Diagnostic performance of intravascular ultrasound-based fractional flow reserve in evaluating of intermediate left main stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The recently introduced ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR), is a novel fast computational method to derive fractional flow reserve (FFR) from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. In the present study, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of UFR in patients with intermediate left main (LM) stenosis. METHODS: This is a prospective, single center study enrolling consecutive patients with presence of intermediated LM lesions (diameter stenosis of 30%-80% by visual estimation) underwent IVUS and FFR measurement. An independent core laboratory assessed offline UFR and IVUS-derived minimal lumen area (MLA) in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: Both UFR and FFR were successfully achieved in 41 LM patients (mean age, 62.0 ± 9.9 years, 46.3% diabetes). An acceptable correlation between UFR and FFR was identified (r = 0.688, P < 0.0001), with an absolute numerical difference of 0.03 (standard difference: 0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) in diagnosis of physiologically significant coronary stenosis for UFR was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-1.01), which was significantly higher than angiographic identified stenosis > 50% (AUC = 0.66, P < 0.001) and numerically higher than IVUS-derived MLA (AUC = 0.82; P = 0.09). Patient level diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for UFR to identify FFR ≤ 0.80 was 82.9% (95% CI: 70.2-95.7), 93.1% (95% CI: 82.2-100.0), 58.3% (95% CI: 26.3-90.4), respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with intermediate LM diseases, UFR was proved to be associated with acceptable correlation and high accuracy with pressure wire-based FFR as standard reference. The present study supports the use of UFR for functional evaluation of intermediate LM stenosis.

The prognostic value of collateral circulation in coronary chronic total occlusion underwent percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of coronary collateral circulation (CC) in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is underdetermined. The purpose of the study was to assess the prognostic value of current two CC grading systems and their association with long-term outcomes in patients with CTO underwent PCI. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled patients with single-vessel CTO underwent PCI between January 2010 and December 2013. All patients were categorized into well-developed or poor-developed collaterals group according to angiographic Werner's CC (grade 2 vs. grade 0-1) or Rentrop (grade 3 vs. grade 0-2) grading system. The primary endpoint was 5-year cardiac death. RESULTS: Of 2452 enrolled patients, the overall technical success rate was 74.1%. Well-developed collaterals were present in 686 patients (28.0%) defined by Werner's CC grade 2, and in 1145 patients (46.7%) by Rentrop grade 3. According to Werner's CC grading system, patients with well-developed collaterals had a lower rate of 5-year cardiac death compared with those with poor-developed collaterals (1.6% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.02), those with suboptimal recanalization was associated with higher rate of 5-year cardiac death compared with optimal recanalization (4.7% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.01) and failure patients (4.7% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.12). However, the similar effect was not shown in Rentrop grading system. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with the single-vessel CTO underwent PCI, well-developed collaterals by Werner's CC definition were associated with lower rate of 5-year cardiac death. Werner's CC grading system had a greater prognostic value than Rentrop grading system in patients with CTO underwent PCI.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasonic flow ratio versus quantitative flow ratio for assessment of coronary stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) is a novel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived modality for fast computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) without pressure wires and adenosine. AIMS: This study was sought to compare the diagnostic performance of UFR and quantitative flow ratio (QFR), using FFR as the reference standard. METHODS: This is a retrospective study enrolling consecutive patients with intermediate coronary artery lesions (diameter stenosis of 30%-90% by visual estimation) for IVUS and FFR measurement. UFR and QFR were performed offline in a core-lab by independent analysts blinded to FFR. RESULTS: From December 2022 to May 2023, a total of 78 eligible patients were enrolled. IVUS and FFR measurements were successfully conducted in 104 vessels, finally 98 vessels with both FFR, UFR and QFR evaluation were analyzed. Mean FFR was 0.79 ± 0.12. UFR showed a strong correlation with FFR similar to QFR (r = 0.83 vs. 0.82, p = 0.795). Diagnostic accuracy of UFR was non-inferior to QFR (94% [89%-97%] versus 90% [84%-94%], p = 0.113). Sensitivity and specificity in identifying hemodynamically significant stenosis were comparable between UFR and QFR (sensitivity: 89% [79%-96%] versus 85% [74%-92%], p = 0.453; specificity: 97% [91%-99%] versus 95% [88%-99%], p = 0.625). The area under curve for UFR was 0.95 [0.90-0.98], non-inferior to QFR (difference = 0.021, p = 0.293), and significantly higher than minimum lumen area (MLA; difference = 0.13, p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy of UFR and QFR was not statically different in bifurcation nor non-bifurcation lesions. CONCLUSIONS: UFR showed excellent concordance with FFR, non-inferior to QFR, superior to MLA. UFR provides a potentiality for the integration of physiological assessment and intravascular imaging in clinical practice.

Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial: The effect of intensive lipid-lowering therapy with PCSK9 inhibitor on endothelial-coverage of stent strut after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS): Optical coherence tomography (OCT) study (PIECES-OCT study).

Background: For the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for at least 1 year is recommended in the guidelines to minimize the risk of stent thrombosis. Persistently uncovered stent strut means delayed neointima formation and extend the window of time in which the stent is prone to thrombosis. Previous studies showed that statins could improve post-stenting strut endothelial coverage for patients undergoing PCI. However, there are lack of evidences on whether early initiation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 monoclonal antibody (PCSK9mAb) after PCI in ACS patients can further improve the rate of stent strut coverage on the background of oral lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Methods: This is a single-center, randomized trial to enroll 36 patients undergoing PCI with a clinical diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation ACS. The baseline level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of these patients are between 1.4 mmol/L and 3.4 mmol/L. Patients will be assigned to intensive lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) with PCSK9mAb group and conventional LLT without PCSK9mAb group for 12 weeks in a clinical follow-up setting according to 1: 1 randomization. the rate of stent strut endothelial coverage by optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination at 12 weeks after enrollment between the groups will be compared. Conclusion: This will be the first study to investigate changes in the rate of stent strut endothelial coverage under intensive LLT with PCSK9mAb by OCT examination in ACS patients undergoing PCI. The finding of this study will provide clinical evidence for future research about the hypothesis of a novel strategy of "intensive LLT (PCSK9mAb + statin ± ezetimibe) combined with shortened DAPT duration" for ACS patients undergoing PCI.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: ChiCTR2200063395.

Development and validation of a score predicting mortality for older patients with mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a user-friendly risk score for older mitral regurgitation (MR) patients, referred to as the Elder-MR score. METHODS: The China Senile Valvular Heart Disease (China-DVD) Cohort Study functioned as the development cohort, while the China Valvular Heart Disease (China-VHD) Study was employed for external validation. We included patients aged 60 years and above receiving medical treatment for moderate or severe MR (2274 patients in the development cohort and 1929 patients in the validation cohort). Candidate predictors were chosen using Cox's proportional hazards model and stepwise selection with Akaike's information criterion. RESULTS: Eight predictors were identified: age ≥ 75 years, body mass index < 20 kg/m2, NYHA class III/IV, secondary MR, anemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, albumin < 35 g/L, and left ventricular ejection fraction < 60%. The model displayed satisfactory performance in predicting one-year mortality in both the development cohort (C-statistic = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.69-0.77, Brier score = 0.06) and the validation cohort (C-statistic = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.68-0.78, Brier score = 0.06). The Elder-MR score ranges from 0 to 15 points. At a one-year follow-up, each point increase in the Elder-MR score represents a 1.27-fold risk of death (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.21-1.34, P < 0.001) in the development cohort and a 1.24-fold risk of death (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.17-1.30, P < 0.001) in the validation cohort. Compared to EuroSCORE II, the Elder-MR score demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for one-year mortality in the validation cohort (C-statistic = 0.71 vs. 0.70, net reclassification improvement = 0.320, P < 0.01; integrated discrimination improvement = 0.029, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Elder-MR score may serve as an effective risk stratification tool to assist clinical decision-making in older MR patients.

Intracranial Hemorrhage in Hospitalized Patients Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Large Cohort Analysis from a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: There are several reports on the prevalence and characteristics of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which is a rare but severe complication with high mortality. However, the clinical landscapes of computed tomography (CT)-confirmed, symptomatic ICH in hospitalized patients are not fully characterized. METHODS: Among 121,066 patients receiving PCI treatment in the Fu Wai Hospital between 2013 and 2022, there were 18 CT-defined, symptomatic patients with ICH occurring during post-PCI hospitalization. Symptomatic ICH was defined as clinical suspicion of hemorrhage and/or new focal neurological signs. We analyzed ICH timing, clinical and imaging features, and subsequent outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, in this retrospective analysis, the incidence of CT-defined, symptomatic ICH was 0.015% (18/121,066). More than half of the cases (55.6%) occurred within the first 12 h following PCI. The most common initial manifestation of ICH patients was disturbance of consciousness. Thirteen patients (72.2%) had a hematoma volume ≥ 30 cm3. Additionally, the ICH was observed in the cerebral lobe (66.7%), cerebellum (22.2%), and the basal ganglia and thalamus (11.1%). The 90-day mortality of ICH patients undergoing PCI was very high (72.2%). Consciousness disturbance (p = 0.036), intracerebral hemorrhage volume > 30 mm3 (p = 0.001), and intracerebral hemorrhage originating from the infratentorial origin (p = 0.044) were significantly higher in patients who died. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic ICH events occur with a rate of around 0.015%, with significantly higher short-term mortality risk in our cohort receiving PCI, which has not yet been demonstrated in other cohorts.

Can Measuring the 'Dual Anchors of Aorta' Enhance the Success Rate of TAVR?-A Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR) has a poor long-term prognosis, especially among old-age patients. Considering their advancing age, the surgical approach of aortic valve replacement may not always be the best alternative modality of treatment in such patients. Therefore, this study's primary goal was to provide an initial summary of the medium- and short-term clinical effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) guided by accurate multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) measurements in patients with severe and chronic AR, especially in elderly patients. METHODS: The study enrolled retrospectively and prospectively patients diagnosed with severe AR who eventually underwent TAVR procedure from January 2019 to September 2022 at Fuwai cardiovascular Hospital, Beijing. Baseline information, MDCT measurements, anatomical classification, perioperative, and 1-year follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Based on a novel anatomical categorization and dual anchoring theory, patients were divided into four categories according to the level of anchoring area. Type 1, 2, and 3 patients (with at least two anchoring regions) will receive TAVR with a transcatheter heart valve (THV), but Type 4 patients (with zero or one anchoring location) will be deemed unsuitable for TAVR and will instead receive medical care (retrospectively enrolled patients who already underwent TAVR are an exception). RESULTS: The mean age of the 37 patients with severe chronic AR was 73.1 ± 8.7 years, and 23 patients (62.2%) were male. The American Association of Thoracic Surgeons' score was 8.6 ± 2.1%. The MDCT anatomical classification included 17 cases of type 1 (45.9%), 3 cases of type 2 (8.1%), 13 cases of type 3 (35.1%), and 4 cases of Type 4 (10.8%). The VitaFlow valve (MicroPort, Shanghai, China) was implanted in 19 patients (51.3%), while the Venus A valve (Venus MedTech, Hangzhou, China) was implanted in 18 patients (48.6%). Immediate TAVR procedural and device success rates were 86.5% and 67.6%, respectively, while eight cases (21.6%) required THV-in-THV implantation, and nine cases (24.3%) required permanent pacemaker implantation. Univariate regression analysis revealed that the major factors affecting TAVR device failure were sinotubular junction diameter, THV type, and MDCT anatomical classification (p < 0.05). Compared with the baseline, the left ventricular ejection fraction gradually increased, while the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter remained small, and the N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide level significantly decreased within one year. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, TAVR with a self-expanding THV is safe and feasible for patients with chronic severe AR, particularly for those who meet the criteria for the appropriate MDCT anatomical classification with intact dual aortic anchors, and it has a significant clinical effect for at least a year.

Case report: Chronic radial artery occlusion treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon via distal transradial access.

A 38-year-old male patient was diagnosed as acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction on Apr 21st 2021 and he received percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for RCA via transradial artery access. He sought for second percutaneous coronary intervention in our center for frequently exertional angina on Sep 13th 2021. Proximal right radial artery pulsation can not be touched in physical examination, indicating right radial artery occlusion (RAO). Distal transradial access was applied and RAO was confirmed via angiography. With balloon pre-dilation, the guidewire and guiding catheter crossed the occlusion and coronary intervention was successfully completed. A Reewarm 2.5 × 220 mm paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (Endovastec, China) was released at 12 atm in radial arterial lesion with 90 s. Pulsation of radial artery can be well palpated 24 h after PCI. No oral anticoagulant was added. The right radial artery remained patent after 8-month and 14-month follow-up and there was no abnormal sensation or obstacle of right hand.

A novel anatomic classification to guide transcatheter aortic valve replacement for pure aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: The success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in native aortic regurgitation (AR) is limited by the absence of calcified anchoring structures. We sought to evaluate transfemoral TAVR in patients with native AR using a novel aortic root imaging classification. METHODS: From March to November 2021, 81 patients with severe AR were prospectively enrolled in 2 cardiac centers in China. All were evaluated using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and classified into 4 anatomic types in reference to transcatheter heart valve (THV) anchoring: Type 1: anchoring at the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), annulus, and ascending aorta (AA); Type 2: anchoring at the annulus and AA; Type 3: anchoring at the annulus and LVOT; and Type 4: anchoring at only 1 level or none at all. Based on the dual-anchoring strategy, patients with Types 1-3 were considered TAVR candidates. Procedural and 30-day outcomes were assessed according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 definitions. RESULTS: TAVR was performed in 32 (39.5%) patients (71.9 ± 8.0 years of age, 71.9% were male) using 2 self-expanding THVs. Types 1, 2, and 3 comprised 13 (40.6%), 11 (34.4%), and 8 (25.0%) cases, respectively. The procedural and device success rates were 100% and 93.8%, respectively, with 2 THV migration. Eight patients (25.0%) required a permanent pacemaker, and 2 (6.3%) developed moderate paravalvular leaks. No deaths or other major complications occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The novel anatomic classification and dual-anchoring strategy were associated with a high procedural success rate with favorable short-term safety and clinical outcomes.

Effects of Danhong Injection () on Peri-Procedural Myocardial Injury and Microcirculatory Resistance in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Danhong Injection (, DH) on the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with unstable angina were randomly divided into DH group (39 cases) and the control group (39 cases) during elective PCI. Randomization was performed using a random-number table. The DH group received DH at a dosage of 40 mL (mixed with 250 mL saline, covered by a light-proof bag, intravenous drip) during PCI and daily for 7 consecutive days, while the control group only received the same dosage of saline. Both groups received standardized treatment. The IMR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were measured at maximal hyperemia before and after PCI. Myocardial markers, including myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and coronary troponin T (cTnT) values were measured at baseline and 24 h after PCI. RESULTS: Among the 78 patients enrolled, the baseline and procedural characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in pre-PCI myocardial markers and coronary physiological indexes between the two groups. However, post-PCI CK and CK-MB levels in the DH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (111.97 ± 80.97 vs. 165.47 ± 102.99, P=0.013; 13.08 ± 6.90 vs. 19.75 ± 15.49, P=0.016). Post-PCI myoglobin and cTNT-positive tend to be lower in the DH group than in the control group but did not reach statistical significance (88.07 ± 52.36 vs. 108.13 ± 90.94, P=0.52; 2.56% vs.7.69%, P=0.065). Compared with the control group, the post-IMR levels of the DH group tended to decrease, but there was no statistical difference (20.73 ± 13.15 vs. 26.37 ± 12.31, P=0.05). There were no statistical differences in post-FFR in both groups. The peri-procedural myocardial injury of the DH group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.56% vs. 15.38%, P=0.025). During the 30-d follow-up period, no major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated benefit of DH in reducing myocardial injury and potential preserving microvascular function in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective PCI.

Comparison of outcomes for percutaneous coronary intervention in men and women with unprotected left main disease.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCAD) is increasing strategy in coronary artery patients. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the impact of sex on outcomes of patients undergoing ULMCAD PCI. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2015, there were 3,960 patients undergoing ULMCAD PCI at our institution, including 3,121 (78.8%) men and 839 (21.2%) women. The clinical outcome included the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and revascularization), all-cause death, MI, revascularization at three years follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with men, women had not significantly different MACE (14.7% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.89, all-cause death (3.5% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.76), MI (5.0% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.38), revascularization (9.1% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.86), respectively. After adjustment, rates of MACE (HR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.24-1.81;P < 0.0001) and all-cause death (HR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.09-2.48; P = 0.017) occurred more frequently in male patients, as well as revascularization (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16-1.85;P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this analysis, compared to men, women undergoing ULMCAD PCI have better outcomes of MACE, all-cause death, and revascularization.

Effect of Danhong Injection () on Improving Coronary Microcirculation Injury after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of Danhong Injection () on improving microcirculatory injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted and 90 patients were enrolled. A random sequence was generated using statistical analysis software. Patients with microcirculatory injuries after PCI were randomly divided into 3 groups for treatment (30 subjects in each group): Danhong Injection group: after PCI, Danghong Injections were given with intravenous administration with 40 mL twice a day for a week; statins intensive group: after PCI, atorvastatin calcium tablets were given oral medication with 80 mg once, and then atorvastatin 40 mg daily for 1 week; the control group: after PCI, atorvastatin calcium tablets were given oral medication with 10-20 mg daily for 1 week. The index of microcirculation resistance (IMR) was used to assess microcirculatory injury during PCI. The IMR of the target vessel was reexamined after 1 week of drug treatment. RESULTS: After one week's drug treatment, IMR was significantly decreased in both statins intensive group and Danhong Injection group compared with the control group (P<0.01), but no difference was found between statins intensive group and Danhong injection group (14.03 ± 2.54 vs. 16.03 ± 5.72 U, P=0.080). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of Danhong Injection is non-inferior to statin. Early use of Danhong Injection after PCI can effectively improve coronary microcirculation injury after PCI.

Clinical characteristics of early and late drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis and mid-term prognosis after repeated percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism and characteristics of early and late drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis (DES-ISR) have not been fully clarified. Whether there are different outcomes among those patients being irrespective of their repeated treatments remain a knowledge gap. METHODS: A total of 250 patients who underwent initial stent implantation in our hospital, and then were readmitted to receive treatment for the reason of recurrent significant DES-ISR in 2016 were involved. The patients were categorized as early ISR (<12 months; E-ISR; n = 32) and late ISR (≥12 months; L-ISR; n = 218). Associations between patient characteristics and clinical performance, as well as clinical outcomes after a repeated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were evaluated. Primary composite endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) included cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). RESULTS: Most baseline characteristics are similar in both groups, except for the period of ISR, initial pre-procedure thrombolysis in myocardial infarction, and some serum biochemical indicators. The incidence of MACE (37.5% vs. 5.5%; P < 0.001) and TLR (37.5% vs. 5.0%; P < 0.001) is higher in the E-ISR group. After multivariate analysis, E-ISR (odds ratio [OR], 13.267; [95% CI 4.984-35.311]; P < 0.001) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 6.317; [95% CI 1.145-34.843]; P = 0.034) are the independent predictors for MACE among DES-ISR patients in the mid-term follow-up of 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Early ISR and left ventricular systolic dysfunction are associated with MACE during the mid-term follow-up period for DES-ISR patients. The results may benefit the risk stratification and secondary prevention for DES-ISR patients in clinical practice.

The aging burden of hospitalization for heart failure in Chinese populations: evidence from the Macao Heart Failure Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the aging burden of hospitalization for heart failure in Chinese populations in Macao. METHODS: The Macao Heart Failure Study consists of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) at Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (the only public hospital that provides medical care for the approximately 600, 000 residents of Macao) from January 2014 to December 2016. First, we investigated the relationship between socioeconomic development and epidemiological characteristics of HF in Macao. Then we assessed the patientso clinical features and outcomes according to the age groups. RESULTS: A total of 967 patients were included in the final analysis. The median age at admission was 82 years old. The advanced age at the admission of HF in Macao was significantly associated with a high-income level and the aging population structure. Marked heterogeneity existed in the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, utilization of evidence-based therapies, short- and long-term outcomes, and prognostic utility of clinical variables among the different age groups. CONCLUSION: Rapid economic development and significantly aging populations have produced a profound impact on the epidemiological characteristics of HF in Chinese populations. Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is predominantly a disease of the elderly in Macao, and a significant heterogeneity exists in the clinical features, managements, and outcomes among different age groups. Age-based risk stratification models and multidisciplinary HF teams are urgently needed to improve the management and outcomes of hospitalized heart failure (HHF) patients.

Preprocedural circulating galectin-3 and the risk of mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 may predict mortality for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the results were inconsistent. We aimed to evaluate the association between baseline galectin and mortality after TAVR in a meta-analysis. METHODS: Related follow-up studies were obtained by systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane's Library, and Embase databases. Both the fixed- and the random-effect models were used for the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the influences of study characteristics on the outcome. RESULTS: Five prospective cohort studies with 854 patients were included, with a follow-up period between 1 and 1.9 years. Patients with higher baseline circulating galectin-3 had an increased risk of all-cause mortality after TAVR (random-effects model: risk ratio [RR]: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-2.23, P=0.002; fixed-effects model: RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.19-2.20, P=0.002; I2 = 4%). Adjustment of estimated glomerular filtration rate (RR: 1.73, P=0.02) or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (RR: 1.83, P=0.02) did not significantly affect the result. A trend of stronger association between higher baseline circulating galectin-3 and increased risk of all-cause mortality after TAVR was observed in studies with an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) (RR: 3.04, P=0.003) compared with those with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (RR: 1.42, P=0.04; P for subgroup difference =0.06). CONCLUSION: Higher circulating galectin-3 before the procedure may predict all-cause mortality of AS patients after TAVR.

Cross-sectional study of retroperitoneal hematoma after invasive intervention in a Chinese population: Prevalence, characteristics, management and outcomes.

The present study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and management of retroperitoneal hematoma (RPH) after invasive intervention during a 12-year period in China. A retrospective review of patients with RPH after various invasive interventions was conducted at the China National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases. A total of 42 patients with a mean age of 63.1±2.5 years were continuously recruited in the study between January 2007 and September 2018. The incidence, manifestations and management of RPH were analyzed. A total of 20 patients had punctures in the femoral arterial access under the inguinal ligament and 5 patients had punctures above the inguinal ligament. The majority of RPH occurred within 24 h after intervention, while some occurred after postoperative 24 h. Pain was the most common symptom in patients with RPH. All patients who underwent intervention presented a reduction in hemoglobin (HB) concentration. The overall incidence of nosocomial infection was 38.1% and mortality was 7.1%. The findings demonstrated that RPH is a rare complication after invasive intervention of cardiovascular diseases with non-specific clinical manifestations. The reduction of HB concentration was a vital manifestation for RPH. Most RPH cases could be treated by conservative treatment and blood transfusion. A puncture in the femoral arterial access under the inguinal ligament may result in RPH.

Mis-estimation of coronary lesions and rectification by SYNTAX score feedback for coronary revascularization appropriateness.

BACKGROUND: Imprecise interpretation of coronary angiograms was reported and resulted in inappropriate revascularization. Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is a comprehensive system to evaluate the complexity of the overall lesions. We hypothesized that a real-time SYNTAX score feedback from image analysts may rectify the mis-estimation and improve revascularization appropriateness in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: In this single-center, historical control study, patients with stable CAD with coronary lesion stenosis ≥50% were consecutively recruited. During the control period, SYNTAX scores were calculated by treating cardiologists. During the intervention period, SYNTAX scores were calculated by image analysts immediately after coronary angiography and were provided to cardiologists in real-time to aid decision-making. The primary outcome was revascularization deemed inappropriate by Chinese appropriate use criteria for coronary revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 3245 patients were enrolled and assigned to the control group (08/2016-03/2017, n = 1525) or the intervention group (03/2017-09/2017, n = 1720). For SYNTAX score tertiles, 17.9% patients were overestimated and 4.3% were underestimated by cardiologists in the control group. After adjustment, inappropriate revascularization significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.95; P = 0.007). Both inappropriate percutaneous coronary intervention (adjusted OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74-0.92; P < 0.001) and percutaneous coronary intervention utilization (adjusted OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.98; P = 0.016) decreased significantly in the intervention group. There was no significant difference in 1-year adverse cardiac events between the control group and the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time SYNTAX score feedback significantly reduced inappropriate coronary revascularization in stable patients with CAD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Nos. NCT03068858 and NCT02880605; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Lipid-Modifying Drugs: Pharmacology and Perspectives.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is well known that dyslipidemia is a major pathogenic risk factor for atherosclerosis and CAD, which results in cardiac ischemic injury and myocardial infarction. Lipid-modifying drugs can effectively improve lipid abnormalities including reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) or increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and eventually decrease the incidence of cardiovascular events. This chapter will review basic principles of lipid metabolism and focus on the therapeutic strategies of lipids modifying drugs (statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, ezetimibe, niacin, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and so on) in patients with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, the challenges and perspectives of the lipid-lowering agents currently in clinical practice as well as their limitations will be outlined.

Assessing the association of appropriateness of coronary revascularization and 1-year clinical outcomes for patients with stable coronary artery disease in China.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese appropriate use criteria (AUC) for coronary revascularization was released in 2016 to improve the use of coronary revascularization. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the appropriateness of coronary revascularization based on the Chinese AUC and 1-year outcomes in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multi-center cohort study of stable CAD patients with coronary lesion stenosis ≥50%. After the classification of appropriateness based on Chinese AUC, patients were categorized into the coronary revascularization group or the medical therapy group based on treatment received. The primary outcome was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, repeated revascularization, and ischemic symptoms with hospital admission. RESULTS: From August 2016 to August 2017, 6085 patients were consecutively enrolled. Coronary revascularization was associated with a lower adjusted hazard of 1-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-0.86; P = 0.004) than medical therapy in patients with appropriate indications (n = 1617). No significant benefit in 1-year MACCEs was found after revascularization compared to after medical therapy in patients with uncertain indications (n = 2658, HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.52-1.25; P = 0.338) and inappropriate indications (n = 1810, HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.51-1.23; P = 0.308). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with appropriate indications according to Chinese AUC, coronary revascularization was associated with significantly lower risk of MACCEs at 1 year. No benefit was found in coronary revascularization in patients with inappropriate indications. Our findings provide evidence for using Chinese AUC to guide clinical decision-making. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02880605. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Validation of methods for effective orifice area measurement of prosthetic valves by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography following transcatheter self-expanding aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: The effective orifice area (EOA) is utilized to characterize the hemodynamic performance of the transcatheter heart valve (THV). However, there is no consensus on EOA measurement of self-expanding THV. We aimed to compare two echocardiographic methods for EOA measurement following transcatheter self-expanding aortic valve implantation. METHODS: EOA was calculated according to the continuity equation. Two methods were constructed. In Method 1 and Method 2, the left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd) was measured at the entry of the prosthesis (from trailing-to-leading edge) and proximal to the prosthetic valve leaflets (from trailing-to- leading edge), respectively. The velocity-time integral (VTI) of the LVOT (VTILVOT) was recorded by pulsed-wave Doppler (PW) from apical windows. The region of the PW sampling should match that of the LVOTd measurement with precise localization. The mean transvalvular pressure gradient (MG) and VTI of THV was measured by Continuous wave Doppler. RESULTS: A total of 113 consecutive patients were recruited. The mean age was 77.2 ± 5.5 years, and 72 patients (63.7%) were male. EOA1 with the use of Method 1 was larger than EOA2 (1.56 ± 0.39 cm2 vs. 1.48 ± 0.41 cm2, P = 0.001). MG correlated better with the indexed EOA1 (EOAI1) (r = -0.701, P < 0.001) than EOAI2 (r = -0.645, P < 0.001). According to EOAI (EOAI ≤ 0.65 cm2/m2, respectively), the proportion of sever prosthesis-patient mismatch with the use of EOA1 was lower than EOA2 (12.4% vs. 21.2%, P < 0.05). Compared with EOA2, EOA1 had lower interobserver and intra-observer variability (intra: 0.5% ± 17% vs. 3.8% ± 22%, P < 0.001; inter: 1.0% ± 9% vs. 3.5% ± 11%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For transcatheter self-expanding valve EOA measurement, LVOTd should be measured in the entry of the prosthesis stent (from trailing-to-leading edge), and VTILVOT should match that of the LVOTd measurement with precise localization.