Temporal Trends in Invasive Management and In-Hospital Mortality of Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes and Chronic Kidney Disease.

We analyzed data from 4 nationwide prospective registries of consecutive patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) admitted to the Italian Intensive Cardiac Care Unit network between 2005 and 2014. Out of 26 315 patients with ACS enrolled, 13 073 (49.7%) presented a diagnosis of non-ST elevation (NSTE)-ACS and had creatinine levels available at hospital admission: 1207 (9.2%) had severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30), 3803 (29.1%) mild to moderate CKD (eGFR 31-59), and 8063 (61.7%) no CKD (eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Patients with severe CKD had worse clinical characteristics compared with those with mild-moderate or no kidney dysfunction, including all the key predictors of mortality (P < .0001) which became worse over time (all P < .0001). Over the decade of observation, a significant increase in percutaneous coronary intervention rates was observed in patients without CKD (P for trend = .0001), but not in those with any level of CKD. After corrections for significant mortality predictors, severe CKD (odds ratio, OR: 5.49; 95% CI: 3.24-9.29; P < .0001) and mild-moderate CKD (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.52-3.59; P < .0001) remained strongly associated with higher in-hospital mortality. The clinical characteristics of patients with NSTE-ACS and CKD remain challenging and their mortality rate is still higher compared with patients without CKD.

Management and 5-year outcome of patients with coronary artery disease in different periods of stent technology.

BACKGROUND: The availability of bare metal stents (BMS) followed by drug-eluting stents of first- (DES1) and second-generation (DES2) progressively increased the rate of the percutaneous revascularizations [percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)] with unknown impact on the long-term outcome of real-world patients with established coronary artery disease. We sought to investigate treatments applied in patients with coronary artery disease in BMS, DES1 and DES2 eras and their 5-year outcome. METHODS: A total of 3099 consecutive patients with at least one coronary stenosis more than 50% observed in 2002 (BMS era), 2005 (DES1 era) and 2011(DES2 era) were enrolled at 13 hospitals in Veneto region, Italy. RESULTS: Moving from BMS to DES1 and DES2 eras patients became significantly older, had more comorbidities and received more frequently statins, betablockers, renin-angiotensin modulators and antiplatelets (P < 0.0001 for all). The PCI/conservative therapy ratio increased from 1.9 to 2.2 and 2.3, the PCI/coronary artery by-pass surgery ratio from 3.6 to 4.0 and 5.1. The crude 5-year survival was 84.9, 83.4 and 81.4% (P = 0.20) and survival free of myocardial infarction, stroke or further revascularizations was 62.1, 60.2 and 60.1% (P = 0.68), with cardiovascular mortality accounting for 60.9, 55.6 and 43.4% of deaths. At multivariable analysis cardiovascular mortality was significantly lower in patients enrolled in 2011 vs. 2002 (hazard ratio = 0.712, 95% confidence interval 0.508-0.998, P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: From BMS to DES1 and DES2 eras progressive worsening of patients characteristics, improvement of medical treatment standards and increase in PCI/conservative therapy and PCI/coronary artery by-pass surgery ratios were observed. Five-year outcomes remained similar in the three cohorts, but in the DES2 era cardiovascular mortality was reduced.

RANKL Expression Is Increased in Circulating Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Calcific Aortic Stenosis.

We aimed to investigate whether the expression of the OPG/RANK/RANKL triad in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and circulating levels of markers of ectopic mineralization (OPG, FGF-23, PPi) are modified in patients with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). We found that patients affected by CAVD (n = 50) had significantly higher circulating levels of OPG as compared to control individuals (p = 0.003). No differences between the two groups were found in FGF-23 and PPi levels. RANKL expression was higher in the PBMC from CAVD patients (p = 0.018) and was directly correlated with the amount of valve calcification (p = 0.032). In vitro studies showed that treatment of valve interstitial cells (VIC) with RANKL plus phosphate was followed by increase in matrix mineralization (p = 0.001). In conclusion, RANKL expression is increased in PBMC of patients with CAVD, is directly correlated with the degree of valve calcification, and promotes pro-calcific differentiation of VIC.

ANMCO/GICR-IACPR/SICI-GISE Consensus Document: the clinical management of chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is a clinical entity of great epidemiological importance. It is becoming increasingly common due to the longer life expectancy, being strictly related to age and to advances in diagnostic techniques and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Stable CAD encompasses a variety of clinical and anatomic presentations, making the identification of its clinical and anatomical features challenging. Therapeutic interventions should be defined on an individual basis according to the patient's risk profile. To this aim, management flow charts have been reviewed based on sustainability and appropriateness derived from recent evidence. Special emphasis has been placed on non-pharmacological interventions, stressing the importance of lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, regular physical activity, and diet. Adherence to therapy as an emerging risk factor is also discussed.

A Nonfluoroscopic Technique for Coronary Arteries Three-Dimensional Mapping during Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation.

When performing epicardial ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT), caution must be taken not to damage the coronary arteries. We report a case in which a new, nonfluoroscopic technique for incorporating an accurate, real-time reconstruction of the main coronary vessels into a three-dimensional electroanatomic map was used for epicardial VT ablation.

[ANMCO/GICR-IACPR/SICI-GISE Consensus document: Clinical management of patients with stable coronary artery disease]. / Documento di consenso ANMCO/GICR-IACPR/SICI-GISE: La gestione clinica del paziente con cardiopatia ischemica cronica.

Stable coronary artery disease is of epidemiological importance. It is becoming increasingly common due to the longer life expectancy, being strictly related to age and to advances in diagnostic techniques and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.Stable coronary artery disease encompasses a variety of clinical and anatomic presentations, making the identification of its clinical and anatomical features challenging. Therapeutic interventions should be defined on an individual basis according to the patient's risk profile. To this aim, management flow-charts have been reviewed based on sustainability and appropriateness derived from recent evidence. Special emphasis has been placed on non-pharmacological interventions, stressing the importance of lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, regular physical activity and diet. Adherence to therapy as an emerging risk factor is also discussed.

An intriguing intracardiac mass in a woman with atrial fibrillation. Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus.

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A 74-year-old hypertensive woman presented with shortness of breath. There was no associated coughing, chest pain or fever. ECG identified atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. A transoesophageal echocardiogram was scheduled to exclude thrombus before cardioversion (Figure 1A); however, an echogenic structure was seen (Figure 1B arrow, see online supplementary video 1) between the left atrium, the pulmonary artery and the aortic root. QUESTION: Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? A. Aortic valve endocarditis with annular abscess. B. Left atrial appendage thrombus. C. Left atrial myxoma. D. Pulmonary embolism.

EURObservational Research Programme: the Chronic Ischaemic Cardiovascular Disease Registry: Pilot phase (CICD-PILOT).

AIMS: Chronic ischaemic cardiovascular disease (CICD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The primary objective of the CICD-Pilot registry was to describe the clinical characteristics and management modalities across Europe in a broad spectrum of patients with CICD. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CICD-Pilot registry is an international prospective observational longitudinal registry, conducted in 100 centres from 10 countries selected to reflect the diversity of health systems and care attitudes across Europe. From April 2013 to December 2014, 2420 consecutive CICD patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (n = 755) and chronic stable coronary artery disease (n = 1464), of whom 933 (63.7%) were planned for elective coronary intervention, or with peripheral artery disease (PAD) (n = 201), were enrolled (30.5% female patients). Mean age was 66.6 ± 10.9 years. The following risk factors were reported: smoking 54.6%, diabetes mellitus 29.2%, hypertension 82.6%, and hypercholesterolaemia 74.1%. Assessment of cardiac function was made in 69.5% and an exercise stress test in 21.2% during/within 1 year preceding admission. New stress imaging modalities were applied in a minority of patients. A marked increase was observed at discharge in the rate of prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (82.8%), beta-blockers (80.2%), statins (92.7%), aspirin (90.3%), and clopidogrel (66.8%). Marked differences in clinical profile and treatment modalities were observed across the four cohorts. CONCLUSION: The CICD-Pilot registry suggests that implementation of guideline-recommended therapies has improved since the previous surveys but that important heterogeneity exists in the clinical profile and treatment modalities in the different cohorts of patients enrolled with a broad spectrum of CICDs.

Secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction: drug adherence, treatment goals, and predictors of health lifestyle habits. The BLITZ-4 Registry.

BACKGROUND: To describe drug adherence and treatment goals, and to identify the independent predictors of smoking persistence and unsatisfactory lifestyle habits six months after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: 11,706 patients with AMI (30% female, mean age 68 years) were enrolled in 163 large-volume coronary care units (CCUs). At six months, drug adherence was ≥90%, while blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg, low density lipoprotein (LDL) <100 mg/dl (in patients on statins), HbA1c <7% (in treated diabetics), and smoking persistence were observed in 74%, 76%, 45%, and 27% of patients, respectively. Inadequate fish intake decreased from 73% to 55%, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables from 32% to 23%, and insufficient exercise in eligible patients from 74% to 59% (p < 0.0001). At multivariable analysis, a post-discharge cardiac visit and referral to cardiac rehabilitation at follow-up were independently associated with a lower risk of insufficient physical exercise (odds ratio (OR) 0.71 and 0.70, respectively) and persistent smoking (OR 0.68 and 0.60), whereas only referral to cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a lower risk of inadequate fish and fruit/vegetable intake (OR 0.70 and 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Six months after an AMI, despite a high adherence to drug treatments, BP, LDL, and diabetic goals are inadequately achieved. Subjects with healthy lifestyles improved after discharge, but the rate of those with regular exercise habits and adequate fish intake could be further improved. Access to post-discharge cardiac visit and referral to cardiac rehabilitation were associated with better adherence to healthy lifestyles. Knowledge of the variables associated with specific lifestyle changes may help in tailoring secondary prevention programmes.

Management of patients with infective endocarditis by a multidisciplinary team approach: an operative protocol.

Even in the modern era of advanced diagnostic imaging, improved antibiotic therapy and potentially curative surgery, infective endocarditis remains a serious disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Reasons for such a persistently poor outcome may be represented by the changing epidemiology and microbiology, with new groups of patients at risk and new and more aggressive microorganisms. However, the inadequate use of both diagnostic (blood cultures and echocardiography) and therapeutic (antibiotics and surgery) means can influence the generally delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis seen in patients with infective endocarditis. We tried to identify the critical points in the management of patients with infective endocarditis and to elaborate a formal multidisciplinary approach based on the strict collaboration of specialists in infectious diseases, microbiology, cardiology and cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that this approach could increase the adherence to the published guidelines, and could represent a means to improve the outcome of patients with infective endocarditis.

Management strategies and outcome for prosthetic valve endocarditis.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an operative protocol with a multidisciplinary approach on the outcome of patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). A formal policy for the care of PVE was introduced at our hospital in 2003 in which patients were referred to and managed by a preexisting team involving a cardiologist, a specialist in infectious diseases, and a cardiac surgeon. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography as soon as clinical suspicion of PVE arose. If high-risk conditions such as heart failure, ring abscess, conditions associated with impending malfunctioning of the prosthesis, or vegetations at high risk for systemic embolization were found during the initial multidisciplinary evaluation (performed within 12 hours of admission), patients were operated on within 48 hours. Stable patients were evaluated weekly by the multidisciplinary team, and on-treatment surgery was performed whenever high-risk conditions developed or when there was persistent fever/bacteremia after 1 week of adequate antibiotic therapy. Comparing the period 2003 through 2009 with 1996 through 2002 (when a multidisciplinary policy was not followed), patients with PVE were more numerous (61 vs 38), older (mean age 68.3 vs 63.1, p = 0.01), and had more co-morbidities (mean Charlson index 3.15 vs 2.42, p = 0.03). The most frequent causative organisms were Staphylococci in both periods. In the second period, fewer patients had delayed diagnosis (39% vs 71%, p = 0.03), heart failure (20% vs 45%, p = 0.01), abscess (20% vs 39%, p = 0.04), culture-negative infective endocarditis (11% vs 29%, p = 0.03), and worsened renal function (21% vs 42%, p = 0.04). A significant reduction in in-hospital mortality (53% to 23%, p = 0.04) and 3-year mortality (60% to 28%, p = 0.001) was observed, driven by the increased number of patients successfully treated with medical therapy alone (44% vs 16%, p = 0.04). In conclusion, formalized, collaborative management led to significant improvement in PVE-related mortality.

Impact of a multidisciplinary management strategy on the outcome of patients with native valve infective endocarditis.

Strategies to improve management of patients with native valve endocarditis (NVE) are needed because of persistently high morbidity and mortality. We sought to assess the impact of an operative protocol of multidisciplinary approach on the outcome of patients with NVE. A formal policy for the care of infective endocarditis was introduced at our hospital in 2003 in which patients were referred to and managed by a preexisting team involving a cardiologist, a specialist in infectious diseases, and a cardiac surgeon. The initial multidisciplinary evaluation was performed within 12 hours of admission. Whenever conditions associated with impending hemodynamic impairment, high-risk for systemic embolization, or unsuccessful medical therapy were found, patients were operated on within 48 hours. Stable patients were evaluated weekly by the multidisciplinary team, and on-treatment surgery was performed whenever the above high-risk conditions had developed. Comparing the period 2003 through 2009 with 1996 through 2002 (when a multidisciplinary policy was not followed), patients were more numerous (190 vs 102), older (mean age 59.1 vs 54.2, p = 0.01), and had more co-morbidities (mean Charlson index 3.01 vs 2.31, p = 0.02). The pattern of infection did not change in terms of valve infected or paravalvular complications. In the second period, fewer patients had culture-negative NVE (8% vs 21%, p = 0.01) and worsened renal function (37% vs 58%, p = 0.001). A significant reduction in overall in-hospital mortality (28% to 13%, p = 0.02), mortality for surgery during the active phase (47% to 13%, p ≤0.001), and 3-year mortality (34% vs 16%, p = 0.0007) was observed. In conclusion, formalized, collaborative management led to significant improvement in NVE-related mortality, notwithstanding the less favorable patients' baseline characteristics.

The impact of drug eluting stents availability on the treatment choice among medical therapy, percutaneous or surgical revascularisation and on 4-year clinical outcome in patients with coronary artery disease: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the availability of drug eluting stents (DES) on treatment choice (TC) among medical therapy (MT), coronary by-pass surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and the consequent clinical outcomes in patients hospitalised because of coronary artery disease (CAD). DESIGN: Observational study comparing two cohorts hospitalised immediately before, and 3 years after DES availability. SETTING: Thirteen hospitals with cardiology facilities. PATIENTS: 2131 consecutive patients with at least one coronary stenosis >50% at coronary angiography (CA) after exclusion of those with acute myocardial infarction or previous CABG or associated relevant valvular disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment choice after CA and 4-year clinical outcomes. RESULTS: TC among MT (27% vs 29.2%), PCI (58.6% vs 55.5%) and CABG (14.5% vs 15.3%) was similar in the DES and bare metal stent (BMS) periods (p = 0.51). At least one DES was implanted in 57% of patients treated with PCI in 2005. After 4 years, no difference in mortality (13.8% vs 13.2%, p = 0.72), hospital admissions for myocardial infarction (6.6% vs 5.2%, p = 0.26), stroke (2.2% vs 1.7%, p = 0.49) and further revascularisations (22.3% vs 19.7%, p = 0.25) were observed in patients enrolled in the DES and BMS periods. Only in patients with Syntax score 23-32 a significant change of TC (p = 0.0002) occurred in the DES versus BMS period: MT in 17.4% vs 31%, PCI in 62.2% vs 35.8%, CABG in 20.3% vs 33.2%, with similar 4-year combined end-point of mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction and further revascularisations (45.3% vs 34.2%, p = 0.087). CONCLUSIONS: Three years after DES availability, the TC in patients with CAD has not changed significantly as well as the 4-year incidence of death, myocardial infarction, stroke and further revascularisations. In subgroup with Syntax score 23-32, a significant increase of indications to PCI was observed in the DES period, without any improvement of the 4-year clinical outcome.

Infective endocarditis in patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the conditions associated with poor outcome among patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Yet, diabetes mellitus alone has rarely been analyzed as participating in the prognosis, and few data are available relating to the clinical characteristics of IE in diabetics. The study aim was to assess the influence of diabetes mellitus on the characteristics and prognosis of IE, and to identify predictors of poor outcome among diabetic patients with this condition. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients with IE who had presented to a tertiary center between 1990 and 2006. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Three or more blood cultures were collected from each patient. Records of all patients were collected prospectively into a computerized database. RESULTS: Among 309 patients with definitive IE (according to modified Duke criteria), 38 (12%) had diabetes mellitus. Typically, diabetic patients were older than non-diabetics (67.1 +/- 10.4 versus 60.7 +/- 15.8 years; p < 0.001), had more serious comorbidities (Charlson index 2.8 +/- 0.7 versus 1.2 +/- 0.5; p = 0.005), and a higher frequency of enterococcal endocarditis. No differences were noted between patients with or without diabetes mellitus for the valve involved, nor for the subvalvular involvement. In a multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus was identified as an independent predictor of mortality (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.15-5.62). Surgery was performed in the active phase in 139 patients: surgical mortality was higher for diabetic patients (29% versus 10% p = 0.049). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among diabetic patients (34%) than in non-diabetics (20%) (p = 0.002). Enterococcal endocarditis, left ventricular ejection fraction < 0.45, multi-organ failure, heart failure, persistent fever after one week of antibiotic therapy, and a Charlson index > 3 were associated with an increased mortality among diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus represents a relevant risk factor for a worse clinical course and outcome of IE.

Clinical and anatomical characteristics of subtle-discrete dissection of the ascending aorta.

Subtle or discrete (class 3 in the classification of the European Society of Cardiology) dissection is the most neglected variant of aortic dissection. This study was conducted to define the clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and outcomes of subtle or discrete dissection involving the ascending aorta. The clinical and surgical records, preoperative studies, and outcomes of 109 consecutive patients with ascending aortic dissection observed from 1995 to 2005 were reviewed. Eight patients (7.3%) had discrete dissection. Five patients presented with acute anterior chest pain, 2 with abdominal pain, and 4 with syncope. The mean diameter of the ascending aorta was 44 +/- 8.8 mm. The intimal tears were located in all patients on the posterior aspect of the ascending aorta 1 to 40 mm above the left coronary ostium; its length varied from 2.8 to 12.3 mm. Preoperative aortography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography could not identify the discrete intimal tears. Transesophageal echocardiography provided unique diagnostic information on (1) subtle intimal discontinuity, (2) circumscribed intramural hematoma, and (3) discrete pericardial fluid around the dissected aorta. Six patients underwent emergency surgery on the basis of echocardiographic findings, and they were all alive at follow-up. Compared with patients with classic aortic dissection, those with discrete dissection had lower operative mortality (0% vs 26%, p = 0.11), shorter hospital stay (7.2 +/- 2.8 vs 21 +/- 19 days, p = 0.01), and less frequent need for blood transfusions (0% vs 39%, p = 0.02). In conclusion, elevated clinical suspicion and detailed transesophageal echocardiographic examination are important for the early identification of discrete aortic dissection, leading to prompt surgery, shorter hospital stays, and better outcomes.

Combined Abciximab REteplase Stent Study in acute myocardial infarction (CARESS in AMI).

BACKGROUND: Most patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are admitted to hospitals without percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) facilities or are initially managed in a prehospital mobile unit. Thrombolysis remains the most readily available reperfusion treatment in those settings, but the optimal subsequent strategy in those patients is unclear. If a mechanical recanalization is likely to be performed in an emergency, it is probably desirable that the patient receives abciximab, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist with the strongest evidence of benefit for angioplasty in AMI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial is to compare the effects on clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of 2 strategies after immediate treatment with abciximab and half-dose reteplase for ST-elevation AMI: to manage the patients conservatively (referring them for rescue PTCA only if needed) or to immediately send all patients for emergency coronary angioplasty. METHODS: The Combined Abciximab RE-teplase Stent Study in Acute Myocardial Infarction (CARESS in AMI) is an open, prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial conducted in patients with high-risk ST-segment elevation AMI treated within 12 hours from symptom onset in hospitals without PTCA facilities or in a prehospital mobile intensive care unit. Apart from contraindications to thrombolysis, the main exclusion criteria are age > or =75 years and a past history of CABG surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention procedure involving the infarct-related artery. Enrollment will be performed in hospitals without PTCA facilities or directly in the ambulance if a dedicated system is in place for prehospital diagnosis and treatment of AMI. Patients will receive half-dose reteplase and full-dose abciximab and will subsequently be randomized to conventional medical therapy (with referral for emergency rescue PTCA allowed in selected cases) or emergency angioplasty. The primary end point is the 30-day combined incidence of mortality, reinfarction, and refractory ischemia. In order to obtain a 95% power (2-sided) to detect a 42% reduction in the primary end point, 900 patients are required in each arm of the study. Secondary end points include the 1-year composite end point of mortality, reinfarction, refractory ischemia, and hospital readmission because of heart failure; resource use at 30 days and 1 year; and the incidence of inhospital stroke and bleeding complications in the 2 groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients have been randomized (as of March 10, 2004); results are expected in June 2005. CONCLUSION: This study will establish whether angioplasty must be started as soon as possible in all patients who receive combined pharmacologic reperfusion with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab and half-dose thrombolysis or whether it can be postponed or skipped in patients with signs of successful reperfusion, with obvious organizational advantages.

Pseudo-lesion of internal mammary artery graft and left anterior descending artery during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty--a case report.

New lesions appearing during coronary angioplasty may be due to spasms, dissection, and thrombosis. Straightening of the tortuous vessels by guidewire may produce transient angiographic pseudo-lesions, which mimic severe artery damage. An additional case is reported, in which simultaneous artifactual lesions involved the internal mammary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery, mimicking thrombosis and dissection. Recognition of this entity is essential to avoid unnecessary interventions and potentially harmful complications.

Usefulness of dipyridamole stress echocardiography for predicting graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Noninvasive techniques often provide controversial results in patients who have coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs). Vasodilator stress echocardiography allows semi-simultaneous imaging of CABG flow and segmental left ventricular wall motion. To assess the comparative and additive value of regional flow and function for noninvasive evaluation of graft patency status, we evaluated 110 consecutive patients who underwent CABG and who were scheduled for coronary angiography. All patients underwent stress echocardiography with dipyridamole (0.84 mg/kg) and atropine (1 mg), including wall motion analysis by 2-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler evaluation of flow reserve of each CABG. Echocardiographic findings were compared with angiographic data. Four patients had inadequate acoustic windows. The remaining 106 patients had 226 grafts performed. Stress echocardiography showed 67% sensitivity, 91% specificity, and 71% accuracy for identification of 50% to 100% stenosis in the graft or in the recipient coronary vessel. There was a fair agreement with angiography (kappa coefficient 0.60). Identification of impaired coronary bypass flow reserve (i.e., <1.9 for internal mammary grafts and <1.6 for saphenous vein grafts) by Doppler had 91% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 89% accuracy for graft stenosis. There was good agreement with angiographic findings (kappa 0.77). The combination of the 2 techniques achieved 93% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and 93% accuracy, showing a very good agreement with the patency status of the grafts as evaluated at angiography (kappa 0.85). The combined assessment of wall motion and flow reserve in patients who underwent CABG is feasible and provides an accurate estimate of graft patency status by increasing sensitivity of stress echocardiography and specificity of Doppler flow reserve.

Immediate results and one-year clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary interventions in chronic total occlusions: data from a multicenter, prospective, observational study (TOAST-GISE).

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the success rate and the acute and 12-month clinical outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) in the contemporary era. BACKGROUND: The technique of PCI involving CTO has improved over time. However, limited data on acute and follow-up results in patients treated with PCI on CTO in recent years are available. METHODS: Four hundred nineteen consecutive patients scheduled for PCI of CTO of > or =30 days of duration were enrolled in 29 centers; 390 CTOs were confirmed in 376 patients in an independent core laboratory. The end points were technical and procedural success, in-hospital and 12-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurrence, and 12-month symptomatic status. RESULTS: Technical and procedural success was obtained in 77.2% and 73.3% of lesions, respectively. In-hospital major adverse cardiac events occurred in 5.1% of patients. Multivariate analysis identified CTO length >15 mm or not measurable, moderate to severe calcifications, duration > or =180 days, and multivessel disease as significant predictors of PCI failure. At 12 months, patients with a successful procedure experienced a lower incidence of cardiac deaths or myocardial infarction (1.05% vs. 7.23%, p = 0.005), a reduced need for coronary artery bypass surgery (2.45% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.0001), and were more frequently free of angina (88.7% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.008) compared with patients who had an unsuccessful procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Successful PCI was achieved in a high percentage of CTOs with a low incidence of complications. At one-year follow-up, patients with successful PCI of a CTO had a significantly better clinical outcome than those whose PCI was unsuccessful.