Prognostic value of a novel artificial intelligence-based coronary CTA-derived ischemia algorithm among patients with normal or abnormal myocardial perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), downstream positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion imaging can be performed to assess the presence of myocardial ischemia. A novel artificial-intelligence-guided quantitative computed tomography ischemia algorithm (AI-QCTischemia) aims to predict ischemia directly from coronary CTA images. We aimed to study the prognostic value of AI-QCTischemia among patients with obstructive CAD on coronary CTA and normal or abnormal downstream PET perfusion. METHODS: AI-QCTischemia was calculated by blinded analysts among patients from the retrospective coronary CTA cohort at Turku University Hospital, Finland, with obstructive CAD on initial visual reading (diameter stenosis ≥50%) being referred for downstream 15O-H2O-PET adenosine stress perfusion imaging. All coronary arteries with their side branches were assessed by AI-QCTischemia. Absolute stress myocardial blood flow ≤2.3 â€‹ml/g/min in ≥2 adjacent segments was considered abnormal. The primary endpoint was death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina pectoris. The median follow-up was 6.2 [IQR 4.4-8.3] years. RESULTS: 662 of 768 (86%) patients had conclusive AI-QCTischemia result. In patients with normal 15O-H2O-PET perfusion, an abnormal AI-QCTischemia result (n â€‹= â€‹147/331) vs. normal AI-QCTischemia result (n â€‹= â€‹184/331) was associated with a significantly higher crude and adjusted rates of the primary endpoint (adjusted HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.17-5.21, p â€‹= â€‹0.018). This did not pertain to patients with abnormal 15O-H2O-PET perfusion (abnormal AI-QCTischemia result (n â€‹= â€‹269/331) vs. normal AI-QCTischemia result (n â€‹= â€‹62/331); adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.58-2.02, p â€‹= â€‹0.794) (p-interaction â€‹= â€‹0.039). CONCLUSION: Among patients with obstructive CAD on coronary CTA referred for downstream 15O-H2O-PET perfusion imaging, AI-QCTischemia showed incremental prognostic value among patients with preserved perfusion by 15O-H2O-PET imaging, but not among those with reduced perfusion.

Relationship between Increased Plasma Levels of Legumain and Properties of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque. / Relação entre Níveis Plasmáticos Aumentados de Legumain e Propriedades da Placa Aterosclerótica Coronária.

BACKGROUND: Many clinical studies have confirmed that legumain is closely related to atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, different conclusions have been reached, and analyses and studies on atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in patients with increased plasma levels of legumain are still lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between legumain and coronary atherosclerotic plaque characteristics. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD), including 43 patients with unstable angina (UA) and 38 patients with stable angina (SA), were screened by coronary angiography. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed to evaluate the characteristics of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, and plasma legumain levels were also measured. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Legumain concentration was significantly higher in the two CHD subgroups than in the control group (all p<0.001). Legumain concentrations in the UA group were significantly higher than in the SA group (p=0.001). The plaque area, remodeling index (RI), and eccentricity index (EI) in the UA group were significantly higher than those in the SA group (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between legumain levels and RI and EI in both UA and SA patients (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High plasma levels of legumain were closely related to the occurrence and severity of CHD, and the lesions tended to be unstable. Legumain is expected to be a potential inflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis of CHD and the early identification of unstable coronary lesions.

FUNDAMENTO: Muitos estudos clínicos confirmaram que a legumain está intimamente relacionada à aterosclerose. Infelizmente, chegaram-se a conclusões diferentes e ainda faltam análises e estudos sobre as características da placa aterosclerótica em pacientes com níveis plasmáticos aumentados de legumain. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a correlação entre as características da legumain e da placa aterosclerótica coronariana. MÉTODOS: Um total de 81 pacientes com doença cardíaca aterosclerótica coronariana (DCAC), incluindo 43 pacientes com angina instável (AI) e 38 pacientes com angina estável (AE), foram examinados por angiografia coronária. Foi realizado ultrassom intravascular (IVUS) para avaliar as características das placas ateroscleróticas coronarianas, e os níveis plasmáticos de legumain também foram medidos. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: A concentração de legumain foi significativamente maior nos dois subgrupos de doença coronariana do que no grupo controle (todos p<0,001). As concentrações de legumain no grupo AI foram significativamente maiores do que no grupo SA (p=0,001). A área de placa, o índice de remodelamento (IR) e o índice de excentricidade (IE) no grupo AI foram significativamente maiores do que no grupo AE (p<0,001, p=0,001, p=0,001, respectivamente). Houve uma correlação positiva significativa entre os níveis de legumain e IR e IE em pacientes com AI e AE (todos p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Níveis plasmáticos elevados de legumain estavam intimamente relacionados com a ocorrência e gravidade da doença coronariana, e as lesões tendiam a ser instáveis. Espera-se que a legumain seja um potencial biomarcador inflamatório para o diagnóstico de doença coronariana e a identificação precoce de lesões coronárias instáveis.

Revascularization outcomes in diabetic patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome with non-ST elevation.

BACKGROUND: To compare the outcomes of diabetic patients hospitalized with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina (UA) referred for revascularization by either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a real-life setting. METHODS: The study included 1987 patients with diabetes mellitus enrolled from the biennial Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey between 2000 and 2016, who were hospitalized for NSTEMI or UA, and underwent either PCI (N = 1652, 83%) or CABG (N = 335, 17%). Propensity score-matching analysis compared all-cause mortality in 200 pairs (1:1) who underwent revascularization by either PCI or CABG. RESULTS: Independent predictors for CABG referral included 3-vessel coronary artery disease (OR 4.9, 95% CI 3.6-6.8, p < 0.001), absence of on-site cardiac surgery (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, p = 0.013), no previous PCI (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.2, p = 0.024) or MI (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.6, p = 0.002). While at 2 years of follow-up, survival analysis revealed no differences in mortality risk between the surgical and percutaneous revascularization groups (log-rank p = 0.996), after 2 years CABG was associated with a significant survival benefit (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07-2.21; p = 0.021). Comparison of the propensity score matching pairs also revealed a consistent long-term advantage toward CABG (log-rank p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: In a real-life setting, revascularization by CABG of diabetic patients hospitalized with NSTEMI/UA is associated with better long-term outcomes. Prospective randomized studies are warranted in order to provide more effective recommendations in future guidelines.

Flow reserve fraction: the optimal choice in lesion assessing and interventional guiding for patient with unstable angina pectoris and intermediate lesion wrapped with myocardial bridge: a case report.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to choose correctly interventional strategy for coronary intermediate lesions combined with myocardial bridge. Endovascular imaging is advocated to guide treatment, but flow reserve fraction (FFR) is not recommended to guide the interventional treatment of myocardial bridge disease because of the inaccurate judgment misled by myocardial bridge. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we reported a case of a 56-year-old male patient with unstable angina pectoris (UAP). From his coronary angiography, we found diffuse stenosis near the midsection of the left anterior descending (LAD) branch and the presence of a severe myocardial bridge in the lesion area. We were sure that the LAD was culprit vessel and this lesion was culprit lesion. Both FFR and intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) were performed and the conclusions of them are different. Although stent implantation is not usually recommended in the myocardial bridge area. However, after careful examination, a stent was finally implanted under the precise guidance of FFR. And the patient recovered well up-to now. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that FFR functional test was complimentary to intravascular imaging test for the coronary intermediate lesion, especially the lesion wrapped with myocardial bridges, both in assessing the lesion and in guiding treatment.

Patients aged 80 years or older with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris randomised to an invasive versus conservative strategy: angiographic and procedural results from the After Eighty study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report the angiographic and procedural results of the After Eighty study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01255540), and to identify independent predictors of revascularisation. METHODS: Patients of ≥80 years old with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris were randomised to an invasive or conservative strategy. Angiographic and procedural results were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore variables predicting revascularisation. RESULTS: Among 229 patients in the invasive group, 220 underwent immediate coronary angiography (90% performed via the radial artery). Of these patients, 48% had three-vessel disease or left main stenosis, 18% two-vessel disease, 16% one-vessel disease, 17% minor coronary vessel wall changes and two patients had normal coronary arteries. Six patients (3%) underwent coronary artery bypass graft. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 107 patients (49%), with 57% treated with bare metal stents, 37% drug-eluting stents and 6% balloon angioplasty. On average, 1.7 lesions were treated and 2 stents delivered per patient. Complications included 1 major PCI-related bleeding (successfully treated), 2 minor access site-related bleedings, 3 side branch occlusions during PCI and 11 periprocedural myocardial infarctions (considered end points). Sex, bundle branch block and smoking were independent predictors of revascularisation. CONCLUSIONS: PCI was performed in approximately half of the patients, similar to findings in younger populations. Procedural success was high, with few complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01255540.

Effect of invasive strategy on long-term mortality in elderly patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The elderly have the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease and frequently present with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effect of an invasive strategy on long-term mortality in patients of 80 years and older presenting with ACS. METHODS: Patients who were admitted to hospital with ACS were recruited using appropriate ICD codes in the computerised hospital data system. After exclusion of patients below 80 years old, the remaining 156 patients were involved in the final analyses. Ninety-four of 156 patients (60.3%) underwent coronary angiography and they constituted the invasive-strategy group, whereas the remaining 62 (39.7%) patients were treated medically and they constituted the conservative-strategy group. RESULTS: Median follow-up duration of patients was 8.5 (0-61) months. Total mortality at the end of the follow-up period was 24 (25.5%) patients in the invasive-strategy group and 30 (48.4%) in the conservative-strategy group (p = 0.006). According to Cox regression analysis, the invasive strategy (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12-0.56, p = 0.001), presentation with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR: 7.76, 95% CI: 1.74-34.57, p = 0.002), low ejection fraction below 40% (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.43-6.76, p = 0.004), heart rate (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99, p = 0.013) and GRACE risk score between 150 and 170 (OR: 7.76, 95% CI: 1.74-34.57, p = 0.002) were related to long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the benefit of the invasive strategy on mortality rate in elderly patients over 80 years old and presenting with ACS.

The Value of the GRACE Score for Predicting the SYNTAX Score in Patients with Unstable Angina/Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), Global Registry for Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score is a valid tool for risk stratification. The Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is an angiographic scoring system to guide the decision-making between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of the GRACE score in predicting the severity and extent of coronary artery stenosis by SYNTAX score. METHODS: A total of 330 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were enrolled in the study. For every patient, the GRACE score was calculated. All patients underwent coronary angiography within 2 days and the SYNTAX scoring system was used to evaluate the severity and extent of coronary stenotic lesions. Based on ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value of GRACE score that could predict SYNTAX score ≥ 23 was calculated. RESULTS: GRACE score was 107.12 ±â€¯34.4 in patients with SYNTAX SCORE < 23 and 134.80 ±â€¯48.3 in patients with SYNTAX score ≥ 23 (p value = 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the GRACE score and angiographic SYNTAX score (r = 0.34 p < 0.001). We found that a GRACE score of 109 is the optimal cut-off to predict SYNTAX score ≥ 23 with a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 60% (p < 0.001). Its negative predictive value was 94.0%. CONCLUSION: GRACE score had significant but modest value to predict the severity and extent of coronary artery stenosis in patients with ACS.

Pseudoaneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva: A rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Pseudoaneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva is an exceptionally rare but potentially fatal complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Here, we report a case of a 53-year-old man with pseudoaneurysm of the non-coronary sinus of Valsalva following PCI who presented with recurrent chest pain and was treated successfully by closure of the orifice of the pseudoaneurysm and coronary artery bypass grafting.

Three-year outcomes related to coronary stenting; a registry-based real-life population study.

Objectives. Developments in medication and coronary interventions have improved coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment. We studied long-term outcomes in an observational, real-life population of CAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) depending on the presentation and the stent type used. Design and results. Register included 789 consecutive patients undergoing PCI. Follow up period was three years with primary composite outcome (MACE) of all cause -mortality, myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization. Mean age was 65 ± 11 and 69% were male. New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES-2) were associated with lower adjusted rates of MACE (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.77) but not mortality (HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.22-1.14) in comparison to bare-metal stents. Patients with STEMI (14.4%) or NSTEMI (13.7%) had higher crude mortality rates than those with unstable (4.5%) or stable CAD (3.1%; p < .001). The association diminished after adjustments in NSTEMI (HR 2.01; 95% CI 0.88-4.58). Among smokers 45% quitted and 36% achieved recommended cholesterol levels. Conclusions. The overall prognosis was good. Irrespective of comorbidities, NSTEMI was not associated with worse outcome than stable CAD. DES-2 was associated with lower rates of MACE than BMS without affecting mortality rate. Patients succeeded better in smoking cessation than reaching recommended cholesterol levels.

Identification and typing of cardiac amyloidosis by noninvasive imaging: Two cases for two patterns.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive infiltrative cardiomyopathy burdened by high mortality. The two more common forms are immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis and transthyretin-related amyloidosis with different prognoses and treatments. However, distinguishing between them is challenging. Appropriate utilization of the different available imaging techniques in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected cardiac amyloidosis is mandatory. We report two cases with cardiac amyloidosis of different etiology and with distinct imaging patterns. In the first case, the negative 99mTc-diphosphonate imaging was useful to support the diagnosis of cardiac amyloid light-chain; the second case emphasized the utility of whole-body scintigraphy in recognizing transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis and the potential role of cadmium-zinc-telluride SPECT imaging for the evaluation of segmental distribution of cardiac disease. Both cases support the growing interest in looking for noninvasive methods to type cardiac amyloidosis in the place of invasive myocardial biopsy highlighting both possibilities and limitations of available imaging techniques in diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Outcomes of different revascularization strategies among patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes without ST elevation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare short- and long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized with non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina (UA) who were referred for revascularization by either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a real-world national cohort. METHODS: This observational study included 5112 patients, who underwent either CABG or PCI, admitted for NSTEMI or UA and were enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey between 2000 and 2016. Propensity score-matching analysis compared early outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients who underwent revascularization by PCI with revascularization by CABG. RESULTS: Of the 5112 patients, 4327 (85%) underwent PCI and 785 (15%) CABG. Following propensity score analysis, 447 pairs were chosen (1:1). Independent predictors for CABG referral included 3-vessel CAD (odds ratio [OR], 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5-6.7, P < .001), absence of on-site cardiac surgery (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6, P = .004), no previous PCI (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9, P = .002) and no previous myocardial infarction (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1-1.7, P = .022). The 10-year mortality risk was significantly lower among those who underwent CABG compared with PCI (20.4% vs 28.4%, P = .006). Consistent with these findings, multivariable analysis showed that referral to CABG was independently associated with a significant 65% reduction in the risk of 10-year mortality (P < .001). This long-term advantage was seen among male patients (P < .001) and not female patients (P = .910). CONCLUSIONS: In a real-life setting, revascularization by CABG provides excellent long-term outcomes in patients with NSTEMI or UA. The advantage of CABG over PCI was seen only in male patients.

Long-term clinical outcomes in patients with unstable angina undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions in a contemporary registry data from Poland.

BACKGROUND: Both unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) are still classified together in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes despite the fact they substantially differ in both clinical profile and prognosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate contemporary clinical characteristics and outcomes of unstable angina patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in comparison with stable angina and NSTEMI in Swietokrzyskie District of Poland in years 2015-2017. METHODS: A total of 7187 patients after PCI from ORPKI Registry (38% with diagnosis of unstable angina) were included into the analysis. Impact of clinical presentation (unstable angina, stable angina, NSTEMI, STEMI) on three-year outcomes were determined. RESULTS: Unstable angina patients were older than stable angina but younger than NSTEMI individuals. In unstable angina group, the percentage of previous myocardial infarction (MI), PCI or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was the highest among all analyzed groups. In three-year observation, the risk of death as well as MI and MACE in unstable angina after PCI was higher than stable angina angina but considerably lower than in the NSTEMI group. Multivariate analysis confirmed that prognosis in NSTEMI was substantially worse in comparison with unstable angina [relative risk (RR) 1.365, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.126-1.655, P = 0.0015]. On the contrary in unstable angina and stable angina patients, the impact of diagnosis on mortality risk was similar (RR 1.189, 95% CI: 0.932-1.518, P = 0.1620). Parallel results were observed in respect of MI and MACE. Independent predictors of death or MACE were: age, kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke or previous PCI. CONCLUSION: Three-year prognosis in unstable angina was considerable better in comparison with NSTEMI. On the contrary, after adjustment for baseline differences, the outcomes (death, MI, MACE) in unstable angina and stable angina patients were comparable.

Unexpected normal left ventricular systolic function after total chronic occlusion of left main coronary artery and stenosis of right coronary artery: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is a very rare finding in coronary angiography because of its highly lethal nature. Right coronary artery dominance and extensive collateral circulation are the principal determinant factors of survival after total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. The impact on the left ventricle is often significant with a profound alteration of its systolic function. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 52-year-old North African man, a tobacco smoker, who presented symptoms of unstable angina related to a total chronic occlusion of his left main coronary artery with a right coronary artery stenosis. Unexpectedly, the impact on his left ventricle was absent with normal dimensions and systolic function. He underwent a successful on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with uneventful postoperative course and good recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is a rare condition, the fact that the left ventricle retains a normal size and systolic function makes it exceptional, which must be kept in mind to avoid dangerous examinations and delayed treatment. Coronary artery bypass surgery should be considered the main treatment of total chronic occlusion of the left main coronary artery.

Assessment of Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The association of coronary artery disease (CAD) severity with increased C-reactive protein (CRP) and decreased albumin levels has been reported. However, to our knowledge, no study has investigated the usefulness of the CRP to albumin ratio (CAR) in predicting intermediate-high SYNergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score (SS) and high SS II. Consecutive patients (n = 344) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention comprised the study population. The study population was divided into 2 groups according to SS >22 and mean SS II values, respectively. Patients with intermediate-high SS and high SS II had higher CAR than patients with low SS and SS II. History of diabetes mellitus, decreased albumin, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and elevated CAR (odds ratio [OR]: 1.020; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009-1.031; P < .001) were independent predictors of high SS. The presence of hypertension, decreased hemoglobin and albumin levels, and increased CAR (OR: 1.014; 95% CI, 1.004-1.023; P < .001) were independent predictors of SS II. In receiver operating characteristic curve comparison, CAR was superior to CRP and albumin in prediction of intermediate-high SS, but only CRP in prediction of high SS II. The CAR calculated from the admission blood samples could be a useful parameter for predicting CAD severity using SS and SS II.

Quantitative Extent of Atherosclerotic Plaque in the Major Epicardial Coronary Arteries in Patients with Fatal Coronary Heart Disease, in Coronary Endarterectomy Specimens, in Aorta-Coronary Saphenous Venous Conduits, and Means to Prevent the Plaques: A Review after Studying the Coronary Arteries for 50 Years.

This review tries to answer the following 15 questions: Is atherosclerosis a systemic or a regional disease? Is atherosclerosis in any particular region focal or diffuse? What is the quantity of atherosclerotic plaques in endarterectomy specimens of the right coronary artery in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compared to that in the right coronary artery in patients with fatal coronary artery disease? How do the units used for measuring arterial narrowing by angiography compare to the units used for measuring arterial narrowing at necropsy? What do atherosclerotic plaques consist of in coronary arteries in patients with fatal coronary disease? What is the quantity of atherosclerotic plaque in bypassed -vs- non-bypassed native coronary arteries in patients dying early (<60 days) or late (>60 days) after coronary artery bypass grafting? What is the frequency of acute coronary lesions and multi-luminal channels at necropsy in patients with unstable angina pectoris, sudden coronary death, and acute myocardial infarction? What is the mechanism of luminal widening by angioplasty in the coronary arteries? What observations suggest that atherosclerotic plaques are the result at least in part of organization of thrombi? Is atherosclerosis a multifactoral or a unifactoral disease? What characteristics distinguish carnivores and herbivores? What are reasonable guidelines for whom to treat with lipid-altering agents? What is the rule of 5 and the rule of 7 in statin therapy? What is the effect of lipid lowering drug therapy on coronary luminal narrowing? What are some requisites for a healthy life?

Applicability of Longitudinal Strain of Left Ventricle in Unstable Angina / Aplicabilidade do Strain Longitudinal do Ventrículo Esquerdo na Angina Instável

Abstract Background: Unstable angina (UA) is a common cause of hospital admission; risk stratification helps determine strategies for treatment. Objective: To determine the applicability of two-dimensional longitudinal strain (SL2D) for the identification of myocardial ischemia in patients with UA. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study lasting 60 days. The sample consisted of 78 patients, of which fifteen (19.2%) were eligible for longitudinal strain analysis. The value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The group of ineligible patients presented: a lower proportion of women, a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), use of ASA, statins and beta-blockers and larger cavity diameters. The main causes of non-applicability were: presence of previous infarction (56.4%), previous CTA (22.1%), previous MRI (11.5%) or both (16.7%) and the presence of specific electrocardiographic abnormalities (12.8%). SL2D assessment revealed a lower global strain value in those with stenosis greater than 70% in some epicardial coronary arteries (17.1 [3.1] versus 20.2 [6.7], with p = 0.014). Segmental strain assessment showed an association between severe CX and RD lesions with longitudinal strain reduction of lateral and inferior walls basal segments; (14 [5] versus 21 [10], with p = 0.04) and (12.5 [6] versus 19 [8], respectively). Conclusion: There was very low SL2D applicability to assess ischemia in the studied population. However, the global strain showed a correlation with the presence of significant coronary lesion, which could be included in the UA diagnostic arsenal in the future.

Resumo Fundamento: A angina instável (AI) é uma causa comum de internação hospitalar, a estratificação de risco ajuda a determinar estratégias para o tratamento. Objetivo: Determinar a aplicabilidade do strain longitudinal bidimensional (SL2D) para identificação de isquemia miocárdica, em pacientes com AI. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal, descritivo, com duração de 60 dias. A amostra foi composta por 78 pacientes, sendo quinze (19,2%) elegíveis para análise do strain longitudinal. O valor de p < 0.05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: O grupo dos não elegíveis apresentou: menor proporção de mulheres, maior prevalência de diabetes mellitus (DM), do uso de AAS, estatinas e betabloqueadores e maiores diâmetros cavitários. As principais causas da não aplicabilidade foram: presença de infarto prévio (56,4%), ATC prévia (22,1%), RM prévia (11,5%) ou ambos (16,7%) e presença de alterações eletrocardiográficas específicas (12,8%). A avaliação do SL2D revelou um valor de strain global inferior naqueles com estenose maior que 70% em alguma coronária epicárdica (17,1 [3,1] versus 20,2 [6,7], com p = 0,014). A avaliação do strain segmentar demonstrou associação entre lesão grave nas coronárias CX e CD com redução do strain longitudinal dos segmentos basais das paredes lateral e inferior; (14 [5] versus 21 [10], com p = 0,04) e (12,5 [6] versus 19 [8], com p = 0,026), respectivamente. Conclusão: Houve aplicabilidade muito baixa do SL2D para avaliar isquemia na população estudada. Entretanto, o strain global apresentou correlação com presença de lesão coronária significativa, podendo, futuramente, ser incluído no arsenal diagnóstico da AI.

Gadolinium-Free Cardiac MR Stress T1-Mapping to Distinguish Epicardial From Microvascular Coronary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Novel cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) stress T1 mapping can detect ischemia and myocardial blood volume changes without contrast agents and may be a more comprehensive ischemia biomarker than myocardial blood flow. OBJECTIVES: This study describes the performance of the first prospective validation of stress T1 mapping against invasive coronary measurements for detecting obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD), defined by fractional flow reserve (FFR <0.8), and coronary microvascular dysfunction, defined by FFR ≥0.8 and the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR ≥25 U), compared with first-pass perfusion imaging. METHODS: Ninety subjects (60 patients with angina; 30 healthy control subjects) underwent CMR (1.5- and 3-T) to assess left ventricular function (cine), ischemia (adenosine stress/rest T1 mapping and perfusion), and infarction (late gadolinium enhancement). FFR and IMR were assessed ≤7 days post-CMR. Stress and rest images were analyzed blinded to other information. RESULTS: Normal myocardial T1 reactivity (ΔT1) was 6.2 ± 0.4% (1.5-T) and 6.2 ± 1.3% (3-T). Ischemic viable myocardium downstream of obstructive CAD showed near-abolished T1 reactivity (ΔT1 = 0.7 ± 0.7%). Myocardium downstream of nonobstructive coronary arteries with microvascular dysfunction showed less-blunted T1 reactivity (ΔT1 = 3.0 ± 0.9%). Stress T1 mapping significantly outperformed gadolinium-based first-pass perfusion, including absolute quantification of myocardial blood flow, for detecting obstructive CAD (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.97 ± 0.02 vs. 0.91 ± 0.03, respectively; p < 0.001). A ΔT1 of 1.5% accurately detected obstructive CAD (sensitivity: 93%; specificity: 95%; p < 0.001), whereas a less-blunted ΔT1 of 4.0% accurately detected microvascular dysfunction (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.95 ± 0.03; sensitivity: 94%; specificity: 94%: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CMR stress T1 mapping accurately detected and differentiated between obstructive epicardial CAD and microvascular dysfunction, without contrast agents or radiation.

Ethnicity of Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease Referred for Coronary Angiography in the Galilee: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and a Case for Screening and Modification.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) has known risk factors. Individual risks related to specific ethnicities are complex and depend on genetic predisposition and lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: To compare the nature and prevalence of risk factors in Arab and non-Arab ethnic patients with symptomatic obstructive CAD referred for coronary angiography. METHODS: CAD, defined as coronary angiography with a ≥ 50% narrowing in ≥ 1 vessel, was diagnosed in 1029 patients admitted to a medical center between April 2014 and October 2015. Patients were divided into two groups according to ethnic origin: Arab vs. non-Arab. Demographics, clinical presentation, and coronary risk profiles were compared. RESULTS: The diagnosis of CAD was made during ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 198 patients (19%) who arrived at the clinic, 620 (60%) with unstable angina/non-STEMI, and 211 (21%) with stable angina. Patients with symptomatic CAD and Arab ethnicity were 47% more prevalent than non-Arab patients presenting with CAD. The Arab patients were appoximately 5 years younger, 50% more likely to be active smokers, 25% more likely to be obese, and more likely to have a family history of CAD. Other coronary risk factors were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and obesity, which are potentially modifiable CAD risk factors, stood out as major risk factors, in addition to genetic disposition, among Arab and non-Arab patients with symptomatic CAD. Screening and educational interventions for smoking cessation, obesity control, and compliance to treatment of co-morbidities should be attempted in order to decrease CAD in the Arab population.