Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) with cardiac arrest at presentation: A subanalysis from the DISCO registry.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which primarily affects young women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, often presenting as sudden cardiac death. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, predictors, and outcomes of cardiac arrest in SCAD patients. METHODS: The DISCO IT/SPA registry, an international retrospective multicenter study, enrolled 375 SCAD patients from 26 centers in Italy and Spain. Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of cardiac arrest at admission. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, angiographic findings, and outcomes were collected. Angiograms were independently reviewed, and outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and in-hospital bleeding. RESULTS: Among 375 SCAD patients, 20 (5.3%) presented with cardiac arrest. Both groups were similar in age, gender distribution, and conventional risk factors, except for a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia in the cardiac arrest group. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation and angiographic type 2b were independent predictors of cardiac arrest. Revascularization was more frequent in the cardiac arrest group. In-hospital outcomes, except for longer hospitalization, did not differ. On follow-up (average 21 months), MACE rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac arrest is a notable complication in SCAD, mostly presenting with ventricular fibrillation. The prognosis of SCAD patients presenting with cardiac arrest did not differ from those without, reporting a similar rate of events both in-hospital and during long-term follow-up. STEMI presentation and angiographic type 2b were identified as independent predictors of cardiac arrest in SCAD.

Safety and effectiveness of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes: insights from the SPUM-ACS study.

AIMS: Data on Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) use in real world ACS patients following the introduction of potent P2Y12 inhibitors and newer generation stents are scant. Here, we aimed to assess the utilization, effectiveness, and safety of GPI in a large prospective multi-centre cohort of contemporary ACS patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: SPUM-ACS prospectively recruited patients presenting with ACS between 2009 and 2017. The primary endpoint of the present study was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal stroke at one year. Secondary endpoints were defined as any bleeding events, BARC 3-5 bleeding, and net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE). A total of 4395 ACS patients were included in the analysis. GPI-treated patients had more total coronary artery occlusion (56% vs 35%, p<0.001) and thrombus (60% vs 35%, p<0.001) at angiography. Among the propensity score matched (PSM) population (1992 patients equally split into two groups), GPI-treated patients showed lower risk of MACE (PSM adjusted HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49-0.99), but a higher risk of any (PSM adj HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06-1.99) and major bleedings (PSM adj HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.09-2.76), resulting in a neutral effect on NACE (PSM adj HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.65-1.17). These results remained consistent across all subgroups. CONCLUSION: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI and receiving potent P2Y12 inhibitors, we observed a reduced risk of MACE and an increased risk of major bleedings at 1 year in patients treated with GPI. Although the routine use of GPI is currently not recommended, they might be considered in selected patients following a personalized balancing between ischaemic and bleeding risks.

Single versus dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years, percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) has become a plausible alternative in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. Nevertheless, the optimal antiplatelet strategy following percutaneous LAAO remains to be defined. METHODS: Studies comparing single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) versus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following LAAO were systematically searched and screened. The outcomes of interest were ischemic stroke, device-related thrombus (DRT) and major bleeding. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed comparing outcomes in both groups. The moderator effect of baseline characteristics on outcomes was evaluated by univariate meta-regression analyses. RESULTS: Sixteen observational studies with 3255 patients treated with antiplatelet therapy (SAPT, n = 1033; DAPT, n = 2222) after LAAO were included. Mean age was 74.5 ± 8.3 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.3 ± 1.5 and 3.2 ± 1.0, respectively. At a weighted mean follow-up of 12.7 months, the occurrence of stroke (RR 1.33; 95% CI 0.64-2.77; p =.44), DRT (RR 1.52; 95% CI 0.90-2.58; p =.12), and the composite of stroke and DRT (RR 1.26; 95% CI 0.67-2.37; p =.47) did not differ significantly between SAPT and DAPT groups. The rate of major bleedings was also not different between groups (RR 1.41; 95% CI 0.64-3.12; p =.39). CONCLUSIONS: Among AF patients at high bleeding risk undergoing percutaneous LAAO, a post-procedural minimalistic antiplatelet strategy with SAPT did not significantly differ from DAPT regimens regarding the rate of stroke, DRT and major bleeding.

Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents for patients at high risk of bleedings: A network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Among different coronary stents implanted in High Bleeding Risk (HBR) patients with an indication for short antiplatelet therapy, no comparisons in terms of efficacy have been provided. METHODS: A Network Meta Analysis was performed including all randomized controlled trials comparing different coronary stents evaluated in HBR patients. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) as defined by each included trial were the primary end point, whereas TLR (target lesion revascularization), TVR (target vessel revascularization), stent thrombosis and total and major (BARC3-5) bleedings were the secondary ones. RESULTS: A total of four studies (ONYX ONE, LEADERS FREE, SENIOR and HBR in BIO-RESORT) including 6637 patients were analyzed with different kind of stents and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) length (1 or 6 months) on 12 months follow-up. About one-third of these patients were defined HBR due to indication for oral anticoagulation. All drug eluting stents (DESs) reduced risk of MACE compared to Bare Metal Stents (BMSs) when followed by a 1-month DAPT. At SUCRA analysis, Orsiro was the device with the highest probability of performing best. Rates of TLR and TVR were significantly lower when using Resolute Onyx, Synergy and BioFreedom stents in comparison to BMS when followed by 1-month DAPT, with Synergy ranking best. Synergy also showed a significantly lower number of stent thrombosis compared to BMS (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06-0.93), while Orsiro and Resolute Integrity showed the highest probability of performing best. CONCLUSION: In HBRs patients, all DESs were superior to BMSs in terms of efficacy and safety. Among DESs, Orsiro was the one with the highest ranking in terms of MACE, mainly driven by a reduced incidence of repeated revascularization and stent thrombosis.

Impact of endothelial shear stress on coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression and composition: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intracoronary pressure gradients and translesional flow patterns have been correlated with coronary plaque progression and lesion destabilization. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between endothelial shear stress and plaque progression and to evaluate the effect of shear forces on coronary plaque features. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in medical on-line databases. Selected were studies including human participants who underwent coronary anatomy assessment with computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based wall shear stress (WSS) calculation at baseline with anatomical evaluation at follow-up. A total of six studies were included for data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis encompassed 31'385 arterial segments from 136 patients. Lower translesional WSS values were significantly associated with a reduction in lumen area (mean difference -0.88, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.62), an increase in plaque burden (mean difference 4.32, 95% CI 1.65 to 6.99), and an increase in necrotic core area (mean difference 0.02, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.03) at follow-up imaging. Elevated WSS values were associated with an increase in lumen area (mean difference 0.78, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.21) and a reduction in both fibrofatty (mean difference -0.02, 95% CI -0.03 to -0.01) and fibrous plaque areas (mean difference -0.03, 95% CI -0.03 to -0.03). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that WSS parameters were related to vulnerable plaque features at follow-up. These results emphasize the impact of endothelial shear forces on coronary plaque growth and composition. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the role of WSS in guiding clinical decision-making.

Impact of statin adherence and interruption within 6 months after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): Results from the real-world regional registry FAST-STEMI.

BACKGROUND: The impact of statin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes after ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) in real- world patients is understudied. AIMS: To identify predictors of low adherence and discontinuation to statin therapy within 6 months after STEMI and to estimate their impact on cardiovascular outcomes at one year follow-up. METHODS: We evaluated real-world adherence to statin therapy by comparing the number of bought tablets to the expected ones at 1 year follow-up through pharmacy registries. A total of 6043 STEMI patients admitted from 2012 to 2017 were enrolled in the FAST STEMI registry and followed up for 4,7 ± 1,6 years; 304 patients with intraprocedural and intrahospital deaths were excluded. The main outcomes evaluated were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, major and minor bleeding events, and ischemic stroke. The compliance cut-off chosen was 80% as mainly reported in literature. RESULTS: From a total of 5744 patients, 418 (7,2%) patients interrupted statin therapy within 6 months after STEMI, whereas 3337 (58,1%) presented >80% adherence to statin therapy. Statin optimal adherence (>80%) resulted as protective factor towards both cardiovascular (0.1% vs 4.6%; AdjHR 0.025, 95%CI 0.008-0.079, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (0.3% vs 13.4%; Adj HR 0.032, 95%CI 0.018-0.059, p < 0.001) at 1 year follow-up. Further, a significant reduction of ischemic stroke incidence (1% vs 2.5%, p = 0.001) was seen in the optimal adherent group. Statin discontinuation within 6 months after STEMI showed an increase of both cardiovascular (5% vs 1.7%; AdjHR 2.23; 95%CI 1.37-3.65; p = 0,001) and all-cause mortality (14.8% vs 5.1%, AdjHR 2.32; 95%CI 1.73-3.11; p ã€ˆ0,001) at 1 year follow-up. After multivariate analysis age over 75 years old, known ischemic cardiopathy and female gender resulted as predictors of therapy discontinuation. Age over 75 years old, chronic kidney disease, previous atrial fibrillation, vasculopathy, known ischemic cardiopathy were found to be predictors of low statin adherence. CONCLUSIONS: n our real-world registry low statin adherence and discontinuation therapy within 6 months after STEMI were independently associated to an increase of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality at 1 year follow-up. Low statin adherence led to higher rates of ischemic stroke.

Long-term impact of intravascular ultrasound-guidance for percutaneous coronary intervention on unprotected left main. The IMPACTUS-LM, an observational, multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: The potential benefit on long term outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) on Unprotected Left Main (ULM) driven by IntraVascular UltraSound (IVUS) remains to be defined. METHODS: IMPACTUS LM-PCI is an observational, multicenter study that enrolled consecutive patients with ULM disease undergoing coronary angioplasty in 13 European high-volume centers from January 2002 to December 2015. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, target vessel revascularization (TVR) and myocardial infarction (MI) were the primary endpoints, while its single components along with all cause death the secondary ones. RESULTS: 627 patients with ULM disease were enrolled, 213 patients (34%) underwent IVUS-guided PCI while 414 (66%) angioguided PCI. Patients in the two cohorts had similar prevalence of risk factors except for active smoking and clinical presentation. During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, 47 (22%) patients in the IVUS group and 211 (51%) in the angio-guided group underwent the primary endpoint (HR 0.42; 95% CI [0.31-0.58] p < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, IVUS was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of the primary endpoint (adj HR 0.39; 95% CI [0.23-0.64], p < 0.001), mainly driven by a reduction of TVR (ad HR 0.30, 95% CI [0.15-0.62], p = 0.001) and of all-cause death (adj HR 0.47, 95% CI [0.28-0.82], p = 0.008). IVUS use, age, diabetes, side branch stenosis, DES and creatinine at admission were independent predictors of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing ULM PCI, the use of IVUS was associated with a reduced risk at long-term follow-up of MACE, all-cause death and subsequent revascularization.

The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications.

The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a pivotal role in cardiac homeostasis as well as in cardiac pathology. The first level of cardiac autonomic control, the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), is located within the epicardial fat pads and is physically organized in ganglionated plexi (GPs). The ICNS system does not only contain parasympathetic cardiac efferent neurons, as long believed, but also afferent neurons and local circuit neurons. Thanks to its high degree of connectivity, combined with neuronal plasticity and memory capacity, the ICNS allows for a beat-to-beat control of all cardiac functions and responses as well as integration with extracardiac and higher centers for longer-term cardiovascular reflexes. The present review provides a detailed overview of the current knowledge of the bidirectional connection between the ICNS and the most studied cardiac pathologies/conditions (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart transplant) and the potential therapeutic implications. Indeed, GP modulation with efferent activity inhibition, differently achieved, has been studied for atrial fibrillation and functional bradyarrhythmias, while GP modulation with efferent activity stimulation has been evaluated for myocardial infarction, heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical therapy has the unique potential to allow for both kinds of ICNS modulation while preserving the anatomical integrity of the system.

Safety and efficacy of bempedoic acid: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bempedoic Acid (BA) is a novel Lipid-Lowering Therapy (LLT). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of BA in patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases were searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of BA compared with placebo. Trials investigating dosages other than 180 mg/die were excluded. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary efficacy endpoint. LDL-cholesterol reduction was the primary laboratory endpoint. Pre-specified safety endpoints included muscle-related adverse events, new-onset diabetes, and gout. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (temporary ID:399,867). RESULTS: Study search identified 275 deduplicated results. 11 studies, encompassing 18,315 patients (9854 on BA vs 8461 on placebo/no treatment) were included. BA was associated with a reduced risk of MACE (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.95), myocardial infarction (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.88) and unstable angina (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54-0.88) compared to control, over a median follow up of 87 (15-162) weeks. BA was associated with a reduction of LDL-Cholesterol (mean difference [MD]-22.42,95% CI - 24.02% to - 20.82%), total cholesterol (- 16.50%,95% - 19.21% to - 13.79%), Apo-B lipoprotein (- 19.55%, - 22.68% to - 16.42%) and high-sensitivity CRP (- 27.83%, - 31.71% to - 23.96%) at 12 weeks. BA was associated with a higher risk of gout (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27-1.90) as compared with placebo. Efficacy on laboratory endpoints was confirmed, with a variable extent, across patients on statin or ezetimibe background therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The improved cholesterol control achieved with BA translates into a reduced risk of MACE, including myocardial infarction and coronary revascularisation. The drug has a satisfactory safety profile except for an increased risk of gout.

Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Left-Atrial Appendage Occlusion with Conscious Sedation without an Anesthesiologist on Site: Results from a Multicenter Study.

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous left-atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an important therapeutic option for preventing cardioembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) at high risk of thromboembolic events and with contraindications for oral anticoagulation (OAC). It is usually performed with transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) guidance under general anesthesia (GA). In this retrospective study, we present a multicenter experience of LAA occlusion performed with conscious sedation (CS) without an anesthesiologist on site. Materials and Methods: All the patients on the waiting list for LAA occlusion procedure at Infermi Hospital, Rivoli, and San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Orbassano, from October 2018 to October 2022 were analyzed. All the procedures were performed with a Watchman/FLX LAA closure device under TOE and fluoroscopic guidance without an anesthesiologist on site. CS was performed with a combination of midazolam and fentanyl as needed. Results: One-hundred fifteen patients were included (age 76.4 ± 7.6 years, median CHA2DS2Vasc 4.4 ± 1.4). CS was performed using midazolam (mean dose 5.9 ± 2.1 mg), adding fentanyl for thirty-nine (33.9%) patients in case of poor tolerance for the procedure despite midazolam. The acute procedural success rate was 99.1%. We observed seven acute severe complications. No patients needed anesthesiological assistance during the procedure, and no cases of respiratory failure necessitating ventilation were reported. In a follow-up after 10 ± 9 months, one case of stroke (0.9%) and one case (0.9%) of transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred. Conclusions: LAA occlusion performed under CS and without the presence of an anesthesiologist on site appears to be safe and effective. It can be an attractive alternative to general anesthesia (GA), as fewer resources are required.

Interventional Versus Conservative Strategy in Patients With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections: Insights From DISCO Registry.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection remains debated. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the DISCO (Dissezioni Spontanee Coronariche) Registry up to December 2020 were included. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events, a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Independent predictors of PCI and medical management were investigated. RESULTS: Among 369 patients, 129 (35%) underwent PCI, whereas 240 (65%) were medically managed. ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (68% versus 35%, P<0.001), resuscitated cardiac arrest (9% versus 3%, P<0.001), proximal coronary segment involvement (32% versus 7%, P<0.001), and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow 0 to 1 (54% versus 20%, P<0.001) were more frequent in the PCI arm. In-hospital event rates were similar. Between patients treated with PCI and medical therapy, there were no differences in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events at 2 years (13.9% versus 11.7%, P=0.467), all-cause death (0.7% versus 0.4%, P=0.652), myocardial infarction (9.3% versus 8.3%, P=0.921) and repeat PCI (12.4% versus 8.7%, P=0.229). ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction at presentation (odds ratio [OR], 3.30 [95% CI, 1.56-7.12]; P=0.002), proximal coronary segment involvement (OR, 5.43 [95% CI, 1.98-16.45]; P=0.002), Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0 to 1 and 2 (respectively, OR, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.08-9.96]; P=0.038; and OR, 3.98 [95% CI, 1.38-11.80]; P=0.009) and luminal narrowing (OR per 5% increase, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.01-1.28]; P=0.037) were predictors of PCI, whereas the 2B-angiographic subtype predicted medical management (OR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.07-0.83]; P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation and procedural variables drive the choice of the initial therapeutic approach in spontaneous coronary artery dissection. If PCI is needed, it seems to be associated with a similar risk of short-to-mid-term adverse events compared to medical treatment. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT04415762.

Clinical and angiographic features of SCAD type 4.

INTRODUCTION: The angiographic type 4 in SCAD is described as a total occlusion of the coronary artery and its management may differ according to its clinical presentation. We previously have observed that these patients present a low incidence of adverse events. Our objective was to describe clinical and angiographic characteristics of this condition, according to its initial management in the DISCO registry. METHODS: We conducted an observational study of consecutive SCAD patients from 26 centres of Italy and Spain (DISCO registry). Angiotype 4 SCAD cases were selected and classified according to the initial treatment chosen: conservative management vs. percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clinical and angiographic characteristics were compared. RESULTS: We recruited 81 (mean age 52.6 ± 11 years) patients with SCAD angiotype 4 out of 302 patients of the DISCO registry. Thirty-eight (46.9%) patients received conservative management and 43 (53.1%) received PCI. Nearly all patients undergoing PCI had ST-segment elevation (93% vs 47.4%, p < 0.0001), the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was more commonly involved (67.4% vs. 42.1%, p = 0.006), and they had more frequent proximal segment involvement (25.6% vs 2.7%, p = 0.004) and longer lesions (46.5 ± 23.2 mm vs 26.4 ± 18.8 mm, p = 0.017). On the other hand, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (52.6% vs 2.3%, p = 0.001) and isolated involvement of secondary branches (55.3 vs 4.7, p < 0.0001) were more common in the conservative management group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SCAD angiotype 4 who underwent PCI had a higher frequency of STEMI and involvement of proximal and longer coronary segments, particularly affecting the left anterior descending artery. NSTEMI and isolated involvement of secondary branches were more frequently found in those managed conservatively.

Association between hormone therapy and short-term cardiovascular events in women with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Changes in sex hormone levels are a known triggering factor for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in women. However, it is unknown whether exposure to exogenous hormone therapy (HT) at the time of SCAD presentation modifies the clinical course of this condition. We investigated the association between HT in female patients presenting with SCAD and short-term clinical outcomes. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients presenting with SCAD from the DISCO-IT/SPA (dissezioni spontanee coronariche Italian-Spanish) registry. Women on HT (estrogens, progestagens, or gonadotropins) at the time of presentation were identified, and their clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared with those not receiving active HT. The outcome measure was nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention during the first 28 days after the index catheterization. RESULTS: Of 224 women presenting with SCAD (mean age 52.0±10.0 years), 39 (17.4%) were currently using HT while 185 (82.6%) were not. No significant differences were noted in the baseline demographics, clinical presentation, angiographic features, or initial treatment received between the 2 groups. All patients on systemic HT (n=36, 92%) discontinued it at the time of diagnosis. The composite outcome occurred in 7 (17.9%) patients with prior HT compared with 14 (7.6%) without (P=.039). After multivariable adjustment, HT remained associated with the composite outcome recorded in the first 28 days of follow-up (HR, 3.53; 95%CI, 1.30-9.61; P=.013). CONCLUSIONS: In women with SCAD, exposure to HT at the time of clinical presentation was associated with short-term recurrent cardiovascular events such as nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or unplanned percutaneous revascularization.

[Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: update on treatment and strategies to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway]. / La dissezione coronarica spontanea: update sul trattamento e sulle strategie per migliorare il percorso diagnostico-terapeutico.

Spontaneous coronary dissection is an infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome, which has been understood only recently in terms of pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment. In particular, new evidence has emerged on its treatment in the interventional and medical fields, especially on the management of antiplatelet therapy, which is presented in this review; moreover, the local experience of the registry of spontaneous coronary dissections DISCO and its role in improving the management of these patients are reported.

Characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing carotid stenting: Experience of a high-volume interventional cardiology center.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an attractive option in order to treat carotid artery stenosis. However, its safety in elderly patients is questioned. Aim of this single-center retrospective study was to assess data of elderly patients undergoing CAS, and to compare them with those of the younger (< 75 years). METHODS: We collected data of 580 consecutive patients undergoing CAS between December 2007 and June 2020 and compared clinical and procedural characteristics as well as in-hospital major adverse events (MACCE) and long-term mortality between patients < 75 years and patients ≥ 75 years old. RESULTS: There were 272 patients (46.9%) with age ≥ 75 years and 308 patients (53.1%) with age < 75 years. The median follow-up was 48 months (range 2-144). There was no significant difference about in-hospital MACCE between the two groups (4.7% in the older vs. 3.5% in the younger group, p = 0.9), but a higher rate of cerebral hemorrhage occurred in the older group (1.8% vs. = 0.3%, p = 0.07), even if not significant. Long-term mortality was significantly higher in the older group (27.9 vs. 20.1%, p = 0.027). Multivariate predictors of 12-months mortality were neurologic symptoms within 6 months (OR: 4.83; 95% CI: 2.04-11.42; p ≤ 0.001), smoking status (OR: 2.84; 95% CI: 1.17-6.86; p = 0.02) and age ≥ 75 years (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.14-6.76; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients, CAS can be carried out efficaciously with acceptable procedural risks, if performed by expert operators and after a correct selection by a multidisciplinary team.

Antiplatelet therapy in patients with conservatively managed spontaneous coronary artery dissection from the multicentre DISCO registry.

AIMS: The role of antiplatelet therapy in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) undergoing initial conservative management is still a matter of debate, with theoretical arguments in favour and against its use. The aims of this article are to assess the use of antiplatelet drugs in medically treated SCAD patients and to investigate the relationship between single (SAPT) and dual (DAPT) antiplatelet regimens and 1-year patient outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the 1-year outcome of patients with SCAD managed with initial conservative treatment included in the DIssezioni Spontanee COronariche (DISCO) multicentre international registry. Patients were divided into two groups according to SAPT or DAPT prescription. Primary endpoint was 12-month incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Out of 314 patients included in the DISCO registry, we investigated 199 patients in whom SCAD was managed conservatively. Most patients were female (89%), presented with acute coronary syndrome (92%) and mean age was 52.3 ± 9.3 years. Sixty-seven (33.7%) were given SAPT whereas 132 (66.3%) with DAPT. Aspirin plus either clopidogrel or ticagrelor were prescribed in 62.9% and 36.4% of DAPT patients, respectively. Overall, a 14.6% MACE rate was observed at 12 months of follow-up. Patients treated with DAPT had a significantly higher MACE rate than those with SAPT [18.9% vs. 6.0% hazard ratios (HR) 2.62; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.22-5.61; P = 0.013], driven by an early excess of non-fatal MI or unplanned PCI. At multiple regression analysis, type 2a SCAD (OR: 3.69; 95% CI 1.41-9.61; P = 0.007) and DAPT regimen (OR: 4.54; 95% CI 1.31-14.28; P = 0.016) resulted independently associated with a higher risk of 12-month MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In this European registry, most patients with SCAD undergoing initial conservative management received DAPT. Yet, at 1-year follow-up, DAPT, as compared with SAPT, was independently associated with a higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events (ClinicalTrial.gov id: NCT04415762).

Clinical outcomes by angiographic type of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly diagnosed cause of myocardial infarction. Although different SCAD angiographic classifications exist, their clinical impact remains unknown. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between an angiographic classification and the development of adverse clinical events during the follow-up of a large, unselected cohort of patients with SCAD. METHODS: We conducted an observational study of consecutive SCAD patients from 26 centres across Italy and Spain. Cases were classified into five different angiotypes according to the latest classification endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology. The main composite endpoint included all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any unplanned revascularisation. RESULTS: In total, 302 SCAD patients (mean age 51.8±19 years) were followed up for a median of 22 months (IQR 12-48). At 28 days, the composite outcome was higher for the angiotypes with a circumscribed contained intramural haematoma (2A and 3): 20.0% vs 5.4%, p<0.001 (non-fatal MI: 11.0% vs 3.5%, p=0.009; unplanned revascularisation: 11.0% vs 2.5%, p<0.001). This was sustained during follow-up (24.5% vs 9.9%, p=0.001). There were no differences in mortality (0.3% overall). The presence of an angiotype 2A or 3 was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of the composite outcome (adjusted HR 2.44, CI: 1.24-4.80, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The SCAD angiographic classification correlates with outcome. Those presenting with an angiographically circumscribed contained intramural haematoma (angiotypes 2A and 3) showed an increased risk of short-term adverse clinical events that was maintained during follow-up.