Valor Prognóstico de Níveis Elevados de Troponina I Isolados em Pacientes sem Síndrome Coronariana Aguda Admitidos no Serviço de Emergência / Prognostic Value of Isolated Elevated Troponin I Levels in Patients without Acute Coronary Syndrome Admitted to the Emergency Department

Resumo Fundamento: Embora a elevação não isquêmica da troponina seja frequentemente observada em pacientes admitidos no pronto-socorro (PS), não há consenso quanto ao seu manejo. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os pacientes admitidos no PS com elevação da troponina não-isquêmica e identificar potenciais preditores de mortalidade nessa população. Métodos: Este estudo observacional retrospectivo incluiu pacientes do PS com resultado positivo no teste da troponina entre junho e julho de 2015. Pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) foram excluídos. Os dados demográficos dos pacientes e as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram extraídos dos prontuários médicos. Os dados do seguimento foram obtidos por 16 meses ou até a ocorrência de morte. O nível de significância estatística foi de 5%. Resultados: A elevação da troponina sem SCA foi encontrada em 153 pacientes no PS. A mediana (IIQ) de idade dos pacientes foi de 78 (19) anos, 80 (52,3%) eram do sexo feminino e 59 (38,6%) morreram durante o seguimento. A mediana do período de seguimento (IIQ) foi de 477 (316) dias. Os sobreviventes eram significativamente mais jovens 76 (24) vs. 84 (13) anos; p=0,004) e apresentaram uma maior proporção de elevação da troponina isolada (sem elevação da creatina quinase ou mioglobina) em duas avaliações consecutivas: 48 (53,9%) vs. 8 (17,4%), p<0,001. Os sobreviventes também apresentaram menor taxa de tratamento antiplaquetário e internação no mesmo dia. Na regressão logística multivariada com ajuste para variáveis significativas na análise univariada, a elevação isolada da troponina em duas avaliações consecutivas mostrou hazard ratio = 0,43 (IC95% 0,17-0,96, p=0,039); hospitalização, tratamento antiplaquetário anterior e idade permaneceram independentemente associados à mortalidade. Conclusões: A elevação isolada da troponina em duas medidas consecutivas foi um forte preditor de sobrevida em pacientes no PS com elevação da troponina, mas sem SCA.

Abstract Background: Although non-ischemic troponin elevation is frequently seen in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED), consensus regarding its management is lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize patients admitted to the ED with non-ischemic troponin elevation and to identify potential mortality predictors in this population. Methods: This retrospective observational study included ED patients with a positive troponin test result between June and July of 2015. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were excluded. Data on patient demographics and clinical and laboratory variables were extracted from medical records. Follow-up data were obtained for 16 months or until death occurred. The statistical significance level was 5%. Results: Troponin elevation without ACS was found in 153 ED patients. The median (IQR) patient age was 78 (19) years, 80 (52.3%) were female and 59(38.6%) died during follow-up. The median (IQR) follow-up period was 477(316) days. Survivors were significantly younger 76 (24) vs. 84 (13) years; p=0.004) and featured a higher proportion of isolated troponin elevation (without creatine kinase or myoglobin elevation) in two consecutive evaluations: 48 (53.9%) vs. 8 (17.4%), p<0.001. Survivors also presented a lower rate of antiplatelet treatment and same-day hospitalization. In the multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for significant variables in the univariate analysis, isolated troponin elevation in two consecutive evaluations showed a hazard ratio= 0.43 (95%CI 0.17-0.96, p=0.039); hospitalization, previous antiplatelet treatment and age remained independently associated with mortality. Conclusions: Isolated troponin elevation in two consecutive measurements was a strong predictor of survival in ED patients with troponin elevation but without ACS.

Prognostic Value of Isolated Elevated Troponin I Levels in Patients without Acute Coronary Syndrome Admitted to the Emergency Department. / Valor Prognóstico de Níveis Elevados de Troponina I Isolados em Pacientes sem Síndrome Coronariana Aguda Admitidos no Serviço de Emergência.

BACKGROUND: Although non-ischemic troponin elevation is frequently seen in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED), consensus regarding its management is lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize patients admitted to the ED with non-ischemic troponin elevation and to identify potential mortality predictors in this population. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included ED patients with a positive troponin test result between June and July of 2015. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were excluded. Data on patient demographics and clinical and laboratory variables were extracted from medical records. Follow-up data were obtained for 16 months or until death occurred. The statistical significance level was 5%. RESULTS: Troponin elevation without ACS was found in 153 ED patients. The median (IQR) patient age was 78 (19) years, 80 (52.3%) were female and 59(38.6%) died during follow-up. The median (IQR) follow-up period was 477(316) days. Survivors were significantly younger 76 (24) vs. 84 (13) years; p=0.004) and featured a higher proportion of isolated troponin elevation (without creatine kinase or myoglobin elevation) in two consecutive evaluations: 48 (53.9%) vs. 8 (17.4%), p<0.001. Survivors also presented a lower rate of antiplatelet treatment and same-day hospitalization. In the multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for significant variables in the univariate analysis, isolated troponin elevation in two consecutive evaluations showed a hazard ratio= 0.43 (95%CI 0.17-0.96, p=0.039); hospitalization, previous antiplatelet treatment and age remained independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated troponin elevation in two consecutive measurements was a strong predictor of survival in ED patients with troponin elevation but without ACS.

FUNDAMENTO: Embora a elevação não isquêmica da troponina seja frequentemente observada em pacientes admitidos no pronto-socorro (PS), não há consenso quanto ao seu manejo. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os pacientes admitidos no PS com elevação da troponina não-isquêmica e identificar potenciais preditores de mortalidade nessa população. MÉTODOS: Este estudo observacional retrospectivo incluiu pacientes do PS com resultado positivo no teste da troponina entre junho e julho de 2015. Pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) foram excluídos. Os dados demográficos dos pacientes e as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram extraídos dos prontuários médicos. Os dados do seguimento foram obtidos por 16 meses ou até a ocorrência de morte. O nível de significância estatística foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A elevação da troponina sem SCA foi encontrada em 153 pacientes no PS. A mediana (IIQ) de idade dos pacientes foi de 78 (19) anos, 80 (52,3%) eram do sexo feminino e 59 (38,6%) morreram durante o seguimento. A mediana do período de seguimento (IIQ) foi de 477 (316) dias. Os sobreviventes eram significativamente mais jovens 76 (24) vs. 84 (13) anos; p=0,004) e apresentaram uma maior proporção de elevação da troponina isolada (sem elevação da creatina quinase ou mioglobina) em duas avaliações consecutivas: 48 (53,9%) vs. 8 (17,4%), p<0,001. Os sobreviventes também apresentaram menor taxa de tratamento antiplaquetário e internação no mesmo dia. Na regressão logística multivariada com ajuste para variáveis significativas na análise univariada, a elevação isolada da troponina em duas avaliações consecutivas mostrou hazard ratio = 0,43 (IC95% 0,17­0,96, p=0,039); hospitalização, tratamento antiplaquetário anterior e idade permaneceram independentemente associados à mortalidade. CONCLUSÕES: A elevação isolada da troponina em duas medidas consecutivas foi um forte preditor de sobrevida em pacientes no PS com elevação da troponina, mas sem SCA.

Long-Term Clinical and Hemodynamic Outcomes after Heart Transplantation in Patients Pre-Treated with Sildenafil. / Resultados Clínicos e Hemodinâmicos de Longo Prazo após o Transplante de Coração em Pacientes Pré-Tratados com Sildenafil.

BACKGROUND: Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance remains a major problem for heart transplant (HT) candidate selection. OBJECTIVE: This study sought at assess the effect of pre-HT sildenafil administration in patients with fixed pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included 300 consecutive, HT candidates treated between 2003 and 2013, in which 95 patients had fixed PH, and of these, 30 patients were treated with sildenafil and eventually received a transplant, forming Group A. Group B included 205 patients without PH who underwent HT. Pulmonary hemodynamics were evaluated before HT, as well as 1 week after and 1 year after HT. Survival was compared between the groups. In this study, a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After treatment with sildenafil but before HT, PVR (-39%) and sPAP (-10%) decreased significantly. sPAP decreased after HT in both groups, but it remained significantly higher in group A vs. group B (40.3 ± 8.0 mmHg vs 36.5 ± 11.5 mmHg, p=0.022). One year after HT, sPAP was 32.4 ± 6.3 mmHg in group A vs 30.5 ± 8.2 mmHg in group B (p=0.274). The survival rate after HT at 30 days (97% in group A versus 96% in group B), at 6 months (87% versus 93%) and at one year (80% vs 91%) were not statistically significant (Log-rank p=0.063). After this first year, the attrition rate was similar among both groups (conditional survival after 1 year, Log-rank p=0.321). CONCLUSION: In patients with severe PH pre-treated with sildenafil, early post-operative hemodynamics and prognosis are numerically worse than in patients without PH, but after 1 year, the medium to long-term mortality proved to be similar. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226).

FUNDAMENTO: A resistência vascular pulmonar elevada ainda é um grande problema na seleção de candidatos ao transplante cardíaco. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de sildenafila pré-transplante cardíaco em pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar fixa. MÉTODOS: O estudo retrospectivo, de centro único, incluiu 300 candidatos a transplante cardíaco consecutivos tratados entre 2003 e 2013. Destes, 95 pacientes tinham hipertensão pulmonar fixa e, dentre eles, 30 pacientes foram tratados com sildenafila e acabaram passando pelo transplante, formando o Grupo A. O Grupo B incluiu 205 pacientes sem hipertensão pulmonar que passaram pelo transplante cardíaco. A hemodinâmica pulmonar foi avaliada antes do transplante, 1 semana e 1 ano após o transplante. A taxa de sobrevivência foi comparada entre os grupos. Neste estudo, um P valor < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Após o tratamento com sildenafila, mas antes do TxC, a RVP (-39%) e a PAPs (-10%) diminuíram significativamente. A PAPs diminuiu após o TxC em ambos os grupos, mas permaneceu significativamente alta no grupo A em relação ao grupo B (40,3 ± 8,0 mmHg versus 36,5 ± 11,5 mmHg, P=0,022). Um ano após o TxC, a PAPs era 32,4 ± 6,3 mmHg no Grupo A versus 30,5 ± 8,2 mmHg no Grupo B (P=0,274). O índice de sobrevivência após o TxC 30 dias (97% no grupo A versus 96% no grupo B), 6 meses (87% versus 93%) e um ano (80% versus 91%) após o TxC não foi estatisticamente significativo (Log-rank P=0,063). Depois do primeiro ano, o índice de mortalidade era similar entre os dois grupos (sobrevivência condicional após 1 ano, Log-rank p=0,321). CONCLUSÃO: Nos pacientes com HP pré-tratados com sildenafila, a hemodinâmica pós-operatória inicial e o prognóstico são numericamente piores em pacientes sem HP, mas depois de 1 ano, a mortalidade em médio e longo prazo são semelhantes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226).

Resultados Clínicos e Hemodinâmicos de Longo Prazo após o Transplante de Coração em Pacientes Pré-Tratados com Sildenafil / Long-Term Clinical and Hemodynamic Outcomes after Heart Transplantation in Patients Pre-Treated with Sildenafil

Resumo Fundamento A resistência vascular pulmonar elevada ainda é um grande problema na seleção de candidatos ao transplante cardíaco. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de sildenafila pré-transplante cardíaco em pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar fixa. Métodos O estudo retrospectivo, de centro único, incluiu 300 candidatos a transplante cardíaco consecutivos tratados entre 2003 e 2013. Destes, 95 pacientes tinham hipertensão pulmonar fixa e, dentre eles, 30 pacientes foram tratados com sildenafila e acabaram passando pelo transplante, formando o Grupo A. O Grupo B incluiu 205 pacientes sem hipertensão pulmonar que passaram pelo transplante cardíaco. A hemodinâmica pulmonar foi avaliada antes do transplante, 1 semana e 1 ano após o transplante. A taxa de sobrevivência foi comparada entre os grupos. Neste estudo, um P valor < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Após o tratamento com sildenafila, mas antes do TxC, a RVP (-39%) e a PAPs (-10%) diminuíram significativamente. A PAPs diminuiu após o TxC em ambos os grupos, mas permaneceu significativamente alta no grupo A em relação ao grupo B (40,3 ± 8,0 mmHg versus 36,5 ± 11,5 mmHg, P=0,022). Um ano após o TxC, a PAPs era 32,4 ± 6,3 mmHg no Grupo A versus 30,5 ± 8,2 mmHg no Grupo B (P=0,274). O índice de sobrevivência após o TxC 30 dias (97% no grupo A versus 96% no grupo B), 6 meses (87% versus 93%) e um ano (80% versus 91%) após o TxC não foi estatisticamente significativo (Log-rank P=0,063). Depois do primeiro ano, o índice de mortalidade era similar entre os dois grupos (sobrevivência condicional após 1 ano, Log-rank p=0,321). Conclusão Nos pacientes com HP pré-tratados com sildenafila, a hemodinâmica pós-operatória inicial e o prognóstico são numericamente piores em pacientes sem HP, mas depois de 1 ano, a mortalidade em médio e longo prazo são semelhantes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226)

Abstract Background Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance remains a major problem for heart transplant (HT) candidate selection. Objective This study sought at assess the effect of pre-HT sildenafil administration in patients with fixed pulmonary hypertension. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included 300 consecutive, HT candidates treated between 2003 and 2013, in which 95 patients had fixed PH, and of these, 30 patients were treated with sildenafil and eventually received a transplant, forming Group A. Group B included 205 patients without PH who underwent HT. Pulmonary hemodynamics were evaluated before HT, as well as 1 week after and 1 year after HT. Survival was compared between the groups. In this study, a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results After treatment with sildenafil but before HT, PVR (-39%) and sPAP (-10%) decreased significantly. sPAP decreased after HT in both groups, but it remained significantly higher in group A vs. group B (40.3 ± 8.0 mmHg vs 36.5 ± 11.5 mmHg, p=0.022). One year after HT, sPAP was 32.4 ± 6.3 mmHg in group A vs 30.5 ± 8.2 mmHg in group B (p=0.274). The survival rate after HT at 30 days (97% in group A versus 96% in group B), at 6 months (87% versus 93%) and at one year (80% vs 91%) were not statistically significant (Log-rank p=0.063). After this first year, the attrition rate was similar among both groups (conditional survival after 1 year, Log-rank p=0.321). Conclusion In patients with severe PH pre-treated with sildenafil, early post-operative hemodynamics and prognosis are numerically worse than in patients without PH, but after 1 year, the medium to long-term mortality proved to be similar. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(2):219-226)

Real-world analysis of acute decompensated heart failure outcomes in Portugal.

AIMS: In Portugal, in the last 5 years, no study has published recent data regarding outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of a large contemporaneous Portuguese cohort of ADHF patients admitted to our emergency department (ED). METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective, study of all 1024 patients admitted to our ED with a discharge diagnosis of ADHF from November 2016 to December 2017. Baseline clinical data and outcomes {in-hospital, 30 day, and follow-up all-cause mortality, and readmissions; median follow-up, 5 months; interquartile range [(IQR), 3-11 months]} were determined. Mean age was 78 ± 10 years, and 53% were male; of the 1024 patients, 554 (54%) were hospitalized. The median hospitalization length was 9 (IQR, 5-15) days, and in-hospital mortality was 12.7%. Hospitalized patients were predominantly men (56% vs. 47%; P < 0.001), younger (77 ± 9 vs. 79 ± 11 years; P = 0.002) and had higher creatinine values and B-type natriuretic peptide values (P < 0.001) than discharged patients. Patients with prior hospitalization had lower 30 day readmission rate (8% vs. 14%; P = 0.01), same overall readmission rate (30% vs. 32%), and higher 30 day (13% vs. 5%; P < 0.001) and overall mortality rates (28% vs. 15%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the patients admitted to the ED were hospitalized. Of these, only 8% were readmitted in the ED within 30 days. The clinical and analytical status in the ED are important predictors of hospitalization.

Left atrial mechanics in moderate mitral valve disease: earlier markers of damage.

While the impairment of left atrial (LA) mechanics in mitral valve disease is well known, the exact onset of reservoir, conduit, and contractile dysfunction in mitral stenosis (MS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the LA deformation mechanics in patients with moderate mitral valve disease. We conducted a prospective observational study of 80 patients with moderate isolated MR, 80 patients with moderate isolated MS, and 64 age-matched controls without mitral valve disease. Strain (ɛ) and strain rate (SR) on speckle tracking echocardiography were assessed as indicators of LA and right atrium (RA) reservoir (ɛsys, SRs), conduit (ɛe, SRe), and contractile (ɛa, SRa) functions. Conventional echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle (LV) were also assessed. Comparisons were conducted according to mitral valve pathology (MR patients, MS patients, controls). The mean LV ejection fraction, end-diastolic diameter, and global longitudinal strain did not differ across the groups. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure, LA volume indexed to body surface area, and LA mechanics were significantly impaired in mitral valve disease (patients vs controls). While LA ɛ did not vary between MR and MS, MR patients had better LA SRs and SRe but worse SRa (p < 0.01). SRe > - 0.65% had higher specificity for MS, with an area under the curve of 0.85 (p < 0.01). RA mechanics were significantly impaired in mitral valve disease (patients vs controls) but did not vary significantly with disease pathology (MS vs MR). Patients with moderate mitral valve disease exhibit early and pathology-specific changes in the LA deformation mechanics, manifesting mainly as impaired contractile-phase SR in MR and impaired conduit-phase SR in MS. Our findings highlight SR as a potentially useful early marker of LA dysfunction in relation to mitral valve disease.

Going beyond classic echo in aortic stenosis: left atrial mechanics, a new marker of severity.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding left atrial (LA) mechanics in aortic valve stenosis (AS). We assessed LA mechanics in AS through speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) according to severity and prognosis. METHODS: We included 102 patients diagnosed with severe AS (sAS) and 80 patients with moderate AS (mAS), all with preserved ejection fraction and no coronary artery disease. LA mechanics and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) were assessed by STE. The cohort was followed-up for a median of 30 (IQR 12.6-50) months, and outcomes were determined (combined outcome of HF, death, and aortic valve replacement). RESULTS: In our sample set, values of LV-GLS (- 18.5% vs - 17.1, p = 0.025), E/e' ratio (15.8 vs 18.4, p = 0.03), and global LA mechanics (LA ɛsys, 23% vs 13.8%, p < 0.001) were worse for sAS compared to those for mAS. However, LA ɛsys (AUC 0.85, 95% CI 0.78-0.90, p < 0.001), ɛe (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.88, p < 0.001), and ɛa (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.84, p < 0.001) were the best discriminators of sAS, with sensitivities higher than 85%. LA ɛsys showed a stronger correlation with both aortic valve area (r2 = 0.6, p < 0.001) and mean LV/aortic gradient (r2 = 0.55, p < 0.001) than LV-GLS (r2 = 0.3 and r2 = 0.25, p = 0.01). Either LV-GLS or LA ɛsys, but not the E/e' ratio, TAPSE, or RV/RA gradient, were a significant predictors of the combined outcome. CONCLUSIONS: LA global strain was the best discriminator of severity, surpassing E/e' ratio and LV-GLS, and a significant predictor of prognosis in AS.

Ischemic stroke in patients previously anticoagulated for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Why does it happen? / Acidente vascular cerebral isquémico em doentes previamente anticoagulados por fibrilhação auricular não valvular: por que acontece?

INTRODUCTION: Oral anticoagulants have proved to be highly effective in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF)-related strokes. The occurrence of stroke despite oral anticoagulation is unexpected and little is known about the mechanisms responsible. The aim of this study was to assess possible mechanisms for stroke occurrence, such as poor treatment adherence and inappropriate dosage, in patients chronically anticoagulated for AF. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 60 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF, chronically medicated with an oral anticoagulant and admitted due to ischemic stroke. Treatment adherence was assessed through the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the Medição da Adesão ao Tratamento (MAT) scales. Patient characteristics, stroke etiology, and appropriacy of anticoagulant dosage were also assessed. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 78.6±8.0 years, and 51.7% were male. Overall, the proportion of patients with good adherence to anticoagulants was 63.3%. Adherent patients were more frequently illiterate (26.3% vs. 4.5%, p=0.012). The proportion of patients under vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with good treatment adherence was significantly higher than that of patients under novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (83.3% vs. 54.8%, respectively, for BMQ, p=0.035). However, 91.7% of patients under VKAs presented an admission INR <2. Subtherapeutic prescriptions were found in 43% of patients under NOACs. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients, stroke occurrence despite chronic anticoagulation appears to be explained by subtherapeutic dosage, poor treatment adherence or non-cardioembolic etiology, and not by inefficacy of the anticoagulants.

Pacemaker implantation in familial amyloid polyneuropathy: when and for whom?

BACKGROUND: Despite the important role of cardiac pacing in preventing syncope and sudden cardiac death in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), we lack clear guidelines as to the ideal timing and indications for permanent pacemaker implantation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ideal timing for pacemaker implantation in FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation. METHODS: Retrospective study of 258 FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation between 1992 and 2012. Comparison of three groups: (A) patients without pacemaker (N = 122); (B) patients submitted to pacemaker implantation after liver transplantation, with documented conduction disorders (N = 73); and (C) patients submitted to "prophylactic" pacemaker implantation before transplantation, (N = 73). Patients were followed up for 12.2 ± 6.7 years. RESULTS: The majority of patients (57%) were referred for pacemaker implantation, which occurred before liver transplantation in 50% of cases. Patients who required pacemaker after transplantation presented significantly higher Machado-Joseph Score during pre-transplant evaluation than those who did not require pacemaker (24 ± 10 vs 20 ± 10, p = .025), and also exhibited higher levels of hepatic cytolysis enzymes and hyperbilirubinemia. The most common indication for permanent pacemaker was first degree atrioventricular block, with a mean time between transplantation and pacemaker implantation of 8.7 ± 4.2 years. During long-term follow-up, all-cause mortality was 27% and was lowest in the group submitted to pacemaker implantation only after liver transplantation (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The majority of FAP patients submitted to liver transplantation will need a pacemaker at some time of follow-up. However, it seems that there is no benefit in "prophylactic" cardiac pacing before liver transplantation.

Patient-specific 3D printing simulation to guide complex coronary intervention.

The field of three-dimensional printing applied to patient-specific simulation is evolving as a tool to enhance intervention results. We report the first case of a fully simulated percutaneous coronary intervention in a three-dimensional patient-specific model to guide treatment. An 85-year-old female presented with symptomatic in-stent restenosis in the ostial circumflex and was scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention. Considering the complexity of the anatomy, patient setting and intervention technique, we elected to replicate the coronary anatomy using a three-dimensional model. In this way, we simulated the intervention procedure beforehand in the catheterization laboratory using standard materials. The procedure was guided by optical coherence tomography, with pre-dilatation of the lesion, implantation of a single drug-eluting stent in the ostial circumflex and kissing balloon inflation to the left anterior descending artery and circumflex. Procedural steps were replicated in the real patient's treatment, with remarkable parallelism in angiographic outcome and luminal gain at intracoronary imaging. In this proof-of-concept report, we show that patient-specific simulation is feasible to guide the treatment strategy of complex coronary artery disease. It enables the surgical team to plan and practice the procedure beforehand, and possibly predict complications and gain confidence.