Effectiveness and Safety of P2Y12 Inhibitors Pretreatment in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Long Transfer Times.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of a new P2Y12 inhibitor in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is recommended over clopidogrel. However, comparative data remain limited, especially in semi-rural regions with subsequent longer transfer times. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the determinants, effectiveness, and safety of pretreatment with new P2Y12 inhibitors compared with clopidogrel in a primary PCI regional network. METHODS: Outcomes of 1235 primary PCI patients pretreated with new P2Y12 inhibitors (n = 1050) or clopidogrel (n = 185) were evaluated using a prospective registry. Primary effectiveness endpoint was the composite of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, or new revascularization. Serious bleedings were defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium ≥ 2. RESULTS: Clopidogrel was more likely to be used in older and female patients with more comorbidities. Mean transfer time was longer in the clopidogrel group (123.3 ± 67.3 vs. 102.3 ± 57.2 min; p < 0.01). The primary endpoint was less frequent with new P2Y12 inhibitors compared with clopidogrel (14.9 vs. 30.3%; odds ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.87; p < 0.01), mostly driven by a reduced rate of death (4.5 vs. 26% respectively; hazard ratio 0.25, 95% CI 0.16-0.38; p < 0.01). Bleeding rates did not differ between groups (1 vs. 0.5%, respectively; p = 0.96). CONCLUSION: Compared with clopidogrel, pretreatment with new P2Y12 inhibitors seems to be associated with lower risks of mortality and ischemic outcomes, and similar risks of bleeding in a real-world registry. Our results are in line with the guidelines recommending the preferential pre-PCI administration of new P2Y12 inhibitors in STEMI patients referred for primary PCI.

Safety and efficacy of very short dual antiplatelet therapy followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy in older patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: older patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) represent a growing population sharing both a high ischemic and bleeding risk. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) reduces the incidence of thrombotic events but exposes patients to an increased risk of bleeding and subsequent mortality. Its optimal duration after PCI remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: to assess the impact of short-duration DAPT on both bleeding and ischemic events in the specific population of older patients undergoing PCI. METHODS: we performed a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing the safety and efficacy of standard versus very short duration (≤ 3 months, followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy) DAPT after PCI with a drug-eluting stent in older patients. RESULTS: four studies, representing 8,961 older patients, were finally included. Compared with standard duration, short-duration DAPT was associated with similar rates of major bleeding (relative risks, RR 0.70 [0.47; 1.05]) and the composite efficacy endpoint (RR 0.85 [0.63; 1.14]). There was a high level of heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 68%) regarding major bleeding. CONCLUSION: our meta-analysis suggests that short DAPT may be a valid option in older patients after PCI but it also highlights the need for specific studies in such patients on optimal duration of antiplatelet therapy.

Residual atherothrombotic burden after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and myocardial reperfusion-An optical frequency domain imaging study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the relationship between residual in-stent atherothrombotic burden (ATB) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) measured by optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) using different measurement methods and myocardial blush grade (MBG). BACKGROUND: The impact of residual ATB after primary PCI on myocardial reperfusion remains unclear. METHODS: We prospectively included 60 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients pretreated with aspirin and ticagrelor. OFDI volumetric quantification using planimetry (with intervals every frame or every millimeter) and semiquantitative score were used to determine ATB. Patients were divided into two groups according to final MBG 3 or <3. RESULTS: The mean ATB was 10.08 ± 5.21%. ATB was lower in patients with final MBG 3 compared to those with impaired MBG, regardless of the measurement method (8.15 ± 5.58 vs. 11.77 ± 4.28%; p = .007 for quantification per frame; 7.8 ± 5.19 vs. 11.07 ± 4.07%; p = .009 for quantification per mm and 11.21 ± 11.75 vs. 22.91 ± 17.35; p = .003 for the semiquantitative thrombus score, respectively). CONCLUSION: Residual post-stenting ATB remains substantial after primary PCI in STEMI patients, even when pretreated with ticagrelor and aspirin. ATB appears as a significant correlate of suboptimal myocardial reperfusion, a known surrogate of clinical outcome.

A head-to-head comparison of three coronary fractional flow reserve measurement technologies: The fractional flow reserve-device study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare three FFR technologies: the electric-sensor Pressurewire® (P), the optic-sensor Comet® (C) guidewire, and the optic-sensor Navvus® (N) microcatheter. BACKGROUND: Different technologies are used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) for the functional assessment of coronary lesions with potential discrepancies. METHODS: Sixty-six FFR measurements performed on 32 lesions using each technology were used for a paired comparison of FFR on simultaneous measurements and in clinically relevant conditions (guidewires alone, N on a guidewire). RESULTS: Simultaneous measurements of FFR were significantly (p < .0001) correlated between systems (ρ = 0.88, 0.81 and 0.86 for P and N, P and C and, C and N, respectively). The presence of the N microcatheter, led to reduced values of FFR measured by P or C guidewires (p < .0001). The concomitant presence of P and C guidewires led to significantly lower FFR values (p < .0001) measured by P but not by C. In clinically relevant conditions, values of FFR measured by the optic-sensor C guidewire and N catheter were similar and lower than those measured by the P guidewire (p < .0001). The agreement between the three technologies (FFR ≤ 0.80) was 94%. CONCLUSIONS: FFR values simultaneously measured by three different technologies, are strongly correlated, and provide strongly concordant results. However, significant differences are found between values of FFR. The presence of N, but also C lead to a decrease of FFR measured by P. In clinically relevant conditions, the two optic-sensor technologies provide similar FFR measurements, lower than those measured by the piezo-electric technology suggesting a sensor-technology-related measurement variability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT#03052803.

Evaluation of Left Main Coronary Artery Using Optical Frequency Domain Imaging and Its Pitfalls.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the quality of optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) of the left main (LM) arterial wall and describe and analyse potential artefacts in this setting. BACKGROUND: OFDI is increasingly used to assess ambiguous lesions and optimize LM percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its ability to provide artefact-free high-quality images of coronary ostia and large segments such as the LM remains uncertain. METHODS: We included 42 consecutive patients who underwent OFDI, including LM imaging. Each OFDI frame was subdivided into four quadrants and analysed. The number of quadrants with artifacts was calculated within the proximal, mid, and distal LM and the first 5 mm of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and/or left circumflex artery (LCX). RESULTS: The quadrants analysis showed an overall artifact rate of 8.9%, mostly out-of-field (45.1%) or residual blood (44.7%) artefacts. Most artifacts were located in the proximal LM (18.6%) with a stepwise reduction of artifact rates towards distal segments (mid LM 5.8%; distal LM 3.6%, ostial LAD 2.6%, and ostial LCX 0%; p < 0.001). While 20 (48.8%) patients had angiographically visible plaques, OFDI showed plaques in 32 patients (76.2%; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: OFDI can accurately evaluate the LM and detect and assess angiographically unvisualized atherosclerotic plaques providing accurate assessment of >90% of the quadrants of the LM and the ostia of its bifurcation branches. However, artifacts mainly located in the proximal LM and decreasing distally in a stepwise fashion should be considered in the interpretation of OFDI in this setting.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prognostic impact of cancer among patients with acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer admitted for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) represent a growing and high-risk population. The influence of co-existing cancer on mortality remains unclear in such patients. We aimed to assess the impact of cancer on early and late, all-cause and cardiac mortality in the setting of ACS and/or PCI. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing outcomes of patients with and without a history of cancer admitted for ACS and/or PCI. RESULTS: Six studies including 294,528 ACS patients and three studies including 39,973 PCI patients were selected for our meta-analysis. Patients with cancer had increased rates of in-hospital all-cause death (RR 1.74 [1.22; 2.47]), cardiac death (RR 2.44 [1.73; 3.44]) and bleeding (RR 1.64 [1.35; 1.98]) as well as one-year all-cause death (RR 2.62 [1.2; 5.73]) and cardiac death (RR 1.89 [1.25; 2.86]) in ACS studies. Rates of long term all-cause (RR 1.96 [1.52; 2.53]) but not cardiac death were higher in cancer patients admitted for PCI. CONCLUSION: Cancer patients represent a high-risk population both in the acute phase and at long-term after an ACS or PCI. The magnitude of the risk of mortality should however be tempered by the heterogeneity among studies. Early and long term optimal management of such patients should be promoted in clinical practice.

Residual platelet reactivity, thrombus burden and myocardial reperfusion in patients treated by PCI after successful pre-hospital fibrinolysis compared to primary PCI.

We compared residual platelet reactivity and post PCI atherothrombotic burden using OFDI in patients successfully treated by primary PCI versus pharmacoinvasive approach (PI) defined as PCI after successful pre-hospital fibrinolysis. Despite pre-hospital P2Y12-inhibitor loading dose, high rates of high on-treatment platelet reactivity were found at the time of PCI in both groups. Primary PCI patients had higher post stenting thrombus burden and lower rates of final normal myocardial blush grade compared to PI. These findings support the use of a pharmacoinvasive reperfusion strategy especially when primary PCI cannot be timely performed.

Plaque erosion versus rupture characterization by optical frequency domain imaging before and after coronary stenting following successful fibrinolysis for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Intracoronary thrombus burden affects the quality of myocardial reperfusion in the setting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to study the characteristics of the plaque and thrombus assessed by intracoronary optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) according to the presence of plaque rupture or erosion in STEMI patients treated with successful fibrinolysis. Pre-stenting thrombus and post-stenting atherothrombotic burden were compared between plaque rupture and erosion. Twenty-seven consecutive patients were included: 17 (63%) had OFDI-plaque rupture and 10 (37%) had OFDI-erosion. Thrombus volume and burden were significantly higher in case of rupture compared to erosion at baseline (13.4 ± 18.4 vs 2.8 ± 2.3 mm3; p = 0.03 and 33.8 ± 17.5 vs 17.5 ± 9.9%; p = 0.007, respectively). In the rupture group, the core of the thrombus consisted dominantly of red thrombus evenly distributed along the entire culprit plaque. In the erosion group, it consisted dominantly of white thrombus with a focal distribution near the minimal lumen area zone. After stenting, the atherothrombotic volume, burden and its distribution, as well as angiographic estimators of myocardial reperfusion were similar between groups. Our study showed that pre-PCI thrombus amount, typesetting and distribution are mainly linked to the underlying mechanism of STEMI. After stenting, the atherothrombotic burden and its distribution were similar between the groups.

Angles between the aortic root and the left ventricle assessed by MDCT are associated with the risk of aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the angles quantified by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) between the ascending aorta's long axis and, the left ventricular inflow long axis (LVLA), or the left ventricule outflow tract long axis, and the occurrence of post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) aortic regurgitation (AR). METHODS: We prospectively included 136 consecutive patients who underwent a transfemoral TAVR with a preoperative MDCT. The groups were defined according to AR <2 or ≥2 assessed by echocardiography at 1 month. RESULTS: AR ≥2 identified in 21 patients (15.4%), was associated with increased rates of mortality (p value 0.02) and heart failure (p value 0.001) at 1-year follow-up. The aorta-LVLA angle was significantly higher in patients with AR ≥2 (130.5° ± 8.8° vs. 124.6° ± 9.5°; p = 0.009). On univariate analysis, aorta-LVLA angle was predictive of AR ≥2 [OR 1.07 per degree (1.02-1.13); p = 0.011]. After adjustment on annular calcification extent, the percentage of prosthesis-annular mismatch and the type of prosthesis, the relationship between aorta-LVLA angle and the risk of AR ≥2 remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that increased angulation between the ascending aorta and the LVLA is associated with higher rates of AR post-TAVR independent of other potential correlates.

Thrombus-aspiration through 5 Fr guiding catheter with transradial approach in acute coronary syndromes: feasibility of a mini-invasive strategy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of thrombus-aspiration through a 5 Fr guiding catheter with transradial approach in acute coronary syndromes. BACKGROUND: The use of thrombus-aspirating devices improves myocardial reperfusion but requires at least a 6 Fr guiding catheter. Transradial coronary interventions using a 5 Fr guiding catheter are attractive to reduce bleeding complications. METHODS: We retrospectively selected patients presenting acute coronary syndromes with angiographically visible thrombus who underwent thrombus-aspiration through radial access using a 4 Fr multipurpose catheter in a 5 Fr guiding catheter. We described clinical and angiographic characteristics of the cohort, and the procedure's technique, success and complications. RESULTS: Among the 34 included patients, 29 presented ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Complete resolution of the ST-segment elevation was effective in 93% of these patients. TIMI flow grade after thrombus-aspiration was significantly improved compared to baseline TIMI flow grade or after passage of the guidewire (P < 0.001 for both). There was no dissection or perforation but we noted distal embolization in 5 cases probably explained by the high grade of intracoronary thrombus in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Thrombus-aspiration through a 5 Fr guiding catheter with transradial approach seems to be safe and effective in selected patients with acute coronary syndrome. This mini-invasive approach brought the advantages of the transradial access in 5 Fr but also its limitations.

Percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy for left heart discharge in extracorporeal life support patients with persistent pulmonary edema.

AIMS: In severe myocardial dysfunction, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) can preserve organ perfusion. Occasionally, the high resulting afterload can lead to refractory pulmonary edema. We report our experience with percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy used in this circumstance to discharge the left heart and prevent worsening pulmonary congestion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between October 2002 and December 2009, 5 patients, with a mean age of 39 years, who were under peripheral ECLS underwent percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy for refractory worsening pulmonary edema as determined by clinical, radiological, and echocardiographic criteria. Myocardial dysfunction was related to drug poisoning in 2 cases and to myocarditis in the 3 others. Atrioseptostomy successfully improved pulmonary edema and echocardiographic indices of left ventricular function in all cases. Four patients were eventually discharged. The fifth patient died in hospital due to multiorgan failure. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy appeared to be a rapid, effective, and minimally invasive technique for offloading the left heart of patients with a reversible cardiac dysfunction under ECLS and suffering from refractory pulmonary edema.

Impact of wait times on late postprocedural mortality after successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Wait times are associated with mortality on waiting list for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Whether longer wait times are associated with long term mortality after successful TAVR remains unassessed. Consecutive patients successfully treated with elective TAVR in our center between January 2013 and August 2019 were included. The primary end point was one-year all-cause mortality. TAVR wait times were defined as the interval from referral date for valve replacement to the date of TAVR procedure. A total of 383 patients were included with a mean wait time of 144.2 ± 83.87 days. Death occurred in 55 patients (14.4%) at one year. Increased wait times were independently associated with a relative increase of 1-year mortality by 2% per week after referral (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 1.02 [1.002-1.04]; p = 0.02) for TAVR. Chronic kidney disease, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 30%, access site and STS score were other independent correlates of 1-year mortality. Our study shows that wait times are relatively long in routine practice and associated with increased 1-year mortality after successful TAVR. Such findings underscore the need of strategies to minimize delays in access to TAVR.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors use in the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction in patients pre-treated with newer P2Y12 inhibitors.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate the safety and potential benefit of administrating glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) on top of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors. BACKGROUND: A number of clinical trials, performed at a time when pretreatment and potent platelet inhibition was not part of routine clinical practice, have documented clinical benefits of GPI in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients at the cost of a higher risk of bleeding. METHODS: We used the data of a prospective, ongoing registry of patients admitted for STEMI in our center. For the purpose of this study only patients presenting for primary percutaneous coronary intervention and pretreated with new P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor) were included. We compared patients who received GPI with those who did not. RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty-four STEMI patients were included in our registry; GPIs were used in 338 patients (41%). GPI patients presented more often with cardiogenic shock and Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade <3. GPI use was not associated with an increase in in-hospital or 3-month mortality. Bleeding endpoints were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that GPI may be used safely in combination with recent P2Y12 inhibitors in STEMI patients in association with modern primary percutaneous coronary intervention strategies (radial access and anticoagulation with enoxaparin) with similar bleeding and mortality rates at hospital discharge and 3-month follow-up.

Residual platelet reactivity after pre-treatment with ticagrelor prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with suboptimal myocardial reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of a clinical benefit of P2Y12 inhibitor pre-treatment in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the relation between the level of platelet inhibition and myocardial reperfusion with newer potent P2Y12 inhibitors remain unclear. We aimed to assess the relationship between platelet reactivity at the time of primary PCI after pre-treatment with aspirin and ticagrelor and the post-PCI myocardial blush grade (MBG). METHODS: We prospectively included 61 patients. Platelet reaction units for ticagrelor (PRU) and aspirin reaction units (ARU) were measured using the point-of-care test VerifyNow before PCI. The high on-ticagrelor (PRU >208) and on-aspirin (ARU ⩾ 550) platelet reactivity (HPR and HaPR) were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups according to MBG 3 or <3. RESULTS: MBG 3 was identified in 28 (46%) patients. Mean PRU was lower in such patients as compared with those with MBG <3 (155.82 ± 90.91 vs. 227.42 ± 65.18; p=0.001) while mean ARU was similar between groups. HPR and HaPR were observed in 30 (49.2%) and 11 patients (18%), respectively. HPR but not HaPR was more frequent in the group with impaired MBG (66.7 vs. 28.6%; p=0.003 and 21.2 vs. 14.3%; p=0.48 respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that higher PRU and the subsequent HPR at the time of primary PCI, after pretreatment with ticagrelor, are the only correlates of post PCI MBG. These findings support the earliest possible loading with ticagrelor prior to primary PCI.

Residual platelet reactivity after pre-treatment with ticagrelor prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with suboptimal myocardial reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of a clinical benefit of P2Y12 inhibitor pre-treatment in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the relation between the level of platelet inhibition and myocardial reperfusion with newer potent P2Y12 inhibitors remain unclear. We aimed to assess the relationship between platelet reactivity at the time of primary PCI after pre-treatment with aspirin and ticagrelor and the post-PCI myocardial blush grade (MBG). METHODS: We prospectively included 61 patients. Platelet reaction units for ticagrelor (PRU) and aspirin reaction units (ARU) were measured using the point-of-care test VerifyNow before PCI. The high on-ticagrelor (PRU >208) and on-aspirin (ARU ⩾ 550) platelet reactivity (HPR and HaPR) were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups according to MBG 3 or <3. RESULTS: MBG 3 was identified in 28 (46%) patients. Mean PRU was lower in such patients as compared with those with MBG <3 (155.82 ± 90.91 vs. 227.42 ± 65.18; p=0.001) while mean ARU was similar between groups. HPR and HaPR were observed in 30 (49.2%) and 11 patients (18%), respectively. HPR but not HaPR was more frequent in the group with impaired MBG (66.7 vs. 28.6%; p=0.003 and 21.2 vs. 14.3%; p=0.48 respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that higher PRU and the subsequent HPR at the time of primary PCI, after pretreatment with ticagrelor, are the only correlates of post PCI MBG. These findings support the earliest possible loading with ticagrelor prior to primary PCI.

Vitamin K antagonist vs direct oral anticoagulants with antiplatelet therapy in dual or triple therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention or acute coronary syndrome in atrial fibrillation: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The combination of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and antiplatelet agents following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with an increased bleeding risk. HYPOTHESIS: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are associated with a greater safety profile but the optimal antithrombotic treatment strategy, especially when considering ischemic events, is unclear. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing outcomes in AF patients following PCI and/or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) when treated with DOAC vs VKA, both in combination with one (dual) or two (triple) antiplatelet regimens. A systematic review was performed by searches of electronic databases MEDLINE (source PubMed) and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register Database as well as Cardiology annual meetings. Three studies were finally included. RESULTS: Compared to VKA triple therapy, the use of DOAC was associated with a decreased risk of any bleeding (relative risk [RR] 0.68 [0.62; 0.74]), major bleeding (RR 0.61 [0.51; 0.75]) and intracranial bleeding (RR 0.33 [0.17; 0.66]) and similar rates of the composite efficacy endpoint (RR 1.0 [0.87; 1.14]) and its components. Similar and consistent results were observed with both dual and triple therapy including a DOAC compared to VKA. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis supports the use of dual therapy combining a DOAC and clopidogrel as the default regimen in most AF patients after PCI and/or ACS.

Bedside mental status and outcome in elderly patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether mental status assessed by simple bedside tests in elderly patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) was associated with higher risk of mortality. METHODS: We used the data from a prospective, open, ongoing cohort of patients≥75 years old admitted for ACS to a tertiary centre. Cognitive impairment (CogI) was defined by delirium detected by the Confusion Assessment Method or an abnormal Mini Mental State Examination score. A Cox model adjusted on predefined correlates of mortality was used to assess the relationship between CogI and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Six-hundred consecutive patients with mental status assessment within 48 hours after admission were included. CogI was identified in 172 (29%) patients among whom 153 (25.5%) had an abnormal Mini Mental State Evaluation and 19 (3.2%) delirium. Death occurred in 49 (28.6%) patients with and 43 (10.5%) patients without CogI at 1 year. There was a significant association between CogI and 1-year mortality (adjusted-HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.53 to 3.62), p<0.001) independent of other covariables. CogI was also independently associated with higher rates of in-hospital bleeding and mortality as well as 3-month rates of all-cause, cardiovascular-related and heart failure-related rehospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: CogI detected by simple bedside tests in patients≥75 admitted for ACS is associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality and 3 month rehospitalisation independent of other correlates of poor outcome.

Recurrent unexpected myocardial infarction in a young woman: Insights on spontaneous coronary artery dissection and multimodality imaging.

A 45-year-old female was admitted for a transient anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Coronary angiogram showed a diffuse severe stenosis of the distal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, which was managed medically. Three years later, a recurrent transient anterior STEMI led to a second coronary angiography showing a tubular stenosis of the mid-LAD with normal distal coronary bed. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) with an extensive compressive mural hematoma without any intimal tear. Conservative treatment was continued. A repeat systematic angiogram 3months later suggested spontaneous healing but the OCT revealed several focal residual hematomas. This case illustrates the different possible angiographic appearances of SCAD and the contribution of the OCT in doubtful situations.

Coronary-pulmonary fistulas involving all three major coronary arteries co-existing with myocardial infarction.

We report the case of a man who presented with acute anterior myocardial infarction and in whom the coronary angiogram showed tight stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery and the right coronary artery associated with substantial coronary-pulmonary fistulas involving all three major coronary arteries. We discuss the possible links between coronary artery fistulas and myocardial infarction.

Left main coronary stenting in a non surgical octogenarian population: a possible approach.

Coronary artery bypass grafting is conventionally considered the standard treatment for significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. The management of LMCA disease in octogenarians is however still debated. The aim of this study was to appreciate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for LMCA disease in octogenarians who were denied for surgical revascularization. The study included 70 consecutive patients ≥80 years of age who had undergone PCI for the treatment of LMCA and who were primary denied by our center's heart team for surgical revascularization. Mean age was 83.4±2.6 years. Mean Euroscore was 21.1±16.7 and mean Syntax score was 28.6±8.7. Overall in-hospital mortality was 11%. Mean follow-up time was 30.5±24.2 months. Overall mortality at the end of follow-up was 28%. Cardiac death was found in 18 patients and 2 patients died from terminal renal insufficiency. One patient (2%) presented with a new STEMI, 7 (11.3%) with a new non-STEMI, 13 (21%) with heart failure, and 2 (3.2%) had minor hemorrhage. There was a percutaneous target vessel revascularization in 6 (10%) patients. During follow-up, the total major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular event (MACCE including death, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), or stroke) was 27.4%. Stent implantation was relatively safely applied for the treatment of LMCA disease in octogenarians who were refused for surgery and who represented a high risk population. Despite a non-negligible rate of MACCE, the clinical long term outcome seems correct for this specific population with heavy basal status.