Local Intracoronary Infusion of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors via a Perfusion Catheter versus Intracoronary Guiding Catheter Injection during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Glycoprotein IIb IIIa inhibitors improved short- and long-term outcome when added to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We hypothesized that intracoronary eptifibatide infusion via a perfusion catheter improves angiographic and clinical outcome of patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI, versus conventional intracoronary bolus injection. METHODS: Prospectively, we enrolled 80 patients with acute STEMI and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade ≥ 2. Patients were assigned to receive eptifibatide (180 µg) either via a dedicated coronary perfusion catheter (ClearWayTM) during PPCI (group I), or guiding catheter (group II). Assessment of TIMI thrombus grade, TIMI flow grade, and TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade was performed both at baseline and post- procedurally. The primary 'angiographic' endpoint was final TMP grade 0/1. The primary 'clinical' endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal re-infarction, target vessel revascularization, and recurrent ischemia at 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age was 52.3 ± 8.9 years (17.5% females). Clearance of visible thrombus (TIMI thrombus grade 0) at final angiogram was more frequent in group I. Additionally, both final TIMI flow grade 3 and final TMP grade 3 occurred more frequently in group I. The primary angiographic endpoint was more frequent in group II versus group I (17.5% versus 0%, respectively, p = 0.001). The primary clinical endpoint was more frequent in group II (20% versus 0%, respectively, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI, intracoronary eptifibatide infusion via a perfusion catheter during PPCI improved immediate angiographic outcome, and reduced clinical events at 30-day follow-up, versus bolus injection via the guiding catheter.

Assessment of right ventricular function by echocardiography in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The main focus of most of the studies in heart failure (HF) is the assessment of the left ventricular functions, while the right ventricle was much less studied. Much of this neglect is due to the complexity of anatomy and physiology of the right ventricle which are considered challenges during assessment of RV. OBJECTIVE: [1] To review the alterations of right ventricular dimensions & function associated with chronic heart failure. [2] To predict the prevalence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure, based on echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: 100 chronic left sided heart failure patients with LVEF less than 40% were evaluated in Ain Shams University hospitals from April 2015 to March 2016. All patients were subjected to full history taking & clinical evaluation. ECG was done mainly to exclude presence of ischemic heart disease. Complete trans-thoracic echocardiography study was done for assessment of [B] Left ventricular dimensions, systolic and diastolic functions [B] Assessment of the right side of the heart: [1] Measurement of the right ventricular dimensions [basal - mid cavity and the longitudinal diameters]. [2] Right ventricular area and calculation of the fractional area change (FAC). [3] Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). [4] Tissue Doppler derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S' wave velocity). [5] Tissue Doppler derived Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) (Tei index). [6] Grading of tricuspid regurgitation severity, and assessment of right ventricular systolic pressure. RESULTS: Right ventricle was dilated at the basal level in 36% of the studied patients & at the mid cavity level in 23% of the patients. Longitudinal RV diameter was enlarged in 20% of the patients.Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was found in 36% of patients with DCM in the current study. Patients who had right ventricular systolic dysfunction had significantly higher incidence of elevated JVP, significantly lower EF and significantly higher grade of LV Diastolic dysfunction. They showed significantly larger RV dimensions at different levels, significantly worse degree of TR and significantly higher mean value of RVSP. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with DCM is common [Approaching 40% in this study] and is independent of age and sex, and is proportionate to the degree of LV dilatation, and EF impairment.

Role of speckle tracking echocardiography in detecting early left atrial dysfunction in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension adversely affects left atrial (LA) size and function, effect on function may precede effect on size. Many techniques were used to assess LA function but with pitfalls. OBJECTIVES: Early detection of left atrial dysfunction with speckle tracking echocardiography in hypertensive patients with normal left atrial size. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 hypertensive patients and 50 age matched normotensive controls, all with normal LA volume index and free from any other cardiovascular disease that may affect the LA size or function. They were all subjected to history taking, clinical examination and echocardiographic study with assessment of LA functions [total LA stroke volume, LA expansion index by conventional 2D echocardiography and Global peak atrial longitudinal strain by speckle tracking (PALS)], left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions, and LV mass. RESULTS: Different indices of LA dysfunction (Total LA stroke volume, LA expansion index and global PALS) were significantly lower in the hypertensive group despite the normal LA volume index in all the studied subjects. The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and higher grade of LV diastolic dysfunction were significantly associated with lower global PALS. The higher age, systolic blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), LA volume index, and LV mass index and the lower LA expansion index were associated with lower global PALS. CONCLUSION: Speckle tracking echocardiography is a useful novel technique in detecting LA dysfunction in hypertension even before LA enlargement occurs.

Speckle tracking imaging as a predictor of left ventricular remodeling 6 months after first anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction in patients managed by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. LV remodeling is an important factor in the pathophysiology of advancing heart failure (HF). AIM OF THE WORK: To evaluate the value of speckle tracking imaging as a predictor of left ventricular remodeling 6 months after first anterior STEMI in patients managed by primary PCI. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-five patients with first acute anterior STEMI underwent primary PCI. Patients were followed up for 6 months. Echocardiography was done within 48 h [1] Standard transthoracic 2D echocardiographic examination: LV internal dimensions and volumes, Left Ventricular EF, and Wall Motion Score Index: [2] LV peak systolic global longitudinal strain and Torsion dynamics were assessed. Echocardiography was repeated at 6 months LV volumes and EF were calculated. LV remodeling was defined as an increase in LV EDV ≥ 20% 6 months after infarction as compared to baseline data. Patients were then classified into Group I: did not develop LV remodeling. Group II: developed LV remodeling. Both groups were studied to determine predictors of LV remodeling. RESULTS: At baseline echocardiographic evaluation there was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding both LVEDD and LVEDV, while there was statistically significant increase in both LV ESD and LV ESV, with statistically significant lower Ejection Fraction, in LV remodeling group. There was also statistically significant higher LV peak systolic GLS values in LV remodeling group, the best cut-off value was >-12.5 (Sensitivity 87%, Specificity 85%) and LV torsion was also statistically significantly lower in the LV remodeling group, with the best cut-off value for LV torsion was <9.5°, [Sensitivity 91%, Specificity 85%].Independent predictors of LV remodeling after AMI: baseline WMSI > 1.8, baseline LV EF < 40, GLS > -12.5%, LV torsion < 9.5°, CK-MB > 500 U/L, baseline Thrombus grade > 4 and total ischemic time. CONCLUSION: Average peak systolic GLS and LV torsion at echocardiography done early after myocardial infarction are independent predictors of LV remodeling after anterior STEMI and can be used to predict occurrence of LV remodeling after 6 months.

Effect of high flow arteriovenous fistula on cardiac function in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access for hemodialysis (HD) with an inappropriately high flow may underlie the onset of high output heart failure (HOHF).The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of high flow access (HFA) in chronic HD patients, and to determine its effects on cardiac functions. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 chronic hemodialysis patients through arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The study cohort was subdivided into 2 groups based on AVF flow: Group A (Non-HFA group with Qa < 2000 ml/min), and Group B (HFA group with Qa ≥ 2000 ml/min). AVF flow (Qa) was assessed using Color Doppler ultrasonography. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed for all patients to assess cardiac dimensions and functions. RESULTS: Prevalence of HFA among study population was 24%. Mean AVF Qa was 958.63 ±â€¯487.35 and 3430.13 ±â€¯1256.28 ml/min, for group A and B respectively. The HFA group demonstrated a significant dilatation in LV dimensions and volumes and significantly larger LA volume as compared to non-HFA group. A significantly lower LV ejection fraction [EF] was also observed in group B with a mean value of 57.32 ±â€¯6.19% versus 62.90 ±â€¯5.76%. A significant association between HFA group and high Qa/cardiac output (CO) ratio (≥20%) was also observed. CONCLUSION: HFA is a prevalent hemodialysis vascular access problem. HFA was associated with dilated LV dimensions, impaired LV systolic function. High Qa/CO ratio (≥20%) was an independent predictor of high output heart failure (HOHF) in our study population.

Preliminary Report on the Safety and Efficacy of Staged versus Complete Revascularization in Patients with Multivessel Disease at the Time of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of complete versus staged-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of nonculprit lesions at the time of primary PCI in patients with multivessel disease. Recent trials had suggested that revascularization of nonculprit lesions at the time of primary PCI is associated with better outcomes, however; the optimum timing and overall safety of this approach is not well known. An observational prospective study was conducted, including 50 patients who presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and found to have at least an additional nonculprit significant (> 70%) type A or B lesion. According to the operator's discretion, patients either underwent complete revascularization of nonculprit significant lesions during primary PCI procedure or within 60 days of primary PCI (staged-PCI). Safety outcomes evaluated were contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), the amount of contrast used, and fluoroscopy time. Efficacy outcome assessed was major adverse events (MACE) at 1 year. The fluoroscopy time and amount of contrast used were increased in complete revascularization group (35.3 ± 9.6 vs. 26.3 ± 6.7 minutes, p < 0.001, and 219.5 ± 35.1 vs. 187.5 ± 45.5 mL, p = 0.01, respectively); while incidence of CIN remained similar ( p = 0.73). The incidence of MACE at 1 year was similar in both groups (23% in the complete revascularization group vs. 25% in the staged-PCI group, p = 0.43). Complete revascularization and staged-PCI of nonculprit type A or B lesions at the time of primary PCI were associated with similar long-term outcomes and safety profile. Larger studies are needed to further validate these results.