE was positive for ischemia in one patient. All patients underwent bariatric surgery without cardiovascular complications. Six months after surgery, all patients were alive; none developed cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: The use of intravenous contrast during DSE significantly improves visualization and interpretability of LV segments in patients with class III obesity.

Home-Based Arm Cardiac Rehabilitation in Disabled Veterans: A Pilot Study.

One of the cornerstones of treatment after acute coronary syndromes is cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, traditional CR remains underused in the United States due to comorbidities and geographical limitations. To evaluate feasibility and safety of our individually tailored CR program, we evaluated twelve weeks of tele-monitored home-based arm ergometer and weight training exercises in seven Veterans. Prior to beginning our CR program, all Veterans underwent an arm ergometer stress test and training in the proper techniques for arm exercises and weight training. Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the MacNew Heart Disease Health-related Quality of Life (MacNew) questionnaire were administered at the beginning and conclusion of the program. Six patients completed the study. One withdrew due to generalized weakness. There were no adverse events during the study period. There was a perceived improvement in heart disease related global (4.47 to 4.61), physical, emotional, and social well-being by the MacNew questionnaire. The SAQ showed improvement in physical limitation, angina frequency, treatment satisfaction, and overall quality of life (36.1 to 51.7) after completion of our tailored CR program. There was a decrease in average blood pressure and patients were able to exercise seven minutes longer and workload increased eight additional watts. This pilot study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of a home-based arm cardiac rehabilitation program. These tailored programs may improve quality of life in coronary artery disease patients with disabilities.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant aortic insufficiency: Insights from the TVT Registry.

AIMS: Data regarding outcomes for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) with concomitant aortic insufficiency (AI), undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are limited. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of severe AS with concomitant AI among patients undergoing TAVR and outcomes of TAVR in this patient group. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using data from the STS/ACC-TVT Registry, we identified patients with severe AS with or without concomitant AI who underwent TAVR between 2011 and 2016. Patients were categorized based on the severity of pre-procedural AI. Multivariable proportional hazards regression models were used to examine all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization at 1-year. Among 54,535 patients undergoing TAVR, 42,568 (78.1%) had severe AS with concomitant AI. Device success was lower in patients with severe AS with concomitant AI as compared with isolated AS. The presence of baseline AI was associated with lower 1 year mortality (HR 0.94 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98, P < .001) and HF hospitalization (HR 0.87 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.84-0.91, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Severe AS with concomitant AI is common among patients undergoing TAVR, and is associated with lower 1 year mortality and HF hospitalization. Future studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms underlying this benefit. SHORT ABSTRACT: In this nationally representative analysis from the United States, 78.1% of patients undergoing TAVR had severe AS with concomitant AI. Device success was lower in patients with severe AS with concomitant AI as compared with isolated AS. The presence of baseline AI was associated with lower 1 year mortality (HR 0.94 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98, P < .001) and HF hospitalization (HR 0.87 per 1 grade increase in AI severity; 95% CI, 0.84-0.91, P < .001).

Persistent atrial standstill following the Cox-maze III procedure: reversal with sustained atrial pacing.

Atrial standstill is a rare disorder of cardiac rhythm that is characterized by total absence of electrical activity in one or both atria. We report herein the case of a patient with atrial fibrillation and symptomatic 4.0 s pauses who received a ventricular demand pacemaker. The patient later underwent mitral valve replacement with a pericardial tissue valve and the Cox-maze III procedure for symptomatic mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation. Following surgery, he developed atrial standstill and became pacemaker dependent. The pacemaker was later revised to an atrioventricular sequential pacemaker. Twelve hours after revision, atrioventricular sequential pacing was noted and mechanical function of the atria was confirmed by Doppler echocardiography.

Preoperative Cardiac Evaluation in Kidney Transplant Patients: Is Coronary Angiography Superior? A Focused Review.

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. Because of a higher occurrence of asymptomatic coronary artery disease and increased perioperative cardiovascular mortality in kidney transplant patients, screening for coronary artery disease before transplant surgery is essential. Various studies have shown that cardiac stress testing is an unreliable screening method in these patients because of significant variability in sensitivity and negative predictive value. We suggest that high-risk candidates such as those with diabetes or a prior history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or coronary artery disease should perhaps be considered for coronary angiography rather than stress testing as cardiac screening before kidney transplantation.

Heart failure and obesity in adults: pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and management.

Obesity is both a risk factor and a direct cause of heart failure (HF) in adults. Severe obesity produces hemodynamic alterations that predispose to changes in left ventricular morphology and function, which, over time, may lend to the development of HF (obesity cardiomyopathy). Certain neurohormonal and metabolic abnormalities as well as cardiovascular co-morbidities may facilitate this process. Substantial purposeful weight loss is capable of reversing most of the alterations in cardiac performance and morphology and may improve functional capacity and quality of life in patents with obesity cardiomyopathy.

Cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease: risk factors, pathogenesis, and prevention.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience serious adverse cardiovascular (CV) consequences. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD, being secondary not only to an increased prevalence of traditional CV risk factors, but also to the presence of a wide array of nontraditional risk factors unique to patients with CKD. Pathogenesis includes both functional and structural alterations in the CV system. Those alterations give rise to a wide range of clinical CV syndromes, including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. As an increasingly prevalent disease, CKD, together with consequent CV disease, imparts major health and economic burdens to the community. In this review, we discuss traditional and nontraditional risk factors for CV disease, the pathogenesis of CV clinical syndromes, and prevention of CV syndromes in patients with CKD.

Early versus delayed percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing the timing of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with Non-ST segment elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (NSTE-ACS) have failed to generate a consensus on how early PCI should be performed in such patients. PURPOSE: This meta-analysis compares clinical outcomes at 30 days in NSTE-ACS patients undergoing PCI within 24 hours of presentation (early PCI) with those receiving PCI more than 24 hours after presentation (delayed PCI). DATA SOURCES: Data were extracted from searches of MEDLINE (1990-2010) and Google scholar and from scrutiny of abstract booklets from major cardiology meetings (1990-2010). STUDY SELECTION: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that included the composite endpoint of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) at 30 days after PCI were considered. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted data using standard forms. The effects of early and delayed PCI were analyzed by calculating pooled estimates for death, non-fatal MI, bleeding, repeat revascularization and the composite endpoint of death or non-fatal MI at 30 days. Univariate analysis of each of these variables was used to create odds ratios. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seven studies with a total of 13,762 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in the odds of the composite endpoint of death or non-fatal MI at 30 days between patients undergoing early PCI and those receiving delayed PCI (OR-0.83, 95%CI 0.62-1.10). Patients receiving delayed PCI experienced a 33% reduction in the odds of repeat revascularization at 30 days compared to those undergoing early PCI (OR-1.33, 95%CI 1.14-1.56, P=0.0004).Conversely, patients undergoing early PCI experienced lower odds of bleeding than those receiving delayed PCI (OR-0.76, 95%CI 0.63-0.91, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: In NSTE-ACS patients early PCI doesn't reduce the odds of the composite endpoint of death or non-fatal MI at 30 day. This strategy is associated with lower odds of bleeding and higher odds of repeat revascularization at 30 days than a strategy of delayed PCI.

Utilization of phase II cardiac rehabilitation in Veterans Administration patients.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is underutilized across the United States. Reported national average varies from 14-35% after acute myocardial infraction and 31% after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. No study to date has examined the utilization of CR in eligible veteran population. In this retrospective study, computerized veteran medical records at a single Veterans Administration (VA) hospital were screened between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were surveyed telephonically and asked a series of questions relating to delivery and utilization of phase II CR. Data was collected using a pre-printed questionnaire and patient responses were number coded. Utilization rate of phase II CR in veterans was noted to be 21%. Common reasons reported for underutilization of CR included time and distance problems, orthopedic- and stroke-related muscle weakness and lack of motivation. Participation in Phase II CR led to better adherence to exercise long term. Also, 65-70% of the veterans expressed interest in a tailored home based CR program. CR is underutilized in eligible veterans. Compliance could possibly be improved if the veterans were offered a tailored CR program.

Clinical Impact of Tricuspid Regurgitation on Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair for Mitral Regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether baseline tricuspid regurgitation (TR) impacted clinical outcomes after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). BACKGROUND: Baseline TR is common among patients undergoing M-TEER for secondary MR, although its impact on clinical outcomes is unclear. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines from January 1, 2011 through January 31, 2021. Randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized prospective studies that evaluated baseline TR by echocardiography before M-TEER for MR were included. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) at 1-year. RESULTS: A total of 5 studies (n = 1395 patients) were included in the primary analysis. Concurrent moderate/severe TR was associated with a worse 1 year composite of all-cause mortality and HFH (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.12-4.05; p = 0.02) after M-TEER for severe MR. In studies that reported TR grade pre- and post-M-TEER for severe MR, 32% of patients with moderate-to-severe baseline TR had a reduction in TR severity after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline moderate-to-severe TR was associated with increased 1-year mortality and heart failure hospitalizations among patients undergoing M-TEER. Further randomized studies are needed to assess the interaction of TR among patients undergoing M-TEER.

Siddha fasting in obese acute decompensated heart failure may improve hospital outcomes through empowerment and natural ketosis.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions) is present in 25 - 35% of acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) patients. Prevalence of HF increases with duration of morbid obesity from 30% at 15 years to over 90% at 30 years. There is a need to develop pragmatic therapies that address the unique physical and mental challenges faced by obese AHF patients. Siddha is 5,000 year old Tamil Medicine using yoga and mind-body methods towards higher consciousness. Hunger gratitude Experience (HUGE) is intuitive Siddha fasting method which may improve in-hospital AHF outcomes independent of weight reduction. CASE SUMMARY: We present 5 cases of morbidly obese patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) that began intermittent fasting either during their AHF hospitalization or in the outpatient setting for refractory symptoms despite hospitalization. Initiation of fasting correlated with reduction of respiratory distress and edema as well as improvements in psychological wellbeing and functional capacity. DISCUSSION: Siddha fasting mediates hemodynamic and anti-inflammatory effects through natural ketosis and psychological benefits through empowerment in AHF. Potential role of fasting in reducing myocardial workload, coronary steal, angina, volume overload, and CRS needs further study in cardiac patients.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography Doppler estimation of cardiac diastolic function: a simultaneous catheterization correlation study.

BACKGROUND: Doppler echocardiography using the ratio of early diastolic transmitral velocity to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E/E') is routinely used to evaluate left ventricular (LV) filling pressures at rest. We tested the hypothesis that measurement of E/E' in patients undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) will detect changes in LV filling pressures. METHODS: In this prospective study, 16 patients with normal LV ejection fraction and normal coronary arteries by angiography underwent a standard DSE protocol with simultaneous LV filling pressure monitoring with a fluid filled pigtail catheter. Doppler echocardiographic assessment of LV diastolic function was performed using E/E' at rest and during DSE. RESULTS: The average age of the study participants was 57 ± 8 years. Average heart rate was 61 ± 11 bpm at baseline and 141 ± 12 bpm at peak stress. LV mean diastolic pressure decreased from 12.3 ± 2.6 mmHg at baseline to 9.0 ± 2.3 mmHg at peak stress (P = 0.0001). Baseline E/E' at the septum and lateral annulus were 8.7 ± 2.2 and 7.5 ± 1.9 and during peak stress were 8.3 ± 3.1 and 7.9 ± 3.5, respectively. There was no significant change in E/E' at either the septum or the lateral annulus (P = 0.55, P = 0.66). There was no significant correlation between LV mean diastolic pressure and E/E' with dobutamine stress. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with normal LV ejection fraction and no significant coronary artery disease undergoing DSE, the ratio of early diastolic transmitral velocity to early diastolic tissue velocity (E/E') at peak stress with dobutamine does not predict changes in LV filling pressures.

A Case Report on Diagnostic Approach of a Complex Clinical Scenario: Differentiation Between Coronary Artery Disease and Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy as a Cause of Recurrent Debilitating Angina.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is a clinical challenge when presenting with symptoms of angina plus shortness of breath. An appropriate diagnosis of concurrent coronary artery disease (CAD) is needed for proper diagnosis, risk stratification, and management. We present a case of a 64-year-old gentleman with a history of ApHCM and CAD with previous percutaneous intervention presenting with recurrent angina. A repeat coronary angiography showed no new obstructive lesions. A stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which showed perfusion defect in the apex with apical scarring likely secondary to microvascular disease. The patient was managed medically with the improvement of symptoms. Diagnosis and management of CAD in patients with ApHCM are challenging. Multiple diagnostic modalities may be required for delineating the underlying pathology. Patients should be managed initially with medications. If symptoms are not controlled with medical management, a heart team approach with referral to an advanced center experienced in apical myectomy should be considered.

Anemia Among Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: From the National Inpatient Sample in the United States.

Background The prevalence and impact of anemia on the outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) have not been well-studied. Anemia is a commonly encountered comorbidity among patients with cardiovascular disorders and is frequently under-recognized. The study aimed to analyze the prevalence of anemia and its impact on post-TMVr in-hospital outcomes. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried to identify all patients who underwent TMVr from 2011-2015 in the United States by utilizing suitable International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. The baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared among patients with and without anemia. Results A total of 4,382 patients were identified. Out of these, 978 (22.3%) patients had baseline anemia. Anemic patients were noted to have a higher burden of co-morbidities, including chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The in-hospital mortality was higher but not statistically significant between anemic and non-anemic patients (3.6% vs 2.6%; odds ratio (OR): 1.44; confidence interval (CI): 0.85-2.46, p=0.179). The other adverse outcomes, including the length of stay, the requirement for blood transfusions, the incidence of post-implant acute kidney injury, hemodialysis, and the cost of hospitalization, were higher in anemic patients. Conclusion Anemia was present in one out of five patients undergoing TMVr in this nationally representative cohort. Baseline anemia showed numerically higher but not statistically significant in-hospital mortality and was associated with other in-hospital adverse outcomes. Further larger studies are needed to highlight the importance of anemia in the TMVr procedure.

Outcomes and Hospital Utilization in Patients With Papillary Muscle Rupture Associated With Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Papillary muscles rupture (PMR) is a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) that can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise, acute heart failure, and death. This study was designed to assess demographics, outcomes, and hospital utilization trends in the management of PMR associated with acute MI. Data were derived from the National Inpatient Sample for the years 2005 to 2014. ICD-9 codes 410.0 to 410.9 were used to identify patients with acute MI. ICD-9 code 429.6 was used to identify patients with PMR. ICD-9 procedures codes 35.23, 35.24, and 35.12 were used to identify patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) or repair. Of the 3,244,799 admissions, 932 were complicated by PMR (incidence of 0.029%). The majority of patients with PMR were ≥65 years old (60.1%) and male (60.4%). Of those with PMR, 57.5% underwent MVR. Compared to patients without PMR, those with PMR had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate (5.3 vs 36.3%, p <0.001), cost of hospitalization ($20,205 vs $74,383, p <0.001) and length of hospital stay (4.67 ± 02 vs 11.2 ± 0.80 days, p <0.001). Predictors of in-hospital mortality in PMR patients were age, inferior wall acute MI, and cardiac arrest. Predictors of MVR in PMR patients were age, female gender, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, mechanical circulatory support, longer length of stay, and admission to a large hospital. In conclusion, patients with PMR associated with acute MI have higher risk of in-hospital mortality, greater cost of hospitalization and longer length of stay than patients acute MI without PMR.

Stent-Only Versus Adjunctive Balloon Angioplasty Approach for Saphenous Vein Graft Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From DIVA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Direct stenting without pre-dilation or post-dilation has been advocated for saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention to decrease the incidence of distal embolization, periprocedural myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization. METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of patients enrolled in the DIVA (Drug-Eluting Stents Versus Bare Metal Stents in Saphenous Vein Graft Angioplasty; NCT01121224) prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were stratified into stent-only and balloon-stent groups. Primary end point was 12-month incidence of target vessel failure (defined as the composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization). Secondary end points included all-cause death, stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization during follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 575 patients included in this substudy, 185 (32%) patients underwent stent-only percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients in the stent-only versus balloon-stent group had similar baseline characteristics and similar incidence of target vessel failure at 12-months (15% versus 19%; hazard ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 0.86-2.08]; P=0.19). During long-term follow-up (median of 2.7 years), the incidence of definite stent thrombosis (1% versus 5%; hazard ratio, 9.20 [95% CI, 1.23-68.92]; P=0.0085), the composite of definite or probable stent thrombosis (5% versus 11%; hazard ratio, 2.52 [95% CI, 1.23-5.18]; P=0.009), and target vessel myocardial infarction (8% versus 14%; hazard ratio, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.08-3.40]; P=0.023) was lower in the stent-only group. Multivariable analysis showed that a higher number of years since coronary artery bypass grafting and >1 target saphenous vein graft lesions were associated with increased target vessel failure during entire follow-up, while preintervention Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction-3 flow was protective. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention of de novo saphenous vein graft lesions, there was no difference in target vessel failure at 12 months and long-term follow-up in the stent-only versus the balloon-stent group; however, the incidence of stent thrombosis was lower in the stent-only group, as was target vessel myocardial infarction. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01121224.

Observer variation in the echocardiographic measurement of maximum atrial septal excursion: a comparison of M-mode with two-dimensional or transesophageal echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal aneurysm is typically diagnosed by transthoracic two-dimensional or transesophageal echocardiography (2DE or TEE). Such techniques are highly dependent on visual inspection which predisposes to observer variation. This study compares inter- and intraobserver variations in the measurement of maximum atrial septal excursion (MASE) obtained using transthoracic M-mode echocardiography (MME) with that obtained using 2DE or TEE. METHODS: Consecutive patients with highly mobile atrial septal motion by visual inspection during 2DE or TEE were studied. MASE was estimated visually on 2DE or TEE. MME tracings were obtained with the cursor bisecting the parabola formed by the atrial septum at its maximum deviation from the midline. Electronic calipers were used to measure MASE for all echocardiographic techniques. Two observers provided two measurements each. Observer variation was determined by assessing standard deviation and confidence intervals of inter- and intraobserver differences. RESULTS: Interobserver analysis showed standard deviations of 0.077 cm (95% CI 0.065-0.094) for MME and 0.280 cm (95% CI 0.242-0.334) for 2DE or TEE. Intraobserver analysis showed standard deviations of 0.08 cm (95% CI 0.068-0.101) for MME and 0.318 cm (95% CI 0.274-0.381) for 2DE or TEE. The mean magnitude of measured MASE was 0.44 cm higher with MME than with 2DE or TEE (95% CI 0.068-0.101). CONCLUSIONS: MME assessment of MASE is associated with substantially lower inter- and intraobserver variation than 2DE or TEE assessment. The magnitude of MASE is substantially higher with MME than with 2DE or TEE.

Management of coronary artery disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered to belong to the highest risk group for the development of cardiovascular events. These patients should be subject to aggressive risk-factor modification. However, management of coronary artery disease in patients with CKD can be uniquely challenging. Many of the medications used in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease are metabolized or excreted by the kidney. Thus, patients with CKD are more likely to experience adverse effects from any attempt to aggressively modify risk factors for coronary artery disease. Little is known regarding revascularization in patients with CKD. Patients with CKD may benefit from off-pump strategies during coronary artery bypass. Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with CKD is associated with lower procedural success and increased peri-procedural myocardial infarction, ischemia, and target vessel revascularization. In this review, we discuss the unique challenges of managing coronary artery disease in patients with CKD.