Improvement in quality indicators using NCDR® registries: First international experience.

BACKGROUND: The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) Database is commonly used for quality-improvement initiatives in North America, but little is known about the application of this tool in other regions of the world. METHODS: All consecutive patients admitted due to myocardial infarction (MI) and/or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2012 until December 2015 in a Brazilian private cardiovascular hospital were included respectively in ACTION REGISTRY®-GWTG™ and CathPCI Registry®. Meetings including all hospital staff were performed quarterly to discuss every NCDR® report. Quality improvement initiatives were developed based on the reports which were also used for evaluation of changes after the interventions. The following indicators were considered a priority 1) Door-to-ECG and door-to-balloon (D2B) times; 2) PCI appropriateness; 3) length of stay; 4) delivery of guideline-based medication. Changes in the quality of care with respect to the over time were assessed using linear and logistic regression for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1.382 patients were included in the ACTION REGISTRY®-GWTG™ and 3.179 patients in the CathPCI Registry®. In the ACTION registry, the overall AMI performance composite of quality indicators improved along the 4 years from 95.0% to 99.6% (p for trend <0.001). The percentage of appropriate/uncertain PCI in acute and elective scenario increased along the years from 91.1% and 70.9% to 96.6% and 84.7%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). CONCLUSION: The present novel experience using the NCDR® registries as benchmarks to guide quality-improvement programs in an international site was associated with improvement in quality indicators.

Left Main Ostial Compression in a Patient with Pulmonary Hypertension: Dynamic Findings by IVUS.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery dilatation is a common feature among patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Left main coronary artery extrinsic compression by an enlarged pulmonary artery is a rare complication and a potential cause for chest pain and sudden cardiac death in patients with pulmonary hypertension. This situation is very rare and few reports have described it. Currently, the appropriate management of these patients remains unknown. CASE REPORT: In the present report we describe the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of cardiac symptoms related to exercise. The patient underwent a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography, which showed left main coronary artery (LMCA) compression by a markedly enlarged pulmonary artery trunk (44 mm), without intraluminal stenosis or coronary artery calcium, as determined by the Agatston score. This compression was considered to be the cause of the cardiac symptoms. To confirm and plan the treatment, the patient underwent cardiac catheterization that confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and LMCA critical obstruction. Taking into account the paucity of information regarding the best management in these cases, the treatment decision was shared among a "heart team" that chose percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement. An intra-vascular ultrasound was performed during the procedure, which showed a dynamic compression of the left main coronary artery. The intervention was successfully executed without any adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates dynamic compression of the LMCA by IVUS, visually demonstrating the mechanism of the intermittent symptoms of myocardial ischemia in this kind of patient. It also shows that percutaneous stenting technique may be an appropriate treatment for this unusual situation.

Impacto da insuficiência renal aguda na evolução hospitalar após tratamento percutâneo do infarto agudo do miocárdio / Impact of acute renal failure on in-hospital outcomes following percutaneous treatment of acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUÇÃO: A insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) é uma complicação possível após intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência e o impacto prognóstico da IRA pós-ICP em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IMCSST). MÉTODOS: Registro unicêntrico, que analisou a evolução hospitalar de 501 pacientes admitidos com IMCSST submetidos à ICP primária, de resgate ou tardia. Foram avaliados a incidência e os preditores de IRA pós-ICP. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi 60,7 ± 12,6 anos e 67% eram do gênero masculino. A população apresentava características de alto risco cardiovascular, sendo 30% diabéticos e 7,4% com doença renal crônica (DRC) preexistente. A artéria descendente anterior foi a principal artéria culpada (49,4%) e 15% dos pacientes se apresentaram em Killip III ou IV. A IRA ocorreu em 24,7% dos pacientes, que, quando comparados àqueles sem IRA, eram significativamente mais idosos, diabéticos, com DRC e insuficiência cardíaca, além de apresentarem maior elevação enzimática e menor fração de ejeção. A mortalidade hospitalar foi maior nos pacientes que desenvolveram IRA (29% vs. 4,8%; P < 0,01). Os preditores independentes de IRA foram idade > 76 anos, DRC prévia, Killip III ou IV, necessidade de cirurgia vascular ou transfusão sanguínea. CONCLUSÕES: A disfunção renal aguda após ICP no IMCSST foi uma complicação frequente e associada com aumento da mortalidade hospitalar.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) is a possible complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and prognostic impact of ARF after PCI in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Single-center registry evaluating in-hospital outcomes of 501 patients admitted with STEMI undergoing primary, rescue or late PCI. The incidence and predictors of ARF after PCI were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 60.7 ± 12.6 years and 67% were male. The population had high cardiovascular risk characteristics, with 30% of diabetics and 7.4% with preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD). The left anterior descending artery was the culprit vessel in 49.4% of the cases and 15% of patients had Killip class III or IV. ARF was observed in 24.7% of patients, who were significantly older, had more diabetes, history of CKD or heart failure, had higher enzyme elevation and lower ejection fraction when compared to those without ARF. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients who developed ARF (29% vs. 4.8%; P < 0.01). Independent predictors of ARF were age > 76 years, previous CKD, Killip class III or IV, need of vascular surgery or blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Acute renal failure after PCI in STEMI was a frequent complication and was associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

Evolução hospitalar de pacientes com choque cardiogênico por infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST / In-hospital outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock due to ST-elevation myocardial infarction

INTRODUÇÃO: O choque cardiogênico é uma condição clínica de inadequada perfusão tecidual devido à disfunção cardíaca. A etiologia mais comum é o infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (IMCSST) levando à insuficiência ventricular esquerda, mas também pode ser causado por complicações mecânicas, como insuficiência mitral aguda, ruptura do septo interventricular ou da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo. Apesar dos avanços terapêuticos, a mortalidade continua elevada. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, unicêntrico, incluindo pacientes consecutivos internados com o diagnóstico de IMCSST e choque cardiogênico, tratados por intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP), em hospital terciário especializado em cardiologia. O objetivo primário foi avaliar os desfechos clínicos hospitalares. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 78 pacientes, a maioria do sexo masculino (67,9%), com idade de 67,5 ± 13,4 anos e 41,0% diabéticos. ICP primária foi realizada em 46,2% dos pacientes, ICP de resgate em 25,6% e ICP eletiva em 28,2% dos casos. As artérias mais frequentemente acometidas foram a descendente anterior e a coronária direita, com 44,9% cada uma. O balão intra-aórtico foi utilizado em 32,1% e os inibidores da glicoproteína IIb/IIIa em 30,8% dos casos. A incidência de insuficiência renal aguda foi de 61,5%. A necessidade de reintervenção ocorreu em 9,0%, e a taxa de trombose aguda/subaguda foi de 3,8%. Óbito, no choque cardiogênico, ocorreu em 46,2%. CONCLUSÕES: O choque cardiogênico permanece uma entidade frequente e grave, com quase 50% de mortalidade hospitalar, apesar da evolução na terapêutica instituída atualmente.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock is a clinical condition of inadequate tissue perfusion due to cardiac dysfunction. The most common etiology is ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) leading to left ventricular failure, but it may also be caused by mechanical complications such as acute mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal rupture or rupture of the left ventricular free wall. Despite therapeutic advances, mortality rates remain high. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, single-center study, including consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of STEMI and cardiogenic shock treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a tertiary hospital specialized in cardiology. The primary objective was to evaluate in-hospital clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included, most of them were male (67.9%), mean age was 67.5 ± 13,4 years and 41.0% were diabetic. Primary PCI was performed in 46.2% of the patients, rescue PCI in 25.6% and elective PCI in 28.2% of the cases. The most frequently involved arteries were the left anterior descending artery and the right coronary artery, with 44.9% each. Intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 32.1% of cases and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in 30.8% of the cases. The incidence of acute renal failure was 61.5%. The need for reintervention was observed in 9.0% and the rate of acute/subacute thrombosis was 3.8%. Death due to cardiogenic shock was observed in 46.2%. Conclusions: Cardiogenic shock remains a frequent and serious condition with almost 50% of in-hospital mortality despite the therapeutic advances.

Evolução hospitalar de pacientes submetidos a assistência circulatória com balão intra-aórtico durante intervenção coronária percutânea de alto risco: registro InCor / In-hospital outcomes of patients submitted to circulatory support with intra-aortic balloon pump during high risk percutaneous coronary intervention: InCor registry

Introdução: O balão intra-aórtico (BIA) é utilizado há décadas como dispositivo de assistência circulatória, sendo recomendado na maioria das diretrizes, apesar da fraca evidência em relação à redução da mortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso do BIA como ferramenta adjunta na intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP). Métodos: Registro unicêntrico que analisou a evolução hospitalar de 134 pacientes consecutivos que utilizaram BIA durante ICP de alto risco ou na vigência de choque cardiogênico. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 64,7 ± 12,5 anos e 67,9 eram do sexo masculino. A população apresentou características de alto risco, com 33,5 de diabéticos, 73,1 tratados na vigência de infarto do miocárdio, 68,6 com padrão triarterial, e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo de 38,6 ± 16,1. Fluxo TIMI 2/3 foi obtido em 86,4 dos casos, sendo tratada 1,6 ± 0,6 lesão/paciente. Ocorreram 18 (13,4) reinfartos, dos quais 9 (6,7) por trombose do stent, sendo 2 (1,4) pacientes encaminhados para cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica e 16 (11,9), para nova ICP. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 61,2 e a taxa de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAM) foi de 67,2. Por análise multivariada, foram preditores de mortalidade: idade > 65 anos, ICP prévia, necessidade de diálise e padrão triarterial. Os preditores de sobrevida foram: função ventricular normal, fluxo TIMI 2/3 ao final do procedimento e permanência do BIA > 72 horas. Conclusões: Os pacientes que utilizaram BIA durante ICP apresentaram perfil clínico de risco muito alto, que se refletiu em elevada taxa de óbito. Fatores clínicos, angiográficos e do procedimento podem identificar variáveis que interferem independentemente na mortalidade.

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been used for decades as a circulatory support device, being recommended in most guidelines, despite poor evidence of mortality reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of IABP as an adjunct therapy in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Single center registry analyzing in-hospital outcomes of 134 consecutive patients submitted to IABP during high risk PCI or in the presence of cardiogenic shock. RESULTS: Mean age was 64.7 + 12.5 years and 67.9% were males. The population presented high-risk features, with 33.5% of diabetic patients, 73.1% treated in the presence of myocardial infarction, 68.6% with three-vessel disease and left ventricular ejection fraction of 38.6 + 16.1%. TIMI 2/3 flow was obtained in 86.4% of the cases and 1.6 + 0.6 lesion/patient was treated. There were 18 (13.4%) reinfarctions, of which 9 (6.7%) were due to stent thrombosis, 2 (1.4%) patients were referred for CABG and 16 (11.9%) for a new PCI. Hospital mortality was 61.2% and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 67.2%. By multivariate analysis, predictors of mortality were: age > 65 years, prior PCI, need of dialysis and three-vessel disease. Predictors of survival were: normal ventricular function, TIMI 2/3 flow at the end of the procedure and IABP utilization > 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing PCI with IABP support have a very high risk clinical profile, which led to high mortality rates. Clinical, angiographic and procedure-related factors can identify independent variables for mortality.

Paciente com angina e anomalia tipo óstio único de artéria coronária com origem no seio de valsalva direito / Patiente with angina and single coronary artery ostium originating from the right sinus of valsalva

A anomalia cardíaca tipo óstio único de artéria coronária é uma entidade congênita rara, de causa desconhecida. Clinicamente apresenta-se desde a forma assintomática até casos de morte súbita, podendo associar-se a doença arterial coronária aterosclerótica. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente de 68 anos de idade, com quadro de angina estável desde 2007, que, após três anos de seguimento, em decorrência de piora da angina, foi submetida a cinecoronariografia eletiva. A cateterização seletiva da coronária direita demonstrou anomalia tipo óstio único de artéria coronária, lesão significativa na artéria circunflexa e artéria descendente anterior ocluída no terço médio. A angiotomografia das coronárias demonstrou trajeto benigno da coronária anômala e a paciente evoluiu favoravelmente com o tratamento clínico.

Patient with Angina and Single Coronary Artery Ostium Originating from the Right Sinus of Valsalva Single coronary artery ostium is a rare congenital disease of unknown origin. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic disease to sudden death and it may be associated to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman with stable angina since 2007, who was submitted to elective coronary angiography due to worsening of angina after three years of follow-up. Selective right coronary artery catheterization indicated the presence of single coronary artery ostium, significant lesion of the left circumflex artery, and mid left anterior descending artery occlusion. CT coronary angiography showed a benign course of the anomalous coronary artery and the patient had a favorable outcome with medical treatment.