Automatic assessment of atherosclerotic plaque features by intracoronary imaging: a scoping review.

Background: The diagnostic performance and clinical validity of automatic intracoronary imaging (ICI) tools for atherosclerotic plaque assessment have not been systematically investigated so far. Methods: We performed a scoping review including studies on automatic tools for automatic plaque components assessment by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular imaging (IVUS). We summarized study characteristics and reported the specifics and diagnostic performance of developed tools. Results: Overall, 42 OCT and 26 IVUS studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were found, with the majority published in the last 5 years (86% of the OCT and 73% of the IVUS studies). A convolutional neural network deep-learning method was applied in 71% of OCT- and 34% of IVUS-studies. Calcium was the most frequent plaque feature analyzed (26/42 of OCT and 12/26 of IVUS studies), and both modalities showed high discriminatory performance in testing sets [range of area under the curve (AUC): 0.91-0.99 for OCT and 0.89-0.98 for IVUS]. Lipid component was investigated only in OCT studies (n = 26, AUC: 0.82-0.86). Fibrous cap thickness or thin-cap fibroatheroma were mainly investigated in OCT studies (n = 8, AUC: 0.82-0.94). Plaque burden was mainly assessed in IVUS studies (n = 15, testing set AUC reported in one study: 0.70). Conclusion: A limited number of automatic machine learning-derived tools for ICI analysis is currently available. The majority have been developed for calcium detection for either OCT or IVUS images. The reporting of the development and validation process of automated intracoronary imaging analyses is heterogeneous and lacks critical information. Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework (OSF), https://osf.io/nps2b/.Graphical AbstractCentral Illustration.

Concomitant Coronary Atheroma Regression and Stabilization in Response to Lipid-Lowering Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The frequency, characteristics, and outcomes of patients treated with high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy and showing concomitant atheroma volume reduction, lipid content reduction, and increase in fibrous cap thickness (ie, triple regression) are unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate rates, determinants, and prognostic implications of triple regression in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and treated with high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy. METHODS: The PACMAN-AMI (Effects of the PCSK9 Antibody Alirocumab on Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial used serial intravascular ultrasound, near-infrared spectroscopy, and optical coherence tomography to compare the effects of alirocumab vs placebo in patients receiving high-intensity statin therapy. Triple regression was defined by the combined presence of percentage of atheroma volume reduction, maximum lipid core burden index within 4 mm reduction, and minimal fibrous cap thickness increase. Clinical outcomes at 1-year follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 84 patients (31.7%) showed triple regression (40.8% in the alirocumab group vs 23.0% in the placebo group; P = 0.002). On-treatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in patients with vs without triple regression (between-group difference: -27.1 mg/dL; 95% CI: -37.7 to -16.6 mg/dL; P < 0.001). Triple regression was independently predicted by alirocumab treatment (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.57-5.16; P = 0.001) and a higher baseline maximum lipid core burden index within 4 mm (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06; P = 0.013). The composite clinical endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization occurred less frequently in patients with vs without triple regression (8.3% vs 18.2%; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Triple regression occurred in one-third of patients with acute myocardial infarction who were receiving high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy and was associated with alirocumab treatment, higher baseline lipid content, and reduced cardiovascular events. (Vascular Effects of Alirocumab in Acute MI-Patients [PACMAN-AMI]; NCT03067844).

Energy loss by right ventricular pacing: Patients with versus without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) pacing causes left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony sometimes resulting in pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. However, RV pacing for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is one of the treatment options. LV flow energy loss (EL) using vector flow mapping (VFM) is a novel hemodynamic index for assessing cardiac function. Our study aimed to elucidate the impact of RV pacing on EL in normal LV function and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. METHODS: A total of 36 patients with dual-chamber pacemakers for sick sinus syndrome or implantable cardioverter defibrillators for fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias were enrolled. All patients were divided into two groups: 16 patients with HCM (HCM group) and others (non-HCM group). The absolute changes in EL under AAI (without RV pacing) and DDD (with RV pacing) modes were assessed using VFM on color Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: In the non-HCM group, the mean systolic EL significantly increased from the AAI to DDD modes (14.0 ± 7.7 to 17.0 ± 8.6 mW/m, P = .003), whereas the mean diastolic EL did not change (19.0 ± 12.3 to 17.0 ± 14.8 mW/m, P = .231). In the HCM group, the mean systolic EL significantly decreased from the AAI to DDD modes (26.7 ± 14.2 to 21.6 ± 11.9 mW/m, P < .001), whereas the mean diastolic EL did not change (28.7 ± 16.4 to 23.9 ± 19.7 mW/m, P = .130). CONCLUSIONS: RV pacing increased the mean systolic EL in patients without HCM. Conversely, RV pacing decreased the mean systolic EL in patients with HCM.

Characteristics of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with plaque erosion.

Plaque erosion (PE) is a major underlying mechanism of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with PE may have less systemic atherosclerosis. We aimed to clarify the status of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with PE. A total of 115 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the culprit lesion were enrolled. Patients were classified into PE (n = 26), plaque rupture (n = 56) or calcified plaque (CP, n = 33) based on OCT findings of the culprit lesions. The status of carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by the findings of carotid echography. The mean IMT was the lowest in the PE group (1.5 ± 0.6 mm) among the three groups (p = 0.004) with a significant difference between the PE group and the CP group (2.1 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.001). The plaque score was the lowest in the PE group (6.6 ± 2.5) among the three groups (p = 0.004) with a significant difference between the PE group and the CP group (9.0 ± 2.7, p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the PE was independently associated with the presence of lower mean IMT (below median; 1.85 mm) (odds ratio 3.34; 95 % confidence interval 1.07-10.4; p = 0.035) and the lack of heterogenous plaque (odds ratio 2.92; 95 % confidence interval 1.02-8.32; p = 0.037). Patients with PE were associated with less atherosclerosis in the carotid artery than other patients with ACS. These findings may help further clarify the distinct pathophysiology of PE. Carotid atherosclerosis and plaque erosion.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With a Small Annulus　- From the Japanese Nationwide Registry (J-TVT).

BACKGROUND: The details and consequences of a small aortic annulus among transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients remain uncertain. This study investigated the short-term outcomes in patients with small annular size and compared the 30-day outcome between intra- and supra-annular devices, with similar outer casing diameter in this subgroup.Methods and Results:Cases registered in the Japanese national TAVR registry between August 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed. Among a total of 5,870 registered patients, 647 (11.0%) had small annulus (area ≤314 mm2) measured by multi-detector computed tomography. Patients with a small annulus had a significantly smaller indexed effective orifice area (iEOA, 1.10 cm2/m2[0.92-1.35] vs. 1.16 cm2/m2[0.96-1.39], P<0.001) and higher mean pressure gradient (mPG, 10.0 mmHg [6.9-14.2] vs. 8.5 mmHg [6.0-11.5], P<0.001) compared with a normal-sized annulus. Among patients with a small annulus, those receiving a 20 mm intra-annular device had a smaller iEOA (0.94 cm2/m2[0.78-1.06] vs. 1.07 cm2/m2[0.8-1.24], P=0.001) and higher mPG (14.0 mmHg [10.0-18.5] vs. 11.0 [7.0-14.0], P<0.001) compared with those receiving a 23-mm supra-annular device, although the incidence of paravalvular leakage (≥moderate) was similar (14.4% vs. 16.5%, P=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a small annulus were associated with less hemodynamic improvement. A supra-annular device is associated with better echocardiographic improvement in patients with a small annulus, without increasing paravalvular leakage.

Achilles tendon thickening is associated with higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular event in patients with coronary artery disease.

Achilles tendon thickening (ATT) is a marker of high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between the presence of ATT and the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD is unclear. A total of 406 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and ATT assessment were analyzed. ATT was defined as the Achilles tendon thickness of 9 mm or more on radiography. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1-year was compared between patients with ATT and those without ATT. MACE included cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and non-TVR. ATT was found in 67 patients (16.5%). The incidence of cardiac death (3.2 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.001), TVR (12.7 vs. 4.0%, p = 0.005) and MACE (20.6 vs. 9.6%, p = 0.011) was significantly higher in the ATT group than the no ATT group. Patients with ATT had significantly higher incidence of cardiac death (5.6 vs. 0%, p < 0.001) than those without ATT even if they did not meet the diagnostic criteria of familial hypercholesterolemia. A multivariate model demonstrated that ATT was independently associated with the MACE at 1-year (Hazard ratio, 2.09; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.09-4.00, p = 0.026). The presence of ATT was independently associated with 1-year recurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with CAD undergoing PCI. Assessment of ATT might be useful for risk stratification of secondary cardiovascular events.

Clinical outcome of biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent and durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent in patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a risk for increased incidence of adverse clinical events after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the difference in the incidence of adverse clinical events according to stent type in patients with diabetes remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients treated with the biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES) and the durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (DP-EES) among patients with diabetes. METHODS: Among 631 lesions in 510 consecutive patients treated with either BP-SES or DP-EES, 165 lesions in 141 patients with diabetes mellitus and stable angina pectoris were identified and classified into the BP-SES group (48 lesions in 44 patients) and the DP-EES group (117 lesions in 100 patients). The incidence of adverse clinical events after stent implantation was compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of conventional risk factors, lesion characteristics, and procedural characteristics between the 2 groups. During median 386 [334-472] days follow-up, the incidence of target lesion revascularization (11.4 vs. 2.0%, p = 0.003) and device-oriented clinical endpoint (13.6 vs. 6.0%, p = 0.035) in the BP-SES group was significantly greater than that in the DP-EES group. A univariate model demonstrated that the BP-SES usage was significantly associated with the higher incidence of target lesion revascularization (odds ratio, 6.686; 95% confidence interval, 1.234-36.217; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: BP-SES was associated with the greater incidence of TLR than the DP-EES in patients with diabetes mellitus. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are required to confirm the present results.

Endothelial glycocalyx and severity and vulnerability of coronary plaque in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endothelial glycocalyx covers the endothelium and maintains vascular integrity. However, its association with the severity and vulnerability of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains to be elucidated. METHODS: A total of 259 consecutive patients with stable CAD requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were prospectively enrolled. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the median value of serum syndecan-1, which is a core component of the endothelial glycocalyx (lower syndecan-1 group [syndecan-1 <99.0 ng/mL], n = 130; higher syndecan-1 group [syndecan-1 ≥99.0 ng/mL], n = 129). Severity of CAD and focal plaque vulnerability in culprit lesion were evaluated using angiography and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between the lower syndecan-1 group and the higher syndecan-1 group other than the prevalence of family history of CAD (19 vs. 32%, p = 0.022), prior PCI history (45 vs. 60%, p = 0.015) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (57.8 ± 17.2 vs. 50.9 ± 25.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.011). Although disease severity on angiogram was comparable between the 2 groups, the prevalence of lipid-rich plaque (40 vs. 19%, p = 0.004) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (20 vs. 6%, p = 0.006) was significantly higher in the lower syndecan-1 group than the higher syndecan-1 group. Lower syndecan-1 level was independently associated with higher prevalence of lipid-rich plaque (odds ratio 3.626, 95% confidence interval 1.535-8.566, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Lower syndecan-1 level was associated with higher prevalence of vulnerable plaque in patients with CAD. This finding suggests the association between impaired endothelial glycocalyx and the development of vulnerable plaque.

Physical exertion as a trigger of acute coronary syndrome caused by plaque erosion.

Distinct clinical characteristics have been demonstrated in patients with plaque erosion as compared with those with plaque rupture. We reasoned that greater physical activity might influence the onset of plaque erosion. In total, 97 consecutive patients with non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the culprit lesion were enrolled. OCT-determined culprit plaque characteristics were plaque erosion (18.6%), calcified plaque (26.8%), plaque rupture (32.0%) and other (22.7%). The physical activity evaluated by estimated metabolic equivalents (METs) at ACS onset was significantly greater in the plaque erosion group than in the plaque rupture group (3.3 ± 1.7 vs. 2.1 ± 1.0, p = 0.011). The rate of ACS onset outdoors was the highest (61.1%) in the plaque erosion group. The combination of greater physical activity (> 3 METs), outdoor onset and higher body mass index (> 25.1 kg/m2) had a significant odds ratio for the incidence of plaque erosion (odds ratio 15.0, 95% confidence interval 3.81 to 59.0, p < 0.001). Plaque erosion was associated with greater physical activity at the onset. This finding may help to further clarify the pathogenesis of ACS Impact of physical exertion on the incidence of plaque erosion. NSTE-ACS, non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Age- and Gender-Related Differences in Coronary Lesion Plaque Composition on Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology and chronological course of atherosclerosis seems to be different between men and women due to biological differences, and age and gender differences in plaque composition of coronary lesions remain to be elucidated.Methods and Results:A total of 860 consecutive patients with a median age of 69 years (IQR, 60-78 years) who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) of culprit lesions was included. The composition of culprit plaque on OCT was compared between female (n=171) and male (n=689) subjects in younger (<70 years old) and elderly (≥70 years old) patients. In elderly patients, the prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was significantly higher in women than in men (30.6 vs. 15.2%, P<0.001). In younger patients, the prevalence of large calcification was significantly higher in women than in men (60.0 vs. 32.8%, P<0.001). The prevalence of other vulnerable plaque characteristics (i.e., macrophages, microchannels, and spotty calcification), was similar between women and men. Elderly women had a significantly higher prevalence of TCFA (OR, 2.13; 95% CI: 1.33-3.44, P=0.002) than other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Women had a higher prevalence of TCFA and of large calcification than men in patients ≥70 and <70 years old, respectively. This may facilitate the understanding of gender differences in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis, and the tailoring of therapy and of prevention according to age and gender.

Contrast Volume and Decline in Kidney Function in Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may increase contrast volume. However, the impact of OCT-guided PCI on the decline in kidney function (DKF) in actual clinical practice remains unclear.Among 1,003 consecutive patients who underwent either OCT-guided or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided PCI in our institute, we identified 202 propensity score-matched pairs adjusted by baseline factors. The incidence of DKF was compared between the OCT-guided PCI group and the IVUS-guided PCI group. DKF was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level of ≥ 0.5 mg/dL or a relative increase of ≥ 25% over baseline within 48 hours (acute DKF) or 1 month (sustained DKF) after PCI.Baseline characteristics, including the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (54% versus 46%, P = 0.09), were comparable between the OCT- and IVUS-guided PCI groups except for the age. The contrast volume was comparable between the two groups (153 ± 56 versus 144 ± 60 mL, P = 0.09), although it was significantly greater in the OCT-guided PCI group in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS; 175 ± 55 versus 159 ± 43 mL, P = 0.04). The incidence of acute DKF (0.5% versus 2.5%, P = 0.22) and sustained DKF (5.0% versus 10.4%, P = 0.31) was comparable between the two groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ACS (odds ratio 4.74, 95% confidence interval 2.72-8.25, P < 0.001) was a predictor of sustained DKF.Compared with IVUS-guided PCI, OCT-guided PCI did not increase the incidence of DKF in actual clinical practice, although the increased contrast volume was observed in ACS cases.

Lipoprotein (a) level is associated with plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease: An optical coherence tomography study.

BACKGROUND: High lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels are an independent factor for worse prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between serum Lp(a) level and coronary plaque vulnerability remains to be determined. METHODS: A total of 255 consecutive patients with CAD who underwent optical coherence tomography imaging of culprit lesions were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their Lp(a) levels (the higher Lp(a) group [≥25 mg/dL], n = 87; or the lower Lp(a) group [<25 mg/dL], n = 168). RESULTS: The prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was significantly higher in the higher Lp(a) group than in the lower Lp(a) group (23% [n = 20] vs. 11% [n = 19], p = 0.014). Although the prevalence of TCFA was comparable between the 2 groups among patients with a lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) level (<100 mg/dL), TCFA was significantly more prevalent in the higher Lp(a) group than in the lower Lp(a) group (39% [14/36] vs. 10% [5/50], p = 0.001) among patients with a higher LDL-C level (≥100 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: A higher Lp(a) level was associated with a higher frequency of TCFA, particularly in patients with a higher LDL-C level.

Transaortic Access Using Vascular Graft for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

A 92-year-old man with acute heart failure due to severe aortic stenosis underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Computed tomography demonstrated severe stenosis of the right common iliac artery, occlusion of the left external iliac artery, and stenosis of the left subclavian artery. Severe calcification was observed in the sinotubular junction, which was considered a risk factor for aortic dissection with transapical TAVI using a balloon-expanding bioprosthetic valve. Therefore, transaortic (TAo) access was the only option for this high-risk surgical patient. As the maximum distance from the aortic valve annulus to the sheath insertion point was less than 60 mm, TAVI was performed transaortically using a vascular graft that extended this distance, in order to avoid sheath dislocation. Our experience demonstrates that vascular graft application is a viable option in patients with an inadequate distance between the aortic valve annulus and the puncture site in TAo-TAVI.

Impaired Flow-Mediated Dilation and Severity and Vulnerability of Culprit Plaque in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

The association between endothelial function, evaluated using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and the severity of coronary artery disease remains to be elucidated.A total of 245 consecutive patients with stable angina were prospectively enrolled. FMD was evaluated in the brachial artery before percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the FMD value (lower FMD group [FMD < 2.0], n = 82; higher FMD group [FMD ≥ 2.0], n = 163). The severity of coronary artery disease was evaluated using findings of angiography and optical coherence tomography, and compared between the 2 groups.The prevalence of left main (LM) disease was significantly higher in the lower FMD group than in the higher FMD group (8.5% versus 2.5%, P = 0.046), although the prevalence of multivessel disease was comparable between the groups. Lower FMD was independently associated with a higher prevalence of LM disease (odds ratio, 3.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-15.5; P = 0.033). A general linear model with multiple variables revealed that the minimal lumen area (MLA) in the culprit lesion was significantly smaller in patients with lower FMD than in those with higher FMD (regression coefficient b, -0.249 mm2; 95% confidence interval, -0.479--0.018 mm2; P = 0.035). The prevalence ofvulnerable plaque characteristics was comparable between the 2 groups.Patients with lower FMD had a higher incidence of LM disease and a smaller MLA in the culprit lesion. FMD may be a useful, noninvasive indicator for identifying patients with severe coronary artery disease.

Incidence, factors, and clinical significance of cholesterol crystals in coronary plaque: An optical coherence tomography study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intraplaque cholesterol crystal (CC) is recognized as a component of vulnerable plaques. However, the clinical characteristics of patients with CC and the impact of CC on clinical events remain unknown. METHODS: A total of 340 consecutive patients who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of culprit lesions were included in the study. CC was defined as a thin linear structure with high reflectivity and low signal attenuation on OCT images. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1-year was compared between patients with CC (CC group) and those without CC (non-CC group). MACE included cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and non-TVR (NTVR). RESULTS: CC was observed in 29% (n = 98) of the patients. There was no significant difference in baseline clinical characteristics between the CC and non-CC groups, other than in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio (0.39 ±â€¯0.29 vs. 0.47 ±â€¯0.33, p = 0.047) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (6.51 ±â€¯0.97 vs. 6.25 ±â€¯0.87%, p = 0.016). The incidence of MACE and NTVR at 1-year was significantly higher in the CC group than in the non-CC group (15.3 vs. 7.9%, P = 0.038; 8.1 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.017). The presence of CC was significantly associated with a higher rate of 1-year MACE (odds ratio 4.78, confidential interval 2.02-10.10, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CC in the culprit lesion had higher HbA1c and lower EPA/AA than patients without CC. The 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with CC in the culprit lesion were worse than in those without CC.

Achilles tendon thickening is associated with disease severity and plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Tendon xanthomas are accumulations of collagen and macrophages, which contain cholesterol esters and a marker of high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article was to clarify whether the presence of Achilles tendon thickening (ATT) was associated with disease severity and plaque vulnerability in patients with CAD. METHODS: A total of 241 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and ATT assessment were analyzed. ATT was defined as Achilles tendon thickness of ≥9 mm on radiograph. The severity of CAD and plaque vulnerability was assessed by the findings on angiogram and optical coherence tomography, respectively. RESULTS: ATT was found in 44 patients (18.2%). The frequency of multivessel disease (79.6% vs 58.4%, P = .009) and left main lesion (13.6% vs 3.1%, P = .004) was significantly higher in patients with ATT (ATT group) than in patients without ATT (no ATT group). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the presence of ATT was independently associated with the presence of multivessel disease (odds ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-5.46; P = .031). The ATT group had a higher prevalence of intimal vascular channels (50.0% vs 24.7%, P = .018) and macrophage accumulation (58.3% vs 33.3%, P = .028) in culprit plaque than the no ATT group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the presence of ATT had a higher prevalence of multivessel coronary disease and left main coronary artery disease than with patients without ATT. The presence of ATT was also associated with vulnerable features, including intimal vascular channels and macrophage accumulation in culprit plaques.

Early Safety and Efficacy of Sapien 3 20 mm Transcatheter Heart Valve Implantation in Small Japanese Body Size.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is effective in treating severe aortic stenosis in inoperable or high-risk surgical patients, however, the little is known about outcomes after Sapien 3 20 mm transcatheter heart valve (THV) implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short term outcomes of Sapien 3 20 mm THV implantation in Japanese people with a small body size. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the hospital records of consecutive patients who underwent TAVI using the Sapien 3 20 mm THV between October 2016 and March 2017. Clinical and echocardiographic data from before and one week after TAVI were collected. RESULTS: Six Japanese patients (all female, mean age 89 ± 5 years, body surface area [BSA] 1.29 ± 0.16m2) received a Sapien 3 20 mm THV. All the procedures were feasible and successful, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The functional class and the echocardiographic findings significantly improved (aortic valve area, 0.5 ± 0.1 cm2 to 0.8 ± 0.1cm2; mean pressure gradient, 55 ± 15 mmHg to 19 ± 7 mmHg; P = .043, respectively). However, the values of the indexed effective orifice area in all patients after Sapien 3 20 mm THV implantation were less than 0.85 cm2/m2, suggesting prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a Sapien 3 20 mm THV was safe and effective in high surgical risk elderly Japanese patients with a small body size. PPM after Sapien 3 20mm THV may be prevalent among Asians with small body sizes. Careful clinical follow-up will be necessary after Sapien 3 20 mm THV implantation.