Pressure Never Lies, but It Should Be Interpreted Thoughtfully: The Role of Hydrostatic Pressure in Coronary Physiology.

Personalized medicine shows promise for the management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) [...].

Technically Challenging Percutaneous Interventions of Chronic Total Occlusions Are Associated with Enhanced Platelet Activation.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a frequently performed treatment option for recanalization in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). As CTO-PCIs are often complicated and challenging for interventionalists, the stressful and damaging nature of the procedure can be remarkable, thus platelets can be easily activated. Our aim was to investigate the effect of CTO-PCI on platelet activation and the expression of selected circulating microRNAs (miR) of platelet and endothelium origin after CTO-PCI. In this study, 50 subjects after CTO-PCI were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained before PCI, at 2 days and 3-6 months after the procedure to measure the degree of platelet activation and the level of plasma miR-223, miR-181b, and miR-126. Patients were divided based on the characteristics of the intervention. Patients with higher Japanese CTO scores and longer duration of PCI showed significantly elevated platelet P-selectin positivity (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively) 2 days after the procedure compared to pre-PCI and increased concentration of soluble P-selectin 3-6 months after the intervention (higher Japanese CTO score: p = 0.028 and longer duration of PCI: p = 0.023) compared to baseline values. Shorter total stent length caused a significantly lower miR-181b expression at 3-6 months after the intervention (p = 0.031), while no difference was observed in miR-223 and miR-126. One stent thrombosis occurred during the follow-up period. Although these technically challenging CTO-PCIs may cause enhanced platelet activation right after the intervention and long-term endothelial cell dysfunction, these interventions are not associated with more adverse clinical events.

Angiography-based coronary microvascular assessment with and without intracoronary pressure measurements: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, several indices have been proposed for quantifying coronary microvascular resistance. We intended to conduct a comprehensive review that systematically evaluates indices of microvascular resistance derived from angiography. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify and analyze angiography-derived indices of microvascular resistance that have been validated against an invasive reference method. We aimed to compare their limits of agreement with their reference methods and explore their advantages and inherent limitations. METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched PubMed from inception until 2022 for studies on different techniques for quantifying microvascular resistance. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies included techniques that applied calculations based solely on invasive angiography, and were validated against invasively measured thermodilution-derived index of microvascular resistance. The remaining two studies combined angiography with invasively measured intracoronary pressure data, and were validated against invasive Doppler measurements. We converted the ± 1.96 standard deviation limits of agreement with the reference method from the seven studies into percentages relative to the cut-off value of the reference method. The lower limits of agreement for angiography-based methods ranged from - 122 to - 60%, while the upper limits ranged from 74 to 135%. The range of the limits of agreement was considerably lower for the two combined angiography- and pressure-based methods, standing at - 52 to 60% and - 25 to 27%. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that combined angiography- and pressure-based methods provide a more reliable assessment of microvascular resistance compared to methods relying solely on angiography. Central illustration. Comparative assessment of image-based methods quantifying microvascular resistance with and without intracoronary pressure measurements. Angiography-based methods rely on angiography alone to calculate the microvascular resistance by utilizing angiographic frame counting to extrapolate coronary flow (Q) and subsequently deriving distal coronary pressure using fluid dynamic equations. Combined angiography- and pressure-based methods utilize invasive intracoronary pressure gradients measured during rest and maximal vasodilation to determine coronary flow in their calculation of microvascular resistance. The combined methods showed more acceptable levels of agreement with their reference methods compared to angiography-based methods alone.

Potential Clinical Usefulness of Post-Valvular Contrast Densities to Determine the Severity of Aortic Valve Stenosis Using Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Different methods are established for the changes in aortic valve stenosis with cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), but the effect of the grade of stenosis on contrast densities around the valve has not been investigated. AIMS/METHODS: Using the information from flow dynamics in cases of increased velocity through narrowed lumen, the hypothesis was formed that flow changes can alter the contrast densities in stenotic post-valvular regions, and the density changes might correlate with the grade of stenosis. Forty patients with severe aortic stenosis and fifteen with a normal aortic valve were enrolled. With echocardiography, the peak/mean transvalvular gradients, peak transvalvular velocity, and aortic valve opening area were obtained. With CCTA, densities 4-5 mm above the aortic valve; at the junction of the left, right, and noncoronary cusp to the annulus; at the middle level of the left, right, and noncoronary sinuses of Valsalva in the center and the lateral points; at the sinotubular junction; and 4 cm from the sinotubular junction at the midline were measured. First, a comparison of the densities between the normal and stenotic valve was performed, and then possible correlations between echocardiography and CCTA values were investigated in the stenotic group. RESULTS: In all CCTA regions, significantly lower-density values were detected among stenotic valve patients compared to the normal aortic valve population. Additionally, in both groups, higher densities were measured in the peri-jet regions than in the lateral ones. Furthermore, a good correlation was found between the aortic valve opening area and the densities in almost all perivalvular areas. With regard to the densities at the junction of the non-coronary leaflet to the fibrotic annulus and at the most lateral point of the right sinus of Valsalva, a high level of correlation was found between all echocardiography and CCTA parameters. Lastly, with receiver operating characteristic curve measurements, area under the curve values were between 0.857 and 0.930. CONCLUSION: Certain CCTA density values, especially 4-5mm above the valve opening, can serve as auxiliary information to echocardiography when the severity of aortic valve stenosis is unclear.

Simplified coronary flow reserve calculations based on three-dimensional coronary reconstruction and intracoronary pressure data.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and/or coronary flow reserve (CFR) are widely used for hemodynamic characterization of coronary lesions. The frequent combination of the epicardial and microvascular disease may indicate a need for complex hemodynamic evaluation of coronary lesions. This study aims at validating the calculation of CFR based on a simple hemodynamic model to detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) morphological data and pressure values from FFR measurements were used to calculate the target vessel. Nine patients with one intermediate stenosis each, measured by pressure wire, were included in this study. RESULTS: A correlation was found between the determined CFR from simple equations and from a steady flow simulation (r = 0.984, p < 10-5). There was a significant correlation between the CFR values calculated by transient and steady flow simulations (r = 0.94, p < 10-3). CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility was demonstrated of a simple hemodynamic calculation of CFR based on 3D-angiography and intracoronary pressure measurements. A simultaneous determination of both the FFR and CFR values provides the capability to diagnose microvascular dysfunction: the CFR/FFR ratio characterizes the microvascular reserve.

Novel Method to Detect Pitfalls of Intracoronary Pressure Measurements by Pressure Waveform Analysis.

Potential pitfalls of fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements are well-known drawbacks of invasive physiology measurement, e.g., significant drift of the distal pressure trace may lead to the misclassification of stenoses. Thus, a simultaneous waveform analysis of the pressure traces may be of help in the quality control of these measurements by online detection of such artefacts as the drift or the wedging of the catheter. In the current study, we analysed the intracoronary pressure waveform with a dedicated program. In 130 patients, 232 FFR measurements were performed and derivative pressure curves were calculated. Local amplitude around the dicrotic notch was calculated from the distal intracoronary pressure traces (δdPn/dt). A unidimensional arterial network model of blood flow was employed to simulate the intracoronary pressure traces at different flow rates. There was a strong correlation between δdPn/dt values measured during hyperaemia and FFR (r = 0.88). Diagnostic performance of distal δdPn/dt ≤ 3.52 for the prediction of FFR ≤ 0.80 was 91%. The correlation between the pressure gradient and the corresponding δdPn/dt values obtained from all measurements independently of the physiological phase was also significant (r = 0.80). During simulation, the effect of flow rate on δdPn/dt further supported the close correlation between the pressure ratios and δdPn/dt. Discordance between the FFR and the δdPn/dt can be used as an indicator of possible technical problems of FFR measurements. Hence, an online calculation of the δdPn/dt may be helpful in avoiding some pitfalls of FFR evaluation.

The Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on the Flow in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients-Geometry in Focus.

Evaluation of the effect of three dimensional (3D) coronary plaque characteristics derived from two dimensional (2D) invasive angiography images (ICA) on coronary flow determined by TIMI frame count (TFC) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been thoroughly investigated. A total of 71 patients with STEMI, and 73 with NSTEMI were enrolled after primary angioplasty. Pre- and post-PCI TFCs were obtained. From 2D images, 3D reconstruction was performed of the culprit vessel, and multiple plaque parameters were measured. In STEMI, the average post-PCI frame count decreased significantly, resulting in better flow. With regards to 2/3D parameters, no differences were found between the STEMI and NSTEMI groups. The 3D parameters in the subgroup with an increase with at least three frames resulting in worsening post-PCI flow were compared to parameters of the patients with improved or significantly not change flow (delta frame count < 3), and greater minimal luminal diameter and area was found in the worsening (increased) frame group. In STEMI 2/3D, parameters showed no correlation with worsening flow, whereas in NSTEMI, greater minimal luminal diameter and area correlated with decreased flow. We can conclude that certain 2/3D parameters can predict slower flow in ACS, resulting in the use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blocker.

Predictors of restenosis following percutaneous coronary stent implantation: The role of trimetazidine therapy.

Aims: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is an unresolved problem following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), having a negative impact on clinical outcome. The main goal of this study was to find new independent predictors that may influence the development of ISR. Methods and results: In this retrospective analysis, 653 PCI patients were involved. All patients had coronary stent implantation and a follow-up coronary angiography. Based on the presence of ISR at follow-up, patients were divided into two groups: 221 in the ISR and 432 in the control group. When evaluating the medical therapy of patients, significantly more patients were on trimetazidine (TMZ) in the control compared to the ISR group (p = 0.039). TMZ was found to be an independent predictor of a lower degree of ISR development (p = 0.007). TMZ treatment was especially effective in bare metal stent (BMS)-implanted chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients with narrow coronary arteries. The inflammation marker neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly elevated at baseline in the ISR group compared to controls. The reduction of post-PCI NLR was associated with improved efficacy of TMZ to prevent ISR development. Drug eluting stent implantation (p < 0.001) and increased stent diameter (p < 0.001) were the most important independent predictors of a lower degree of ISR development, while the use of longer stents (p = 0.005) was a major independent predictor of an increased ISR risk. Conclusion: TMZ reduces the occurrence of ISR following PCI, with special effectiveness in BMS-implanted patients having CCS and narrow coronary arteries. TMZ treatment may help to lower ISR formation in countries with high BMS utilization rates.

Pressure- and 3D-Derived Coronary Flow Reserve with Hydrostatic Pressure Correction: Comparison with Intracoronary Doppler Measurements.

Purpose: To develop a method of coronary flow reserve (CFR) calculation derived from three-dimensional (3D) coronary angiographic parameters and intracoronary pressure data during fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. Methods: Altogether 19 coronary arteries of 16 native and 3 stented vessels were reconstructed in 3D. The measured distal intracoronary pressures were corrected to the hydrostatic pressure based on the height differences between the levels of the vessel orifice and the sensor position. Classical fluid dynamic equations were applied to calculate the flow during the resting state and vasodilatation based on morphological data and intracoronary pressure values. 3D-derived coronary flow reserve (CFRp-3D) was defined as the ratio between the calculated hyperemic and the resting flow and was compared to the CFR values simultaneously measured by the Doppler sensor (CFRDoppler). Results: Haemodynamic calculations using the distal coronary pressures corrected for hydrostatic pressures showed a strong correlation between the individual CFRp-3D values and the CFRDoppler measurements (r = 0.89, p < 0.0001). Hydrostatic pressure correction increased the specificity of the method from 46.1% to 92.3% for predicting an abnormal CFRDoppler < 2. Conclusions: CFRp-3D calculation with hydrostatic pressure correction during FFR measurement facilitates a comprehensive hemodynamic assessment, supporting the complex evaluation of macro-and microvascular coronary artery disease.

Anatomical Assessment vs. Pullback REsting full-cycle rAtio (RFR) Measurement for Evaluation of Focal and Diffuse CoronarY Disease: Rationale and Design of the "READY Register".

Background: The morphology and functional severity of coronary stenosis show poor correlation. However, in clinical practice, the visual assessment of the invasive coronary angiography is still the most common means for evaluating coronary disease. The fractional flow reserve (FFR), the coronary flow reserve (CFR), and the resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) are established indices to determine the hemodynamic significance of a coronary stenosis. Design/Methods: The READY register (NCT04857762) is a prospective, multicentre register of patients who underwent invasive intracoronary FFR and RFR measurement. The main aim of the registry is to compare the visual estimate of coronary lesions and the functional severity of the stenosis assessed by FFR, as well as the RFR pullback. Characterizations of the coronary vessel for predominantly focal, diffuse, or mixed type disease according to visual vs. RFR pullback determination will be compared. The secondary endpoint of the study is a composite of major adverse cardiac events, including death, myocardial infarction, and repeat coronary revascularization at 1 year. These endpoints will be compared in patients with non-ischemic FFR in the subgroup of cases where the local pressure drop indicates a focal lesion according to the definition of ΔRFR > 0.05 (for <25 mm segment length) and in the subgroup without significant ΔRFR. In case of an FFR value above 0.80, an extended physiological analysis is planned to diagnose or exclude microvascular disease using the CFR/FFR index. This includes novel flow dynamic modeling for CFR calculation (CFRp-3D). Conclusion: The READY register will define the effect of RFR measurement on visual estimation-based clinical decision-making. It can identify a prognostic value of ΔRFR during RFR pullback, and it would also explore the frequency of microvascular disease in the patient population with FFR > 0.80. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04857762).

The Holistic Coronary Physiology Display: Calculation of the Flow Separation Index in Vessel-Specific Individual Flow Range during Fractional Flow Reserve Measurement Using 3D Coronary Reconstruction.

In order to make optimal decisions on the treatment of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD), appropriate evaluation is necessary, including both the anatomical and physiological assessment of the coronary arteries. According to current guidelines, a fractional flow reserve (FFR)-based clinical decision is recommended, but coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurements and microvascular evaluation should also be considered in special cases for a detailed exploration of the coronary disease state. We aimed to generate an extended physiological evaluation during routine FFR measurement and define a new pathological flow-related prognostic factor. Fluid dynamic equations were applied to calculate CFR on the basis of the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the invasively acquired coronary angiogram and the measured intracoronary pressure data. A new, potentially robust prognostic parameter of a coronary lesion called the "flow separation index" (FSi), which is thought to detect the pathological flow amount through a stenosis was introduced in a vessel-specific flow range. Correlations between FSi and the clinically established physiological indices (CFR and FFR) were determined. The FSi was calculated in 19 vessels of 16 patients, including data from the pre- and post-stent revascularization treatment of 3 patients. There was no significant correlation between the FSi and the CFR (r = -0.23, p = 0.34); however, there was significant negative correlation between the FSi and the FFR (r = -0.66, p = 0.002). An even stronger correlation was found between the FSi and the ratio of the resting pressure ratio and the FFR (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). The diagnostic power of the FSi for predicting the FFR value of <0.80, as a gold standard prognostic factor, was tested by receiver operating characteristic analysis. FSi > 0.022 proved to be the cutoff value of the prediction of a pathologically low FFR with a 0.856 area under the curve (95% confidence interval: 0.620 to 0.972). The present flow-pressure-velocity display provides a comprehensive summary of patient-specific pathophysiology in CHD. The consequences of epicardial stenoses can be evaluated together with their complex relations to microvascular conditions. Based on these values, clinical decision-making concerning both pharmacological therapy and percutaneous or surgical revascularization may be more precisely guided.

Predictors of Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock.

As demonstrated by earlier studies, pre-hospital triage with trans-telephonic electrocardiogram (TTECG) and direct referral for catheter therapy shows great value in the management of out-of-hospital chest pain emergencies. It does not only improve in-hospital mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, but it has also been identified as an independent predictor of higher in-hospital survival rate. Since TTECG-facilitated triage shortens both transport time and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related procedural time intervals, it was hypothesized that even high-risk patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and cardiogenic shock (CS) might also benefit from TTECG-based triage. Here, we decided to examine our database for new triage- and left ventricular (LV) function-related parameters that can influence in-hospital mortality in ACS complicated by CS. ACS patients were divided into two groups, namely, (1) hospital death patients (n = 77), and (2) hospital survivors (control, n = 210). Interestingly, TTECG-based consultation and triage of CS and ACS patients were confirmed as significant independent predictors of lower hospital mortality risk (odds ratio (OR) 0.40, confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.76, p = 0.0049). Regarding LV function and blood chemistry, a good myocardial reperfusion after PCI (high area at risk (AAR) blush score/AAR LV segment number; OR 0.85, CI 0.78-0.98, p = 0.0178) and high glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value at the time of hospital admission (OR 0.97, CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.0042) were the most crucial independent predictors of a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality in this model. At the same time, a prolonged time interval between symptom onset and hospital admission, successful resuscitation, and higher peak creatine kinase activity were the most important independent predictors for an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. In ACS patients with CS, (1) an early TTECG-based teleconsultation and triage, as well as (2) good myocardial perfusion after PCI and a high GFR value at the time of hospital admission, appear as major independent predictors of a lower in-hospital mortality rate.

The impact of hydrostatic pressure on the result of physiological measurements in various coronary segments.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on physiological intracoronary measurements is usually ignored in the daily clinical practice. Our aim was to investigate this effect on Pd/Pa (distal/aortic pressure) and FFR (fractional flow reserve). 41 FFR measurements between 0.7 and 0.9 were selected. The difference in the height of the orifice and that of the sensor was defined in mm on the basis of 3D coronary reconstruction. Resting Pd/Pa and FFR were adjusted by subtracting the hydrostatic pressure gradient from the distal pressure. Height measurements were also performed from 2D lateral projections for each coronary segment (n = 305). In case of the LAD, each segment was located higher (proximal: - 13.69 ± 5.4; mid: - 46.13 ± 6.1; distal: - 56.80 ± 7.7 mm), whereas for the CX, each segment was lower (proximal: 14.98 ± 8.3; distal: 28.04 ± 6.3 mm) compared to the orifice. In case of the RCA, the distances from the orifice were much less (proximal: - 6.39 ± 2.9; mid: - 6.86 ± 7.0; distal: 17.95 ± 6.6 mm). The effect of these distances on pressure ratios at 100 Hgmm aortic pressure was between - 0.044 and 0.023. The correction for height differences changed the interpretation of the measurement (negative/positive result) in 5 (12%) and 11 (27%) cases for the FFR (cut-off value at 0.80) and the resting Pd/Pa (cut-off value at 0.92), respectively. The clinical implementation of hydrostatic pressure calculation should be considered during intracoronary pressure measurements. A correction for this parameter may become crucial in case of a borderline significant coronary artery stenosis, especially in distal coronary artery segments.

[Thirty-five-year angiographic follow-up of the first coronary bypass surgery by internal mammary artery in Hungary]. / A Magyarországon végzett elso arteria mammaria interna graftolás harmincöt éves coronarographiás utánkövetése.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) plays an important role in the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. During the fifty years since the first operation, a great amount of clinical observations confirm that the internal mammary artery (IMA) can be used for the bypass grafting by the most favorable outcome. IMA's histological structure and physiological properties make it resistant to atherosclerosis. In our article, we remember the first CABG operation in Hungary using IMA graft and we also confirm the favorable properties of IMA by the results of the 35-year follow-up, with the longest reported coronary angiography in the literature after IMA grafting. On the basis of this case, we can speculate that the prostacyclin secretion of the mammary graft can prevent the run-off tract of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery from the atherosclerotic progression. Large-scale study is warranted to compare the long-term prognosis of the run-off tract after grafting versus stenting of the LAD. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(9): 354-358.

Association of diabetes with outcomes in patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention: Pre-specified subgroup analysis from the randomized GLOBAL LEADERS study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes has been well recognized as a strong predictor for adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), however, studies in the era of drug-eluting stent and potent P2Y12 inhibitors have shown conflicting results. We aimed to assess ischemic and bleeding outcomes after contemporary PCI according to diabetic status. METHODS: We studied 15,957 patients undergoing PCI for stable or acute coronary syndrome in the GLOBAL LEADERS study with known baseline diabetic status. The primary endpoint was all-cause death or new Q-wave myocardial infarction at 2 years. The secondary safety endpoint was major bleeding defined as bleeding academic research consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5. RESULTS: A quarter of the study cohort were diabetic (4038/15,957), and these patients had a significantly higher risk of primary endpoint at 2 years compared to non-diabetics (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.63). The difference was driven by a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality at 2 years in diabetics (adjusted HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.22-1.78). The risk of BARC 3 or 5 bleeding was comparable between the two groups (adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.86-1.39). The antiplatelet strategy (experimental versus reference strategy) had no significant effect on the rates of primary endpoint and secondary safety endpoint at 2 years in patients with and without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients had higher risk of ischemic events after PCI than non-diabetic patients, whilst bleeding risk was comparable. The outcomes of diabetic patients following PCI were not affected by the two different antiplatelet strategies.

[Myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) - prevalence and prognosis]. / Obstruktív koszorúér-betegség nélkül kialakuló heveny szívizominfarktus (MINOCA) ­ gyakoriság és prognózis.

Introduction: There are conflicting data on the prevalence and prognosis of AMI patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA). Aim: We studied the prevalence and prognosis of MINOCA patients. Method: In the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry (HUMIR) 45,223 patients (pts) with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were found who were treated between Jan 1, 2014, and June 30, 2018, and coronary arteriography was performed. ST-elevation myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 22,469 pts (49.7%). Patients without obstructive coronary artery disease who had no previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, PCI and CABG procedure were selected to the MINOCA group (n = 2003). Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease belonged to the MICAD group (n = 43,220). We investigated clinical characteristics of the patients, overall survival and reinfarction. Survival curves were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and were modeled with the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The proportion of MINOCA pts among all myocardial infarction was by 4.4% higher in the STEMI pts compared to the NSTEMI group (2.0% vs. 6.8%). The MINOCA pts were younger (age 64.0 ± 14.4 vs. 65.5 ± 12.2 years), and the proportion of women was higher (55.7% vs. 36.5%). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and peripheral artery disease were more common in the MICAD group (79.1% vs. 73.7%, 33.0% vs. 21.2%, and 12% vs. 8%). The mortality was higher among the MICAD pts. In the MINOCA group, the mortality of men did not differ between STEMI and NSTEMI, as opposed to women: women with STEMI had higher mortality than women with NSTEMI. The risk of reinfarction was higher in the MICAD group, especially in NSTEMI, the risk in the MINOCA group was lower, and there was no substantial difference between types. Conclusion: In this real word, retrospective, observational study, we found a significant difference in the prevalence of MINOCA pts according to different types of myocardial infarction. In the MINOCA group, the mortality of women with STEMI was substantially higher. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(45): 1791-1797.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the spatial morphology of stented coronary artery segments in relation to restenosis.

To investigate the correlations between the three-dimensional (3D) parameters of target coronary artery segments and restenosis after stent implantation. Sixty-four patients after single, cobalt chromium platform stent (27 BM stents and 37 DES) implantation were investigated retrospectively 12 ± 6 months after the index procedure. 3D coronary artery reconstruction was performed before and after the stent implantation using appropriate projections by a dedicated reconstruction software. The curve of the target segment was characterized by the ratio of the vessel length measured at midline (arc: A) and the distance between the edge points of the stent (chord: C): A/C ratio (ACr). Age, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia were taken into account for the statistical evaluation. 22 patients were diagnosed with ISR, while 42 patients without any restenosis served as controls. The two groups did not differ regarding major cardiovascular risk factors, proportion of the treated vessels or the type of stents. Higher initial ACr values were associated with greater straightening of the vessel curvature in all groups (p < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were found in cases of proximal or distal edge bending angles (p < 0.001). Pre-stent edge bending angles < 7° often showed an increase after the stent implantation, while in case of higher initial values, the bending angles generally decreased. Using multivariate logistic regression modelling we found that the pre-stent ACr was an independent predictor of in-stent restenosis (odds ratio for 1% increase of the ACr: 1.08; p = 0.012). Changes of angles at the stent edges following stent implantation correlate with the initial local bending angles. The ACr predispose to chronic shear stress in the vessel wall, which may contribute to the pathological intimal proliferation.

Does Gender Have Prognostic Value Among Patients with Myocardial Infarction? Analysis of the Data from the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Background: The authors analyzed data from the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry (HUMIR) to examine the potential impact of gender on the treatment and 30-day and 1-year mortality of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods: The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction included 42,953 patients between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016; 19,875 of whom were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 23,078 with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The proportion of women was 39% and 41.9% in the two groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, the year and month of hospital admission, smoking, as well as for five concomitant diseases and anamnestic data. We found that the odds ratio (OR) of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was influenced by age, the year of treatment, prior stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) in both patient groups. Results: Gender had an impact on treatment in both cases; women had significantly fewer PCIs (OR = 0.86 confidence interval [95% CI: 0.77-0.95] in the STEMI group, OR = 0.75 [95% CI: 0.70-0.82] in the NSTEMI group). Age and PCI, PAD, and diabetes mellitus proved to be prognostic factors for 30-day and 1-year mortality in both groups. In the STEMI group, hypertension proved to be of prognostic value for both 30-day and 1-year mortality, whereas prior MI, stroke, and smoking only affected 1-year mortality. Similarly, in the NSTEMI group, prior stroke was also of prognostic value for 30-day and 1-year mortality, whereas prior MI, hypertension and smoking were only associated with 1-year mortality. Conclusions: The independent prognostic value of gender could not be proven for any of the MI types or follow-up periods. In conclusion, gender influenced the treatment of patients with MI but had no significant impact on prognosis in itself.