Prognostic value of growth differentiation factor-15 3 months after an acute chest pain admission.

OBJECTIVE: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a predictor of death and cardiovascular events when measured during index hospitalisation in patients with acute chest pain. This study investigated the prognostic utility of measuring GDF-15 3 months after an admission with suspected non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). METHODS: GDF-15 was measured at baseline and 3 months after admission in 758 patients admitted with suspected NSTE-ACS. Patients were followed for a median of 1540 (IQR: 1087-1776) days after the 3-month visit. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, while the secondary composite endpoint included all-cause mortality, incident myocardial infarction and heart failure hospitalisation during follow-up. RESULTS: In patients with GDF-15 ≥1200 pg/mL (n=248), 18% died and 25% met the composite endpoint. In patients with GDF-15 <1200 pg/mL (n=510), 1.7% died and 4% met the composite endpoint. The GDF-15 concentration (log2 transformed) at 3 months was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.3, p<0.001) and the composite endpoint (adjusted HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.7, p<0.001), independently of traditional risk factors and baseline troponin T. A 10% change in GDF-15 concentration from baseline to the 3-month visit was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.13, p=0.031), adjusting for baseline GDF-15 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: High GDF-15 concentrations 3 months after admission for suspected NSTE-ACS are associated with long-term mortality and cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors and troponin T. A change in GDF-15 concentration can provide prognostic information.

The importance of concomitant mitral regurgitation for estimates of mitral valve area by pressure half time in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease.

AIMS: Aim was to study how concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) assessed by qualitative and quantitative methods influence mitral valve area (MVA) calculations by the pressure half time method (MVAPHT) compared to reference MVA (planimetry) in patients with rheumatic heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 72 patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease, MVAPHT was calculated as 220 divided by the pressure half time of the mitral early inflow Doppler spectrum. Direct measurement by planimetry was used as reference MVA and was mean (SD) 0.99 (0.69-1.99) cm2. Concomitant MR was present in 82%. MR severity was assessed qualitatively in all, semi-quantitatively by measuring the vena contracta width in 58 (81%), and quantitatively by calculation of the regurgitant volume in 28 (39%). MVA was significantly underestimated by MVAPHT, with increasing MR. In regression analyses MVAPHT underestimated MVA by 0.19 cm2 per higher grade of MR severity in qualitative assessment, and by 0.12-0.13 cm2 per mm larger vena contracta width and 10 ml larger regurgitant volume, respectively. The presented associations were more evident when i) MR severity was quantified compared to qualitative assessment and ii) reference measurements were made by three-dimensional transoesophageal recordings compared to transthoracic recordings. CONCLUSION: MVAPHT underestimated mitral valve area compared to planimetry in patients with MS and concomitant MR. This study highlights the importance of taking the MR severity into account when evaluating MVA based on the PHT method. Direct measurements should be included in clinical decision making.

Prognostic significance of chronic myocardial injury diagnosed by three different cardiac troponin assays in patients admitted with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic myocardial injury (CMI) is defined as stable concentrations of cardiac troponin T or I (cTnT or cTnI) above the assay-specific 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) and signals poor outcome. The clinical implications of diagnosing CMI are unclear. We aimed to assess prevalence and association of CMI with long-term prognosis using three different high-sensitivity cTn (hs-cTn) assays. METHODS: A total of 1,292 hospitalized patients without acute myocardial injury had cTn concentrations quantified by hs-cTn assays by Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Diagnostics and Siemens Healthineers. The median follow-up time was 4.1 years. The prevalence of CMI and hazard ratios for mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events were calculated based on the URL provided by the manufacturers and compared to the prognostic accuracy when lower percentiles of cTn (97.5, 95 or 90), limit of detection or the estimated bioequivalent concentrations between assays were used as cutoff values. RESULTS: There was no major difference in prognostic accuracy between cTnT and cTnI analyzed as continuous variables. The correlation between cTnT and cTnI was high (r=0.724-0.785), but the cTnT assay diagnosed 3.9-4.5 times more patients with having CMI based on the sex-specific URLs (TnT, n=207; TnI Abbott, n=46, TnI Siemens, n=53) and had higher clinical sensitivity and AUC at the URL. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CMI is highly assay-dependent. cTnT and cTnI have similar prognostic accuracy for mortality or CV events when measured as continuous variables. However, a CMI diagnosis according to cTnT has higher prognostic accuracy compared to a CMI diagnosis according to cTnI.

Efficacy and User Experience of a Novel X-Ray Shield on Operator Radiation Exposure During Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Radiation shielding is mandatory during cardiac catheterization, but there is a need to improve efficacy and ease of use. METHODS: The aim of the study was to assess the shielding effect and user feedback for a novel flexible multiconfiguration x-ray shield (FMX). The 0.5-mm Pb equivalent FMX can be selectively configured to accommodate for variations in patient morphology, access site, and type of procedure with maintained visualization, vascular access, and shielding. To evaluate efficacy, relative operator dose (operator dose indexed for given dose) was measured during 103 consecutive procedures randomized in a 1:1 proportion to the current routine setup or FMX+routine. User feedback was collected on function, relevance, and likelihood of adoption into clinical practice. RESULTS: Median relative operator dose was 3.63 µSv/µGy·m2×10-3 (IQR, 2.62-6.37) with routine setup and 0.57 µSv/µGy·m2×10-3 (IQR, 0.27-1.06) with FMX+routine, which amounts to an 84.4% reduction (P<0.001). For 500 procedures/year, this corresponds to an estimated yearly dose reduction from 3.6 to 0.7 mSv. User feedback regarding size, functionality, ease of use, likely to use, critical issues, shielding, draping, procedure time, vascular access, patient discomfort, and risk was 99% positive. No critical issues were identified. There was no significant difference in patient radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The FMX reduces radiation exposure considerably. The FMX represents an effective and attractive solution for radiation protection that can easily be implemented in existing workflow. FMX has potential for general use with maintained visualization, vascular access, and shielding in routine cardiac catheterization.

Aiming toWards Evidence baSed inTerpretation of Cardiac biOmarkers in patients pResenting with chest pain using Point of Care Testing (WESTCOR-POC): study design.

OBJECTIVES: Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) contribute to a high workload and overcrowding in the Emergency Department (ED). Accelerated diagnostic protocols for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction have proved challenging to implement. One obstacle is the turnaround time for analyzing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn). In the WESTCOR-POC study (Clinical Trials number NCT05354804) we aim to evaluate safety and efficiency of a 0/1 h hs-cTn algorithm utilizing a hs-cTnI point of care (POC) instrument in comparison to central laboratory hs-cTnT measurements. DESIGN: This is a prospective single-center randomized clinical trial aiming to include 1500 patients admitted to the ED with symptoms suggestive of ACS. Patients will receive standard investigations following the European Society of Cardiology 0/1h protocols for centralized hs-cTnT measurements or the intervention using a 0/1h POC hs-cTnI algorithm. Primary end-points are 1) Safety; death, myocardial infarction or acute revascularization within 30 days 2) Efficiency; length of stay in the ED, 3) Cost- effectiveness; total episode cost, 4) Patient satisfaction, 5) Patient symptom burden and 6) Patients quality of life. Secondary outcomes are 12-months death, myocardial infarction or acute revascularization, percentage discharged after 3 and 6 h, total length of hospital stay and all costs related to hospital contact within 12 months. CONCLUSION: Results from this study may facilitate implementation of POC hs-cTn testing assays and accelerated diagnostic protocols in EDs, and may serve as a valuable resource for guiding future investigations for the use of POC high sensitivity troponin assays in outpatient clinics and prehospital settings.

Growth Differentiation Factor 15: A Prognostic Marker in Patients with Acute Chest Pain without Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute chest pain is associated with an increased risk of death and cardiovascular events even when acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been excluded. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a strong prognostic marker in patients with acute chest pain and AMI, but the prognostic value in patients without AMI is uncertain. This study sought to investigate the ability of GDF-15 to predict long-term prognosis in patients presenting with acute chest pain without AMI. METHODS: In total, 1320 patients admitted with acute chest pain without AMI were followed for a median of 1523 days (range: 4 to 2208 days). The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points included cardiovascular (CV) death, future AMI, heart failure hospitalization, and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). RESULTS: Higher concentrations of GDF-15 were associated with increased risk of death from all causes (median concentration in non-survivors vs survivors: 2124 pg/mL vs 852 pg/mL, P < 0.001), and all secondary end points. By multivariable Cox regression, GDF-15 concentration ≥4th quartile (compared to <4th quartile) remained an independent predictor of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.75; 95% CI, 1.69-4.45, P < 0.001), CV death (adjusted HR: 3.74; 95% CI, 1.31-10.63, P = 0.013), and heart failure hospitalization (adjusted HR: 2.60; 95% CI, 1.11-6.06, P = 0.027). Adding GDF-15 to a model consisting of established risk factors and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) led to a significant increase in C-statistics for prediction of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of GDF-15 were associated with increased risk of mortality from all causes and risk of future CV events.

Effect of an optimized X-ray blanket design on operator radiation dose in cardiac catheterization based on real-world angiography.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing concern and focus in the interventional cardiology community on potential long term health issues related to radiation exposure and heavy wearable protection. Optimized shielding measures may reduce operator dose to levels where lighter radioprotective garments can safely be used, or even omitted. X-ray blankets (XRB) are commercially available but suffer from small size and lack of stability. A larger XRB may reduce operator dose but could hamper vascular access and visualization. The aim of this study is to assess shielding effect of an optimized XRB during cardiac catheterization and estimate the potential reduction in annual operator dose based on DICOM Radiation Dose Structured Report (RDSR) data reflecting everyday clinical practice. METHODS: Data accumulated from 7681 procedures over three years in our RDSR repository was used to identify projection angles and radiation doses during cardiac catheterization. Using an anthropomorphic phantom and a scatter radiation detector, radiation dose to the operator (mSv) and patient (dose area product-DAP) was measured for each angiographic projection for three different shielding setups. Relative operator dose (mSv/DAP) was calculated and multiplied by DAP per projection to estimate effect on operator dose. RESULTS: Adding an optimized XRB to a standard shielding setup comprising a table- and ceiling-mounted shield resulted in a 94.9% reduction in estimated operator dose. The largest shielding effect was observed in left and cranial projections where the ceiling-mounted shield offered less protection. CONCLUSIONS: An optimized XRB is a simple shielding measure that has the potential to reduce operator dose.

Erratum to 'The association between serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and acute myocardial infarction in patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome is modified by body mass index*,***' International Journal of Cardiology Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention. Volume 11, December 2021, 200,109.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2021.200109.].

Predictors of long-term symptom burden and quality of life in patients hospitalised with chest pain: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnitude and predictors of symptom burden (SB) and quality of life (QoL) 3 months after hospital admission for acute chest pain. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single centre, outpatient follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: 1506 patients. OUTCOMES: Scores reported for general health (RAND-12), angina-related health (Seattle Angina Questionnaire 7 (SAQ-7)) and dyspnoea (Rose Dyspnea Scale) 3 months after hospital admission for chest pain. METHODS: A total of 1506 patients received questionnaires assessing general health (RAND-12), angina-related health (SAQ-7) and dyspnoea (Rose Dyspnea Scale) 3 months after discharge. Univariable and multivariable regression models identified predictors of SB and QoL scores. A mediator analysis identified factors mediating the effect of an unstable angina pectoris (UAP) diagnosis. RESULTS: 774 (52%) responded. Discharge diagnoses were non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (14.2%), UAP (17.1%), non-coronary cardiac disease (6.6%), non-cardiac disease (6.3%) and non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) (55.6%). NSTEMI had the most favourable, and UAP patients the least favourable SAQ-7 scores (median SAQ7-summary; 88 vs 75, p<0.001). NCCP patients reported persisting chest pain in 50% and dyspnoea in 33% of cases. After adjusting for confounders, revascularisation predicted better QoL scores, while UAP, current smoking and hypertension predicted worse outcome. NSTEMI and UAP patients who were revascularised reported higher scores (p<0.05) in SAQ-7-QL, SAQ7-PL, SAQ7-summary (NSTEMI) and all SAQ-7 domains (UAP). Revascularisation altered the unstandardised beta value (>±10%) of an UAP diagnosis for all SAQ-7 and RAND-12 outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NSTEMI reported the most favourable outcome 3 months after hospitalisation for chest pain. Patients with other diseases, in particular UAP patients, reported lower scores. Revascularised NSTEMI and UAP patients reported higher QoL scores compared with patients receiving conservative treatment. Revascularisation mediated all outcomes in UAP patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02620202.

Association between symptoms and risk of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction according to age and sex in patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected acute coronary syndrome: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the association between symptoms and risk of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients admitted to an emergency department with suspected acute coronary syndrome based on sex and age. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study conducted between September 2015 and May 2019. SETTING: University hospital in Norway. PARTICIPANTS: 1506 participants >18 years of age (39.6% women and 31.0% 70 years of age or older). FINDINGS: The OR for NSTEMI was 9.4 if pain radiated to both arms, 3.0 if exertional chest pain was present during the last week and 2.9 if pain occurred during activity. Men had significantly lower OR compared with women if pain was dependent of position, respiration or palpation (OR 0.17 vs 0.53, p value for interaction 0.047). Patients <70 years had higher predictive value than older patients if they reported exertional chest pain the last week (OR 4.08 vs 1.81, 95%, p value for interaction 0.025) and lower if pain radiated to the left arm (OR 0.73 vs 1.67, p value for interaction 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Chest pain with radiation to both arms, exertional chest pain during the last week and pain during activity had the strongest predictive value for NSTEMI. The differences in symptom presentation and risk of NSTEMI between sex and age groups were small. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: WESTCOR study ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02620202).

Adding stress biomarkers to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin for rapid non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction rule-out protocols.

AIMS: This study tested the hypothesis that combining stress-induced biomarkers (copeptin or glucose) with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) increases diagnostic accuracy for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients presenting to the emergency department. METHODS AND RESULTS: The ability to rule-out NSTEMI for combinations of baseline hs-cTnT or hs-cTnI with copeptin or glucose was compared with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) hs-cTnT/I-only rule-out algorithms in two independent (one Norwegian and one international multicentre) diagnostic studies. Among 959 patients (median age 64 years, 60.5% male) with suspected NSTEMI in the Norwegian cohort, 13% had NSTEMI. Adding copeptin or glucose to hs-cTnT/I as a continuous variable did not improve discrimination as quantified by the area under the curve {e.g. hs-cTnT/copeptin 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.93] vs. hs-cTnT alone 0.91 (95% CI 0.89-0.93); hs-cTnI/copeptin 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.87) vs. hs-cTnI alone 0.93 (95% CI 0.91-0.95)}, nor did adding copeptin <9 mmol/L or glucose <5.6 mmol/L increase the sensitivity of the rule-out provided by hs-cTnT <5 ng/L or hs-cTnI <4 ng/L in patients presenting more than 3 h after chest pain onset (target population in the ESC-0 h-algorithm). The combination decreased rule-out efficacy significantly (both P < 0.01). These findings were confirmed among 1272 patients (median age 62 years, 69.3% male) with suspected NSTEMI in the international validation cohort, of which 20.7% had NSTEMI. A trend towards increased sensitivity for the hs-cTnT/I/copeptin combinations (97-100% vs. 91-97% for the ESC-0 h-rule-out cut-offs) was observed in the Norwegian cohort. CONCLUSION: Adding copeptin or glucose to hs-cTnT/I did not increase diagnostic performance when compared with current ESC guideline hs-cTnT/I-only 0 h-algorithms.

Diagnostic Performance of Novel Troponin Algorithms for the Rule-Out of Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) rule-out algorithms use cutoffs optimized for exclusion of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We investigated these and several novel algorithms for the rule-out of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) including less urgent coronary ischemia. METHOD: A total of 1504 unselected patients with suspected NSTE-ACS were included and divided into a derivation cohort (n = 988) and validation cohort (n = 516). The primary endpoint was the diagnostic performance to rule-out NSTEMI and unstable angina pectoris during index hospitalization. The secondary endpoint was combined MI, all-cause mortality (within 30 days) and urgent (24 h) revascularization. The ESC algorithms for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and I (hs-cTnI) were compared to different novel low-baseline (limit of detection), low-delta (based on the assay analytical and biological variation), and 0-1-h and 0-3-h algorithms. RESULTS: The prevalence of NSTE-ACS was 24.8%, 60.0% had noncardiac chest pain, and 15.2% other diseases. The 0-1/0-3-h algorithms had superior clinical sensitivity for the primary endpoint compared to the ESC algorithm (validation cohort); hs-cTnT: 95% vs 63%, and hs-cTnI: 87% vs 64%, respectively. Regarding the secondary endpoint, the algorithms had similar clinical sensitivity (100% vs 94%-96%) but lower clinical specificity (41%-19%) compared to the ESC algorithms (77%-74%). The rule-out rates decreased by a factor of 2-4. CONCLUSION: Low concentration/low-delta troponin algorithms improve the clinical sensitivity for a combined endpoint of NSTEMI and unstable angina pectoris, with the cost of a substantial reduction in total rule-out rate. There was no clear benefit compared to ESC for diagnosing high-risk events.

Short-term outcome after open-heart surgery for severe chronic rheumatic heart disease in a low-income country, with comparison with an historical control group: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cardiac surgery is the only curative treatment. Little is known about patients with severe chronic RHD operated in LMICs, and challenges regarding postoperative follow-up are an important issue. At Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we aimed to evaluate the course and 12-month outcome of patients with severe chronic RHD who received open-heart surgery, as compared with the natural course of controls waiting for surgery and undergoing only medical treatment. METHODS: Clinical data and outcome measures were registered in 46 patients operated during five missions from March 2016 to November 2019, and compared with the first-year course in a cohort of 49 controls from the same hospital's waiting list for surgery. Adverse events were death or complications such as stroke, other thromboembolic events, bleeding, hospitalisation for heart failure and infectious endocarditis. RESULTS: Survival at 12 months was 89% and survival free from complications was 80% in the surgical group. Despite undergoing open-heart surgery, with its inherent risks, outcome measures of the surgical group were non-inferior to the natural course of the control group in the first year after inclusion on the waiting list (p≥0.45). All except six surgical patients were in New York Heart Association class I after 12 months and 84% had resumed working. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery for severe chronic RHD is feasible in LMICs if the service is structured and planned. Rates of survival and survival free from complications were similar to those of controls at 12 months. Functional level and resumption of work were high in the surgical group. Whether the patients who underwent cardiac surgery will have better long-term prognosis, in line with what is known in high-income countries, needs to be evaluated in future studies.

Clinical risk scores identify more patients at risk for cardiovascular events within 30 days as compared to standard ACS risk criteria: the WESTCOR study.

AIMS: Troponin-based algorithms are made to identify myocardial infarctions (MIs) but adding either standard acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk criteria or a clinical risk score may identify more patients eligible for early discharge and patients in need of urgent revascularization. METHODS AND RESULTS: Post-hoc analysis of the WESTCOR study including 932 patients (mean 63 years, 61% male) with suspected NSTE-ACS. Serum samples were collected at 0, 3, and 8-12 h and high-sensitivity cTnT (Roche Diagnostics) and cTnI (Abbott Diagnostics) were analysed. The primary endpoint was MI, all-cause mortality, and unplanned revascularizations within 30 days. Secondary endpoint was non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) during index hospitalization. Two combinations were compared: troponin-based algorithms (ESC 0/3 h and the High-STEACS algorithm) and either ACS risk criteria recommended in the ESC guidelines, or one of eleven clinical risk scores, HEART, mHEART, CARE, GRACE, T-MACS, sT-MACS, TIMI, EDACS, sEDACS, Goldman, and Geleijnse-Sanchis. The prevalence of primary events was 21%. Patients ruled out for NSTEMI and regarded low risk of ACS according to ESC guidelines had 3.8-4.9% risk of an event, primarily unplanned revascularizations. Using HEART score instead of ACS risk criteria reduced the number of events to 2.2-2.7%, with maintained efficacy. The secondary endpoint was met by 13%. The troponin-based algorithms without evaluation of ACS risk missed three-index NSTEMIs with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.5% and 99.6%. CONCLUSION: Combining ESC 0/3 h or the High-STEACS algorithm with standardized clinical risk scores instead of ACS risk criteria halved the prevalence of rule-out patients in need of revascularization, with maintained efficacy.

Cardiac Troponin Assays With Improved Analytical Quality: A Trade-Off Between Enhanced Diagnostic Performance and Reduced Long-Term Prognostic Value.

Background Cardiac troponin (cTn) permits early rule-out/rule-in of patients admitted with possible non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. In this study, we developed an admission and a 0/1 hour rule-out/rule-in algorithm for a troponin assay with measurable results in >99% of healthy individuals. We then compared its diagnostic and long-term prognostic properties with other protocols. Methods and Results Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, and 8 to 12 hours from patients admitted with possible non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. cTnT (Roche Diagnostics), cTnI(Abbott) (Abbott Diagnostics), and cTnI(sgx) (Singulex Clarity System) were measured in 971 admission and 465 1-hour samples. An admission and a 0/1 hour rule-out/rule-in algorithm were developed for the cTnI(sgx) assay and its diagnostic properties were compared with cTnTESC (European Society of Cardiology), cTnI(Abbott)ESC, and 2 earlier cTnI(sgx) algorithms. The prognostic composite end point was all-cause mortality and future nonfatal myocardial infarction during a median follow-up of 723 days. non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction prevalence was 13%. The novel cTnI(sgx) algorithms showed similar performance regardless of time from symptom onset, and area under the curve was significantly better than comparators. The cTnI(sgx)0/1 hour algorithm classified 92% of patients to rule-in or rule-out compared with ≤78% of comparators. Patients allocated to rule-out by the prior published 0/1 hour algorithms had significantly fewer long-term events compared with the rule-in and observation groups. The novel cTnI(sgx)0/1 hour algorithm used a higher troponin baseline concentration for rule-out and did not allow for prognostication. Conclusions Increasingly sensitive troponin assays may improve identification of non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction but could rule-out patients with subclinical chronic myocardial injury. Separate protocols for diagnosis and risk prediction seem appropriate.

Temporal Trends in X-Ray Exposure during Coronary Angiography and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention exposes patient and staff to ionizing radiation. Although staff only receive a small fraction of patient dose through scatter radiation, there are concerns about the potential health effects of repeated exposure. Minimizing both patient and occupational exposure is needed. OBJECTIVE: This article investigates patient and operator X-ray exposure over time in coronary intervention in relation to upgraded X-ray equipment, improved shielding, and enhanced operator awareness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding irradiation time, patient dose, and patient characteristics were extracted from the Norwegian Registry for Invasive Cardiology (NORIC) for procedures performed from 2013 to mid-2019. Personal operator dosimetry records were provided by the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. Improved operator shielding and awareness measures were introduced in 2018. RESULTS: In the period 2013 through June 2019, 21499 procedures were recorded in our institution. Mean dose area product (DAP) for coronary angiography decreased 37% from 2981 µGy·m2 in 2013 to 1891 µGy·m2 in 2019 (p < 0.001). For coronary intervention, DAP decreased 39% from 8358 µGy·m2 to 5055 µGy·m2. Personal dosimetry data indicate a 70% reduction in operator dose per procedure in 2019 compared to 2013. The most pronounced reduction occurred after improved radiation protection measures were implemented in 2018 (-48%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a temporal trend towards considerable reduction in X-ray doses received by the patient and operator during cardiac catheterization. Upgraded X-ray equipment, improved shielding, and enhanced operator awareness are likely contributors to this development.

Systemic Cardiac Troponin T Associated With Incident Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients With Suspected Stable Angina Pectoris.

Higher concentrations of cardiac troponin T are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and adverse cardiovascular prognosis. The relation with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) is less explored. We studied this association among 3,568 patients evaluated with coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris without previous history of AF. The prospective association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) categories (≤3 ng/L; n = 1,694, 4-9; n = 1,085, 10 to 19; n = 614 and 20 to 30; n = 175) and incident AF and interactions with the extent of CAD were studied by Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression. Risk prediction improvements were assessed by receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) analyses. During median (25 to 75 percentile) 7.3 (6.3 to 8.6) years of follow-up 412 (11.5%) were diagnosed with AF. In a Cox model adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction, hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were 1.53 (1.16 to 2.03), 2.03 (1.49 to 2.78), and 2.15 (1.40 to 3.31) when comparing the second, third, and fourth to the first hs-cTnT group, respectively (P for trend <0.000001). The strongest association between hs-cTnT levels and incident AF was found among patients without obstructive CAD (Pint = 0.024) and adding hs-cTnT to established AF risk factors improved risk classification slightly (ΔROC 0.006, p = 0.044). In conclusion, in patients with suspected stable angina higher levels of hs-cTnT predicted increased risk of incident AF. This was most pronounced in patients without obstructive CAD suggesting an association not mediated by coronary disease.

Aiming toWards Evidence baSed inTerpretation of Cardiac biOmarkers in patients pResenting with chest pain-the WESTCOR study: study design.

Objectives. The main aim of the Aiming toWards Evidence baSed inTerpretation of Cardiac biOmarkers in patients pResenting with chest pain (WESTCOR-study) (Clinical Trials number NCT02620202) is to improve diagnostic pathways for patients presenting to the Emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain. Design. The WESTCOR-study is a two center, cross-sectional and prospective observational study recruiting unselected patients presenting to the ED with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Patient inclusion started September 2015 and we plan to include 2250 patients, finishing in 2019. The final diagnosis will be adjudicated by two independent cardiologists based on all available information including serial high sensitivity cardiac troponin measurements, coronary angiography, coronary CT angiography and echocardiography. The study includes one derivation cohort (N = 985) that will be used to develop rule out/rule in algorithms for NSTEMI and NSTE-ACS (if possible) using novel troponin assays, and to validate established NSTEMI algorithms, with and without clinical scoring systems. The study further includes one subcohort (n = 500) where all patients are examined with coronary CT angiography independent of biomarker status, aiming to assess the associations between biomarkers and the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Finally, an external validation cohort (N = 750) will be included at Stavanger University Hospital. Prospective studies will be based on the merged cohorts. Conclusion. The WESTCOR study will provide new diagnostic algorithms for early inclusion and exclusion of NSTE-ACS and insights in the associations between cardiovascular biomarkers, CT-angiographic findings and short and long-term clinical outcomes.

BEtablocker Treatment After acute Myocardial Infarction in revascularized patients without reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (BETAMI): Rationale and design of a prospective, randomized, open, blinded end point study.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines on the use of ß-blockers in post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients without reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are based on studies before the implementation of modern reperfusion and secondary prevention therapies. It remains unknown whether ß-blockers will reduce mortality and recurrent MI in contemporary revascularized post-MI patients without reduced LVEF. DESIGN: BETAMI is a prospective, randomized, open, blinded end point multicenter study in 10,000 MI patients designed to test the superiority of oral ß-blocker therapy compared to no ß-blocker therapy. Patients with LVEF ≥40% following treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis and/or no clinical signs of heart failure are eligible to participate. The primary end point is a composite of all-cause mortality or recurrent MI obtained from national registries over a mean follow-up period of 3 years. Safety end points include rates of nonfatal MI, all-cause mortality, ventricular arrhythmias, and hospitalizations for heart failure obtained from hospital medical records 30 days after randomization, and from national registries after 6 and 18 months. Key secondary end points include recurrent MI, heart failure, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and clinical outcomes linked to ß-blocker therapy including drug adherence, adverse effects, cardiovascular risk factors, psychosocial factors, and health economy. Statistical analyses will be conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle. A prespecified per-protocol analysis (patients truly on ß-blockers or not) will also be conducted. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the BETAMI trial may have the potential of changing current clinical practice for treatment with ß-blockers following MI in patients without reduced LVEF. EudraCT number 2018-000590-75.

Usefulness of Higher Levels of Cardiac Troponin T in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris to Predict Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

In patients with stable angina, the association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI), as well as pathophysiologic mechanisms accounting for an adverse prognosis, remain to be determined. We explored the association between hs-cTnT and future AMI among 3,882 patients evaluated for suspected stable angina pectoris and investigated to which extent hs-cTnT attenuated the relations between traditional coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and AMI. Associations between increasing hs-cTnT categories (≤3, 4 to 9, 10 to 19, and 20 to 30 ng/L) and risk of AMI were studied by Cox regression. We investigated whether the associations between traditional CHD risk factors and future AMI were influenced by adjusting for hs-cTnT. Median age was 62 years. During median (25th to 75th percentile) 8 (6.4 to 8.7) years of follow-up, 460 (11.8%) experienced an AMI. There was a strong association between hs-cTnT categories and risk of AMI. The relation was somewhat attenuated, but still present, when adjusting for potential confounders, traditional CHD risk factors, previous peripheral vascular disease, and percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary bypass surgery. Moreover, hs-cTnT slightly attenuated the risk relations between traditional CHD risk factors and incident AMI, but each risk factor remained significantly associated with AMI. In conclusion, among patients with suspected stable angina, hs-cTnT was positively related to incident AMI.