STREAM-2: Half-Dose Tenecteplase or Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Older Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Open-Label Trial.

BACKGROUND: ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) guidelines recommend pharmaco-invasive treatment if timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unavailable. Full-dose tenecteplase is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage in older patients. Whether pharmaco-invasive treatment with half-dose tenecteplase is effective and safe in older patients with STEMI is unknown. METHODS: STREAM-2 (Strategic Reperfusion in Elderly Patients Early After Myocardial Infarction) was an investigator-initiated, open-label, randomized, multicenter study. Patients ≥60 years of age with ≥2 mm ST-segment elevation in 2 contiguous leads, unable to undergo primary PCI within 1 hour, were randomly assigned (2:1) to half-dose tenecteplase followed by coronary angiography and PCI (if indicated) 6 to 24 hours after randomization, or to primary PCI. Efficacy end points of primary interest were ST resolution and the 30-day composite of death, shock, heart failure, or reinfarction. Safety assessments included stroke and nonintracranial bleeding. RESULTS: Patients were assigned to pharmaco-invasive treatment (n=401) or primary PCI (n=203). Median times from randomization to tenecteplase or sheath insertion were 10 and 81 minutes, respectively. After last angiography, 85.2% of patients undergoing pharmaco-invasive treatment and 78.4% of patients undergoing primary PCI had ≥50% resolution of ST-segment elevation; their residual median sums of ST deviations were 4.5 versus 5.5 mm, respectively. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3 at last angiography was ≈87% in both groups. The composite clinical end point occurred in 12.8% (51/400) of patients undergoing pharmaco-invasive treatment and 13.3% (27/203) of patients undergoing primary PCI (relative risk, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.62-1.48]). Six intracranial hemorrhages occurred in the pharmaco-invasive arm (1.5%): 3 were protocol violations (excess anticoagulation in 2 and uncontrolled hypertension in 1). No intracranial bleeding occurred in the primary PCI arm. The incidence of major nonintracranial bleeding was low in both groups (<1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Halving the dose of tenecteplase in a pharmaco-invasive strategy in this early-presenting, older STEMI population was associated with electrocardiographic changes that were at least comparable to those after primary PCI. Similar clinical efficacy and angiographic end points occurred in both treatment groups. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage was higher with half-dose tenecteplase than with primary PCI. If timely PCI is unavailable, this pharmaco-invasive strategy is a reasonable alternative, provided that contraindications to fibrinolysis are observed and excess anticoagulation is avoided. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02777580.

Cardiac Myosin Activation with Omecamtiv Mecarbil in Systolic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: The selective cardiac myosin activator omecamtiv mecarbil has been shown to improve cardiac function in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. Its effect on cardiovascular outcomes is unknown. METHODS: We randomly assigned 8256 patients (inpatients and outpatients) with symptomatic chronic heart failure and an ejection fraction of 35% or less to receive omecamtiv mecarbil (using pharmacokinetic-guided doses of 25 mg, 37.5 mg, or 50 mg twice daily) or placebo, in addition to standard heart-failure therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of a first heart-failure event (hospitalization or urgent visit for heart failure) or death from cardiovascular causes. RESULTS: During a median of 21.8 months, a primary-outcome event occurred in 1523 of 4120 patients (37.0%) in the omecamtiv mecarbil group and in 1607 of 4112 patients (39.1%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 0.99; P = 0.03). A total of 808 patients (19.6%) and 798 patients (19.4%), respectively, died from cardiovascular causes (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.11). There was no significant difference between groups in the change from baseline on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score. At week 24, the change from baseline for the median N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level was 10% lower in the omecamtiv mecarbil group than in the placebo group; the median cardiac troponin I level was 4 ng per liter higher. The frequency of cardiac ischemic and ventricular arrhythmia events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection, those who received omecamtiv mecarbil had a lower incidence of a composite of a heart-failure event or death from cardiovascular causes than those who received placebo. (Funded by Amgen and others; GALACTIC-HF ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02929329; EudraCT number, 2016-002299-28.).

Cardiac Troponin and Treatment Effects of Omecamtiv Mecarbil: Results From the GALACTIC-HF Study.

BACKGROUND: Omecamtiv mecarbil improves outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We examined the relationship between baseline troponin levels, change in troponin levels over time and the treatment effect of omecamtiv mecarbil in patients enrolled in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac Outcomes through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC-HF) trial (NCT02929329). METHODS: GALACTIC-HF was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that randomized 8256 patients with symptomatic HFrEF to omecamtiv mecarbil or placebo. High-sensitivity troponin I (cTnI) was measured serially at a core laboratory. We analyzed the relationship between both baseline cTnI and change in cTnI concentrations with clinical outcomes and the treatment effect of omecamtiv mecarbil. RESULTS: Higher baseline cTnI concentrations were associated with a risk of adverse outcomes (hazard ratio for the primary endpoint of time to first HF event or CV death = 1.30; 95% CI 1.28, 1.33; P < 0.001 per doubling of baseline cTnI). Although the incidence of safety outcomes was higher in patients with higher baseline cTnI, there was no difference between treatment groups. Treatment with omecamtiv mecarbil led to a modest increase in cTnI that was related to plasma concentrations of omecamtiv mecarbil, and it peaked at 6 weeks. An increase in troponin from baseline to week 6 was associated with an increased risk of the primary endpoint (P < 0.001), which was similar, regardless of treatment assignment (P value for interaction = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients with HFrEF, baseline cTnI concentrations were strongly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Although cTnI concentrations were higher in patients treated with omecamtiv mecarbil, we did not find a differential effect of omecamtiv mecarbil on either safety or efficacy based on baseline cTnI status or change in cTnI.

Cytoprotection as an Innovative Therapeutic Strategy to Cardiogenic Shock: Exploring the Potential of Cytidine-5-Diphosphocholine to Mitigate Target Organ Damage.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of organ function and viability is a crucial factor for survival in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients. There is not information enough on cytoprotective substances that may delay organs damage in CS. We hypothesize that cytidine-5-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) can act as a cytoprotective pharmacological measure that diminishes the target organ damage. So, we aimed to perform a review of works carried out in our institution to evaluate the effect of therapeutic cytoprotection of the CDP-choline. SUMMARY: CDP-choline is an intermediate metabolite in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. It is also a useful drug for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases and has shown an excellent pharmacological safety profile as well. We review our institution's work and described the cytoprotective effects of CDP-choline in experimental models of heart, liver, and kidney acute damage, where this compound was shown to diminish reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias, oxidative stress, apoptotic cell death, inflammation, lactic acid levels and to preserve mitochondrial function. KEY MESSAGES: We propose that additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of cytoprotective therapy adjuvant to mitigate target organ damage in patients with CS.

Impact of previous percutaneous coronary intervention on angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if previous PCI in patients with STEMI increases the risk of major cardiovascular events, and if final epicardial blood flow differs according to the reperfusion strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, comparative sub-study of the PHASE-MX trial that included patients with STEMI and reperfusion within 12 hours of symptom onset, who were classified according to their history of PCI. The occurrence of the composite primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, re-infarction, congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock) within 30 days was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Epicardial blood flow was assessed using the TIMI grading system after reperfusion. RESULTS: A total of 935 patients were included; 85.6% were males and 6.9% had a history of PCI; 53% underwent pharmacoinvasive therapy, and 47%, primary PCI. The incidence of the composite primary endpoint at 30 days in patients with a history of PCI was 9.8% vs 13.3% in those with no previous PCI (p = 0.06). Among the patients with previous PCI, 87.1% reached a final TIMI grade 3 flow after primary PCI vs. 75% in the group with pharmacoinvasive strategy (p = 0.235). CONCLUSIONS: A history of PCI does not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events at 30 days; however, it impacted negatively on the final angiographic blood flow of patients that received pharmacoinvasive therapy (compared to primary PCI).

ANTECEDENTES: El pronóstico de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) y antecedente de intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) es incierto. Objetivos: Evaluar si la ICP previa en pacientes con IAMCEST incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores y si el flujo final epicárdico varía según la estrategia de reperfusión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Subestudio de PHASE-MX, observacional, longitudinal y comparativo, de pacientes con IAMCEST reperfundidos en menos de 12 horas de iniciados los síntomas, divididos conforme el antecedente de ICP. El acaecimiento del criterio de valoración principal (muerte cardiovascular, reinfarto, insuficiencia cardíaca y choque cardiogénico) dentro de los 30 días se comparó con estimaciones de Kaplan-Meier, prueba de rangos logarítmicos y modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. El flujo epicárdico final se evaluó con el sistema de clasificación del flujo TIMI después de la reperfusión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 935 pacientes, 85.6 % del sexo masculino, 6.9 % de los cuales tenía antecedente de ICP; 53 % recibió terapia farmacoinvasiva y 47 %, ICP primaria. La incidencia del criterio de valoración principal en pacientes con ICP previa fue de 9.8 % versus 13.3 % en aquellos sin ese antecedente (p = 0.06); 87.1 % de los pacientes con ICP previa obtuvo flujo final de grado TIMI 3 versus 75 % del grupo con estrategia farmacoinvasiva (p = 0.235). CONCLUSIONES: El antecedente de ICP no incrementa el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares mayores a los 30 días en pacientes con IAMCEST; sin embargo, impacta negativamente en el flujo sanguíneo angiográfico final de los pacientes que recibieron terapia farmacoinvasiva (en comparación con ICP primaria).

Dynamic Invasive Hemodynamic Congestion Profile Impacts Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock Outcomes: A Real-World Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) commonly complicates the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and it results in high mortality rates. Pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) monitoring can be valuable for personalizing critical-care interventions. We hypothesized that patients with AMI-CS experiencing persistent congestion measures during the first 24 hours of the PAC installment would exhibit worse in-hospital survival rates. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 295 patients with AMI-CS between January 2006 and December 2021. The first 24-hour PAC-derived hemodynamic measures were divided by the congestion profiling and the proposed 2022 Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) classification. Biventricular congestion was the most common profile and was associated with the highest patient mortality rates at all time points (mean 56.6%). A persistent congestive profile was associated with increased mortality rates (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.85; P = 0.002) compared with patients who achieved decongestive profiles. Patients with SCAI stages D/E had higher levels of right atrial pressure (RAP): 14-15 mmHg) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP): 18-20 mmHg) compared with stage C (RAP, 10-11 mmHg, mean difference 3-5 mmHg; P < 0.001; PCWP 14-17 mmHg; mean difference 1.56-4 mmHg; P = 0.011). In SCAI stages D/E, the pulmonary artery pulsatility index (0.8-1.19) was lower than in those with grade C (1.29-1.63; mean difference 0.21-0.73; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous congestion profiling using the SCAI classification matched the grade of hemodynamic severity and the increased risk of in-hospital death. Early decongestion appears to be an important prognostic and therapeutic goal in patients with AMI-CS and warrants further study.

Effects of Serelaxin in Patients with Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Serelaxin is a recombinant form of human relaxin-2, a vasodilator hormone that contributes to cardiovascular and renal adaptations during pregnancy. Previous studies have suggested that treatment with serelaxin may result in relief of symptoms and in better outcomes in patients with acute heart failure. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven trial, we enrolled patients who were hospitalized for acute heart failure and had dyspnea, vascular congestion on chest radiography, increased plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides, mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency, and a systolic blood pressure of at least 125 mm Hg, and we randomly assigned them within 16 hours after presentation to receive either a 48-hour intravenous infusion of serelaxin (30 µg per kilogram of body weight per day) or placebo, in addition to standard care. The two primary end points were death from cardiovascular causes at 180 days and worsening heart failure at 5 days. RESULTS: A total of 6545 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. At day 180, death from cardiovascular causes had occurred in 285 of the 3274 patients (8.7%) in the serelaxin group and in 290 of the 3271 patients (8.9%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 to 1.15; P = 0.77). At day 5, worsening heart failure had occurred in 227 patients (6.9%) in the serelaxin group and in 252 (7.7%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.07; P = 0.19). There were no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of death from any cause at 180 days, the incidence of death from cardiovascular causes or rehospitalization for heart failure or renal failure at 180 days, or the length of the index hospital stay. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial involving patients who were hospitalized for acute heart failure, an infusion of serelaxin did not result in a lower incidence of death from cardiovascular causes at 180 days or worsening heart failure at 5 days than placebo. (Funded by Novartis Pharma; RELAX-AHF-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01870778.).

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in SARS-CoV-2 infection: A very rare, life-threatening complication.

In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the presence of acute respiratory failure is generally associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome; however, it is essential to consider other differential diagnoses that require different, and urgent, therapeutic approaches. Herein we describe a COVID-19 case complicated with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax. A previously healthy 45-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department with sudden-onset chest pain and progressive shortness of breath 17 days after diagnosis with uncomplicated COVID-19 infection. He was tachypneic and presented severe hypoxemia (75% percutaneous oxygen saturation). Breath sounds were diminished bilaterally on auscultation. A chest X-ray revealed the presence of a large bilateral pneumothorax. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the large bilateral pneumothorax, with findings consistent with severe COVID-19 infection. Chest tubes were inserted, with immediate clinical improvement. Follow-up chest CT scan revealed resolution of bilateral pneumothorax, reduction of parenchymal consolidation, and formation of large bilateral pneumatoceles. The patient remained under observation and was then discharged home. Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is a very rare, potentially life-threatening complication in patients with COVID-19. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this complication early to prevent potentially fatal consequences.

A randomized controlled trial of lung ultrasound-guided therapy in heart failure (CLUSTER-HF study).

BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a new tool for the evaluation of congestion in heart failure (HF); incorporation of LUS during follow-up may detect congestion earlier and prompt interventions to prevent hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the incorporation of LUS during follow-up of patients with HF may reduce the rate of adverse events compared with usual care. METHODS: In this single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized into an LUS-guided arm or control arm. Patients were followed in 4 prespecified visits during a 6-month period. LUS was performed in every patient visit in both groups; however, LUS results were available for the treating physician only in the LUS group. The primary outcome was the composite of urgent HF visits, rehospitalization for worsening HF, and death from any cause. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six patients were randomized to either LUS (n = 63) or control (n = 63) (age 62.5 ±â€¯10 years, median left ventricular ejection fraction 31%). The primary end point occurred in 30 (47.6%) patients in the control group and 20 (31.7%) patients in the LUS group (P = .041). LUS-guided treatment was associated with a 45% risk reduction in the primary end point (hazard ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98, P = .044), mainly driven by a reduction in urgent HF visits (hazard ratio 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.62, P = .001). No significant differences in rehospitalizations for HF or death were found. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of LUS into clinical follow-up of patients with HF significantly reduced the risk of urgent visits for worsening HF.

Gaps between supply and demand of acute myocardial infarction treatment in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze acute myocardial infarction (AMI) admissions and in-hospital mortality rates and evaluate the competence of the Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals to provide AMI treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a mixed-methods approach: 1) Joinpoint analysis of hos-pitalizations and in-hospital mortality trends between 2005 and 2017; 2) a nation-wide cross-sectional MOH hospital survey. RESULTS: AMI hospitalizations are increasing among men and patients aged >60 years; women have higher mortal-ity rates. The survey included 527 hospitals (2nd level =471; 3rdlevel =56). We identified insufficient competence to diagnose AMI (2nd level 37%, 3rd level 51%), perform pharmacological perfusion (2nd level 8.7%, 3rd level 26.8%), and mechanical reperfusion (2nd level 2.8%, 3rd level 17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There are wide disparities in demand, supply, and health outcomes of AMI in Mexico. It is advisable to build up the competence with gender and age perspectives in order to di-agnose and manage AMI and reduce AMI mortality effectively.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las tendencias de admisiones y mortali-dad hospitalaria por infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM) y eva-luar la competencia hospitalaria de la Secretaría de Salud (SS) para tratarlo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Enfoque de métodos mixtos: Jointpoint análisis de tendencias de hospitalizaciones y mortalidad hospitalaria entre 2005 y 2017, y encuesta en hospitales de la SS. RESULTADOS: Las hospitalizaciones por IAM están aumentando entre hombres y pacientes >60 años. Las mujeres tienen mayor mortalidad. La encuesta incluyó 527 hospitales (2º nivel =471, 3er nivel =56). Los hospitales tienen competencias insuficientes para diagnosticar IAM (2º nivel 37%, 3er nivel 51%), realizar perfusión farmacológica (2º nivel 8.7%, 3er nivel 26.8%) y reperfusión mecánica (2º nivel 2.8%, 3er nivel 17.9%). CONCLUSIONES: Existen disparidades en demanda, oferta y resultados en salud del IAM. Es aconsejable fortalecer las competencias, con perspectivas de género y edad, para diagnosticar y tratar IAM, y reducir su mortalidad efectivamente.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic on Acute Cardiovascular Emergencies in a Third Level Cardiology Hospital: A Call for Action.

The consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic go beyond the number of cases and deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus-2 infection. The overwhelmed health care systems and the strict social containment measures have had an impact on the threshold at which patients seek medical care for diseases other than COVID-19, including cardiovascular conditions.

Interinstitutional clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Mexico has the highest 30-day mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which constitutes one of the main causes of mortality in the country: 28 % versus 7.5 % on average for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries. OBJECTIVE: To establish critical pathways and essential interinstitutional pharmacological strategies for the care of patients with AMI in Mexico, regardless of their socioeconomic status. METHOD: A group of experts in AMI diagnosis and treatment, representatives of the main public health institutions in Mexico, as well as the Mexican cardiology societies, the Mexican Red Cross and representatives of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, were brought together in order to optimize strategies based on the best existing evidence. RESULTS: An interinstitutional clinical practice guideline was designed for early diagnosis and timely treatment of AMI with ST-segment elevation, following the clinical horizon of the disease, with the proposal of algorithms that improve the prognosis of patients who attend the emergency services due to an AMI. CONCLUSION: With these clinical practice guidelines, the group of experts proposes to universalize AMI diagnosis and treatment, regardless of patient socioeconomic status. INTRODUCCIÓN: México tiene la mortalidad más alta a 30 días por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), el cual constituye una de las principales causas de mortalidad en el país: 28 % versus 7.5 % del promedio de los países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos. OBJETIVO: Establecer las rutas críticas y las estrategias farmacológicas esenciales interinstitucionales para la atención de los pacientes con IAM en México, independientemente de su condición socioeconómica. MÉTODO: Se reunió a un grupo de expertos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de IAM, representantes de las principales instituciones públicas de salud de México, así como las sociedades cardiológicas mexicanas, Cruz Roja Mexicana y representantes de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología con la finalidad de optimizar las estrategias con base en la mejor evidencia existente. RESULTADOS: Se diseñó una guía de práctica clínica interinstitucional para el diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno del IAM con elevación del segmento ST, siguiendo el horizonte clínico de la enfermedad, con la propuesta de algoritmos que mejoren el pronóstico de los pacientes que acuden por IAM a los servicios de urgencias. CONCLUSIÓN: Con la presente guía práctica, el grupo de expertos propone universalizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento en el IAM, independientemente de la condición socioeconómica del paciente.

[Correlation of left ventricular contractile function with the presence of collateral coronary circulation in non-reperfused acute myocardial infarction]. / Correlación de la función contráctil del ventrículo izquierdo con la presencia de circulación coronaria colateral en infarto agudo de miocardio no reperfundido.

Objective: To assess the association between coronary collateral circulation and ventricular contractile function in patients with non-reperfused acute myocardial infarction. Method: A retrospective and descriptive clinical study was conducted on patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at a reference cardiovascular center, from January 2006 to December 2022. Coronary angiographies and echocardiograms were reviewed to evaluate coronary collateral circulation and ventricular function, respectively. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence of collateral circulation. Both groups were compared and mortality during the index hospitalization was analyzed. Results: Out of a total of 14,985 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 8134 (54.3%) had the diagnosis of STEMI. We excluded 12,880, leaving a total of 2105 non-reperfused STEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography, revealing lesions. There were more patients without collateral circulation: 1547 (73.5%) vs. 558 (26.5%) (p = 0.025). Patients without collateral circulation had a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (median of 47% vs. 42%; p < 0.001). Mortality in patients with collateral circulation was higher compared to those without it (11.6% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.225), but statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions: Non-reperfused STEMI patients did not show protection from collateral circulation when assessing left ventricular systolic function. We did not find a difference in mortality compared to the population without development of collateral circulation.

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la circulación coronaria colateral y la función contráctil ventricular en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio no reperfundido. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) en un centro cardiovascular de referencia, de enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2022. Se analizaron las coronariografías y los ecocardiogramas para evaluar la circulación coronaria colateral y la función ventricular, respectivamente. Se dividieron en grupos de acuerdo con la presencia de circulación colateral. Se compararon ambos grupos y se analizó la mortalidad durante la hospitalización del evento índice. Resultados: De 14,985 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo, 8134 (54.3%) presentaron IAMCEST. Se excluyeron 12,880, quedando así 2105 pacientes con IAMCEST no reperfundidos y sometidos a coronariografía, revelando lesiones. Hubo más pacientes sin circulación colateral: 1547 (73.5%) vs. 558 (26.5%) (p = 0.025). Los pacientes sin circulación colateral presentaron una mayor fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (mediana del 47% vs. 42%; p < 0.001). La mortalidad en los pacientes con circulación colateral fue mayor que en los pacientes sin ella (11.6% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.225), pero no se alcanzó significancia estadística. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con IAMCEST no reperfundidos no presentaron protección por la circulación colateral al evaluar la función sistólica ventricular izquierda. No se encontró diferencia en la mortalidad en comparación con la población sin desarrollo de circulación colateral.

Toward a Better Understanding of Cardiovascular Risk in the Transgender and Gender-Diverse Community: A Global Call to Action.

On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a public call to action regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. The aim of this article is to unpack the numerous factors that contribute to this, such as the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, their reduced access to clinical care, and the scarcity of research regarding the unique needs of their community, which makes it difficult for clinicians to provide individualized medical care. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events among TGD individuals requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in inclusive research studies, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

[Position statement for improvement in reperfusion of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Latin America]. / Documento de posición para la mejora en la reperfusión del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST en Latinoamérica.

The treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction has barriers depending on the geographic region. Primary coronary angioplasty is the treatment of choice, if it is performed on time and by experienced operators. However, when it is not available, the administration of fibrinolysis and referral for rescue angioplasty, in case of negative reperfusion, is the best strategy. In the same way, coronary angioplasty, as part of a pharmacoinvasive strategy, is the best alternative when there is positive reperfusion. The development of infarct treatment networks increases the number of patients reperfused within the recommended times and improves outcomes. In Latin America, national myocardial infarction treatment programs should focus on improving outcomes, and long-term success depends on working toward defined goals and enhancing functionality, therefore programs should develop capacity to measure their performance. The following document discusses all of these alternatives and suggests opportunities for improvement.

El tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST tiene barreras dependiendo de la región geográfica. La angioplastia coronaria primaria es el tratamiento de elección, siempre y cuando sea realizada dentro de tiempo y por operadores experimentados. Sin embargo, cuando no está disponible, la administración de fibrinólisis y el envío para angioplastia de rescate, en caso de reperfusión negativa, es la mejor estrategia. De la misma manera, la angioplastia coronaria, como parte de una estrategia farmacoinvasiva, es la mejor alternativa cuando hay reperfusión positiva. El desarrollo de redes de tratamiento del infarto aumenta el número de pacientes reperfundidos dentro de los tiempos recomendados y mejora los desenlaces. En América Latina, los programas nacionales para el tratamiento del infarto deben centrarse en mejorar los resultados y el éxito a largo plazo depende de trabajar hacia objetivos definidos y obtener métricas de rendimiento, por lo tanto, estos deben desarrollar métricas para cuantificar su desempeño. El siguiente documento discute todas estas alternativas y sugiere oportunidades de mejora.

Safety of helicopter transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider. OBJETIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS. METHODS: Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.

ANTECEDENTES: Los sistemas de atención de IAMCEST han reducido los tiempos de transferencia interhospitalaria y han facilitado las metas de reperfusión oportuna. Los helicópteros pueden ser una opción cuando el transporte terrestre no es factible; sin embargo, la seguridad del transporte aéreo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) es un factor a considerar. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la seguridad del transporte en helicóptero para pacientes con SICA. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de SICA dentro de la red IAMCEST en metrópolis extensa, trasladados en helicóptero a un centro cardiovascular. El resultado primario del estudio fue la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con los viajes aéreos definidas cómo desalojo de catéter intravenoso, hipoxia, arritmia, angina, ansiedad, sangrado e hipotermia. RESULTADOS: Total de 106 pacientes; la edad media fue de 54 años y 84,9% eran hombres. La altitud media de vuelo fue de 10,100 pies y la distancia media de vuelo fue de 50,0 km. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue IAMCEST tras fibrinolisis exitosa (51,8%), seguido de IAMCEST con fibrinolisis fallida (23,7%). Cinco pacientes (4,7%) desarrollaron una complicación: desalojo IV (1,8%) e hipoxemia (1,8%) en dos pacientes y un episodio de angina durante el vuelo (0,9%). Una altitud de vuelo mayor de 10,000 pies no se asoció a complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el transporte en helicóptero es seguro en pacientes con SICA, incluso en altitudes > 10,000 pies.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pharmacoinvasive Strategy Versus Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Study from Mexico City.

Although primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the treatment of choice in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), challenges may arise in accessing this intervention for certain geodemographic groups. Pharmacoinvasive strategy (PIs) has demonstrated comparable outcomes when delays in pPCI are anticipated, but real-world data on long-term outcomes are limited. The aim of the present study was to compare long-term outcomes among real-world patients with STEMI who underwent either PIs or pPCI. This was a prospective registry including patients with STEMI who received reperfusion during the first 12 hours from symptom onset. The primary objective was cardiovascular mortality at 12 months according to the reperfusion strategy (pPCI vs PIs) and major cardiovascular events (cardiogenic shock, recurrent myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure), and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding events were also evaluated. A total of 799 patients with STEMI were included; 49.1% underwent pPCI and 50.9% received PIs. Patients in the PIs group presented with more heart failure on admission (Killip-Kimbal >I 48.1 vs 39.7, p = 0.02) and had a lower proportion of pre-existing heart failure (0.2% vs 1.8%, p = 0.02) and atrial fibrillation (0.25% vs 1.2%, p = 0.02). No statistically significant difference was observed in cardiovascular mortality at the 12-month follow-up (hazard ratio for PIs 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 1.30, log-rank p = 0.30) according to the reperfusion strategy used. The composite of major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio for PIs 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.29, p = 0.92) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding rates were also comparable. A low socioeconomic status, Killip-Kimball >2, age >60 years, and admission creatinine >2.0 mg/100 ml were predictors of the composite end point after multivariate analysis. In conclusion, this prospective real-world registry provides additional support that long-term major cardiovascular outcomes and bleeding are not different between patients who underwent PIs versus primary PCI.

Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During Immediate Post-partum: A Case Report.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a particular entity with a transient left ventricular dysfunction without significant coronary artery obstruction, preceded by a stressful circumstance. Clinical presentation may mimic myocardial infarction, acute heart failure among the most common conditions. If suspected, the integration of clinical aspects, imaging results, and laboratory tests allows its diagnosis and proper management. Once described as a post-menopausal women's disease, is now recognized as a more frequent condition of young women, especially after stressful conditions such as post-surgical status and peripartum period, rendering as a disease with a certain predisposition to female patients, with a not always benign evolution. This case remarks an atypical presentation experiencing a first nigh fatal evolution but a later satisfactory recuperation.