Trends, predictors, and outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve related disease: Insights from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has increasingly been utilized in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) related aortic stenosis (AS) with insufficient large-scale data on its safety. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Readmission Database (2011-2018) were queried to identify patients undergoing TAVI for BAV versus trileaflet aortic valve (TAV) associated AS. The in-hospital, 30- and 180-day odds of outcomes were assessed using a propensity-matched analysis (PSM) to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 216,723 TAVI (TAV: 214,050 and BAV: 2,673) crude and 5,347 matched population (TAV: 2,674 and BAV: 2,673) was included in the final analysis. At index admission, the adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.67-3.66), stroke (aOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.38-1.57), cardiac tamponade (aOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.17-3.36), vascular complications (aOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.09-1.22), cardiogenic shock (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 0.93-3.38), paravalvular leak (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.26-1.14), need for mechanical circulatory support device, and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) (aOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.69-1.52) were not significantly different between TAVI for BAV versus TAV. At 30- and 180-day follow-up duration, the risk of stroke and major postprocedural complications remained similar, except that TAVI in BAV had a higher incidence of PPM implantation compared with TAV. The yearly trend showed an increase in the utilization of TAVI for both TAV and BAV and a steady decline in the overall annual rate of in-hospital complications. CONCLUSION: TAVI utilization in patients with BAV has increased over the recent years. The relative odds of in-hospital mortality, and all other major complications, were similar between patients undergoing TAVI for BAV- and TAV-related AS.

Safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon for peripheral artery revascularization-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The relative merits of the drug-coated balloon (DCB) versus uncoated balloon (UCB) angioplasty in endovascular intervention for patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains controversial. METHODS: Online databases were queried with various combinations of keywords to identify relevant articles. Net adverse events (NAEs) and its components were compared using a random effect model to calculate unadjusted odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: A total of 26 studies comprising 26,845 patients (UCB: 17,770 and DCB: 9075) were included. On pooled analysis, DCB was associated with significantly lower odds of NAE (OR: 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.61), vessel restenosis (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.37-0.57), major amputation (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-99), need for repeat target lesion (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.31-0.47) and target vessel revascularization (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47-0.81) compared with UCB. Similarly, the primary patency rate was significantly higher in patients undergoing DCB angioplasty (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.19-1.75), while the odds for all-cause mortality (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.85-1.09) were not significantly different between the two groups. A subgroup analysis based on follow-up duration (6 months vs. 1 vs. 2 years) followed the findings of the pooled analysis with few exceptions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of DCB in lower extremity PAD intervention is associated with higher primary patency, lower restenosis, lower amputation rate, and decreased need for repeat revascularization with similar all-cause mortality as compared to UCB.

Mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis among patients with malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With advancements in cancer treatment, the life expectancy of oncology patients has improved. Thus, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be considered as a feasible option for oncology patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). We aim to evaluate the difference in short- and long-term all-cause mortality in cancer and non-cancer patients treated with TAVR for severe AS. METHODS: Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies. Patients with cancer who underwent treatment with TAVR for severe AS were included and compared to an identical population without cancer. The primary endpoints were short- and long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 899 studies included, 8 met inclusion criteria. Cancer patients had significantly higher long-term all-cause mortality after TAVR when compared to patients without cancer (risk ratio [RR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.62; P < 0.01). Four studies evaluated short-term mortality after TAVR and demonstrated no difference in it in patients with and without cancer (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.47-1.08; P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: Patients with cancer and severe AS have higher long-term all-cause mortality after TAVR. However, we found no difference in short-term all-cause mortality when comparing patients with and without cancer. The decision to perform TAVR in cancer patients should be individualized based on life expectancy and existing co-morbidities.

Meta-analysis comparing valve-in-valve TAVR and redo-SAVR in patients with degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valve.

INTRODUCTION: The comparative efficacy and safety of valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV-TAVR) and redo-surgical AVR (redo-SAVR) in patients with degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valves remain unknown. METHOD: Digital databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Unadjusted odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes were calculated using a random effect model. A total of 11 studies comprising 8326 patients (ViV-TAVR = 4083 and redo-SAVR = 4243) were included. RESULTS: The mean age of patients undergoing ViV-TAVR was older, 76 years compared to 73 years for those undergoing SAVR. The baseline characteristics for patients in ViV-TAVR vs. redo-SAVR groups were comparable. At 30-days, the odds of all-cause mortality (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.68, p = .0002), cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.73, p = .001) and major bleeding (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15-0.54, p = .0001) were significantly lower in patients undergoing ViV-TAVR compared to redo-SAVR. There were no significant differences in the odds of cerebrovascular accidents (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.52-1.58, p = .74), myocardial infarction (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.44-1.92, p = .83) and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.27-1.07, p = .08) between the two groups. During mid to long-term follow up (6-months to 5-years), there were no significant differences between ViV-TAVR and redo-SAVR for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and stroke. ViV-TAVR was, however, associated with higher risk of prosthesis-patient mismatch and greater transvalvular pressure gradient post-implantation. CONCLUSION: ViV-TAVR compared to redo-SAVR appears to be associated with significant improvement in short term mortality and major bleeding. For mid to long-term follow up, the outcomes were similar for both groups.

Safety and efficacy of the polymer-free and polymer-coated drug-eluting stents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: The relative safety and efficacy of polymer-free (PF) versus polymer-coated (PC) drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention has received limited study. METHOD: Digital databases were queried to identify relevant studies. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and secondary outcomes were compared using a random effect model to calculate unadjusted odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: A total of 28 studies consisting of 23,198 patients were included in the final analysis. On pooled analysis, there was no significant difference in the odds of MACE (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91-1.08) and major bleeding (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.61-1.24) between patients undergoing PF-DES versus PC-DES. Similarly, the odds of myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, cardiovascular mortality and need for target vessel revascularization was similar between the two groups. PF-DES was favored due to significantly lower odds of non-cardiac death (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-89) and all-cause mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.95), but had a higher need for target lesion revascularization (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.02-1.42). A subgroup analysis based on follow up duration, clinical presentation, presence of diabetes and class of eluting drugs mirrored the net estimates for all outcomes with a few exceptions. A sensitivity and meta-regression analysis showed no influence of single-study and duration of antiplatelet therapy on pooled outcomes. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with angina or ACS, PF-DES might be favored due to lower all-cause mortality and equal risk of ischemic adverse cardiovascular and major bleeding events compared with PC-DES.

Trends in cardiovascular mortality of cancer patients in the US over two decades 1999-2019.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease, and cancer patients are at an increased risk of CV death. This recognition has led to publication of cardio-oncological guidelines and to the widespread adoption of dedicated cardio-oncology services in many institutes. However, it is unclear whether there has been a change in the incidence of CV death in cancer patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging, Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) Multiple Cause of Death dataset, we determined national trends in age-standardised mortality rates attributed to cardiovascular diseases in patients with and without cancer, from 1999 to 2019, stratified by cancer type, age, gender, race, and place of residence (state and urbanisation status). Among more than 17.8 million cardiovascular deaths in the United States, 13.6% were patients with a concomitant cancer diagnosis. During the study period, among patients with cancer, the age-adjusted mortality rate dropped by 52% (vs 38% in patients with no cancer). In cancer patients, age-adjusted mortality rate dropped more significantly among patients with gastrointestinal, breast, and prostate malignancy than among patients with haematological malignancy (59%-63% vs. 41%). Similar reduction was observed in both genders (53%-54%), but more prominent reduction was observed in older patients and in those living in metro areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasise the role of multidisciplinary management of cancer patients. Widespread adoption of cardio oncology services have the potential to impact the inherent risk of increased CV mortality in both cancer patients and survivors.

Acute myocardial infarction treatments and outcomes in 6.5 million patients with a current or historical diagnosis of cancer in the USA.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate temporal trends, treatment, and clinical outcomes of patients who present with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and have a current or historical diagnosis of cancer, according to cancer type and presence of metastases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from 6 563 255 patients presenting with an AMI between 2004 and 2014 from the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database were analysed. A total of 5 966 955 had no cancer, 186 604 had current cancer, and 409 697 had a historical diagnosis of cancer. Prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer were the four most common types of cancer. Patients with cancer were older with more comorbidities. Differences in invasive treatment were noted, 43.9% received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients without cancer, whilst only 21.0% of patients with lung cancer received PCI. Lung cancer was associated with the highest in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.62-2.80], major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications (OR 2.38, 95% CI 2.31-2.45), and stroke (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.80-2.02), while colon cancer was associated with highest risk of bleeding (OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.68-2.98). Irrespective of the type of cancer, presence of metastasis was associated with worse in-hospital outcomes, and historical cancer did not adversely impact on survival (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.89-0.91). CONCLUSION: A concomitant cancer diagnosis is associated with a conservative medical management strategy for AMI, and worse clinical outcomes, compared to patients without cancer. Survival and clinical outcomes in the context of AMI vary significantly according to the type of cancer and metastasis status. The management of this high-risk group is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary and patient-centred approach to improve their outcomes.

Percutaneous Intervention or Bypass Graft for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for stable left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) remains controversial. METHODS: Digital databases were searched to compare the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and its components. A random effect model was used to compute an unadjusted odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: A total of 43 studies (37 observational and 6 RCTs) consisting of 29,187 patients (PCI 13,709 and CABG 15,478) were identified. The 30-day rate of MACCE (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42-0.76; p = 0.0002) and all-cause mortality (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30-0.91; p = 0.02) was significantly lower in the PCI group. There was no significant difference in the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 0.17) and revascularization (p = 0.12). At 5 years, CABG was favored due to a significantly lower rate of MACCE (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.18-2.36; p = <0.04), MI (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.35-2.06; p = <0.00001), and revascularization (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.18-3.60; p = <0.00001), respectively. PCI was associated with a lower overall rate of a stroke, while the risk of all-cause mortality was not significantly different between the two groups at 1- (p = 0.75), 5- (p = 0.72), and 10-years (p = 0.20). The Kaplan-Meier curve reconstruction revealed substantial variations over time; the 5-year incidence of MACCE was 38% with CABG, significantly lower than 45% with PCI (p = <0.00001). CONCLUSION: PCI might offer early safety advantages, while CABG provides greater durability in terms of lower long-term risk of ischemic events. There appears to be an equivalent risk for all-cause mortality.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in cancer patients: a report of the prevalence and outcomes in the United States.

AIMS: This study aims to examine the temporal trends and outcomes in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a previous or current diagnosis of cancer, according to cancer type and the presence of metastases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Individuals undergoing PCI between 2004 and 2014 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were included in the study. Multivariable analyses were used to determine the association between cancer diagnosis and in-hospital mortality and complications. 6 571 034 PCI procedures were included and current and previous cancer rates were 1.8% and 5.8%, respectively. Both rates increased over time and the four most common cancers were prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancer. Patients with a current lung cancer had greater in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 2.81, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.37-3.34) and any in-hospital complication (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10-1.36), while current colon cancer was associated with any complication (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.90-2.48) and bleeding (OR 3.65, 95% CI 3.07-4.35) but not mortality (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.99-1.95). A current diagnosis of breast was not significantly associated with either in-hospital mortality or any of the complications studied and prostate cancer was only associated with increased risk of bleeding (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20-1.65). A historical diagnosis of lung cancer was independently associated with an increased OR of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.32-2.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer among patients receiving PCI is common and the prognostic impact of cancer is specific both for the type of cancer, presence of metastases and whether the diagnosis is historical or current. Treatment of patients with a cancer diagnosis should be individualized and involve a close collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.

GuideLiner™ as guide catheter extension for the unreachable mammary bypass graft.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of mammary artery bypass grafts through a trans-radial (TR) approach can present unique challenges, including coaxial vessel engagement of the guiding catheter, adequate visualization of the target lesion, sufficient backup support for equipment delivery, and the ability to reach very distal lesions. The GuideLiner catheter, a rapid exchange monorail mother-in-daughter system, facilitates successful interventions in such challenging anatomy. We present a case of a patient undergoing PCI of a right internal mammary artery (RIMA) graft via TR access in whom the graft could not be engaged with any guiding catheter. Using a balloon tracking technique over a guidewire, a GuideLiner was placed as an extension of the guiding catheter and facilitated TR-PCI by overcoming technical challenges associated with difficult anatomy.

Unrecognized coronary vasospasm in patients referred for percutaneous coronary intervention: Intracoronary nitroglycerin, the forgotten stepchild of cardiovascular guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to demonstrate the importance of intracoronary nitroglycerin (IC NTG) administration during diagnostic coronary angiography and prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: PCI has been a mainstay treatment for patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. While current guidelines emphasize the importance of periprocedural antithrombotic medications, they fail to mention the use of nitroglycerin prior to PCI. METHODS: Retrospective chart and angiographic review was performed to identify patients referred for PCI who had significant angiographic stenoses that resolved after administration of IC NTG. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 6 patients (3 men, 3 women) with mean age 52 ± 4years (range 46-57 years). All had anginal symptoms and significant (>70%) stenosis on diagnostic coronary angiography. None had documented ST segment elevation. The median interval between diagnostic and staged PCI procedures was 3 days. IC NTG was not administered to any of the patients at the time of diagnostic coronary angiography. In each case, repeat coronary angiography following administration of IC NTG (155 ± 46 mcg) before planned PCI demonstrated resolution of the target stenosis. PCI was deferred and all patients were successfully managed medically. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery spasm is an under-recognized cause of chest pain in patients with significant angiographic lesions. Coronary spasm should be suspected especially in younger patients (less than 60 years old) with apparent single vessel disease. IC NTG should be routinely administered during diagnostic angiography and before PCI to avert unnecessary coronary interventions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Use of prasugrel in the setting of clopidogrel hypersensitivity: Case report and systematic review of the literature.

Allergic reactions to clopidogrel soon after coronary stent implantation pose an important and challenging clinical problem. We describe a 44-year-old man who developed a diffuse maculopapular rash four days after initiation of clopidogrel with drug-eluting coronary stent placement. An initial treat-through strategy was unsuccessful due to patient intolerance to corticosteroids. Because of persistent hypersensitivity, clopidogrel was substituted with prasugrel which was continued successfully for one year without reaction. A systematic review of the literature was performed which identified 10 prior case reports of patients with clopidogrel hypersensitivity who were subsequently treated with prasugrel. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of these patients plus the current case were reviewed. There were 9 men and 2 women with ages from 44 to 76 years. All patients had undergone coronary stent procedures. Prasugrel was successfully used without cross-reactivity in 9 of the 11 patients (82%). Cross-reactivity was reported in two patients who developed hypersensitivity reactions to prasugrel similar to those experienced on clopidogrel. In conclusion, prasugrel can be used successfully in most patients with a history of clopidogrel hypersensitivity. However, potential cross-reactivity between these two thienopyridines may occur in some patients.

Trends and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Aortic Insufficiency: A Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has increasingly been utilized in patients with aortic insufficiency (AI) with insufficient data on its safety. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried to identify patients undergoing TAVI for AI. Net clinical events (composite of in-hospital mortality, stroke, major bleeding) and procedural complications were assessed using a propensity-score matched (PSM) analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR). A total of 185,703 (AI 3873, aortic stenosis [AS] 181,830) patients were included in the analysis. Due to a significant difference in the baseline characteristics, a matched sample of 7929 patients (AI 3873, AS 4056) was selected. At index admission, the adjusted odds of in-hospital NACE (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.59-2.51), mortality (aOR 3.06, 95% CI 2.38-5.47), major bleeding (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.13-2.06) and valvular complications (aOR 9.48, 95% CI 6.73-13.38) were significantly higher in patients undergoing TAVI for AI compared with those undergoing TAVI for AS. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of NACE, mortality, stroke, major bleeding, and need for permanent pacemaker implantation at 30- and 180-days follow-up. TAVI in AI was associated with a higher risk of periprocedural NACE, mortality, and major bleeding. The risk of these complications attenuated at 30- and 180-day readmission.

The Value of Right Heart Catheterization: Case Series Showing Benefits in a Variety of Diagnoses.

Although the right heart catheterization (RHC) was first introduced in 1945, its use in the quantitative hemodynamic assessment of patients has remained of questionable benefit. With recent advances in pharmacotherapies and mechanical support devices, RHC has been increasingly used to assess and help tailor the management of more complex patient scenarios. We present a case series in which the use of the RHC was helpful in making complex medical decisions. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Risk of coronary artery disease in patients with gout on treatment with Colchicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Colchicine has anti-inflammatory properties, but its utility in improving cardiovascular outcomes has been disputed. Here, we study the impact of colchicine on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with gout with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Primary outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Secondary outcomes included stroke and all-cause mortality. Results: We included 4 observational studies comprising 10,026 patients with gout on treatment with colchicine. There was no significant difference in the risk of myocardial infarction (risk ratio [RR] 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-1.39), need for PCI, or need for CABG, between patients on colchicine and those not receiving colchicine. Colchicine was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.43-0.79). Conclusion: Non-randomized studies suggest that risk of MI, stroke and revascularization is not higher in gout patients treated with colchicine compared to gout patients without colchicine treatment.

Clinical Outcomes in Adult Patients With an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Left Sinus of Valsalva.

An anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course (R-ACAOS-IM) may cause sudden cardiac death in children and adolescents. However, the natural history and management of patients in whom this anomaly is detected later during adulthood remains uncertain. The goals of this study were to assess the impact of an R-ACAOS-IM on the clinical outcomes in an adult population and to determine if adult patients with this anomaly who do not have significant coronary artery disease (CAD) can be managed safely without surgical intervention. A database review identified patients aged >35 years with anomalous coronary arteries diagnosed by cardiac catheterization or coronary computed tomography angiography. The outcomes of patients with R-ACAOS-IM were compared with patients with anomalous left circumflex coronary arteries with retroaortic course (LCx-RA) (an anomaly not associated with ischemic events). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The study population consisted of 185 patients aged 59 ± 12 years. Clinical characteristics were similar in the R-ACAOS-IM (n = 88) and LCx-RA (n = 97) groups. At a follow-up of 6.6 ± 4.5 years, there was no difference in mortality (hazard ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 1.28, p = 0.20) when adjusted for gender, age, and CAD. A subgroup analysis of 88 patients with no obstructive CAD managed nonoperatively found no difference between the LCx and R-ACAOS-IM groups in mortality (hazard ratio 2.45, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 13.40, p = 0.30). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the composite outcome of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or survived cardiac arrest. The outcome of adult patients who have anomalous R-ACAOS-IM are similar to patients who have anomalous LCx-RA with a known benign course. In conclusion, these results suggest that most patients who survive this anomaly into adulthood may be managed conservatively without intervention.

Trends In ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Hospitalisation Among Young Adults: A Binational Analysis.

BACKGROUND: ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) is typically associated with increased age, but there is an important group of patients that suffer STEMI under the age of fifty, that are not well characterized in studies. METHODS & RESULTS: We analysed results from Myocardial Ischemia National Audit Project (MINAP) from the United Kingdom (UK) between 2010-2017 and the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from the United States (US) between 2010-2018. After exclusion criteria, there were 32,719 STEMI patients aged ≤50 from MINAP, and 238,952 patients' ≤50 from the NIS. We analysed temporal trends in demographics, management, and mortality. The proportion of females increased, 15.6% (2010-2012) to 17.6% (2016-2017) (UK) and 22.8% (2010-2012) to 23.1% (2016-2018) (US). The proportion of white patients decreased, from 86.7% (2010) to 79.1% (2017) (UK) and 72.1% (2010) to 67.1% (2017) (US). Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) rates increased in UK (2010-2012: 89.0%, 2016-2017: 94.3%), while decreased in US (2010-2012: 88.9%, 2016-2018: 86.2% (US). After adjusting for baseline characteristics and management strategies, there was no difference in all-cause mortality in the UK in 2016-2017 compared to 2010-2012 (OR:1.21, 95% CI:0.60-2.40), but there was a decrease in the US in 2016-2018 compared to 2010-2012 (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79-0.90). CONCLUSION: The demographics of young STEMI patients have temporally changed in the UK and US, with increased proportions of females and ethnic minorities. There was a significant increase in the frequency of diabetes mellitus over the respective time periods in both countries.

Outcomes and Discriminatory Accuracy of the CHA2DS2VASc Score in Atrial Fibrillation and Cancer.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly prevalent among cancer patients. The role of traditional risk stratification scores in the context of different cancer types in these patients remains unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the discriminative accuracy of the CHA2DS2VASc score for ischemic stroke using receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve. Methods: The National Readmission Database (2015-2019) was used to identify all AF patients stratified by the cancer diagnosis, type, and CHA2DS2VASc category (low; moderate; high risk). Outcomes at 30-day readmission were compared between cancer and noncancer groups using hierarchical multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs. Results: A total of 6,996,088 AF patients were identified at index admission. Of these, 4,242,630 (642,237 cancer, 3,600,393 noncancer) were readmitted at 30 days. Cancer patients (92.1%) had a higher proportion of high CHA2DS2VASc scores compared with their noncancer counterparts (89.8%, P < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate and incidence of major bleeding in cancer patients were significantly higher compared with their corresponding noncancer group across all CHA2DS2VASc categories. Among the different cancer types, hematological and lung cancer had a high propensity for major bleeding. The odds of ischemic stroke were lower in the cancer group across high (1.9% vs 2.4%; aOR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.76-0.79; P < 0.0001), moderate (0.8% vs 1.3%; aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50-0.64; P < 0.0001), and low (0.4% vs 0.9%; aOR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.34-0.62; P < 0.0001) risk category relative to the noncancer group irrespective of type of cancer. CHA2DS2VASc category had a statistically significant discriminatory accuracy for ischemic stroke in both cancer and noncancer patients. Conclusions: Cancer patients with AF are at a higher risk of readmission and major bleeding. The risk of ischemic stroke during readmission appears to be lower than noncancer patients. These findings may have implications for anticoagulant therapy in cancer patients.

Outcomes of Intravascular Imaging in Orbital Atherectomy; Insight From the National Readmissions Database.

The impact of intravascular imaging guidance [intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)/optical coherence tomography (OCT)] on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing orbital atherectomy (OA) and percutaneous intervention (PCI) are not well characterized. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2015 to 2019 was used to select all cases of OA. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of in-hospital, 30-day, and 180-day hospitalization outcomes between patients who underwent PCI with OA vs without intravascular imaging were calculated using a propensity-matched analysis. A total of 15,681 patients undergoing PCI after OA (12,649 with no-imaging, 3032 with imaging) were identified. Due to a significant difference in the baseline characteristics, a matched sample of 3008 in the no-imaging group and 3032 in the imaging group was selected. On adjusted analysis, the odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.86) were significantly lower in patients undergoing IVUS/OCT guided OA and PCI compared with those having PCI without imaging. There was no difference in the rate of in-hospital stroke (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.51-1.45) and major bleeding (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.65-1.16) between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the 30- and 180-day odds of readmission, major bleeding, coronary dissection, pericardial effusion, and AKI between the two groups. IVUS and OCT use during PCI with OA for patients with calcified coronary artery disease appear to be associated with reduced in-hospital mortality at index admission. Prospective trials are necessary to determine the long-term benefits of imaging with PCI.