The Effect of Aortic Angulation on Clinical Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of aortic angulation (AA) on periprocedural and in-hospital complications as well as mortality of patients undergoing Evolut™ R valve implantation. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 264 patients who underwent transfemoral-approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement with self-expandable valve at our hospital between August 2015 and August 2022. These patients underwent multislice computer tomography scans to evaluate AA. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement endpoints, device success, and clinical events were assessed according to the definitions provided by the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3. Cumulative events included paravalvular leak, permanent pacemaker implantation, new-onset stroke, and in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into two groups, AA ≤ 48° and AA > 48°, based on the mean AA measurement (48.3±8.8) on multislice computer tomography. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of cumulative events, utilizing variables with a P-value < 0.2 obtained from univariable logistic regression analysis, including AA, age, hypertension, chronic renal failure, and heart failure. AA (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-3.38, P=0.104), age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99-1.10, P=0.099), hypertension (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 0.82-3.33, P=0.155), chronic renal failure (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 0.92-3.61, P=0.084), and heart failure (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.27-1.21, P=0.145) were not found to be significantly associated with cumulative events in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that increased AA does not have a significant impact on intraprocedural and periprocedural complications of patients with new generation self-expandable valves implanted.

Comparison of Evolut-R 34 mm Valve and Smaller Evolut-R Valves in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Determination of Mild Paravalvular Leak Predictors.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the in-hospital, 1-month and 1-year post-procedure outcomes of patients treated with Evolut-R 34 mm and Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm devices. Additionally, the study aimed to identify factors that could predict the occurrence of ≥ mild paravalvular leaks (PVL). METHODS: Between April 2015 and May 2022, 269 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with Evolut-R 34 mm (n = 66, 24.5%) and Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm (n = 203, 75.5%) devices in a single center were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in the Evolut-R 34 mm group had a lower female sex ratio (16.7% vs. 66.5%, P <.001, respectively), ejection fraction (50.7 ± 10.1% vs. 54.5 ± 9.3%, P =.016, respectively), and mean aortic gradient (7.4 ± 3.3 vs. 9.2 ± 5.0, P =.026, respectively) compared to the Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm group. The groups did not exhibit any statistically significant distinctions with regard to technical success, the need for a permanent pacemaker, occurrences of stroke, major vascular complications, PVL, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, or mortality. Peak velocity was confirmed as a significant predictor of ≥mild PVL in both patient groups in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In logistic regression analysis; In patients with Evolut-R 34 mm valve, pre-TAVI aortic valve peak velocity (odds ratio (OR) = 23.202; P =.019) and calcium volume 800 Hounsfield Units (mm3) (OR = 1.017; P <.001) were independent predictors of ≥mild PVL. CONCLUSION: The Evolut-R 34 mm valve has shown comparable in-hospital results with smaller valve sizes. Pre-TAVI aortic valve peak velocity and calcium volume predicted ≥ mild PVL in Evolut-R 34 mm patients.

The effect of body mass index on complications in cardiac implantable electronic device surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures are prone to complications. In our study, we investigated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on CIED-related complications. METHODS: 1676 patients who had undergone CIED surgery (de novo implantation, system upgrade, generator change, pocket revision or lead replacement) at two heart centers in Turkey and met the study criteria were included in our study. For analysis of primary and secondary endpoints, patients were classified as non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m2 ), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2 ), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ). The primary endpoint was accepted as cumulative events, including the composite of clinically significant hematoma (CSH), pericardial effusion or tamponade, pneumothorax, and infection related to the device system. Secondary outcomes included each component of cumulative events. RESULTS: The rate of cumulative events, defined as primary outcome, was higher in the obese patient group, and we found a significant difference between the groups (3.0%, 4.3%, 8.9%, p = .001). CSH and pneumothorax rates were significantly higher in the obese patient group (0.3%, 0.9%, 1.9%, p = .04; 1.0%, 1.4%, 3.3%, p = .04, respectively). According to our multivariate model analysis; gender (OR:1.882, 95%CI:1.156-3.064, p = .01), hypertension (OR:4.768, 95%CI:2.470-9.204, p < .001), BMI (OR:1.069, 95%CI:1.012-1.129, p = .01) were independent predictors of cumulative events rates. CONCLUSIONS: Periprocedural complications associated with CIED (especially hematoma and pneumothorax) are more common in the group with high BMI.

The Effect of Aortic Angulation on Clinical Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of aortic angulation (AA) on periprocedural and in-hospital complications as well as mortality of patients undergoing Evolut™ R valve implantation. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 264 patients who underwent transfemoral-approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement with self-expandable valve at our hospital between August 2015 and August 2022. These patients underwent multislice computer tomography scans to evaluate AA. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement endpoints, device success, and clinical events were assessed according to the definitions provided by the Valve Academic Research Consortium-3. Cumulative events included paravalvular leak, permanent pacemaker implantation, new-onset stroke, and in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into two groups, AA ≤ 48° and AA > 48°, based on the mean AA measurement (48.3±8.8) on multislice computer tomography. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of cumulative events, utilizing variables with a P-value < 0.2 obtained from univariable logistic regression analysis, including AA, age, hypertension, chronic renal failure, and heart failure. AA (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-3.38, P=0.104), age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.99-1.10, P=0.099), hypertension (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 0.82-3.33, P=0.155), chronic renal failure (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 0.92-3.61, P=0.084), and heart failure (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.27-1.21, P=0.145) were not found to be significantly associated with cumulative events in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that increased AA does not have a significant impact on intraprocedural and periprocedural complications of patients with new generation self-expandable valves implanted.

Aging and cardiac implantable electronic device complications: is the procedure safe in older patients?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated whether there is a higher incidence of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) procedures related complications in older (≥ 75 years) than in younger (< 75 years) patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who had undergone CIED procedures (de novo implantation, system upgrade, generator substitution, pocket revision or lead replacement) at two heart centers in Turkey between January 2011 and May 2023. The primary composite endpoint included clinically significant hematoma (CSH), pericardial effusion or tamponade, pneumothorax, and infection related to the device system. Secondary outcomes included each component of the composite end point. RESULTS: The overall sample included 1923 patients (1419 < 75 years and 504 aged ≥ 75 years). There was no difference between the groups in terms of cumulative events defined as primary outcome (3.5% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.393). Infection related to device system was significantly higher in the ≥ 75 age group (1.8% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.034). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of clinically significant hematoma and pneumothorax (0.7% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.451, 1.4% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.477, respectively). In multivariate model analysis, no association was found between age ≥ 75 years and infection related to the device system. CONCLUSION: Infection rates were relatively higher in the patient group aged ≥ 75 years. This patient group should be evaluated more carefully in terms of infection development before and after the procedure.

Comparison of pain levels of traditional radial, distal radial, and transfemoral coronary catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery, and transfemoral artery, which are vascular access sites for coronary angiography, in terms of pain level using the visual analog scale. METHODS: Between April 2021 and May 2022, consecutive patients from three centers were included in our study. A total of 540 patients, 180 from each of the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery , and transfemoral artery groups, were included. The visual analog scale was applied to the patients as soon as they were taken to bed. RESULTS: When the visual analog scale was compared between the groups, it was found to be significantly different (transfemoral artery: 2.7±1.6, traditional radial artery: 3.9±1.9, and distal radial artery: 4.9±2.1, respectively, p<0.001). When the patients were classified as mild, moderate, and severe based on the visual analog scale score, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body mass index, process time, access time, and number of punctures (p<0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, body mass index>29.8 kg/m2 predicted severe pain with 72.5% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity [(area under the curve: 0.770, 95%CI: 0.724-0.815, p<0.0001)]. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that the femoral approach caused less access site pain and a high body mass index predicts severe pain.

Evaluation of Frontal QRS-T Angle in Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia

Abstract Background: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined by focal enlargement of the coronary artery exceeding 1.5 times the adjacent normal segment. CAE can often cause arrhythmias, heart failure, sudden death, and myocardial ischemia. Ischemia due to microvascular dysfunction may be responsible for the ventricular heterogeneity in CAE. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the frontal QRS-T angle in patients with CAE. Methods: Our study included 55 patients with CAE and 50 individuals in the control group. Demographic characteristics and electrocardiographic parameters were compared between the two groups. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. Continuous variables were compared using unpaired Student's t-test. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The frontal QRS-T angle was calculated from 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) using the automatic report from the electrocardiography machine. Results: The average age of patients with CAE was 63.2 ± 3.4 years, with 18 women among them. The control group had an average age of 61.1 ± 3.2 years, with 28 women included. There was no significant difference in demographic parameters between the two groups. Compared to the control group, patients with CAE had significantly wider frontal QRS-T angle (p < 0.001), as well as longer QTmax duration, p = 0.002; Tp-Te interval, p = 0.02; and QT dispersion (QTd), p = 0.04. Conclusion: The frontal QRS-T angle can be calculated easily and time-efficiently using surface electrocardiography. In this study, we showed for the first time that the frontal QRS-T angle was significantly increased in patients with CAE.

Evaluation of Hematological Parameters After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is safe and effective, mortality and bleeding events post procedure are important. The present study investigated the changes in hematologic parameters to evaluate whether they predict mortality or major bleeding. We enrolled 248 consecutive patients (44.8% male; mean age 79.0 ± 6.4 years) undergoing TAVR. In addition to demographic and clinical examination, blood parameters were recorded before TAVR, at discharge, 1 month and 1 year. Hemoglobin levels before TAVR 12.1 ± 1.8 g/dL, 10.8 ± 1.7 g/dL at discharge, 11.7 ± 1.7 g/dL at first month, 11.8 ± 1.4 g/dL at first year (Hemoglobin values compared with pre-TAVR, P < .001, P = .019, P = .047, respectively). Mean platelet volume (MPV) before TAVR 8.72 ± 1.71 fL, 8.16 ± 1.46 fL at discharge, 8.09 ± 1.44 fL at first month, 7.94 ± 1.18 fL at first year (MPV values compared with pre-TAVR, P < .001, P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Other hematologic parameters were also evaluated. Hemoglobin, platelet count, MPV, and red cell distribution width before the procedure, at discharge, and at the first year did not predict mortality and major bleeding in receiver operating characteristic analysis. After multivariate Cox regression analysis, hematologic parameters were not independent predictors of in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, and death at 1 year after TAVR.

The prognostic value of ORBIT risk score in predicting major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The most significant adverse effect of antithrombotic medication in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is major bleeding, which is related to increased mortality. Studies on ORBIT risk score in predicting major bleeding in ACS patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to examine whether the ORBIT score calculated at the bedside can identify major bleeding risk in patients with ACS. METHODS: This research was retrospective, observational, and conducted at a single center. Analyses of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were utilized to define the diagnostic value of CRUSADE and ORBIT scores. The predictive performances of the two scores were compared using DeLong's method. Discrimination and reclassification performances were evaluated by the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and net reclassification improvement (NRI). RESULTS: The study included 771 patients with ACS. The mean age was 68.7 ± 8.6 years, with 35.3 % females. 31 patients had major bleeding. Twenty-three of these patients were BARC 3 A, five were BARC 3 B, and three were BARC 3 C. Bleeding history [OR (95 % CI), 2.46 (1.02-5.94), p = 0.021], hemoglobin levels [OR (95 % CI), 0.54 (0.45-0.63), p < 0.001], and age > 74 years [OR (95 % CI), 1.03 (1.01-1.06), p = 0.039] were independent predictors of major bleeding. The ORBIT score was an independent predictor of major bleeding in the multivariate analysis: continuous variables [OR (95 % CI), 2.53 (2.61-3.95), p < 0.001] and risk categories [OR (95 % CI), 3.06 (1.69-5.52), p < 0.001]. Comparison of c-indexes for major bleeding events revealed a non-significant difference for the discriminative ability of the two tested scores (p = 0.07) with a continuous NRI of 6.6 % (p = 0.026) and an IDI of 4.2 % (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients, the ORBIT score independently predicted major bleeding.

The effect of coronary slow flow on ventricular repolarization parameters.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia due to microvascular dysfunction may be responsible for the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization in coronary slow flow. To our knowledge, there is no study in which QT interval, Tp-Te interval, index of cardiac-electrophysiological balance (iCEB), and frontal QRS-T angle were evaluated together in patients with CSF. In this study, we examined for the first time the relationship between all these myocardial repolarization parameters and CSF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 178 patients (99 female, mean age: 50.6 ± 8.6 years) with isolated CSF without stenotic lesions and with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. The control group included 120 patients (71 female, mean age: 49.3 ± 9.4 years) with normal coronary angiography. QRS duration, QT interval, QTc interval, Tp-Te interval, Tp-Te/QT, Tp- Te/QTc, iCEB score, and frontal QRS-T angle were calculated from 12­lead ECGs. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic parameters between the two groups. Compared with the control group, patients with CSF had significantly longer QTmax duration, QT dispersion, Tp-Te interval, and higher iCEB score, wider frontal QRS-T angle. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that many of the ventricular repolarization parameters were adversely affected in patients with CSF. Impaired parameters may be associated with the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Comparison of the real-life clinical outcomes of warfarin with effective time in therapeutic range and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: Insight from the AFTER-2 trial.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether warfarin treatment with high time in therapeutic range (TTR) is as effective and safe as non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). It is crucial to compare warfarin with effective TTR and NOACs to predict long-term adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation. AIMS: We aimed to compare the long-term follow-up results of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who use vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) with effective TTR and NOACs. METHODS: A total of 1140 patients were followed at 35 different centers for five years. During the follow-up period, the international normalized ratio (INR) values were studied at least 4 times a year, and the TTR values were calculated according to the Roosendaal method. The effective TTR level was accepted as >60% as recommended by the guidelines. There were 254 patients in the effective TTR group and 886 patients in the NOAC group. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease/transient ischemic attack (CVD/TIA), intracranial bleeding, and mortality were considered primary endpoints based on one-year and five-year follow-ups. RESULTS: Ischemic CVD/TIA (3.9% vs. 6.2%; P = 0.17) and intracranial bleeding (0.4% vs. 0.5%; P = 0.69), the one-year mortality rate (7.1% vs. 8.1%; P = 0.59), the five-year mortality rate (24% vs. 26.3%; P = 0.46) were not different between the effective TTR and NOACs groups during the follow-up, respectively. The CHA2DS2-VASC score was similar between the warfarin with effective TTR group and the NOAC group (3 [2-4] vs. 3 [2-4]; P = 0.17, respectively). Additionally, survival free-time did not differ between the warfarin with effective TTR group and each NOAC in the Kaplan-Meier analysis (dabigatran; P = 0.59, rivaroxaban; P = 0.34, apixaban; P = 0.26, and edoxaban; P = 0.14). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in primary outcomes between the effective TTR and NOAC groups in AF patients.

Comparison of pain levels of traditional radial, distal radial, and transfemoral coronary catheterization

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery, and transfemoral artery, which are vascular access sites for coronary angiography, in terms of pain level using the visual analog scale. METHODS: Between April 2021 and May 2022, consecutive patients from three centers were included in our study. A total of 540 patients, 180 from each of the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery , and transfemoral artery groups, were included. The visual analog scale was applied to the patients as soon as they were taken to bed. RESULTS: When the visual analog scale was compared between the groups, it was found to be significantly different (transfemoral artery: 2.7±1.6, traditional radial artery: 3.9±1.9, and distal radial artery: 4.9±2.1, respectively, p<0.001). When the patients were classified as mild, moderate, and severe based on the visual analog scale score, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body mass index, process time, access time, and number of punctures (p<0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, body mass index>29.8 kg/m2 predicted severe pain with 72.5% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity [(area under the curve: 0.770, 95%CI: 0.724-0.815, p<0.0001)]. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that the femoral approach caused less access site pain and a high body mass index predicts severe pain.

Evaluation of the Cardiac Conduction System in Fibromyalgia Patients With Complaints of Palpitations.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the influence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) on the cardiac conduction system and assess patients' palpitation complaints using 24-h ambulatory ECG (Holter {Maynard, MA: Northeast Monitoring, Inc.}) monitoring. Methods Ninety patients with FMS and 70 healthy controls were included in this research. ECG was performed on all participants, and ECG parameters were calculated. Holter monitoring was conducted, and the recordings were analyzed. The results of time-domain heart rate variability (HRV) were evaluated. Results The patient group's mean age was 38.3±6.3 years. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic or laboratory parameters across the groups (p>0.05). The findings of a 24-h Holter ECG recording did not vary significantly between the groups (p=0.182). In the study group, the values for the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN), low frequency (LF), and low/high frequency (LF/HF), which are known as HRV indicators, were substantially different between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusions The study indicated that the risk of arrhythmias did not increase even though FM patients complained of palpitations.

Evaluation of Military Recruits With Complaints of Palpitations After Physical Training: A Study From Turkey.

Objective Recruits undergo medical examination before mandatory service. After enlistment, if recruits have health problems, they are sent to a medical board to establish fitness for their duties. We aimed to analyze the complaints of palpitations after physical training in recruits without a known history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and determine whether the diagnoses were suitable for duty. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 25,666 participants who were admitted to an outpatient cardiology clinic due to complaints of palpitations between August 2016 and June 2022. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics was collected. Laboratory test results and electrocardiography (ECG) were analyzed. The diagnoses were evaluated. Results In total, 582 patients who were dismissed from the military were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 19.23±2.02 years. Among the patients, drug use (26; 6.2%) and history of addictive substance use (178; 30.6%) were low. The number of days of service under 10 was high (450; 77.3%). The prevalence of sleep disturbance (122; 21%) and hydration habits (154; 26.5%) were low. According to ECG findings, premature atrial contractions were high (250; 42.9%). There was a significant correlation between the ECG findings and seasons (p<0.001).Rheumatic valve disease (83; 14.26%) and supraventricular tachycardia (77; 13.23%) were the most common diagnoses. Conclusion 2.2 percent of all participants admitted to the hospital due to palpitations were dismissed from the military service, and 0.7 percent of them were diagnosed with cardiac conduction system disease.

Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue and echocardiographic parameters in patients with silent enemy subclinical hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) which is known to be closely associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, age, smoking) and which is a more specific marker of visceral adiposity than waist circumference using echocardiographic examination in subclinical hypothyroidism which is one of the most common endocrine system diseases in the community but is mostly missed due to its asymptomatic nature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 individuals aged 18-65 years, comprising 30 patients with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism and 30 age- and gender-matched control subjects that had a normal thyroid hormone profile. 2D transthoracic echocardiography was utilized for measuring EAT thickness and other basic echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and other diameters and measurements obtained by 2D transthoracic echocardiography. EAT thickness was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is increased in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Comparison of tenecteplase versus alteplase in STEMI patients treated with ticagrelor: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness and safety of administration of ticagrelor simultaneously with fibrinolytic agents in STEMI patients remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of tenecteplase against alteplase in patients with STEMI receiving a loading dose of ticagrelor. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with STEMI who were reperfused with fibrinolytic. The study included 150 patients (ages 18 to 75 years) administered tenecteplase or alteplase and concomitantly given ticagrelor [180 mg loading dose, 90 mg bid (bis in die)]. Patients who had active major bleeding, died, and who were decided to have a CABG surgery as a result of coronary angiography were excluded. Patients who underwent facilitated-PCI with fibrinolysis continued to receive ticagrelor without switching to clopidogrel. The MACE (in-hospital death, TIMI flow grade, major bleeding) rates of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The study consisted of 150 patients, comprising 99 (66%) men and 51 women (34%) with a mean age of 60,33 ± 13,83 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the thrombolytic therapy: alteplase (n = 60) and tenecteplase (n = 90). The major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (45% vs 22.2%), bleeding (11.7% vs 2.2%), hypertension (51.7% vs 30%), atrial fibrillation (26.7% vs 12.2%), left ventricular hypertrophy (26.7% vs 10%), CRP (p < 0.001) were significantly higher and the recanalization (66.7% vs 85.4%), hematocrit (p = 0.03) were significantly lower in the alteplase group compared to the tenecteplase group. No significant differences were found between the two groups about in-hospital mortality (p = 0.151). Kaplan Meier analysis was performed in terms of MACE (TIMI flow grade 1, major bleeding, in-hospital mortality) rates during the follow-up period (Log-rank test, p = 0.032). Patients who received tenecteplase treatment had a lower MACE, according to a Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of tenecteplase in STEMI patients who received a loading dose with ticagrelor resulted in a significant reduction in MACE compared to alteplase. Larger multi-center studies are warranted to investigate the effect of tenecteplase treatment on clinical results.