Infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST inferior y anterior: ¿doble lesión culpable?

El dolor torácico es uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuente en un servicio de urgencia. Dentro de las hipótesis diagnósticas se deben descartar las patologías de mayor gravedad: el infarto al miocardio (IM), la disección aórtica, el tromboembolismo pulmonar y el neumotórax. El escenario más frecuente es el IM debido a un accidente de placa, pero existen casos en donde la disección aórtica puede verse acompañada de un déficit de perfusión coronaria (síndrome de malaperfusión) generando un IM. Su diagnóstico es difícil, con una mayor mortalidad y complejidad quirúrgica. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 59 años que cursó con dolor torácico y electrocardiograma con elevación del segmento ST inferior y anterior, derivado a angioplastia primaria y que en el estudio angiográfico se identifica compromiso ostial de coronarias, se sospecha una disección aórtica, confirmándose por angiotomografía computada de aorta, donde se evidencia una disección de aorta ascendente con compromiso de ambos ostium coronarios que se trató quirúrgicamente.

Chest pain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in the emergency department. The most severe pathologies must be quickly ruled out within the diagnostic hypotheses: myocardial infarction (MI), aortic dissection, pulmonary thromboembolism, and pneumothorax. A frequent scenario is ST elevation MI due to a plaque accident. However, there are infrequent cases of aortic dissection associated with a deficit in coronary perfusion (malperfusion syndrome) that triggers a MI. The diagnosis of a double artery is difficult, with higher mortality and surgical complexity. We present the case of a 59-year-old man who presented chest pain and an electrocardiogram with inferior and anterior ST-segment elevation who was referred for primary angioplasty. The angiographic study confirmed the presence of a coronary ostium defect and suggested aortic dissection. Computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis, showing the dissection of the ascending aorta with the compromise of both coronary ostia, which was subjected to surgical treatment.

Biopsia endomiocárdica en la práctica actual: Aspectos técnicos, indicaciones y complicaciones / Endomyocardial biopsy in current practice: Technical Aspects, Indications and complications

La biopsia endomiocárdica (BEM) es un procedimiento invasivo y una herramienta diagnóstica, que en el pasado se encontraba principalmente enfocado en el seguimiento del rechazo post trasplante cardíaco. Actualmente, juega un rol importante en el diagnostico de las miocardiopatías no isquémicas. Se realiza frecuentemente por un acceso venoso para acceder al ventrículo derecho. El rendimiento diagnóstico ha mejorado con el avance del análisis anatomo-patológico. El riesgo de complicaciones, cercana al 1%, de este procedimiento en centros con experiencia puede justificarse frente al beneficio potencial de un diagnóstico y pronóstico preciso.

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is an invasive procedure and a diagnostic tool used mainly on the follow-up of post-heart transplant rejection in the past years. Currently, it has an important role in the diagnosis of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. EMB is frequently performed through a venous access to enter the right ventricle. Diagnostic performance has improved with advances in pathology analysis. Its complications risk, close to 1% in high-volume interventional centers, can be justified considering the potential benefit of an accurate diagnosis and prognosis.

[Myocardial infarction with elevation of the inferior and anterior ST segment: double artery is the culprit?] / Infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST inferior y anterior: ¿doble lesión culpable?

Chest pain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in the emergency department. The most severe pathologies must be quickly ruled out within the diagnostic hypotheses: myocardial infarction (MI), aortic dissection, pulmonary thromboembolism, and pneumothorax. A frequent scenario is ST elevation MI due to a plaque accident. However, there are infrequent cases of aortic dissection associated with a deficit in coronary perfusion (malperfusion syndrome) that triggers a MI. The diagnosis of a double artery is difficult, with higher mortality and surgical complexity. We present the case of a 59-year-old man who presented chest pain and an electrocardiogram with inferior and anterior ST-segment elevation who was referred for primary angioplasty. The angiographic study confirmed the presence of a coronary ostium defect and suggested aortic dissection. Computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis, showing the dissection of the ascending aorta with the compromise of both coronary ostia, which was subjected to surgical treatment.

[Endomyocardial biopsy in current practice: Technical Aspects, Indications and complications]. / Biopsia endomiocárdica en la práctica actual: Aspectos técnicos, indicaciones y complicaciones.

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is an invasive procedure and a diagnostic tool used mainly on the follow-up of post-heart transplant rejection in the past years. Currently, it has an important role in the diagnosis of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. EMB is frequently performed through a venous access to enter the right ventricle. Diagnostic performance has improved with advances in pathology analysis. Its complications risk, close to 1% in high-volume interventional centers, can be justified considering the potential benefit of an accurate diagnosis and prognosis.

Chronic angina secondary to Takayasu arteritis. Report of one case / Síndrome coronario crónico secundario a aortitis y enfermedad coronaria ostial bilateral. Informe de un caso

Chronic coronary syndromes are usually considered uncommon in young women, related to slower progression of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, have atypical clinical presentations, and experience less diagnostic investigation. Non-atherosclerotic causes of coronary artery disease should be considered in young women experiencing angina. We report a 25-year-old woman who consulted for five months of moderate exertion angina. Physical examination revealed a right carotid bruit and asymmetrical upper extremity peripheral pulses. Initial work-up and imaging allowed to diagnose aortitis with bilateral coronary ostial stenosis secondary to Takayasu's arteritis. The patient experienced an apparent clinical response to initial medical therapy. However, follow-up evaluation revealed persistence of significant ischemia and requirement for myocardial revascularization. A percutaneous coronary intervention was performed.

Los síndromes coronaries crónicos son infrecuentes en mujeres jóvenes, quienes suelen presentar una lenta progresión de enfermedad coronaria aterosclerótica, tienen presentación clínica atípica y son menos sujetas a exploración diagnostica. Se deben considerar causas no ateroscleróticas de enfermedad coronaria en mujeres jóvenes con angina. Informamos una paciente de 25 años que consultó por cinco meses de angina con esfuerzos moderados. Al examen físico presentaba un soplo carotideo derecho y pulsos asimétricos de extremidades superiores. La exploración de laboratorio inicial y posterior evaluación multimodal permitió evidenciar la presencia de aortitis y estenosis de ambos ostium coronarios, concordante con el diagnóstico de una arteritis de Takayasu. Inició terapia medica con respuesta clínica aparentemente favorable. No obstante, la evaluación cardiológica no invasiva en el seguimiento permitió corroborar la persistencia de isquemia significativa y necesidad de revascularización miocárdica. Se realizó una intervención coronaria percutánea de ambos ostium, con una evolución favorable.

Chronic angina secondary to Takayasu arteritis. Report of one case.

Chronic coronary syndromes are usually considered uncommon in young women, related to slower progression of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, have atypical clinical presentations, and experience less diagnostic investigation. Non-atherosclerotic causes of coronary artery disease should be considered in young women experiencing angina. We report a 25-year-old woman who consulted for five months of moderate exertion angina. Physical examination revealed a right carotid bruit and asymmetrical upper extremity peripheral pulses. Initial work-up and imaging allowed to diagnose aortitis with bilateral coronary ostial stenosis secondary to Takayasu's arteritis. The patient experienced an apparent clinical response to initial medical therapy. However, follow-up evaluation revealed persistence of significant ischemia and requirement for myocardial revascularization. A percutaneous coronary intervention was performed.

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on myocardial infarction reperfusion therapy and prognosis.

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the prompt diagnosis and treatment of Acute myocardial infarction (AMI). AIM: To characterize the clinical profile of patients with AMI during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing them with a historical cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study of 96 patients with AMI transferred to a high-volume percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) hospital between March and July 2020, and a historical cohort of 269 patients transferred during the same period in 2019. RESULTS: When comparing patients transferred during the pandemic with those of the historical cohort, the former were younger (63 ± 12 vs 68 ± 12 years, p < 0.01), had a higher frequency of hypertension (66 vs 45%, p < 0.01) and of smoking (40% vs 25%, p < 0.01). Also, during COVID-19 outbreak a higher proportion of patients had ST-elevation AMI consulting > 12 hours from the onset of symptoms (44 vs 0%, p < 0.01), a higher median door-to-device time (4 vs 3 hours, p < 0.01), a higher use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (97 vs 71%, p < 0.01), and higher frequencies of cardiogenic shock (20 vs 4%, p < 0.01) and mechanical complications (10% vs 2%, p < 0.01). Patients during COVID pandemic had a higher thirty-day overall (20 vs 1.4%, p < 0.01) and cardiovascular mortality (13 vs 1%, p < 0.01). During the outbreak, 40% of patients had positive COVID-19 status, which was a predictor for thirty-day overall mortality (Risk ratio 2.90; 95% confidence intervals 1.14-7.36). CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic patients with AMI exhibited delays in consultations and treatment, higher morbidity, and increased mortality. COVID-19 positivity was associated to worse thirty-day overall survival.

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on myocardial infarction reperfusion therapy and prognosis / Consecuencias de la pandemia COVID-19 en la reperfusión y pronóstico del infarto de miocardio

ABSTRACT Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the prompt diagnosis and treatment of Acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Aim: To characterize the clinical profile of patients with AMI during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing them with a historical cohort. Material and Methods: A case-control study of 96 patients with AMI transferred to a high-volume percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) hospital between March and July 2020, and a historical cohort of 269 patients transferred during the same period in 2019. Results: When comparing patients transferred during the pandemic with those of the historical cohort, the former were younger (63 ± 12 vs 68 ± 12 years, p 12 hours from the onset of symptoms (44 vs 0%, p < 0.01), a higher median door-to-device time (4 vs 3 hours, p < 0.01), a higher use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (97 vs 71%, p < 0.01), and higher frequencies of cardiogenic shock (20 vs 4%, p < 0.01) and mechanical complications (10% vs 2%, p < 0.01). Patients during COVID pandemic had a higher thirty-day overall (20 vs 1.4%, p < 0.01) and cardiovascular mortality (13 vs 1%, p < 0.01). During the outbreak, 40% of patients had positive COVID-19 status, which was a predictor for thirty-day overall mortality (Risk ratio 2.90; 95% confidence intervals 1.14-7.36). Conclusions: During the pandemic patients with AMI exhibited delays in consultations and treatment, higher morbidity, and increased mortality. COVID-19 positivity was associated to worse thirty-day overall survival.

Antecedentes: La pandemia COVID-19 afectó el tratamiento oportuno del infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Objetivo: Caracterizar el perfil clínico de pacientes con IAM durante la pandemia COVID-19 y compararlos con una cohorte histórica. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio caso-control de 96 pacientes con IAM transferidos a un hospital de alto volumen de intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) entre marzo julio de 2020 y una cohorte histórica de 269 pacientes transferidos en el mismo período de 2019 (n = 269). Resultados: Al comparar los pacientes transferidos durante pandemia y la cohorte histórica, los primeros eran más jóvenes (63 ± 12 y 68 ± 12 años respectivamente, p 12 h desde iniciados síntomas de IAM con elevación ST (44,4 y 0% respectivamente, p < 0,01), una mediana de tiempo puerta-guía mayor (4 y 3 horas respectivamente, p < 0,01), un mayor uso de ICP primaria (97 y 71% respectivamente, p < 0,01), mayor frecuencia de shock cardiogénico (19,8 y 4,1% respectivamente, p < 0.01) y complicaciones mecánicas (10,4 y 1,7% respectivamente, p < 0,01). A treinta días, los primeros tuvieron mayor mortalidad general (19,8 y 1,4% respectivamente p < 0.01) y cardiovascular (12,5 y 1,4% respectivamente, p < 0,01). Durante la pandemia, 40% de los pacientes presentó positividad para COVID-19, siendo un factor predictivo de mortalidad general (razón de riesgo 2,90; intervalos de confianza 95% 1,14-7,36). Conclusiones: Durante la pandemia, hubo retrasos en tiempos de consulta y tratamiento y mayor morbimortalidad del IAM. La positividad de COVID-19 se asoció a peor sobrevida general a treinta días.

Peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for periprocedural Cardiogenic shock during interventional cardiology

ABSTRACT Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is uncommon in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Periprocedural CS is more frequent in high-risk patients and in technically demanding procedures. Aim: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pVA-ECMO) for CS associated with interventional cardiology procedures. Material and Methods: Review of clinical records of seven patients treated between January 2014 and October 2018. Results: pVA-ECMO was implanted within 6 hours of the interventional cardiology procedure. All patients had coronary artery disease and one of them also had symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. One patient entered the CCL in cardiac arrest. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in all patients; four patients underwent an emergency procedure and five patients experienced PCI complications. One patient undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement suffered acute severe aortic regurgitation. An intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted at the CCL in five patients. Six patients experienced cardiac arrest. Mean SAVE score was -4.3 and baseline lactate 55 mg/dl. pVA-ECMO mean duration was 5 ± 4 days. Survival after both hospital discharge and 12 months of follow-up was 85.7% Regarding vascular access complications, we observed one access site hematoma and one episode of cannulation site bleeding requiring surgical repair. Conclusions: pVA-ECMO should be considered in patients with periprocedural CS as a bridge to recovery. Its use was associated with improved clinical outcomes in this series.

Antecedentes: El shock cardiogénico (SC) es infrecuente en el laboratorio de cateterismo cardíaco (LCC) entre pacientes que son sometidos a coronariografía. El SC peri-procedimiento es más frecuente en pacientes de alto riesgo y en procedimientos técnicamente complejos. Objetivos: Describir los resultados clínicos de pacientes que fueron conectados a oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea veno-arterial periférica (ECMO-VAp) por SC peri-procedimiento de cardiología intervencional. Material y Métodos: Revisión de fichas clínicas de siete pacientes tratados en nuestro centro desde enero de 2014 a octubre de 2018. Resultados: ECMO-VAp fue utilizado dentro de las primeras 6 horas del procedimiento. Todos los pacientes tenían enfermedad coronaria y uno de ellos tenía además estenosis aórtica severa. Un paciente ingresó al LCC en paro cardíaco. Una intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) fue realizada en todos los pacientes; 4 se realizaron procedimientos de emergencia y 5 pacientes tuvieron complicaciones de la ICP. A un paciente se le realizó un reemplazo valvular aórtico percutáneo y desarrolló una insuficiencia valvular aórtica aguda severa. Se instaló un balón de contrapulsación en el LCC en 5 pacientes. Seis pacientes tuvieron un paro cardiorrespiratorio. El valor del score de SAVE fue de -4,3 y el lactato basal 55 mg/dL. La duración media del ECMO-VAp fue 5 ± 4 días. La sobrevida al alta y a los 12 meses fue 85,7%. Como complicaciones del sitio de acceso vascular se observaron 1 hematoma y un episodio de sangrado que requirió reparación quirúrgica. Conclusiones: ECMO-VAp debería ser considerado en pacientes con SC peri-procedimiento como un puente a recuperación; su utilización estuvo asociada con mejoría de resultados clínicos en esta serie.

Infarto agudo de miocardio sin enfermedad coronaria ateroesclerótica obstructiva: utilidad de las imágenes intravasculares y resonancia cardíaca en su diagnóstico / Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Diagnostic value of intravascular imaging and cardiac resonance

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is common. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and intravascular imaging (IVI) may be useful for establishing its etiology. AIM: To describe a population with MINOCA and its multi-image assessment using IVI or CMR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records, imaging and functional studies of patients with MINOCA treated in three different clinical centers between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with MINOCA and IVI were included. Seventy eight percent were women, 46% had hypertension, 32% smoked and 32% had dyslipidemia. At wall motion assessment, 46% presented apical ballooning pattern. In 36% of patients IVI identified lesions that explained the cause of MINOCA, namely plaque disruption (PD) in 18%, spontaneous coronary dissection in 11% and a thrombus without PD in 7%. Forty-six percent of patients had uncomplicated atherosclerotic plaques, and 36% had no pathological findings. CMR was performed in 50% of patients, identifying in all a diagnostic pattern. In nine cases it was compatible with stress cardiomyopathy, three cases had a myocarditis and two cases had transmural infarctions. PD and transmural late gadolinium enhancement were observed in 23% of patients with apical ballooning. Patients with a pattern of myocarditis did not have acute pathological findings at IVI. After a mean follow-up of 16.4±11.4 months, 3 patients with PD died. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with MINOCA, there was a predominance of female gender with low cardiovascular risk factor load. The multi-image assessment allowed greater precision for etiological diagnosis of MINOCA. Apical ballooning was not pathognomonic for stress cardiomyopathy. PD was associated with mortality.

Peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for periprocedural Cardiogenic shock during interventional cardiology.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is uncommon in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Periprocedural CS is more frequent in high-risk patients and in technically demanding procedures. AIM: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pVA-ECMO) for CS associated with interventional cardiology procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of clinical records of seven patients treated between January 2014 and October 2018. RESULTS: pVA-ECMO was implanted within 6 hours of the interventional cardiology procedure. All patients had coronary artery disease and one of them also had symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. One patient entered the CCL in cardiac arrest. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in all patients; four patients underwent an emergency procedure and five patients experienced PCI complications. One patient undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement suffered acute severe aortic regurgitation. An intra-aortic balloon pump was inserted at the CCL in five patients. Six patients experienced cardiac arrest. Mean SAVE score was -4.3 and baseline lactate 55 mg/dl. pVA-ECMO mean duration was 5 ± 4 days. Survival after both hospital discharge and 12 months of follow-up was 85.7% Regarding vascular access complications, we observed one access site hematoma and one episode of cannulation site bleeding requiring surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: pVA-ECMO should be considered in patients with periprocedural CS as a bridge to recovery. Its use was associated with improved clinical outcomes in this series.

[Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Diagnostic value of intravascular imaging and cardiac resonance]. / Infarto agudo de miocardio sin enfermedad coronaria ateroesclerótica obstructiva: utilidad de las imágenes intravasculares y resonancia cardíaca en su diagnóstico.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is common. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and intravascular imaging (IVI) may be useful for establishing its etiology. AIM: To describe a population with MINOCA and its multi-image assessment using IVI or CMR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records, imaging and functional studies of patients with MINOCA treated in three different clinical centers between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with MINOCA and IVI were included. Seventy eight percent were women, 46% had hypertension, 32% smoked and 32% had dyslipidemia. At wall motion assessment, 46% presented apical ballooning pattern. In 36% of patients IVI identified lesions that explained the cause of MINOCA, namely plaque disruption (PD) in 18%, spontaneous coronary dissection in 11% and a thrombus without PD in 7%. Forty-six percent of patients had uncomplicated atherosclerotic plaques, and 36% had no pathological findings. CMR was performed in 50% of patients, identifying in all a diagnostic pattern. In nine cases it was compatible with stress cardiomyopathy, three cases had a myocarditis and two cases had transmural infarctions. PD and transmural late gadolinium enhancement were observed in 23% of patients with apical ballooning. Patients with a pattern of myocarditis did not have acute pathological findings at IVI. After a mean follow-up of 16.4±11.4 months, 3 patients with PD died. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with MINOCA, there was a predominance of female gender with low cardiovascular risk factor load. The multi-image assessment allowed greater precision for etiological diagnosis of MINOCA. Apical ballooning was not pathognomonic for stress cardiomyopathy. PD was associated with mortality.

Correlación entre la ecocardiografìa transesofágica tridimensional y tomografìa cardíaca en la determinación del anillo aórtico previo al reemplazo de válvula aórtica con catéteres (TAVR) / Correlation between 3-D trans-esophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography in the evaluation of the aortic annulus prior to transcatheter aortic valveimplantation (TAVR)

Introducción: Para el reemplazo de válvula aórtica con catéteres (TAVR) es fundamental la adecuada medición del anillo aórtico para elegir el tamaño adecuado de la prótesis y evitar complicaciones graves como la ruptura del anillo aórtico y la insuficiencia paravalvular (IAP). La tomografía computada cardíaca (TC) es el estándar de oro en la medición del anillo aórtico, pero la ecocardiografía transesofágica 3D (ETE3D) parece ser una alternativa atractiva. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre las mediciones del anillo aórtico obtenidas por ETE3D y las encontradas en la TC. Los resultados obtenidos se evaluaron en términos de la prótesis elegida y la presencia de insuficiencia aórtica post TAVR. Métodos: Se realizaron de manera retrospectiva y ciega, las mediciones del anillo aórtico por TC y ETE3D en 18 pacientes consecutivos, edad promedio 82 ± 7,06 años, sometidos a TAVR usando prótesis Sapien XT (Edwards Lifescience). Se comparó el diámetro máximo, diámetro mínimo, diámetro medio, área y perímetro del anillo. Resultados: La ETE3D subvaloró el tamaño del anillo aórtico, pero demostró tener una buena correlación con los diferentes parámetros de la TC, con mejor comportamiento para el perímetro del anillo. ETE3D y TC coincidieron en la elección de la prótesis en 17 pacientes y no hubo IAP de relevancia. Conclusión: La ETE3D tiene buena correlación comparada contra la TC en la valoración del anillo aórtico. La ETE3D parece una atractiva alternativa a la TC para medición del anillo especialmente en casos complejos o cuando la disponibilidad y acceso a la TC puede estar limitada.

In TAVR, the precise measuring of the aortic annulus is essential to determine the size of the prosthesis and to avoid complications like rupture of the annulus of aortic insufficiency. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard to achieve these goals. 3-D trans-esophageal echocardiography (3-D TEE) to be a useful alternative method. Aim: to evaluate the correlation of aortic annulus measurements obtained with 3-dTE and CT in the determination of annulus measurements before TAVR. Prosthesis size and presence of aortic insufficiency were related to these measurements. Methods: In a retrospective blinded protocol the measurements of the aortic annulus obtained with CT or 3D-TEE were correlated in 18 consecutive patients (mean age 82 ± 7.1) submitted to TAVR with a Sapien XT (Edwards Lifescience) prosthesis. Maximal, minimal and mean diameters as well as area and annular circumference were evaluated. Results: Compared to CT, 3D-TEE under estimated de size of the aortic annulus but correlated well with other measurements of CT, especially with the annular circumference. Measurements from both methods agreed in the determination of the prosthesis size in 17 of 18 patients. No significant per prosthetic aortic insufficiency was observed in any case. Conclusion: 3DTEE correlates well with CT in evaluating the different parameters of the aortic annulus and is a good alternative to CT in complex cases and when CT is not readily available.

Tomografía por coherencia óptica intracoronaria: bases físicas, utilidad clínica e interpretación / Intracoronary optic coherence tomography: physical basis, clinical use and interpretation

La tomografía por coherencia óptica (OCT por sus siglas en inglés) es un sistema de imágenes invasivo basado en la luz infrarroja. Usando la luz en vez del ultrasonido se pueden obtener imágenes in vivo de alta resolución de las arterias coronarias y stents implantados. El análisis de las imágenes permite una evaluación detallada de la arquitectura luminal y la caracterización de las paredes arteriales, entregando información acerca de la ateroesclerosis coronaria, así como de resultados y complicaciones luego del implante de stents. En el presente artículo, revisamos los conceptos básicos de esta técnica, los fundamentos para la interpretación de las imágenes y las aplicaciones clínicas que nos ofrece.

Background: Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an invasive imaging system based on infrared light. By using light instead of ultrasound it is possible to obtain high-resolution images of the coronary arteries as well as of implanted stents. Images analyses allow for a detailed evaluation of the coronary artery lumen and wall, thus providing information of coronary atherosclerosis and stent implantation results and complications. Herein, basic concepts of image acquisition, interpretation and clinical use are described.

'Mother-in-child' thrombectomy technique: a novel and effective approach to decrease intracoronary thrombus burden in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The presence of large thrombus burden in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is common and associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to describe the feasibility and safety of the novel 'mother-in-child' thrombectomy (MCT) technique in patients presenting with AMI and large thrombus burden undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We studied 13 patients presenting with AMI who underwent PCI with persistent large intracoronary thrombus after standard thrombectomy. The procedure was performed using a 5F 'Heartrail II-ST01' catheter (Terumo Medical) into a 6F guiding system. Angiographic assessment of thrombus burden and coronary flow was obtained at baseline, immediately after thrombectomy and at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.9±13.0 years and involved mostly males (76.9%). All patients underwent PCI via radial approach. Following MCT Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow improved by 2 or more degrees in 11 patients (84.5%), while visible angiographic thrombus was reduced in 11 patients (84.5%). In the final angiogram, normal TIMI flow was restored in 11 patients (84.5%), with normal myocardial 'blush' in 7 patients (53.8%) and total clearance of a visible thrombus in 7 patients (53.8%). Overall, 6 patients received thrombectomy as 'stand-alone' procedure. All patients were discharged alive after a mean of 5.6±2 days. CONCLUSION: This initial report suggests that significant reduction in thrombus burden and improvement of the coronary flow can be safely achieved in patients presenting with AMI and large thrombus burden by using the novel MCT technique.

Initial experience with a dedicated coronary re-entry device for revascularization of chronic total occlusions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this registry was to evaluate a new device designed to facilitate antegrade guidewire re-entry into the true lumen of a chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) from the adjacent subintimal space. BACKGROUND: Successful recanalization of CTOs results in clinical improvement in appropriately selected patients. CTO intervention is time- and resource-consuming, and a simplified approach enabling antegrade guidewire re-entry into the distal true lumen might improve success. METHODS: Patients with CTO and ischemia were entered into a prospective registry regardless of lesion characteristics. If wire manipulation resulted in subintimal wire entrapment, a new re-entry tool (a 2.5-mm flat subintimal balloon with two exit ports offset by 180°) was used as a platform to attempt guidewire penetration into the distal true lumen. The primary endpoint assessed was successful device-guided re-entry. Standard techniques were then utilized to open the CTO. RESULTS: In 40 consecutive CTO lesions attempted, 19 resulted in subintimal wire entrapment (mean occlusion length 44 mm). Sixteen of these 19 were successfully crossed with an antegrade guidewire into the distal true lumen using the new device (84%). One patient with unsuccessful re-entry was subsequently recanalized with a retrograde technique. All crossed lesions were stented (17/17), resulting in TIMI 3 flow without major complications. Two cases were unsuccessful. One patient had a grade I coronary perforation requiring no treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A new device to recanalize CTOs complicated by subintimal wire entrapment can be used successfully by experienced operators. Further study of this coronary re-entry device is ongoing.

Seguridad de la angioplastía coronaria ambulatoria por vía transradial: experiencia de un centro / Safety of trans-radial ambulatory coronary angioplasty: a single center experience

Introducción: El número creciente de intervenciones coronarias ha generado una demanda mayor de camas hospitalarias. Se ha reportado que luego de un periodo postintervención de 4 a 6 horas no se observan complicaciones asociadas a la angioplastía coronaria (AC). Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad del alta precoz luego de la angioplastía coronaria. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los pacientes (pts) sometidos a AC y dados de alta luego de una observación de 4 horas, en el período comprendido entre Enero 2004 y Agosto 2010. Se analizaron las variables clínicas y angiografías. Se consideraron criterios de seguridad: infarto y/o trombosis del stent, complicaciones hemorrágicas y mortalidad hasta los 30 días. Resultados: Se realizó AC ambulatoria a 414 pacientes con una edad de 63.17 +/- 10.4 años. 80 por ciento fueron hombres. El 53 por ciento fueron portadores de enfermedad de 2 y 3 vasos. La AC fue exitosa en el 95.9 por ciento de casos. El 49 por ciento de las lesiones tratadas fueron de complejidad mayor (tipo B2 y C). Se analizaron los índices de seguridad en tres periodos: 4 a 24 horas, 24 horas a 7 dias y de 7 días a 30 días, observándose solo 3 hemorragias menores en el período más precoz y ningún sangramiento mayor, nueva revascularización, infarto agudo del miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, ni mortalidad en ninguno de los tiempos analizados. Conclusión: El alta precoz luego de la AC por vía radial es un procedimiento seguro independiente de la complejidad de la anatomía coronaria.

The increasing number of percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures poses a strain on the availability of hospital. There is evidence that no complications of PTCA are observed 4 o 6 hr after the procedure. Aim: To evaluate the safety of early discharge after PTCA Methods: Patients submitted to PTCA from January to August 2010 who were discharged after a 4 hr observation period had their clinical and angiographic characteristics assessed. Infarction, stent thrombosis and 30 day mortality were determined. Results: 414 patients were included. Mean age was 63.2 years (SD 10.4), 80 percent of them males. 53 per cent had 2 or 3 vessel disease. PTCA was successful in 95.9 percent of cases. 49 per cent of coronary artery lesions were type B2 or C. 3 minor bleeding episodes occurred before 24 hr after the procedure. No major bleedings, new revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, stroke were seen up to 30 days post procedure. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Early discharge after trans-radial artery PTCA is safe even for treatment of complex coronary artery lesions.

[Coronary spasm secondary to an allergic reaction or Kounis syndrome: report of one case]. / Espasmo coronario secundario a reacción alérgica o síndrome de Kounis: Caso clínico.

We report a 79 year-old mate with a history of an acute coronary syndrome subjected to coronary angioplasty and stent placement in the right coronary artery (RCA) four months ago. Since the patient continued with symptoms, a coronary angiography was performed. During the procedure, the patient developed a cutaneous allergic reaction and bronchospasm probably related to contrast media and a severe spasm of the RCA with inferior ST elevation in the absence of restenosis, that was difficult to treat. The presence of angina or an acute coronary syndrome and allergic reactions is known as the Kounis syndrome.