[Hemorrhagic Colon Cancer with Left Atrial Thrombus Formation after Anticoagulant Therapy Discontinuation-A Case Report].

The patient was a 72-year-old female. She had been taking rivaroxaban for chronic atrial fibrillation; however, she stopped taking it due to anemia and was hospitalized urgently. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)scan showed a 30 mm mass in the ascending colon, and a colonoscopy revealed ascending colon cancer(cT3, cN0, cM0, cStage Ⅱa). The tumor was hemorrhagic and was thought to have caused the anemia. On day 6 of hospitalization, another contrast- enhanced CT scan showed a poorly contrast-enhanced area in the left atrium, and transesophageal echocardiography revealed 2 left atrial thrombi(27 mm and 17 mm). Since early induction of anticoagulation therapy was considered, an emergency open right colectomy was performed to remove the cause of the bleeding. Intravenous heparin therapy was started the day after surgery and was switched to oral apixaban therapy on the fourth postoperative day. The postoperative course was good, and she was discharged home on the 17th postoperative day. This patient had conflicting clinical problems simultaneously; however, immediate decision-making and initiation of treatment were effective.

Non-Invasive Central Venous Pressure Measurement Using Enclosed-Zone Central Venous Pressure (ezCVPTM).

BACKGROUND: Central venous pressure (CVP) is measured to assess intravascular fluid status. Although the clinical gold standard for evaluating CVP is invasive measurement using catheterization, the use of catheterization is limited in a clinical setting because of its invasiveness. We developed novel non-invasive technique, enclosed-zone (ezCVPTM) measurement for estimating CVP. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of ezCVP and the relationship between ezCVP and CVP measured by a catheter.Methods and Results:We conducted 291 measurements in 97 patients. Linear regression analysis revealed that ezCVP was significantly correlated with CVP (r=0.65, P<0.0001). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that ezCVP had an underestimation bias of -2.5 mmHg with 95% limits of agreement of -14.1 mmHg and 9.6 mmHg for CVP (P<0.0001). The areas under the curves of receiver operating curve with ezCVP to detect the CVP ≥12 cmH2O (8.8 mmHg) and CVP >10 mmHg were 0.81 or 0.88, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio of ezCVP for the CVP ≥8.8 mmHg and CVP >10 mmHg were 0.59, 0.96 and 14.8 with a cut-off value of 11.9 and 0.79, 0.97 and 26.3 with a cut-off value of 12.7. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that ezCVP measurement is feasible and useful for assessing CVP.

Selvester QRS score and total perfusion deficit calculated by quantitative gated single-photon emission computed tomography in patients with prior anterior myocardial infarction in the coronary intervention era.

Selvester QRS scoring system has an advantage of being inexpensive and easily accessible for estimating myocardial infarct (MI) size. We assessed the correlation and agreement between QRS score and total perfusion deficit (TPD) calculated by quantitative gated single-photon emission computed tomography (QGS) in patients with prior anterior MI undergoing coronary intervention. Sixty-six patients with prior anterior MI and 66 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled. QRS score was obtained using a 50-criteria and 31-point system. QRS score was significantly higher in patients with prior anterior MI than control subjects (12.8 ± 8.9 vs 1.1 ± 2.7 %, p < 0.001). In overall patients (n = 132), QRS score was correlated well with TPD (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). This good correlation was found even in patients with TPD ≤40 % (n = 126) or in patients with TPD ≤30 % (n = 117). In overall patients, MI size estimated by QRS score was 7.0 ± 8.8 %, which was significantly smaller than TPD, 11.4 ± 14.0 % (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plot showed that there was an increasing difference between QRS score and TPD with increasing MI size. When Blant-Altman plots were applied to patients with TPD ≤40 % and further in patients with TPD ≤30 %, the difference between QRS score and TPD became smaller, and the agreement became better. In overall patients, QRS score was correlated well with QGS measurements, such as end-diastolic volume (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), end-systolic volume (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), or ejection fraction (r = -0.73, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that QRS score reflects TPD well in patients with prior anterior MI, whose TPD is less than approximately 30 % even in the coronary intervention era.

Effects of hemoglobin level on myocardial washout rate of thallium-201 in patients with normal myocardial perfusion assessed by single-photon emission computed tomography.

Myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is often performed even in patients with suspected coronary artery disease complicated by anemia. We assessed the effects of hemoglobin level on myocardial washout rate of Thallium-201 (Tl-201) in patients with normal myocardial perfusion assessed by SPECT. The study population consisted of 231 patients with summed stress score of zero on SPECT. The mean myocardial washout rate of Tl-201 in the left ventricle was calculated from the stress and the redistribution Bull's eye map. Hematological test was performed within 2 weeks before gated SPECT. There were 135 male and 96 female patients with a mean age of 72.6 ± 9.0 years. The mean hemoglobin was 12.9 ± 1.9 mg/dl; the median was 13.2 mg/dl and the range was 8.0-16.5 mg/dl. There was a significant inverse correlation between hemoglobin level and myocardial washout rate of Tl-201 (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that age, female, body mass index, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, end-diastolic volume, and ejection fraction were associated with myocardial washout rate of Tl-201. Multivariate analysis showed that only hemoglobin was the independent predictor of myocardial washout rate of Tl-201 (ß = -0.35, p < 0.001). Our data suggested that anemia was a major determinant of increased myocardial washout rate of Tl-201 in patients with normal myocardial perfusion on SPECT.

Comparison of 8-frame and 16-frame thallium-201 gated myocardial perfusion SPECT for determining left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters.

The myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography synchronized with the electrocardiogram (gated SPECT) has been widely used for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions using Quantitative gated SPECT. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8-frame and 16-frame thallium-201 (Tl-201) gated SPECT for determining LV systolic and diastolic parameters. The study population included 42 patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent gated SPECT by clinical indication. LV systolic and diastolic parameters were assessed on 8-frame and 16-frame gated SPECT. There were good correlations in end-diastolic volume (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), end-systolic volume (ESV) (r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and ejection fraction (EF) (r = 0.95, p < 0.001) between 8-frame and 16-frame gated SPECT. Bland-Altman plot showed a significant negative slope of -0.08 in EDV indicating a larger difference for larger EDV. Eight-frame gated SPECT overestimated ESV by 2.3 ml, and underestimated EF by -4.2% than 16-frame gated SPECT. There were good correlations in peak filling rate (PFR) (r = 0.87, p < 0.001), one third mean filling rate (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) and time to PFR (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) between 8-frame and 16-frame gated SPECT. Eight-frame gated SPECT underestimated PFR by -0.22 than 16-frame gated SPECT. Eight-frame gated SPECT estimated as much MFR/3 and TPFR as 16-frame gated SPECT. According to the data, the study suggested that 8-frame Tl-201 gated SPECT could underestimate systolic and/or diastolic parameter when compared with 16-frame gated SPECT.

Evaluation of end-tidal CO2 pressure at the anaerobic threshold for detecting and assessing pulmonary hypertension.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is useful for the evaluation of patients with suspected or confirmed pulmonary hypertension (PH). End-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2) during exercise is reduced with elevated pulmonary artery pressure. However, the utility of ventilatory parameters such as CPET for detecting PH remains unclear. We conducted a review in 155 patients who underwent right heart catheterization and CPET. Fifty-nine patients had PH [mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg]. There was an inverse correlation between PETCO2 at the anaerobic threshold (AT) and mPAP (r = -0.66; P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that PETCO2 at the AT was independently associated with an elevated mPAP (P = 0.04). The sensitivity and specificity of CPET for PH were 80 and 86%, respectively, when the cut-off value identified by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for PETCO2 at the AT was ≤34.7 mmHg. A combination of echocardiography and CPET improved the sensitivity in detecting PH without markedly reducing specificity (sensitivity 87%, specificity 85%). Evaluation of PETCO2 at the AT is useful for estimating pulmonary pressure. A combination of CPET and previous screening algorithms for PH may enhance the diagnostic ability of PH.

Use of the augmentation index from applanation tonometry of the radial artery for assessing the extent of coronary artery calcium as assessed by coronary computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The augmentation index (AI) obtained from applanation tonometry of the radial artery is technically the easiest and quickest of available methods for assessing arterial stiffness. We tested the hypothesis that the radial AI is associated with the extent of coronary artery calcium (CAC) as assessed by coronary computed tomography (CCT). METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 161 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing central hemodynamic measurements and CCT. Radial AI was recorded and was corrected in accordance with heart rate (radial AI@75). Thirty-seven patients had no CAC (CAC score = 0), 85 had low-grade CAC (CAC score = 1-399), and 39 had high-grade CAC (CAC score ≥400). Coronary risk factors, except for age and serum creatinine, were similar among the three groups. There were significant differences in brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.011) and radial AI@75 (%) (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that age (ß = 0.27, p = 0.001), serum creatinine (ß = 0.18, p = 0.03), and radial AI@75 (ß = 0.24, p = 0.005) were significantly associated with ln (CAC score + 1), whereas brachial SBP was not. Additionally, serum creatinine (odds ratio: 11.91, 95% confidence interval: 1.46-112.0, p = 0.02) and radial AI@75 (per 10%) (odds ratio: 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-2.64, p = 0.002) were independent factors associated with high-grade CAC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the radial AI is better for estimating CAC than brachial SBP in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological data of pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (LHD) are limited. This study investigated hemodynamic and clinical factors associated with mortality in patients with PH due to LHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective review in 243 patients with PH due to LHD, defined as mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥25 mmHg and pulmonary wedge pressure >15 mmHg at rest in right heart catheterization. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed. Seventy-five patients died during an average follow-up of 52 months (range, 20-73 months). On multivariate analysis, only diastolic pulmonary vascular pressure gradient (DPG) ≥7 mmHg among hemodynamic measurements was a predictor of mortality. Elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), more severe New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, anemia, and renal dysfunction were more strongly associated with mortality. Mean right atrial pressure (RAP) and currently available markers of pulmonary vascular remodeling including transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) had no effect on survival. CONCLUSIONS: DPG is weakly associated with mortality in PH due to LHD. Clinical factors such as NT-pro BNP, NYHA class, anemia and renal dysfunction are superior predictors. The prognostic ability of hemodynamic factors such as mean RAP, TPG, PVR and DPG is limited.

Impact of Malondialdehyde-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein on Tissue Characteristics in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease　- Integrated Backscatter-Intravascular Ultrasound Study.

BACKGROUND: Malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) is considered to play an essential role in plaque destabilization. We aimed to investigate the association between the tissue characteristics of culprit plaque assessed by integrated backscatter (IB)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and the serum MDA-LDL levels in patients with stable coronary artery disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group consisted of 179 patients undergoing IB-IVUS during elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on serum MDA-LDL level: low MDA-LDL group (<102 U/L, n=88) and high MDA-LDL group (≥102 U/L, n=91). Plaques in the high MDA-LDL group had higher %lipid (45.2±12.5% vs. 54.9±14.5%, P<0.001) and lower %fibrosis (43.0±9.1% vs. 36.4±11.4%, P<0.001) than did plaques in the low MDA-LDL group. Lipid-rich plaque (%lipid >60% or %fibrosis <30%) was significantly more frequently found in the high MDA-LDL group than in the low MDA-LDL group (14.3% vs. 39.8%, P<0.001). The incidence of MACE (cardiac death, myocardial infarction and/or hospitalization for heart failure) during 3 years was significantly higher in the high MDA-LDL group than in the low MDA-LDL group (6.6% vs. 15.9%, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Higher MDA-LDL might be associated with greater lipid and lower fibrous content, contributing to coronary plaque vulnerability. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2173-2182).

Non-suppressive regulatory T cell subset expansion in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported to play a pivotal role in the vascular remodeling of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Recent studies have revealed that Tregs are heterogeneous and can be characterized by three phenotypically and functionally different subsets. In this study, we investigated the roles of Treg subsets in the pathogenesis of PAH in eight patients with PAH and 14 healthy controls. Tregs and their subsets in peripheral blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Treg subsets were defined as CD4(+)CD45RA(+)FoxP3(low) resting Tregs (rTregs), CD4(+)CD45RA(-)FoxP3(high) activated Tregs (aTregs), and CD4(+)CD45RA(-)FoxP3(low) non-suppressive Tregs (non-Tregs). The proportion of Tregs among CD4(+) T cells was significantly higher in PAH patients than in controls (6.54 ± 1.10 vs. 3.81 ± 0.28 %, p < 0.05). Of the three subsets, the proportion of non-Tregs was significantly elevated in PAH patients compared with controls (4.06 ± 0.40 vs. 2.79 ± 0.14 %, p < 0.01), whereas those of rTregs and aTregs were not different between the two groups. Moreover, the expression levels of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, a functional cell surface molecule, in aTregs (p < 0.05) and non-Tregs (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in PAH patients compared with controls. These results suggested the non-Treg subset was expanded and functionally activated in peripheral lymphocytes obtained from IPAH patients. We hypothesize that immunoreactions involving the specific activation of the non-Treg subset might play a role in the vascular remodeling of PAH.

Clinical value of regression of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement.

Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) gradually regressed after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Sokolow-Lyon voltage (SV1 + RV5/6) is possibly the most widely used criterion for ECG-LVH. The aim of this study was to determine whether decrease in Sokolow-Lyon voltage reflects left ventricular reverse remodeling detected by echocardiography after AVR. Of 129 consecutive patients who underwent AVR for severe aortic stenosis, 38 patients with preoperative ECG-LVH, defined by SV1 + RV5/6 of ≥3.5 mV, were enrolled in this study. Electrocardiography and echocardiography were performed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The patients were divided into ECG-LVH regression group (n = 19) and non-regression group (n = 19) according to the median value of the absolute regression in SV1 + RV5/6. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess determinants of ECG-LVH regression among echocardiographic indices. ECG-LVH regression group showed significantly greater decrease in left ventricular mass index and left ventricular dimensions than Non-regression group. ECG-LVH regression was independently determined by decrease in the left ventricular mass index [odds ratio (OR) 1.28, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.69, p = 0.048], left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (OR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.03-1.41, p = 0.014), and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (OR 1.24, 95 % CI 1.06-1.52, p = 0.0047). ECG-LVH regression could be a marker of the effect of AVR on both reducing the left ventricular mass index and left ventricular dimensions. The effect of AVR on reverse remodeling can be estimated, at least in part, by regression of ECG-LVH.

Influence of dual antiplatelet therapy on mean platelet volume in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a well-established marker of platelet activation, and recent studies have shown that platelet activation is central to the processes in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study population consisted of 45 patients with stable CAD who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents. We selected 45 age- and sex-matched control subjects without cardiovascular diseases who did not require antiplatelet therapy. Hematological test was performed 3 times within 1 month before DAPT (baseline), at 2 weeks after PCI (post PCI) and at 9 months after PCI (follow-up). Compared to control subjects, MPV was significantly larger in patients with CAD (10.0 ± 0.6 vs 10.7 ± 0.8 fl, p < 0.01) although there was no significant difference in white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelet count between the 2 groups. In patients with CAD, DAPT did not affect platelet count (19.3 ± 4.8 × 10(4)-18.9 ± 4.6 × 10(4)/µl) or MPV (10.7 ± 0.8-10.5 ± 0.9 fl) during the follow-up period. MPV remained to be higher at follow-up in patients with CAD despite DAPT compared to control subjects (10.1 ± 0.7 vs 10.5 ± 0.9 fl, p < 0.05). Our data suggested that MPV might not be suitable for monitoring the effects of DAPT on platelet activity in patients with CAD undergoing PCI.

Iliac Artery Stenting Combined with Open Iliofemoral Endarterectomy Facilitated by a Novel Ultrasonic Ablation Instrument for Diffuse Iliofemoral Occlusive Disease.

An 81-year-old male complained of intermittent claudication of the right leg. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a right external iliac artery (EIA) stenosis with severe calcification extending to the common femoral artery. A hybrid procedure of endarterectomy and stenting was performed. EIA endarterectomy was performed using a novel Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator which ablated the inside of the distal EIA without arterial injury. A stent graft was placed in the proximal EIA covering the margin of endarterectomized distal EIA. Postoperative CT showed no stenosis, and symptoms in the leg disappeared. This could be an alternative procedure for iliofemoral occlusive disease.

Implications of World Health Organization classification for body mass index on the correlations between common electrocardiographic indexes for left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular mass.

BACKGROUND: Some electrocardiographic indexes such as Cornell index, Cornell product index, or Sokolow-Lyon index remain to be used in the clinical setting. We assessed the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the correlations between these ECG indexes and left ventricular mass (LVM). METHODS: One hundred ninety-six outpatients who underwent both ECG and echocardiography on the same day were included in this study. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of BMI, the patients were classified into the four groups: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2, n = 30), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n = 83), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2, n = 43), and obese (≥30 kg/m2, n = 40). RESULTS: With increasing WHO classification of BMI, Cornell index (RaVL+SV3), Cornell product index [(RaVL+SV3)RQRS duration], and LVM increased. On the other hand, Sokolow-Lyon index (SV1+RV5) decreased. Cornell index correlated with LVM in normal weight group (r = 0.27, p = 0.015), but did not in the other groups. Cornell product index also correlated with LVM in normal weight group (r = 0.30, p = 0.006), but did not in the other groups. Sokolow-Lyon index correlated with LVM well in normal weight group (r = 0.32, p = 0.004) and better in underweight group (r = 0.61, p = 0.0004). However, no correlations were found in overweight and obese groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that BMI influences the correlations between these ECG indexes and LVM, and should be taken into consideration when assessing LVH.

Effects of the topographical extent of coronary artery ectasia on coronary blood flow in patients with aortic aneurysms.

Aortic aneurysms are associated with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). However, the relation between the extent of CAE and coronary blood flow in patients with aortic aneurysms is not fully understood. This study was undertaken to assess the angiographic characteristics and effects of the topographical extent of CAE on coronary blood flow in patients with aortic aneurysms. This study consisted of 93 consecutive patients with aortic aneurysms (AA group) and 79 patients without aortic aneurysms who had angiographically normal coronary arteries as the control group (Control group). Coronary flow velocity was determined using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) and the topographical extent of CAE was assessed. In the AA group, 43 patients (46.2 %) had significant coronary artery stenosis and 37 patients (40.2 %) had diffuse CAE. TFC was significantly higher in the AA group than in the control group in all 3 coronary arteries. Furthermore, mean corrected TFC (CTFC) was significantly higher in the AA group than in the control group (40.1 ± 10.7 vs. 25.8 ± 6.5, p < 0.001). In the AA group, mean CTFC in patients with diffuse CAE was significantly higher than that in patients with segmental CAE (50.2 ± 8.7 vs. 33.6 ± 5.2, p < 0.001). The mean CTFC correlated positively with the topographical extent of CAE. Many patients with aortic aneurysms were accompanied with angiographic coronary artery stenosis and CAE. Furthermore, patients with aortic aneurysms had higher CTFC than those without aortic aneurysms and it was primarily driven by more frequent prevalence of diffuse CAE.

Mean platelet volume and left ventricular geometry in patients with aortic valve stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a well-established marker of platelet activation. In the current study, we compared MPV between patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) and control subjects. We also assessed the association between MPV and left ventricular geometry in patients with AS. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 75 patients with AS and 38 age- and sex-matched control subjects. In patients with AS, peak pressure gradient was 83.0 ± 30.8 mm Hg. MPV was significantly larger in patients with AS than control subjects (10.57 ± 1.05 fl versus 9.72 ± 0.66 fl, p < 0.001). There was a significant association between peak pressure gradient and MPV in 75 patients with AS and 38 control subjects (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Among the patients with AS, there were 12 patients with normal geometry, 10 patients with concentric remodeling, 14 patients with eccentric hypertrophy and 39 patients with concentric hypertrophy. There was no significant difference in MPV among the four groups. There was no significant association between MPV and LVM index. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that MPV increased in patients with AS, but did not reflect left ventricular geometry.

Usefulness of aortic knob width on chest radiography to predict central hemodynamics in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Aortic knob width on chest radiography is independently related to cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the correlation between aortic knob width and central hemodynamics. METHODS: Central blood pressure was measured invasively with diagnostic catheter in 92 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. RESULTS: Aortic knob width was positively associated with age (r = 0.42; p < 0.001), central systolic blood pressure (r = 0.35; p < 0.001) and central pulse pressure (r = 0.34; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that larger aortic knob width was independently related to the higher central systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Lager aortic knob width on chest radiography is an independent predictor of increase of central systolic blood pressure.

Validation of automated quantification of myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography using Heart Score View in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

Heart Score View (HSV) is a free software package for automated quantification of myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging using a standard Windows computer. We compared scoring results of myocardial perfusion among visual analysis, Quantitative Perfusion SPECT (QPS), and HSV in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.This study included 75 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease who underwent adenosive stress-rest Tl-201 SPECT. Analysis of myocardial perfusion SPECT was performed on a standard 17-segment model visually and using QPS and HSV.There were 54 male and 21 female patients with a mean age of 70.5 ± 10.7 years. Thirteen patients (17%) had prior myocardial infarction. Summed stress score (SSS) and summed rest score (SRS) in the mid and basal areas were significantly higher on HSV than visual analysis or QPS. There was no significant difference in SDS in the whole area among the 3 methods. Similar results were found even in patients without prior myocardial infarction. Manual setting of the left ventricular cavity improved the correlations of SSS, SRS and SDS between HSV and the other methods.Our data suggested that HSV was comparable with visual analysis or QPS in scoring myocardial perfusion when manual setting of the left ventricular cavity is applied.

Effects of lipid-lowering therapy with strong statin on serum polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in patients with coronary artery disease.

Residual risk of cardiovascular events after treatment with stain might be explained in part because patients have low levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). We examined how lipid-lowering therapy with strong statin affected serum PUFA levels in patients with coronary artery disease. The study population consisted of 46 patients with coronary artery disease whose low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was more than 100 mg/dl. Lipid-lowering therapy was performed with a strong statin including atorvastatin (n = 22), rosuvastatin (n = 9) or pitavastatin (n = 15). Serum PUFA levels were determined by gas chromatography. The treatment with strong statin decreased the sum of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels (195 ± 41 to 184 ± 44 µg/ml, P < 0.05) as well as the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels (233 ± 71 to 200 ± 72 µg/ml, P < 0.001). These effects of strong statin resulted in a significant decrease in ratio of the sum of EPA and DHA levels to the sum of DGLA and AA levels (1.20 ± 0.27 to 1.10 ± 0.35, P < 0.05). The percent decrease in the LDL cholesterol level correlated significantly with that in the sum of EPA and DHA levels (r = 0.38, P < 0.01). In conclusion, our results showed that lipid-lowering therapy with strong statin mainly reduced n-3 PUFAs in proportion to the decrease in the LDL cholesterol level in patients with coronary artery disease.

Effects of aliskiren on the fibrinolytic system in patients with coronary artery disease receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker.

Aliskiren is a novel blood pressure-lowering agent acting as an oral direct renin inhibitor. We evaluated the effects of aliskiren on the fibrinolytic system in patients with coronary artery disease who were receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs). We studied 17 patients with coronary artery disease whose systolic blood pressure was more than 130 mmHg despite treatment with ACEIs or ARBs. Aliskiren (150 mg) was added to ACEIs or ARBs, and was continued for 6 weeks. Aliskiren significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (140 ± 6-128 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001) and plasma renin activity (1.8 ± 2.3-0.6 ± 0.9 ng/ml/h, P < 0.01) after 6 weeks. However, it did not affect plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (28.8 ± 14.5-30.6 ± 13.6 ng/ml, P = 0.84), fibrinogen (305 ± 72 vs 301 ± 71 mg/dl, P = 0.33), or D-dimer (0.49 ± 0.24-0.51 ± 0.28 µg/ml, P = 0.70) levels. Our data suggested that patients receiving ACEIs or ARBs would not be expected to have any changes in biomarkers of the fibrinolytic system with additional pharmacologic inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.