Epidemiological profile, management and outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome: Single centre experience from a tertiary care hospital in North India.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in India. Our aim is to study the clinical, epidemiological profile and in-hospital outcomes of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We did a prospective single center observational study of the 1203 patients presenting with ACS to a tertiary referral center in North India over a period of one year (July 2018-June 2019). RESULTS: The mean age of study population was 58.4 ± 12.5 years. STEMI and NSTE-ACS accounted for 69.9% and 31.1% respectively. 62.1% of our patients were from rural background. The median time to hospital admission was 600 min for STEMI patients, thrombolysis was performed in 52% of cases. Cardiogenic shock at presentation was noted in 18%. Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention were done in 1062 (88.3%) and 733 (60.9%) patients respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality was 7.6%. STEMI patients had higher mortality than NSTE-ACS (8.9% vs 4.5% p < 0.001). Female gender (OR-3.306 C.I. 1.87-5.845), severe MR (OR-4.65, C.I.-1.187-18.18), acute kidney injury (AKI) at admission (OR-5.15, C.I.-2.5-10.63), higher Killip class (class III/IV) (OR-3.378,C.I.-1.292-8.849), AF (OR-3.25, C.I.-1,18-8.92), complete heart block (CHB) (OR-4.44,C.I.-2.09-9.43) and right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR-2.86, C.I.-1.2-6.8) were significant predictors of in hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents the predominance of STEMI as the initial ACS presentation with a considerable delay in first medical contact and higher prevalence of cardiogenic shock (CS). STEMI patients had higher mortality. Female sex, severe MR, AKI, higher Killips class, AF, CHB, RBBB being predictors of high in-hospital mortality in ACS patients.

Prognostic role of procalcitonin in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiogenic shock accounts for the majority of deaths amongst patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Procalcitonin is elevated in acute myocardial infarction, especially when complicated by left heart failure, cardiogenic shock, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and bacterial infections. However, the prognostic utility of procalcitonin in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock has not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective registry review of 125 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock over 2 years at a tertiary referral hospital to examine the prognostic value of serum procalcitonin measurement at 24 hours after the onset of infarction for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 57.75 ± 11.1 years, and the median delay from onset to hospital admission was 15 hours. The in-hospital mortality was 28.8%. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a strong relationship between elevated procalcitonin and in-hospital mortality (area under the curve = 0.676; p = 0.002). Although procalcitonin was found to be higher in non-survivors in univariate analysis, it was not an independent predictor of mortality in multivariate regression analysis. Acute kidney injury, left ventricular ejection fraction, and non-revascularization were independently associated with mortality after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSION: Although procalcitonin was higher in non-survivors, static procalcitonin measurement at 24 hours after the onset of ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock was not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Additional prospective studies are required to assess the role of serial procalcitonin monitoring in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in management of aorto-oesophageal fistulas: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Aorto-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a rare, catastrophic disease with an extremely poor prognosis. A ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is a common aetiology for AOF. The clinical presentation is usually massive haematemesis and collapse. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing AOF. CASE SUMMARY: We hereby report two cases of AOF, who underwent successful emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to control active bleed and exsanguination. Case 1, an elderly lady with atherosclerotic aneurysm had TEVAR followed by open surgery for oesophageal rent and necrosed left main bronchus. Case 2 had mycotic tubercular aneurysm who later had infected graft-stent following TEVAR. DISCUSSION: Open surgery is the conventional treatment for AOF; however, TEVAR can be an alternative and less invasive approach in selected high-risk patients. Various management issues related to TEVAR with AOF have been discussed in the article.

Refractory axillary venous spasm during permanent pacemaker implantation.

BACKGROUND: Vascular spasm is well known to occur in the arterial system. Central venous spasm during pacemaker implantation is uncommon with only a few cases reported from time to time. Sometimes, the venous spasms may not respond to nitroglycerine injections which requires a change of access site and undue discomfort for the patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old female patient with no prior comorbidities presented to us with recurrent dizziness on exertion and at rest. The electrocardiogram showed complete heart block, likely to be of sclerodegenerative etiology as the patient did not have any ischemic symptoms, also the electrocardiogram and echocardiogram did not show any evidence of ischemia. As part of the hospital protocol, a venogram was performed by giving intravenous diluted contrast (iohexol) through the left brachial vein, which showed good-sized axillary and subclavian veins. We attempted to cannulate the left axillary vein with a 16G needle using Seldinger technique, but the axillary vein could not be cannulated despite multiple attempts. We gave incremental boluses of intravenous nitroglycerine, despite that the left axillary vein could not be cannulated. Repeat intravenous contrast injection showed severe spasm of axillary and subclavian veins. Finally, the axillary vein was cannulated from the right side using anatomical landmarks and a pacemaker was implanted. CONCLUSIONS: Venous spasm during device implantation although uncommon, it should be anticipated in patients with difficult cannulation to prevent inadvertent complications like pneumothorax and arterial injuries. Mild venous spasm may relieve with time but severe venous spasm may require a change of access site.

Role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in the prediction of outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Although measurements of natriuretic peptides have a role in chronic heart failure and acute coronary syndrome, their role has not been studied in ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS-STEMI). Sixty-four patients with CS-STEMI were prospectively recruited to assess the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement after 24 h of the onset of angina or anginal equivalent. Patients who died within 24 h were excluded. The mean age was 56.9 ± 10.6 years and the median time to presentation was 22 h (Interquartile range 7-48 h). Thrombolysis was done in 51% and PCI in 31% of cases. The in-hospital mortality was 26.5%. The ROC analysis showed a strong relationship between elevated NT-proBNP and in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.748; p = 0.003). An NT-proBNP value > 8582 pg/mL showed 76.5% sensitivity, 68% specificity, 46.4% positive predictive value, and 89% negative predictive value for in-hospital mortality. Acute kidney injury [Odds ratio (OR) 7.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-37.37] and NT-proBNP (OR 1.12 per 1000 pg/mL; CI 1.012-1.25) were independent predictors of mortality in multivariate regression analysis. Although we found plasma NT-proBNP at 24 h to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in CS-STEMI, additional studies with a larger sample are required to ascertain these findings and validate the appropriate cut-off values.

Percutaneous coronary intervention of anomalous left circumflex coronary artery - A case series.

We report a case series of 14 cases (mean age 54.14 ± 14.75 years) of successful percutaneous coronary intervention of anomalous left circumflex artery. While the intermediate-term follow-up (mean 36.0 ± 20.58 months) was uneventful in 12 patients, one died of a non-cardiac cause, while other lost to follow-up.

Outcomes of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with the off-label use of large occluders (≥16 mm).

OBJECTIVE: Transcatheter closure is the first-choice strategy for the management of appropriate patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The management of large PDAs is challenging due to the limited available sizes of approved devices and the inherent risks of surgical ligation, especially in adults with calcified PDAs. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of the off-label use of large occluders at a tertiary center. METHODS: This retrospective review included patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure with large occluders (≥16 mm) over 16 years. The baseline patient data, procedural details, angiograms, and immediate outcomes were recorded and patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 months after the intervention and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Of the 685 patients who underwent transcatheter PDA closure, 36 patients (mean age 16.6 ± 12.5 years) needed occluders ≥ 16 mm in size. Cocoon duct occluder, Cera duct occluder, Amplatzer atrial septal occluder (ASO), and Cera muscular ventricular septal defect occluders were used for PDA closure. There was no device embolization, one patient in whom ASO was used had residual shunt with intravascular hemolysis requiring surgery, and one patient had mild left pulmonary artery narrowing after the intervention, which was managed conservatively. No patient had residual shunt and one patient had persistent pulmonary hypertension at an intermediate duration of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter PDA closure with the use of large devices, which are available in Asia and Europe, is an effective and safe method, especially in adolescents and adults. However, a close follow-up of these patients is mandatory.

Endovascular Treatment of a Migrated Superior Vena Cava Stent in the Right Atrium.

A 42-year-old female with end-stage chronic kidney disease, who was on maintenance hemodialysis for the last 3 years, presented with facial and upper-limb swelling of 2-month duration. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed significant stenosis of the superior vena cava (SVC). Following discussion in a multidisciplinary meeting, it was proposed to perform a repeat endovascular intervention to relieve the SVC obstruction and manage the migrated stent.

Footprint of a Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold in Computed Tomography Coronary Angiogram at 5-Year Follow-up.

The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular) does not have an artifact on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA); the extent/location of the stent in situ can only be assessed by localizing its radiopaque platinum markers in a non-contrast CTCA. The characteristic appearance of BVS on CTCA should be interpreted as the footprint of a resorbed BVS, instead of a calcified plaque.

Alpha-Loop for Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy.

High-grade and complete heart block commonly occurs in adult patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy, and requires aggressive monitoring and prophylactic pacemaker/defibrillator. There are limited data on the procedural details of pacemaker implantation in this group of patients, and as reported, special maneuvers may be required for ventricular lead placement.

Role of StentBoost in Successful Guidewire Recrossing.

In this difficult case, StentBoost (Philips Medical Systems) demonstrated abluminal passage of the guidewire through the proximal stent struts.

Pulmonary haemorrhage following thrombolysis with streptokinase in myocardial infarction.

Pulmonary haemorrhage is a rare but a life-threatening complication of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). It usually presents with anaemia, massive haemoptysis, acute-onset respiratory distress and diffuse bilateral lung infiltrates on imaging. We hereby describe two patients, who had pulmonary haemorrhage following streptokinase therapy for acute MI. The first patient improved with conservative treatment, while the second patient died due to respiratory failure. Streptokinase, a fibrin non-specific agent, is a widely used thrombolytic in low-income and middle-income countries. Pulmonary haemorrhage should be suspected in patients who develop sudden respiratory compromise after receiving thrombolytics, especially streptokinase. The management issues related to this uncommon life-threatening complication have been discussed in this article.

Percutaneous Renal Artery Stenting With Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in a Young Boy With Recanalized-Thrombus Associated Renal Artery Stenosis.

The common cause of renal artery stenosis in young is fibromuscular dysplasia or Takayasu arteritis. Recanalized thrombus, on the other hand, is a rare cause for renal artery stenosis in young patients. OCT imaging confirmed the diagnosis and optimized the renal stenting results.

Asymptomatic, Multiple Stent Fractures of a Superficial Femoral Artery.

Certain factors like ostial disease, chronic total occlusion, and long, multiple stents are the main causes of multiple stent fractures, as were present in this case. Such stent fractures are usually associated with significant in-stent restenosis; however, this patient had a patent lumen despite multiple fractures.

Reverse-Loop Technique for Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy in a Patient With Huge Left Atrium.

A 34-year-old man was referred for percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC); he had undergone 2 PTMC attempts at another institute, but both attempts failed because of inability to cross the mitral valve with the balloon. We present an alternative reverse-loop technique for PTMC in patients with large left atrium.

A Case of Single Coronary With Very Late In-Stent Restenosis of Drug-Eluting Stents After 12 Years.

We present a rare case of very late in-stent restenosis of Cypher stents 12 years after PCI in a case of a single anomalous coronary.

Optical coherence tomography in varying aetiologies of renal artery stenosis: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a common cause of secondary hypertension. The most common aetiology is atherosclerosis; however, other causes like fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) are also frequently encountered. The lesion characteristics and its response to percutaneous intervention depend upon the aetiology of RAS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an excellent imaging modality to analyse coronary lesions during percutaneous coronary interventions. The data regarding the utility of OCT in renal artery imaging is limited, consisting of a few case reports. CASE SUMMARY: We hereby report four cases of RAS, each of different aetiology (atherosclerotic, FMD, post-transplant, and TA), who underwent OCT imaging of the renal artery along with percutaneous renal angioplasty. DISCUSSION: The advantages of OCT imaging include demonstration of the arterial wall, pathological features of the disease, and to guide percutaneous interventions. The major limitation of OCT is its lower imaging depth, which may render imaging of large vessels difficult.