Intravascular ultrasound-guided management of large thrombus burden in an aneurysmal coronary artery in a young male.

Management of acute thrombotic occlusion of coronary artery aneurysms is challenging with a lack of randomized trial evidence. We report an unusual case of a 30-year-old Indian Australian male who presented with an extensive anterior STEMI because of very large thrombus burden in a dilated proximal left anterior descending artery. A relatively conservative treatment approach comprising emergency aspiration thrombectomy and ongoing infusion of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, guided by surveillant inpatient angiography and intravascular ultrasound, helped achieve a satisfactory outcome in a complex setting in which percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stenting were not desirable. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evidence-based care in a population with chronic kidney disease and acute coronary syndrome. Findings from the Australian Cooperative National Registry of Acute Coronary Care, Guideline Adherence and Clinical Events (CONCORDANCE).

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) guidelines recommend that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) be offered the same therapies as other high-risk ACS patients with normal renal function. Our objective was to describe the gaps in evidence-based care offered to patients with ACS and concomitant CKD. METHODS: Patients presenting to 41 Australian hospitals with suspected ACS were stratified by presence of CKD (glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min). Receipt of evidence-based care including, coronary angiography (CA), evidence-based discharge medications (EBMs), and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) referral, were compared between patients with and without CKD. Hospital and clinical factors that predicted receipt of care were determined using multilevel multivariable stepwise logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 4,778 patients admitted with suspected ACS, 1,227 had CKD. On univariate analyses, patients with CKD were less likely to undergo CA (59.1% vs 85.0%, P < .0001) or receive EBM (69.4% vs 78.7%, P < .0001), or were offered CR (49.5% vs 68.0%, P < .0001). After adjusting for patient characteristics and clustering by hospital, CKD remained an independent predictor of not undergoing CA only (odds ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.37-0.61). Within the CKD cohort, presenting to a hospital with a catheterization laboratory was the strongest predictor of undergoing CA (odds ratio 3.07, 95% CI 1.91-4.93). CONCLUSION: The presence of CKD independently predicts failure to undergo CA but not failure to receive EBM or CR, which is predicted by comorbidities. Among the CKD population, performance of CA is largely determined by admission to a catheterization capable hospital. Targeting these patients through standardization of care across institutions offers opportunities to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.

Sheathless transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the direct aortic approach.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an accepted alternate treatment modality to surgical aortic valve replacement in high surgical risk patients. There remains, however, a subset of patients in whom safe delivery of a TAVR device cannot be achieved by the femoral or subclavian routes. In such cases the direct aortic or transapical routes can be used though this still requires suitable anatomy. We present the first reported case of a direct aortic TAVR using a sheathless technique in order to provide sufficient distance to safely deliver the prosthesis.

The next era of transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a case illustrating the benefit of a fully re-positionable, re-sheathable, and retrievable prosthesis.

While transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an accepted treatment modality in appropriately selected patients there remain modest complication rates. New TAVR devices, through novel design features, may overcome some of these complications. We present the first case of full re-sheathing and retrieval of a Lotus Valve to facilitate a change in prosthesis size.

Transfemoral aortic valve replacement with the repositionable Lotus Valve System in high surgical risk patients: the REPRISE I study.

AIMS: To assess outcomes with a new fully repositionable and retrievable valve for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS AND RESULTS: The Lotus Aortic Valve System is designed to facilitate precise positioning and minimise paravalvular regurgitation. REPRISE I enrolled symptomatic, high-surgical-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The primary endpoint (clinical procedural success) included successful implantation without major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCE). In all patients (N=11) the first Lotus Valve was successfully deployed. Partial resheathing to facilitate accurate placement was attempted and successfully performed in four patients; none required full retrieval. The primary endpoint was achieved in 9/11 with no in-hospital MACCE in 10/11. There was one major stroke; in another patient, discharge mean aortic gradient was 22 mmHg (above the primary endpoint threshold of 20 mmHg), but improved to 15 mmHg at 30 days. The cohort's mean aortic gradient decreased from 53.9±20.9 mmHg at baseline to 15.4±4.6 mmHg (p<0.001) at one year; valve area increased from 0.7±0.2 cm2 to 1.5±0.2 cm2 (p<0.001). Discharge paravalvular aortic regurgitation, adjudicated by an independent core laboratory, was mild (n=2), trivial (n=1), or absent (n=8). Four patients required a permanent pacemaker post-procedure. There were no deaths, myocardial infarctions or new strokes through one year. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results support proof-of-concept with the Lotus Valve for TAVR.

320-row CT coronary angiography predicts freedom from revascularisation and acts as a gatekeeper to defer invasive angiography in stable coronary artery disease: a fractional flow reserve-correlated study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy of 320-row multidetector coronary computed tomography angiography (M320-CCTA) to detect functional stenoses using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard and to predict revascularisation in stable coronary artery disease. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen patients (230 vessels) underwent M320-CCTA and FFR assessment and were followed for 18 months. Diameter stenosis on invasive angiography (ICA) and M320-CCTA were assessed by consensus by two observers and significant stenosis was defined as ≥50%. FFR ≤0.8 indicated functionally significant stenoses. RESULTS: M320-CCTA had 94% sensitivity and 94% negative predictive value (NPV) for FFR ≤0.8. Overall accuracy was 70%, specificity 54% and positive predictive value 65%. On receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for CCTA to predict FFR ≤0.8 was 0.74 which was comparable with ICA. The absence of a significant stenosis on M320-CCTA was associated with a 6% revascularisation rate. M320-CCTA predicted revascularisation with an AUC of 0.71 which was comparable with ICA. CONCLUSIONS: M320-CCTA has excellent sensitivity and NPV for functional stenoses and therefore may act as an effective gatekeeper to defer ICA and revascularisation. Like ICA, M320-CCTA lacks specificity for functional stenoses and only has moderate accuracy to predict the need for revascularisation. KEY POINTS: • Important information about the heart is provided by 320-row multidetector CT coronary angiography (M320-CCTA). • M320-CCTA accurately detects and excludes functional stenoses determined by fractional flow reserve (FFR). • Non-significant stenoses on M320-CCTA associated with fewer cardiac events and less revascularisation. • M320-CCTA may act as a gatekeeper for invasive angiography and inappropriate revascularisation. • Like ICA, M320-CCTA only has moderate accuracy to predict vessels requiring revascularisation.

Diagnostic accuracy of combined coronary angiography and adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging using 320-detector computed tomography: pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of combined 320-detector row computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) and adenosine stress CT myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP) in detecting perfusion abnormalities caused by obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Twenty patients with suspected CAD who underwent initial investigation with single-photon-emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) were recruited and underwent prospectively-gated 320-detector CTA/CTP and invasive angiography. Two blinded cardiologists evaluated invasive angiography images quantitatively (QCA). A blinded nuclear physician analysed SPECT-MPI images for fixed and reversible perfusion defects. Two blinded cardiologists assessed CTA/CTP studies qualitatively. Vessels/territories with both >50 % stenosis on QCA and corresponding perfusion defect on SPECT-MPI were defined as ischaemic and formed the reference standard. RESULTS: All patients completed the CTA/CTP protocol with diagnostic image quality. Of 60 vessels/territories, 17 (28 %) were ischaemic according to QCA/SPECT-MPI criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and area under the ROC curve for CTA/CTP was 94 %, 98 %, 94 %, 98 % and 0.96 (P < 0.001) on a per-vessel/territory basis. Mean CTA/CTP radiation dose was 9.2 ± 7.4 mSv compared with 13.2 ± 2.2 mSv for SPECT-MPI (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combined 320-detector CTA/CTP is accurate in identifying obstructive CAD causing perfusion abnormalities compared with combined QCA/SPECT-MPI, achieved with lower radiation dose than SPECT-MPI. KEY POINTS: • Advances in CT technology provides comprehensive anatomical and functional cardiac information. • Combined 320-detector CTA/adenosine-stress CTP is feasible with excellent image quality. • Combined CTA/CTP is accurate in identifying myocardial ischaemia compared with QCA/SPECT-MPI. • Combined CTA/CTP results in lower patient radiation exposure than SPECT-MPI. • CTA/CTP may become an established imaging technique for suspected CAD.

Psychometric properties of the cardiac depression scale in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) in a sample of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. METHODS: A total of 152 patients were diagnosed with coronary heart disease and were administered the CDS along with the Beck Depression Inventory- 2 (BDI-2) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 3.5-months after cardiac hospitalization. RESULTS: The CDS's factorial composition in the current sample was similar to that observed in the original scale. Varimax-rotated principal-components analyses extracted six factors, corresponding to mood, anhedonia, cognition, fear, sleep and suicide. Reliability analyses yielded internal consistency α - coefficients for the six subscales ranging from 0.62 to 0.82. The CDS showed strong concurrent validity with the BDI-II (r = 0.64). More patients were classified as severely depressed using the CDS. Both the CDS and the BDI-2 displayed significantly strong correlations with the STAI (r = 0.61 and r = 0.64), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings encourage the use of the CDS for measuring the range of depressive symptoms in those with CHD 3.5 months after cardiac hospitalization.

Combined CT coronary angiography and stress myocardial perfusion imaging for hemodynamically significant stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease: a comparison with fractional flow reserve.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the accuracy of combined coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and computed tomography stress myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP) in the detection of hemodynamically significant stenoses using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as a reference standard in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: CTP can be qualitatively assessed by visual interpretation or quantified by the transmural perfusion ratio determined as the ratio of subendocardial to subepicardial contrast attenuation. The incremental value of each technique in addition to coronary CTA to detect hemodynamically significant stenoses is not known. METHODS: Forty symptomatic patients underwent FFR and 320-detector computed tomography assessment including coronary CTA and CTP. Myocardial perfusion was assessed using the transmural perfusion ratio and visual perfusion assessment. Computed tomography images were assessed by consensus of 2 observers. Transmural perfusion ratio <0.99 was used as the threshold for abnormal perfusion. FFR ≤0.8 indicated hemodynamically significant stenoses. RESULTS: Coronary CTA detected FFR-significant stenoses with 95% sensitivity and 78% specificity. The additional use of visual perfusion assessment and the transmural perfusion ratio both increased the specificity to 95%, with sensitivity of 87% and 71%, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for coronary CTA + visual perfusion assessment was significantly higher than both coronary CTA (0.93 vs. 0.85, p = 0.0003) and coronary CTA + the transmural perfusion ratio (0.93 vs. 0.79, p = 0.0003). Per-vessel and per-patient accuracy for coronary CTA, coronary CTA + the transmural perfusion ratio, and coronary CTA + visual perfusion assessment was 83% and 83%, 87% and 92%, and 92% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In suspected coronary artery disease, combined coronary CTA + CTP identifies patients with hemodynamically significant stenoses with >90% accuracy compared with FFR. When interpreted with coronary CTA, visual perfusion assessment provided superior incremental value in the detection of FFR-significant stenoses compared with the quantitative transmural perfusion ratio assessment.

Increased psychosocial stress in Greek-born immigrants compared to Anglo-Australians with coronary heart disease: the healthy heart, healthy mind study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare measures of depression and anxiety, physical health status, quality of life, and social support in Greek-born and Anglo-Australian outpatients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 61 Greek-born immigrants and 62 Anglo-Australian outpatients with CHD recruited between 2009 and 2011 was undertaken. We administered the Beck Depression Inventory-2 and the Cardiac Depression Scale, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the SF-12, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (brief version), and the Perceived Social Support Scale and Social Enriched Social Support Instrument. RESULTS: Compared to Anglo-Australians, the Greek-born immigrants had higher depression and anxiety scores, lower reported physical health status, lower perceived social support and lower quality of life on the physical, psychological and environmental health subdomains (p values<.05). Birthplace differences remained for level of depression and anxiety when adjustments were made for other CHD risk factors. CONCLUSION: Greek-born immigrants were found to have more psychosocial risk factors for CHD compared to the Anglo-Australians. We suggest that differences in depression and anxiety may help explain differences in CHD risk and morbidity between Greek-born immigrants and other ethnic groups living in Australia.

Computed tomography stress myocardial perfusion imaging in patients considered for revascularization: a comparison with fractional flow reserve.

AIMS: Adenosine stress computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP) is an emerging non-invasive method for detecting myocardial ischaemia. Its value when compared with fractional flow reserve (FFR), a highly accurate index of ischaemia, is unknown. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CTP and its incremental value when used with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) for detecting ischaemia compared with FFR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two patients (126 vessel territories), who had at least one ≥50% angiographic stenosis on invasive angiography considered for non-urgent revascularization, were included and underwent FFR and CT assessment, including CTP, delayed contrast enhancement scan and CTA all acquired using 320-detector row CT, and prospective ECG gating. Fractional flow reserve was determined in 86 territories subtended by vessels with ≥50% stenosis upon visual assessment. Fractional flow reserve ≤0.8 was considered to indicate significant ischaemia. Computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging correctly identified 31/41 (76%) ischaemic territories and 38/45 (84%) non-ischaemic territories. Per-vessel territory sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of CTP were 76, 84, 82, and 79%, respectively. The combination of a ≥50% stenosis on CTA and perfusion defect on CTP was 98% specific for ischaemia, while the presence of <50% stenosis on CTA and normal perfusion on CTP was 100% specific for exclusion of ischaemia. Mean radiation for CTP and combined CT was 5.3 and 11.3 mSv, respectively. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging is moderately accurate in identifying perfusion defects associated with ischaemia as assessed by FFR in patients considered for revascularization. In territories, where CTA and CTP are concordant, CTA/CTP is highly accurate in the detection and exclusion of ischaemia. This is achievable with acceptable radiation exposure using 320-detector row CT and prospective ECG gating.

Acute chest pain investigation: utility of cardiac CT angiography in guiding troponin measurement.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact on length of stay and rate of major adverse cardiovascular events of a cardiac computed tomographic (CT) angiography-guided algorithm to examine patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the institutional review board, and all patients gave written informed consent. Two hundred three consecutive patients (mean age, 55 years ± 11 [standard deviation]; 123 men) with low- to intermediate-risk ischemic-type chest pain were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent initial cardiac CT angiography with subsequent treatment determined by reference to findings at cardiac CT angiography; patients without overt plaque were immediately discharged from the hospital, patients with nonobstructive plaque and mild-to-moderate stenoses were discharged after a negative 6-hour troponin level, and patients with severe stenoses were admitted to the hospital. Discharged patients were followed up for a mean of 14.2 months. Additionally, length of stay and safety outcomes among these patients were compared with those in 102 consecutive patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain who presented to the ED and underwent a standard of care (SOC) work-up without cardiac CT angiography. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was used to compare length of stay between groups. RESULTS: Cardiac CT angiography findings in the 203 patients who underwent cardiac CT angiography were as follows: Sixty-five (32%) patients had no plaque, 107 (53%) had nonobstructive plaque, and 31 (15%) had severe stenoses. At follow-up, there were no deaths or cases of acute coronary syndrome (cardiac CT angiography, 0%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0%, 1.85%; SOC, 0%, 95% CI: 0%, 3.63%), and the rate of readmission to the hospital because of chest pain was higher with the SOC approach (9% vs 1%, P = .01). Mean ED length of stay was lower with cardiac CT angiography (6.62 hours ± 0.38 after a single troponin level and 9.15 hours ± 0.30 after serial troponin levels) than with the SOC approach (11.62 hours ± 0.47, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Tailoring troponin measurement to cardiac CT angiography findings is safe and allows early discharge of patients with low- to intermediate-risk chest pain, resulting in reduced length of stay.

Diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive coronary angiography with 320-detector row computed tomography.

We sought to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive coronary angiography using 320-detector row computed tomography, which provides 16-cm craniocaudal coverage in 350 ms and can image the entire coronary tree in a single heartbeat, representing a significant advance from previous-generation scanners. We evaluated 63 consecutive patients who underwent 320-detector row computed tomography and invasive coronary angiography for the investigation of suspected coronary artery disease. Patients with known coronary artery disease were excluded. Computed tomographic (CT) studies were assessed by 2 independent observers blinded to results of invasive coronary angiography. A single observer unaware of CT results assessed invasive coronary angiographic images quantitatively. All available coronary segments were included in the analysis, regardless of size or image quality. Lesions with >50% diameter stenoses were considered significant. Mean heart rate was 63 ± 7 beats/min, with 6 patients (10%) in atrial fibrillation during image acquisition. Thirty-three patients (52%) and 70 of 973 segments (7%) had significant coronary stenoses on invasive coronary angiogram. Seventeen segments (2%) were nondiagnostic on computed tomogram and were assumed to contain significant stenoses on an "intention-to-diagnose" analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of computed tomography for detecting significant stenoses were 94%, 87%, 88%, and 93%, respectively, by patient (n = 63), 89%, 95%, 82%, and 97%, respectively, by artery (n = 260), and 87%, 97%, 73%, and 99%, respectively, by segment (n = 973). In conclusion, noninvasive 320-detector row CT coronary angiography provides high diagnostic accuracy across all coronary segments, regardless of size, cardiac rhythm, or image quality.

Quantitative and qualitative changes in the resting electrocardiograph after percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Percutaneous Transluminal Septal Myocardial Ablation (PTSMA) may reduce symptoms in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Limited quantitative and qualitative data exists on the effects of PTSMA on the resting electrocardiograph. We report repolarisation and conduction abnormalities and incidence of arrhythmia post-PTSMA. Twelve-lead electrocardiographs from subjects without pre-procedural pacemakers who underwent successful procedures (37 procedures, mean age 61+/-14 years) were analysed for rhythm, heart rate, PR and QTc intervals, QRS duration and left or right bundle branch block (RBBB, LBBB). Four subjects developed permanent complete AV block, 19 subjects developed new RBBB and two subjects developed new LBBB pre-discharge. At a median follow-up of 34 (range 1-84) months, no new AV block, ventricular arrhythmias or deaths occurred. Post-PTSMA PR, QRS and QTc intervals lengthened (PR 180+/-33 ms, 204+/-40 ms, QRS 105+/-20 ms, 132+/-27 ms and QTc 454+/-32 ms, 491+/-37 ms (pre- and post-PTSMA respectively, all p=0.001). Predictors of permanent complete AV block included female gender (p=0.013), older age (p=0.013) and pre-existing LBBB (p<0.001). Atrio-ventricular and intra-ventricular conduction disturbances are common post-PTSMA. A pre-existing LBBB is a risk factor for the development of complete AV block and may merit prophylactic pacemaker insertion.

Arterial pulse wave velocity but not augmentation index is associated with coronary artery disease extent and severity: implications for arterial transfer function applicability.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that coronary artery disease extent and severity are associated with central aortic pressure waveform characteristics. BACKGROUND: Although it is thought that central aortic pressure waveform characteristics, particularly augmentation index, may influence cardiovascular disease progression and predict cardiovascular risk, little is known of the relationship between central waveform characteristics and the severity and extent of coronary artery disease. METHODS: Central aortic waveforms (2F Millar pressure transducer-tipped catheters) were acquired at the time of coronary angiography for suspected native coronary artery disease in 40 patients (24 male). The severity and extent of disease were assessed independently by two observers using two previously described scoring systems (modified Gensini's stenosis and Sullivan's extent scores). Relationships between disease scores, aortic waveform characteristics, aorto-radial pulse wave velocity and subject demographic features were assessed by regression techniques. RESULTS: Both extent and severity scores were associated with increasing age and male sex (P < 0.001), but no other risk factors. Both scores were independently associated with aorto-radial pulse wave velocity (P < 0.001), which entered a multiple regression model prior to age and sex. This association was not dependent upon blood pressure. Neither score was associated with central aortic augmentation index, by either simple or multiple linear regression techniques including heart rate, subject demographic features and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Aorto-radial pulse wave velocity, but not central aortic augmentation index, is associated with both the extent and severity of coronary artery disease. This has potentially important implications for applicability of a generalized arterial transfer function.