The ability of contemporary cardiologists to judge the ischemic impact of a coronary lesion visually

BACKGROUND: Landmark trials showed that invasive pressure measurement (Fractional Flow Reserve, FFR) was a better guide to coronary stenting than visual assessment. However, present-day interventionists have benefited from extensive research and personal experience of mapping anatomy to hemodynamics. AIMS: To determine if visual assessment of the angiogram performs as well as invasive measurement of coronary physiology. METHODS: 25 interventional cardiologists independently visually assessed the single vessel coronary disease of 200 randomized participants in The Objective Randomized Blinded Investigation with optimal medical Therapy of Angioplasty in stable angina trial (ORBITA). They gave a visual prediction of the FFR and Instantaneous Wave-free Ratio (iFR), denoted vFFR and viFR respectively. Each judged each lesion on 2 occasions, so that every lesion had 50 vFFR, and 50 viFR assessments. The group consensus visual estimates (vFFR-group and viFR-group) and individual cardiologists' visual estimates (vFFR-individual and viFR-individual) were tested alongside invasively measured FFR and iFR for their ability to predict the placebo-controlled reduction in stress echo ischemia with stenting. RESULTS: Placebo-controlled ischemia improvement with stenting was predicted by vFFR-group (p < 0.0001) and viFR-group (p < 0.0001), vFFR-individual (p < 0.0001) and viFR-individual (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the predictive performance of the group visual estimates and their invasive counterparts: p = 0.53 for vFFR vs FFR and p = 0.56 for viFR vs iFR. CONCLUSION: Visual assessment of the angiogram by contemporary experts, provides significant additional information on the amount of ischaemia which can be relieved by placebo-controlled stenting in single vessel coronary artery disease.

Estenosis Tricuspídea Severa secundaria a enfermedad carcinoide cardiaca: presentación de caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Severe Tricuspid Stenosis Secondary to Cardiac Carcinoid Disease: Case Report and Literature Review

RESUMEN: La estenosis tricuspídea (ET) es una valvulopatía infrecuente cuyas principales etiologías son la enfermedad reumática y la endocarditis infecciosa. En raras ocasiones puede deberse a un fenómeno carcinoide subyacente, en lo que se conoce como la enfermedad carcinoide cardiaca (ECC). Esta condición lleva a la fibrosis del endocardio del ventriculo derecho, principalmente de sus válvulas, lo cual puede provocar falla cardiaca derecha, complicando el pronóstico. En este artículo se presenta un caso de una ET severa por una posible ECC, en conjunto con las imagenes ecocardiográficas obtenidas durante el abordaje diagnóstico (imágenes bidimensionales, imagen multiplanar y ecocardiografía en 3D). Se discuten las implicaciones clínicas, los retos diagnósticos, las opciones terapeuticas y el pronóstico de esta rara entidad.

ABSTRACT Severe Tricuspid Stenosis Secondary to Cardiac Carcinoid Disease: Case Report and Literature Review Tricuspid stenosis is an unfrequent valvulopathy that can be caused by multiple etiologies, including rheumatic disease and infectious endocarditis. In rare occasions, it occurs in the context of a carcinoid syndrome, in what is known as carcinoid heart disease. This condition causes fibrosis of the valves and the endocardium of the right ventricule, which can progress into right ventricular failure, worsening the patient's prognosis. In this article, we present a case of a severe tricuspid stenosis in which this ethiology is suspected. We show the echocardiographic images obtained for the diagnosis (two-dimensional imaging, multimodal imaging and 3D echocardiography), and we discuss the clinical and diagnostic implications, therapeutic options and prognosis of this rare condition.

Utilidad de la tomografía de coherencia óptica como guía en el tratamiento del síndrome coronario agudo: reporte de un caso / Utility of optical coherence tomography to guide treatment in acute coronary syndromes: case report / Utilidade da tomografia de coerência óptica como guia no tratamento da síndrome coronariana aguda: relato de um caso

La tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) es una técnica de imagen endovascular con elevada resolución espacial que permite evaluar las diferentes estructuras que componen la pared de las arterias coronarias, caracterizar morfológicamente la placa aterosclerótica y establecer el mecanismo fisiopatológico subyacente en los síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA). Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente con infarto agudo de miocardio, donde la OCT evidenció que la reducción de la luz arterial estaba determinada principalmente por la presencia de trombo, a la vez que demostró una disrupción endotelial (ruptura de placa) como mecanismo fisiopatológico subyacente. Se adoptó una estrategia invasivo-conservadora, donde finalmente no se implantó stent. La información surgida de la OCT en este caso particular fue fundamental en la toma de decisiones.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an endovascular imaging technique with high spatial resolution. It allows to evaluate the different structures that compose coronary arteries' wall, morphologically characterize atherosclerotic plaques and establish the underlying pathophysiological mechanism in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The case of a patient with acute myocardial infarction is presented, in which OCT showed that the reduction of arterial lumen was determined mainly by the presence of thrombus, while also demonstrated endothelial disruption (plaque rupture) as the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. An invasive-conservative strategy was adopted and finally stent was not implanted. The information that emerged from the OCT in this particular case was fundamental in decision-making.

A tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) é uma técnica de imagem endovascular com alta resolução espacial que permite a avaliação das diferentes estruturas que compõem a parede das artérias coronárias, a caracterização morfológica da placa aterosclerótica e o estabelecimento do mecanismo fisiopatológico subjacente de síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA). Apresentamos o caso clínico de um paciente com enfarte agudo do miocárdio, onde a OCT mostrou que a redução do lúmen arterial foi determinada principalmente pela presença de trombo, ao mesmo tempo que demonstrou uma ruptura endotelial (ruptura da placa) como causa fisiopatológica subjacente. Adotou-se uma estratégia invasiva-conservadora, onde finalmente o stent não foi implantado. As informações obtidas da OCT neste caso específico foram fundamentais na tomada de decisão.

Registro brasileiro para documentação das práticas de manejo de pacientes portadores de estenoses coronárias intermediárias (EMPIRE BRAZIL) / Brazilian registry for documentation of management practices for patients with intermediate coronary stenoses (EMPIRE BRAZIL)

INTRODUÇÃO: A proporção de pacientes submetidos à cinecoronariografia eletiva que necessitam complementação diagnóstica adicional para a tomada de decisão terapêutica é desconhecida no Brasil, assim como o seu manejo na prática clínica atual. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência de estenoses coronárias intermediárias (40-70%) em pacientes submetidos à cinecoronariografia, e seu manejo atual nos diferentes níveis de suplementação de saúde no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo, multicêntrico, de braço único, em que foram incluídos todos os pacientes consecutivos submetidos à cinecoronariografia entre JUN/21 e SET/21 em 5 hospitais de referência em Cardiologia no Brasil (2 públicos e 3 privados). O desfecho primário foi a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (ECAM: morte, infarto, re-internação por recorrência de angina e revascularização não planejada da lesão alvo). RESULTADOS: 503 pacientes foram incluídos. A média das idades foi 63±11 anos, 69,8% são homens, 35,6% são diabéticos, e 44,1% se apresentaram com síndrome estável. Menos da metade (41,7%) possuíam alguma avaliação funcional prévia à cinecoronariografia. Algum grau de estenose coronária foi documentado em 421 pacientes (84%), dos quais 177 (42%) apresentavam redução luminal entre 40-70%. As informações clínicas e angiográficas foram consideradas insuficientes para tomada de decisão em 223 pacientes (44.3%). Destes, fisiologia invasiva foi realizada no momento da cinecoronariografia em 27 pacientes (12,1%), imagem intravascular em 5 (2,2%), avaliação funcional não invasiva solicitada para 32 (14,3%) e 161 (72,2%) liberados sem qualquer avaliação adicional. No seguimento médio de 180±68 dias, 148 pacientes foram contatados, e 18,9% apresentaram ECAM. Dentre os 148 pacientes sem resolução diagnóstica durante a cinecoronariografia, 28 pacientes (18,9%) permaneceram sintomáticos e necessitaram atendimento médico posterior, 17 (11,5%) foram hospitalizados, 6 (4,1%) sofreram revascularização não planejada, e 8 (5,4%) sofreram infarto fatal. CONCLUSÕES: Dentre os pacientes submetidos à cinecoronariografia, proporção não desprezível possui estenoses coronárias para as quais avaliação adicional é necessária para a tomada de decisão. A grande maioria destes pacientes é liberada sem qualquer investigação adicional. O tempo para complementação diagnóstica impacta na ocorrência de desfechos clínicos e qualidade de vida

Aumento do trabalho miocárdico desperdiçado como indicador de lesão coronariana significativa / Increased wasted myocardial work as an indicator of significant coronary lesion

Introdução: A avaliação dos índices de trabalho miocárdico global em condições basais pode ser útil para a estratificação clínica de pacientes com suspeita de obstrução coronariana. Objetivo: Correlacionar o valor do índice de trabalho miocárdico global e a presença de lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas. Método: Estudo transversal, com pacientes encaminhados para cinecoronarioangiografia eletiva. Foi realizado ecocardiograma com obtenção das medidas para cálculo do valor do trabalho miocárdico, sendo avaliada a presença de lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas à cinecoronarioangiografia. Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 30 pacientes, com a idade média de 64,2±12,8 anos, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (63,3%), dos quais 68,4% apresentaram lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas. O índice de trabalho miocárdico global foi de 1.876mmHg%±253,8 no grupo com lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas e de 2.054,2mmHg%±417,3 naqueles sem lesões significativas (p=0,089). O trabalho miocárdio construtivo global nos pacientes sem lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas foi maior (2.329,3mmHg%±462,9) do que naqueles com lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas (2.109,5mmHg%±332,3; p=0,064). O trabalho miocárdio desperdiçado global foi maior nos pacientes com lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas (103,7mmHg%±47,1 versus 68,3mmHg%±33,8; p=0,038). O ponto de corte de 115mmHg% foi aquele com a melhor área sob a curva (0,625), com sensibilidade de 83,3%. Conclusão: O aumento do trabalho miocárdio desperdiçado global se correlacionou com a presença de lesões obstrutivas coronarianas significativas em nossa amostra.(AU)

Introduction: The assessment of global myocardial work indices under baseline conditions may be useful for the clinical stratification of patients with suspected coronary obstruction. Objective: To correlate the value of global myocardial work indices and the presence of significant obstructive coronary lesions. Method: Cross-sectional study, with patients referred for elective coronary angiography. An echocardiogram was performed to obtain measurements to calculate the value of myocardial work and evaluated the presence or presence of significant obstructive coronary lesions at coronary angiography. Results: The sample consisted of 30 patients, with a mean age of 64.2±12.8 years, the majority being male (63.3%), of which 68.4% had significant obstructive coronary lesions. The global myocardial work indices was 1,876mmHg%±253.8 in the group with significant obstructive coronary lesions and 2,054.2mmHg%±417.3 in those without significant lesions (p=0.089). Global constructive myocardial work in patients without significant obstructive coronary lesions was higher (2,329.3mmHg%±462.9) than in those with significant obstructive coronary lesions (2,109.5mmHg%±332.3; p=0.064). Global wasted myocardial work was higher in patients with significant obstructive coronary lesions (103.7mmHg%±47.1 versus 68.3mmHg%±33.8; p=0.038). The cutoff point of 115 mmHg% was the one with the best area under the curve (0.625), with a sensitivity of 83.3%. Conclusion: The increase in global wasted myocardial work correlated with the presence of significant obstructive coronary lesions in our sample. (AU)

Performance Diagnóstica da FFR por Angiotomografia de Coronárias através de Software Baseado em Inteligência Artificial / Diagnostic Performance of a Machine Learning-Based CT-Derived FFR in Detecting Flow-Limiting Stenosis

Resumo Fundamento A quantificação não invasiva da reserva fracionada de fluxo miocárdico (FFR TC ) através de software baseado em inteligência artificial em versão mais atualizada e tomógrafo de última geração (384 cortes) apresenta elevada performance na detecção de isquemia coronariana. Objetivos Avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico da FFR TC na detecção de doença arterial coronariana (DAC) significativa em relação ao FFRi, em tomógrafos de gerações anteriores (128 e 256 cortes). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com pacientes encaminhados à angiotomografia de artérias coronárias (TCC) e cateterismo (FFRi). Foram utilizados os tomógrafos Siemens Somatom Definition Flash (256 cortes) e AS+ (128 cortes). A FFR TC e a área luminal mínima (ALM) foram avaliadas em software (cFFR versão 3.0.0, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Alemanha). DAC obstrutiva foi definida como TCC com redução luminal ≥50% e DAC funcionalmente obstrutiva como FFRi ≤0,8. Todos os valores de p reportados são bicaudais; e quando <0,05, foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Noventa e três pacientes consecutivos (152 vasos) foram incluídos. Houve boa concordância entre FFR TC e FFRi, com mínima superestimação da FFR TC (viés: -0,02; limites de concordância: 0,14 a 0,09). Diferentes tomógrafos não modificaram a relação entre FFR TC e FFRi (p para interação = 0,73). A FFR TC demonstrou performance significativamente superior à classificação visual de estenose coronariana (AUC 0,93 vs. 0,61, p <0,001) e à ALM (AUC 0,93 vs. 0,75, p <0,001) reduzindo o número de casos falso-positivos. O melhor ponto de corte para a FFR TC utilizando um índice de Youden foi de 0,85 (sensiblidade, 87%; especificidade, 86%; VPP, 73%; NPV, 94%), com redução de falso-positivos. Conclusão FFR TC baseada em inteligência artificial, em tomógrafos de gerações anteriores (128 e 256 cortes), apresenta boa performance diagnóstica na detecção de DAC, podendo ser utilizada para reduzir procedimentos invasivos.

Abstract Background The non-invasive quantification of the fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) using a more recent version of an artificial intelligence-based software and latest generation CT scanner (384 slices) may show high performance to detect coronary ischemia. Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic performance of FFRCT for the detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in contrast to invasive FFR (iFFR) using previous generation CT scanners (128 and 256- detector rows). Methods Retrospective study with patients referred to coronary artery CT angiography (CTA) and catheterization (iFFR) procedures. Siemens Somatom Definition Flash (256-detector rows) and AS+ (128-detector rows) CT scanners were used to acquire the images. The FFRCT and the minimal lumen area (MLA) were evaluated using a dedicated software (cFFR version 3.0.0, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany). Obstructive CAD was defined as CTA lumen reduction ≥ 50%, and flow-limiting stenosis as iFFR ≤0.8. All reported P values are two-tailed, and when <0.05, they were considered statistically significant. Results Ninety-three consecutive patients (152 vessels) were included. There was good agreement between FFRCT and iFFR, with minimal FFRCT overestimation (bias: -0.02; limits of agreement:0.14-0.09). Different CT scanners did not modify the association between FFRCT and FFRi (p for interaction=0.73). The performance of FFRCT was significantly superior compared to the visual classification of coronary stenosis (AUC 0.93vs.0.61, p<0.001) and to MLA (AUC 0.93vs.0.75, p<0.001), reducing the number of false-positive cases. The optimal cut-off point for FFRCT using a Youden index was 0.85 (87% Sensitivity, 86% Specificity, 73% PPV, 94% NPV), with a reduction of false-positives. Conclusion Machine learning-based FFRCT using previous generation CT scanners (128 and 256-detector rows) shows good diagnostic performance for the detection of CAD, and can be used to reduce the number of invasive procedures.

Type 2 myocardial infarction resulted from the left thoracic stomach

Abstract The universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI) provides five subtypes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We present an interesting case of a type 2 myocardial infarction caused by the dilation of the left thoracic stomach.

Left main coronary artery compression by the right pulmonary artery in a patient with congenital pulmonic stenosis / Compresión del tronco coronario izquierdo por la arteria pulmonar derecha en un paciente con estenosis pulmonar congénita

Abstract Congenital pulmonary stenosis (PS) can be associated with pulmonary artery (PA) dilatation. In some cases, this can cause compression of nearby structures including the left main coronary artery (LMCA). This compression causes angina and is considered an indication for surgical treatment. We present the case of a patient with PS and angina secondary to LMCA compression by the right PA and review the main indications and options for surgical treatment.

Resumen La estenosis pulmonar congénita se asocia a dilatación de la arteria pulmonar. En algunos casos esto puede causar compresión de las estructuras adyacentes incluyendo el tronco de la coronaria izquierda. Esta compresión causa angina y es considerada una indicación para tratamiento quirúrgico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con estenosis pulmonar y angina secundaria a compresión del tronco de la coronaria izquierda por la arteria pulmonar derecha y revisamos las indicaciones y opciones de tratamiento quirúrgico.

Clinical and angiographic outcomes with a novel radiopaque sirolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold

BACKGROUND A novel bioresorbable scaffold, the sirolimus-eluting Fantom, incorporates a radiopaque polymer, struts with a thickness of 125 microm, and a crossing profile of 1.35 mm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 9-month angiographic and 12-month clinical outcomes of the FANTOM scaffold in a larger patient population. METHODS and RESULTS The FANTOM II study (Safety & Performance Study of the Fantom Sirolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Coronary Scaffold - First Report on Initial 24 Month Outcomes) was a prospective, multicenter trial which enrolled 240 patients with single de novo coronary stenosis with reference vessel diameter 2.5 to 3.5 mm diameter and lesion length

Diagnostic performance of qfr for the evaluation of intermediate coronary artery stenosis confirmed by fractional flow reserve

Abstract Introduction: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel method enabling efficient computation of FFR from three-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (3D QCA) and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counting. We decided to perform a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis of the literature to determine the correlation between the diagnosis of functionally significant stenosis obtained by QFR versus FFR and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of QFR for intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies concerning the diagnostic performance of QFR. Our meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). The sROC was used to determine diagnostic test accuracy. Results: Nine studies consisting of 1175 vessels in 1047 patients were included in our study. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, and DOR for QFR were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.86-0.91), 6.86 (95% CI,: 5.22-9.02), 0.14 (95% CI: 0.10-0.21), and 53.05 (95% CI: 29.75-94.58), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve for QFR was 0.94. Conclusion: QFR is a simple, useful, and noninvasive modality for diagnosis of functional significance of intermediate coronary artery stenosis.

Surgical aspects of no-touch saphenous vein graft harvesting in cabg: clinical and angiographic follow-up at 3 months

Abstract With more than 800,000 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations annually worldwide and the saphenous vein being the most common conduit used, there is no question that improving saphenous vein graft patency is one of the most important tasks in CABG. This video describes the no-touch harvesting procedure of the saphenous vein on an 80-year old man with hypertension, hyperlipidemia and a previous myocardial infarction with percutaneous coronary intervention to the right coronary artery. He was complaining of exertional chest pain and was diagnosed with stable angina pectoris. The coronary angiography showed advanced three vessel disease with significant stenoses in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, two marginal arteries (MAs) and the posterior descending artery (PDA), in addition to an occluded diagonal artery (DA). The patient received a triple sequential no-touch vein graft to the PDA and two MAs together with a double sequential no-touch vein graft to the DA and LAD. A vein graft was used to bypass the LAD due to the age of the patient and the low degree of stenosis in the LAD. The no-touch harvesting technique is described in detail in the film with complete narration. A follow-up of this patient was performed at three months both clinically and with a computed tomography angiography (CTA). No angina pectoris symptoms were reported by the patient and the wounds in the chest and lower limb were completely healed. The CTA showed patent no-touch saphenous vein grafts to all the distal anastomoses.

Diagnostic value of circulating lncRNA ANRIL and its correlation with coronary artery disease parameters

This study aimed to detect the expression of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) and evaluate its correlation with disease risk, stenosis degree, inflammation, as well as overall survival (OS) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. A total of 230 patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography were consecutively recruited and assigned to CAD group (n=125) or control group (n=105) according to presence or absence of CAD. Gensini score was calculated to assess the severity of coronary artery damage. Plasma samples were collected and the expression ANRIL was detected in all participants. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17 in CAD patients were measured and OS was calculated. The relative expression of ANRIL was higher in CAD patients compared to controls (P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic disclosed that ANRIL could distinguish CAD patients from controls with an area under the curve of 0.789 (95%CI: 0.731-0.847). Spearman's rank correlation test revealed that expression of ANRIL was positively correlated with Gensini score (P=0.001), levels of hs-CRP (P=0.001), ESR (P=0.038), TNF-α (P=0.004), and IL-6 (P<0.001), while negatively correlated with IL-10 level (P=0.008) in CAD patients. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that high expression of ANRIL was associated with shorter OS (P=0.013). In conclusion, circulating ANRIL presented a good diagnostic value for CAD, and its high expression was associated with increased stenosis degree, raised inflammation, and poor OS in CAD patients.

Does moderate coronary stenosis affect the fate of the left internal thoracic artery graft?

Abstract Introduction: In this study we try to observe the fate of the left internal thoracic artery grafts that were bypassed to left anterior descending artery with moderate stenosis identified with fractional flow reserve (FFR) technique. Doppler ultrasonography was chosen as a noninvasive screening method. Methods: A total of 30 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting depending on results of the fractional flow reserve between January 2007 and January 2012, were subjected to transthoracic color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation irrespective of the presence of symptoms, and the presence of a systolic-diastolic flow pattern was investigated using the supraclavicular approach. Results: The left internal thoracic artery graft was found to be functional in 63.3% of patients within a mean period of 35.1±19.7 months between coronary bypass and color Doppler ultrasonography. This period was found to be 29.4±19.6 months in the functional graft group, and 44.7±16.6 months in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.046). Preoperative complaints of angina were reported to fall from 88.9% to 16.7% in the functional graft group, when compared to the postoperative period (P<0.001), but fell from 90.9% to 36.4% in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.034). Conclusion: Functional left internal thoracic artery graft rates of the study population were found to be lower than the studies reported in the literature.