Association of cyclophilins and cardiovascular risk factors in coronary artery disease.

Cyclophilins are chaperone proteins that play important roles in signal transduction. Among them, cyclophilins A, B, C, and D were widely associated with inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Cyclophilins A and C have been proposed as coronary artery disease biomarkers. However, less is known about their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between cyclophilin A, B, C, and D and cardiovascular risk factors in coronary artery disease. Serum levels of cyclophilins were measured in 167 subjects (subdivided according to cardiovascular risk factors presence). This study reveals that cyclophilin A and C are elevated in patients regardless of the risk factors presence. Moreover, cyclophilin B is elevated in male patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high glucose levels. In addition, cyclophilins A, B, and C were significantly correlated with cardiovascular risk factors, but only cyclophilin B was associated with type 2 diabetes. The multivariate analysis strengthens the predictive value for coronary artery disease presence of cyclophilin A (>8.2 ng/mL) and cyclophilin C (>17.5 pg/mL) along with the cardiovascular risk factors tobacco, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and high glucose and cholesterol levels. Moreover, the risk of coronary artery disease is increased in presence of cyclophilin B levels above 63.26 pg/mL and with hypertension or dyslipidemia in male patients. Consequently, cyclophilins A and C serum levels are reinforced as useful coronary artery disease biomarkers, meanwhile, cyclophilin B is a valuable biomarker in the male population when patients are also suffering from hypertension or dyslipidemia.

Increase of serum cyclophilin C levels in the follow-up of coronary artery disease: A biomarker and possible clinical predictor. / Aumento de niveles séricos de Ciclofilina C en el seguimiento de la enfermedad arterial coronaria: un biomarcador y posible predictor clínico

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at investigating the changes in serum CypC levels and their relationship with cardiovascular events at 12 months of follow-up in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: The study included a total of 125 subjects (40 patients with acute CAD, 40 patients with chronic CAD, and 45 control volunteers) and we analyzed plasma CypC levels from baseline to 6 and 12 months for a better understanding of its behavior in atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Serum CypC levels were shown to be gradually increased in CAD patients (30.63 pg/mL ± 3.77 at baseline, 38.70 pg/mL ± 6.41 at 6 months [p = 0.25], and 47.27 pg/mL ± 5.65 at 12 months [p = 0.007]). In addition, serum CypC levels during the follow-up were a significant predictor of CAD (c-statistic 0.76 at 6 months and 0.89 at 12 months; p < 0.001). Despite it, there was no significant association between CypC and cardiovascular events, but serum CypC levels tended to be higher in patients suffering cardiovascular events during the follow-up (29.02 pg/mL ± 6.39 vs. 79.96 pg/mL ± 22.18; p = 0.029). In this regard, plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) > 2.3 mg/L plus NT-proBNP > 300 pg/mL together were significant predictors of cardiovascular events during the follow-up in CAD patients with CypC levels >17.5 pg/mL (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results suggest that serum CypC levels increase during the follow-up in CAD patients and could be a novel biomarker with a possible prognostic value in combination with hsCRP and NT-proBNP.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar los cambios en los niveles séricos de CypC y su relación con eventos cardiovasculares a los 12 meses de seguimiento en pacientes con EAC. MÉTODO: El estudio incluyó un total de 125 sujetos (40 pacientes con EAC aguda, 40 pacientes con EAC crónica y 45 voluntarios de control) y se analizaron los niveles ­plasmáticos de CypC desde el inicio hasta los 6 y 12 meses para comprender mejor su comportamiento en la aterosclerosis. RESULTADOS: Se demostró que los niveles séricos de CypC aumentaron gradualmente en pacientes con CAD [(30.63 pg/ml ± 3.77 al inicio del estudio, 38.70 pg/ml ± 6.41 a los 6 meses (p = 0.25) y 47.27 pg/ml ± 5.65 a los 12 meses (p = 0,007)]. Además, los niveles séricos de CypC durante el seguimiento fueron un predictor significativo de EAC (estadístico c 0.76 a los 6 meses y 0.89 a los 12 meses; p < 0.001). A pesar de ello, no hubo asociación significativa entre CypC y eventos cardiovasculares, pero los niveles séricos de CypC tendieron a ser más altos en los pacientes que sufrieron eventos cardiovasculares durante el seguimiento (29.02 pg/mL ± 6.39 vs. 79.96 pg/mL ± 22.18; p = 0.029). En este sentido, los niveles plasmáticos de hsCRP > 2.3 mg/L más NT-proBNP> 300 pg/ml juntos fueron predictores significativos de eventos cardiovasculares durante el seguimiento en pacientes con EAC con niveles de CypC > 17.5 pg/ml (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONES: Tomados en conjunto, nuestros resultados sugieren que los niveles séricos de CypC aumentan durante el seguimiento en pacientes con EAC y podría ser un nuevo biomarcador con un posible valor pronóstico en combinación con hsCRP y NT-proBNP.

The role of invasive coronary physiology in Takotsubo Syndrome.

The pathophysiology of Takotsubo Syndrome has not yet been precisely defined. Different hypotheses have been proposed, including cardiotoxicity due to catecholaminergic hormone release, metabolic disorders, coronary microvascular dysfunction and epicardial coronary artery spasm. Invasive coronary physiology is considered the cornerstone to understand physiological assessment of coronary blood flow in this setting. We have reviewed most important studies in coronary invasive physiology in this field to update the state of the art in TakoTsubo Syndrome.

Comparison of One-Year Outcomes Between the ihtDEStiny BD Stent and the Durable-Polymer Everolimus- and Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents: A Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients treated with the drug-eluting stent ihtDEStiny BD. BACKGROUND: The ihtDEStiny BD stent is a metallic sirolimus eluting stent with a biodegradable polymer with both drug and polymer coating the abluminal surface of the stent and balloon. METHODS: In this study, the clinical outcomes of a multicenter prospective registry of patients treated with this stent (DEStiny group) were analyzed and compared with those of a control group of patients treated with durable polymer everolimus or zotarolimus eluting stents (CONTROL group) paired by propensity score matching. Primary outcome was the target vessel failure (TVF) at 12 months defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) and target vessel revascularization (TVR). RESULTS: A total of 350 patients were included in the DESTtiny group. The control group consisted initially of 1368 patients, but after matching (1:1) 350 patients were selected as CONTROL group. The baseline clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics were quite comparable in both groups. At 12 months follow up the TVF was 6.6% in DEStiny group and 6.3% in CONTROL group (p = 0.8). No differences were observed for any of the individual components of the primary endpoint: cardiac death 1.1% vs. 1.4%, TV-MI 3.4% vs. 3.7% and TVR 2.6% vs. 2.3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ihtDEStiny stent in real practice is associated with a clinical performance at 12 months follow up that appears to be non-inferior to the most widely used and largely evidence supported durable polymer drug eluting stents. A longer follow up is warranted.

Cyclophilins in Ischemic Heart Disease: Differences Between Acute and Chronic Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophilins (Cyps) are a family of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases consistently involved in cardiovascular diseases through the inflammation pathway. This study aims to investigate the serum levels of Cyps (CypA, CypB, CypC and CypD) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and the correlation with clinical characteristics and inflammation parameters. METHODS: We developed an observational prospective study with a total of 125 subjects: 40 patients with acute CAD, 40 patients with chronic CAD and 45 control volunteers, in whom serum levels of Cyps (CypA, CypB, CypC and CypD), interleukins and metalloproteinases were measured. RESULTS: CypA levels increased significantly in CAD patients compared with control subjects, but no differences were noted between acute CAD (7.80 ± 1.30 ng/mL) and chronic CAD (5.52 ± 0.76 ng/mL) patients (P = 0.13). No differences in CypB and CypD levels were showed between CAD patients and controls and between acute CAD and chronic CAD patients. In relation with CypC, the levels in CAD patients were significantly higher compared to controls (32.42 ± 3.71 pg/mL vs. 9.38 ± 1.51 pg/mL, P < 0.001), but no differences between acute and chronic CAD groups were obtained (P = 0.62). We analyzed the CypC > 17.5 pg/mL cut-off point, and it was significantly associated with older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia and more extensive CAD in acute and chronic CAD groups. CONCLUSIONS: CypA and CypC levels are increased in CAD patients. High CypC serum levels could be a novel biomarker in CAD patients correlating with a more severe disease.

12-month clinical outcomes after Magmaris percutaneous coronary intervention in a real-world cohort of patients: Results from the CardioHULA registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical evidence on the bioresorbable magnesium scaffolds (BRS) is still scarce. We aim to assess clinical outcomes after magnesium BRS deployment in a real-world cohort of patients. METHODS: We included in a non-randomized, prospective, single-center registry of all patients treated with at least one Magmaris device in our cath lab. Pre and postdilatation with optical coherence tomography guidance, as part of the 4Ps strategy, were performed in all cases. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF) at 12 months. RESULTS: 42 patients (with 42 lesions) underwent Magmaris percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between June 2016 to April 2017. PCI was performed in an acute setting in 54.76% cases; the most treated vessel was the anterior descending artery, with a mean diameter of 3.30±0.25 mm. All lesions underwent predilatation and postdilatation, with a mean postdilatation pressure of 19.2 atm. Procedural success rate was 100%. TLF rate was 4.7% at 12 months. None of our patients died or suffered myocardial infarction. Two patients (4.7%) underwent clinically-driven target lesion revascularization due to in-stent restenosis. No stent thrombosis was detected. CONCLUSION: 12-months clinical outcomes after Magmaris PCI demonstrate its safety and feasibility when deployed in a 4Ps strategy.

Magmaris very late in-scaffold restenosis: Has the "black boxes" nightmare come back?

Magnesium Bioresorbable Scaffold (Magmaris, Biotronik) is a device with promising outcomes at 24 months of follow up. Previous studies with first generation, everolimus-eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (Absorb, Abbott) showed that very late restenosis seems to be attributed to pure intrascaffold tissue growth but very late. Magmaris very late restenosis has not been previously published, probably because of the 95% of resorption at 12 months. We present in-scaffold very late restenosis within Magmaris, with Optical Coherence Tomography, highlighting mechanism of degradation and in scaffold "neo-tissue" growth.

Carotid plaque is a predictor of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Background: Carotid disease, measured as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque (CP), is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in people without the previous atherosclerotic disease; however, there are few published data in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The aim of the study is to determinate if the carotid disease is associated with MACCE after coronary angiography. Methods: A total of 390 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography after exercise echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography between 2002 and 2013. MACCE was defined as stroke, myocardial infarction due to atherosclerosis progression or death due to a stroke or cardiac event. Results: Two patients were lost (0.5%). During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years (standard deviation of 2.9), 52 patients (13.4%) suffered MACCE. 1, 5, and 10 years, event-free survival was 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7), and 81.4% (2.8), respectively. Event rates at 10 years were higher in the CP group (23.2% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.013) and in the CIMT > 0.9 mm group (25.9% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed smoking habit (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), aortic stenosis (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), incomplete/no coronary revascularization (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), insulin treatment (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006), and CP (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044) as predictors of MACCE. Conclusions: CP is an independent predictor of MACCE in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea, definida como grosor de íntima media (GIMC) y placa (PC), se asocia con eventos adversos cardiacos y cerebrovasculares (EACC) en sujetos sin aterosclerosis previa; sin embargo hay pocos datos en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. El objetivo del estudio es determinar si la enfermedad carotídea se asocia a EACC en pacientes remitidos a coronariografía. Métodos: Entre 2002 y 2013 390 pacientes fueron sometidos a coronariografía tras ecocardiograma de esfuerzo y ecografía carotídea. Se definió EACC como accidente cerebrovascular, infarto de miocardio por progresión aterosclerótica o muerte por accidente cerebrovascular o causa cardiaca. Resultados: Durante un seguimiento medio de 6 años (desviación estándar 2, 9) se registraron 2 pérdidas y 52 eventos (13,4%). La supervivencia media libre de eventos a uno, cinco y diez años fue 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7) y 81.4% (2.8). Hubo mayor número de eventos a 10 años en el grupo de PC (23.2% frente 10.2%, p = 0.013) y GIMC > 0.9 mm (25,9% frente 13.3%, p = 0.023). En el análisis multivariado los predictores de EACC fueron tabaquismo (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95% 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), filtrado glomerular renal (HR 0.98 IC95% 0.98-0.99), estenosis aórtica (HR 2.99, IC 95% 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), revascularización incompleta/no revascularización (HR 1.97, IC 95% 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), tratamiento con insulina (HR 2.63, IC 95% 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006) y PC (HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044). Conclusiones: La PC es un predictor independiente de EACC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía.

High Serum Cyclophilin C levels as a risk factor marker for Coronary Artery Disease.

Cyclophilins (Cyps) are ubiquitous proteins that belong to the immunophilins family consistently associated with inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. While levels of CypA have been extensively studied, less data are available for other Cyps. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine the relationship of Cyps (A, B, C and D) with coronary artery disease (CAD) and eight inflammation markers. Serum levels of Cyps, interleukins and metalloproteinases were measured in serum collected from 84 subjects. Participants were divided into two sub-groups based on CAD diagnosis: 40 CAD patients and 44 control volunteers. Serum levels of CypA, CypB and CypC, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly higher in CAD patients. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between Cyps and several blood and biochemical parameters. When the ability of Cyps levels for CAD diagnosis was evaluated, higher sensitivity and selectivity values were obtained with CypC (c-statistic 0.891, p < 0.001) indicating that it is a good marker of CAD disease, while less conclusive results were obtained with CypA (c-statistic 0.748, p < 0.001) and CypB (c-statistic 0.655, p < 0.014). In addition, significant correlations of traditional CAD risk factors and CypC were observed. In summary, high levels of CypC are a risk factor for CAD and therefore it can be proposed as a new biomarker for this disease.

Carotid plaque is a predictor of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

INTRODUCTION: Carotid disease, measured as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque (CP), is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in people without the previous atherosclerotic disease; however, there are few published data in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The aim of the study is to determinate if the carotid disease is associated with MACCE after coronary angiography. METHODS: A total of 390 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography after exercise echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography between 2002 and 2013. MACCE was defined as stroke, myocardial infarction due to atherosclerosis progression or death due to a stroke or cardiac event. RESULTS: Two patients were lost (0.5%). During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years (standard deviation of 2.9), 52 patients (13.4%) suffered MACCE. 1, 5, and 10 years, event-free survival was 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7), and 81.4% (2.8), respectively. Event rates at 10 years were higher in the CP group (23.2% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.013) and in the CIMT > 0.9 mm group (25.9% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed smoking habit (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), aortic stenosis (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), incomplete/no coronary revascularization (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), insulin treatment (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006), and CP (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044) as predictors of MACCE. CONCLUSIONS: CP is an independent predictor of MACCE in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad carotídea, definida como grosor de íntima media (GIMC) y placa (PC), se asocia con eventos adversos cardiacos y cerebrovasculares (EACC) en sujetos sin aterosclerosis previa; sin embargo hay pocos datos en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. El objetivo del estudio es determinar si la enfermedad carotídea se asocia a EACC en pacientes remitidos a coronariografía. MÉTODOS: Entre 2002 y 2013 390 pacientes fueron sometidos a coronariografía tras ecocardiograma de esfuerzo y ecografía carotídea. Se definió EACC como accidente cerebrovascular, infarto de miocardio por progresión aterosclerótica o muerte por accidente cerebrovascular o causa cardiaca. RESULTADOS: Durante un seguimiento medio de 6 años (desviación estándar 2, 9) se registraron 2 pérdidas y 52 eventos (13,4%). La supervivencia media libre de eventos a uno, cinco y diez años fue 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7) y 81.4% (2.8). Hubo mayor número de eventos a 10 años en el grupo de PC (23.2% frente 10.2%, p = 0.013) y GIMC > 0.9 mm (25,9% frente 13.3%, p = 0.023). En el análisis multivariado los predictores de EACC fueron tabaquismo (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95% 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), filtrado glomerular renal (HR 0.98 IC95% 0.98-0.99), estenosis aórtica (HR 2.99, IC 95% 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), revascularización incompleta/no revascularización (HR 1.97, IC 95% 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), tratamiento con insulina (HR 2.63, IC 95% 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006) y PC (HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONES: La PC es un predictor independiente de EACC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía.

Carotid plaque is a predictor of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography / La presencia de placa carotídea es predictor de eventos adversos cardiacos y cerebrovasculares en sujetos sometidos a coronariografía

Abstract Introduction: Carotid disease, measured as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque (CP), is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in people without the previous atherosclerotic disease; however, there are few published data in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The aim of the study is to determinate if the carotid disease is associated with MACCE after coronary angiography. Methods: A total of 390 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography after exercise echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography between 2002 and 2013. MACCE was defined as stroke, myocardial infarction due to atherosclerosis progression or death due to a stroke or cardiac event. Results: Two patients were lost (0.5%). During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years (standard deviation of 2.9), 52 patients (13.4%) suffered MACCE. 1, 5, and 10 years, event-free survival was 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7), and 81.4% (2.8), respectively. Event rates at 10 years were higher in the CP group (23.2% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.013) and in the CIMT > 0.9 mm group (25.9% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed smoking habit (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), aortic stenosis (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), incomplete/no coronary revascularization (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), insulin treatment (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006), and CP (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044) as predictors of MACCE. Conclusions: CP is an independent predictor of MACCE in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Resumen La enfermedad carotídea, definida como grosor de íntima media (GIMC) y placa (PC), se asocia con eventos adversos cardiacos y cerebrovasculares (EACC) en sujetos sin aterosclerosis previa; sin embargo hay pocos datos en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía. El objetivo del estudio es determinar si la enfermedad carotídea se asocia a EACC en pacientes remitidos a coronariografía Métodos: Entre 2002 y 2013 390 pacientes fueron sometidos a coronariografía tras ecocardiograma de esfuerzo y ecografía carotídea. Se definió EACC como accidente cerebrovascular, infarto de miocardio por progresión aterosclerótica o muerte por accidente cerebrovascular o causa cardiaca. Resultados: Durante un seguimiento medio de 6 años (desviación estándar 2, 9) se registraron 2 pérdidas y 52 eventos (13,4%). La supervivencia media libre de eventos a uno, cinco y diez años fue 96.4% (1.0), 88.7% (1.7) y 81.4% (2.8). Hubo mayor número de eventos a 10 años en el grupo de PC (23.2% frente 10.2%, p = 0.013) y GIMC > 0.9 mm (25,9% frente 13.3%, p = 0.023). En el análisis multivariado los predictores de EACC fueron tabaquismo (hazard ratio [HR] 2.51, intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95% 1.36-4.62, p = 0.003), filtrado glomerular renal (HR 0.98 IC95% 0.98-0.99), estenosis aórtica (HR 2.99, IC 95% 1.24-7.21, p = 0.014), revascularización incompleta/no revascularización (HR 1.97, IC 95% 1.06-3.67, p = 0.033), tratamiento con insulina (HR 2.63, IC 95% 1.30-5.31, p = 0.006) y PC (HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.02-5.44, p = 0.044). Conclusiones: La PC es un predictor independiente de EACC en pacientes sometidos a coronariografía.

Assessment with intracoronary pressure and flow guidewire, at baseline and after intracoronary adenosine infusion, in a patient with Takotsubo syndrome.

We present the case of a patient with Takotsubo syndrome assessed by intracoronary flow and pressure guidewire, showing elevation of intracoronary pressures at the level of the anterior descending artery, and thus demonstrating a new therapeutic target in a still little understood etiopathogenic entity. The results of this test have never been previously reported in Takotsubo patients.

Usefulness of carotid ultrasonography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing exercise echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Relationship between carotid and coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing invasive and non-invasive test is unclear. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether carotid disease is associated with CAD in patients submitted to exercise echocardiography (EE) and if it improves the EE ability to predict CAD. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 156 subjects without previous vascular disease who underwent EE, carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography between 2002 and 2013. Positive EE was defined as exercise induced wall motion abnormalities, carotid disease according to Manheim and American Society of Echocardiography Consensus and significant CAD as stenosis ≥50%. RESULTS: Eighty-nine (57.1%) subjects had significant CAD. Factors associated with CAD in multivariate analysis were fasting plasma glucose (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, p = 0.031), pre-test probability of CAD > 65% (OR 3.71, p < 0.001), positive EE (OR 10.51, p < 0.001) and carotid plaque (CP) presence (OR 2.95, p = 0.013). There was neither statistical significant difference in area under the curve after addition of CP to EE results (0.77 versus 0.81, p = 0.525) nor sensitivity, specificity, predictive values or efficiency. CP presence reclassified as very high-risk according to Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation 13 patients (34.2%) with negative EE and 22 (33.3%) without CAD. CONCLUSION: CP is associated with CAD in patients undergoing EE, however its addition to EE does not improve CAD prediction, probably due to insufficient statistical power. CP reclassified one third of patients to very high-risk category despite negative EE or CAD absence, these subjects benefit from aggressive primary prevention interventions.

Endothelial progenitor cells mobilisation after percutaneous coronary intervention: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The mobilisation process of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) after stent implantation by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear because the circulating EPC levels are influenced by several pathophysiological factors. The objective was to analyse the kinetics of EPC concentration following elective PCI in patients with stable angina, and its relation with other biomarkers or parameters of cardiovascular function. METHODS: Pilot study in stable angina patients (n = 30) for elective PCI and implantation of bare-metal stent (BMS), drug-eluting stent (DES) or EPC-capturing stent (ECS). Samples were taken at baseline, 6 h, 24 h and 6 months after PCI for biochemical analysis and EPC quantification by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Baseline EPC levels, quantified in peripheral blood, were related with the extent of the coronary lesion and the percentage of stenosis. EPC concentration increased 6 hours after PCI in relation with plasma C-reactive protein concentration and returned to basal levels after 24 hours post-PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline EPC levels are related with the extension of the lesion and stenosis whereas the kinetics of EPC mobilization showed to be related with C-reactive protein concentration. Endothelial activation seems to occur in response to EPC mobilization or vascular damage by PCI.

Seguridad y eficacia del stent capturador de células progenitoras de endotelio en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST. Estudio GENIA / Safety and efficacy of endothelial progenitor cell capture stent in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. GENIA study

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Taponamiento cardíaco / Cardiac tamponade

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