Parenteral Anticoagulation at First Medical Contact Improves Infarct Related Artery Patency in STEMI.

(1) Background: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains one of the main morbidity and mortality contributors worldwide. Its main treatment, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), can only be performed with a high anticoagulation regimen, usually with heparin. There is still not enough evidence regarding the timing of heparin administration. (2) Methods: We conducted a multicenter observational study of 614 consecutive STEMI patients treated between 2017 and 2019. We split the population in two groups: one that received heparin at the first medical contact, as early as possible, and the second group that received heparin at the PCI capable center or in the cath lab. (3) Results: There was a significantly higher rate of infarct-related artery (IRA) patency at the time of the coronary angiogram in the pre-transfer heparin group than in the on-site heparin group, 44.7% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.042. Also, the early heparin group received shorter and wider stents. There was no difference in bleeding rates or in the in-hospital and two-year mortality rates. (4) Conclusions: Early administration of heparin leads to a higher rate of reperfusion in the IRA, before pPCI, with significant related benefits, such as better stent implantation parameters, without increased bleeding rates.

Co-registered optical coherence tomography and X-ray angiography for the prediction of fractional flow reserve.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) stands as the leading global cause of mortality, and coronary artery disease (CAD) has the highest prevalence, contributing to 42% of these fatalities. Recognizing the constraints inherent in the anatomical assessment of CAD, Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) has emerged as a pivotal functional diagnostic metric. Herein, we assess the potential of employing an ensemble approach with deep neural networks (DNN) to predict invasively measured Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) using raw anatomical data extracted from both optical coherence tomography (OCT) and X-ray coronary angiography (XA). In this study, we used a challenging dataset, with 46% of the lesions falling within the FFR range of 0.75 to 0.85. Despite this complexity, our model achieved an accuracy of 84.3%, demonstrating a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 81.4%. Our results demonstrate that incorporating both OCT and XA signals, co-registered, as inputs for the DNN model leads to an important increase in overall accuracy.

Particular Aspects Related to CD4+ Level in a Group of HIV-Infected Patients and Associated Acute Coronary Syndrome.

People living with HIV infection are at high risk for cardiovascular events due to inflammation and atherosclerosis. Also, some antiretroviral therapies may contribute to the risk of cardiovascular complications. Immune status is highly dependent on the level of lymphocyte T helper CD4+. There are data suggesting that immune status and CD4+ cell count may be involved in the development of cardiovascular complications in these patients. Our study is longitudinal and retrospective and included a total number of 50 patients with HIV infection associated with acute coronary syndrome, divided into two subgroups based on the nadir of CD4+ cells. This study analyzes the relationship between the immune status of HIV patients, assessed by the nadir of the CD4+ T-cell count, and the outcome of these patients. Also, secondary endpoints were the assessment of the magnitude of coronary lesions and of thrombotic and bleeding risk assessed by specific scores. Clinical and biological parameters and also the extension and complexity of coronary lesions were assessed. Although patients with poor immune status had more complex coronary lesions and increased operative risk and bleeding risk at one year, this was not associated with significant differences in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at the 30-day and 1-year outcomes.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Angiographical Features and Short-Term Prognosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Results of a Retrospective Observational Multicentric Romanian Study.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus have increased cardiovascular risk due to a higher prevalence of traditional and particular risk factors such as chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation abnormalities and antiretroviral therapy. In developed countries, coronary artery disease has become the most frequent cardiovascular disease and an important cause of mortality in these patients. The symptomatology of an acute coronary syndrome can be atypical, and the prevalence of each type of acute coronary syndrome is reported differently. Regarding coronary artery disease severity in people living with HIV, the literature data indicates that the presence of single-vessel disease is akin to that of HIV-negative patients, and their short-term prognosis is unclear. This study aims to assess the clinical characteristics, biological parameters, angiographical features and short-term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome in a cohort of Romanian people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

The Profile and All-Cause In-Hospital Mortality Dynamics of St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients during the Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19), some studies showed differences in the profile of subjects presenting with acute coronary syndromes as well as in overall mortality due to the delay of presentation and other complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the profile and outcomes, with emphasis on all-cause in-hospital mortality, of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) subjects presenting to the emergency department during the pandemic period compared with a control group from the previous year, 2019. The study enrolled 2011 STEMI cases, which were divided into two groups-pre-pandemic (2019-2020) and pandemic period (2020-2022). Hospital admissions for a STEMI diagnosis sharply decreased during the COVID-19 period by 30.26% during the first year and 25.4% in the second year. This trend was paralleled by a significant increase in all-cause in-hospital mortality: 11.5% in the pandemic period versus 8.1% in the previous year. There was a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 positivity and all-cause in-hospital mortality, but no correlation was found between COVID-19 diagnosis and the type of revascularization. However, the profile of subjects presenting with STEMI did not change over time during the pandemic; their demographic and comorbid characteristics remained similar.

Artificial intelligence and cloud based platform for fully automated PCI guidance from coronary angiography-study protocol.

Ischemic heart disease represent a heavy burden for the medical systems irrespective of the methods used for diagnosis and treatment of such patients in the daily medical routine. The present paper depicts the protocol of a study whose main aim is to develop, implement and test an artificial intelligence algorithm and cloud based platform for fully automated PCI guidance using coronary angiography images. We propose the utilisation of multiple artificial intelligence based models to produce three-dimensional coronary anatomy reconstruction and assess function- post-PCI FFR computation- for developing an extensive report describing and motivating the optimal PCI strategy selection. All the relevant artificial intelligence model outputs (anatomical and functional assessment-pre- and post-PCI) are presented to the clinician via a cloud platform, who can then take the utmost treatment decision. The physician will be provided with multiple scenarios and treatment possibilities for the same case allowing a real-time evaluation of the most appropriate PCI strategy planning and follow-up. The artificial intelligence algorithms and cloud based PCI selection workflow will be verified and validated in a pilot clinical study including subjects prospectively to compare the artificial intelligence services and results against annotations and invasive measurements.

Non-invasive right ventriculo-arterial coupling as a rehospitalization predictor in dilated cardiomyopathy: A comparison of five different methods.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) is a predictor of outcome in left-sided heart failure (HF). Several echocardiographic estimates for RVPAC have been proposed. AIMS: This study aimed to compare multiple non-invasive methods to calculate RVPAC and to assess its prognostic role in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 60 stable patients with DCM. RVPAC was estimated using five methods: as the tricuspid annular plane excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio; as the RV global longitudinal strain/PASP ratio; as the RV free wall strain (RVFW-LS)/PASP ratio; as the three-dimensional (3D) RV ejection fraction (RVEF)/PASP ratio; and as the 3D RV stroke volume (SV)/end-systolic volume (ESV) ratio. Patients were followed for a mean period of 18 (9) months for the endpoint of HF rehospitalizations. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (48%) reached the endpoint. All RVPAC estimates were more impaired in those patients reaching the endpoint (P <0.001 for all) and all predicted rehospitalizations in un-adjusted analysis. RVFW-LS/PASP and RVEF/PASP remained independent predictors of events, after adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic confounders. Using cut-offs obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we found that patients with RVFW-LS/PASP >-0.40 and patients with RVEF/PASP <1.30 had a higher risk of HF rehospitalization (log-rank P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: RVFW-LS/PASP and RVEF/PASP as non-invasive estimates of RVPAC are independent predictors of HF rehospitalization in patients with DCM.

Importance of Visual Estimation of Coronary Artery Stenoses and Use of Functional Evaluation for Appropriate Guidance of Coronary Revascularization-Multiple Operator Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Visual estimation (VE) of coronary stenoses is the first step during invasive coronary angiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of VE together with invasive functional assessment (IFA) in defining the functional significance (FS) of coronary stenoses based on the opinion of multiple operators. METHODS: Fourteen independent operators visually evaluated 133 coronary lesions which had a previous FFR measurement, indicating the degree of stenosis (DS), FS and IFA intention. We determined the accuracy of FS prediction using several scenarios combining individual and group decision, considering IFA as deemed necessary by the operator or only in intermediate lesions. RESULTS: The accuracy of VE in predicting FS was largely variable between operators (average 66.1%); it improved significantly when IFA was used either as per operator's opinion (86.3%; p < 0.0001) or only in intermediate DS (82.9; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between using IFA per observer's opinion or only in intermediate DS lesions (p = 0.166). The poorest accuracy of VE for FS was obtained in intermediate DS lesions (59.1%). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant inter-observer differences in reporting the degree of DS, while the accuracy of VE prediction of FS is also largely dependent on the operator, and the worst performance is obtained in the evaluation of intermediate DS.

The prognostic value of right ventricular longitudinal strain and 3D ejection fraction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Several studies showed that right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a powerful predictor in heart failure (HF). Advanced echocardiographic techniques such as speckle-tracking imaging and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography proved to be accurate tools for RV assessment, but their clinical significance remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of two-dimensional (2D) RV strain and 3D ejection fraction (RVEF) in predicting adverse outcome in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We prospectively screened 81 patients with DCM and sinus rhythm, 50 of whom were enrolled and underwent comprehensive echocardiography, including RV strain and 3D RV volumetric assessment. Patients were followed for a composite endpoint of cardiac death, nonfatal cardiac arrest and acute worsening of HF requiring hospitalization. After a median follow-up of 16 months, 29 patients reached the primary endpoint. Patients with events had more impaired RV global longitudinal strain (- 10.5 ± 4.5% vs. - 14.3 ± 5.2%, p = 0.009), RV free wall longitudinal strain (- 12.9 ± 8.7% vs. - 17.5 ± 7.1%, p = 0.046) and 3D RVEF (38 ± 8% vs. 47 ± 9%, p = 0.001). By Cox proportional hazards multivariable analysis, RV global longitudinal strain and RVEF were independent predictors of outcome after adjustment for age and NYHA class. RVEF remained the only independent predictor of events after further correction for echocardiographic risk factors. By receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the optimal RVEF cut-off value for event prediction was 43.4% (area under the curve = 0.768, p = 0.001). Subjects with RVEF > 43.4% showed more favourable outcome compared to those with RVEF < 43.4% (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In conclusion, 3D RVEF is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with DCM.

Acute inferior myocardial infarction in a young man with testicular seminoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis represents the main cause of myocardial infarction (MI); other causes such as coronary embolism, vasospasm, coronary-dissection or drug use are much rarely encountered, but should be considered in less common clinical scenarios. In young individuals without cardiovascular risk factors, the identification of the cause of MI can sometimes be found in the medical history and previous treatments undertaken. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 34-year-old man presenting acute inferior ST-elevation MI without classic cardiac risk factors. Seven years ago, he suffered from orchidopexy for bilateral cryptorchidism, and was recently diagnosed with right testicular seminoma for which he had to undergo surgical resection and chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin. Shortly after the first chemotherapy treatment, namely on day five, he suffered an acute MI. Angiography revealed a mild stenotic lesion at the level of the right coronary artery with suprajacent thrombus and vasospasm, with no other significant lesions on the other coronary arteries. A conservative treatment was decided upon by the cardiac team, including dual antiplatelets therapy and anticoagulants with good further evolution. The patient continued the chemotherapy treatment according to the initial plan without other cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: In young individuals with no cardiovascular risk factors undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, an acute MI can be caused by vascular toxicity of several anti-cancer drugs.

Exploring the Continuum of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-From DNA to Clinical Expression.

The concepts underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) pathogenesis have evolved greatly over the last 60 years since the pioneering work of the British pathologist Donald Teare, presenting the autopsy findings of "asymmetric hypertrophy of the heart in young adults". Advances in human genome analysis and cardiac imaging techniques have enriched our understanding of the complex architecture of the malady and shaped the way we perceive the illness continuum. Presently, HCM is acknowledged as "a disease of the sarcomere", where the relationship between genotype and phenotype is not straightforward but subject to various genetic and nongenetic influences. The focus of this review is to discuss key aspects related to molecular mechanisms and imaging aspects that have prompted genotype-phenotype correlations, which will hopefully empower patient-tailored health interventions.

Microvascular (dys)Function in Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Cross Talk with Epicardial Segments.

Myocardial ischemia is the consequence of an unbalance between coronary flow that can be achieved and myocardial metabolic needs. Pathological state of both epicardial and intramyocardial vessels may be responsible for inducing ischemia. However, revascularization decision should be based on the severity of each epicardial lesion that is evaluated. There are different diagnostic tools that may help for the evaluation of each compartment which is based on the measurement of coronary hemodynamics. Pressure-derived indices are recommended by current guidelines for evaluation of epicardial stenosis significance. We assess the complex interaction between hemodynamic parameters in order to understand how different parameters are influenced in the settings of microvascular dysfunction.

Factors associated with use of percutaneous coronary intervention among elderly patients presenting with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI): Results from the ISACS-TC registry.

BACKGROUND: A substantial proportion of elderly with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) do not undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate factors associated with the decision not to perform coronary angiography at admission in these patients. METHODS: We evaluated 1315 STEMI patients aged ≥75years old enrolled in the International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Transitional Countries (ISACS TC) registry between October 2010 and February 2015. They were compared with 6667 patients aged <75years old enrolled in the registry in the same time frame. RESULTS: Elderly patients were less likely to undertake invasive coronary evaluation compared with younger patients (62.1% vs. 78.9; p<0.001%). In the older group there were a lower proportion of patients presenting <12h after symptom onset (66.5% vs.76.9%, p<0.001), and a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Few elderly were treated with current recommended evidence based treatments (aspirin, clopidogrel, heparins, beta-blocker, statins, and ACE-inhibitors). Logistic analysis adjusted for age and sex showed that older age was associated with underuse of coronary angiography (OR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.41-0.53, p<0.001). Clinical factors that were associated with underuse of angiography in patients over 75 were: female sex (OR: 0.77), presence of comorbidities (OR: 0.91), anemia (OR: 0.44) and late hospital admission (OR: 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: In the ISACS-TC, more than one third of the elderly with STEMI did not undergo coronary angiography at admission. Sex, comorbidities, and late hospital admission were independent factors associated with the underuse of PCI in these patients.