Incidence of brain injuries in a large cohort of very preterm and extremely preterm infants at term-equivalent age: results of a single tertiary neonatal care center over 10 years.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) at term-equivalent age (TEA) can detect brain injury (BI) associated with adverse neurological outcomes in preterm infants. This study aimed to assess BI incidences in a large, consecutive cohort of preterm infants born < 32 weeks of gestation, the comparison between very (VPT, ≥ 28 + 0 to < 32 + 0 weeks of gestation) and extremely preterm infants (EPT, < 28 + 0 weeks of gestation) and across weeks of gestation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed cMRIs at TEA of VPT and EPT infants born at a large tertiary center (2009-2018). We recorded and compared the incidences of BI, severe BI, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (PVHI), cerebellar hemorrhage (CBH), cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL), and punctate white matter lesions (PWML) between VPTs, EPTs, and across weeks of gestation. RESULTS: We included 507 preterm infants (VPT, 335/507 (66.1%); EPT, 172/507 (33.9%); mean gestational age (GA), 28 + 2 weeks (SD 2 + 2 weeks); male, 52.1%). BIs were found in 48.3% of the preterm infants (severe BI, 12.0%) and increased with decreasing GA. IVH, PVHI, CBH, cPVL, and PWML were seen in 16.8%, 0.8%, 10.5%, 3.4%, and 18.1%, respectively. EPT vs. VPT infants suffered more frequently from BI (59.3% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.001), severe BI (18.6% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.001), IVH (31.9% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.001), and CBH (18.0% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Brain injuries are common cMRI findings among preterm infants with a higher incidence of EPT compared to VPT infants. These results may serve as reference values for clinical management and research. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Our results with regard to gestational age might provide valuable clinical insights, serving as a key reference for parental advice, structured follow-up planning, and enhancing research and management within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. KEY POINTS: • Brain injury is a common cMRI finding in preterm infants seen in 48.3% individuals. • Extremely preterm compared to very preterm infants have higher brain injury incidences driven by brain injuries such as intraventricular and cerebellar hemorrhage. • Reference incidence values are crucial for parental advice and structured follow-up planning.

Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Density, Inflammation, and Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease Among People With HIV in the REPRIEVE Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) may influence plaque development through inflammatory mechanisms. We assessed PCAT density, as a measure of pericoronary inflammation, in relationship to coronary plaque among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV [PWH]) and to a matched control population. METHODS: In this baseline analysis of 727 participants of the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) Mechanistic Substudy, we related computed tomography-derived PCAT density to presence and extent (Leaman score) of coronary artery disease (CAD), noncalcified plaque, coronary artery calcium (CAC), and vulnerable plaque features using multivariable logistic regression analyses. We further compared the PCAT density between PWH and age, sex, body mass index, CAC score, and statin use-matched controls from the community-based Framingham Heart Study (N = 464), adjusting for relevant clinical covariates. RESULTS: Among 727 REPRIEVE participants (age 50.8 ± 5.8 years; 83.6% [608/727] male), PCAT density was higher in those with (vs without) coronary plaque, noncalcified plaque, CAC >0, vulnerable plaque, and high CAD burden (Leaman score >5) (P < .001 for each comparison). PCAT density related to prevalent coronary plaque (adjusted odds ratio [per 10 HU]: 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-1.70; P < .001), adjusted for clinical cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index, and systemic immune/inflammatory biomarkers. Similarly, PCAT density related to CAC >0, noncalcified plaque, vulnerable plaque, and Leaman score >5 (all P ≤ .002). PCAT density was greater among REPRIEVE participants versus Framingham Heart Study (-88.2 ± 0.5 HU versus -90.6 ± 0.4 HU; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among PWH in REPRIEVE, a large primary cardiovascular disease prevention cohort, increased PCAT density independently associated with prevalence and severity of coronary plaque, linking increased coronary inflammation to CAD in PWH.

Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Titer and Coronary Artery Disease in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is thought to result in increased immune activation in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH). Although some data have linked asymptomatic CMV infection to cardiovascular disease among PWH, it remains unknown whether CMV is associated with increased or high-risk coronary plaque. METHODS: The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) enrolled PWH aged 40-75 years on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) with low-to-moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Among a subset of US REPRIEVE participants, coronary plaque was assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography. Here, we assessed the relationship between CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer and (1) levels of immune activation, (2) inflammatory biomarkers, and (3) coronary plaque phenotypes at study entry. RESULTS: Of 672 participants, mean age was 51 years, 83% were men, median ASCVD risk score was 4.5%, and 66% had current CD4+ T-cell count ≥500 cells/mm3. Higher CMV IgG quartile group was associated with older age and lower current and nadir CD4+ T-cell counts. CMV IgG titer was associated with specific inflammatory biomarkers (sCD163, MCP-1, interleukin [IL]-6, hsCRP) in univariate analysis, but not after controlling for HIV-specific factors. In contrast, CMV IgG titer was not associated with coronary artery disease indexes, including presence of plaque, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score >0, vulnerable plaque presence, or Leaman score >5. CONCLUSIONS: No meaningful association was seen between CMV IgG titer and coronary artery disease indexes among ART-treated PWH at study enrollment. Longitudinal assessments in REPRIEVE will determine the relationship of CMV IgG titer to plaque progression and cardiovascular events. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02344290.

Prognostic value of CT-derived coronary artery disease characteristics varies by ASCVD risk: insights from the PROMISE trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prognostic value of individual CT-derived coronary artery disease (CAD) characteristics across categories of clinical cardiovascular risk. METHODS: The central core laboratory assessed coronary artery calcium (CAC), obstructive CAD (stenosis ≥ 50%), and high-risk plaque (HRP) in stable outpatients with suspected CAD enrolled in the PROMISE trial. Multivariable Cox regression models (endpoint: unstable angina, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or all-cause mortality; median follow-up: 2 years) were used to compare hazard ratios (HR) of the CT measures between low-borderline (< 7.5%) and moderate-high (≥ 7.5%) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk based on the pooled cohort equation. RESULTS: Among 4356 included patients (aged 61 ± 8 years, 52% women), 67% had ASCVD risk ≥ 7.5%. Stratified by ASCVD risk, CAD ≥ 50% had nearly threefold greater HR in individuals with ASCVD < 7.5% (aHR, 6.85; 95% CI, 2.33-20.15; p < 0.001) vs. ASCVD ≥ 7.5% (aHR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.67-4.25, p < 0.001; interaction p = 0.041). CAC predicted events solely in ASCVD ≥ 7.5% patients (aHR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.01-3.63, p = 0.045; interaction p = 0.571), while HRP predicted events only in ASCVD < 7.5% (aHR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.09-8.85, p = 0.034; interaction p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic values of CT-derived CAD characteristics differ by ASCVD risk categories. While CAD ≥ 50% has the highest prognostic value regardless of ASCVD risk, CAC is prognostic in high and HRP in low ASCVD risk. These findings suggest that CAD ≥ 50% and HRP detection rather than CAC scoring may better risk-stratify symptomatic low-risk patients and thus potentially improve downstream care. KEY POINTS: • Prognostic value of individual CT-derived CAD characteristics differs by categories of cardiovascular risk. • Presence of obstructive coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50% has the highest prognostic value regardless of cardiovascular risk. • Coronary artery calcium is independently prognostic in high and high-risk plaque features in low cardiovascular risk.

Reduction of contrast medium for transcatheter aortic valve replacement planning using a spectral detector CT: a prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the use of dual-energy spectral detector computed tomography (CT) and virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) reconstructions in pre-interventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) planning. We aimed to determine the minimum required contrast medium (CM) amount to maintain diagnostic CT imaging quality for TAVR planning. METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial, TAVR candidates received a standardized dual-layer spectral detector CT protocol. The CM amount (Iohexol 350 mg iodine/mL, standardized flow rate 3 mL/s) was reduced systematically after 15 patients by 10 mL, starting at 60 mL (institutional standard). We evaluated standard, and 40- and 60-keV VMI reconstructions. For image quality, we measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and diameters in multiple vessel sections (i.e., aortic annulus: diameter, perimeter, area; aorta/arteries: minimal diameter). Mixed regression models (MRM), including interaction terms and clinical characteristics, were used for comparison. RESULTS: Sixty consecutive patients (mean age, 79.4 ± 7.5 years; 28 females, 46.7%) were included. In pre-TAVR CT, the CM reduction to 40 mL is possible without affecting the image quality (MRM: SNR: -1.1, p = 0.726; CNR: 0.0, p = 0.999). VMI 40-keV reconstructions showed better results than standard reconstructions with significantly higher SNR (+ 6.04, p < 0.001). Reduction to 30 mL CM resulted in a significant loss of quality (MRM: SNR: -12.9, p < 0.001; CNR: -13.9, p < 0.001), regardless of the reconstruction. Across the reconstructions, we observed no differences in the metric evaluation (p > 0.914). CONCLUSION: Among TAVR candidates undergoing pre-interventional CT at a dual-layer spectral detector system, applying 40 mL CM is sufficient to maintain diagnostic image quality. VMI 40-keV reconstructions improve the vessel attenuation and are recommended for evaluation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Contrast medium reduction to 40 mL in pre-interventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement CT using dual-energy CT maintains image quality, while 40-keV virtual monoenergetic imaging reconstructions enhance vessel attenuation. These results offer valuable recommendations for interventional transcatheter aortic valve replacement evaluation and potentially improve nephroprotection in patients with compromised renal function. KEY POINTS: • Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), requiring pre-interventional CT, are often multimorbid with impaired renal function. • Using a spectral detector dual-layer CT, contrast medium reduction to 40 mL is feasible, maintaining diagnostic image quality. • The additional application of virtual monoenergetic image reconstructions with 40 keV improves vessel attenuation significantly in clinical practice.

Proteomic Signature of Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease in People With HIV: Analysis of the REPRIEVE Mechanistic Substudy.

BACKGROUND: People with HIV (PWH) have subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) despite low traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores. Coronary plaque in PWH presents as a unique phenotype, but little is known about the contributions of specific inflammatory pathways to plaque phenotypes in PWH. METHODS: The REPRIEVE Mechanistic Substudy enrolled PWH on ART without known cardiovascular disease. We used a targeted discovery proteomics approach to evaluate 246 unique proteins representing cardiovascular, inflammatory, and immune pathways. Proteomic signatures were determined for presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC > 0) and presence of coronary plaque. RESULTS: Data were available for 662 participants (aged 51 [SD 6] years, ASCVD risk score 4.9% [SD 3.1%]). Among 12 proteins associated with both CAC and presence of coronary plaque, independent of ASCVD risk score, the odds ratios were highest for NRP1: 5.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-11.4) for CAC and 2.9 (95% CI, 1.4-6.1) for presence of plaque. Proteins uniquely related to presence of plaque were CST3, LTBR, MEPE, PLC, SERPINA5, and TNFSF13B; in contrast, DCN, IL-6RA, OSMR, ST2, and VCAM1 were only related to CAC. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct immune and inflammatory pathways are differentially associated with subclinical CAD phenotypes among PWH. This comprehensive set of targets should be further investigated to reduce atherosclerosis and ASCVD in PWH. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02344290.

Quality and safety of coronary computed tomography angiography at academic and non-academic sites: insights from a large European registry (ESCR MR/CT Registry).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) between academic and non-academic sites across Europe over the last decade. METHODS: We analyzed a large multicenter registry (ESCR MR/CT Registry) of stable symptomatic patients who received CCTA 01/2010-01/2020 at 47 (22%) academic and 165 (78%) non-academic sites across 19 European countries. We compared image quality, radiation dose, contrast-media-related adverse events, patient characteristics, CCTA findings, and downstream testing between academic and non-academic sites. RESULTS: Among 64,317 included patients (41% female; 60 ± 13 years), academic sites accounted for most cases in 2010-2014 (52%), while non-academic sites dominated in 2015-2020 (71%). Despite less contemporary technology, non-academic sites maintained low radiation doses (4.76 [2.46-6.85] mSv) with a 30% decline of high-dose scans ( > 7 mSv) over time. Academic and non-academic sites both reported diagnostic image quality in 98% of cases and low rate of scan-related adverse events (0.4%). Academic and non-academic sites examined similar patient populations (41% females both; age: 61 ± 14 vs. 60 ± 12 years; pretest probability for obstructive CAD: low 21% vs. 23%, intermediate 73% vs. 72%, high 6% both, CAD prevalence on CCTA: 40% vs. 41%). Nevertheless, non-academic sites referred more patients to non-invasive ischemia testing (6.5% vs. 4.2%) and invasive coronary angiography/surgery (8.5% vs. 5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Non-academic and academic sites provide safe, high-quality CCTA across Europe, essential to successfully implement the recently updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes. However, despite examining similar populations with comparable CAD prevalence, non-academic sites tend to refer more patients to downstream testing. KEY POINTS: • Smaller non-academic providers increasingly use CCTA to rule out obstructive coronary artery disease. • Non-academic and academic sites provide comparably safe, high-quality CCTA across Europe. • Compared to academic sites, non-academic sites tend to refer more patients to downstream testing.

Association Between Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors With Cardiovascular Events and Atherosclerotic Plaque.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treat an expanding range of cancers. Consistent basic data suggest that these same checkpoints are critical negative regulators of atherosclerosis. Therefore, our objectives were to test whether ICIs were associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and a higher risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events. METHODS: The study was situated in a single academic medical center. The primary analysis evaluated whether exposure to an ICI was associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in 2842 patients and 2842 controls matched by age, a history of cardiovascular events, and cancer type. In a second design, a case-crossover analysis was performed with an at-risk period defined as the 2-year period after and the control period as the 2-year period before treatment. The primary outcome was a composite of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke). Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. In addition, in an imaging substudy (n=40), the rate of atherosclerotic plaque progression was compared from before to after the ICI was started. All study measures and outcomes were blindly adjudicated. RESULTS: In the matched cohort study, there was a 3-fold higher risk for cardiovascular events after starting an ICI (hazard ratio, 3.3 [95% CI, 2.0-5.5]; P<0.001). There was a similar increase in each of the individual components of the primary outcome. In the case-crossover, there was also an increase in cardiovascular events from 1.37 to 6.55 per 100 person-years at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.8 [95% CI, 3.5-6.5]; P<0.001). In the imaging study, the rate of progression of total aortic plaque volume was >3-fold higher with ICIs (from 2.1%/y before 6.7%/y after). This association between ICI use and increased atherosclerotic plaque progression was attenuated with concomitant use of statins or corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular events were higher after initiation of ICIs, potentially mediated by accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. Optimization of cardiovascular risk factors and increased awareness of cardiovascular risk before, during, and after treatment should be considered among patients on an ICI.

Association of Hepatic Steatosis With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, Independent of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic steatosis has been associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) but it is not clear whether steatosis is independently associated with risk of MACE. We investigated whether steatosis is associated with risk of MACE independently of the presence and extent of baseline coronary artery disease, assessed by comprehensive contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: We conducted a nested cohort study of 3756 subjects (mean age, 60.6 years; 48.4% men) who underwent coronary CTA at 193 sites in North America, from July 2010 through September 2013, as part of the PROMISE study, which included noninvasive cardiovascular analyses of symptomatic outpatients without coronary artery disease. Independent core laboratory readers measured hepatic and splenic attenuation, using non-contrast computed tomography images to identify steatosis, and evaluated coronary plaques and stenosis in coronary CTA images. We collected data on participants' cardiovascular risk factors, presence of metabolic syndrome, and body mass index. The primary endpoint was an adjudicated composite of MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina) during a median follow-up time of 25 months. RESULTS: Among the 959 subjects who had steatosis (25.5% of the cohort), 42 had MACE (4.4%), whereas among the 2797 subjects without steatosis, 73 had MACE (2.6%) (hazard ratio [HR] for MACE in subjects with steatosis, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.16-2.48; P = .006 for MACE in subjects with vs without steatosis). This association remained after adjustment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores, significant stenosis, and metabolic syndrome (adjusted HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.16-2.54; P = .007) or obesity (adjusted HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19-2.59; P = .005). Steatosis remained independently associated with MACE after adjustment for all CTA measures of plaques and stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic steatosis is associated with MACE independently of other cardiovascular risk factors or extent of coronary artery disease. Strategies to reduce steatosis might reduce risk of MACE. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT01174550.

Small whole heart volume predicts cardiovascular events in patients with stable chest pain: insights from the PROMISE trial.

OBJECTIVES: The size of the heart may predict major cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with stable chest pain. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of 3D whole heart volume (WHV) derived from non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Among participants randomized to the CT arm of the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE), we used deep learning to extract WHV, defined as the volume of the pericardial sac. We compared the WHV across categories of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease (CAD) characteristics and determined the association of WHV with MACE (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina; median follow-up: 26 months). RESULTS: In the 3798 included patients (60.5 ± 8.2 years; 51.5% women), the WHV was 351.9 ± 57.6 cm3/m2. We found smaller WHV in no- or non-obstructive CAD, women, people with diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic syndrome. Larger WHV was found in obstructive CAD, men, and increased atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score (p < 0.05). In a time-to-event analysis, small WHV was associated with over 4.4-fold risk of MACE (HR (per one standard deviation) = 0.221; 95% CI: 0.068-0.721; p = 0.012) independent of ASCVD risk score and CT-derived CAD characteristics. In patients with non-obstructive CAD, but not in those with no- or obstructive CAD, WHV increased the discriminatory capacity of ASCVD and CT-derived CAD characteristics significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Small WHV may represent a novel imaging marker of MACE in stable chest pain. In particular, WHV may improve risk stratification in patients with non-obstructive CAD, a cohort with an unmet need for better risk stratification. KEY POINTS: • Heart volume is easily assessable from non-contrast cardiac computed tomography. • Small heart volume may be an imaging marker of major adverse cardiac events independent and incremental to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and established CT measures of CAD. • Heart volume may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with non-obstructive CAD.

Deep Learning Using Chest Radiographs to Identify High-Risk Smokers for Lung Cancer Screening Computed Tomography: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer screening with chest computed tomography (CT) reduces lung cancer death. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening with CT require detailed smoking information and miss many incident lung cancers. An automated deep-learning approach based on chest radiograph images may identify more smokers at high risk for lung cancer who could benefit from screening with CT. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a convolutional neural network (CXR-LC) that predicts long-term incident lung cancer using data commonly available in the electronic medical record (EMR) (chest radiograph, age, sex, and whether currently smoking). DESIGN: Risk prediction study. SETTING: U.S. lung cancer screening trials. PARTICIPANTS: The CXR-LC model was developed in the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian) Cancer Screening Trial (n = 41 856). The final CXR-LC model was validated in additional PLCO smokers (n = 5615, 12-year follow-up) and NLST (National Lung Screening Trial) heavy smokers (n = 5493, 6-year follow-up). Results are reported for validation data sets only. MEASUREMENTS: Up to 12-year lung cancer incidence predicted by CXR-LC. RESULTS: The CXR-LC model had better discrimination (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]) for incident lung cancer than CMS eligibility (PLCO AUC, 0.755 vs. 0.634; P < 0.001). The CXR-LC model's performance was similar to that of PLCOM2012, a state-of-the-art risk score with 11 inputs, in both the PLCO data set (CXR-LC AUC of 0.755 vs. PLCOM2012 AUC of 0.751) and the NLST data set (0.659 vs. 0.650). When compared in equal-sized screening populations, CXR-LC was more sensitive than CMS eligibility in the PLCO data set (74.9% vs. 63.8%; P = 0.012) and missed 30.7% fewer incident lung cancers. On decision curve analysis, CXR-LC had higher net benefit than CMS eligibility and similar benefit to PLCOM2012. LIMITATION: Validation in lung cancer screening trials and not a clinical setting. CONCLUSION: The CXR-LC model identified smokers at high risk for incident lung cancer, beyond CMS eligibility and using information commonly available in the EMR. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Artery Calcium in the PROMISE Study (Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain).

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is an established predictor of future major adverse atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals. However, limited data exist as to how CAC compares with functional testing (FT) in estimating prognosis in symptomatic patients. METHODS: In the PROMISE trial (Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain), patients with stable chest pain (or dyspnea) and intermediate pretest probability for obstructive coronary artery disease were randomized to FT (exercise electrocardiography, nuclear stress, or stress echocardiography) or anatomic testing. We evaluated those who underwent CAC testing as part of the anatomic evaluation (n=4209) and compared that with results of FT (n=4602). We stratified CAC and FT results as normal or mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal (for CAC: 0, 1-99 Agatston score [AS], 100-400 AS, and >400 AS, respectively; for FT: normal, mild=late positive treadmill, moderate=early positive treadmill or single-vessel ischemia, and severe=large ischemic region abnormality). The primary end point was all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina hospitalization over a median follow-up of 26.1 months. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and C statistics to determine predictive and discriminatory values. RESULTS: Overall, the distribution of normal or mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal test results was significantly different between FT and CAC (FT: normal, n=3588 [78.0%]; mild, n=432 [9.4%]; moderate, n=217 [4.7%]; severe, n=365 [7.9%]; CAC: normal, n=1457 [34.6%]; mild, n=1340 [31.8%]; moderate, n=772 [18.3%]; severe, n=640 [15.2%]; P<0.0001). Moderate and severe abnormalities in both arms robustly predicted events (moderate: CAC: HR, 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.81-5.44; and FT: HR, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-4.83; severe: CAC: HR, 3.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-6.36; and FT: HR, 3.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.58-5.85). In the CAC arm, the majority of events (n=112 of 133, 84%) occurred in patients with any positive CAC test (score >0), whereas fewer than half of events occurred in patients with mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal FT (n=57 of 132, 43%; P<0.001). In contrast, any abnormality on FT was significantly more specific for predicting events (78.6% for FT versus 35.2% for CAC; P<0.001). Overall discriminatory ability in predicting the primary end point of mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina hospitalization was similar and fair for both CAC and FT (C statistic, 0.67 versus 0.64). Coronary computed tomographic angiography provided significantly better prognostic information compared with FT and CAC testing (C index, 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Among stable outpatients presenting with suspected coronary artery disease, most patients experiencing clinical events have measurable CAC at baseline, and fewer than half have any abnormalities on FT. However, an abnormal FT was more specific for cardiovascular events, leading to overall similarly modest discriminatory abilities of both tests. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01174550.

Central Core Laboratory versus Site Interpretation of Coronary CT Angiography: Agreement and Association with Cardiovascular Events in the PROMISE Trial.

Purpose To assess concordance and relative prognostic utility between central core laboratory and local site interpretation for significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular events. Materials and Methods In the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial, readers at 193 North American sites interpreted coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography as part of the clinical evaluation of stable chest pain. Readers at a central core laboratory also interpreted CT angiography blinded to clinical data, site interpretation, and outcomes. Significant CAD was defined as stenosis greater than or equal to 50%; cardiovascular events were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. Results In 4347 patients (51.8% women; mean age ± standard deviation, 60.4 years ± 8.2), core laboratory and site interpretations were discordant in 16% (683 of 4347), most commonly because of a finding of significant CAD by site but not by core laboratory interpretation (80%, 544 of 683). Overall, core laboratory interpretation resulted in 41% fewer patients being reported as having significant CAD (14%, 595 of 4347 vs 23%, 1000 of 4347; P < .001). Over a median follow-up period of 25 months, 1.3% (57 of 4347) sustained myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death. The C statistic for future myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death was 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 0.68) for the core laboratory and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.70) for the sites. Conclusion Compared with interpretation by readers at 193 North American sites, standardized core laboratory interpretation classified 41% fewer patients as having significant CAD. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article. Clinical trial registration no. NCT01174550.

Age- and sex-based resource utilisation and costs in patients with acute chest pain undergoing cardiac CT angiography: pooled evidence from ROMICAT II and ACRIN-PA trials.

OBJECTIVES: To determine resource utilisation according to age and gender-specific subgroups in two large randomized diagnostic trials. METHODS: We pooled patient-specific data from ACRIN-PA 4005 and ROMICAT II that enrolled subjects with acute chest pain at 14 US sites. Subjects were randomized between a standard work-up and a pathway utilizing cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and followed for the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and resource utilisation during index hospitalisation and 1-month follow-up. Study endpoints included diagnostic accuracy of CCTA for the detection of ACS as well as resource utilisation. RESULTS: Among 1240 patients who underwent CCTA, negative predictive value of CCTA to rule out ACS remained very high (≥99.4%). The proportion of patients undergoing additional diagnostic testing and cost increased with age for both sexes (p < 0.001), and was higher in men as compared to women older than 60 years (43.1% vs. 23.4% and $4559 ± 3382 vs. $3179 ± 2562, p < 0.01; respectively). Cost to rule out ACS was higher in men (p < 0.001) and significantly higher for patients older than 60 years ($2860-5935 in men, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CCTA strategy in patients with acute chest pain results in varying resource utilisation according to age and gender-specific subgroups, mandating improved selection for advanced imaging. KEY POINTS: • In this analysis, CAD and ACS increased with age and male gender. • CCTA in patients with acute chest pain results in varying resource utilisation. • Significant increase of diagnostic testing and cost with age for both sexes. • Cost to rule out ACS is higher in men and patients >60 years. • Improved selection of subjects for cardiac CTA result in more resource-driven implementation.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I as a Gatekeeper for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Stress Testing in Patients with Acute Chest Pain.

BACKGROUND: Most patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergo noninvasive cardiac testing with a low diagnostic yield. We determined whether a combination of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and cardiovascular risk factors might improve selection of patients for cardiac testing. METHODS: We included patients from the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction/Ischemia Using Computer Assisted Tomography (ROMICAT) I and II trials who presented to the ED with acute chest pain and were referred for cardiac testing. Based on serial hs-cTnI measurements and cardiovascular risk factors, we derived and validated the criterion for no need of cardiac testing. We predicted the effect of this criterion on the effectiveness of patient management. RESULTS: A combination of baseline hs-cTnI (<4 ng/L) and cardiovascular risk factors (<2) ruled out ACS with a negative predictive value of 100% in ROMICAT I. We validated this criterion in ROMICAT II, identifying 29% patients as not needing cardiac testing. An additional 5% of patients were identified by adding no change or a decrease between baseline and 2 h hs-cTnI as a criterion. Assuming those patients would be discharged from the ED without cardiac testing, implementation of hs-cTnI would increase ED discharge rate (24.3% to 50.2%, P < 0.001) and decrease the length of hospital stay (21.4 to 8.2 h, P < 0.001), radiation dose (10.2 to 7.7 mSv, P < 0.001), and costs of care (4066 to 3342 US$, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We derived and validated a criterion for combined hs-cTnI and cardiovascular risk factors that identified acute chest pain patients with no need for cardiac testing and could improve effectiveness of patient management. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00990262 and NCT01084239.

Clinical implementation of an emergency department coronary computed tomographic angiography protocol for triage of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of emergency department (ED) coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) during a 3-year clinical experience. METHODS: Single-center registry of coronary CTA in consecutive ED patients with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The primary outcome was efficiency of coronary CTA defined as the length of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints of safety were defined as the rate of downstream testing, normalcy rates of invasive coronary angiography (ICA), absence of missed ACS, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up, and index radiation exposure. RESULTS: One thousand twenty two consecutive patients were referred for clinical coronary CTA with suspicion of ACS. Overall, median time to discharge home was 10.5 (5.7-24.1) hours. Patient disposition was 42.7 % direct discharge from the ED, 43.2 % discharge from emergency unit, and 14.1 % hospital admission. ACS rate during index hospitalization was 9.1 %. One hundred ninety two patients underwent additional diagnostic imaging and 77 underwent ICA. The positive predictive value of CTA compared to ICA was 78.9 % (95 %-CI 68.1-87.5 %). Median CT radiation exposure was 4.0 (2.5-5.8) mSv. No ACS was missed; MACE at follow-up after negative CTA was 0.2 %. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary CTA in an experienced tertiary care setting allows for efficient and safe management of patients with suspicion for ACS. KEY POINTS: • ED Coronary CTA using advanced systems is associated with low radiation exposure. • Negative coronary CTA is associated with low rates of MACE. • CTA in ED patients enables short median time to discharge home. • CTA strategy is characterized by few downstream tests including unnecessary ICA.

High-risk coronary plaque at coronary CT angiography is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, independent of coronary plaque and stenosis burden: results from the ROMICAT II trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the presence of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic plaque as assessed with coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the local ethics committees; informed consent was obtained. Patients randomized to the coronary CT angiography arm of the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction using Computer Assisted Tomography, or ROMICAT, II trial who underwent both nonenhanced CT to assess calcium score and contrast material-enhanced coronary CT angiography were included. Readers assessed coronary CT angiography images for the presence of coronary plaque, significant stenosis (≥50%), and high-risk plaque features (positive remodeling, CT attenuation < 30 HU, napkin-ring sign, spotty calcium). NAFLD was defined as hepatic steatosis at nonenhanced CT (liver minus spleen CT attenuation < 1 HU) without evidence of clinical liver disease, liver cirrhosis, or alcohol abuse. To determine the association between high-risk plaque and NAFLD, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, with high-risk plaque as a dependent variable and NAFLD, traditional risk factors, and extent of coronary atherosclerosis as independent variables. RESULTS: Overall, 182 (40.9%) of 445 patients had CT evidence of NAFLD. High-risk plaque was more frequent in patients with NAFLD than in patients without NAFLD (59.3% vs 19.0%, respectively; P < .001). The association between NAFLD and high-risk plaque (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 3.85) persisted after adjusting for the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis and traditional risk factors. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is associated with advanced high-risk coronary plaque, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

Sensitive troponin assays in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome: Results from the multicenter rule out myocardial infarction using computer assisted tomography II trial.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive troponin (Tn) assays have been developed for the evaluation of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We sought to compare the performance of a commercially available sensitive Tn I (sTnI) and precommercial highly sTnI (hsTnI) method to conventional Tn (cTn) assays. METHODS: Among patients with acute chest pain but normal cTn in the emergency department of 6 centers, sTnI and hsTnI were measured at baseline, 2 and 4 hours after presentation. Diagnostic accuracy of sTnI and hsTnI relative to cTn for diagnosis during index hospitalization as well as their associations with coronary artery disease in patients randomized to coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 322 patients were enrolled, of whom 161 had a CTA; 28 had ACS (8.7%), including 21 with unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Both sTnI and hsTnI values at baseline and second draw had significantly higher sensitivity for ACS and UAP than cTn and had significantly greater area under the receiver operator characteristic curve than cTn at first and second draws. Compared with cTn, 29% of ACS cases previously categorized as UAP were reclassified to acute myocardial infarction with sTnI or hsTnI. An hsTnI below limit of detection had 100% negative predictive value for ACS or significant coronary artery stenosis in those randomized to CTA. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute chest discomfort, use of sTnI and hsTnI methods led to significant improvement in the early diagnostic accuracy for ACS, reclassifying one-third of UAP to myocardial infarction. Very low values for hsTnI excluded underlying coronary artery disease.

When is rational to order a diagnostic test, or prescribe treatment: the threshold model as an explanation of practice variation.

BACKGROUND: The threshold model represents an important advance in the field of medical decision-making. It is a linchpin between evidence (which exists on the continuum of credibility) and decision-making (which is a categorical exercise - we decide to act or not act). The threshold concept is closely related to the question of rational decision-making. When should the physician act, that is order a diagnostic test, or prescribe treatment? The threshold model embodies the decision theoretic rationality that says the most rational decision is to prescribe treatment when the expected treatment benefit outweighs its expected harms. However, the well-documented large variation in the way physicians order diagnostic tests or decide to administer treatments is consistent with a notion that physicians' individual action thresholds vary. METHODS: We present a narrative review summarizing the existing literature on physicians' use of a threshold strategy for decision-making. RESULTS: We found that the observed variation in decision action thresholds is partially due to the way people integrate benefits and harms. That is, explanation of variation in clinical practice can be reduced to a consideration of thresholds. Limited evidence suggests that non-expected utility threshold (non-EUT) models, such as regret-based and dual-processing models, may explain current medical practice better. However, inclusion of costs and recognition of risk attitudes towards uncertain treatment effects and comorbidities may improve the explanatory and predictive value of the EUT-based threshold models. CONCLUSIONS: The decision when to act is closely related to the question of rational choice. We conclude that the medical community has not yet fully defined criteria for rational clinical decision-making. The traditional notion of rationality rooted in EUT may need to be supplemented by reflective rationality, which strives to integrate all aspects of medical practice - medical, humanistic and socio-economic - within a coherent reasoning system.