One-year major adverse cardiovascular events among same-day discharged patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention at a tertiary care cardiac centre in Karachi, Pakistan: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge regarding the short-term outcomes after same-day discharge (SDD) post primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is lacking. In this study, we evaluated 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among SDD patients after primary PCI. DESIGN: 1-year follow-up analysis of a subset of patients from an existing prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care cardiac hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients, from August 2019 to July 2020, with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who had undergone primary PCI with SDD (within 24 hours) after the procedure by the treating physician and with at least one successful follow-up up to 1 year. OUTCOME MEASURE: Cumulative MACE during follow-up at the intervals of 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: 489 patients were included, with a gender distribution of 83.2% (407) male patients and a mean age of 54.58±10.85 years. Overall MACE rate during the mean follow-up duration of 326.98±76.71 days was 10.8% (53), out of which 26.4% (14/53) events occurred within 6 months of discharge and the remaining 73.6% (39/53) occurred between 6 months and 1 year. MACE was significantly higher among patients with a Zwolle Risk Score (ZRS) ≥4 at baseline, with an incidence rate of 21.9% (16/73) vs 8.9% (37/416; p=0.001) in patients with ZRS≤3 (relative risk 2.88 (95% CI 1.5 to 5.5)). CONCLUSION: A significant burden of short-term MACE was identified among SDD patients after primary PCI; most of these events occurred after 6 months of SDD, mainly among patients with ZRS≥4. A systematic risk assessment based on risk stratification modalities such ZRS could be a viable option for SDD patients with primary PCI.

Case report: Navigating the challenges: successful mechanical thrombectomy in a case of persistent primitive hypoglossal artery.

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a highly uncommon abnormal connection between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA), with reported incidences ranging from 0.027 to 0.26%. Attempting endovascular intervention in such cases presents a considerable challenge as it carries a higher risk of embolization and other procedure-related complications that may affect a wide area of the brain. We present a case study involving the utilization of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to treat an ischemic stroke in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) despite the presence of PPHA. Performing mechanical thrombectomy in an anomalous vascular connection is feasible; however, it necessitates heightened vigilance, thorough knowledge of the anatomy, and utmost caution.

Immediate in-hospital outcomes after percutaneous revascularization of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction with high morbidity and mortality rates. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with CS. AIM: To investigate the immediate mortality rates in patients with CS undergoing primary PCI and identify mortality predictors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 305 patients with CS who underwent primary PCI at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan, between January 2018 and December 2022. The primary outcome was immediate mortality, defined as mortality within index hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of immediate mortality. RESULTS: In a sample of 305 patients with 72.8% male patients and a mean age of 58.1 ± 11.8 years, the immediate mortality rate was found to be 54.8% (167). Multivariable analysis identified Killip class IV at presentation [odds ratio (OR): 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-3.4; P = 0.008], Multivessel disease (OR: 3.5; 95%CI: 1.8-6.9; P < 0.001), and high thrombus burden (OR: 2.6; 95%CI: 1.4-4.9; P = 0.003) as independent predictors of immediate mortality. CONCLUSION: Immediate mortality rate in patients with CS undergoing primary PCI remains high despite advances in treatment strategies. Killip class IV at presentation, multivessel disease, and high thrombus burden (grade ≥ 4) were identified as independent predictors of immediate mortality. These findings underscore the need for aggressive management and close monitoring of patients with CS undergoing primary PCI, particularly in those with these high-risk characteristics.

Quantification Of Thrombus Burden As An Independent Predictor Of Intra-Procedural No-Reflow In Patients With St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to perform quantitative evaluation of high thrombus burden (Grade ≥4) as an independent predictor of slow/no reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study we included consecutive patients who have undergone primary PCI for STEMI at a tertiary care cardiac center of the Pakistan. High thrombus burden was defined as angiographic thrombus grade ≥4. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow rate < III was defined as slow/no reflow phenomenon. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis for slow/no reflow phenomenon were reported as odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: This analysis included 747 patients, 78.2% (584) patients were male and mean age was 55.82±11.54 years. High thrombus burden was observed in 68.1% (509) of the patients. Slow/no reflow phenomenon was observed in 33.6% (251) which was more common among patients in high thrombus burden group, 39.7% (202/509) vs. 20.6% (49/238); p<0.001. Adjusted OR of thrombus Grade ≥ 4 was 2.33 [1.6 -3.39]; p<0.001. Other significant variables were female gender (1.51 [1.01 -2.27]; p=0.045), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) ≥20 mmHg (2.34 [1.69 -3.26]; p<0.001), total lesion length ≥20 cm (1.54 [1.09-2.16]; p=0.014), and neutrophil count ≥8.8 cells/µL (1.72 [1.22 -2.43]; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: High thrombus burden (Grade ≥4) is a significant and an independent predictor of the slow/no reflow phenomenon. While predicting slow/no reflow phenomenon, thrombus burden should be given due importance along with other significant factors such as gender, LVEDP, lesion length, and neutrophil counts.

Left Ventricular Functional Remodeling after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: Improvement in left ventricular (LV) function after revascularization is an important determinant of long-term prognosis in a patient with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, data on the changes of LV function after revascularization are scarce in our population. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the changes in LV function and dimensions by echocardiography at 3 and 6 months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: A total of 188 patients were recruited in this study who had undergone primary PCI. Patients with preexistent LV dysfunction, prior PCI, or with congenital heart disease were excluded. Echocardiography was performed at baseline (within 24 h of intervention), 3 months, and 6 months of intervention. Remodeling in terms of change in LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), LV end-systolic dimension, and wall motion score index (WMSI) was evaluated. Results: Out of the 188 patients, 90.4% were male, and mean age was 53.94 ± 9.12 years. Baseline mean LVEF was 39.79 ± 6.2% with mean improvement of 5.11 ± 3.87 (P < 0.001) at 3 months and 6.38 ± 4.29 (P < 0.001) at 6 months. Baseline LVEDD was 46.23 ± 3.86 mm which improved to 44.68 ± 2.81 mm at 6 months. Basal WMSI decreased by -0.09 ± 0.08 and -0.13 ± 0.09 at 3 and 6 months, respectively, after revascularization. Conclusions: Primary PCI is the recommended mode of reperfusion in patients with AMI. It reduces infarct size, maintains microvascular integrity and preserves LV systolic function hence improving LV function.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Acute and Sub-acute Stent Thrombosis after Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization with Drug-Eluting Stents: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Stent thrombosis (ST) remains the most feared complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Therefore, this study aimed to determine acute and sub-acute ST incidence, predictors, and outcomes after primary PCI. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients who had undergone primary PCI at a tertiary care cardiac center. All the patients were followed at 30-days of index hospitalization for the incidence of acute or sub-acute ST. ST was further categorized as definite, probable, or possible per the Academic Research Consortium definition. All the survivors of ST were followed after 6-months for the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. Results: An aggregate of 1756 patients were included with 79% (1388) male patients and mean age was 55.59 ± 11.23 years. The incidence of ST was 4.9% (86) with 1.3% (22) acute and 3.6% (64) sub-acute. ST was categorized as definite in 3.3% (58) and probable in 1.6% (28). Independent predictor of ST were observed to be male gender (odds ratio (OR); 2.51 [1.21-5.2]), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥20 mmHg (OR; 2.55 [1.31-4.98]), and pre-procedure thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow 0 (OR; 3.27 [1.61-6.65]). Cumulative all-cause mortality among patients with ST after 164.1 ± 76.2 days was 46.5% (40/86). Conclusion: We observed a substantial number of patients vulnerable to the acute or sub-acute ST after primary PCI. Male gender, LVEDP, pre-procedure TIMI flow grade can be used to identify and efficiently manage highly vulnerable patients.

Development and Validation of a Novel Risk Stratification Model for Slow-Flow/No-Reflow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (the RK-SF/NR Score).

In this study, we developed and validated a novel risk stratification model to predict slow-flow/no-reflow (SF/NR) during the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), namely the RK-SF/NR score. A total of 1,711 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergone primary PCI. A novel risk stratification model was developed in the development dataset and tested in the validation dataset. The overall incidence rate of SF/NR during the procedure was 28.8% (493/1,711). The final solution consisted of 9 variables: female gender (points = 2), total ischemic time ≥8 hours (points = 1), cardiac arrest at presentation (points = 2), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ≥24 mm Hg (points = 3), left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% (points = 2), culprit proximal left anterior descending artery (points = 3), thrombus grade ≥4 (points = 6), preprocedure thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 0 flow (points = 2), and lesion length ≥35 mm (points = 3). In the validation set, the area under the curve the RK-SF/NR score was 0.775 (0.722 to 0.829) and a score ≥10 has sensitivity of 77.9% (68.2% to 85.8%), negative predictive value of 87.3% (82.3% to 91.0%), specificity of 62.6% (56.0% to 68.9%), and positive predictive value of 46.3% (41.4% to 51.2%). In conclusion, RK-SF/NR score had shown good discriminating power for predicting SF/NR during primary PCI with good sensitivity and negative predictive value. Hence, the proposed model can have good clinical utility for screening patients at high risk of developing SF/NR during primary PCI.

Comparison of angiographic results and clinical outcomes of no-reflow after stenting in left anterior descending (LAD) versus non-LAD culprit STEMI.

Objectives: No-reflow is a complication that frequently occurs after stenting during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In this study, we focused on angiographic results and clinical outcomes after no-reflow in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery versus non-left anterior descending artery ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 201 patients who had developed no-reflow during primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. The patients were divided into left anterior descending artery culprit and non-left anterior descending artery culprit groups. The primary endpoints were final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow, corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count and final myocardial blush grade. Secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events in-hospital and at 1 month. Results: Out of the 201 patients, 60.19% had culprit left anterior descending artery. Pulse rate, baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure, single-vessel disease, left ventricular ejection fraction <30%, baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction I flow and final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction II flow (24.8% vs 11.3%, p = .017), and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (28.17 ± 11.86 vs 24.38 ± 9.05, p = .016) were significantly higher in the left anterior descending artery group. In contrast, baseline Killip Class I, three-vessel disease, baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction II flow, final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III flow (74.4% vs 87.5%, p = .024) and left ventricular ejection fraction >40% were significantly greater in the non-left anterior descending artery group. However, for both in-hospital and at 30 days, overall major adverse cardiovascular event was similar in the two groups. The demographics, clinical and medication profiles and the routes used to treat no-reflow were all comparable in both groups. Conclusions: No-reflow in left anterior descending artery ST-elevation myocardial infarction is associated with lower final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III flow, higher thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count and relatively lower Grade III myocardial blush than non-left anterior descending artery ST-elevation myocardial infarction with subsequent lower left ventricular ejection fraction and a higher frequency of in-hospital heart failure and hospitalisation due to heart failure.

CHA2DS2-VASc, a Simple Clinical Score Expanding Its Boundaries to Predict Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Promising results of CHA2DS2-VASc score have been reported for the prediction of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data of its predictive strength in the context of primary PCI are not available. Therefore, in this study, we have assessed predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score for CI-AKI after primary PCI. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and June 2021 at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan. Inclusion criteria of the study was consecutive adult patients who had undergone primary PCI. Baseline CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated, and either a 25% or 0.5 mg/dL increase in post-procedure serum creatinine level as compared to baseline level was categorized as CI-AKI. RESULTS: A total of 691 patients were included, of which 82.1% (567) were male. CI-AKI after primary PCI was observed in 63 (9.1%) patients, out of which 66.7% (42) of patients had CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2. The area under the curve (AUC) for the score was 0.725 [0.662 to 0.788] with a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% [63.1% to 70.2%] and 66.7% [53.7% to 78.1%], respectively, at a cut-off value of ≥2. In multivariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% and CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 were found to be independent predictors with adjusted odds ratios of 2.19 [1.06-4.5] and 2.13 [1.13-4.01], respectively. CONCLUSION: CHA2DS2-VASc score has a good predictive value for the prediction of CI-AKI after primary PCI. Criteria of CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 can be used for the risk stratification of CI-AKI after primary PCI.

Time to think beyond door to balloon time: significance of total ischemic time in STEMI.

BACKGROUND: Significance of total ischemic time (TIT) in the context of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still controversial. Therefore, in this study, we have evaluate the association of TIT with immediate outcomes in STEMI patients in whom recommended door to balloon (DTB) time of less than 90 min was achieved. RESULTS: A total of 5730 patients were included in this study, out of which 80.9% were male and median age was 55 [61-48] years. The median DTB was observed to be 60 [75-45] min and onset of chest pain to emergency room (ER) arrival time was 180 [300-120] min. Prolonged TIT was associated with poor pre-procedure thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade (p = 0.022), number of diseased vessels (p = 0.002), use of intra-aortic balloon pump (p = 0.003), and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.002). Mortality rate was 4.5%, 5.7%, and 7.8% for the patients with TIT of ≤ 120 min, 121 to 240 min, and > 240 min, respectively. Thirty days' risk of mortality on TIMI score was 4.97 ± 7.09%, 5.01 ± 6.99%, and 7.12 ± 8.64% for the patients with TIT of ≤ 120 min, 121 to 240 min, and > 240 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged total ischemic was associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Therefore, TIT can also be considered in the matrix of focus, along with DTB time and other clinical determinants to improve the survival from STEMI.

Predictors of 6-month Mortality in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Study in Pakistani Population.

OBJECTIVES: For Southern Asian countries like Pakistan, there is inadequate evidence of risk factors associated with mortality in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS), especially non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) cases. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of 6-months mortality of patients presenting with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: For this prospective observational study we recruited adult patients diagnosed with NSTE-ACS at a tertiary cardiac center. All he patients were followed-up after six months and survival status was recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed for six-month mortality and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: Six-month follow-up was successful for 280 patients. On univariate analysis age >65 years, increased heart rate, cardiac arrest at presentation, Killip class II-IV at presentation, and diabetes were found to be associated with increased risk of 6-months mortality with OR [95% CI] of 4.27 [1.9-9.58], 1.25 [1.1-1.41], 139.44 [16.9-1150.78], 68.45 [7.88-594.41], and 2.35 [1.06-5.22] respectively. On multivariable analysis Killip class II-IV at presentation, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) score of >4, and global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) score ≥150 were found to be independent predictors of mortality after six months of NSTE-ACS with adjusted OR of 32.93 [2.65-408.8], 3.42 [1.35-8.66], and 8.43 [3.33-21.38] respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with NSTE-ACS, our study showed seven clinical parameters to be associated with an increased risk of 6-month mortality. These included increasing age, increased heart rate, cardiac arrest at presentation, Killip class II-IV, diabetes, TIMI score of >4 and GRACE score of >150. Thereby aiding clinicians to apply strategic and precise interventions in monitoring these patients accordingly.

Safety and Feasibility of Same Day Discharge Strategy for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: The strategy for early discharge after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could have substantial financial benefits, especially in low-middle income countries. However, there is a lack of local evidence on feasibility and safety of the strategy for early discharge. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the safety of early discharge after primary PCI in selected low-risk patients in the population of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: In this study 600 consecutive low-risk patients who were discharged within 48 hours of primary PCI were put under observation for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after 7 and 30 days of discharge respectively. Patients were further stratified into discharge groups of very early (≤ 24 hours) and early (24 to 48 hours). Results: The sample consisted of 81.8% (491) male patients with mean age of 54.89 ± 11.08 years. Killip class was I in 90% (540) of the patients. The majority of patients (84%) were discharged within 24 hours of the procedure. Loss to follow-up after rate at 7 and 30 days was 4% (24) and 4.3% (26) respectively. Cumulative MACE rate after 7 and 30 days was observed in 3.5% and 4.9%, all-cause mortality in 1.4% and 2.3%, cerebrovascular events in 0.9% and 1.4%, unplanned revascularization in 0.9% and 1.2%, re-infarction in 0.3% and 0.5%, unplanned re-hospitalization in 0.5% and 0.5%, and bleeding events in 0.5% and 0.5% of the patients respectively. Conclusion: It was observed that very early (≤ 24 hours) discharge after primary PCI for low-risk patients is a safe strategy subjected to careful pre-discharge risk assessment with minimal rate of MACE after 7-days as well as 30-days.