Major Cardiac-Psychiatric Drug-Drug Interactions: a Systematic Review of the Consistency of Drug Databases.

PURPOSE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders (AD) are both highly prevalent among individuals with arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. There should be increased support for MDD and AD diagnosis and treatment in individuals with cardiac diseases, because treatment rates have been low. However, cardiac-psychiatric drug interaction can make pharmacologic treatment challenging. METHODS: The objective of the present systematic review was to investigate cardiac-psychiatric drug interactions in three different widely used pharmacological databases (Micromedex, Up to Date, and ClinicalKey). RESULTS: Among 4914 cardiac-psychiatric drug combinations, 293 significant interactions were found (6.0%). When a problematic interaction is detected, it may be easier to find an alternative cardiac medication (32.6% presented some interaction) than a psychiatric one (76.9%). Antiarrhythmics are the major class of concern. The most common problems produced by these interactions are related to cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, cardiac arrest), increased exposure of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates, or reduced renal clearance of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) substrates and include hypertensive crisis, increased risk of bleeding, myopathy, and/or rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, there is considerable inconsistency among the databases searched, such that a clinician's discretion and clinical experience remain invaluable tools for the management of patients with comorbidities present in psychiatric and cardiac disorders. The possibility of an interaction should be considered. With a multidisciplinary approach, particularly involving a pharmacist, the prescriber should be alerted to the possibility of an interaction. MDD and AD pharmacologic treatment in cardiac patients could be implemented safely both by cardiologists and psychiatrists. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Systematic Review Registration Number: CRD42018100424.

Revealing trends in academic publishing on immersive journalism through a dataset analysis of metaverse and extended technologies from 2017 to 2022.

This article presents the data obtained from a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the use of metaverse and extended technologies for immersive journalism [1]. Boolean operators, both in English and Spanish, were used to retrieve scientific literature using Publish or Perish 8 software on Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar between 2017 and 2022. After finding all the scientific literature, a methodological process was carried out using selection criteria and following the PRISMA model to obtain a total sample of 61 scientific articles. The DESLOCIS framework was used for the evaluation and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the retrieved data. The first dataset [2] contains the metadata of the retrieved publications according to the phases of the PRISMA statement. The second dataset [3] contains the characteristics of these publications according to the DESLOCIS framework. The data offer the possibility to develop new longitudinal studies and meta-analyzes in the field of immersive journalism.

Datasets on the assessment of the scientific publication's corpora in circular economy and bioenergy approached from education and communication.

This article presents three datasets that specifically depict scientific literature published from 2009 to 2019 and that represent the overlaps between circular economy, bioenergy, education, and communication. All datasets have been obtained through an exhaustive methodological process based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). To collect data, we determined 12 Boolean Operators with words related to circular economy, bioenergy, communication, and education. Then, using the Publish or Perish software, 36 queries were made in the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Once the articles were retrieved, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) mode and PRISMA checklist were applied. 74 articles were then manually selected depending on their relationship with the field. Using the DESLOCIS framework, a wide evaluation of the articles was carried out focusing on the design, data collection, and analysis techniques. Thus, the first data set contains the metadata and metrics of the publications. The second data set details the analytical framework used. The third includes the analysis of the publication's corpora. Together, the data presents opportunities for longitudinal studies and meta-reviews in circular economy and bioenergy areas approached from perspectives of education and communication.

[Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD): a new, non-pharmacologic therapeutic strategy for treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH). Report of the first procedure in Mexico]. / Denervación simpática renal (DSR): una nueva terapéutica no farmacológica para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) resistente. Informe del primer procedimiento en México.

A patient with resistant hypertension successfully treated with sympathetic renal denervation (SRD) is reported. This novel therapy is based on the partial ablation of the renal nerves by applying radiofrequency to the luminal surface of the renal arteries using vascular catheterization techniques. This first case performed in Mexico has two particular features: (i) an electrophysiology ablation catheter was employed due to the unavailability of the system specifically designed for SDR, and (ii) under current denervation protocols, the anatomical complexity of the targeted renal arteries would have excluded our patient from this procedure and thus deprived her of the benefit provided.

[Endothelial function assessment by positron emission tomography in patients with hypercholesterolemia]. / Estudio de la función endotelial mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones en pacientes con hipercolesterolemia.

UNLABELLED: Hypercholesterolemia prompts to endothelial dysfunction (ED) and ED predisposes to atherogenesis. ED appears early in the course of atherogenesis and it is considered a coronary artery disease (CAD) marker. OBJECTIVES: To assess endothelial function (EF) using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in asymptomatic patients with recent dyslipidemia diagnosis and without history of ischemic heart disease and previous hypolipemiant treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen asymptomatic patients with recent dyslipidemia diagnosis (< 6 months) were studied by obtaining a lipid profile, blood glucose, and a three phase 13N-ammonia PET scan: rest, cold pressor test (CPT) and pharmacologic stress with adenosine. EF was assessed by calculating the coronary flow reserve (CFR), endothelial-dependant vasodilatation index (EDVI), and coronary blood flow increase percentage in CPT (% Delta CF). RESULTS: 79% of patients with dyslipidemia had ED and all their values were lower than those previously published as normal: rest coronary flow 0.44 +/- 0.12 vs 0.57 +/- 0.147 (p = 0.002), CPT coronary flow 0.57 +/- 0.17 vs 0.88 +/- 0.26 (p = 0.001), stress coronary flow 1.24 +/- 0.05 vs 1.81 +/- 0.35 (p = 0.005), EDVI 1.28 +/- 0.25 vs 1.53 +/- 0.24 (p 0.017), CRF 2.79 +/- 0.94 vs 3.15 +/- 0.48 (p 0.198) and % Delta CF 29.08 +/- 24.62% vs 53 +/- 24.60% (p 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic patients in early stages of dyslipidemia showed a greater ED prevalence that was detected by 13N-ammonia PET scan.

Clinical variables related with in-stent restenosis late regression after bare metal coronary stenting.

UNLABELLED: In-stent restenosis (ISR) has an incidence between 20% and 30% using bare metal stents. ISR late regression phenomenon (ISRLR) has been previously described, but clinical variables related with this phenomenon remain unclear. The aim of the study was to identify the variables related with ISRLR. METHODS: We identified from our data base 30 patients between November 1995 and September 2002 that fulfilled the following criteria: 1) Documented ISR at follow-up angiography (CA-1); 2) treated medically; and 3) Referred for a second follow-up angiography (CA-2). at least 3 months after CA-1. ISRLR was defined as a > 0.2 mm increase in MLD between CA-1 and CA-2, calculated as the 2-fold of our inter-observer variability. ISR late progression was defined as a > 0.2 mm decrease in minimum lumen diameter (MLD) between CA-1 and CA-2. RESULTS: At the time of CA-2 only 2 patients (6.7%) had symptoms related with the previously stented vessel. We found a mean MLD of 1.03+/-0.34 mm and 1.54+/-0.48 mm at CA-1 and CA-2 respectively (AMLD = 0.51 +/-0.34 mm; p < 0.001). Twenty four patients (80.0%) had ISRLR. Two variables were related to the presence or absence ISRLR: Current smoking at the time of coronary stenting (70.8% vs 20.0% respectively, p = 0.026) and acute coronary syndrome as clinical indication for coronary stenting (and 83.5% vs 40.0% respectively, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: ISRLR is a frequent phenomenon in patients with ISR treated medically, probably contributing to the benign long-term clinical outcome that has been previously described in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic ISR. Current smoking at the time of coronary stenting and acute coronary syndrome as clinical indication for coronary stenting are associated with this phenomenon.

[Side branch occlusion during direct stent implantation. Incidence and related factors]. / Compromiso de vasos secundarios durante la implantación directa de stent coronario. Incidencia y factores relacionados.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the compromise of side branches when jailed by a coronary stent implanted without balloon predilation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 56 patients in which at least a coronary stent was implanted without balloon predilation and covering a side brach (58 stents, 1.04 +/- 0.19 per patient) were studied. The effect of direct coronary stent implantation over side branch flow, as well as the characteristics associated were studied. RESULTS: The main vessel was left anterior descending in 63%, left circumflex in 21%, right coronary in 14%, and left main in one case. An angiographic successful result in the main vessel was obtained in all cases. Coronary flow was TIMI 3, 2, 1, and 0 in 95%, 3%, 0%, and 2% before the procedure, in comparison with 86%, 2%, 3%, and 9% after stent implantation (p = 0.204). The incidence of side branch occlusion was 12% (7/58). In one case, the side branch was dilated across the stent struts, and thus the rate of side branch loss at the end of the procedure was 10% (6/58). In cases of side branch occlusion, there was a more severe stenosis at its origin before stent implantation (30.2 +/-31.3% vs 16.8 +/- 11.1%, p = 0.028). Fifty percent of side branches occluded after direct coronary stent implantation and angiographically re-evaluated at follow-up became patent, and 88% of side branches not affected after stent implantation remained patent at 6.2+/-1.9 months. CONCLUSION: The rate of side branch occlusion after direct stent implantation in our series was 12%, that is not different from that reported for conventional stent implantation. Thus, the decision of using direct or conventional coronary stenting should not be conditioned by the presence of side branches arising from the target lesion.

Longitudinal stent compression is not always a bad event: a case report.

Ostial left anterior descending artery stent implantation was performed, while trying to cross another stent through the left main coronary artery into the left circumflex artery the stent was detached from the delivery balloon, subsequently jamming the stent of the ostial left anterior descending artery stent. Removing the detached stent was possible, but longitudinal compression of the ostial left anterior descending artery stent occurred. We finally took advantage of the longitudinal compression to advance the equipment into the left circumflex artery with good final result.

Anterograde flow compromise of a patent left internal mammary artery graft from a proximal subclavian artery stenosis. Myocardial ischemia not driven by the coronary-subclavian steal syndrome mechanism.

A 54-year male with previous triple vessel coronary artery and aorto-bi-femoral bypass graft surgeries complained of crescent angina. Stress induced myocardial ischemia on echocardiography was demonstrated. We performed direct stenting of a saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery, via right radial approach. Subsequently stenting of a severe left subclavian artery proximal stenosis was performed via right brachial approach in order to relieve an overt myocardial ischemia in the territory supplied by a patent left internal mammary artery graft originated distally to the left subclavian stenosis. The finding of a total left axillary artery occlusion complement the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia produced by limited anterograde flow and not driven by the common flow reversal mechanism of a typical coronary-subclavian steal syndrome.

[The importance of myocardial blood flow quantification with positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with three-vessel disease]. / Importancia de la cuantificación del flujo coronario mediante PET, en pacientes con enfermedad trivascular.

The study of patients with coronary artery disease by means of gated SPECT has been well established. One of the major limitations of this technique is the detection of myocardial perfusion defects in the presence of multivessel or three-vessel coronary artery disease due to balanced ischemia. Quantification of myocardial blood flow by positron emission tomography allows not only to study cardiac perfusion and function but also to determine the coronary flow reserve which has a better correlation with significant stenosis in patients with trivascular disease. The aim of this study was to demonstrate through a case report and literature review the importance of performing quantification of coronary blood flow in this group of patients.

[PET evaluation of inflammatory process in Takayasu's arteritis]. / Determinación de actividad inflamatoria en pacientes con arteritis de Takayasu mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the application of PET in monitoring patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TA) with Inflammatory activiti (IA) and this correlation with established clnical criteria. METHODS: 35 patients diagnosed with TA were enrolled. Determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C -reactive protein, fibrinogen and a complete blood count was performed and clinical criteria of activity were applied. A baseline PET was performed in all patients. Those who were positive for IA received drug treatment. Among the group of active patients, ten were randomized to undergo another PET scan and clinical criteria determination to evaluate inflammatory activity after 6 months of treatment. We compared clinical criteria with PET capacity to determine IA. The results between the initial and final PET were finally compared. RESULTS: Clinical criteria had a sensitvity of 63% and a specificity of 90% to show IA. Sensivity decreased after 6 months of treatment to 27%. DISCUSSION: This is the first prospective study that compares the findings of PET before and after treatment for IA in patients with TA. Clinical criteria lack sensitivity for the detection of IA in the follow-up after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PET is a diagnostic technique with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with TA and inflammatory activity.

Anterograde flow compromise of a patent left internal mammary artery graft from a proximal subclavian artery stenosis. Myocardial ischemia not driven by the coronary-subclavian steal syndrome mechanism / Compromiso anterógrado del flujo de un puente de arteria mamaria izquierda debido a estenosis de la arteria subclavia. Isquemia miocárdica por un mecanismo distinto al síndrome de robo coronario-subclavio

A 54-year male with previous triple vessel coronary artery and aorto-bifemoral bypass graft surgeries complained of crescent angina. Stress induced myocardial ischemia on echocardiography was demonstrated. We performed direct stenting of a saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery, via right radial approach. Subsequently stenting of a severe left subclavian artery proximal stenosis was performed via right brachial approach in order to relieve an overt myocardial ischemia in the territory supplied by a patent left internal mammary artery graft originated distally to the left subclavian stenosis. The finding of a total left axillary artery occlusion complement the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia produced by limited anterograde flow and not driven by the common flow reversal mechanism of a typical coronary-subclavian steal syndrome.

Se trata de un paciente masculino de 54 años de edad, con antecedentes de cirugía de revasuclarización miocárdica por enfermedad coronaria trivascular, así como puentes aortobifemorales. Se presentó en nuestro centro aquejando de angina de pecho, de patrón creciente. Se demostró la existencia de isquemia miocárdica, mediante ecocardiografía con estrés farmacológico. Realizamos una angioplastia con stent a un puente de safena inversa a la coronaria derecha por vía radial derecha. Posteriormente debido a una estenosis proximal severa de la arteria subclavia izquerida, implantamos un stent mediante vía braquial derecha, con la idea de mejorar la isquemia existente en el territorio previamente revascularizado por un puente de arteria mamaria izquierda, que se originaba distalmente a la estenosis de la arteria subclavia. El hallazgo de una oclusión total crónica a nivel de la arteria axilar izquierda completó la patogénesis de la isquemia miocárdica no condicionada por robo al flujo coronario, como tradicionalmente sucede en el síndrome de robo subclavio coronario. En este caso particular, el mecanismo isquémico fue debido al compromiso anterógrado de flujo, provocado por la estenosis severa de la arteria subclavia.

Importancia de la cuantificación del flujo coronario mediante PET, en pacientes con enfermedad trivascular / The importance of myocardial blood flow quantification with positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with three-vessel disease

El estudio de perfusión miocárdica mediante tomografía computada por emisión de fotón único es una técnica ampliamente aceptada con alta sensibilidad y especificidad. Una de las limitaciones de esta técnica es el diagnóstico de enfermedad trivascular, debido al fenómeno de hipoperfusión global balanceada. La adición de los estudios con tomografía por emisión de positrones, permite no sólo el análisis de la perfusión y de la función ventricular, sino también la cuantificación del flujo coronario en mL/g/min de tejido miocárdico y por lo tanto, la determinación de la reserva de flujo coronario, la cual se ha relacionado claramente con la presencia de estenosis coronaria. El propósito de este trabajo es demostrar a través de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura médica, la importancia del estudio del flujo coronario de forma no invasiva en los pacientes con enfermedad trivascular.

The study of patients with coronary artery disease by means of gated SPECT has been well established. One of the major limitations of this technique is the detection of myocardial perfusion defects in the presence of multivessel or three-vessel coronary artery disease due to balanced ischemia. Quantification of myocardial blood flow by positron emission tomography allows not only to study cardiac perfusion and function but also to determine the coronary flow reserve which has a better correlation with significant stenosis in patients with trivascular disease. The aim of this study was to demonstrate through a case report and literature review the importance of performing quantification of coronary blood flow in this group of patients.

Determinación de actividad inflamatoria en pacientes con arteritis de Takayasu mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET) / PET evaluation of inflammatory process in Takayasu's arteritis

Objetivos: Determinar la aplicación que tiene la tomografía por emisión de positrones en el seguimiento de pacientes con arteritis de Takayasu con actividad inflamatoria y su correlación con los criterios clínicos establecidos. Métodos: Se incluyeron 35 pacientes con diagnóstico de arteritis de Takayasu. Se determinó velocidad de sedimentación globular, proteína C reactiva, biometría hemática, así como, fibrinógeno y se aplicaron los criterios clínicos de actividad. Se realizó tomografía por emisión de positrones basal de los pacientes positivos para actividad inflamatoria, todos recibieron tratamiento farmacológico. De forma aleatoria se incluyó a 10 pacientes que posterior al tratamiento durante seis meses se les realizó un nuevo estudio clínico y una tomografía por emisión de positrones para determinar actividad inflamatoria. Se compararon los criterios clínicos con tomografía por emisión de positrones tanto del estudio basal como el de seguimiento. Resultados: Los criterios clínicos tuvieron una sensibilidad de 63% y especificidad de 90% para demostrar actividad inflamatoria en forma basal. La sensibilidad de los criterios clínicos disminuyó posterior al tratamiento hasta 27%, en donde se observó que pacientes aparentemente inactivos por clínica, continuaban activos por tomografía por emisión de positrones. Discusión: Éste es el primer estudio que compara de manera prospectiva los hallazgos de tomografía por emisión de positrones antes y después del tratamiento para actividad inflamatoria en pacientes con arteritis de Takayasu. Los criterios clínicos carecen de sensibilidad para la detección de actividad inflamatoria en el seguimiento posterior al tratamiento. Conclusiones: El tomografía por emisión de positrones es una técnica de diagnóstico con una alta sensibilidad y especificidad para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de pacientes con arteritis de Takayasu y actividad inflamatoria.

Objective: To determine the application of PET in monitoring patients with Takayasu's arteritis (TA) with inflammatory activity (IA) and its correlation with established clinical criteria. Methods: 35 patients diagnosed with TA were enrolled. Determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and a complete blood count was performed and clinical criteria of activity were applied. A baseline PET was performed in all patients. Those who were positive for IA received drug treatment. Among the group of active patients, ten were randomized to undergo another PET scan and clinical criteria determination to evaluate inflammatory activity after 6 months of treatment. We compared clinical criteria with PET capacity to determine IA. The results between the initial and final PET were finally compared. Results: Clinical criteria had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 90% to show IA. Sensitivity decreased after 6 months of treatment to 27%. Discussion: This is the first prospective study that compares the findings of PET before and after treatment for IA in patients with TA. Clinical criteria lack sensitivity for the detection of IA in the follow-up after treatment. Conclusions: PET is a diagnostic technique with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with TA and inflammatory activity.

Estudio de la función endotelial mediante tomografía por emisión de positrones en pacientes con hipercolesterolemia / Endothelial function assessment by positron emission tomography in patients with hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia prompts to endothelial dysfunction (ED) and ED predisposes to atherogenesis. ED appears early in the course of atherogenesis and it is considered a coronary artery disease (CAD) marker. OBJECTIVES: To assess endothelial function (EF) using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in asymptomatic patients with recent dyslipidemia diagnosis and without history of ischemic heart disease and previous hypolipemiant treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen asymptomatic patients with recent dyslipidemia diagnosis (< 6 months) were studied by obtaining a lipid profile, blood glucose, and a three phase 13N-ammonia PET scan: rest, cold pressor test (CPT) and pharmacologic stress with adenosine. EF was assessed by calculating the coronary flow reserve (CFR), endothelial-dependant vasodilatation index (EDVI), and coronary blood flow increase percentage in CPT (% Delta CF). RESULTS: 79% of patients with dyslipidemia had ED and all their values were lower than those previously published as normal: rest coronary flow 0.44 +/- 0.12 vs 0.57 +/- 0.147 (p = 0.002), CPT coronary flow 0.57 +/- 0.17 vs 0.88 +/- 0.26 (p = 0.001), stress coronary flow 1.24 +/- 0.05 vs 1.81 +/- 0.35 (p = 0.005), EDVI 1.28 +/- 0.25 vs 1.53 +/- 0.24 (p 0.017), CRF 2.79 +/- 0.94 vs 3.15 +/- 0.48 (p 0.198) and % Delta CF 29.08 +/- 24.62% vs 53 +/- 24.60% (p 0.022). Conclusions: Asymptomatic patients in early stages of dyslipidemia showed a greater ED prevalence that was detected by 13N-ammonia PET scan.

Compromiso de vasos secundarios durante la implantación directa de stent coronario: Incidencia y factores relacionados / Side branch occlusion during direct stent implantation: Incidence and related factors

Objetivo: El objetivo fue evaluar el grado de compromiso de las ramas que son enjauladas durante la implantación directa de stent. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudiaron 56 pacientes en los que se implantó al menos un stent coronario (58 stents) sin dilatación previa con balón y en los que se enjauló alguna rama secundaria. Se evaluó la tasa de pérdida de la rama, el efecto de la implantación del stent sobre el flujo de esta rama y los factores relacionados con estos hechos. Resultados: El vaso principal fue la descendente anterior en el 63%, la circunfleja en el 21%, la coronaria derecha en el 14% y el tronco principal de la coronaria izquierda en un caso. Se obtuvo éxito angiográfico sobre el vaso principal en todos los casos. Antes del procedimiento, el flujo a nivel de la rama secundaria era TIMI grado 3, 2 y 0 en 55 (95%), 2 (3%) y un caso (2%), respectivamente. Tras la implantación del stent, el flujo era TIMI grado 3, 2, 1 y 0 en 50 (86%), 1 (2%), 2 (3%) y 5 (9%) casos, respectivamente (p = 0.204). La incidencia de pérdida de la rama fue 12% (7/58); en un caso, se intentó con éxito recanalizar y dilatar ésta a través de los struts del stent, por lo que la tasa de pérdida de rama final fue 10% (6/ 58). Las ramas que se ocluyeron tenían un mayor grado de estenosis en el origen antes de la implantación del stent (30.2 ± 31.3% vs 16.8 ± 11.1%, p = 0.028). En los pacientes que se reevaluaron angiográficamente, a los 6.2 ±1.9 meses, el 50% de las ramas que se habían ocluido se encontraban permeables, y el 88% de las que no se comprometieron seguían permeables. Conclusiones: La tasa de oclusión de las ramas con la implantación directa de stent fue 12% en nuestra serie, cifra similar a la que ocurre con la implantación de stent tras dilatación con balón. Por tanto, la existencia de ramas localizadas en el segmento en el que va a implantarse el stent no tiene por qué condicionar la decisión o no de realizar una dilatación previa con balón.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the compromise of side branches when jailed by a coronary stent implanted without balloon predilation. Patients and methods: 56 patients in which at least a coronary stent was implanted without balloon predilation and covering a side brach (58 stents, 1.04 ± 0.19 per patient) were studied. The effect of direct coronary stent implantation over side branch flow, as well as the characteristics associated were studied. Results: The main vessel was left anterior descending in 63%, left circumflex in 21%, right coronary in 14%, and left main in one case. An angiographic successful result in the main vessel was obtained in all cases. Coronary flow was TIMI 3, 2, 1, and 0 in 95%, 3%, 0%, and 2% before the procedure, in comparison with 86%, 2%, 3%, and 9% after stent implantation (p = 0.204). The incidence of side branch occlusion was 12% (7/58). In one case, the side branch was dilated across the stent struts, and thus the rate of side branch loss at the end of the procedure was 10% (6/58). In cases of side branch occlusion, there was a more severe stenosis at its origin before stent implantation (30.2 ± 31.3% vs 16.8± 11.1%, p = 0.028). Fifty percent of side branches occluded after direct coronary stent implantation and angiographically reevaluated at follow-up became patent, and 88% of side branches not affected after stent implantation remained patent at 6.2 ± 1.9 months. Conclusion: The rate of side branch occlusion after direct stent implantation in our series was 12%, that is not different from that reported for conventional stent implantation. Thus, the decision of using direct or conventional coronary stenting should not be conditioned by the presence of side branches arising from the target lesion.