Prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing left main percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing acute left main (LM) coronary artery revascularization have a high mortality and natriuretic peptides such as N-terminal pro-B-type (NT-proBNP) have been shown to have prognostic value in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The present study looked at the prognostic value of NT-proBNP in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied all consecutive patients undergoing acute LM coronary artery percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2005 and December 2008 in whom NT-proBNP was measured (n=71). We analyzed the clinical characteristics and the short- and long-term outcomes in relation to NT-proBNP level at admission. Median NT-proBNP was 1,364 ng/L, ranging from 46 to 70,000 ng/L. NT-proBNP was elevated in 63 (89%) patients and was ≥1,000ng/L in 42 (59%). Log NT-proBNP (hazard ratio [HR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-7.97, P=0.003) and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.95, 95%CI 0.91-0.99, P=0.007) were predictors for all-cause mortality. Log NT-proBNP was the only independent significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality. In-hospital mortality was 0% for patients with NT-proBNP <1,000, but 17% for those with NT-proBNP ≥1,000 (P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP is a strong predictor of outcome in patients undergoing acute LM coronary artery stenting. Mortality in such patients is high, but those with NT-proBNP < 1,000ng/L may have a favorable short- and long-term prognosis. Further research, including a larger patient population, is needed to determine the optimal cut-off value for NT-proBNP in patients undergoing acute LM coronary artery intervention.

Associated vascular lesions in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

AIM: To identify vascular abnormalities in patients presenting with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). METHODS: We performed a whole-body MR angiography and a duplex sonography of the renal and carotid arteries in 12 patients (9 women, 3 men) with SCAD to identify vascular abnormalities. RESULTS: MR angiography revealed abnormalities of the renal arteries in 3/12 patients (25%). All 3 patients were women, 2 presented with changes suggesting fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), 1 had a spontaneous renal artery dissection. No other vascular abnormalities were identified in any of the patients. Duplex sonography confirmed MR findings and showed non-significant renal artery stenoses in both patients with FMD. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities of the renal arteries were found in 3/12 (25%) of the patients with SCAD. No other vascular abnormalities were identified. Additional diagnostic tests of the renal arteries such as renal artery angiography or duplex sonography may be considered in patients presenting with SCAD.