A simple and easy technique to overcome anatomic challenges of transradial access in STEMI patients.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) is associated with fewer access-related complications, earlier discharge and lower mortality than transfemoral access (TFA), being the preferred route to perform primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PPCIs) in STEMI patients. However, the radial artery is smaller, more superficial and thinner than the femoral artery, which may make PPCIs difficult. PURPOSE: This study describes a practical solution to overcome several of the anatomical difficulties during the TRA, demonstrating its outcomes during clinical practice. METHODS: The authors reviewed the clinical records of 1510 STEMI patients who underwent PPCIs over seven years. Of these, 95 (6.3%) patients experienced problems in advancing a 6F guiding catheter and underwent to STR technique. This technique consists in the use of a longer 5Fr STR flush catheter, which can be used as a "child" type rapid exchange catheter inside the 6Fr guiding catheter, adopting a 5-in-6 Fr technique and creating a smooth distal tip transition of the 6Fr guiding catheter. RESULTS: In 89/95 patients (93.7%), this new technique was successful. The majority of these patients were female (51; 53.7%) and the mean age was 67 ± 14.3 years. The mean reperfusion time since arrival at the catheterization laboratory with STR technique was 24.5 ± 9.9 min, being statistically shorter than when a crossover to TFA was used (29.3 ± 9.5 min; p < 0.017). PPCIs were successfully completed in all different coronary arteries, without complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The STR technique is a simple and useful approach that allowed more successful passage of guiding catheters through difficult TRA, allowing a reduction of crossover to TFA in this study to 2.4 %, which translates into a shorter reperfusion time.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on percutaneous coronary interventions in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed an unprecedented burden on healthcare systems worldwide, changing the profile of interventional cardiology activity. OBJECTIVES: To quantify and compare the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed for acute and chronic coronary syndromes during the first COVID-19 outbreak with the corresponding period in previous years. METHODS: Data on PCI from the prospective multicenter Portuguese Registry on Interventional Cardiology (RNCI) were used to analyze changes in PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The number of PCIs performed during the initial period of the COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal, from March 1 to May 2, 2020, was compared with the mean frequency of PCIs performed during the corresponding period in the previous three years (2017-2019). RESULTS: The total number of PCIs procedures was significantly decreased during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Portugal (-36%, p<0.001). The reduction in PCI procedures for STEMI, NSTE-ACS and CCS was, respectively, -25% (p<0.019), -20% (p<0.068) and -59% (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the corresponding period in the previous three years, the number of PCI procedures performed for STEMI and CCS decreased markedly during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal.

Syncope in the athlete - Minor changes, major diagnosis!

We report the case of a 17-year-old athlete who resorted to the emergency department for palpitations and dizziness while exercising. He mentioned two exercise-associated episodes of syncope in the last six months. He was tachycardic and hypotensive. The electrocardiogram showed regular wide complex tachycardia, left bundle branch block morphology with superior axis restored to sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion. In sinus rhythm, it showed T-wave inversion in V1-V5. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed mild dilation and dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) with global hypocontractility. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) revealed a RV end diastolic volume indexed to body surface area of 180 ml/m2, global hypokinesia and RV dyssynchrony, subepicardial late enhancement in the distal septum and in the middle segment of the inferoseptal wall. The patient underwent a genetic study which showed a mutation in the gene that encodes the desmocolin-2 protein (DSC-2), which is involved in the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). According to the modified Task Force Criteria for this diagnosis, the patient presented four major criteria for ARVC. Thus, a subcutaneous cardioverter was implanted, and the patient was followed up at the cardiology department. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy diagnosis is based on structural, functional, electrophysiological and genetic criteria reflecting underlying histological changes. This case depicts the essential characteristics for disease recognition.

Magnesium versus poly-L-lactic acid bioresorbable scaffolds: in vivo optical coherence tomography comparison of mechanical performance / Andamiajes bioresorbibles de magnesio versus poliméricos: comparación in vivo de su comportamiento mecánico por OCT

Abstract Background: Different mechanical properties have been suggested for metallic bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in comparison to polymeric BVS. We aim to evaluate the acute mechanical performance of Magmaris® scaffold in comparison to Absorb®. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 10 coronary lesions treated with Magmaris® and Absorb® 1.1 (20584 vs. 21016 struts) were compared. In all cases, optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images were acquired after scaffold deployment. Baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics were compared, including OCT evaluations. Results: No baseline clinical or angiographic significant differences were found between groups. The most common indication for revascularization was effort angina (60% vs. 70% p = 0.45) with no ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) cases. Main target artery was left anterior descending, with a mean vessel diameter of 3.46 ± 0.23 in Absorb® and 3.52 ± 0.19mm in Magmaris® groups (p = 0.56). All cases underwent pre- and post-dilatation with a procedural success rate of 100%. OCT analyses showed larger scaffold and vessel diameters in Magmaris® group: 3.11 ± 0.38 mm versus 3.07 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.03 and 4.12 ± 0.51 mm versus 4.04 ± 0.46 mm, p = 0.04. Despite the application of slightly higher postdilatation pressures to Magmaris® devices (18.01 ± 2.15 vs. 17.20 ± 3.80 atm, p = 0.05), significantly lower percentages of disrupted and malapposed struts were identified within Magmaris® scaffolds (0.15% vs. 0.27%, p = 0.03 and 1.06% vs. 1.46% p = 0.01). No cardiac death, target vessel-related MI, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization was reported in a 30-day follow-up. Conclusion: Mechanical properties of Magmaris® scaffold allow achieving larger vessel and scaffold diameters in a safe manner, with lower rates of malapposition and scaffold disruption.

Resumen Introducción: Se ha sugerido la presencia de un distinto comportamiento mecánico entre los dos grupos principales de dispositivos bioresorbibles: metálicos y poliméricos. En este estudio evaluamos el comportamiento mecánico agudo del andamiaje bioresorbible metálico Magmaris® frente al del polimérico Absorb®. Métodos: Se compararon dos grupos de 10 lesiones coronarias tratadas con Magmaris® y Absorb® 1.1 (20584 vs. 21016 struts). En todos los casos se realizó estudio postimplante del dispositivo mediante tomografia de coherencia óptica (OCT). Se compararon las características basales clínicas y angiográficas, así como aspectos del procedimiento (incluídos los estudios de OCT) entre ambos grupos. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias clínicas o angiográficas estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos. La indicación más frecuente de revascularización coronaria fué la presencia de angina de esfuerzo (60% vs. 70% p = 0.45), sin incluirse casos de IAMCEST. La arteria descendente anterior fué el principal vaso diana, con un diámetro medio de 3.46 ± 0.23 mm en el grupo de Absorb® y de 3.52 ± 0.19mm en el grupo de Magmaris® (p = 0.56). En todos los casos se realizó pre y postdilatación, con una tasa de éxito del procedimiento del 100%. Los estudios mediante OCT demostraron un mayor diámetro de stent y del vaso en el grupo de Magmaris®: 3.11 ± 0.38mm versus 3.07 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.03 y 4.12 ± 0.51mm versus 4.04 ± 0.46mm, p = 0.04. A pesar de someter a los dispositivos Magmaris® a presiones de postdilatación ligeramente superiores (18.01 ± 2.15 vs. 17.20 ± 3.80 atm, p = 0.05), se identificó un menor porcentaje estadísticamente significativo de struts rotos o malapuestos en dicho grupo (0.15% vs. 0.27 %, p = 0.03 y 1.06 % vs. 1.46% p = 0.01). En un seguimiento a 30 días no se registraron eventos mayores: muerte cardíaca, IM relacionado con vaso diana o TLR. Conclusión: Las propiedades mecánicas del scaffold metálico bioresorbible Magmaris® permiten alcanzar mayores diámetros de stent y vaso de forma segura tras su implante, con una baja tasa de malaposición y disrupción.

Magnesium versus poly-L-lactic acid bioresorbable scaffolds: in vivo optical coherence tomography comparison of mechanical performance.

Background: Different mechanical properties have been suggested for metallic bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in comparison to polymeric BVS. We aim to evaluate the acute mechanical performance of Magmaris® scaffold in comparison to Absorb®. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 10 coronary lesions treated with Magmaris® and Absorb® 1.1 (20584 vs. 21016 struts) were compared. In all cases, optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images were acquired after scaffold deployment. Baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics were compared, including OCT evaluations. Results: No baseline clinical or angiographic significant differences were found between groups. The most common indication for revascularization was effort angina (60% vs. 70% p = 0.45) with no ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) cases. Main target artery was left anterior descending, with a mean vessel diameter of 3.46 ± 0.23 in Absorb® and 3.52 ± 0.19mm in Magmaris® groups (p = 0.56). All cases underwent pre- and post-dilatation with a procedural success rate of 100%. OCT analyses showed larger scaffold and vessel diameters in Magmaris® group: 3.11 ± 0.38 mm versus 3.07 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.03 and 4.12 ± 0.51 mm versus 4.04 ± 0.46 mm, p = 0.04. Despite the application of slightly higher postdilatation pressures to Magmaris® devices (18.01 ± 2.15 vs. 17.20 ± 3.80 atm, p = 0.05), significantly lower percentages of disrupted and malapposed struts were identified within Magmaris® scaffolds (0.15% vs. 0.27%, p = 0.03 and 1.06% vs. 1.46% p = 0.01). No cardiac death, target vessel-related MI, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization was reported in a 30-day follow-up. Conclusion: Mechanical properties of Magmaris® scaffold allow achieving larger vessel and scaffold diameters in a safe manner, with lower rates of malapposition and scaffold disruption.

Introducción: Se ha sugerido la presencia de un distinto comportamiento mecánico entre los dos grupos principales de dispositivos bioresorbibles: metálicos y poliméricos. En este estudio evaluamos el comportamiento mecánico agudo del andamiaje bioresorbible metálico Magmaris® frente al del polimérico Absorb®. Métodos: Se compararon dos grupos de 10 lesiones coronarias tratadas con Magmaris® y Absorb® 1.1 (20584 vs. 21016 struts). En todos los casos se realizó estudio postimplante del dispositivo mediante tomografia de coherencia óptica (OCT). Se compararon las características basales clínicas y angiográficas, así como aspectos del procedimiento (incluídos los estudios de OCT) entre ambos grupos. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias clínicas o angiográficas estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos. La indicación más frecuente de revascularización coronaria fué la presencia de angina de esfuerzo (60% vs. 70% p = 0.45), sin incluirse casos de IAMCEST. La arteria descendente anterior fué el principal vaso diana, con un diámetro medio de 3.46 ± 0.23 mm en el grupo de Absorb® y de 3.52 ± 0.19mm en el grupo de Magmaris® (p = 0.56). En todos los casos se realizó pre y postdilatación, con una tasa de éxito del procedimiento del 100%. Los estudios mediante OCT demostraron un mayor diámetro de stent y del vaso en el grupo de Magmaris®: 3.11 ± 0.38mm versus 3.07 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.03 y 4.12 ± 0.51mm versus 4.04 ± 0.46mm, p = 0.04. A pesar de someter a los dispositivos Magmaris® a presiones de postdilatación ligeramente superiores (18.01 ± 2.15 vs. 17.20 ± 3.80 atm, p = 0.05), se identificó un menor porcentaje estadísticamente significativo de struts rotos o malapuestos en dicho grupo (0.15% vs. 0.27 %, p = 0.03 y 1.06 % vs. 1.46% p = 0.01). En un seguimiento a 30 días no se registraron eventos mayores: muerte cardíaca, IM relacionado con vaso diana o TLR. Conclusión: Las propiedades mecánicas del scaffold metálico bioresorbible Magmaris® permiten alcanzar mayores diámetros de stent y vaso de forma segura tras su implante, con una baja tasa de malaposición y disrupción.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A single-center case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an unusual cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Better recognition and diagnosis has raised awareness of this condition. However, the pathophysiology of SCAD and its prognosis are still little understood. We aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with SCAD, and subsequently performed a review of literature. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective study performed in patients hospitalized from January 2010 to December 2016 with suspected ACS (n=5002) whose final diagnosis was SCAD (n=27; 0.5%). RESULTS: Patients with SCAD were mainly female (81.5%; n=22), with median age of 56. Predisposing factors were identified in 12 (44%) patients and precipitating factors in three (11.1%). Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was the main form of presentation (51.9%). The left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory was the most commonly involved (n=12, 44.4%). Type 2 dissection was the most prevalent angiographic pattern (n=17, 63%). The majority of patients (n=15; 55.6%) were managed medically and the remaining patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents. Seven patients re-infarcted while in the hospital. Over the median follow-up period of 20 months, 7.4% of patients (n=2) had symptoms of heart failure (HF) and 14.8% developed ACS (in three patients the event occurred in a coronary territory other than that of the index case, and in one patient it occurred in the previously affected territory). There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: In the studied population, SCAD was more prevalent in middle-aged women. Despite the high prevalence of in-hospital re-infarction or during follow-up, the prognosis was good overall.

Modified shock index: A bedside clinical index for risk assessment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction at presentation.

INTRODUCTION: Prompt identification of higher-risk patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is crucial to pursue a more aggressive approach. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether the modified shock index (MSI), the ratio of heart rate to mean arterial pressure, could predict six-month mortality among patients admitted with STEMI. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed in a single center including 1158 patients diagnosed with STEMI, without cardiogenic shock on admission, between July 2009 and December 2014. They were divided into two groups: group 1 - patients with MSI<0.93 (72%); group 2 - patients with MSI≥0.93 (28%). The primary endpoint was six-month all-cause mortality. RESULTS: MSI≥0.93 identified patients who were more likely to have signs of heart failure (p=0.002), anemia (p<0.001), renal insufficiency (p=0.014) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (p=0.045). They more often required inotropic support (p<0.001), intra-aortic balloon pump (p<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p<0.001). Regarding in-hospital adverse events, they had a higher prevalence of malignant arrhythmias (p=0.01) and mechanical complications (p=0.027). MSI≥0.93 was an independent predictor of overall six-month mortality (adjusted HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20-3.34, p=0.008). CONCLUSION: MSI was shown to be a valuable bedside tool which can rapidly identify high-risk STEMI patients at presentation.

Multivessel vs. culprit-only revascularization in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes and multivessel coronary disease. / Revascularização multivaso versus revascularização da artéria culprit em pacientes com síndrome coronária aguda sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST e doença coronária multivaso.

INTRODUCTION: There have been no prospective randomized trials that enable the best strategy and timing to be determined for revascularization in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). OBJECTIVES: To compare short- and long-term adverse events following multivessel vs. culprit-only revascularization in patients with NSTE-ACS and multivessel CAD. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study that included all patients diagnosed with NSTE-ACS and multivessel CAD who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between January 2010 and June 2013 (n=232). After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (n=30), a multivessel revascularization strategy was adopted in 35.1% of patients (n=71); in the others (n=131, 64.9%), only the culprit artery was revascularized. After propensity score matching (PSM), two groups of 66 patients were obtained, matched according to revascularization strategy. RESULTS: During follow-up (1543±545 days), after PSM, patients undergoing multivessel revascularization had lower rates of reinfarction (4.5% vs. 16.7%; log-rank p=0.018), unplanned revascularization (6.1% vs. 16.7%; log-rank p=0.048), unplanned PCI (3.0% vs. 13.6%; log-rank p=0.023) and the combined endpoint of death, reinfarction and unplanned revascularization (16.7 vs. 31.8%; log-rank p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: In real-world patients presenting with NSTE-ACS and multivessel CAD, a multivessel revascularization strategy was associated with lower rates of reinfarction, unplanned revascularization and unplanned PCI, as well as a reduction in the combined endpoint of death, reinfarction and unplanned revascularization.

Valor predictivo de la puntuación SYNTAX en la lesión vascular culpable y no culpable. Respuesta / Predictive value of the SYNTAX score in culprit and nonculprit vessel disease. Response

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Revascularización multivaso o solo de la lesión culpable en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST: análisis de un registro a 8 años / Multivessel versus culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention in st-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: analysis of an 8-year registry

Introducción y objetivos: El tratamiento óptimo de los pacientes con enfermedad coronaria multivaso e infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) tras una intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) primaria es motivo de controversia. Con este trabajo se pretende analizar el impacto pronóstico de la ICP multivaso frente a ICP solo de la arteria origen del infarto en pacientes con IAMCEST y enfermedad multivaso en la práctica clínica real. Métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo que incluyó a 1.499 pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de IAMCEST sometidos a ICP primaria entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2015. El 40,8% (n = 611) tenía enfermedad coronaria multivaso. Se realizó un análisis mediante puntuación de propensión emparejada, con lo que se obtuvieron 2 grupos de 215 pacientes emparejados según se sometieran a ICP multivaso o solamente de la arteria culpable del infarto. Resultados: Durante el seguimiento (mediana, 2,36 años), tras emparejar por puntuación de propensión, los pacientes sometidos a ICP multivaso tuvieron menos mortalidad (el 5,1 frente al 11,6%; Peto-Peto p = 0,014), revascularización no planeada (el 7,0 frente al 12,6%; Peto-Peto p = 0,043) y eventos cardiovasculares adversos mayores (el 22,0 frente al 30,8%; Peto-Peto p = 0,049). Pese a que no resultó significativa, la tasa de reinfarto fue menor (el 4,2 frente al 6,1%; Peto-Peto p = 0,360). Conclusiones: La estrategia de realizar ICP multivaso en los pacientes con IAMCEST y enfermedad multivaso se asoció a una disminución de la mortalidad, la revascularización no planeada y los eventos cardiovasculares adversos mayores durante el seguimiento de una población de la práctica clínica real (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The optimal treatment of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is controversial. The aim of this study was to access the prognostic impact of multivessel PCI vs culprit vessel-only PCI in real-world patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 1499 patients with STEMI diagnosis who underwent primary PCI between January 2008 and December 2015. About 40.8% (n = 611) patients had multivessel disease. We performed a propensity score matched analysis to obtain 2 groups of 215 patients paired according to whether or not they had undergone multivessel PCI or culprit vessel-only PCI. Results: During follow-up (median, 2.36 years), after propensity score matching, patients who underwent multivessel PCI had lower rates of mortality (5.1% vs 11.6%; Peto-Peto P = .014), unplanned repeat revascularization (7.0% vs 12.6%; Peto-Peto P = .043) and major acute cardiovascular events (22.0% vs 30.8%; Peto-Peto P = .049). These patients also showed a trend to a lower incidence of myocardial infarction (4.2% vs 6.1%; Peto-Peto P = .360). Conclusions: In real-world patients presenting with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease, a multivessel PCI strategy was associated with lower rates of mortality, unplanned repeat revascularization, and major acute cardiovascular events (AU)

Multivessel Versus Culprit-only Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction: Analysis of an 8-year Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal treatment of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is controversial. The aim of this study was to access the prognostic impact of multivessel PCI vs culprit vessel-only PCI in real-world patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 1499 patients with STEMI diagnosis who underwent primary PCI between January 2008 and December 2015. About 40.8% (n=611) patients had multivessel disease. We performed a propensity score matched analysis to obtain 2 groups of 215 patients paired according to whether or not they had undergone multivessel PCI or culprit vessel-only PCI. RESULTS: During follow-up (median, 2.36 years), after propensity score matching, patients who underwent multivessel PCI had lower rates of mortality (5.1% vs 11.6%; Peto-Peto P=.014), unplanned repeat revascularization (7.0% vs 12.6%; Peto-Peto P=.043) and major acute cardiovascular events (22.0% vs 30.8%; Peto-Peto P=.049). These patients also showed a trend to a lower incidence of myocardial infarction (4.2% vs 6.1%; Peto-Peto P=.360). CONCLUSIONS: In real-world patients presenting with STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease, a multivessel PCI strategy was associated with lower rates of mortality, unplanned repeat revascularization, and major acute cardiovascular events.

Uso de aterectomía coronaria con LASER Excimer como terapia coadyuvante en intervencionismo coronario percutáneo / Excimer laser coronary atherectomy during percutaneous coronary intervention

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"Assessment of effectiveness and security in high pressure postdilatation of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds during percutaneous coronary intervention. Study in a contemporary, non-selected cohort of Spanish patients".

OBJECTIVES: To determine security and benefits of high pressure postdilatation (HPP) of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of complex lesions whatever its indication is. BACKGROUND: Acute scaffold disruption has been proposed as the main limitation of BVS when they are overexpanded. However, clinical implications of this disarray are not yet clear and more evidence is needed. METHODS: A total of 25 BVS were deployed during PCI of 14 complex lesions after mandatory predilatation. In all cases HPP was performed with NC balloon in a 1:1 relation to the artery. After that, optical coherence tomography (OCT) analyses were performed. RESULTS: Mean and maximal postdilatation pressure were 17±3.80 and 20 atmospheres (atm) respectively. Postdilatation balloon/scaffold diameter ratio was 1.01. A total of 39,590 struts were analyzed. Mean, minimal and maximal scaffold diameter were respectively: 3.09±0.34mm, 2.88±0.31mm and 3.31±0.40mm. Mean eccentricity index was 0.13±0.05. ISA percentage was 1.42% with a total of 564 malapposed struts. 89 struts were identified as disrupted, which represents a percentage of disrupted struts of 0.22%. At 30days, none of our patients died, suffered from stroke, stent thrombosis or needed target lesion revascularization (TLR). CONCLUSIONS: NC balloon HPP of BVS at more than 17atm (up to 20atm) is safe during PCI and allows to achieve better angiographic and clinical results.

New-onset atrial fibrillation during acute coronary syndromes: predictors and prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently complicates myocardial infarction, with an incidence of 6-21%. OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictors and prognosis of new-onset AF during acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study including 902 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 77.5% male) admitted to a single center over a two-year period, with a six-month follow-up. RESULTS: AF rhythm was identified in 13.8% patients, of whom 73.3% presented new-onset AF and 26.8% pre-existing AF. New-onset AF was more frequent in older (p<0.001) and hypertensive patients (p=0.001) and in those with previous valvular heart disease (p<0.001) and coronary artery bypass grafting (p=0.049). During hospitalization, patients with new-onset AF more often had respiratory infection (p=0.002) and heart failure (p<0.001), and higher values of NT-proBNP (p=0.007) and peak creatinine (p=0.001). On echocardiography they had greater left atrial (LA) diameter (p<0.001) and more frequent significant mitral regurgitation (p<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% (p<0.001) and were less likely to have significant coronary lesions (p=0.009) or to have undergone coronary revascularization (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.06, p=0.021), LVEF ≤40% (OR 4.91, p=0.002) and LA diameter (OR 1.14, p=0.008) remained independent predictors of new-onset AF. Together with age, diabetes and maximum Killip class, this arrhythmia was an independent predictor of overall mortality (OR 3.11, p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Age, LVEF ≤40% and LA diameter are independent predictors of new-onset AF during ACS. This arrhythmia is associated with higher overall mortality (in-hospital and in follow-up).

Pheochromocytoma diagnosed after anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation ablation procedure: a giant in disguise.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing tumor, discovered incidentally in 50% of cases. We present the case of a 44-year-old male with a history of paroxysmal palpitations. Baseline ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram and ECG stress test showed no relevant alterations. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was detected on 24-hour Holter ECG. After antiarrhythmic therapy, the patient remained symptomatic, and was accordingly referred for electrophysiological study and atrial fibrillation ablation. Anticoagulation was initiated before the procedure. After ablation and still anticoagulated, he complained of hematospermia. The abdominal and pelvic imaging study showed a 10-cm left adrenal mass, predominantly cystic, compatible with pheochromocytoma, which was confirmed after biochemical tests (increased urine metanephrines and plasma catecholamines). Metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy scanning confirmed localized disease in the adrenal gland, excluding other uptake foci. Following appropriate preoperative management, surgical resection of the giant mass was performed successfully and without complications.