Overcoming professional barriers encountered by women in interventional cardiology: an EAPCI statement.

Despite the increasing proportion of female medical and nursing students, there is still a significant under-representation of women working as healthcare providers in interventional cardiology, with very few of them reaching senior leadership, academic positions, or acting principal investigators, as well as actively involved in company advisory boards. In this position paper, we will describe the current status of women working in interventional cardiology across Europe. We will also provide an overview of the most relevant determinants of the under-representation of women at each stage of the interventional cardiology career path and offer practical suggestions for overcoming these challenges.

An EAPCI Expert Consensus Document on Ischaemia with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries in Collaboration with European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation Endorsed by Coronary Vasomotor Disorders International Study Group.

This consensus document, a summary of the views of an expert panel organized by the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), appraises the importance of ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). Angina pectoris affects approximately 112 million people globally. Up to 70% of patients undergoing invasive angiography do not have obstructive coronary artery disease, more common in women than in men, and a large proportion have INOCA as a cause of their symptoms. INOCA patients present with a wide spectrum of symptoms and signs that are often misdiagnosed as non-cardiac leading to under-diagnosis/investigation and under-treatment. INOCA can result from heterogeneous mechanism including coronary vasospasm and microvascular dysfunction and is not a benign condition. Compared to asymptomatic individuals, INOCA is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular events, repeated hospital admissions, as well as impaired quality of life and associated increased health care costs. This consensus document provides a definition of INOCA and guidance to the community on the diagnostic approach and management of INOCA based on existing evidence from research and best available clinical practice; noting gaps in knowledge and potential areas for further investigation.

Platelet function monitoring to adjust antiplatelet therapy in elderly patients stented for an acute coronary syndrome (ANTARCTIC): an open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled superiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are at high risk of ischaemic and bleeding events. Platelet function monitoring offers the possibility to individualise antiplatelet therapy to improve the therapeutic risk-benefit ratio. We aimed to assess the effect of platelet function monitoring with treatment adjustment in elderly patients stented for an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We did this multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomised controlled superiority study at 35 centres in France. Patients aged 75 years or older who had undergone coronary stenting for acute coronary syndrome were randomly assigned (1:1), via a central interactive voice-response system based on a computer-generated permuted-block randomisation schedule with randomly selected block sizes, to receive oral prasugrel 5 mg daily with dose or drug adjustment in case of inadequate response (monitoring group) or oral prasugrel 5 mg daily with no monitoring or treatment adjustment (conventional group). Randomisation was stratified by centre. Platelet function testing was done 14 days after randomisation and repeated 14 days after treatment adjustment in patients in the monitoring group. Study investigators and patients were not masked to treatment allocation, but allocation was concealed from an independent clinical events committee responsible for endpoint adjudication. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, urgent revascularisation, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium-defined bleeding complications (types 2, 3, or 5) at 12 months' follow-up. We did analysis by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01538446. FINDINGS: Between March 27, 2012, and May 19, 2015, we randomly assigned 877 patients to the monitoring group (n=442) or the conventional group (n=435). The primary endpoint occurred in 120 (28%) patients in the monitoring group compared with 123 (28%) patients in the conventional group (hazard ratio [HR], 1·003, 95% CI 0·78-1·29; p=0·98). Rates of bleeding events did not differ significantly between groups. INTERPRETATION: Platelet function monitoring with treatment adjustment did not improve the clinical outcome of elderly patients treated with coronary stenting for an acute coronary syndrome. Platelet function testing is still being used in many centres and international guidelines still recommend platelet function testing in high-risk situations. Our study does not support this practice or these recommendations. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Company, Daiichi Sankyo, Stentys, Accriva Diagnostics, Medtronic, and Fondation Coeur et Recherche.

Management of cardiogenic shock: a narrative review.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is characterized by low cardiac output and sustained tissue hypoperfusion that may result in end-organ dysfunction and death. CS is associated with high short-term mortality, and its management remains challenging despite recent advances in therapeutic options. Timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary team-based management have demonstrated favourable effects on outcomes. We aimed to review evidence-based practices for managing patients with ischemic and non-ischemic CS, detailing the multi-organ supports needed in this critically ill patient population.

Ticagrelor vs Clopidogrel in Clopidogrel-Naive Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Whether ticagrelor may reduce periprocedural myocardial necrosis after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with and without chronic clopidogrel therapy is unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare ticagrelor vs clopidogrel in patients with and without chronic clopidogrel therapy before undergoing elective PCI. METHODS: In this prespecified analysis of the ALPHEUS (Assessment of Loading With the P2Y12 Inhibitor Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel to Halt Ischemic Events in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Stenting) trial, patients were defined as clopidogrel(+) and clopidogrel(-) according to the presence and absence of clopidogrel treatment for ≥7 days before PCI, respectively. The primary endpoint was the composite of PCI-related myocardial infarction and major injury as defined by the third and fourth universal definition 48 hours after PCI. RESULTS: A total of 1,882 patients were included, 805 (42.7%) of whom were clopidogrel(+). These patients were older, had more comorbidities, and had more frequent features of complex PCI. The primary endpoint was less frequently present in clopidogrel(-) compared to clopidogrel(+) patients (32.8% vs 40.0%; OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60-0.88), but no significant differences were reported for the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or transient ischemic attack at 48 hours or 30 days. Ticagrelor did not reduce periprocedural myocardial necrosis or the risk of adverse outcomes, and there was no significant interaction regarding the presence of chronic clopidogrel treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel-naive patients presented less periprocedural complications compared to clopidogrel(+) patients, a difference related to a lower risk profile and less complex PCI. The absence of clopidogrel at baseline did not affect the absence of a difference between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in terms of PCI-related complications supporting the use of clopidogrel as the standard of care in elective PCI in patients with or without chronic clopidogrel treatment.

Sex disparities in cardiogenic shock: Insights from the FRENSHOCK registry.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe form of acute heart failure. Discrepancies have been reported between sexes regarding delays, pathways and invasive strategies in CS complicating acute myocardial infarction. However, effect of sex on the prognosis of unselected CS remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to analyze the impact of sex on aetiology, management and prognosis of CS. METHODS: The FRENSHOCK registry included all CS admitted in 49 French Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU) between April and October 2016. RESULTS: Among the 772 CS patients included, 220 were women (28.5%). Women were older, less smokers, with less history of ischemic cardiac disease (20.5% vs 33.6%) than men. At admission, women presented less cardiac arrest (5.5 vs 12.2%), less mottling (32.5 vs 41.4%) and higher LVEF (30 ± 14 vs 25 ± 13%). Women were more often managed via emergency department while men were directly admitted at ICU/ICCU. Ischemia was the most frequent trigger irrespective of sex (36.4% in women vs 38.2%) but women had less coronary angiogram and PCI (45.9% vs 54% and 24.1 vs 31.3%, respectively). We found no major difference in medication and organ support. Thirty-day mortality (26.4 vs 26.5%), transplant or permanent assist device were similar in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Despite some more favorable parameters in initial presentation and no significant difference in medication and support, women shared similar poor prognosis than men. Further analysis is required to cover the lasting gap in knowledge regarding sex specificities to distinguish between differences and inequalities. NCT02703038.

Monitoring persistent platelet reactivity in patients with unprotected left main stenting.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the rate and potential clinical impact of persistent platelet reactivity (PPR) in unprotected left main (ULMD) stenting. BACKGROUND: PPR under aspirin or thienopyridines is associated with acute events after angioplasty. METHODS: We prospectively included 125 patients referred for ULMD stenting. For the first 64 patients (ALMA-1), angioplasty was performed under aspirin and clopidogrel without platelet reactivity assessment. For the last 61 patients (ALMA-2), platelet reactivity was assessed before angioplasty: in patients with aspirin-related PPR, aspirin twice daily was given and in those with clopidogrel-related PPR, clopidogrel double dose or prasugrel was used. RESULTS: Overall, patients' mean age was 69 ± 13 years, 37% were diabetic, and 37% had non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients' characteristics were similar in both studies with isolated left main in 14% and associated with 1-, 2-, or 3-vessel disease in 23%, 36%, and 27%, respectively. Mean SYNTAX score was 23 ± 9. Procedural characteristics were similar using provisional T stenting in 69%, T stenting in 27%, and other techniques in 4%. In ALMA-2, 28% patients had PPR for aspirin, 29% for clopidogrel, and 8% for both. Aspirin twice daily was given in 28% of patients, clopidogrel double dose in 26%, and prasugrel in 31%. The rate of 1-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was lower in ALMA-2 versus ALMA-1 (8.2% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.04) as a composite end-point of cardiovascular death or stent thrombosis (0.0% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: PPR under aspirin and thienopyridines is frequent in ULMD stenting and could be related to subsequent major events.

[Benefits of an observatory for myocardial infarction in women under 50 : The WAMIF study]. / Intérêt d'un observatoire de l'infarctus du myocarde des femmes de moins de 50 ans : étude WAMIF.

The WAMIF study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 to include 314 patients in 30 French investigative centers in France. We have systematically collected the clinical, morphological and biological characteristics of cases of myocardial infarction affecting women under 50 years of age and evaluated their short-term (intra-hospital) and mid-term (at 12 months) prognosis. . The main results were: a particularly high incidence of modifiable risk factors affecting 86% of patients with smoking in the first place in 75% of them. The clinical presentation revealed chest pain in more than 90% of cases. The pathophysiological forms of acute coronary syndrome identified the culprit artery in 90% of cases, MI without obstruction (MINOCA) was found in 17.8% of the ST elevation MI (STEMI), spontaneous dissection in 14.6% of STEMI and 16.3% of NSTEMI. Hospital events included 3 strokes, 3 cases of bleeding and no deaths. At 12 months, follow-up showed no cardiovascular deaths. The results of this study allow us to better understand the particularities of cardiovascular diseases in women and thus to develop targeted strategies for prevention and improvement of their management.

Very long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in young men and women: Insights from the FAST-MI program.

AIMS: Conflicting data exists about long-term outcomes in young women and men experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: The FAST-MI program consists of three nationwide French surveys carried out 5years apart from 2005 to 2015, including consecutive patients with AMI over a 1-month period with up to 10-year follow-up. The present analysis focused on adults≤50 yo according to their gender. RESULTS: Women accounted for 17.5% (335) of the 1912 patients under 50 yo and had a similar age as men (43.9±5.1 vs. 43.9±5.5years, P=0.92). They received less percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) than men (85.9% vs. 91.3%, P=0.005), even in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (83.6% vs. 93.5%, P<0.001). Recommended secondary prevention medications were less frequently prescribed at discharge in women (40.6% vs. 52.8%, P<0.001), a trend that persisted in 2015 (59.1% vs. 72.8% in 2015, P<0.001). Still, ten-year survival was similar in men (90.5%) and women (92.3%) (crude HR: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.55-1.35], P=0.52, adjusted HR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.38-1.07], P=0.09); similar results were found for ten-year survival among hospital survivors (91.2% in men vs. 93.7% in women, adjusted HR: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.45-1.66], P=0.66). Of the 1684 patients alive at hospital discharge with morbidity follow-up≥6months available, death, AMI or stroke at 8years occurred in 12.9% men and 11.2% in women (adjusted HR: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.60-1.33], P=0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Young women with AMI undergo less cardiac interventions and are less often prescribed secondary prevention treatment than men, even when significant coronary artery disease is present, but keep a similar long-term prognosis after AMI. Optimal management of these young patients, regardless of gender, is necessary to ensure best outcomes after this major cardiovascular event.

Assessment of atrial fibrillation in European emergency departments: insights from a prospective observational multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in emergency departments (EDs) have not been well described in France, with limited EU research. This study aimed to describe the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of AF patients in French EDs. METHODS: A prospective, observational 2-month study in adults diagnosed with AF was conducted at 32 French EDs. Data regarding patient characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment at EDs were collected, with 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: The study included a total of 1369 patients diagnosed with AF at an ED: 279 patients (20.4%) with idiopathic AF (no identified cause of the AF) and 1090 (79.6%) with secondary AF (with a principal diagnosis identified as the cause of AF). Patients were aged 84 years (median) and 51.3% were female. Significantly more idiopathic AF patients than secondary AF patients underwent CHA2DS2-VASc assessment (67.8% vs. 52.1%,) or echocardiography (21.2% vs. 8.3%), or received an oral anticoagulant and/or antiarrhythmic (62.0% vs. 12.9%). Idiopathic AF patients also had significantly higher rates of discharge to home (36.4% vs. 20.4%) and 3-month cardiologist follow-up (67.0% vs. 41.1%). At 12 months, 96% of patients with follow-up achieved sinus rhythm. The estimated Kaplan-Meier 12-month mortality rate was significantly lower with idiopathic AF than secondary AF (11.9% vs. 34.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with idiopathic or secondary AF at the ED presented heterogeneous characteristics and prognoses, with those with secondary AF having worse outcomes. Further studies are warranted to optimize patients' initial evaluation in EDs and provide appropriate follow-up.

Radiation protection for healthcare professionals working in catheterisation laboratories during pregnancy: a statement of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One.

The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One support continuous review and improvement, not only in the practice of assuring patients a high quality of care but also in providing health professionals with support documents to help them in their career and enhance gender equity. Recent surveys have revealed that radiation exposure is commonly reported as the primary barrier for women pursuing a career in interventional cardiology or cardiac electrophysiology (EP). The fear of foetal exposure to radiation during pregnancy may lead to a prolonged interruption in their career. Accordingly, this joint statement aims to provide a clear statement on radiation risk and the existing data on the experience of radiation-exposed cardiologists who continue to work in catheterisation laboratories (cath labs) throughout their pregnancies. In order to reduce the barrier preventing women from accessing these careers, increased knowledge in the community is warranted. Finally, by going beyond simple observations and review of the literature, our document suggests proposals for improving workplace safety and for encouraging equity.

Gender Difference in the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Reperfusion and 30-Day Mortality for STEMI: Results of the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry.

BACKGROUND: Several reports have demonstrated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and outcome of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the current analysis is to investigate the potential gender difference in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mechanical reperfusion and 30-day mortality for STEMI patients within the ISACS-STEMI COVID-19 Registry. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter registry was performed in high-volume primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) centers on four continents and included STEMI patients undergoing PPCIs in March-June 2019 and 2020. Patients were divided according to gender. The main outcomes were the incidence and timing of the PPCI, (ischemia time ≥ 12 h and door-to-balloon ≥ 30 min) and in-hospital or 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We included 16683 STEMI patients undergoing PPCIs in 109 centers. In 2020 during the pandemic, there was a significant reduction in PPCIs compared to 2019 (IRR 0.843 (95% CI: 0.825-0.861, p < 0.0001). We did not find a significant gender difference in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the numbers of STEMI patients, which were similarly reduced from 2019 to 2020 in both groups, or in the mortality rates. Compared to prepandemia, 30-day mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic period among female (12.1% vs. 8.7%; adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.66 [1.31-2.11], p < 0.001) but not male patients (5.8% vs. 6.7%; adjusted HR [95% CI] = 1.14 [0.96-1.34], p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with STEMI, with a 16% reduction in PPCI procedures similarly observed in both genders. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates during the pandemic only among females. Trial registration number: NCT 04412655.

Biological efficacy of twice daily aspirin in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with a high rate of events after acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention despite aspirin treatment. Once daily aspirin might not provide 24-hour stable biological efficacy in patients with diabetes. We compared the biological efficacy of the same daily dose of aspirin given either once (OPD) or divided twice per day in a population of diabetic patients with previous coronary artery disease. METHODS: Ninety-two consecutive diabetic patients with at least 1 criteria of time-dependent aspirin efficacy, elevated high-sensibility C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, platelet count, or active smoking were prospectively included. Consecutive patients were randomly treated with 150-mg aspirin daily given either OPD (150 mg in the morning) or twice per day (75 mg in the morning and 75 mg in the evening) in a crossover study. The main outcome was platelet reactivity to arachidonic acid (0.5 mg/mL) measured by light transmission aggregometry at trough level before morning aspirin intake. RESULTS: Mean maximum aggregation intensity triggered by arachidonic acid was 19.7% ± 15.4% on OPD and 11.9% ± 10.4% on twice per day (P < .0001). Biological resistance (maximum aggregation intensity ≥20%) was observed in 42% of patients on OPD and 17% on twice per day (P < .001). Of the 39 patients with biological resistance on OPD, 24 (62%) overcame resistance on twice per day. Of the 16 resistant on twice per day, only 1 patient (6%) overcame resistance on OPD. Results were concordant with global evaluation of platelet reactivity by Platelet Function Analyzer-100. A better twice per day efficacy was independent of clopidogrel cotreatment. CONCLUSION: In a population of diabetic patients with coronary artery disease and a high risk of time-dependent aspirin resistance, aspirin divided twice per day can significantly decrease the rate of biological loss of efficacy at trough level.

Can early cardiac troponin I measurement help to predict recent coronary occlusion in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors?

OBJECTIVE: Recent guidelines recommend the immediate performance of a coronary angiography when an acute myocardial infarction is suspected as a cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, prehospital factors such as postresuscitation electrocardiogram pattern or clinical features are poorly sensitive in this setting. We searched to evaluate if an early measurement of cardiac troponin I can help to detect a recent coronary occlusion in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective electronic registry database. SETTING: University cardiac arrest center. PATIENTS: Between January 2003 and December 2008, 422 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors without obvious extra-cardiac cause have been consecutively studied. An immediate coronary angiography has been systematically performed. The primary outcome was the finding of a recent coronary occlusion. INTERVENTION: First, blood cardiac troponin I levels at admission were analyzed to assess the optimum cutoff for identifying a recent coronary occlusion. Second, a logistic regression was performed to determine early predictive factors of a recent coronary occlusion (including cardiac troponin I) and their respective contribution. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: An ST-segment elevation was present in 127 of 422 patients (30%). During coronary angiography, a recent occlusion has been detected in 193 of 422 patients (46%). The optimum cardiac troponin I threshold was determined at 4.66 ng·mL(-1) (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 66.4%). In multivariate analyses, in addition of smoking and epinephrine initial dose, cardiac troponin I (odds ratio 3.58 [2.03-6.32], p < .001) and ST-segment elevation (odds ratio 10.19 [5.39-19.26], p < .001) were independent predictive factors of a recent coronary occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, isolated early cardiac troponin I measurement is modestly predictive of a recent coronary occlusion. Furthermore, the contribution of this parameter even in association with other factors does not seem helpful to predict recent occlusion. As a result and given the high benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention for such patients, the dosage of cardiac troponin I at admission could not help in the decision of early coronary angiogram.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients With Fibromuscular Dysplasia in a Population of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections (from the French Registry of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections "DISCO").

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) are pathologies that appear to be closely related. This study compares the characteristics of the FMD population to the non-FMD population in a SCAD cohort. It thus assesses the involvement of the FMD phenotype in a SCAD population. From the data of the French DISCO registry, we included patients with a diagnosis of SCAD and in whom a search for FMD was performed. We collected the following characteristics of this population: the clinical and angiographic presentation, the data concerning the management, and the events occurring during the follow-up. In the 373 SCADs confirmed in the DISCO registry, we obtained imaging data for 340 of them. FMD was found in 45% of cases. The mean age was higher in the FMD group, 53.2 ± 8.8 years, versus 50.1 ± 11 years in the non-FMD group. High blood pressure and postmenopausal status were significantly higher in the FMD group. Clinical presentation, angiographic data, and management were comparable. The major adverse cardiac event rate and recurrence rate were not different between the 2 groups after 1 year of follow-up. In conclusion, we confirmed a 45% prevalence of FMD in the SCAD population. The median age was higher in the FMD group, suggesting that FMD may develop over time. The rate of major adverse cardiac events and recurrence were similar in the FMD group versus the non-FMD group after 1 year of follow-up.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Analysis of Calcium Content to Identify Non-culprit Vulnerable Plaques in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background: Aside from the culprit plaque, the presence of vulnerable plaques in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may be associated with future cardiac events. A link between calcification and plaque rupture has been previously described. Aim: To assess whether analysis of the calcium component of coronary plaques using CT angiography, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) can help to detect additional vulnerable plaques in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Materials And Methods: Cross sectional study of consecutive patients referred for NSTEMI from 30 July to 30 August 2018 with CCTA performed before coronary angiography with systematic optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis of all coronary arteries within 24 h of clinical onset of NSTEMI. Three types of plaques were defined: culprit plaques defined by angiography (vulnerable culprit plaques-VCP) - plaques with a fibrous cap thickness < 65 microns or thrombus in OCT (vulnerable non-culprit plaque-VNCP) - plaques with a fibrous cap thickness ≥ 65 microns in OCT (stable plaque-SP). Results: A total of 134 calcified plaques were identified in 29 patients (73% male, 59 ± 14 years) with 29(22%) VCP, 28(21%) VNCP and 77(57%) SP. Using CCTA analysis of the calcium component, factors associated with vulnerable plaques were longer calcification length, larger calcification volume, lower calcium mass, higher Agatston score plaque-specific (ASp), presence of spotty calcifications and an intimal position in the wall. In multivariate analysis, ASp, calcification length and spotty calcifications were independently associated to vulnerable plaques. There was no difference between VCP and VNCP. Conclusions: CCTA analysis of calcium component of the plaque could help to identify additional vulnerable plaques in NSTEMI patients.

International consensus statement on challenges for women in cardiovascular practice and research in the COVID-19 era.

The challenges to academic and professional development and career advancement of women in cardiology (WIC), imposed by the pandemic, not only impinge the female cardiologists' "leaky pipeline" but also make the "leakiness" more obvious. This consensus document aims to highlight the pandemic challenges WIC face, raise awareness of the gender equity gap, and propose mitigating actionable solutions derived from the data and experiences of an international group of female cardiovascular clinicians and researchers. This changing landscape has led to the need for highly specialized cardiologists who may have additional training in critical care, imaging, advanced heart failure, or interventional cardiology. Although women account for most medical school graduates, the number of WIC, particularly in mentioned sub-specialties, remains low. Moreover, women have been more affected by systemic issues within these challenging work environments, limiting their professional progression, career advancement, and economic potential. Therefore, it is imperative that tangible action points be noted and undertaken to ensure the representation of women in leadership, advocacy, and decision-making, and increase diversity in academia. Strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic need to be taken during this COVID-19 pandemic to ensure WIC have a place in the field of Cardiology.

Baseline characteristics, management, and predictors of early mortality in cardiogenic shock: insights from the FRENSHOCK registry.

AIMS: Published data on cardiogenic shock (CS) are scarce and are mostly focused on small registries of selected populations. The aim of this study was to examine the current CS picture and define the independent correlates of 30 day mortality in a large non-selected cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicentre observational survey conducted in metropolitan French intensive care units and intensive cardiac care units between April and October 2016. There were 772 patients enrolled (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male). Of these patients, 280 (36.3%) had ischaemic CS. Organ replacement therapies (respiratory support, circulatory support or renal replacement therapy) were used in 58.3% of patients. Mortality at 30 days was 26.0% in the overall population (16.7% to 48.0% depending on the main cause and first place of admission). Multivariate analysis showed that six independent factors were associated with a higher 30 day mortality: age [per year, odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.08], diuretics (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.05-2.88), circulatory support (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.12-3.29), left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.40-3.29), norepinephrine (OR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.69-3.84), and renal replacement therapy (OR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.65-4-49). CONCLUSIONS: Non-ischaemic CS accounted for more than 60% of all cases of CS. CS is still associated with significant but variable short-term mortality according to the cause and first place of admission, despite frequent use of haemodynamic support, and organ replacement therapies.

Therapeutic potential of fucoidan in myocardial ischemia.

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, is a candidate for the treatment of ischemic diseases. The aim of this study was to measure the therapeutic potential of fucoidan in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Forty rats were submitted to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by transient occlusion of the left coronary artery. Rats were then randomized into 2 groups: fucoidan (5 mg/kg, intramuscularly; n = 20) or control (saline intramuscularly; n = 20) was administered 1 hour before injury and daily thereafter for 1 month. At 1 month, plasma levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Hearts were evaluated by histoimmunochemistry. Fucoidan induced significant antifibrotic effects, reducing the infarct scar size by almost 30% on Sirius red-stained sections (9.45% ± 4.27% vs. 13% ± 5.67% in controls; P = 0.03). Vascular density in the fucoidan group (α-actin, RECA-1, or lectin BS1 stained) was increased by 40% (2.18 ± 0.79 mm vs. 1.49 ± 0.42 mm in controls ×200; P = 0.001). Plasma SDF-1α at 1 month was not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, increased immunostaining density of SDF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in fibrotic ischemic tissues was observed in fucoidan-treated animals versus controls. In conclusion, fucoidan enhanced tissue repair in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion by promoting revascularization (in situ vascular endothelial growth factor and SDF-1α overexpression) and limiting fibrosis. Consequently, fucoidan may be useful for myocardial ischemic patients.

Severe Myocardial Dysfunction after Non-Ischemic Cardiac Arrest: Effectiveness of Percutaneous Assist Devices.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the improvements in standardized cardiopulmonary resuscitation, survival remains low, mainly due to initial myocardial dysfunction and hemodynamic instability. Our goal was to compare the efficacy of two left ventricular assist devices on resuscitation and hemodynamic supply in a porcine model of ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest. METHODS: Seventeen anaesthetized pigs had 12 min of untreated VF followed by 6 min of chest compression and boluses of epinephrine. Next, a first defibrillation was attempted and pigs were randomized to any of the three groups: control (n = 5), implantation of an percutaneous left ventricular assist device (Impella, n = 5) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO, n = 7). Hemodynamic and myocardial functions were evaluated invasively at baseline, at return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), after 10-30-60-120-240 min post-resuscitation. The primary endpoint was the rate of ROSC. RESULTS: Only one of 5 pigs in the control group, 5 of 5 pigs in the Impella group, and 5 of 7 pigs in the ECMO group had ROSC (p < 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction at 240 min post-resuscitation was 37.5 ± 6.2% in the ECMO group vs. 23 ± 3% in the Impella group (p = 0.06). No significant difference in hemodynamic parameters was observed between the two ventricular assist devices. CONCLUSION: Early mechanical circulatory support appeared to improve resuscitation rates in a shockable rhythm model of cardiac arrest. This approach appears promising and should be further evaluated.