The Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia: Canadian Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia (COMPASS-ND) cohort study of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) is a national initiative to catalyze research on dementia, set up to support the research agendas of CCNA teams. This cross-country longitudinal cohort of 2310 deeply phenotyped subjects with various forms of dementia and mild memory loss or concerns, along with cognitively intact elderly subjects, will test hypotheses generated by these teams. METHODS: The COMPASS-ND protocol, initial grant proposal for funding, fifth semi-annual CCNA Progress Report submitted to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research December 2017, and other documents supplemented by modifications made and lessons learned after implementation were used by the authors to create the description of the study provided here. RESULTS: The CCNA COMPASS-ND cohort includes participants from across Canada with various cognitive conditions associated with or at risk of neurodegenerative diseases. They will undergo a wide range of experimental, clinical, imaging, and genetic investigation to specifically address the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these conditions in the aging population. Data derived from clinical and cognitive assessments, biospecimens, brain imaging, genetics, and brain donations will be used to test hypotheses generated by CCNA research teams and other Canadian researchers. The study is the most comprehensive and ambitious Canadian study of dementia. Initial data posting occurred in 2018, with the full cohort to be accrued by 2020. CONCLUSION: Availability of data from the COMPASS-ND study will provide a major stimulus for dementia research in Canada in the coming years.

Évaluation complète d'une étude de cohorte canadienne portant sur la démence et la neuro-dégénérescence. Contexte : L'évaluation globale de la neuro-dégénérescence et de la démence (COMPASS-ND), étude de cohorte du Consortium canadien en neuro-dégénérescence associée au vieillissement (CCNV), représente une initiative nationale visant à promouvoir la recherche portant sur la démence et à soutenir les programmes de recherche des équipes du CCNV. Totalisant 2310 sujets recrutés partout au pays, cette cohorte longitudinale regroupe des individus fortement « phénotypés ¼ qui présentent diverses formes de démence et de pertes de mémoire légères. En plus de sujets âgés dont les fonctions cognitives sont intactes, ces 2310 sujets ont permis de valider les hypothèses formulées par les équipes du CCNV. Méthodes : Nous avons utilisé de nombreux documents pour décrire cette étude : le protocole de la COMPASS-ND ; la demande initiale de subvention ; le cinquième rapport d'étape semi-annuel du CCNV soumis aux Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (IRSC) en décembre 2017 ; ainsi que d'autres documents produits à la suite de modifications consécutives à la mise en œuvre de ce projet. Résultats: L'étude de cohorte COMPASS-ND du CCNV inclut des participants de partout au Canada dont les divers états cognitifs sont associés à des maladies neurodégénératives ou au risque d'en souffrir. Ils feront l'objet d'un large éventail d'examens expérimentaux, cliniques, génétiques et d'imagerie afin d'aborder de manière spécifique les causes, le diagnostic, le traitement et la prévention de ces états cognitifs chez les personnes âgées. Les données obtenues à la suite d'évaluations cliniques et cognitives, ainsi que celles issues d'échantillons biologiques, d'imagerie cérébrale, de tests génétiques et de dons de cerveaux, seront utilisées pour tester les hypothèses générées par les équipes de recherche du CCNV et d'autres chercheurs canadiens. Cette étude constitue donc à ce jour l'étude canadienne la plus complète et la plus ambitieuse au sujet de la démence. La présentation des données initiales ayant eu lieu en 2018, la cohorte devrait atteindre sa taille maximale d'ici à 2020.Conclusion : La disponibilité des données de l'étude COMPASS-ND stimulera considérablement la recherche sur la démence au Canada au cours des prochaines années.

Patient characteristics in variable left ventricular recovery from Takotsubo syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a heart failure syndrome which is usually reversible. Factors associated with degree of recovery of left ventricular systolic function in TTS are poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 90 TTS patients treated at our institution from 2006 to 2014. Patients were grouped based on recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram as left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (partial group) or preserved ejection fraction ≥50% (full group). Patient baseline characteristics, comorbidities, biomarkers, electrocardiography, and echocardiogram were collected. We also compared adverse events that occurred during hospitalization. RESULTS: In comparison to full recovery group patients (n=63), partial recovery patients (n=27) were older (76.9±13 vs. 70.6±13years; P=0.02) and had a higher prevalence of comorbid hypothyroidism (26% vs. 8%; P=0.02). A greater number of patients from the partial group were also taking levothyroxine replacement (22% vs. 3%; P=0.003). We found no significant between-group differences in type of triggering event or cardiac biomarker levels. QT interval was longer in the partial group (540.6±71msec vs. 460.7±35msec; P=0.01). Follow-up LVEF was 37.9±8% in the partial group and 58.0±4% in the full group (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in length of stay or adverse events. CONCLUSION: Takotsubo patients with partial myocardial recovery were older, presented with longer QT intervals, and were more likely to have comorbid hypothyroidism.

Impact of triggering event in outcomes of stress-induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome is also known as stress cardiomyopathy because of the regularity with which it has been associated with physical or emotional stress. Such stress may well be a "trigger" of the syndrome. AIMS: This analysis was undertaken to describe our experience with this disorder and in particular to examine the effects of the underlying trigger on outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 345 consecutive patients treated at our institution from 2006 to 2014. All presented with acute cardiac symptoms, a characteristic left ventricular contraction pattern (typical, atypical), and no major obstructive coronary artery disease. Patients were grouped based on their triggering event: (a) medical illness; (b) post-operative period; (c) emotional distress; or (d) no identified trigger. Baseline demographic characteristics, death in hospital, length of stay in hospital, and cardiac complications were abstracted from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: The mean±SD age of the population was 72±12 years and 91% were women. No significant difference in baseline characteristics was noted between the groups except for a higher prevalence of African Americans in the group with a medical illness. ST elevation was noted in 13.3% of patients and the average peak troponin level was 5±12 ng/dl. An inotropic drug was required in 49 (14.2%) patients, an intra-aortic balloon pump in 37 (10.7%) patients, and mechanical ventilation in 54 (15.7%) patients; 43.5% required treatment in the intensive care unit. Overall, 12 (3.5%) patients died. In only two (16.7%) patients was a there a direct cardiac cause of death. In those patients in whom the cardiac manifestations seemed to be triggered by a medical illness, the death rate was 7.1% and this was significantly higher than in the other groups ( p=0.03). Medical illness (odds ratio=6.25, p=0.02) and ST elevation (odds ratio=5.71, p=0.04) were both significantly associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that different triggers for Takotsubo syndrome confer different prognoses, with medical illness conferring the worst prognosis. Overall, the in-hospital death rate was low and mostly related to non-cardiac death secondary to the underlying medical illness. Although an unidentified trigger was prevalent in a third of this population, efforts should be made to identify the triggering event to classify the risk group of patients with Takotsubo syndrome.

Contemporary Use of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with high rates of mortality. Smaller ventricular assist devices, such as the intraaortic balloon pump, provide limited support. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) offers more robust mechanical ventricular support, but is not widely utilized by interventional cardiologists. This study aimed to evaluate the patient characteristics and outcomes of VA-ECMO with RCS in the setting of AMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective chart review of all VA-ECMO cannulations between 2009 and 2014 was performed, and patients with an indication of RCS in AMI were identified. A total of 15 patients underwent VA-ECMO placement for AMI with RCS. One-third of these patients presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and 60% had ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The Intraaortic balloon pump was placed in addition to VA-ECMO in 60% of patients. Median duration of VA-ECMO support was 45 hours. Successful wean off VA-ECMO was obtained in 50% of the patients, and vascular complications occurred in 53% of patients. The survival rate at discharge was 47%, and all survivors were alive at 30 days post discharge. CONCLUSION: VA-ECMO is infrequently used in patients for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the AMI setting. When used judiciously, it has good clinical outcomes in this group of patients. However, use of VA-ECMO should be individualized based on vascular anatomy for best results. Close cooperation among interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac intensivists, and perfusionists is essential for success of this therapy for RCS in AMI.

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Contemporary Cardiac Surgical Practice and Experience With a Protocol for Early Identification.

This analysis was designed to (1) examine the impact of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) on contemporary cardiac surgical practice and (2) describe the results of a protocol designed for early identification of the presence of the immune mechanisms involved. Consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery were screened postoperatively for thrombocytopenia. Patients with thrombocytopenia were tested for antiplatelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies by ELISA and clinical evidence of thrombosis sought. Demographics, co-morbidities, operative details, and outcomes were abstracted from the departmental registry. Of 14,415 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 1,849 patients (13%) had thrombocytopenia. Of them, 277 patients (15%) had PF4/heparin antibodies and 76 patients (4%) had both antibodies and clinical thrombosis. Antibodies were more frequent: (1) in women (p = 0.01), (2) in patients with an increased body mass index (p <0.01), and (3) in patients with clinical heart failure before surgery (p <0.01). Thirty-day mortality was greatest among the 76 patients with the triad of thrombocytopenia, antibodies, and clinical thrombosis (30%). Of the 1,849 patients with thrombocytopenia, the presence of PF4/heparin antibodies was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 2.09, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.49; p <0.001). HIT remains an infrequent but very serious complication of heparin therapy in contemporary cardiac surgical practice. The possibility that the presence of HIT antibodies in patients with thrombocytopenia independently increases operative mortality deserves further study.

Prevalence and predictors of left atrial thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation: is transesophageal echocardiography necessary before cardioversion?

BACKGROUND: Systemic embolization threatens patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The risk is enhanced at the time of cardioversion. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prior to cardioversion to screen for left atrial thrombus (LAT), a marker of high risk for embolization, is recommended for many patients with AF. OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and echocardiographic factors associated with LAT formation in AF. METHODS: Data from 600 consecutive patients with AF undergoing TEE prior to cardioversion for the detection of LAT were analyzed. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were abstracted from the clinical record. RESULTS: TEE identified LAT in 70 (11.6%) and dense (LA) spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in 156 (26%). Baseline characteristics and echocardiographic parameters of patients with or without LAT are compared. A prior myocardial infarction, 21 (29.4 %) vs. 31 (5.8), (p < 0.001); hypertension, 60 (85.7%) vs. 386 (72.8), (p 0.02); CHADS(2) ≥ 2, 56 (80%) vs. 308 (58.1%), (p < 0.001) prevalence was higher in patients with LAT. Patients with LAT had lower ejection fraction 38.2 ± 15.6 vs. 46.2 ± 14.5, (p < 0.001); higher LA diameter 4.98 ± 0.7 vs. 4.52 ± 0.7, (p <0.001); dense LA SEC 44 (62.8) vs. 112 (21.1), (p < 0.001); and low LA appendage emptying velocity 21.7 ± 12.9 vs. 37.5 ± 19.4, (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis was done, and it revealed that low LA emptying velocity had the strongest independent association with LAT (HR 0.89 [CI 0.83-0.96], p value <0.001. CONCLUSION: LAT is not an uncommon finding of AF patients prior to cardioversion. The current practice of TEE examination may be justified since neither clinical nor routine 2D echo examinations reliably identify LAT.

Meta-analysis of the effects of lifestyle modifications on coronary and carotid atherosclerotic burden.

Lifestyle modifications are the crux of atherosclerotic disease management. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of diet and exercise in decreasing coronary and carotid atherosclerotic burden. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of intensive lifestyle measures on atherosclerotic progression in coronary and carotid arteries as measured by baseline and follow-up quantitative coronary angiogram and ultrasonographic carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT), respectively, were included. Studies were excluded if the intervention additionally included a medication. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registers, reports, and abstracts from major cardiology meetings were searched by 2 researchers independently and verified by the primary investigator. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using random-effects model. Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed. Fourteen trials were included. Seven used quantitative coronary angiogram, and 7 used CIMT; 1,343 lesions in 340 patients in the coronary group and 919 patients in the carotid group were analyzed. Overall, lifestyle modifications were associated with a decrease in coronary atherosclerotic burden in percent stenosis by -0.34 (95% CI -0.48 to -0.21) SMD, with no significant publication bias and heterogeneity (p = 0.21, I(2) = 28.25). Similarly, in the carotids, there was a decrease in the CIMT, in millimeter, by -0.21 (95% CI -0.36 to -0.05) SMD and by -0.13 (95% CI -0.25 to -0.02) SMD, before and after accounting for publication bias and heterogeneity (p = 0.13, I(2) = 39.91; p = 0.54, I(2) = 0), respectively. In conclusion, these results suggest that intensive lifestyle modifications are associated with a decrease in coronary and carotid atherosclerotic burden.

Coronary blood flow in patients with severe aortic stenosis before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Patients with severe aortic stenosis and no obstructed coronary arteries are reported to have reduced coronary flow. Doppler evaluation of proximal coronary flow is feasible using transesophageal echocardiography. The present study aimed to assess the change in coronary flow in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The left main coronary artery was visualized using transesophageal echocardiography in 90 patients undergoing TAVI using the Edwards SAPIEN valve. The peak systolic and diastolic velocities of the coronary flow and the time-velocity integral were obtained before and after TAVI using pulse-wave Doppler. Mean aortic gradients decreased from 47.1 ± 15.7 mm Hg before TAVI to 3.6 ± 2.6 mm Hg after TAVI (p <0.001). The aortic valve area increased from 0.58 ± 0.17 to 1.99 ± 0.35 cm(2) (p <0.001). The cardiac output increased from 3.4 ± 1.1 to 3.8 ± 1.0 L/min (p <0.001). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) decreased from 19.8 ± 5.4 to 17.3 ± 4.1 mm Hg (p <0.001). The following coronary flow parameters increased significantly after TAVI: peak systolic velocity 24.2 ± 9.3 to 30.5 ± 14.9 cm/s (p <0.001), peak diastolic velocity 49.8 ± 16.9 to 53.7 ± 22.3 cm/s (p = 0.04), total velocity-time integral 26.7 ± 10.5 to 29.7 ± 14.1 cm (p = 0.002), and systolic velocity-time integral 6.1 ± 3.7 to 7.7 ± 5.0 cm (p = 0.001). Diastolic time-velocity integral increased from 20.6 ± 8.7 to 22.0 ± 10.1 cm (p = 0.04). Total velocity-time integral increased >10% in 43 patients (47.2%). Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed the change in LVEDP as the best correlate of change in coronary flow (R = -0.41, p = 0.003). In conclusion, TAVI resulted in a significant increase in coronary flow. The change in coronary flow was associated mostly with a decrease in LVEDP.

The spectrum of electrocardiographic manifestations of acute myocarditis: an expanded understanding.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Descriptions of the significance of ST segment or QRS abnormalities in myocarditis are limited because documentation of the diagnosis has previously required myocardial biopsy. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T2 weighted imaging in the midventricular wall on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) has a very good positive predictive value for the diagnosis of myocarditis. We hypothesized to reexplore the diagnostic value of these electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in myocarditis by utilizing CMRI as the reference standard. METHODS: Data on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, and computed tomography angiography of 41 consecutive patients with definite midventricular or subepicardial LGE and T2 weighted imaging on CMRI were extracted from the available clinical records. ECGs were blindly examined by two independent readers and divided based on (a) STT changes into: 1. No STT changes, 2. STT changes but no ST elevation, 3. ST elevation (STE); and (b) the presence or absence of QRS abnormalities. Associations of these ECG changes with differences in left ventricular ejection fraction, as measured from CMRI was the main aim of this study. In addition, a complete clinical profile of these patients with myocarditis as identified by CMRI was also created. RESULTS: 80% of our study population were male with a mean age of 38.6±15.5 and a paucity of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (<30%). 90% presented with chest pain with more than half having dyspnea and a viral prodrome, but fever was infrequent (15%). Peak troponin-I and creatine kinase-MB levels exceeded the upper limit of normal in latest 85%, often by more than 5 times the limit. 18% had a coronary luminal narrowing of ≥50%, while 56% had echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities. The left ventricular ejection fraction averaged 54.3±10.8%. In 24.4% of patients, the ECG was entirely normal; while 39% had STE. STT changes did not detect any differences in the ejection fraction. An abnormal QRS, which was present in 29%, was associated with a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with clinical features suggestive of myocarditis and confirmatory CMRI findings, can present with a variety of ECG findings, some of which have the potential to identify those with a worse cardiac function, and potentially with a worse prognosis.

Mortality predicted by preinduction cerebral oxygen saturation after cardiac operation.

BACKGROUND: An intraoperative decline in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) has been associated with postoperative injury to the central nervous system. Wide individual variation in steady-state cerebral oxygen saturation limits the clinical use of rSO2 to monitoring during anesthesia and surgical procedures. Recently, low preoperative rSO2 has been proposed as a predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes in cardiovascular operations. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of preinduction rSO2 as a predictor of adverse operative events and compared this to the widely accepted risk index developed by the Society for Thoracic Surgeons. METHODS: 2,097 consecutive white patients who underwent cardiac operations from 2010 through 2012 were included. In 1,496 patients (group 1) the preinduction rSO2 was equal to or greater than 60%, whereas in the remaining 601 patients (group 2) it was below 60%. We compared the predictive accuracy of preinduction rSO2 with that of the STS mortality risk score by means of standard statistical techniques, including a receiver operating curve characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Patients with a preinduction rSO2 below 60% had significantly higher STS mortality risk scores than did patients with an rSO2 equal to or greater than 60% (2.0 vs 4.0, p<0.001). Those with an rSO2 below 60% experienced higher operative mortality (p<0.001) and after adjustment this determination emerged as an independent predictor of increased mortality (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the rSO2 was slightly less accurate as a mortality predictor (area under the curve: 0.71 vs 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of rSO2 is considerably less complex than calculation of the STS score and is only slightly less accurate as a predictor of operative mortality. It may be useful when the STS mortality risk score cannot be calculated.

Ascending aortic injuries following blunt trauma.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and the management of traumatic thoracic aortic injuries have undergone significant changes due to new technology and improved prehospital care. Most of the discussions have focused on descending aortic injuries. In this review, we discuss the recent management of ascending aortic injuries. METHODS: We found 5 cohort studies on traumatic aortic injuries and 11 case reports describing ascending aortic injuries between 1998 to the present through Medline research. RESULTS: Among case reports, 78.9% of cases were caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA). 42.1% of patients underwent emergent open repair and the operative mortality was 12.5%. 36.8% underwent delayed repair. Associated injuries occurred in 84.2% of patients. Aortic valve injury was concurrent in 26.3% of patients. The incidence of ascending aortic injury ranged 1.9-20% in cohort studies. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic injuries to the ascending aorta are relatively uncommon among survivors following blunt trauma. Aortography has been replaced by computed tomography and echocardiography as a diagnostic tool. Open repair, either emergent or delayed, remains the treatment of choice.

Safety and feasibility of performing staged non-culprit vessel percutaneous coronary intervention within the index hospitalization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within the same hospitalization as primary PCI is safe. BACKGROUND: In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multivessel disease undergoing primary PCI, staged non-culprit vessel PCI at a separate session is recommended. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 282 consecutive STEMI patients with multivessel disease who underwent primary PCI followed by staged PCI of the non-culprit vessel. Patients were categorized into staged PCI in the same hospitalization (n=184) and staged PCI at a separate hospitalization within 8 weeks of primary PCI (n=98). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, presentation of STEMI, and procedural characteristics were similar in both groups. Contrast amount was higher in the separate hospitalization group for both index (175 vs. 153 ml, p=0.011) and staged (144 vs. 120 ml, p=0.004) procedures. More staged left main PCI was performed in the separate hospitalization group (3.9 vs. 0.3%, p=0.008). Angiographic success of staged PCI was similar in both groups, with similar rates of vascular complications and major bleeding. Following staged PCI, in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (3.3 vs. 1.0%, p=0.43) and mortality (2.7 vs. 0%, p=0.17) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the safety and feasibility of staged PCI within the same hospitalization as primary PCI, achieving similar procedural success and in-hospital outcomes as staged PCI at a separate hospitalization. Higher contrast amount used during primary PCI and presence of left main lesion in non-culprit vessels may influence the decision to stage the PCI at a separate hospitalization.

Transesophageal echocardiographic screening before atrial flutter ablation: is it necessary for patient safety?

BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly used before atrial flutter (AFl) ablation to detect atrial thrombus (AT) and thereby identify a heightened risk for systemic embolism both in patients with their initial episodes of AFl and in those with prior episodes whose anticoagulation has been inadequate. This treatment strategy has been extrapolated from guidelines for atrial fibrillation. In fact, limited data exist regarding the prevalence or clinical associations of AT and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in patients with AFl. Both AT and SEC are believed to represent risk factors for systemic embolization. This study was designed to provide further insight into the prevalence of these and their associated clinical findings. METHODS: The results of transesophageal echocardiographic examinations in 347 consecutive patients with AFl in whom radiofrequency ablation procedures were planned were reviewed. In each case, specific care was taken to identify AT and SEC. The presence of either AT or more than mild SEC was considered to reflect a thrombogenic milieu (TM). Clinical and echocardiographic data were analyzed to determine the frequency and relevant clinical associations of these two markers of increased thromboembolic risk. In addition to determining the prevalence of AT and TM, the study sought to identify predictors of their presence short of TEE that might allow that procedure to be avoided. RESULTS: AT were found in 19 of the 347 patients (5.4%). TM was present in 39 patients (11.2%). SEC was associated with reduced left atrial appendage emptying velocity (P < .001). History of myocardial infarction (P = .02) was associated with AT. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .01), reduced left atrial appendage emptying velocity (P < .001), diabetes mellitus (P = .02), congestive heart failure (P = .04), and chronic renal insufficiency (P = .05) were associated with a TM. CONCLUSIONS: Allowing for multiple comparisons, the significant markers of the risk for systemic embolization could be obtained only from TEE. Although there are several interesting clinical and echocardiographic associations with AT and a TM, none were strong enough to obviate the need for TEE.

Discordant association of C-reactive protein with clinical events and coronary luminal narrowing in postmenopausal women: data from the Women's Angiographic Vitamin and Estrogen (WAVE) study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cardiovascular events had been shown to be associated with C-reactive protein (CRP). However, it is unclear that the cardiovascular risk associated with CRP is due to progressive coronary narrowing or to other factors such as formation of unstable plaque. This study was designed to determine the effect of baseline CRP on cardiovascular events and on the progression of atherosclerotic narrowing among 423 postmenopausal women with angiographic stenosis between 15% and 75%. HYPOTHESIS: Baseline CRP levels may affect cardiovascular events and progression of atherosclerotic coronary artery narrowing among postmenopausal women. METHODS: Baseline and follow-up (2.8 years) angiographic data were analyzed among 320 women. Women were stratified into 4 quartiles according to baseline CRP levels. The changes in lumen diameter and clinical events in each quartile were compared. RESULTS: The annualized changes in minimal and average lumen diameter in diseased and nondiseased coronary segments were not significantly associated with baseline CRP levels. The composite end point of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) increased from 3% (3/107) in the first CRP quartile to 14% (14/98) in fourth CRP quartile (P < 0.001). Similar results were found for cardiovascular death and MI (increased from 1% (2/107) in the first quartile to 11% (11/98) in fourth quartile). The difference remained significant even after adjustment for baseline differences and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Higher baseline CRP was associated with increased risk of clinical events but was not associated with annualized change in luminal diameters. Thus, increased risk of adverse events among patients with higher baseline CRP events was independent of progression of atherosclerosis as measured by change in minimal or average luminal diameter.

Correlation of brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing operative valve replacement or percutaneous transcatheter intervention with clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic factors and prognosis.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and a strong predictor of mortality in heart failure patients. The present study aimed to assess the relationship of BNP with aortic stenosis (AS) severity and prognosis. The cohort comprised 289 high-risk patients with severe AS who were referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Patients were divided into tertiles based on BNP level: I (n = 96); II (n = 95), and III (n = 98). Group III patients were more symptomatic, had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons and EuroSCORE scores, and had a greater prevalence of renal failure, atrial fibrillation, and previous myocardial infarction; lower ejection fraction and cardiac output; and higher pulmonary pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure. The degree of AS did not differ among the 3 groups. Stepwise forward multiple regression analysis identifies ejection fraction and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as independent correlates with plasma BNP. Mortality rates during a median follow-up of 319 days (range 110 to 655) were significantly lower in Group I compared with Groups II and III, p <0.001. After multivariable adjustment, the strongest correlates for mortality were renal failure (hazard ratio 1.44, p = 0.05) and medical/balloon aortic valvuloplasty (HR 2.2, p <0.001). Mean BNP decreased immediately after balloon aortic valvuloplasty from 1,595 ± 1,229 to 1,252 ± 1,076, p = 0.001 yet increased to 1,609 ± 1,264, p = 0.9 at 1 to 12 months. After surgical aortic valve replacement, there was a nonsignificant, immediate decrease in BNP level from 928 ± 1,221 to 896 ± 1,217, p = 0.77, continuing up to 12 months 533 ± 213, p = 0.08. After transcatheter aortic valve implantation, there was no significant decrease in BNP immediately after the procedure; however, at 1-year follow-up, the mean BNP level decreased significantly from 568 ± 582 to 301 ± 266 pg/dl, p = 0.03. In conclusion, a high BNP level in high-risk patients with severe AS is not an independent marker for higher mortality. BNP level does not appear to be significantly associated with the degree of AS severity but does reflect heart failure status.

Effect of cystatin C levels on angiographic atherosclerosis progression and events among postmenopausal women with angiographically decompensated coronary artery disease (from the Women's Angiographic Vitamin and Estrogen [WAVE] study).

End-stage renal disease and mild renal insufficiency are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Cystatin C, a novel marker of kidney function, was found to be associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular events and mortality independent of glomerular filtration rate. It remained uncertain, however, whether enhanced cardiovascular risk associated with cystatin C is due to accelerated progression of atherosclerosis or to plaque instability. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of baseline cystatin C on annual change in coronary artery narrowing and clinical events in 423 postmenopausal women with angiographically documented coronary artery disease enrolled in the Women's Angiographic Vitamin and Estrogen (WAVE) trial. Baseline and follow-up (mean 2.8 ± 0.9 years) angiography was performed in 320 women. Angiographic progression of disease and clinical events in each cystatin C quartile were compared. Women with cystatin C levels in the highest quartile were older and more likely to have histories of heart failure and stroke. Annualized changes in minimal and average luminal diameters were similar in diseased and nondiseased segments. All-cause death or myocardial infarction (3.6% vs 15.6%, p <0.001), cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (2.3% vs 13.5%, p <0.001), and cardiovascular events (3.6% vs 13.5%, p <0.001) were significantly higher in women with baseline cystatin C levels in the highest quartile compared with women with cystatin C levels in the lower 3 quartiles. The risk for clinical events associated with cystatin C remained significantly higher in multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for baseline differences and cardiovascular risk factors. The risk for clinical events was also independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate. In conclusion, in postmenopausal women with angiographically documented coronary artery disease, baseline cystatin C levels were associated with worse clinical outcomes without accelerated progression of atherosclerosis.

Moving mobile: using an open-sourced framework to enable a web-based health application on touch devices.

Computer devices using touch-enabled technology are becoming more prevalent today. The application of a touch screen high definition surgical monitor could allow not only high definition video from an endoscopic camera to be displayed, but also the display and interaction with relevant patient and health related data. However, this technology has not been quickly embraced by all health care organizations. Although traditional keyboard or mouse-based software programs may function flawlessly on a touch-based device, many are not practical due to the usage of small buttons, fonts and very complex menu systems. This paper describes an approach taken to overcome these problems. A real case study was used to demonstrate the novelty and efficiency of the proposed method.

Complexity of the relation between hemoglobin A1C, diabetes mellitus, and progression of coronary narrowing in postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) on the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. A retrospective analysis of the Women's Angiographic and Vitamin and Estrogen (WAVE) trial, a multicenter randomized trial on progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women, was performed. Baseline and follow-up angiography was performed in 320 women. Minimum luminal diameter and average luminal diameter at baseline and follow-up were measured in 1,735 coronary segments. Measurements and adverse events were grouped on the basis of history of DM and HbA1c. DM was associated with more total cardiac events but with similar rates of death or myocardial infarction. There were greater reductions in minimum luminal diameter and average luminal diameter in segments from patients with known DM (p <0.001) and with a baseline HbA1c ≥6.5% (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). The greater reductions in minimum luminal diameter and average luminal diameter in the higher HbA1c strata were only in patients with known DM. More new lesions, however, appeared with baseline HbA1c ≥5.7%, irrespective of a history of DM. In conclusion, the relation between DM and the progression of coronary narrowing in postmenopausal women is complex. Clinically apparent DM, not elevated HbA1c alone, appears to promote the progression of established coronary lesions even in HbA1c ranges diagnostic of pre-DM and DM. This raises the possibility that coronary narrowing of existing stenosis in women with DM may be due to negative remodeling, a complex process that might be less dependent on hyperglycemia than new lesion formation.

Outcomes of concomitant percutaneous coronary intervention and balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease often coexists with severe aortic stenosis. The feasibility and safety of combined balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are unknown. AIM: To compare outcomes and complications of combined BAV and PCI with BAV alone. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 409 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing BAV from 1/2007 to 12/2010. Overall, 329 patients underwent BAV alone and 80 underwent concomitant PCI. Clinical and hemodynamic data, as well as acute and intermediate-term outcomes, were collected. RESULTS: At the operator's discretion PCI was done before BAV in 66 (82.5%) and after in 14 (17.5%). Patients who underwent concomitant procedures had a higher incidence of prior stroke and a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation. Procedure time and fluoroscopic time were significantly greater in the BAV/PCI group, (90.0 ± 36.6 vs. 72.8 ± 39.8, P = 0.002 and 20.5 ± 10.9 vs. 12.9 ± 7.0, P < 0.001). Significantly more radiographic contrast was used in the BAV/PCI group (95.1 ± 45.5 vs. 36.7 ± 38.4 cm(3) , P < 0.001. Serious adverse events occurred with equal frequency 13.7 and 17.3%, P = 0.44). Transfusion requirement was also similar (21.2% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.81). The frequency of a periprocedural increase in troponin or creatinine was also similar. In the BAV alone group the mortality rate was 48.6% (n = 160) during a mean follow-up of 191 days, and in the BAV/PCI group the mortality rate was 40% (n = 32) during mean follow-up of 175.5 day, P = 0.34. CONCLUSION: Combined BAV and PCI are safe and are associated with similar complications as BAV alone and may offer protection against myocardial ischemia during BAV.