Two-Year Follow-Up of Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease Patients in a Specialized Center in Brazil. / Acompanhamento de Dois Anos de Pacientes com Cardiopatia Isquêmica Crônica em um Centro Especializado no Brasil.

The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) may vary significantly among countries. Although populous, Brazil is often underrepresented in international records. This study aimed to describe the quality of care and the two-year incidence of cardiovascular events and associated prognostic factors in CIHD patients in a tertiary public health care center in Brazil. Patients with CIHD who reported for clinical evaluation at Instituto do Coração (São Paulo, Brazil) were registered and followed for two years. The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. From January 2016 to December 2018, 625 participants were included in the study. Baseline characteristics show that 33.1% were women, median age 66.1 [59.6 - 71.9], 48.6% had diabetes, 83.1% had hypertension, 62.6% had previous MI, and 70.4% went through some revascularization procedure. At a median follow-up (FU) of 881 days, we noted 37 (7.05%) primary endpoints. After adjustments, age, previous stroke, and LDL-cholesterol were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Comparing baseline versus FU, participants experienced relief of angina based on the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) scale according to the following percentages: 65.7% vs. 81.7% were asymptomatic and 4.2% vs. 2.9% CCS 3 or 4 (p < 0.001). They also experienced better quality of medication prescription: 65.8% vs. 73.6% (p < 0.001). However, there was no improvement in LDL-cholesterol or blood pressure control. This study shows that CIHD patients had a two-year incidence of the primary composite endpoint of 7.05%, and the reduction of LDL-cholesterol was the only modifiable risk factor associated with prognosis.

A incidência de eventos cardiovasculares em pacientes com doença cardíaca isquêmica crônica (DCIC) pode variar significativamente entre os países. Embora populoso, o Brasil é frequentemente sub-representado nos registros internacionais. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a qualidade do atendimento e a incidência de eventos cardiovasculares em dois anos, além de fatores prognósticos associados em pacientes com DCIC em um centro terciário de saúde pública no Brasil. Pacientes com DCIC que compareceram para avaliação clínica no Instituto do Coração (São Paulo, Brasil) foram cadastrados e acompanhados por dois anos. O desfecho primário foi um composto de infarto do miocárdio (IM), acidente vascular encefálico ou morte. Um nível de significância de 0,05 foi adotado. De janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2018, 625 participantes foram incluídos no estudo. As características basais mostram que 33,1% eram mulheres, a idade mediana era de 66,1 [59,6 ­ 71,9], 48,6% tinham diabetes, 83,1% tinham hipertensão, 62,6% tinham IM prévio e 70,4% passaram por algum procedimento de revascularização. Em um acompanhamento mediano de 881 dias, 37 (7,05%) desfechos primários foram observados. Após ajustes, idade, acidente vascular encefálico prévio e colesterol LDL foram independentemente associados ao desfecho primário. Comparando a linha de base com o acompanhamento, os participantes relataram alívio da angina com base na escala da Sociedade Cardiovascular Canadense (SCC) de acordo com as seguintes porcentagens: 65,7% vs. 81,7% eram assintomáticos e 4,2% vs. 2,9% eram SCC 3 ou 4 (p < 0,001). Eles também relataram melhor qualidade na prescrição de medicamentos: 65,8% vs. 73,6% (p < 0,001). No entanto, não houve melhora no colesterol LDL ou no controle da pressão arterial. O presente estudo mostra que pacientes com DCIC apresentaram uma incidência de 7,05% do desfecho primário composto em um período de dois anos, sendo a diminuição do colesterol LDL o único fator de risco modificável associado ao prognóstico.

Coronavirus disease-2019 and heart: assessment of troponin and cardiovascular comorbidities as prognostic markers in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease-2019 in a tertiary center in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of cardiac troponin T levels with comorbidities and in-hospital outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 in Brazil. METHODS: Data from a cohort of 3,596 patients who were admitted with suspected coronavirus disease-2019 in a Brazilian tertiary center, between March and August 2020, were reviewed. A total of 2,441 (68%) patients had cardiac troponin T determined in the first 72 h of admission and were stratified into two groups: elevated cardiac troponin T (cardiac troponin T >0.014 ng/mL) and normal cardiac troponin T. Associations between troponin, comorbidities, biomarkers, and outcomes were assessed. Regression models were built to assess the association of several variables with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,441 patients were embraced, of which 924 (38%) had normal cardiac troponin T and 1,517 (62%) had elevated cardiac troponin T. Patients with elevated cardiac troponin T were older and had more comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, arrhythmia, renal dysfunction, liver disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia. Patients with abnormal cardiac troponin T also had more altered laboratory parameters on admission (i.e., leukocytes, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and B-type natriuretic peptide), as well as more need for intensive care unit, vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and blood transfusion. All-cause mortality was markedly higher among patients with increased cardiac troponin T (42 vs. 16%, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that in-hospital mortality was not independently associated with troponin elevation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cardiac troponin T elevation at admission was common and associated with several comorbidities, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease-2019, but it was not an independent marker of in-hospital mortality.

Acompanhamento de Dois Anos de Pacientes com Cardiopatia Isquêmica Crônica em um Centro Especializado no Brasil / Two-Year Follow-Up of Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease Patients in a Specialized Center in Brazil

Resumo Fundamento A incidência de eventos cardiovasculares em pacientes com doença cardíaca isquêmica crônica (DCIC) pode variar significativamente entre os países. Embora populoso, o Brasil é frequentemente sub-representado nos registros internacionais. Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a qualidade do atendimento e a incidência de eventos cardiovasculares em dois anos, além de fatores prognósticos associados em pacientes com DCIC em um centro terciário de saúde pública no Brasil. Métodos Pacientes com DCIC que compareceram para avaliação clínica no Instituto do Coração (São Paulo, Brasil) foram cadastrados e acompanhados por dois anos. O desfecho primário foi um composto de infarto do miocárdio (IM), acidente vascular encefálico ou morte. Um nível de significância de 0,05 foi adotado. Resultados De janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2018, 625 participantes foram incluídos no estudo. As características basais mostram que 33,1% eram mulheres, a idade mediana era de 66,1 [59,6 - 71,9], 48,6% tinham diabetes, 83,1% tinham hipertensão, 62,6% tinham IM prévio e 70,4% passaram por algum procedimento de revascularização. Em um acompanhamento mediano de 881 dias, 37 (7,05%) desfechos primários foram observados. Após ajustes, idade, acidente vascular encefálico prévio e colesterol LDL foram independentemente associados ao desfecho primário. Comparando a linha de base com o acompanhamento, os participantes relataram alívio da angina com base na escala da Sociedade Cardiovascular Canadense (SCC) de acordo com as seguintes porcentagens: 65,7% vs. 81,7% eram assintomáticos e 4,2% vs. 2,9% eram SCC 3 ou 4 (p < 0,001). Eles também relataram melhor qualidade na prescrição de medicamentos: 65,8% vs. 73,6% (p < 0,001). No entanto, não houve melhora no colesterol LDL ou no controle da pressão arterial. Conclusão O presente estudo mostra que pacientes com DCIC apresentaram uma incidência de 7,05% do desfecho primário composto em um período de dois anos, sendo a diminuição do colesterol LDL o único fator de risco modificável associado ao prognóstico.

Abstract Background The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) may vary significantly among countries. Although populous, Brazil is often underrepresented in international records. Objectives This study aimed to describe the quality of care and the two-year incidence of cardiovascular events and associated prognostic factors in CIHD patients in a tertiary public health care center in Brazil. Methods Patients with CIHD who reported for clinical evaluation at Instituto do Coração (São Paulo, Brazil) were registered and followed for two years. The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or death. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. Results From January 2016 to December 2018, 625 participants were included in the study. Baseline characteristics show that 33.1% were women, median age 66.1 [59.6 - 71.9], 48.6% had diabetes, 83.1% had hypertension, 62.6% had previous MI, and 70.4% went through some revascularization procedure. At a median follow-up (FU) of 881 days, we noted 37 (7.05%) primary endpoints. After adjustments, age, previous stroke, and LDL-cholesterol were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Comparing baseline versus FU, participants experienced relief of angina based on the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) scale according to the following percentages: 65.7% vs. 81.7% were asymptomatic and 4.2% vs. 2.9% CCS 3 or 4 (p < 0.001). They also experienced better quality of medication prescription: 65.8% vs. 73.6% (p < 0.001). However, there was no improvement in LDL-cholesterol or blood pressure control. Conclusion This study shows that CIHD patients had a two-year incidence of the primary composite endpoint of 7.05%, and the reduction of LDL-cholesterol was the only modifiable risk factor associated with prognosis.

Coronavirus disease-2019 and heart: assessment of troponin and cardiovascular comorbidities as prognostic markers in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease-2019 in a tertiary center in Brazil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation of cardiac troponin T levels with comorbidities and in-hospital outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 in Brazil. METHODS: Data from a cohort of 3,596 patients who were admitted with suspected coronavirus disease-2019 in a Brazilian tertiary center, between March and August 2020, were reviewed. A total of 2,441 (68%) patients had cardiac troponin T determined in the first 72 h of admission and were stratified into two groups: elevated cardiac troponin T (cardiac troponin T >0.014 ng/mL) and normal cardiac troponin T. Associations between troponin, comorbidities, biomarkers, and outcomes were assessed. Regression models were built to assess the association of several variables with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,441 patients were embraced, of which 924 (38%) had normal cardiac troponin T and 1,517 (62%) had elevated cardiac troponin T. Patients with elevated cardiac troponin T were older and had more comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, arrhythmia, renal dysfunction, liver disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia. Patients with abnormal cardiac troponin T also had more altered laboratory parameters on admission (i.e., leukocytes, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and B-type natriuretic peptide), as well as more need for intensive care unit, vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and blood transfusion. All-cause mortality was markedly higher among patients with increased cardiac troponin T (42 vs. 16%, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that in-hospital mortality was not independently associated with troponin elevation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that cardiac troponin T elevation at admission was common and associated with several comorbidities, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease-2019, but it was not an independent marker of in-hospital mortality.

Surgical and percutaneous revascularization outcomes based on SYNTAX I, II, and residual scores: a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of SYNTAX scores I, II, and residual with cardiovascular outcomes of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and compare both procedures in a long-term follow-up. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center study from the MASS registry at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo, Brazil in which 969 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing CABG (559) or PCI (410) were included. We assessed the SYNTAX scores I, II and residual in both interventions. Clinical endpoints were the first occurrence of a composite of overall death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization (MACCE) and the total occurrence of each component of MACCE. RESULTS: In the CABG sample, SSI had a median of 23 (IQR 17-29.5), median SSII of 25.4 (IQR 19.2-32.8), and median rSS of 2 (IQR 0-6.5); in PCI SSI had a median of 14 (IQR 10-19.1), median SSII of 28.7 (IQR 23-34.2), and median rSS of 4.7 (IQR 0-9). Total of 174 events were documented and CABG patients had a lower rate of MACCE (15.6% vs. 21.2%; adjusted HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.13-3.47; P = 0.016) and repeat revascularization (3.8% vs. 11.5%; adjusted HR 4.35; CI 95% 1.74-10.85; P = 0.002) compared with PCI. No SYNTAX score tertile found a difference in death rate between procedures. In a multivariate analysis, the rSS was an independent predictor for MACCE (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P = 0.001). Regarding death, the only independent predictors were ejection fraction and renal function. CONCLUSION: Surgical revascularization resulted in a more complete revascularization and lower rates of major cardiac or cerebrovascular events in a long-term follow-up. Also, grading the incompleteness of revascularization through the residual SYNTAX score identified a higher event rate, suggesting that complete revascularization is associated with a better prognosis.

Effect of diabetic kidney disease on therapeutic strategies for coronary artery disease: ten year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and chronic kidney disease is unknown. METHODS: This retrospective study included MASS registry patients with DM2 and multivessel CAD, stratified by kidney function. Primary endpoint was combined of mortality, myocardial infarction, or additional revascularization. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 9.5 years. Primary endpoint occurrences among strata 1 and 2 were 53.4% and 40.7%, respectively (P=.020). Mortality rates were 37.4% and 24.6% in strata 1 and 2, respectively (P<.001). We observed a lower rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (P=.027 for stratum 1 and P<.001 for stratum 2) and additional revascularization (P=.001 for stratum 1 and P<.001 for stratum 2) for those in the surgical group. In a multivariate analysis, eGFR was an independent predictor of MACE (P=.034) and mortality (P=.020). CONCLUSIONS: Among subjects with DM2 and CAD the presence of lower eGFR rate was associated with higher rates of MACE and mortality, irrespective of treatment choice. CABG was associated with lower rates of MACE in both renal function strata. eGFR was an independent predictor of MACE and mortality in a 10-year follow-up.

Occurrence of recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation in the immediate postoperative period of myocardial revascularization surgery. Although common, a devalued complication.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, with a prevalence between 15-40% after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Several strategies have been tested for the prevention and management of AF postoperatively. Previous studies and analysis of records have shown higher rates of hospitalization and clinical outcomes associated with this entity, including increased mortality in the short- and long-term. This perspective reviews the topic, and offers recommendations for the management of this arrhythmia in the postoperative period of CABG, with a special focus on anticoagulation strategies.

Occurrence of recently diagnosed atrial fibrillation in the immediate postoperative period of myocardial revascularization surgery. Although common, a devalued complication

SUMMARY Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, with a prevalence between 15-40% after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Several strategies have been tested for the prevention and management of AF postoperatively. Previous studies and analysis of records have shown higher rates of hospitalization and clinical outcomes associated with this entity, including increased mortality in the short- and long-term. This perspective reviews the topic, and offers recommendations for the management of this arrhythmia in the postoperative period of CABG, with a special focus on anticoagulation strategies.

Hypotheses, rationale, design, and methods for prognostic evaluation of a randomized comparison between patients with coronary artery disease associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy who undergo medical or surgical treatment: MASS-VI (HF).

BACKGROUND: Ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction are well established to represent the main determinants of poor survival and premature death compared with preserved ventricular function. However, the role of myocardial revascularization as a therapeutic alternative is not known to improve the long-term prognosis in this group of patients. This study will investigate whether myocardial revascularization contributes to a better prognosis for patients compared with those treated with drugs alone and followed over the long term. METHODS: The study will include 600 patients with coronary artery disease associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The surgical or drug therapy option will be randomized, and the events considered for analysis will be all-cause mortality, nonfatal infarction, unstable angina requiring additional revascularization, and stroke. The events will be analyzed according to the intent-to-treat principle. Patients with multivessel coronary disease and left ventricular ejection fraction measurements of less than 35% will be included. In addition, myocardial ischemia will be documented by myocardial scintigraphy. Markers of myocardial necrosis will be checked at admission and after the procedure. DISCUSSION: The role of myocardial revascularization (CABG) in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure is not clearly established. The surgical option of revascularizing the myocardium is a procedure designed to reduce the load of myocardial hibernation in patients with heart failure caused by coronary artery disease. On the other hand, the assessment of myocardial viability is frequently used to identify patients with left ventricular ischemic dysfunction in which CABG may add survival benefit. However, the effectiveness of this option is uncertain. The great difficulty in establishing the efficacy of surgical intervention is based on the understanding of viability without ischemia. Thus, this study will include only patients with viable and truly ischemic myocardium to correct this anomaly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Evaluation of a randomized comparison between patients with coronary artery disease associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy submitted to medical or surgical treatment: MASS-VI (HF), ISRCTN77449548, Oct 10th, 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Association of Longitudinal Values of Glycated Hemoglobin With Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.

Importance: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values are used to guide glycemic control, but in patients with type 2 diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), the association of the longitudinal values of HbA1c with cardiovascular outcomes is unclear. Objective: To assess whether longitudinal variation of HbA1c is associated with cardiovascular events in long-term follow-up among patients with diabetes and multivessel CAD. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included 888 patients with type 2 diabetes and multivessel CAD in the Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study (MASS) Registry of the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo from January 2003 to December 2007. Data were analyzed from January 15, 2018, to October 15, 2019. Exposure: Longitudinal HbA1c values. Main Outcomes and Measures: The combined outcome of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. Results: Of 888 patients with type 2 diabetes and multivessel CAD, 725 (81.6%; median [range] age, 62.4 [55.7-68.0] years; 467 [64.4%] men) had complete clinical and HbA1c information during a median (interquartile range) follow-up period of 10.0 (8.0-12.3) years, with a mean (SD) of 9.5 (3.8) HbA1c values for each patient. The composite end point of death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke occurred in 262 patients (36.1%). A 1-point increase in the longitudinal value of HbA1c was significantly associated with a 14% higher risk of the combined end point of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; P = .002) in the unadjusted analysis. After adjusting for baseline factors (ie, age, sex, 2-vessel or 3-vessel CAD, initial CAD treatments, ejection fraction, and creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels), a 1-point increase in the longitudinal value of HbA1c was associated with a 22% higher risk of the combined end point (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12-1.35; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Longitudinal increase of HbA1c was independently associated with higher rates of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and multivessel CAD.

Long-term outcomes of patients with stable coronary disease and chronic kidney dysfunction: 10-year follow-up of the Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study II Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD); however, there is limited randomized data on long-term outcomes of CAD therapies in these patients. We evaluated long-term outcomes of CKD patients with CAD who underwent randomized therapy with medical treatment (MT) alone, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained in 611 patients randomized to one of three therapeutic strategies in the Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study II trial. Patients were categorized in preserved renal function and mild or moderate CKD groups depending on their eGFR (≥90, 89-60 and 59-30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). The primary clinical endpoint, a composite of overall death and myocardial infarction, and its individual components were analyzed using proportional hazards regression (Clinical Trial registration information: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Registration number: ISRCTN66068876). RESULTS: Of 611 patients, 112 (18%) had preserved eGFR, 349 (57%) mild dysfunction and 150 (25%) moderate dysfunction. The primary endpoint occurred in 29.5, 32.4 and 44.7% (P = 0.02) for preserved eGFR, mild CKD and moderate CKD, respectively. Overall mortality incidence was 18.7, 23.8 and 39.3% for preserved eGFR, mild CKD and moderate CKD, respectively (P = 0.001). For preserved eGFR, there was no significant difference in outcomes between therapies. For mild CKD, the primary event rate was 29.4% for PCI, 29.1% for CABG and 41.1% for MT (P = 0.006) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.88; P = 0.03 for PCI versus MT; and adjusted HR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.31-0.76; P = 0.002 for CABG versus MT]. We also observed higher mortality rates in the MT group (28.6%) compared with PCI (24.1%) and CABG (19.0%) groups (P = 0.015) among mild CKD subjects (adjusted HR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.76; P = 0.003 for CABG versus MT; adjusted HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.07-4.28; P = 0.58 for PCI versus MT). Results were similar with moderate CKD group but did not achieve significance. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary interventional therapy, both PCI and CABG, is associated with lower rates of events compared with MT in mild CKD patients >10 years of follow-up. More study is needed to confirm these benefits in moderate CKD.

Association Between Stress Testing-Induced Myocardial Ischemia and Clinical Events in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.

IMPORTANCE: The long-term prognostic implications of myocardial ischemia documented during stress testing in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether documented stress testing-induced myocardial ischemia is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events or ventricular function changes in patients with stable multivessel CAD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from a single-center randomized clinical trial (Medicine, Angioplasty, or Surgery Study [MASS] II) to examine the association of myocardial ischemia documented during stress testing at baseline with cardiovascular events and ventricular function changes during follow-up. Participants were previously randomized (May 1, 1995, to May 31, 2000) to medical therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention with bare metal stents, or coronary artery bypass grafting. Event-free survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable Cox regression models were calculated to assess the association between ischemia and the primary composite end point. The vital status was determined on February 28, 2011. Data were analyzed from February 1, 2016, to April 1, 2017. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Cardiovascular events (overall mortality, myocardial infarction, and revascularization for refractory angina) were tracked from the time of randomization to the end of the 10-year follow-up (mean [SD] duration, 11.4 [4.3] years). Myocardial ischemia was assessed at baseline and at 1-year intervals by exercise stress testing, and ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction) was assessed by echocardiography at baseline and after 10 years. Patients with documented ischemia were compared with those without ischemia regarding the outcomes and changes in ventricular function. RESULTS: Of 611 participants, 535 underwent exercise stress testing at baseline: 270 with documented ischemia and 265 without. Of these 535 patients, 373 (69.7%) were men, and the mean (SD) age for the entire cohort was 59.7 (9.2) years. No association was found between the presence of ischemia at baseline and survival free of combined cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80-1.27; P = .95) after multivariable adjustment that included CAD initial randomized treatments. In addition, among 320 patients who underwent echocardiographic evaluation, the slight decline in left ventricular ejection fraction after 10 years was similar in both groups (median [SD] difference, -4.9% [18.7%] vs -6.6% [20.0%], respectively, for groups with and without ischemia; P = .97). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, regardless of the therapeutic strategy applied, the presence of documented myocardial ischemia did not appear to be associated with an increased occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events or changes in ventricular function in patients with multivessel CAD during a long-term follow-up.

Ten-Year Follow-Up of Off-Pump and On-Pump Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: MASS III.

It was a randomized trial, and 308 patients undergoing revascularization were randomly assigned: 155 to off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and 153 to on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB). End points were freedom from death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and cerebrovascular accidents. The rates for 10-year, event-free survival for ONCAB versus OPCAB were 69.6% and 64%, (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.02; P = .41), respectively. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratio was similar (HR: 0.92; 95% CI 0.61-1.38, P = .68). A difference occurred between the duration of OPCAB and ONCAB, respectively (4.9 ± 1.5 vs 6.6 ± 1.1 h, P < .001). Statistical differences occurred between OPCAB and ONCAB in the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (20 ± 2.5 vs 48 ± 10 hours, P < .001), time to extubation (5.5 ± 4.2 vs 10.2 ± 3.5 hours, P < .001), hospital stay (6.7 ± 1.4 vs 9.2 ± 1.3 days, P < .001), higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF; 33 vs 5 patients, P < .001), and blood requirements (46 vs 64 patients, P < .001). Grafts per patient was higher in ONCAB (3.15 vs 2.55 grafts, P < .001). No difference existed between the groups in primary composite end points at 10-year follow-up. Although OPCAB surgery was related to a lower number of grafts and higher incidence of AF, it had no effects related to long-term outcomes.

Abnormal elevation of myocardial necrosis biomarkers after coronary artery bypass grafting without established myocardial infarction assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of peri-procedural myocardial infarction is complex, especially after the emergence of high-sensitivity markers of myocardial necrosis. METHODS: In this study, patients with normal baseline cardiac biomarkers and formal indication for elective on-pump coronary bypass surgery were evaluated. Electrocardiograms, cardiac biomarkers, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement were performed before and after procedures. Myocardial infarction was defined as more than ten times the upper reference limit of the 99th percentile for troponin I and for creatine kinase isoform (CK-MB) and by the findings of new late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance. We assessed the release of cardiac biomarkers in patients with no evidence of myocardial infarction on cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: Of 75 patients referred for on-pump coronary bypass surgery, 54 (100%) did not have evidence of myocardial infarction on cardiac magnetic resonance. However, all had a peak troponin I above the 99th percentile; 52 (96%) had an elevation 10 times higher than the 99th percentile. Regarding CK-MB, 54 (100%) patients had a peak CK-MB above the 99th percentile limit, and only 13 (24%) had an elevation greater than 10 times the 99th percentile. The median value of troponin I peak was 3.15 (1.2 to 3.9) ng/mL, which represented 78.7 times the 99th percentile. CONCLUSION: In this study, different from CK-MB findings, troponin was significantly increased in the absence of myocardial infarction on cardiac magnetic resonance. Thus, CK-MB was more accurate than troponin I for excluding procedure-related myocardial infarction. These data suggest a higher troponin cutoff for the diagnosis of coronary bypass surgery related myocardial infarction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN09454308 . Registered 08 May 2012.

Myocardial injury in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease after revascularization interventions.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients may be more susceptible to myocardial injury after coronary interventions. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the release of cardiac biomarkers, CK-MB and troponin, and the findings of new late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after elective revascularization procedures for multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Patients with multivessel CAD and preserved systolic ventricular function underwent either elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), off-pump or on-pump bypass surgery (CABG). Troponin and CK-MB were systematically collected at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after the procedures. CMR with LGE was performed before and after the interventions. Patients were stratified according to diabetes status at study entry. Biomarkers and CMR results were compared between diabetic and nondiabetics patients. Analyses of correlation were also performed among glycemic and glycated hemoglobin (A1c) levels and troponin and CK-MB peak levels. Patients were also stratified into tertiles of fasting glycemia and A1c levels and were compared in terms of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) on CMR. RESULTS: Ninety (44.5%) of the 202 patients had diabetes mellitus at study entry. After interventions, median peak troponin was 2.18 (0.47, 5.14) and 2.24 (0.69, 5.42) ng/mL (P = 0.81), and median peak CK-MB was 14.1 (6.8, 31.7) and 14.0 (4.2, 29.8) ng/mL (P = 0.43), in diabetic and nondiabetic patients, respectively. The release of troponin and CK-MB over time was statistically similar in both groups and in the three treatments, besides PCI. New LGE on CMR indicated that new myocardial fibrosis was present in 18.9 and 17.3% (P = 0.91), and myocardial edema in 15.5 and 22.9% (P = 0.39) in diabetic and nondiabetic patients, respectively. The incidence of PMI in the glycemia tertiles was 17.9% versus 19.3% versus 18.7% (P = 0.98), and in the A1c tertiles was 19.1% versus 13.3% versus 22.2% (P = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, diabetes mellitus did not add risk of myocardial injury after revascularization interventions in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Trial Registration Name of Registry: Evaluation of cardiac biomarker elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft; URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com.ISRCTN09454308.

Biomarker release after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients without established myocardial infarction as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the amount and pattern of cardiac biomarker release after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients without evidence of a new myocardial infarction (MI) after the procedure as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). BACKGROUND: The release of myocardial necrosis biomarkers after PCI frequently occurs. However, the correlation between biomarker release and the diagnosis of procedure-related MI type 4a has been controversial. METHODS: Patients with normal baseline cardiac biomarkers who were referred for elective PCI were prospectively included. CMR with LGE was performed in all of the patients before and after the intervention. Measurements of troponin I (TnI) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) were systematically performed before and after the procedure. Patients with a new LGE on the post-procedure CMR were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients with no evidence of a procedure-related MI as assessed by CMR after the PCI, 48 (85.1%) exhibited an elevation of TnI above the 99th percentile. In 32 patients (57.1%), the peak was greater than five times this limit. Additionally, 17 patients (30.4%) had a CK-MB peak above the 99th percentile limit, but this peak was greater than five times the 99th percentile in only two patients (3.6%). The median peak release of TnI was 0.290 (0.061-1.09) ng/mL, which was 7.25-fold higher than the 99th percentile. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to CK-MB, an abnormal release of TnI often occurs after an elective PCI procedure, despite the absence of a new LGE on CMR.

Significant elevation of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis after coronary artery bypass grafting without myocardial infarction established assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance.

The release of myocardial necrosis biomarkers after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) frequently occurs. However, the correlation between biomarker release and the diagnosis of procedure-related myocardial infarction (MI) (type 5) has been controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the amount and pattern of cardiac biomarker release after elective OPCAB in patients without evidence of a new MI on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).Patients with normal baseline cardiac biomarkers referred for elective OPCAB were prospectively included. CMR with LGE was performed in all patients before and after interventions. Measurements of troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) were systematically performed before and after the procedure. Patients with new LGE on the postprocedure CMR were excluded.All of the 53 patients without CMR evidence of a procedure-related MI after OPCAB exhibited a cTnI elevation peak above the 99th percentile. In 48 (91%), the peak value was >10 times this threshold. However, 41 (77%) had a CK-MB peak above the limit of the 99th percentile, and this peak was >10 times the 99th percentile in only 7 patients (13%). The median peak release of cTnI was 0.290 (0.8-3.7) ng/mL, which is 50-fold higher than the 99th percentile.In contrast with CK-MB, considerable cTnI release often occurs after an elective OPCAB procedure, despite the absence of new LGE on CMR.

Accuracy of Myocardial Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction After Revascularization as Assessed by Cardiac Resonance: The Medicine, Angioplasty, Surgery Study V (MASS-V) Trial.

BACKGROUND: The lack of a correlation between myocardial necrosis biomarkers and electrocardiographic abnormalities after revascularization procedures has resulted in a change in the myocardial infarction (MI) definition. METHODS: Patients with stable multivessel disease who underwent percutaneous or surgical revascularization were included. Electrocardiograms and concentrations of high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase (CK)-MB were assessed before and after procedures. Cardiac magnetic resonance and late gadolinium enhancement were performed before and after procedures. MI was defined as more than five times the 99th percentile upper reference limit for cTnI and 10 times for CK-MB in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), respectively, and new late gadolinium enhancement for cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: Of the 202 patients studied, 69 (34.1%) underwent on-pump CABG, 67 (33.2%) off-pump CABG, and 66 (32.7%) PCI. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed the accuracy of cTnI for on-pump CABG, off-pump CABG, and PCI patients was 21.7%, 28.3%, and 52.4% and for CK-MB was 72.5%, 81.2%, and 90.5%, respectively. The specificity of cTnI was 3.6%, 9.4%, and 42.1% and of CK-MB was 73.2%, 86.8%, and 96.4%, respectively. Sensitivity of cTnI was 100%, 100%, and 100% and of CK-MB was 69.2%, 64.3%, and 44.4%, respectively. The best cutoff of cTnI for on-pump CABG, off-pump CABG, and PCI was 6.5 ng/mL, 4.5 ng/mL, and 4.5 ng/mL (162.5, 112.5, and 112.5 times the 99th percentile upper reference limit) and of CK-MB was 37.5 ng/mL, 22.5 ng/mL, and 11.5 ng/mL (8.5, 5.1, and 2.6 times the 99th percentile upper reference limit), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with cardiac magnetic resonance, CK-MB was more accurate than cTnI for diagnosing MI. These data suggest a higher troponin cutoff for the diagnosis of procedure-related MI.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Long-Term Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Coronary Artery Disease on Surgical, Angioplasty, or Medical Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well studied, and the best treatment for this condition is not established. Our aim was to compare three therapeutic strategies for CAD in diabetic patients stratified by renal function. METHODS: Patients with multivessel CAD that underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]), or medical therapy alone (MT) were included. Data were analyzed according to glomerular filtration rate in three strata: normal (>90 mL/min), mild CKD (60 to 89 mL/min), and moderate CKD (30 to 59 mL/min). End points comprised overall rate of mortality, acute myocardial infarction, and need for additional revascularization. RESULTS: Among patients with normal renal function (n = 270), 122 underwent CABG, 72 PCI, and 76 MT; among patients with mild CKD (n = 367), 167 underwent CABG, 92 PCI, and 108 MT; and among patients with moderate CKD (n = 126), 46 underwent CABG, 40 PCI, and 40 MT. Event-free survival was 80.4%, 75.7%, 67.5% for strata 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.037). Survival rates among patients with no, mild, and moderate CKD are 91.1%, 89.6%, and 76.2%, respectively (p = 0.001) (hazard ratio 0.69; 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 0.95; p = 0.024 for stratum 1 versus 3). We found no differences for overall number of deaths or acute myocardial infarctions irrespective of strata. The need of new revascularization was different in all strata, favoring CABG (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.029 for no, mild, and moderate CKD, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality rates were higher in patients with mild and moderate CKD. Higher event-free survival was observed in the CABG group among patients with no and mild CKD. Besides, CABG was associated with less need for new revascularization compared with PCI and MT in all renal function strata. This trial was registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN66068876.