Current medical management of stable coronary artery disease before and after elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is not superior to optimal medical therapy. It remains unclear if patients who receive PCI for stable CAD are receiving appropriate medical therapy. METHODS: We evaluated the medical management of 60,386 patients who underwent PCI for stable CAD between 2004 and 2009. We excluded patients with contraindications to aspirin, clopidogrel, statins, or ß-blockers (BBs). We defined essential medical therapy of stable CAD as treatment with aspirin, statin, and BB before PCI and treatment with aspirin, clopidogrel, and statin after PCI. RESULTS: Essential medical therapy was used in 53.0% of patients before PCI and 82.1% at discharge. Aspirin was used in 94.8% patients before PCI and 98.3% of after PCI. Statins were used in 69.5% of patients before PCI and 84.5% after PCI. ß-Blockers were used in 72.8% of patients before PCI. Clopidogrel was used in 97.3% of patients after PCI. Patients with a history of myocardial infarction or revascularization before PCI had better medical therapy compared with patients without such a history (62.8% vs 34.3% [P < .001] before PCI and 83.6% vs 79.1% [P < .001] after PCI). After adjusting for confounders and clustering, women (odds ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.71-0.78) and patients on dialysis (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.57-0.80) were less likely to receive a statin at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy remains underused before and after PCI for stable CAD. Women are less likely to receive statin therapy. There are significant opportunities to optimize medical therapy in patients with stable CAD.

The changing definition of contrast-induced nephropathy and its clinical implications: insights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2).

BACKGROUND: The traditional definition of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been an absolute rise of serum creatinine (Cr) of ≥0.5 mg/dL, although most recent clinical trials have included a ≥25% increase from baseline Cr. The clinical implication of this definition change remains unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared the association of the two definitions with risk of death or need for dialysis among 58,957 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in 2007 to 2008 in a large collaborative registry. Patients with a preexisting history of renal failure requiring dialysis were excluded. Contrast-induced nephropathy as defined by a rise in Cr ≥0.5 mg/dL (CIN(Traditional)) developed in 1,601, whereas CIN defined either as Cr ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% increase in baseline Cr (CIN(New)) developed in 4,308 patients. Patients meeting the definition of CIN(New) but not CIN(Traditional) were classified as CIN(Incremental) (n = 2,707). Compared with CIN(New), CIN(Traditional) was more commonly seen in patients with abnormal renal function, which was more likely to develop in patients with normal renal function at baseline. Compared with CIN(Incremental), patients meeting the definition of CIN(Traditional) were more likely to die (16.7% vs 1.7%) and require in-hospital dialysis (9.8% vs 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the traditional definition of CIN (a rise in Cr of ≥0.5 mg/dL) in patients undergoing PCI is superior to ≥25% increase in Cr at identifying patients at greater risk for adverse renal and cardiac events.

Trends and disparities in referral to cardiac rehabilitation after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease, referral rates to rehabilitation programs remain low. We determined the incidence and determinants of cardiac rehabilitation referral rates for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: The incidence and predictors of referral to cardiac rehabilitation were assessed among 145,661 consecutive patients undergoing PCI and surviving to hospital discharge across 31 hospitals in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium between 2003 and 2008. The 6-year cardiac rehabilitation referral rate was 60.2%. Younger age, male gender, white race, and presentation with acute or severe disease (ie, acute myocardial infarction [AMI] in the previous 24 hours and ST-elevation myocardial infarction) were associated with increased referral to rehabilitation (all P < .0001). Most medical comorbidities were associated with decreased referral. Referral rates for cardiac rehabilitation were below the rates of other AMI quality-of-care indicators and more variable across hospital sites. Race-specific referral rates differed significantly in the lowest referring hospitals (P < .0001) but not in the highest referring hospitals (P = .16). Women had a 0.7% relative decrease in referral as compared to men (P = .0188) in the highest referring hospitals but a 26.7% relative decrease in referral in the lowest referring hospitals (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Over one third of patients undergoing PCI are not referred for cardiac rehabilitation. Referral rates are below the rates of other AMI quality-of-care performance measures and more variable across sites. Racial and gender disparities in referral to rehabilitation exist but are concentrated at the lowest referring hospitals.

The association of sex with outcomes among patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction in the contemporary era: Insights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2).

BACKGROUND: historically, women with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have had a higher mortality compared with men. It is unclear if these differences persist among patients undergoing contemporary primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with focus on early reperfusion. METHODS: we assessed the impact of sex on the outcome of 8,771 patients with acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI from 2003 to 2008 at 32 hospitals participating in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium PCI registry. A propensity-matched analysis was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and comorbidities between men and women. RESULTS: twenty-nine percent of the cohort was female. Compared with men, women were older and had more comorbidity. Female sex was associated with a higher unadjusted in-hospital mortality (6.02% vs 3.45%, odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% CI 1.45-2.22, P < .0001) and higher risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (OR 1.75, P < .0001), vascular complications (OR 2.13, P < .0001), and postprocedure transfusion (OR 2.84, P < .0001). The gap in sex-specific mortality narrowed over time. In a propensity-matched analysis, female sex was associated with a higher rate of transfusion (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.57-2.24, P < .0001) and vascular complications (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.26-2.14, P < .0002); but there was no difference in mortality (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.98-1.72, P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: women make up approximately one third of patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI. Female sex is associated with an apparent hazard of increased mortality among patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI, but this difference is likely explained by older age and worse baseline comorbidities among women.

Partial thrombosis of the false lumen in patients with acute type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Patency or thrombosis of the false lumen in type B acute aortic dissection has been found to predict outcomes. The prognostic implications of partial thrombosis of the false lumen have not yet been elucidated. METHODS: We examined 201 patients with type B acute aortic dissection who were enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection between 1996 and 2003 and who survived to hospital discharge. Kaplan-Meier mortality curves were stratified according to the status of the false lumen (patent, partial thrombosis, or complete thrombosis) as determined during the index hospitalization. Cox proportional-hazards analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of death. RESULTS: During the index hospitalization, 114 patients (56.7%) had a patent false lumen, 68 patients (33.8%) had partial thrombosis of the false lumen, and 19 (9.5%) had complete thrombosis of the false lumen. The mean (+/-SD) 3-year mortality rate for patients with a patent false lumen was 13.7+/-7.1%, for those with partial thrombosis was 31.6+/-12.4%, and for those with complete thrombosis was 22.6+/-22.6% (median follow-up, 2.8 years; P=0.003 by the log-rank test). Independent predictors of postdischarge mortality were partial thrombosis of the false lumen (relative risk, 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45 to 4.98; P=0.002), a history of aortic aneurysm (relative risk, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.93; P=0.03), and a history of atherosclerosis (relative risk, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.47; P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality is high after discharge from the hospital among patients with type B acute aortic dissection. Partial thrombosis of the false lumen, as compared with complete patency, is a significant independent predictor of postdischarge mortality in these patients.

Gender differences in adverse outcomes after contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention: an analysis from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2) percutaneous coronary intervention registry.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown a relationship between female gender and adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Whether this relationship still exists with contemporary PCI remains to be determined. METHODS: We evaluated gender differences in clinical outcomes in a large registry of contemporary PCI. Data were prospectively collected from 22,725 consecutive PCIs in a multicenter regional consortium (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium) between January 2002 and December 2003. The primary end point was in-hospital all-cause mortality; other clinical outcomes evaluated included in-hospital death, vascular complications, transfusion, postprocedure myocardial infarction, stroke, and a combined major cardiovascular adverse event (MACE) end point including myocardial infarction, death, stroke, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, and repeated PCI at the same site. Independent predictors of adverse outcomes were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared with men, women were older, had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and had a significantly higher frequency of adverse outcomes after PCI. After adjustment for baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, and lesion characteristics, female gender was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death, vascular complication, blood transfusion, stroke, and MACE. The relationship between female gender and increased risk of death and MACE was no longer present after further adjustment for kidney function and low body surface area. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in mortality rates between men and women no longer exist after PCI. However, our data suggest that technological advancements have not completely offset the relationship between gender and adverse outcomes after PCI.

Association between the use of 4 recommended drug categories and patient perceptions of health status following an ACS event.

BACKGROUND: Four categories of medication have been shown to reduce mortality following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event: (a) antiplatelets, (b) beta-blockers, (c) statins, and (d) angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between use of 1 or more of 4 categories of evidence-based medications and patient-perceived health status. METHODS: Data from the registry of a large university-based health system were used for an analysis of prescribing at discharge following an inpatient hospitalization for ACS. Use of evidence-based medications and patientperceived health status were measured in a telephone survey administered 6 to 12 months (mean [SD] = 10 [3.5] months) after hospital discharge. Surveys were conducted from January 2002 through March 2005. Subjects were included in the survey if they were prescribed at least 1 of the 4 evidence-based drug categories at the time of discharge. Each patient was assigned to 1 of 5 groups (range: 0 to 4) based on the number of drug categories self-reported by the patient as current at the time of the survey. Patient-perceived health status was assessed using the question "How would you rate your health at the present time?" using a 5-point scale from excellent (1) to poor (5). Mean perceived health status scores for each of the 4 evidence-based medication categories were compared using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Multivariate logistic regression determined the association between patient-perceived health status-dichotomized to excellent/ very good/good versus fair/poor - and the evidence-based medication group, controlling for patient demographics and comorbidities. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 393 of 1,206 patients (32.6%) responded to the survey between 6 and 12 months after discharge for an ACS event. The mean (SD) patient-perceived health status ranged from 3.3 (1.1) for patients with no (0) self-reported evidence-based medications (n = 14) to 2.5 (1.0) for patients with 4 evidence-based medications (n = 130, P = 0.028), indicating higher self-perceived health status for patients who were taking more of the evidence-based medications. Using patients with no (0) evidencebased medications as the comparator, the odds of higher patient-perceived health status were multiplied by 8.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7- 37.9, P = 0.007) for those with 4 medications, 9.3 (95% CI = 2.0-43.4, P = 0.004) for those with 3 medications, 4.9 (95% CI = 1.1-22.6, P = 0.041) for those with 2 medications, and not significantly different for those with 1 medication (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% CI = 0.4-14.4, P = 0.316). Younger age, prior myocardial infarction, and recurrent ACS events occurring between discharge and the survey date were significantly associated with poorer perceived health status. CONCLUSION: Better patient-perceived health status was associated with use of a greater number of evidence-based medications for patients with ACS.

Acute type B aortic dissection: does aortic arch involvement affect management and outcomes? Insights from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

BACKGROUND: Stanford Type B acute aortic dissection (TB-AAD) spares the ascending aorta and is optimally managed with medical therapy in the absence of complications. However, the treatment of TB-AAD with aortic arch involvement (AAI) remains an unresolved issue. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined 498 patients with TB-AAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) between 1996 and 2003. Kaplan-Meier mortality curves were constructed and multivariate regression models were performed to identify independent predictors of AAI and to evaluate whether AAI was an independent predictor of follow-up mortality. We found that 371 (74.5%) patients with TB-AAD did not have AAI versus 127 (25.5%) with AAI. Independent predictors of AAI were a history of previous aortic surgery (OR 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6 to 7.6; P=0.002), absence of back pain (OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5; P=0.05), and any pulse deficit (1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.3, P=0.03). Mortality for patients without AAI was 9.4%+/-4.3% and 21.0%+/-6.9% at 1 and 3 years versus 9.2%+/-7.7% and 19.9%+/-11.1% with AAI, respectively (mean follow-up overall, 2.3 years, log rank P=0.82). AAI was not an independent predictor of long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TB-AAD and aortic arch involvement do not differ with regards to mortality at 3 years. Whether or not AAI involvement impacts other measures of morbidity such as freedom from operation or endovascular intervention deserves further study.

Long-term survival in patients presenting with type B acute aortic dissection: insights from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up survival studies in patients with acute type B aortic dissection have been restricted to a small number of patients in single centers. We used data from a contemporary registry of acute type B aortic dissection to better understand factors associated with adverse long-term survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined 242 consecutive patients discharged alive with acute type B aortic dissection enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) between 1996 and 2003. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of follow-up mortality. Three-year survival for patients treated medically, surgically, or with endovascular therapy was 77.6+/-6.6%, 82.8+/-18.9%, and 76.2+/-25.2%, respectively (median follow-up 2.3 years, log-rank P=0.61). Independent predictors of follow-up mortality included female gender (hazard ratio [HR],1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 3.71; P=0.03), a history of prior aortic aneurysm (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.03 to 4.59; P=0.04), a history of atherosclerosis (HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.32 to 4.66; P<0.01), in-hospital renal failure (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.63; P=0.02), pleural effusion on chest radiograph (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.18 to 5.58; P=0.02), and in-hospital hypotension/shock (HR, 12.5; 95% CI, 3.24 to 48.21; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary follow-up mortality in patients who survive to hospital discharge with acute type B aortic dissection is high, approaching 1 in every 4 patients at 3 years. Current treatment and follow-up surveillance require further study to better understand and optimize care for patients with this complex disease.

Long-term survival in patients presenting with type A acute aortic dissection: insights from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies evaluating long-term survival in type A acute aortic dissection (TA-AAD) have been restricted to a small number of patients in single center experiences. We used data from a contemporary, multi-center international registry of TA-AAD patients to better understand factors associated with long-term survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined 303 consecutive patients with TA-AAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) between 1996 and 2003. We included patients who were discharged alive and had documented clinical follow-up data. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to depict cumulative survival in patients from date of hospital discharge. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of follow-up mortality. We found that 273 (90.1%) patients had been managed surgically and 30 (9.9%) were managed medically. Patients who were dead at follow-up were more likely to be older (63.9 versus 58.4 years, P=0.007) and to have had previous cardiac surgery (23.9% versus 10.6%, P=0.01). Survival for patients treated with surgery was 96.1%+/-2.4% and 90.5%+/-3.9% at 1 and 3 years versus 88.6%+/-12.2% and 68.7%+/-19.8% without surgery (mean follow-up overall, 2.8 years, log rank P=0.009). Multivariate analysis identified a history of atherosclerosis (relative risk (RR), 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 4.37; P=0.03) and previous cardiac surgery (RR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.16 to 5.57; P=0.02) as significant, independent predictors of follow-up mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary 1- and 3-year survival in patients with TA-AAD treated surgically are excellent. Independent predictors of survival during the follow-up period do not appear to be influenced by in-hospital risks but rather preexisting comorbidities.

Association of a continuous quality improvement initiative with practice and outcome variations of contemporary percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of a continuous quality improvement program with practice and outcome variations of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on consecutive PCI were collected in a consortium of 5 hospitals; 3731 PCIs reflected care provided at baseline (January 1, 1998, to December 31, 1998), and 5901 PCIs reflected care provided after implementation of a continuous quality improvement intervention (January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2002). The intervention included feedback on outcomes, working group meetings, site visits, selection of quality indicators, and use of bedside tools for quality improvement and risk assessment. Postintervention data were compared with baseline and with 10,287 PCIs from 7 hospitals added to the consortium in 2002. Quality indicators included use of preprocedural aspirin or clopidogrel, use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockers and postprocedural heparin, and amount of contrast media per case. Outcomes selected included emergency CABG, contrast nephropathy, myocardial infarction, stroke, transfusion, and in-hospital death. Compared with baseline and the control group, the intervention group at follow-up had higher use of preprocedural aspirin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockers, lower use of postprocedural heparin, and a lower amount of contrast media per case (P<0.05). These changes were associated with lower rates of transfusions, vascular complications, contrast nephropathy, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and combined end points (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our nonrandomized, observational data suggest that implementation of a regional continuous quality improvement program appears to be associated with enhanced adherence to quality indicators and improved outcomes of PCI. A randomized clinical trial is needed to determine whether this is a "causal" or a "casual" relationship.

Blood transfusion and in-hospital outcomes in anemic patients with myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Studies have shown poor prognostic implications of anemia in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The impact of blood transfusion in these populations remains controversial. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of transfusion on in-hospital mortality in anemic patients undergoing PCI for MI. Data from 67,051 PCIs (June 1, 1997 to January 31, 2004) were prospectively collected in a multicenter registry (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium). Of these, 4,623 patients who were classified as anemic according to the World Health Organization criteria underwent PCI within 7 days of presentation with acute MI. A propensity score for being transfused was estimated for each patient, and propensity matching and a prediction model for in-hospital death were developed. The average age was 67.8 years, 57.7% of patients were men, and 22.3% of patients received a transfusion during hospitalization. Transfused patients, compared to nontransfused patients, were more likely to be older, female, have lower preprocedure hemoglobin levels, more comorbidities, and a higher unadjusted in-hospital mortality rate (14.52% vs. 3.01%, p < 0.0001). After adjustment for comorbidities and propensity for transfusion, blood transfusion was associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.47-2.79, p < 0.0001). In anemic patients undergoing PCI for MI, transfusion was associated with an increased crude and adjusted rate of in-hospital mortality. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the value of transfusion and the ideal transfusion criteria.

Acute intramural hematoma of the aorta: a mystery in evolution.

BACKGROUND: The definition, prevalence, outcomes, and appropriate treatment strategies for acute intramural hematoma (IMH) continue to be debated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 1010 patients with acute aortic syndromes who were enrolled in the International Registry of Aortic Dissection (IRAD) to delineate the prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes of acute IMH by comparing these patients with those with classic aortic dissection (AD). Fifty-eight (5.7%) patients had IMH, and this cohort tended to be older (68.7 versus 61.7 years; P<0.001) and more likely to have distal aortic involvement (60.3% versus 35.3%; P<0.001) compared with 952 patients with AD. Patients with IMH described more severe initial pain than did those with AD but were less likely to have ischemic leg pain, pulse deficits, or aortic valve insufficiency; moreover, they required a longer time to diagnosis and more diagnostic tests. Overall mortality of IMH was similar to that of classic AD (20.7% versus 23.9%; P=0.57), as was mortality in patients with IMH of the descending aorta (8.3% versus 13.1%; P=0.60) and the ascending aorta (39.1% versus 29.9%; P=0.34) compared with AD. IMH limited to the aortic arch was seen in 7 patients, with no deaths, despite medical therapy in only 6 of the 7 individuals. Among the 51 patients whose initial diagnostic study showed IMH only, 8 (16%) progressed to AD on a serial imaging study. CONCLUSIONS: The IRAD data demonstrate a 5.7% prevalence of IMH in patients with acute aortic syndromes. Like classic AD, IMH is a highly lethal condition when it involves the ascending aorta and surgical therapy should be considered, but this condition is less critical when limited to the arch or descending aorta. Fully 16% of patients have evidence of evolution to dissection on serial imaging.

Clinical profiles and outcomes of acute type B aortic dissection in the current era: lessons from the International Registry of Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

BACKGROUND: Clinical profiles and outcomes of patients with acute type B aortic dissection have not been evaluated in the current era. METHODS AND RESULTS: Accordingly, we analyzed 384 patients (65+/-13 years, males 71%) with acute type B aortic dissection enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD). A majority of patients had hypertension and presented with acute chest/back pain. Only one-half showed abnormal findings on chest radiograph, and almost all patients had computerized tomography (CT), transesophageal echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or aortogram to confirm the diagnosis. In-hospital mortality was 13% with most deaths occurring within the first week. Factors associated with increased in-hospital mortality on univariate analysis were hypotension/shock, widened mediastinum, periaortic hematoma, excessively dilated aorta (>or=6 cm), in-hospital complications of coma/altered consciousness, mesenteric/limb ischemia, acute renal failure, and surgical management (all P<0.05). A risk prediction model with control for age and gender showed hypotension/shock (odds ratio [OR] 23.8, P<0.0001), absence of chest/back pain on presentation (OR 3.5, P=0.01), and branch vessel involvement (OR 2.9, P=0.02), collectively named 'the deadly triad' to be independent predictors of in-hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides insight into current-day profiles and outcomes of acute type B aortic dissection. Factors associated with increased in-hospital mortality ("the deadly triad") should be identified and taken into consideration for risk stratification and decision-making.

Chronobiological patterns of acute aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Chronobiological rhythms have been shown to influence the occurrence of a variety of cardiovascular disorders. However, the effects of the time of the day, the day of the week, or monthly/seasonal changes on acute aortic dissection (AAD) have not been well studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: Accordingly, we evaluated 957 patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) between 1996 and 2000 (mean age 62+/-14 years, type A 61%). A chi2 test for goodness of fit and partial Fourier analysis were used to evaluate nonuniformity and rhythmicity of AAD during circadian, weekly, and monthly periods. A significantly higher frequency of AAD occurred from 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon compared with other time periods (12:00 noon to 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 12:00 midnight, and 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM; P<0.001 by chi2 test). Fourier analysis showed a highly significant circadian variation (P<0.001) with a peak between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Although no significant variation was found for the day of the week, the frequency of AAD was significantly higher during winter (P=0.008 versus other seasons by chi2 test). Fourier analysis confirmed this monthly variation with a peak in January (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis identified a significant association for all subgroups with circadian rhythmicity. However, seasonal/monthly variations were observed only among patients aged <70 years, those with type B AAD, and those without hypertension or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other cardiovascular conditions, AAD exhibits significant circadian and seasonal/monthly variations. Our findings may have important implications for the prevention of AAD by tailoring treatment strategies to ensure maximal benefits during the vulnerable periods.

Predicting death in patients with acute type a aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Given the high mortality rates in patients with type A aortic dissection, predictive tools to identify patients at increased risk of death are needed to assist clinicians for optimal treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Accordingly, we evaluated 547 patients with this diagnosis enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) between January 1996 and December 1999. Univariate testing followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of death. In-hospital mortality rate was 32.5% in type A dissection patients. In-hospital complications (neurological deficits, altered mental status, myocardial or mesenteric ischemia, kidney failure, hypotension, cardiac tamponade, and limb ischemia) were increased in patients who died compared with survivors (P<0.05 for all). Logistic regression identified the following presenting variables as predictors of death: age > or =70 years (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.77; P=0.03), abrupt onset of chest pain (OR 2.60; 95% CI, 1.22 to 5.54; P=0.01), hypotension/shock/tamponade (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.83 to 4.81; P<0.0001), kidney failure (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.80 to 12.6; P=0.002), pulse deficit (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.29, P=0.004), and abnormal ECG (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.95; P=0.03) (area under receiver operating curve, 0.74; Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic, P=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The in-hospital mortality rate in acute type A aortic dissection is high and can be predicted with the use of a clinical model incorporated in a simple risk prediction tool. This tool can be used to educate patients with dissection about their predicted risk and in clinical research for risk adjustment while comparing outcomes of different therapies.

Differences in clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of acute type a aortic dissection in patients with and without previous cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: There are less data on the clinical and diagnostic imaging characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with previous cardiac surgery (PCS) presenting with acute type A aortic dissection (AAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 617 patients with AAD, we evaluated the differences in the clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital outcomes of the cohorts with and without PCS. A history of PCS was present in 100 of 617 patients. Patients with PCS were more likely to be males (P=0.02), older (P=0.014), and to have a history of previous aortic dissection (P<0.001) or aneurysms (P<0.001). In contrast, PCS patients were less likely to have presenting chest pain (P<0.001). Cardiac tamponade was less common in PCS patients (P=0.007). Fewer AAD patients with PCS underwent surgical repair (P=0.001). Hospital mortality was not adversely influenced by PCS (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 2.63), but a trend for increased death was seen in patients with previous aortic valve replacement (AVR) (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 0.98 to 5.43). Age 70 years or older, previous AVR, shock, and renal failure identified PCS patients at risk for death. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights differences in clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of AAD patients with PCS. Importantly, PCS, with the exception of previous AVR, does not adversely influence early outcomes of AAD patients, including those undergoing surgical repair. However, because of otherwise dismal outcomes with medical management of AAD, our data indicate that a history of PCS (even that of previous AVR) should not preclude physicians from recommending surgical correction of type A aortic dissection in appropriate patients.

Gender-related differences in acute aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Few data exist on gender-related differences in clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes in acute aortic dissection (AAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Accordingly, we evaluated 1078 patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) to assess differences in clinical features, management, and in-hospital outcomes between men and women. Of the patients enrolled in IRAD (32.1%) with AAD, 346 were women. Although less frequently affected by AAD (32.1% of AAD), women were significantly older and had more often presented later than men (P=0.008); symptoms of coma/altered mental status were more common, whereas pulse deficit was less common. Diagnostic imaging suggestive of rupture, ie, periaortic hematoma, and pleural or pericardial effusion were more commonly observed in women. In-hospital complications of hypotension and tamponade occurred with greater frequency in women, resulting in higher in-hospital mortality compared with men. After adjustment for age and hypertension, women with aortic dissection die more frequently than men (OR, 1.4, P=0.04), predominantly in the 66- to 75-year age group. Moreover, surgical outcome was worse in women than men (P=0.013); type A dissection in women was associated with a higher surgical mortality of 32% versus 22% in men despite similar delay, surgical technique, and hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis provides insights into gender-related differences in AAD with regard to clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes; important diagnostic and therapeutic implications may help shed light on aortic dissection in women to improve their outcomes.

Characterizing the young patient with aortic dissection: results from the International Registry of Aortic Dissection (IRAD).

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to better characterize the young patient with aortic dissection (AoD). BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection is unusual in young patients, and frequently associated with unusual presentations. METHODS: Data were collected on 951 patients diagnosed with AoD between January 1996 and November 2001. Two categories of patients, <40 years and >or=40 years, were compared using chi-square cross tabulations for categorical and Student t test for continuous data. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (7%) with AoD were <40 years of age. Compared with patients >or=40 years, younger patients were less likely to have a prior history of hypertension (p < 0.05); however, younger patients were more likely to have Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, and prior aortic surgery (all, p < 0.05). Clinical presentations in the two age groups were similar; however, younger patients were less likely to be hypertensive (25% vs. 45%, p = 0.003). The proximal aortas of young AoD patients were larger (all, p < 0.05) compared with older patients. These differences in aortic size between age groups were not entirely related to Marfan syndrome. Mortality among young patients was similar to patients >or=40 years of age (22% vs. 24%, p = NS), irrespective of the site of dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with older patients with AoD, young patients have unique risk factors for dissection: Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valves, and larger aortic dimensions. Surprisingly, the mortality risk for young AoD patients is not lower than older AoD patients.

Acute type A aortic dissection in the elderly: clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes in the current era.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of elderly patients with acute type A aortic dissection. BACKGROUND: Few data exist on the clinical manifestations and outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection in an elderly patient cohort. METHODS: We categorized 550 patients with type A aortic dissection enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection into two age strata (<70 and >or=70 years) and compared their clinical features, management, and in-hospital events. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of patients with type A dissection were aged >or=70 years. Marfan syndrome was exclusively associated with dissection in the young, whereas hypertension, atherosclerosis and iatrogenic dissection predominated in older patients. Typical symptoms (abrupt onset of chest or back pain) and signs (aortic regurgitation murmur or pulse deficits) of dissection were less common among the elderly. Fewer elderly patients were managed surgically than younger patients (64% vs. 86%, p < 0.0001). Hypotension occurred more frequently (46% vs. 32%, p = 0.002) and focal neurologic deficits less frequently (18% vs. 26%, p = 0.04) among the elderly. In-hospital mortality was higher among older patients (43% vs. 28%, p = 0.0006). Logistic regression analysis identified age >or=70 years as an independent predictor of hospital death for acute type A aortic dissection (odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1-2.8; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows significant differences between older (age >or=70 years) and younger (age <70 years) patients with acute type A aortic dissection in their clinical characteristics, management, and hospital outcomes. Future research should evaluate strategies to improve outcomes in this high-risk elderly cohort.