Accuracy of the angiography-based quantitative flow ratio in intermediate left main coronary artery lesions and comparison with visual estimation.

BACKGROUND: Revascularization of left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is mostly based on angiography. Indices based on angiography might increase accuracy of the decision, although they have been scarcely used in LMCA. The objective of this study is to study the diagnostic agreement of QFR (quantitative flow ratio) with wire-based fractional flow reserve (FFR) in LMCA lesions and to compare with visual severity assessment. METHODS: In a series of patients with invasive FFR assessment of intermediate LMCA stenoses we retrospectively compared the measured value of QFR with that of FFR and the estimate of significance from angiography. RESULTS: 107 QFR studies were included. The QFR intra-observer and inter-observer agreement was 87% and 82% respectively. The mean QFR-FFR difference was 0.047 ± 0.05 with a concordance of 90.7%, sensitivity 88.1%, specificity 92.3%, positive predictive value 88.1% and negative predictive value 92.3%. All these values were superior to those observed with the visual estimation which showed an intra- and inter-observer agreement of 73% and 72% respectively, besides 78% with the FFR value. The low diagnostic performance of the visual estimation and the acceptable performance of the QFR index measurement were observed in all subgroups analysed. CONCLUSIONS: QFR allows an acceptable estimate of the FFR obtained with intracoronary pressure guidewire in intermediate LMCA lesions, and clearly superior to the assessment based on angiography alone. The decision to revascularize patients with moderate LMCA lesions should not be based solely on the degree of angiographic stenosis.

Impact of diabetes in patients waiting for invasive cardiac procedures during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During COVID-19 pandemic, elective invasive cardiac procedures (ICP) have been frequently cancelled or postponed. Consequences may be more evident in patients with diabetes. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to identify the peculiarities of patients with DM among those in whom ICP were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify subgroups in which the influence of DM has higher impact on the clinical outcome. METHODS: We included 2,158 patients in whom an elective ICP was cancelled or postponed during COVID-19 pandemic in 37 hospitals in Spain. Among them, 700 (32.4%) were diabetics. Patients with and without diabetes were compared. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes were older and had a higher prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors, previous cardiovascular history and co-morbidities. Diabetics had a higher mortality (3.0% vs. 1.0%; p = 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (1.9% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.001). Differences were especially important in patients with valvular heart disease (mortality 6.9% vs 1.7% [p < 0.001] and cardiovascular mortality 4.9% vs 0.9% [p = 0.002] in patients with and without diabetes, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, diabetes remained as an independent risk factor both for overall and cardiovascular mortality. No significant interaction was found with other clinical variables. CONCLUSION: Among patients in whom an elective invasive cardiac procedure is cancelled or postponed during COVID-19 pandemic, mortality and cardiovascular mortality is higher in patients with diabetes, irrespectively on other clinical conditions. These procedures should not be cancelled in patients with diabetes.

Consequences of canceling elective invasive cardiac procedures during Covid-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: During COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, elective procedures were canceled or postponed, mainly due to health care systems overwhelming. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of interrupting invasive procedures in patients with chronic cardiac diseases due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain. METHODS: The study population is comprised of 2,158 patients that were pending on elective cardiac invasive procedures in 37 hospitals in Spain on the 14th of March 2020, when a state of alarm and subsequent lockdown was declared in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These patients were followed-up until April 31th. RESULTS: Out of the 2,158 patients, 36 (1.7%) died. Mortality was significantly higher in patients pending on structural procedures (4.5% vs. 0.8%, respectively; p < .001), in those >80 year-old (5.1% vs. 0.7%, p < .001), and in presence of diabetes (2.7% vs. 0.9%, p = .001), hypertension (2.0% vs. 0.6%, p = .014), hypercholesterolemia (2.0% vs. 0.9%, p = .026) [Correction added on December 23, 2020, after first online publication: as per Dr. Moreno's request changes in p-values were made after original publication in Abstract.], chronic renal failure (6.0% vs. 1.2%, p < .001), NYHA > II (3.8% vs. 1.2%, p = .001), and CCS > II (4.2% vs. 1.4%, p = .013), whereas was it was significantly lower in smokers (0.5% vs. 1.9%, p = .013). Multivariable analysis identified age > 80, diabetes, renal failure and CCS > II as independent predictors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Mortality at 45 days during COVID-19 outbreak in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases included in a waiting list due to cancellation of invasive elective procedures was 1.7%. Some clinical characteristics may be of help in patient selection for being promptly treated when similar situations happen in the future.

Prevalencia e incidencia tras el alta hospitalaria de neoplasias en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo / Prevalence and postdischarge incidence of malignancies in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introducción y objetivos. Las neoplasias malignas son la segunda causa de muerte en los países desarrollados, por detrás de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, y ambas entidades tienen factores en común. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de todos los pacientes ingresados por un síndrome coronario agudo en el que se evaluó la prevalencia de neoplasias y la incidencia tras el alta. Resultados. La prevalencia de neoplasias en los 1.819 pacientes incluidos fue del 3,4% y el 41,9% de los casos se consideraron libres de enfermedad. Entre los 1.731 pacientes dados de alta, la incidencia fue 3,1% (53 casos) y las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron colon, pulmón, vejiga y páncreas. Los pacientes con neoplasias prevalentes presentaron más edad, comorbilidades y complicaciones. No se observaron diferencias en el porcentaje de revascularización, pero sí menor uso de stents farmacoactivos en los pacientes con neoplasias prevalentes. Durante el seguimiento, la mediana de tiempo hasta el diagnóstico de nuevas neoplasias fue de 25 meses y el análisis multivariante identificó como factores independientes la edad y el ser fumador o exfumador. La mortalidad por cualquier causa tras el alta fue muy superior en los pacientes con neoplasias incidentes (64,2%) o prevalentes (40,0%). El análisis multivariante mostró que en las neoplasias prevalentes e incidentes se multiplicaba por 4 el riesgo de mortalidad por cualquier causa. Conclusiones. El 3,8% de los pacientes tuvieron neoplasias prevalentes y menos del 50% se consideraban curadas en el momento del ingreso. La incidencia de nuevas neoplasias fue del 3,4% y ambas formas de neoplasias empeoraron mucho el pronóstico a largo plazo (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Malignancies are the second cause of death in developed countries after cardiovascular disease and both share common risk factors. Methods. This prospective study assessed the prevalence and postdischarge incidence of malignancies in all consecutive patients admitted for an acute coronary syndrome. Results. A total of 1819 patients were included. On admission, the prevalence of malignancies was 3.4%, and 41.9% of the patients were considered disease-free; of the 1731 discharged patients, the incidence was 3.1% (53 cases) and the most common locations were the colon, lung, bladder, and pancreas. Patients with prevalent malignancies were older and had more comorbidities and complications. There were no differences in the revascularization rate, but implantation of drug-eluting stents was less frequent in patients with prevalent malignancies. During follow-up, the median time to diagnosis of incident malignancies was 25 months. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors were age and current or former smoking. All-cause mortality was much higher in patients with incident (64.2%) or prevalent (40.0%) malignancies. Multivariate analysis showed that prevalent and incident malignancies increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 4-fold. Conclusions. Among patients admitted for an acute coronary syndrome, 3.8% had a history of malignancy, with less than 50% considered cured. The incidence of new malignancies was 3.4% and both types of malignancies substantially impaired the long-term prognosis (AU)

Adición de antianginosos y complicaciones cardiovasculares recurrentes asociadas a la revascularización incompleta en el síndrome coronario agudo / Addition of antiangina drugs and recurrent cardiovascular events associated with incomplete revascularization in acute coronary syndrome

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Prevalence and Postdischarge Incidence of Malignancies in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Malignancies are the second cause of death in developed countries after cardiovascular disease and both share common risk factors. METHODS: This prospective study assessed the prevalence and postdischarge incidence of malignancies in all consecutive patients admitted for an acute coronary syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 1819 patients were included. On admission, the prevalence of malignancies was 3.4%, and 41.9% of the patients were considered disease-free; of the 1731 discharged patients, the incidence was 3.1% (53 cases) and the most common locations were the colon, lung, bladder, and pancreas. Patients with prevalent malignancies were older and had more comorbidities and complications. There were no differences in the revascularization rate, but implantation of drug-eluting stents was less frequent in patients with prevalent malignancies. During follow-up, the median time to diagnosis of incident malignancies was 25 months. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors were age and current or former smoking. All-cause mortality was much higher in patients with incident (64.2%) or prevalent (40.0%) malignancies. Multivariate analysis showed that prevalent and incident malignancies increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 4-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients admitted for an acute coronary syndrome, 3.8% had a history of malignancy, with less than 50% considered cured. The incidence of new malignancies was 3.4% and both types of malignancies substantially impaired the long-term prognosis.

¿La implantación del código infarto implica cambios en el tratamiento y el pronóstico de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST? Respuesta / Does implementation of the infarction code lead to changes in the treatment and prognosis of patients with non-st elevation acute coronary syndrome? Response

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Cambios en el tratamiento y el pronóstico del síndrome coronario agudo con la implantación del código infarto en un hospital con unidad de hemodinámica / Changes in acute coronary syndrome treatment and prognosis after implementation of the infarction code in a hospital with a cardiac catheterization unit

Introducción y objetivos: Los sistemas de atención urgente del infarto se han creado para mejorar su tratamiento y la revascularización, pero pueden mejorar el manejo de todos los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Métodos: Estudio comparativo de todos los pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo antes y tras la implantación de un código infarto. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.210 pacientes, y aunque la media de edad fue igual en ambos periodos, los pacientes ingresados tras la implantación del código infarto presentaron menor prevalencia de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión pero más tabaquismo activo y mayor GRACE. Se observó un incremento significativo en el porcentaje de pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST (29,8-39,5%) y de revascularizaciones coronarias (82,1-90,1%), así como la generalización de la angioplastia primaria (51,9-94,9%), además de una reducción en el tiempo hasta el cateterismo e incremento de la revascularización precoz. La estancia hospitalaria media fue significativamente más corta tras la implantación del código infarto. No se observaron diferencias en la mortalidad hospitalaria, salvo entre los pacientes de alto riesgo (38,8-22,4%). Tras el alta no se observan diferencias entre ambos periodos en mortalidad cardiovascular, mortalidad por cualquier causa, reinfarto o complicaciones cardiovasculares mayores. Conclusiones: La implantación del código infarto conllevó un incremento de pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST y mayor GRACE. Se redujo la estancia hospitalaria, se generalizó la angioplastia primaria y se redujo la mortalidad hospitalaria de los pacientes de alto riesgo. El pronóstico tras el alta fue igual en ambos periodos (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Emergency care systems have been created to improve treatment and revascularization in myocardial infarction but they may also improve the management of all patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A comparative study of all patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome before and after implementation of an infarction protocol. Results: The study included 1210 patients. While the mean age was the same in both periods, the patient group admitted after implementation of the protocol had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension but more active smokers and higher GRACE scores. The percentage of ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (29.8%-39.5%) and coronary revascularizations (82.1%-90.1%) significantly increased among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, and primary angioplasty became routine (51.9%-94.9%); there was also a reduction in time to catheterization and an increase in early revascularization. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter after implementation of the infarction protocol. In-hospital mortality was unchanged, except in high-risk patients (38.8%-22.4%). After discharge, no differences were observed between the 2 periods in cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, reinfarction, or major cardiovascular complications. Conclusions: After implementation of the infarction protocol, the percentage of patients admitted with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and the mean GRACE score increased among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Hospital stay was reduced, and primary angioplasty use increased. In-hospital mortality was reduced in high-risk patients, and prognosis after discharge was the same in both periods (AU)

Factores asociados al error en la estimación visual de la importancia funcional de lesiones coronarias / Factors associated with errors in visual estimation of the functional significance of coronary lesions

Introducción y objetivos: La valoración angiográfica visual sigue utilizándose para decidir la revascularización de lesiones coronarias dudosas. Múltiples factores, distintos del grado de estenosis, se han asociado con la repercusión funcional de una lesión coronaria. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la capacidad de predecir visualmente la repercusión funcional de una lesión coronaria y los condicionantes clínicos y angiográficos asociados con el error en la predicción. Métodos: Estudio de concordancia entre la predicción de repercusión funcional realizada por intervencionistas expertos y el valor de reserva fraccional de flujo obtenido mediante guía intracoronaria de presión en 665 lesiones intermedias (estenosis del 40-70% del diámetro) en 587 pacientes. Se determinaron los factores independientemente asociados a un error en la predicción. Resultados: Se observó una discordancia del 30,1% (sobrestimación, 11,3%; subestimación, 18,8%) entre el valor de reserva fraccional de flujo predicho menor o igual que 0,80 y el observado. La localización en elstent, en una arteria distinta de la descendente anterior y en una bifurcación se asoció a sobrestimación. El sexo masculino, la calcificación grave y el mayor territorio miocárdico distal a la lesión se asociaron significativamente con importancia funcional de la lesión subestimada. Conclusiones: Incluso integrando características angiográficas y clínicas, la estimación visual de la importancia funcional de estenosis coronarias intermedias se asocia a una alta tasa de discrepancias respecto a su determinación real. Determinadas características angiográficas y clínicas se asocian específicamente con mayor tendencia a sobrestimar o subestimar la importancia de la lesión (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Visual angiographic assessment continues to be used when decisions are made on whether to revascularize ambiguous coronary lesions. Multiple factors, other than the degree of stenosis, have been associated with the functional significance of a coronary lesion. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of interventionists to visually predict the functional significance of a coronary lesion and the clinical and angiographic characteristics associated with errors in prediction. Methods: We conducted a concordance study of the functional significance of coronary lesions predicted by experienced interventionists and fractional flow reserve values measured by intracoronary pressure wire in 665 intermediate lesions (40%-70% diameter stenosis) in 587 patients. We determined which factors were independently associated with errors in prediction. Results: There was disagreement between the predicted fractional flow reserve value of less than or equal to 0.80 and the observed value in 30.1% of the lesions (overestimation: 11.3%; underestimation, 18.8%). Stent location in an artery other than the anterior descending artery or in a bifurcation was associated with overestimation. Male sex, severe calcification, and a greater myocardial territory distal to the lesion were significantly associated with the functional significance of the underestimated lesion. Conclusions: Even when taking into account angiographic and clinical characteristics, there is a high rate of disagreement between visual estimation and direct measurement of intermediate coronary stenosis in relation to its functional significance. Specific angiographic and clinical characteristics are associated with an increased tendency to overestimate or underestimate the significance of lesions (AU)

Factors Associated With Errors in Visual Estimation of the Functional Significance of Coronary Lesions.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTION AND  OBJECTIVES: Visual angiographic assessment continues to be used when decisions are made on whether to revascularize ambiguous coronary lesions. Multiple factors, other than the degree of stenosis, have been associated with the functional significance of a coronary lesion. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of interventionists to visually predict the functional significance of a coronary lesion and the clinical and angiographic characteristics associated with errors in prediction. METHODS: We conducted a concordance study of the functional significance of coronary lesions predicted by experienced interventionists and fractional flow reserve values measured by intracoronary pressure wire in 665 intermediate lesions (40%-70% diameter stenosis) in 587 patients. We determined which factors were independently associated with errors in prediction. RESULTS: There was disagreement between the predicted fractional flow reserve value of ≤ 0.80 and the observed value in 30.1% of the lesions (overestimation: 11.3%; underestimation, 18.8%). Stent location in an artery other than the anterior descending artery or in a bifurcation was associated with overestimation. Male sex, severe calcification, and a greater myocardial territory distal to the lesion were significantly associated with the functional significance of the underestimated lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Even when taking into account angiographic and clinical characteristics, there is a high rate of disagreement between visual estimation and direct measurement of intermediate coronary stenosis in relation to its functional significance. Specific angiographic and clinical characteristics are associated with an increased tendency to overestimate or underestimate the significance of lesions.

Changes in Acute Coronary Syndrome Treatment and Prognosis After Implementation of the Infarction Code in a Hospital With a Cardiac Catheterization Unit.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Emergency care systems have been created to improve treatment and revascularization in myocardial infarction but they may also improve the management of all patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: A comparative study of all patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome before and after implementation of an infarction protocol. RESULTS: The study included 1210 patients. While the mean age was the same in both periods, the patient group admitted after implementation of the protocol had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension but more active smokers and higher GRACE scores. The percentage of ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (29.8%-39.5%) and coronary revascularizations (82.1%-90.1%) significantly increased among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, and primary angioplasty became routine (51.9%-94.9%); there was also a reduction in time to catheterization and an increase in early revascularization. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter after implementation of the infarction protocol. In-hospital mortality was unchanged, except in high-risk patients (38.8%-22.4%). After discharge, no differences were observed between the 2 periods in cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, reinfarction, or major cardiovascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of the infarction protocol, the percentage of patients admitted with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and the mean GRACE score increased among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Hospital stay was reduced, and primary angioplasty use increased. In-hospital mortality was reduced in high-risk patients, and prognosis after discharge was the same in both periods.

Comparison of Long-Term Mortality for Cardiac Diseases in Patients With Versus Without Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus confers the highest mortality risk in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, but long-term prognosis differences between different forms of cardiovascular disease have not been assessed. We hypothesized that acute heart failure (HF) could have poorer outcomes than acute coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with diabetes. We performed a prospective study of all consecutive patients admitted in a single year. Patients were categorized according to main cardiologic diagnosis: acute HF, acute CHD, rhythm disorders, or noncardiac disease. A total of 1,293 patients were included, 31.8% had diabetes and had higher mean age, more risk factors, previous cardiovascular disease, and co-morbidities. Hospital mortality (5.6% vs 1.7%; p <0.01) was higher in patients with diabetes. During follow-up (median 58.0 months; interquartile range 31.0 to 60.0), diabetic patients had higher cardiovascular mortality (27.2% vs 9.6%; p <0.01) and all-cause mortality (35.8% vs 14.5%; p <0.01); cardiovascular disease accounted for 75% of deaths. According to discharge diagnosis, patients with diabetes only had higher mortality rates in the subgroup of acute CHD. Acute HF was the diagnosis with higher cardiovascular (36.9%) and all-cause mortality (44.1%), followed by acute CHD (16.8% and 24.4%) and rhythm disorders (5.8% and 8.8%). Multivariate analysis identified an independent association with higher long-term mortality of acute HF and acute CHD in patients with and without diabetes. In conclusion, 1/3 of cardiology-admitted patients have diabetes and have poorer long-term prognosis, especially when discharged with the diagnosis of acute HF or acute CHD.

Correlación entre ecografía intracoronaria y reserva fraccional de flujo en lesiones coronarias largas. Un estudio de ecografía intracoronaria tridimensional / Correlation between intracoronary ultrasound and fractional flow reserve in long coronary lesions. A three-dimensional intracoronary ultrasound study

Introducción y objetivos. La estimación mediante ecografía intracoronaria de la repercusión funcional de lesiones angiográficas intermedias se ha basado principalmente en la medición del área luminal mínima. Estas estimaciones no han tenido en cuenta la longitud de la lesión y no han sido estudiadas suficientemente en lesiones coronarias largas. Métodos. Se incluyen 61 lesiones con un 40-70% de estenosis angiográfica visual y necesidad de stent ≥ 20 mm para su tratamiento, que se estudiaron con ecografía y reserva fraccional de flujo. Se realizó un análisis tridimensional offline del estudio de ecografía, ciego al valor de reserva fraccional. Se correlacionaron los parámetros angiográficos y ecográficos con la reserva fraccional obtenida. Resultados. Se obtuvieron por angiografía valores medios de diámetro de referencia (2,87 ± 0,57 mm; longitud, 29,8 ± 10,01 mm) y grado de estenosis (50,3 ± 8,7%). El valor medio de reserva fraccional de flujo fue 0,78 ± 0,09. Se obtuvo una pobre correlación lineal (R) entre la reserva fraccional y los parámetros de ecografía que no incluían la longitud de la lesión: reserva fraccional-área luminal mínima (R = 0,4; p = 0,003); y mejor cuando se la tenía en cuenta: reserva fraccional − volumen de la placa (R = –0,65; p < 0,0005); reserva fraccional − longitud/área luminal media (R = 0,73; p < 0,0005). La mejor correlación se obtuvo con el producto estenosis media por área × longitud de la lesión (R = −0,78; p < 0,0005). Conclusiones. En las lesiones coronarias largas, el área luminal mínima medida por ecografía no tiene buena correlación con su repercusión funcional. En estos casos, la estimación de la repercusión funcional debe tener en cuenta la longitud de la lesión o realizarse por medición directa de la reserva fraccional de flujo(AU)

Introduction and objectives. Intracoronary ultrasound estimation of the functional significance of intermediate angiographic lesions has mainly been based on measuring the minimal lumen area. These estimates take no account of lesion length and pay insufficient attention to long coronary lesions. Methods We included 61 lesions with visual angiographic stenosis of 40% to 70% that required treatment with a ≥20 mm stent, studied with ultrasound and fractional flow reserve. Three-dimensional analysis of the ultrasound study was conducted offline and blinded to fractional reserve values. Angiographic and ultrasound parameters were correlated with fractional reserve. Results. From the angiography we obtained data on mean reference diameter (2.87 [0.57] mm), length (29.8 [10.01] mm), and severity of stenosis (50.3% [8.7]%). Mean fractional flow reserve was 0.78 (0.09). We found a weak linear correlation (R) between fractional reserve and the ultrasound parameters that did not include lesion length: fractional reserve-minimal luminal area (R=0.4; P=.003). The correlation was stronger when lesion length was included: fractional reserve–volume of plaque (R=–0.65; P<.0005); fractional reserve–length/mean luminal area (R=0.73; P<.0005). The strongest correlation came from the product of mean stenosis by area multiplied by lesion length (R=−0.78; P<.0005). Conclusions. In long coronary lesions, the correlation between ultrasound-measured minimal lumen area and functional significance is weak. In these cases, estimates of functional significance should incorporate lesion length or be derived from direct fractional flow reserve measurement(AU)