Impact of antithrombotic therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome.

Objective: Antithrombotic therapy has the potential to interfere with false lumen thrombosis. In type B acute aortic syndrome, the degree of false lumen thrombosis affects clinical outcomes. We aimed to explore the association of antithrombotic therapy with the prognosis of patients with type B acute aortic syndrome. Methods: We reviewed 406 patients with type B acute aortic syndrome who were discharged alive with and without antithrombotic therapy. The primary outcome was aorta-related adverse events, defined as a composite of aorta-related death, aortic rupture, aortic repair, and progressive aortic dilation. Results: Of the 406 patients, 64 (16%) were discharged with antithrombotic therapy and 342 (84%) were discharged without antithrombotic therapy. A total of 249 patients (61%) presented with intramural hematoma with complete thrombosis of the false lumen, and 157 patients (39%) presented with aortic dissection. During a median follow-up of 4.6 years, 32 patients (50%) in the antithrombotic group and 93 patients (27%) in the nonantithrombotic group had a primary outcome event. Cumulative incidence of aorta-related events at 1 and 3 years with death as the competing risk was higher in the antithrombotic group than in the nonantithrombotic group (19% ± 5% vs 9% ± 2% at 1 year and 40% ± 7% vs 17% ± 2% at 3 years, P < .001). Conclusions: Antithrombotic therapy might be associated with an increased risk of aorta-related events in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome.

Effects of Long-Term Carvedilol Therapy in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Mildly Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

The benefits of long-term oral ß-blocker therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; ≥40%) are still unknown. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of ß-blocker therapy in patients with STEMI with mildly reduced LVEF. In the CAPITAL-RCT (Carvedilol Post-Intervention Long-Term Administration in Large-Scale Randomized Controlled Trial), patients with STEMI with successful percutaneous coronary intervention with an LVEF of ≥40% were randomly assigned to carvedilol or no ß-blocker therapy. Among 794 patients, 280 patients had an LVEF of <55% at baseline (mildly reduced LVEF stratum), whereas 514 patients had an LVEF of ≥55% at baseline (normal LVEF stratum). The primary end point was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, and hospitalization for heart failure, and the secondary end point was a cardiac composite outcome: a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure. The median follow-up period was 3.7 years. The lower risk of carvedilol therapy relative to no ß-blocker therapy was not significant for the primary end point in either the mildly reduced or normal LVEF strata. However, it was significant for the cardiac composite end point in the mildly reduced LVEF stratum (0.82/100 person-years vs 2.59/100 person-years, hazard ratio 0.32 [0.10 to 0.99], p = 0.047) but not in the normal LVEF stratum (1.48/100 person-years vs 1.06/100 person-years, hazard ratio 1.39 [0.62 to 3.13], p = 0.43, p for interaction = 0.04). In conclusion, long-term carvedilol therapy in patients with STEMI with primary percutaneous coronary intervention might be beneficial for preventing cardiac-related events in those with a mildly reduced LVEF.

Aortic enlargement in two weeks is associated with subsequent aortic events in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether aortic enlargement in 2 weeks in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome is associated with aorta-related adverse events. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 183 patients who were diagnosed with uncomplicated type B acute aortic syndrome (classic aortic dissection and intramural hematoma) between 2010 and 2019 and had follow-up computed tomography at second or third week. Aortic diameter was measured at admission and at predischarge follow-up. Aorta-related adverse events were defined by a composite of aortic rupture, surgical or endovascular aortic repair, redissection, severe intestinal malperfusion, and aortic enlargement. RESULTS: The patients whose aortic diameter enlarged ≥2 mm but <5 mm in 2 weeks were categorized as moderate aortic enlargement group. During follow-up, 51 patients (28%) had aorta-related adverse events and 36 patients (20%) had moderate aortic enlargement. Patients with moderate aortic enlargement showed lower aorta-related event-free survival rates than those without moderate enlargement (48 ± 9% vs 90 ± 3% at 1 year, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, moderate aortic enlargement (subhazard ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval, 2.08-6.35; P < .001) and aortic diameter ≥40 mm at admission (subhazard ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-5.48; P < .001) were associated with aorta-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate aortic enlargement in 2 weeks is a significant risk factor of aorta-related adverse events in patients with uncomplicated type B acute aortic syndrome. Patients with moderate aortic enlargement should be followed up carefully and may be candidates for subsequent endovascular treatment.

Mechanism of improvement in atrial functional mitral regurgitation after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Three-dimensional analysis using multislice computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Several factors associated with atrial functional mitral regurgitation development have been reported; however, geometric changes in the mitral apparatus after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to clarify what determines improvements in atrial functional mitral regurgitation after sinus rhythm restoration in patients who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation by using multislice computed tomography. METHODS: We analysed volumetric multislice computed tomography images of 44 atrial fibrillation patients with significant atrial functional mitral regurgitation (moderate or worse) before and after catheter ablation. We measured the three-dimensional geometry of the mitral apparatus including the mitral annular area and interpapillary muscle distance. We calculated the differences before and after catheter ablation (Δmitral annular area, Δinterpapillary muscle distance) and assessed mitral regurgitation severity based on the mitral regurgitant jet area and its changes before and after catheter ablation (Δjet area) using transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: After catheter ablation, the jet area was significantly decreased. The left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased and the left ventricular volume had a decreasing trend. The Δjet area was significantly correlated with the Δinterpapillary muscle distance (r = .43; p = .004). The Δinterpapillary muscle distance was the strongest determinant of improvements in atrial functional mitral regurgitation severity (p = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased interpapillary muscle distance was strongly associated with improvements in atrial functional mitral regurgitation. Amelioration of left ventricular dysfunction by sinus rhythm restoration might be related to improvements in atrial functional mitral regurgitation after catheter ablation.

Acute Aortic Syndrome Revisited: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

The purpose of this paper is to describe all available evidence on the distinctive features of a group of 4 life-threatening acute aortic pathologies gathered under the name of acute aortic syndrome (AAS). The epidemiology, diagnostic strategy, and management of these patients has been updated. The authors propose a new and simple diagnostic algorithm to support clinical decision making in cases of suspected AAS, thereby minimizing diagnostic delays, misdiagnoses, and unnecessary advanced imaging. AAS-related entities are reviewed, and a guideline to avoid imaging misinterpretation is provided. Centralization of patients with AAS in high-volume centers with high-volume surgeons is key to improving clinical outcomes. Thus, the role of multidisciplinary teams, an "aorta code" (streamlined emergent care pathway), and aortic centers in the management of these patients is boosted. A tailored patient treatment approach for each of these acute aortic entities is needed, and as such has been summarized. Finally, a set of prevention measures against AAS is discussed.

Early experiences with three types of balloon-based ablation catheters in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Although balloon-based ablation catheters are expected to improve the feasibility and quality of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), they must be introduced to physicians in the proper setting to ensure their correct usage. OBJECTIVE: To identify the optimal clinical settings for learning the techniques for 3 balloon-based ablation catheters (Cryoballoon, Hotballoon, and Laserballoon). METHODS: We introduced 3 balloon catheters in 50 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF each during the introduction periods. Clinical parameters were compared among the groups and between these groups and their steady-state controls. RESULTS: The completion rate of PVI by sole balloon procedures was 56% with the Hotballoon catheter, which was lower than those of the Cryoballoon and Laserballoon catheters (each 88%). Radiofrequency touch-up was most frequently required at the bottom aspect of the inferior pulmonary veins (PVs) in the Cryoballoon group and at the anterior aspect of the superior PVs in the Hotballoon and Laserballoon groups. The Laserballoon catheter had the longest average PVI procedural time (89.2 ± 40 vs 58.4 ± 22 minutes for Hotballoon, 65.1 ± 25 minutes for Cryoballoon, P < .001), but the difference was ultimately removed by the learning curve. There was no significant difference in the major complication or recurrence-free survival rates among the catheter types. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 balloon-based catheter types allowed feasibility and quality for PVI, even during the learning period. To introduce these new catheters without complications, an experiences of 20 cases with specific clinical settings should be met for each catheter type.

Focal Intimal Disruption Size at Multidetector CT and Disease Progression in Type B Aortic Intramural Hematoma.

Background Recent imaging techniques show that patients with aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) have various sizes of focal intimal disruptions (FIDs) that may affect clinical outcomes. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between size of FIDs detected at multidetector CT and disease progression in patients with type B IMH. Materials and Methods This retrospective study analyzed consecutive patients with type B IMH who underwent multidetector CT at admission within 24 hours after symptom onset from January 2011 to March 2017. FID was defined as a focal contrast material-filled pouch projecting outside of the aorta lumen with a communicating orifice greater than 3 mm. Large FID was defined as an FID of at least 10 mm in length and width and at least 5 mm in depth. Aorta-related events were defined as a composite of aortic rupture, surgical or endovascular aortic repair, progressive aortic enlargement, and development of aortic dissection. Results Seventy-six patients (mean age, 72 years ± 11 [standard deviation]; 54 men) were evaluated. Fifty patients (66%; 50 of 76) had 91 FIDs. Twenty-eight patients had large FIDs and 22 patients had small FIDs. Aorta-related events occurred in 15 of 28 patients with large FIDs, two of 22 patients with small FIDs, and four of 26 patients with no FID. Patients with large FIDs showed lower aorta-related event-free survival rates than did patients with small FIDs or no FID (small FIDS, 63% ± 10 vs 90% ± 7 at 3 years, respectively [P = .001]; and no FIDS, 63% ± 10 vs 84% ± 7 at 3 years, respectively [P = .005]). Multivariable analysis showed that a maximum aortic diameter of at least 40 mm (hazard ratio, 4.8; 95% CI: 1.8, 12.6; P = .001) and large FID (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.9; P = .03) were the independent predictors of aorta-related events. Conclusion A large portion of patients with B-intramural hematoma (IMH) had focal intimal disruption (FID) detected at CT at admission. Large FIDs were associated with disease progression of IMH. © RSNA, 2021 See also the editorial by Raptis and Braverman in this issue. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Correction to: Multimodality imaging in takotsubo syndrome: a joint consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the Japanese Society of Echocardiography (JSE).

In the original publication of the article, the first and the second authors' names should be changed as follows.

Mitral annular disjunction in patients with primary severe mitral regurgitation and mitral valve prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Mitral annular disjunction is a structural abnormality of the mitral annulus fibrosus which is often associated with mitral leaflet prolapse. However, few reports have described mitral annular disjunction in mitral valve prolapse (MVP). This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of mitral annular disjunction in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by MVP. METHODS: We reviewed 185 consecutive patients with severe MR caused by fibroelastic deficiency (FED) and Barlow's syndrome from March 2009 to December 2010. The upper limit of the disjunction was defined at the level of the posterior scallop's insertion into the left atrial wall, whereas the lower limit was defined at the level of the left atrium's connection to the ventricular myocardium. The distance between the two levels was called mitral annular disjunction. Prolapse sites in FED patients were categorized into anterior leaflet, posterior leaflet, and commissure groups. Patients with a disjunction distance of ≥2 mm were diagnosed with mitral annular disjunction. RESULTS: Annular disjunction was found in 45 patients (24%). Among them, the most common site of prolapse was the posterior leaflet (n = 35, 77.8%). During a median follow-up of 20.3 years, arrhythmic events and sudden death occurred in seven patients (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral annular disjunction was detected in 24% of patients with severe MR and in 90% of the patients with Barlow's syndrome. There were significant differences at its sites of prolapse in FED patients. The presence and site of prolapse with mitral annular disjunction should be actively determined in FED patients.

Multimodality imaging in takotsubo syndrome: a joint consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the Japanese Society of Echocardiography (JSE).

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a complex and still poorly recognized heart disease with a wide spectrum of possible clinical presentations. Despite its reversibility, it is associated with serious adverse in-hospital events and high complication rates during follow-up. Multimodality imaging is helpful for establishing the diagnosis, guiding therapy, and stratifying prognosis of TTS patients in both the acute and post-acute phase. Echocardiography plays a key role, particularly in the acute care setting, allowing for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and the identification of the typical apical-midventricular ballooning pattern, as well as the circumferential pattern of wall motion abnormalities. It is also useful in the early detection of complications (i.e. LV outflow tract obstruction, mitral regurgitation, right ventricular involvement, LV thrombi, and pericardial effusion) and monitoring of systolic function recovery. Left ventriculography allows the evaluation of LV function and morphology, identifying the typical TTS patterns when echocardiography is not available or wall motion abnormalities cannot be properly assessed with ultrasound. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides a more comprehensive depiction of cardiac morphology and function and tissue characterization and offers additional value to other imaging modalities for differential diagnosis (myocardial infarction and myocarditis). Coronary computed tomography angiography has a substantial role in the diagnostic workup of patients with acute chest pain and a doubtful TTS diagnosis to rule out other medical conditions. It can be considered as a non-invasive appropriate alternative to coronary angiography in several clinical scenarios. Although the role of nuclear imaging in TTS has not yet been well established, the combination of perfusion and metabolic imaging may provide useful information on myocardial function in both the acute and post-acute phase.

Multimodality imaging in takotsubo syndrome: a joint consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the Japanese Society of Echocardiography (JSE).

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a complex and still poorly recognized heart disease with a wide spectrum of possible clinical presentations. Despite its reversibility, it is associated with serious adverse in-hospital events and high complication rates during follow-up. Multimodality imaging is helpful for establishing the diagnosis, guiding therapy, and stratifying prognosis of TTS patients in both the acute and post-acute phase. Echocardiography plays a key role, particularly in the acute care setting, allowing for the assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and the identification of the typical apical-midventricular ballooning pattern, as well as the circumferential pattern of wall motion abnormalities. It is also useful in the early detection of complications (i.e. LV outflow tract obstruction, mitral regurgitation, right ventricular involvement, LV thrombi, and pericardial effusion) and monitoring of systolic function recovery. Left ventriculography allows the evaluation of LV function and morphology, identifying the typical TTS patterns when echocardiography is not available or wall motion abnormalities cannot be properly assessed with ultrasound. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides a more comprehensive depiction of cardiac morphology and function and tissue characterization and offers additional value to other imaging modalities for differential diagnosis (myocardial infarction and myocarditis). Coronary computed tomography angiography has a substantial role in the diagnostic workup of patients with acute chest pain and a doubtful TTS diagnosis to rule out other medical conditions. It can be considered as a non-invasive appropriate alternative to coronary angiography in several clinical scenarios. Although the role of nuclear imaging in TTS has not yet been well established, the combination of perfusion and metabolic imaging may provide useful information on myocardial function in both the acute and post-acute phase.

Outcomes and predictors of cardiac events in medically treated patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the outcomes and predictors of adverse cardiac events in medically treated patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). METHODS: We screened 1405 consecutive patients with grade ≥ 3+ mitral regurgitation (MR) detected by echocardiography. After excluding patients with previous or early (within 3 months from diagnosis) mitral valve surgery, congenital heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic valve disease, or unknown etiology, the study population consisted of 319 patients with primary MR, 395 patients with FMR with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and 184 patients with atrial FMR. Atrial FMR was defined as FMR in patients without LV wall motion abnormality or dilatation. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of the composite of cardiac death and heart failure hospitalization at 3 years was 10.5% in primary MR, 37.5% in FMR with LV dysfunction, and 14.0% in atrial FMR (p < .001). In atrial FMR patients, LV end-diastolic volume index (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.10), severe MR (grade 4+) (HR 2.73, 95% CI 1.21-6.12), being symptomatic (NYHA ≥ 2) (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.15-6.92), and having ≥1 comorbidities (HR 3.96, 95% CI 1.74-9.00) were independently associated with an increased risk for adverse cardiac events by a multivariable Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of medically treated patients with atrial FMR were better than those of FMR with LV dysfunction, but worse than those of primary MR. In atrial FMR patients, LV dilatation, severe MR, being symptomatic, and the presence of comorbidities were independently associated with an increased risk for adverse cardiac events.

Mode of Death Among Japanese Adults With Heart Failure With Preserved, Midrange, and Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Importance: Despite intensive treatment, hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have a substantial risk of postdischarge mortality. Limited data are available on the possible differences in the incidence and mechanisms of death among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Objectives: To examine the incidences and mode of postdischarge mortality among patients with ADHF and to compare the risk profile among patients with HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study of 4056 patients hospitalized for ADHF analyzed data from 3717 patients who were discharged from October 1, 2014, to March 31, 2016. Data analysis was performed from April 1 to August 31, 2019. Exposures: Death among patients with ADHF after hospital discharge. Main Outcomes and Measures: All-cause death and cause of postdischarge mortality after the index hospitalization by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) subgroup. Results: A total of 3717 patients (mean [SD] age, 77.7 [12.0] years; 2049 [55.1%] male) were included in the study. The mean (SD) LVEF at baseline was 46.4% (16.2%). Among 3717 enrolled patients, 1383 (37.2%) were categorized as having HFrEF (LVEF, <40%), 703 (18.9%) as having HFmrEF (LVEF, 40%-49%), and 1631 (43.9%) as having HFpEF (LVEF, ≥50%). The incidence and causes of death were evaluated after discharge from the index hospitalization. The median follow-up period was 470 days (interquartile range, 357-649 days), and the 1-year follow-up rate was 96%. During follow-up, all-cause death occurred in 848 patients (22.8%; HFrEF group: 298 [21.5%; 95% CI, 19.5%-23.8%]; HFmrEF group: 158 [22.5%; 95% CI, 19.5%-25.7%]; and HRpEF group: 392 [24.0%; 95% CI, 22.0%-26.2%]; P = .26), cardiovascular deaths occurred in 523 patients (14.1%; HFrEF group: 203 [14.7%; 95% CI, 12.9%-16.6%]; HFmrEF group: 97 [13.8%; 95% CI, 11.4%-16.5%]; and HFpEF group: 223 [13.7%; 95% CI, 12.1%-15.4%]; P = .71), and sudden cardiac death occurred in 98 patients (2.6%; HFrEF group: 44 [3.2%; 95% CI, 2.4%-4.2%]; HFmrEF group: 14 [2.0%; 95% CI, 1.2%-3.3%]; and HFpEF group: 40 [2.5%; 95% CI, 1.8%-3.3%]; P = .23). The risks of causes of death were similar among the subtypes. Conclusions and Relevance: The mode of death was similar among the heart failure subtypes. Given the nonnegligible incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with HFpEF found in this study, further studies appear to be warranted to identify a high-risk subset in this population.

Clinical Features of Spontaneous Isolated Dissection of Abdominal Visceral Arteries.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous isolated dissection of abdominal visceral arteries without aortic dissection is rare and its pathology and prognosis are not yet clear; therefore, therapeutic strategies for this disease have not been established. The present multi-institution investigational study analyzed the clinical features of patients with spontaneous isolated dissection of abdominal visceral arteries. METHODS: A total of 36 patients diagnosed as spontaneous isolated dissection of abdominal visceral arteries from January 2010 to October 2016 were enrolled. The medical data of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging characteristics were evaluated. Spontaneous isolated dissection of abdominal visceral arteries was detected on upper abdominal computed tomography examination in almost patients, and was detected on magnetic resonance imaging in one patient. RESULTS: Of the 36 cases, 26 cases involved the superior mesenteric artery dissection, nine involved the celiac artery, two involved the splenic artery, one involved the common hepatic artery, one involved the gastroduodenal artery and one involved the left gastric artery. Among the 36 patients, 20 had hypertension and 14 were current smokers. Additionally, only one patient had diabetes and four patients had dyslipidemia. Moreover, 32 cases complained of pain including abdominal pain and back pain, one had cough and three had no symptoms. Of the 36 patients, 34 cases (94.4%) were treated conservatively, and two (5.6%) required intravascular treatment. All patients were discharged without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that hypertension and smoking might be closely involved in the pathogenesis of spontaneous isolated dissection of abdominal visceral arteries, whereas dyslipidemia and diabetes might be less involved. Additionally, few asymptomatic patients were accidentally diagnosed, indicating that the absence of symptoms cannot be used to rule out the presence of this disease. Randomized clinical trials cannot be performed because a considerable number of cases are required. Therefore, detailed descriptions of clinical features, as provided in our report, are important.

Validation of the Larissa Heart Failure Risk Score for risk stratification in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The LHFRS is a simple score derived from three factors (history of hypertension, history of coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction, and red blood cell distribution width) deployed for the risk stratification of AHF in Greek population. This study aimed to validate the Larissa Heart Failure Risk Score (LHFRS) in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) in a Japanese population. METHODS: We performed post-hoc analysis of 1670 consecutive patients enrolled in the REALITY-AHF. In all, 964 patients were finally enrolled. Exclusion criteria included patients with anemia, malignancies and sepsis. The primary outcome was defined as a composite of all-cause mortality and/or heart failure readmission, and the secondary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The median admission LHFRS value was 1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-2). During a median follow-up of 365 (IQR: 161-365) days, the primary and secondary outcomes were observed in 321 and 157 patients, respectively. LHFRS was an independent predictor of both the primary (adjusted hazard ratio per 1-point increase, 95% confidence interval: 1.17 [1.04-1.32], p = 0.011), and the secondary outcomes (1.31 [1.12-1.55], p = 0.001). Patients with higher LHFRS scores (≥2) exhibited significantly worse outcomes than those with lower scores (<2) both for the primary outcome (1.40 [1.07-1.83], p = 0.014) and the secondary outcome (1.60 [1.09-2.34], p = 0.015). Additionally, LHFRS revealed an excellent goodness of fit (observed versus predicted outcomes) for predicting both the primary and the secondary outcomes (p > 0.99 and p = 0.99, respectively). CONCLUSION: The simple LHFRS was proved as a reliable predictor of outcomes in patients with AHF.

Sole Obstruction of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery With Acute Aortic Dissection Causing Critical Mesenteric Ischemia.

Inferior mesenteric artery obstruction rarely causes critical mesenteric ischemia, because of the good collateral blood supply. We report a rare case of critical mesenteric ischemia due to sole inferior mesenteric artery obstruction accompanied by acute aortic dissection. Early diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric ischemia are important. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Risk Factors for Major Bleeding during Prolonged Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism: From the COMMAND VTE Registry.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data assessing the risk for bleeding on anticoagulation therapy beyond the acute phase in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The present study aimed to identify risk factors for major bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in VTE patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 3,027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTE. The current study population consisted of 2,728 patients who received anticoagulation therapy beyond the acute phase, after excluding those patients with major bleeding events (n = 48), death (n = 66), or loss to follow-up (n = 32) during the initial parenteral anticoagulation period within 10 days after diagnosis, and those without anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after diagnosis (n = 153). RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 555 days, major bleeding occurred in 189 patients (70 patients within 3 months; 119 patients beyond 3 months) with fatal bleeding in 24 patients (13%). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 2.7% at 3 months, 5.2% at 1 year, and 11.8% at 5 years. Active cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.23-4.18), previous major bleeding (HR, 2.38, 95% CI, 1.51-3.59), anemia (HR, 1.75, 95% CI, 1.27-2.43), thrombocytopenia (HR, 2.11, 95% CI, 1.27-3.33), and age ≥75 years (HR, 1.64, 95% CI, 1.22-2.20) were independently associated with an increased risk for major bleeding by the multivariable Cox regression model. CONCLUSION: Major bleeding events were not uncommon during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in real-world VTE patients. Active cancer, previous major bleeding, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and old age were the independent risk factors for major bleeding.

Mortality impact of post-discharge myocardial infarction size after percutaneous coronary intervention: a patient-level pooled analysis from the 4 large-scale Japanese studies.

It is unknown whether there is a threshold of creatine kinase (CK) or CK-MB affecting the subsequent mortality for post-discharge myocardial infarction (PDMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention. Current study sought to evaluate the impact of PDMI. The study population included 30,051 patients with successful coronary stenting and discharged alive in the pooled patient-level database of 4 Japanese studies (j-Cypher registry, CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG registry cohort-2, RESET, and NEXT). During 4.4 ± 1.4 year follow-up, 915 patients experienced PDMI (cumulative 5-year incidence of 3.6%). Among 466 patients with available peak CK ratio (peak CK/upper limit of normal), peak CK ratio (< 3) was present in 21% of patients, while peak CK ratios (≥ 3 and < 5), (≥ 5 and < 10), (≥ 10 and < 30), and (≥ 30) were present in 17, 25, 30, and 7.3% of patients, respectively. The excess mortality risk of patients with relative to those without PDMI for subsequent mortality was significant (adjusted HR 5.12, 95% CI 4.52-5.80, P < 0.001) by the Cox model with PDMI incorporated as the time-updated covariate. However, the mortality risk of patients in the smallest peak CK ratio category (< 3) was insignificant (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.43-1.71, P = 0.65). In conclusion, despite significant overall mortality risk of PDMI, the mortality risk of small PDMI was similar to that of no PDMI, suggesting the presence of some threshold about infarct size influencing mortality.Trial registrations The Randomized Evaluation of Sirolimus-Eluting Versus Everolimus-Eluting Stent Trial (RESET); NCT01035450 and NOBORI Biolimus-Eluting Versus XIENCE/PROMUS Everolimus-Eluting Stent Trial (NEXT); NCT01303640. J-Cypher and CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG registry cohort 2 were not registered into clinical trial database.