Tandem lesions associate with angiographic progression of coronary artery stenoses.

Background: Although the clinical factors associated with progression of coronary artery disease have been well studied, the angiographic predictors are less defined. Objectives: Our objective was to study the clinical and angiographic factors that associate with progression of coronary artery stenoses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing multiple, clinically indicated invasive coronary angiograms with an interval greater than 6 months, between January 2013 and December 2016. Lesion segments were analysed using Quantitative Coronary Angiography (QCA) if a stenosis ≥ 20 % was identified on either angiogram. Stenosis progression was defined as an increase ≥ 10 % in stenosis severity, with progressor groups analysed on both patient and lesion levels. Mixed-effects regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with progression of individual stenoses. Results: 199 patients were included with 881 lesions analysed. 108 (54.3 %) patients and 186 (21.1 %) stenoses were classified as progressors. The median age was 65 years (IQR 56-73) and the median interval between angiograms was 2.1 years (IQR 1.2-3.0). On a patient level, age, number of lesions and presence of multivessel disease at baseline were each associated with progressor status. On a lesion level, presence of a stenosis downstream (OR 3.07, 95 % CI 2.04-4.63, p < 0.001) and circumflex artery stenosis location (OR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.21-2.7, p = 0.004) were associated with progressor status. Other lesion characteristics did not significantly impact progressor status or change in stenosis severity. Conclusion: Coronary lesions which have a downstream stenosis may be at increased risk of stenosis progression. Further research into the mechanistic basis of this finding is required, along with its implications for plaque vulnerability and clinical outcomes.

Anti-Anginal Efficacy of Zibotentan in the Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: Patients with coronary microvascular disorders often experience recurrent angina for which there are limited evidence-based therapies. These patients have been found to exhibit increased plasma levels of endothelin; thus, selective endothelin-A (Et-A) receptor blockers such as zibotentan may be an effective anti-anginal therapy in these patients. The study evaluated the impact of a 10 mg daily dose of zibotentan on spontaneous angina episodes in patients with the coronary slow-flow phenomenon who had refractory angina (i.e., experiencing angina at least three times/week despite current anti-anginal therapy). METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial design with 4-week treatment periods, 18 patients (63.2 ± 9.9 years, 33% females) were recruited. The primary endpoint was angina frequency as measured by an angina diary, with secondary endpoints including nitrate consumption, angina duration/severity and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) domains. RESULTS: During the 4 weeks of therapy, angina frequency significantly improved with zibotentan therapy (placebo 41.4 (58.5) vs. zibotentan 29.2 (31.6), p < 0.05), and sublingual nitrate consumption significantly reduced (placebo 11.8 (15.2) vs. zibotentan 8.8 (12.9), p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Zibotentan improved the frequency of spontaneous angina episodes and reduced sublingual nitrate consumption in patients unresponsive to standard anti-anginal therapy.

Clinical Effectiveness and Utilisation of Cardiac Rehabilitation After Hospital Discharge: Data Linkage Analysis of 84,064 Eligible Discharged Patients (2016-2021).

BACKGROUND: Despite the highest levels of evidence on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) effectiveness, its translation into practice is compromised by low participation. AIM: This study aimed to investigate CR utilisation and effectiveness in South Australia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data linkage of clinical and administrative databases from 2016 to 2021 to assess the association between CR utilisation (no CR received, commenced without completing, or completed) and the composite primary outcome (mortality/cardiovascular re-admissions within 12 months after discharge). Cox survival models were adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical data and applied to a population balanced by inverse probability weighting. Associations with non-completion were assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 84,064 eligible participants, 74,189 did not receive CR, with 26,833 of the 84,064 (31.9%) participants referred. Of these, 9,875 (36.8%) commenced CR, and 7,681 of the 9,875 (77.8%) completed CR. Median waiting time from discharge to commencement was 40 days (interquartile range, 23-79 days). Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.24; p=0.024), depression (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05-1.30; p=0.002), and waiting time >28 days (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05-1.26; p=0.005) were associated with higher odds of non-completion, whereas enrolment in a telehealth program (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.31-0.40; p<0.001) was associated with lower odds of non-completion. Completing CR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62; 95% CI 0.58-0.66; p<0.001) was associated with a lower risk of 12-month mortality/cardiovascular re-admissions. Commencing without completing was also associated with decreased risk (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.73-0.90; p<0.001), but the effect was lower than for those completing CR (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance is associated with lower all-cause mortality/cardiovascular re-admissions, with CR completion leading to additional benefits. Quality improvement initiatives should include promoting referral, women's participation, access to telehealth, and reduction of waiting times to increase completion.

Vasospastic angina: a review on diagnostic approach and management.

Vasospastic angina (VSA) refers to chest pain experienced as a consequence of myocardial ischaemia caused by epicardial coronary spasm, a sudden narrowing of the vessels responsible for an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen. Coronary artery spasm is a heterogeneous phenomenon that can occur in patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries and obstructive coronary artery disease, with transient spasm causing chest pain and persistent spasm potentially leading to acute myocardial infarction (MI). VSA was originally described as Prinzmetal angina or variant angina, classically presenting at rest, unlike most cases of angina (though in some patients, vasospasm may be triggered by exertion, emotional, mental or physical stress), and associated with transient electrocardiographic changes (transient ST-segment elevation, depression and/or T-wave changes). Ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is not a benign condition, as patients are at elevated risk of cardiovascular events including acute coronary syndrome, hospitalization due to heart failure, stroke and repeat cardiovascular procedures. INOCA patients also experience impaired quality of life and associated increased healthcare costs. VSA, an endotype of INOCA, is associated with major adverse events, including sudden cardiac death, acute MI and syncope, necessitating the study of the most effective treatment options currently available. The present literature review aims to summarize current data relating to the diagnosis and management of VSA and provide details on the sequence that treatment should follow.

Diagnosis and treatment of epicardial coronary artery spasmVasospastic angina (VSA) refers to chest pain experienced as a consequence of a sudden narrowing of the epicardial coronary arteries. VSA can occur in patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries and obstructive coronary artery disease, with transient spasm causing chest pain and persistent spasm potentially leading to acute myocardial infarction. Reduced blood and oxygen supply in patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries is not a benign condition, as patients are at elevated risk of adverse cardiovascular events. These patients also experience impaired quality of life and associated increased healthcare costs. This review aims to summarise current data relating to the diagnosis of VSA and provides details on treatment strategies.

Sex-specific and ethnicity-specific differences in MINOCA.

Suspected myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) has received increasing attention over the past decade. Given the heterogeneity in the mechanisms underlying acute myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary arteries, the syndrome of MINOCA is considered a working diagnosis that requires further investigation after diagnostic angiography studies have been performed, including coronary magnetic resonance angiography and functional angiography. Although once considered an infrequent and low-risk form of myocardial infarction, recent data have shown that the prognosis of MINOCA is not as benign as previously assumed. However, despite increasing awareness of the condition, many questions remain regarding the diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment of MINOCA. Women seem to be more susceptible to MINOCA, but studies on the sex-specific differences of the disease are scarce. Similarly, ethnicity-specific factors might explain discrepancies in the observed prevalence or underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MINOCA but data are also scarce. Therefore, in this Review, we provide an update on the latest evidence available on the sex-specific and ethnicity-specific differences in the clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment and prognosis of MINOCA.

Insights into the invasive diagnostic challenges of coronary artery vasospasm - A systematic review.

Coronary provocation testing is an essential diagnostic procedure when evaluating vasospastic angina. Invasive methods using acetylcholine or ergonovine are considered the current gold standard. Despite efforts from global cardiovascular institutions, current protocols vary in dosage, administration time, and procedural approach. In addition, concerns over the specificity of findings and potential complications have limited routine uptake of this procedure in clinical practice. This systematic review evaluates current diagnostic protocols, focusing on invasive provocation testing. We included studies using intracoronary provocation testing with acetylcholine or ergonovine for the assessment of coronary artery vasospasm that detailed specific elements of the procedure (dosage, administration time, etc.) and included ≥50 patients. A total of 28 articles met strict inclusion criteria. Our review highlights the heterogeneity between current diagnostic protocols for invasive provocation testing. We believe standardization of a diagnostic protocol will encourage both current and future cardiologists to incorporate such procedures in the evaluation of variant angina.

Angina and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery (ANOCA) Patients with Coronary Vasomotor Disorders.

Angina and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery (ANOCA) patients often lack a clear explanation for their symptoms, and are frequently discharged with the label of "unspecified chest pain", despite the availability of functional coronary angiography (provocative spasm and microvascular function testing) to identify potential underlying coronary vasomotor disorders. This study compared the outcomes of ANOCA patients with a coronary vasomotor disorder diagnosis post elective coronary angiography to patients discharged with unspecified chest pain. Using the CADOSA (Coronary Angiogram Database of South Australia) registry, consecutive symptomatic patients (n = 7555) from 2012 to 2018 underwent elective angiography; 30% had ANOCA (stenosis <50%). Of this cohort, 9% had documented coronary vasomotor disorders diagnosed, and 91% had unspecified chest pain. Patients with coronary vasomotor disorders were younger and had a similar female prevalence compared with those with unspecified chest pain. New prescriptions of calcium channel blockers and long-acting nitrates were more common for the coronary vasomotor cohort at discharge. In the 3 years following angiography, both groups had similar all-cause mortality rates. However, those with coronary vasomotor disorders had higher rates of emergency department visits for chest pain (39% vs. 15%, p < 0.001) and readmissions for chest pain (30% vs. 10%, p < 0.001) compared with those with unspecified chest pain. This real-world study emphasizes the importance of identifying high-risk ANOCA patients for personalized management to effectively address their symptoms.

Coronary Spasm: Ethnic and Sex Differences.

Coronary spasm (CS), which may occur at the epicardial (focal or diffuse spasm) and/or microvascular (microvascular spasm) level, is a well-established cause of myocardial ischaemia, in particular in patients with anginal chest pain despite unobstructed coronary arteries. The diagnosis of CS can be confirmed during coronary angiography by an additional provocation test with vasoactive substances such as acetylcholine. Due to partially inconsistent data from large clinical studies, especially between Asian and white CS patients, ethnic differences concerning the prevalence and angiographic patterns of CS seem to exist. Furthermore, several studies in patients with coronary vasomotor disorders pointed towards differences among male and female CS patients. This article gives an overview of ethnic- and sex-related differences in patients with CS.

Do Chest Pain Characteristics in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Differ between Those with and without Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease?

The universal definition of acute myocardial infarction (MI) requires both evidence of myocardial injury and myocardial ischaemia. In MINOCA (MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries), patients must fulfil this MI criteria, but is their chest pain similar to those who have MI with obstructive CAD (MICAD)? This study compares prospectively collected chest pain features between patients with MINOCA and MICAD. Utilising the Coronary Angiogram Database of South Australia (CADOSA), consecutive MI patients were categorized as MINOCA or MICAD based on angiographic findings. Chest pain data were collected via direct patient interviews by trained staff members. Of 6811 consecutive patients fulfilling a clinical MI diagnosis, 411 (6.0%) were MINOCA, and 5948 MICAD. The MINOCA patients were younger, more often female and had less cardiovascular risk factors than those with MICAD. There were no significant differences in chest pain characteristics between the MINOCA and MICAD cohorts in relation to pain location, quality, associated symptoms, or duration. In conclusion, MINOCA patients have chest pain characteristics that are indistinguishable from MICAD patients, suggesting that their pain is ischaemic in nature. Thus, in the presence of positive myocardial injury markers, ischaemic chest pain fulfils the universal criteria for MI, despite the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.

The Adelaide Score: An artificial intelligence measure of readiness for discharge after general surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the performance of machine learning algorithms for the prediction of discharge within 12 and 24 h to produce a measure of readiness for discharge after general surgery. METHODS: Consecutive general surgery patients at two tertiary hospitals, over a 2-year period, were included. Observation and laboratory parameter data were stratified into training, testing and validation datasets. Random forest, XGBoost and logistic regression models were evaluated. Each ward round note time was taken as a different event. Primary outcome was classification accuracy of the algorithmic model able to predict discharge within the next 12 h on the validation data set. RESULTS: 42 572 ward round note timings were included from 8826 general surgery patients. Discharge occurred within 12 h for 8800 times (20.7%), and within 24 h for 9885 (23.2%). For predicting discharge within 12 h, model classification accuracies for derivation and validation data sets were: 0.84 and 0.85 random forest, 0.84 and 0.83 XGBoost, 0.80 and 0.81 logistic regression. For predicting discharge within 24 h, model classification accuracies for derivation and validation data sets were: 0.83 and 0.84 random forest, 0.82 and 0.81 XGBoost, 0.78 and 0.79 logistic regression. Algorithms generated a continuous number between 0 and 1 (or 0 and 100), representing readiness for discharge after general surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A derived artificial intelligence measure (the Adelaide Score) successfully predicts discharge within the next 12 and 24 h in general surgery patients. This may be useful for both treating teams and allied health staff within surgical systems.

Sex differences in treatment and outcomes amongst myocardial infarction patients presenting with and without obstructive coronary arteries: a prospective multicentre study.

Aims: Women have an increased prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Whether sex differences exist in the outcomes of patients with MI and obstructive coronary arteries (MIOCA) vs. MINOCA remains unclear. We describe sex-based differences in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes of patients with MINOCA vs. MIOCA. Methods and results: A large-scale cohort study of patients with ST/non-ST elevation MI undergoing coronary angiography (01/2015-12/2019). Patient demographics, diagnosis, prescribed discharge medications, in-hospital complications, and follow-up data were prospectively collected. A total of 13 202 participants were included (males 68.2% and females 31.8%). 10.9% were diagnosed with MINOCA. Median follow-up was 4.62 years. Females (44.8%) were as commonly diagnosed with MINOCA as males (55.2%), unlike the male preponderance in MIOCA (male, 69.8%; female, 30.2%). Less secondary prevention medications were prescribed at discharge for MINOCA than MIOCA. There was no difference in mortality risk between MINOCA and MIOCA [in-hospital: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-2.35, P = 0.350; long term: adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.03, 95% CI 0.81-1.31, P = 0.813]. MINOCA patients had reduced mortality at long-term follow-up if prescribed secondary prevention medications (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.87, P = 0.004). Females diagnosed with MIOCA had greater odds of in-hospital and 1-year mortality than males (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09-2.07, P = 0.014; aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38, P = 0.048). Conclusion: MINOCA patients have similar mortality rates as MIOCA patients. MINOCA patients were less likely than those with MIOCA to be discharged with guideline-recommended secondary prevention therapy; however, those with MINOCA who received secondary prevention survived longer. Females with MIOCA experienced higher mortality rates vs. males.

Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Troponin T in Definitive Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA).

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether the degree of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTropT) elevation in patients with suspected myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) presentations can help predict the likelihood of an abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan. In this study we describe the diagnostic utility of CMR in patients with MINOCA and assesses the effect of peak hsTropT levels at presentation on CMR diagnostic yield. METHODS: Records of consecutive patients (n = 1407) referred for CMR at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2016 and September 2021 were reviewed. A total of 70 patients met the criteria of MINOCA including ischemic chest pain, elevated peak hsTropT, and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (< 50% stenosis). The peak hsTropT levels within 72 hours of admission were identified. CMR images were generated using a 3.0 T Siemens scanner. Predictors of having an abnormal CMR were evaluated. RESULTS: CMR established a diagnosis in 71% (n = 50) of patients, with the most common CMR diagnosis being myopericarditis (n = 27; 39%). Time to CMR was an independent predictor of a normal CMR scan (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.999). Peak hsTropT had a high diagnostic accuracy for identifying patients with an abnormal CMR scan (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.81; P < 0.001). The optimal hsTropT cutoff was 166 ng/L, with 72% sensitivity and specificity. A troponin value ≥ 166 ng/L was independently predictive of an abnormal CMR scan (odds ratio, 4.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-17.11). CONCLUSIONS: HsTropT and early CMR imaging are independently predictive of an abnormal CMR scan in patients with MINOCA. Additionally, the use of a hsTropT cutoff provides incremental predictive value to clinical parameters and time to CMR scanning in determining an abnormal scan.

Lost in Translation: The Impact of Language Barriers on the Outcomes of Patients Receiving Coronary Artery Revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: Clear and effective communication is vital in discussions regarding coronary revascularization. Language barriers may limit communication in healthcare settings. Previous studies on the influence of language barriers on the outcomes of patients receiving coronary revascularization have produced conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesise the existing evidence regarding the effects of language barrier on the outcomes of patients receiving coronary revascularization. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted, including a search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases on 01/10/2022. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This review was also prospectively registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS: Searches identified 3983 articles of which a total 12 studies were included in the review. Most studies describe that language barriers result in delayed presentation, but not delays in treatment following hospital arrival with respect to coronary revascularization. The findings with respect to the likelihood of receiving revascularization have varied significantly; however, some studies have indicated that those with language barriers may be less likely to receive revascularization. There have been some conflicting results with respect to the association between language barrier and mortality. However, most studies suggest that there is no association with increased mortality. In studies that evaluated length of stay variable results have been reported based on geographical location. Namely Australian studies have suggested no association between language barrier and length of stay, but Canadian studies support an association. Language barriers may also be associated with readmissions following discharge, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that patients with language barriers may have poorer outcomes from coronary revascularization. Future interventional studies will be required to consider the sociocultural context of patients with language barriers, and may be targeted at timepoints including prior to, during, or after hospitalisation for coronary revascularization. Further examination of the adverse health outcomes of those with language barriers in fields outside of coronary revascularization are required in view of the stark inequities identified in this field.

Harmonising Individual Patient Level Cardiac Registry Data Across the Asia Pacific Region-A Feasibility Study of In-Hospital Outcomes of STEMI Patients From the Asia Pacific Evaluation of Cardiovascular Therapies (ASPECT) Network.

OBJECTIVE: The Asia-Pacific Evaluation of Cardiovascular Therapies (ASPECT) collaboration was established to inform on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Asia-Pacific Region. Our aims were to (i) determine the operational requirements to assemble an international individual patient dataset and validate the processes of governance, data quality and data security, and subsequently (ii) describe the characteristics and outcomes for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing PCI in the ASPECT registry. METHODS: Seven (7) ASPECT members were approached to provide a harmonised anonymised dataset from their local registry. Patient characteristics were summarised and associations between the characteristics and in-hospital outcomes for STEMI patients were analysed. RESULTS: Six (6) participating sites (86%) provided governance approvals for the collation of individual anonymised patient data from 2015 to 2017. Five (5) sites (83%) provided >90% of agreed data elements and 68% of the collated elements had <10% missingness. From the registry (n=12,620), 84% were male. The mean age was 59.2±12.3 years. The Malaysian cohort had a high prevalence of previous myocardial infarction (34%), almost twice that of any other sites (p<0.001). Adverse in-hospital outcomes were the lowest in Hong Kong whilst in-hospital mortality varied from 2.7% in Vietnam to 7.9% in Singapore. CONCLUSIONS: Governance approvals for the collation of individual patient anonymised data was achieved with a high level of data alignment. Secure data transfer process and repository were established. Patient characteristics and presentation varied significantly across the Asia-Pacific region with this likely to be a major predictor of variations in the clinical outcomes observed across the region.

Regional differences in percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes in STEMI patients with diabetes: The Asia-Pacific evaluation of cardiovascular therapies (ASPECT) collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with poorer outcomes and increased complication rates in STEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data are notably lacking in the Asia-Pacific region. We report the overall association of Diabetes with clinical characteristics and outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PCI across the Asia-Pacific, with a particular focus on regional differences. METHODOLOGY: The Asia Pacific Evaluation of Cardiovascular Therapies (ASPECT) collaboration consists of data from various PCI registries across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Clinical characteristics, lesion characteristics, and outcomes were provided for STEMI patients. Key outcomes included 30-day overall mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: A total of 12,144 STEMI patients (mean(SD) age 59.3(12.3)) were included, of which 3912 (32.2%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes were likely to have a higher baseline risk profile, poorer clinical presentation, and more complex lesion patterns (all p < 0.05). Across all regions, patients with diabetes had a higher rate of 30-day mortality and MACE (all p < 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, diabetes was significantly associated with both increased 30-day mortality (9.6%vs 5.5%, OR 1.79 [95% CI 1.40-2.30]) and MACE (13.3% vs 8.6%, R 1.73 [1.44-2.08]). The association between diabetes and 30-day MACE varied by region (pinteraction = 0.041), with the association (OR) ranging from 1.34 [1.08-1.67] in Malaysia, to 2.39 [1.66-3.45] in Singapore. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes portends poorer clinical outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PCI in the Asia-Pacific with regional variations noted. The development of effective preventative measures and interventional strategies targetted at this high-risk group is crucial.

The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease - A Pilot Study.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This pilot study assessed the association of OSA and invasive coronary microvascular function in patients with ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA). Forty-two patients with angina, were prospectively screened at a single tertiary centre covering the northern metropolitan area of South Australia, from February 2018 to December 2020 (ACTRN12618000149268). Forty patients were invited into to this observational study after coronary angiography demonstrated INOCA and functional coronary vasomotor disorder (n = 40). Twenty one participants subsequently underwent a sleep study for OSA diagnosis while 9 participants had prior formal diagnosis of OSA (ACTRN12618000227291). Of the 30 participants with OSA data, 87% (n = 26) had a diagnosis of OSA. Accordingly, 11 with mild severity, 7 with moderate severity and 8 with severe OSA. No OSA was observed in 4 participants. Participants with OSA were older [61.4±8.7 vs 49.9±9.7, P = 0.002] with similar clinical characteristics for the pattern and severity of angina and other co-morbidities. 73.3% (n = 22) had abnormal functional disorders of the epicardial coronary arteries and/or coronary microcirculation. On multivariate analysis, OSA was the only statistically significant association with functional coronary microvascular disorders [OR 53.95, 1.41 -2065.01, P = 0.032]. This study provided an observation of a significant correlation between INOCA with abnormal coronary vasomotor function and OSA in an Australian cohort. This correlation supports a possible pathophysiological interplay between these two conditions that needs to be further evaluated. The benefit of treatment of OSA in this subset remains unknown.

Prognostic association of plasma NT-proBNP levels in patients with microvascular angina -A report from the international cohort study by COVADIS.

BackgroudThe aim of this study was to assess the prognostic association of plasma levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with clinical outcomes of patients with microvascular angina (MVA). Methods: In this international prospective cohort study of MVA by the Coronary Vasomotor Disorders International Study (COVADIS) group, we examined the association between plasma NT-proBNP levels and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and hospitalization due to heart failure or unstable angina. Results: We examined a total of 226 MVA patients (M/F 66/160, 61.9 ± 10.2 [SD] yrs.) with both plasma NT-proBNP levels and echocardiography data available at the time of enrolment. The median level of NT-proBNP level was 94 pg/ml, while mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 69.2 ± 10.9 % and E/e' 10.7 ± 5.2. During follow-up period of a median of 365 days (IQR 365-482), 29 MACEs occurred. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis identified plasma NT-proBNP level of 78 pg/ml as the optimal cut-off value. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that plasma NT-proBNP level ≥ 78 pg/ml significantly correlated with the incidence of MACE (odds ratio (OR) [95 % confidence interval (CI)] 3.11[1.14-8.49], P = 0.001). Accordingly, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significantly worse prognosis in the group with NT-proBNP ≥ 78 (log-rank test, P < 0.03). Finally, a significant positive correlation was observed between plasma NT-proBNP levels and E/e' (R = 0.445, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: These results indicate that plasma NT-proBNP levels may represent a novel prognostic biomarker for MVA patients.