Serial Assessment of Coronary Artery Healing of a Biodegradable Polymer Drug-Eluting Stent at 1, 2, and 3 Months by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)-The REPAIR Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although first-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) devices have effectively achieved their main goal of reducing restenosis, their safety has been limited by suboptimal polymer biocompatibility, delayed stent endothelialization, and local drug toxicity, which ultimately prompted the development of new-generation DES options carrying biocompatible or even biodegradable polymers. AIMS: We sought to assess the vessel-healing pattern of the novel sirolimus-eluting Inspiron DES (Scitech Medical) using serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and assuming the hypothesis that this thin-strut (75-µm), biodegradable-polymer DES promotes a faster healing, with very early strut coverage. METHODS: This is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study enrolling 68 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention guided by OCT. These patients were consecutively assigned into 3 groups. The first group had its OCT imaging follow-up performed at 3 months, the second group at 2 months, and the third group at 1 month. RESULTS: Mean age was 59.5 years, 70.6% were male, 41.2% had type 2 diabetes, and 29.4% presented with acute coronary syndrome. A total of 72 lesions were treated and 1.06 stents were implanted per patient. OCT assessment of the stents at 1, 2, and 3 months showed a strut coverage of 90.41%, 93.96%, and 97.21%, respectively (P=.04). CONCLUSION: The Inspiron DES showed an early strut healing pattern, with >90% of the struts covered by neointima within the first month and with almost all struts covered by the third month.

Serial assessment of coronary artery healing of a biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stent at 1, 2, and 3 months by optical coherence tomography (OCT)­the REPAIR trial

BACKGROUND: Although first-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) devices have effectively achieved their main goal of reducing restenosis, their safety has been limited by suboptimal polymer biocompatibility, delayed stent endothelialization, and local drug toxicity, which ultimately prompted the development of new-generation DES options carrying biocompatible or even biodegradable polymers. Aims. We sought to assess the vessel-healing pattern of the novel sirolimus-eluting Inspiron DES (Scitech Medical) using serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and assuming the hypothesis that this thin-strut (75-µm), biodegradable-polymer DES promotes a faster healing, with very early strut coverage. METHODS. This is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study enrolling 68 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention guided by OCT. These patients were consecutively assigned into 3 groups. The first group had its OCT imaging follow-up performed at 3 months, the second group at 2 months, and the third group at 1 month. RESULTS: Mean age was 59.5 years, 70.6% were male, 41.2% had type 2 diabetes, and 29.4% presented with acute coronary syndrome. A total of 72 lesions were treated and 1.06 stents were implanted per patient. OCT assessment of the stents at 1, 2, and 3 months showed a strut coverage of 90.41%, 93.96%, and 97.21%, respectively (P=.04). CONCLUSION: The Inspiron DES showed an early strut healing pattern, with >90% of the struts covered by neointima within the first month and with almost all struts covered by the third month.

Effect of randomized prophylactic nitroglycerin on radial artery spasm during transradial catheterization: an analysis based on operator experience

One limitation to transradial access (TRA) is the occurrence of spasms (RAS), for which the use of prophylactic medications is recommended. Improvement in TRA material combined with the increase in operators' expertise, might mitigate this benefit. We assess the effect of preventive nitroglycerin on RAS during TRA, evaluating the role of the operator's experience. Patients received 500 µg nitroglycerin or placebo. The operator's expertise was classified as: inexperienced (I), intermediate (M), and experienced (E). 2040 patients were included. Prophylactic use of nitroglycerin did not reduce RAS (10.8% vs. 13.4% (placebo), p = 0.07). RAS incidence was 14.5% in I, 12.5% in M, and 9.7% in E (p = 0.01). In group I, nitroglycerin reduced RAS (17.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.04), which was not observed in other groups. Overall, nitroglycerin does not prevent RAS, which is more common among inexperienced operators. More experienced operators could abolish preventive nitroglycerin use.

Effect of randomized prophylactic nitroglycerin on radial artery spasm during transradial catheterization: An analysis based on operator experience.

One limitation to transradial access (TRA) is the occurrence of spasms (RAS), for which the use of prophylactic medications is recommended. Improvement in TRA material combined with the increase in operators' expertise, might mitigate this benefit. We assess the effect of preventive nitroglycerin on RAS during TRA, evaluating the role of the operator's experience. Patients received 500 µg nitroglycerin or placebo. The operator's expertise was classified as: inexperienced (I), intermediate (M), and experienced (E). 2040 patients were included. Prophylactic use of nitroglycerin did not reduce RAS (10.8% vs. 13.4% (placebo), p = 0.07). RAS incidence was 14.5% in I, 12.5% in M, and 9.7% in E (p = 0.01). In group I, nitroglycerin reduced RAS (17.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.04), which was not observed in other groups. Overall, nitroglycerin does not prevent RAS, which is more common among inexperienced operators. More experienced operators could abolish preventive nitroglycerin use.

Independent clinical and echocardiographic predictors of restenosis after percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy followed for 24 years

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is one of the most common structural heart diseases in developing countries, primarily due to rheumatic disease. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) has been, since its introduction in 1984, the preferred option of treatment for such disease. However, restenosis is presented with an approximate incidence of 20%. Echocardiographic scoring of the mitral apparatus has been the main tool used to indicate and foresee the possible result of the procedure. The objective of this study was to enlight risk factors of mitral valvular restenosis in a significant number of patients submitted to percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy for the treatment of mitral stenosis (MS), particularly when secondary to rheumatic heart disease. METHODS: This study reports the vast experience of a single center high volume tertiary institution where 1.794 consecutive patients were treated with PMBC between 1987 and 2011. The primary endpoint was to determine the independent predictors of this untoward event, defined as loss of over 50% of the original increase in maximum valve area (MVA) or MVA< 1.5 cm2. RESULTS: Mitral valve restenosis was observed in 26% of the cases (n=483). Mean population age was 36 years old, with most patients being female (87%). Mean follow up duration was 4.8 years. At multivariate analysis independent pre-procedural predictors of restenosis were: left atrial diameter (HR: 1.03, 95% ci: 1.01-1.04, p<0.01), pre procedure maximum gradient (HR: 1.01, 95% ci: 1.00-1.03, p=0.02) and higher wilkins scores (HR: 1.37, 95% ci: 1.13-1.66, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In the very long term follow-up, mitral valve restenosis was observed in a quarter of the population undergoing PMBC. Preprocedure echocardiographic findings, including left atrial diameter, maximum valve gradient and high Wilkins scores were found to be the only independent predictors of this deleterious event.

2016 Left ventricular diastolic function guideline have better prognostic value than 2009 guideline in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Brazil and worldwide. In the context of diastolic dysfunction, echocardiography is the best non-invasive diagnostic method. However, the comparison of the two main guidelines for evaluate left ventricular diastolic function in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognostic value of both guidelines of American Society of Echocardiography, from 2009 and 2016, in patients with ACS. METHODS: This is a sub-analysis of a prospective cohort observational study with 109 patients admitted to the emergency with ACS. The follow up was performed within 1 year and combined outcome was cardiovascular death or new heart failure. We used the non-parametric Spearman method to assess the correlation between the categories of diastolic function according to the guideline used. The Cox model and the Log rank test with Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the prognostic value of categorizing patients according to the guideline used. The results were expressed as hazard ratio with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The mean age was 63 years ± 11, most male patients (73.4%) and the predominant color of patients was white (60.4%). Among the main risk factors, the most frequent for coronary artery disease was dyslipidemia (78%), followed by systemic arterial hypertension (77.1%) and sedentary lifestyle (65.9%). The study identified a mean borderline ejection fraction, a high E/E' ratio, and LV diastolic and systolic volumes presented means above normal. The most common electrocardiographic change on admission was T-wave inversion (45%), and NSTEMI was the main clinical diagnosis (74%). The categories in which there was a greater disagreement between the guidelines were grade II diastolic dysfunction and normal function. The correlation between the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction when compared to the use of the 2009 and 2016 guidelines was weak (R = 0.56 by Spearman's method; p<0.001). By the Kaplan-Meier curves, dividing the groups into with or without LA pressure elevation, the distinction between the evolution of the two groups is significant when performed by the 2016 guideline (Log Rank = 8.17; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The current guideline (2016) for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction showed a higher prognostic value of combined outcome of cardiovascular death or new heart failure within one year, when compared to the guideline of 2009 in patients.

Left atrial minimum volume is better correlate of left atrial dysfunction by two-dimensional strain

BACKGROUND: The analysis of left atrial (LA) function can add important information to the understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, to assess its functioning the use of volumetric measurements is adopted. The maximum LA volume is the most echocardiography parameter used, however, some studies demonstrated that minimum LA volume is better to correlate with atrial dysfunction. Purpose: The purpose of this study was compare the accuracy of the phasic volumes of the left atrium in determining LA dysfunction identified by the two-dimensional strain. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study admitted 109 participants with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome non-ST-segment elevation. The exams were performed within 72 hours of admission. LA volume was defined by the mean of measurements performed in the four and two-chamber apical windows using Simpson's method. The phasic volumes of the left atrium were measured using an electrocardiogram synchronized with the device. Reservoir LA strain less than 21% was the cut off to LA dysfunction. RESULTS: The phasic LA volume variables analyzed were maximal (LAVMAX), minimal (LAVMIN) and before atrial contraction (LAVBAC) volume, and each variable indexed for body surface (LAVIMAX, LAVIMIN and LAVIBAC). Therefore, a Roc curve was generated for each volume variable to assess which would be more accurate in predicting left atrial dysfunction. The Youden index was used to determine the cutoff point for each one of them. The areas under the Roc curves were: 0.83 (LAVIMIN), 0.81 (LAVMIN), 0.78 (LAVBAC), 0.76 (LAVIMAX), 0.74 (LAVIBAC) and 0.71 (LAVMAX). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that phasic volumes were good determinants of left atrial dysfunction identified by 2D strain. The minimum left atrial volume was the better correlated with left atrial dysfunction.

Left atrial minimum volume is better correlate of left atrial dysfunction by two-dimensional strain

BACKGROUND: The analysis of left atrial (LA) function can add important information to the understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, to assess its functioning the use of volumetric measurements is adopted. The maximum LA volume is the most echocardiography parameter used, however some studies demonstrated that minimum LA volume is better to correlate with atrial dysfunction. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was compare the accuracy of the phasic volumes of the left atrium in determining LA dysfunction identified by the two-dimensional strain. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study admitted 109 participants with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome non-ST-segment elevation. The exams were performed within 72 hours of admission. LA volume was defined by the mean of measurements performed in the four and two-chamber apical windows using Simpson's method. The phasic volumes of the left atrium were measured using an electrocardiogram synchronized with the device. Reservoir LA strain less than 21% was the cut off to LA dysfunction. RESULTS: The phasic LA volume variables analyzed were maximal (LAVMAX), minimal (LAVMIN) and before atrial contraction (LAVBAC) volume, and each variable indexed for body surface (LAVIMAX, LAVIMIN and LAVIBAC). Therefore, a Roc curve was generated for each volume variable to assess which would be more accurate in predicting left atrial dysfunction. The Youden index was used to determine the cutoff point for each one of them. The areas under the Roc curves were: 0.83 (LAVIMIN), 0.81 (LAVMIN), 0.78 (LAVBAC), 0.76 (LAVIMAX), 0.74 (LAVIBAC) and 0.71 (LAVMAX). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that phasic volumes were good determinants of left atrial dysfunction identified by 2D strain. The minimum left atrial volume was the better correlate with left atrial dysfunction.

Randomized Clinical Trial on Prevention of Radial Occlusion After Transradial Access Using Nitroglycerin: PATENS Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether administration of nitroglycerin at the beginning or end of a transradial approach (TRA) procedure would preserve radial patency. BACKGROUND: The TRA is becoming the preferred vascular access route in coronary interventions. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most frequent complication. Routine vasodilator treatment aims to reduce spasm and possibly prevent RAO. METHODS: The authors designed a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 2-by-2 factorial, placebo-controlled trial encompassing patients undergoing the TRA. Patients were randomized to either 500 µg nitroglycerin or placebo; each arm was also subrandomized to early (upon sheath insertion) or late (right before sheath removal) nitroglycerin administration to evaluate the superiority of nitroglycerin in the prevention of RAO with 24 hours on Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 2,040 patients were enrolled. RAO occurred in 49 patients (2.4%). Fifteen of these patients (30.6%) showed re-establishment of flow at 30 days. Nitroglycerin, compared with placebo, did not reduce the risk for RAO at either of the 2 time points (early, 2.5% vs 2.3% [P = 0.66]; late, 2.3% vs 2.5% [P = 0.66]). By multivariable analysis, the presence of spasm (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.87-6.65; P < 0.001) and access achieved with more than 1 puncture attempt (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.43-4.66; P = 0.002) were independent predictors of RAO. CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of nitroglycerin was not associated with a reduction in the rate of RAO, regardless of the time of administration (at the beginning or end of the TRA procedure).

Randomized clinical trial on prevention of radial occlusion after transradial access using Nitroglycerin: PATENS trial

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether administration of nitroglycerin at the beginning or end of a transradial approach (TRA) procedure would preserve radial patency. BACKGROUND: The TRA is becoming the preferred vascular access route in coronary interventions. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most frequent complication. Routine vasodilator treatment aims to reduce spasm and possibly prevent RAO. METHODS: The authors designed a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 2-by-2 factorial, placebo-controlled trial encompassing patients undergoing the TRA. Patients were randomized to either 500 µg nitroglycerin or placebo; each arm was also subrandomized to early (upon sheath insertion) or late (right before sheath removal) nitroglycerin administration to evaluate the superiority of nitroglycerin in the prevention of RAO with 24 hours on Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 2,040 patients were enrolled. RAO occurred in 49 patients (2.4%). Fifteen of these patients (30.6%) showed reestablishment of flow at 30 days. Nitroglycerin, compared with placebo, did not reduce the risk for RAO at either of the 2 time points (early, 2.5% vs 2.3% [P = 0.66]; late, 2.3% vs 2.5% [P = 0.66]). By multivariable analysis, the presence of spasm (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.87-6.65; P < 0.001) and access achieved with more than 1 puncture attempt (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.43-4.66; P = 0.002) were independent predictors of RAO. Conclusions: The routine use of nitroglycerin was not associated with a reduction in the rate of RAO, regardless of the time of administration (at the beginning or end of the TRA procedure).

Mid- to long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a new-generation, self-expandable system.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate mid- to late clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with Acurate neo™ (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA). BACKGROUND: TAVR is an established treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). Few data exist on mid- to long-term outcomes and durability after new-generation valves. METHODS: All consecutive patients (n = 104) who underwent Acurate neo™ implantation from 2012 to 2018 were included. Follow-up was systematically performed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months and yearly thereafter. Outcomes were reported according to VARC-2, and structural valve deterioration (SVD) or bioprosthetic valve failure defined accordingly to new definitions. RESULTS: Mean age was 82 ± 5.4 years, 56.7% were female and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for mortality was 5.9 ± 4%. Patients were followed for a median of 3 years (1,092 days; IQR 1.5-4 years), and the maximum follow-up was 7 years. All-cause mortality values at 1 and 5 years were 8.5% and 40.5%, respectively. No relevant changes in mean gradient and orifice area occurred (7.9 ± 3.8 mmHg and 1.9 ± 0.3 cm2 at 1 year; 6.6 ± 2.1 mmHg and 1.8 ± 0.3 cm2 at 5 years), and there was a significant rate of paravalvular leaks resolution at 1, 2, and 3 years (p = .004; p < .001; p < .001, respectively). None of the patients had leaflet thrombosis or endocarditis. One patient developed SVD at 84 months. CONCLUSIONS: Acurate neo™ was associated with sustained echocardiographic results. Reassuring mid- to long-term outcomes was observed in this cohort of elderly patients with severe AS.

Mid- to long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a newgeneration, self-expandable system / Desfechos clínicos e ecocardiográficos de médio a longo prazo após a substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter com uma nova geração, sistema auto-expansível

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate mid- to late clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with A curate neo™ (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA). Background: TAVR is an established treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). Few data exist on mid- to long-term outcomes and durability after new-generation valves. Methods: All consecutive patients (n = 104) who underwent A curate neo™ implantation from 2012 to 2018 were included. Follow-up was systematically performed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months and yearly thereafter. Outcomes were reported according to VARC-2, and structural valve deterioration (SVD) or bioprosthetic valve failure defined accordingly to new definitions. Results: Mean age was 82 ± 5.4 years, 56.7% were female and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for mortality was 5.9 ± 4%. Patients were followed for a median of 3 years (1,092 days; IQR 1.5­4 years), and the maximum follow-up was 7 years. All-cause mortality values at 1 and 5 years were 8.5% and 40.5%, respectively. No relevant changes in mean gradient and orifice area occurred (7.9 ± 3.8 mmHg and 1.9 ± 0.3 cm2 at 1 year; 6.6 ± 2.1 mmHg and 1.8 ± 0.3 cm2 at 5 years), and there was a significant rate of paravalvular leaks resolution at 1, 2, and 3 years (p = .004; p < .001; p < .001, respectively). None of the patients had leaflet thrombosis or endocarditis. One patient developed SVD at 84 months. Conclusions: A curate neo™ was associated with sustained echocardiographic results. Reassuring mid- to long-term outcomes was observed in this cohort of elderly patients with severe AS.

Comparison of minimum pressure and patent hemostasis on radial artery occlusion after transradial catheterization

ABSTRACT: Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare two hemostatic techniques, minimum pressure technique and patent hemostasis, on radial artery occlusion (RAO) after trans-radial catheterization. Background. RAO is an infrequent complication of trans-radial procedures. One of the strategies used to reduce this complication is the patent hemostasis technique. Use of minimum pressure in hemostatic wristband, without monitoring patency, might have the same efficacy for preventing RAO. Methods. This is a multicenter study encompassing patients submitted to trans-radial catheterization. After pneumatic wristband application, the band was deflated to the lowest allowable volume while preserving hemostasis. Radial artery patency was subsequently evaluated. The group with no return of plethysmography curve was labeled "minimum pressure," and the group in which the signal returned was labeled "patent hemostasis." RAO was verified by Doppler evaluation within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Results. A total of 1082 patients were enrolled, with mean age of 61.4 ± 10.4 years. The majority (61.0%) were male and 34.5% had diabetes. Patent hemostasis was achieved in only 213 cases (20%). Early RAO occurred in 16 patients (1.8%) in the minimum pressure group and in 4 patients (1.9%) in the patent hemostasis group (P=.97). No major bleeding was observed among the entire cohort. EASY scale for hematoma grade was similar between the cohorts (EASY grades 1-3: 7.0% in the minimum pressure group vs 7.5% in the patent hemostasis group; P=.96). Conclusion. Checking radial patency during hemostatic compression may not be necessary after the procedure when adopting a mild and short hemostatic compression

Comparison of Minimum Pressure and Patent Hemostasis on Radial Artery Occlusion After Transradial Catheterization.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare two hemostatic techniques, minimum pressure technique and patent hemostasis, on radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial catheterization. BACKGROUND: RAO is an infrequent complication of transradial procedures. One of the strategies used to reduce this complication is the patent hemostasis technique. Use of minimum pressure in hemostatic wristband, without monitoring patency, might have the same efficacy for preventing RAO. METHODS: This is a multicenter study encompassing patients submitted to transradial catheterization. After pneumatic wristband application, the band was deflated to the lowest allowable volume while preserving hemostasis. Radial artery patency was subsequently evaluated. The group with no return of plethysmographic curve was labeled "minimum pressure," and the group in which the signal returned was labeled "patent hemostasis." RAO was verified by Doppler evaluation within the first 24 hours of the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 1082 patients were enrolled, with mean age of 61.4 ± 10.4 years. The majority (61.0%) were male and 34.5% had diabetes. Patent hemostasis was achieved in only 213 cases (20%). Early RAO occurred in 16 patients (1.8%) in the minimum pressure group and in 4 patients (1.9%) in the patent hemostasis group (P=.97). No major bleeding was observed among the entire cohort. EASY scale for hematoma grade was similar between the cohorts (EASY grades 1-3: 7.0% in the minimum pressure group vs 7.5% in the patent hemostasis group; P=.96). CONCLUSION: Checking radial patency during hemostatic compression may not be necessary after the procedure when adopting a mild and short hemostatic compression.

Association between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular diastolic function is an important prognostic marker in acute coronary syndrome. However, classification of the dysfunction grade using isolated echocardiographic parameters remains difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to combine multiple data in diagnostic algorithms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of left atrial strain (LAS) components to classify left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) grade. METHODS: Cross-sectional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were divided according to the diastolic dysfunction grade for later association with the LAS. RESULTS: The three LAS components showed moderate correlation with most diastolic variables(left atrial volume index, E/e' ratio and e' wave). In addition, there was related reduction of the LAS, which was inversely proportional to the DD grade (p < 0.05). LAS was effective for the identification of patients with DD grade III [area under the curve (AUC) for the reservoir = 0.99; conduit AUC = 0.89; contraction AUC = 0.99) and also those with DD grade II or III (reservoir AUC = 0.94; conduit AUC = 0.92; contraction AUC = 0.80]. CONCLUSIONS: LAS alone presented excellent capacity to classify DD in patients with acute coronary syndrome and may represent an additional tool for this purpose. (AU)

Association between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular diastolic function is an important prognostic marker in acute coronary syndrome. However, classification of the dysfunction grade using isolated echocardiographic parameters remains difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to combine multiple data in diagnostic algorithms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of left atrial strain (LAS) components to classify left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) grade. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 109 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency room with acute coronary syndrome. Patients were referred for echocardiographic evaluation within 72 h. Mean values of LAS, corresponding to three phases of atrial function (reservoir, conduit and contraction), were obtained by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were divided according to the diastolic dysfunction grade for later association with the LAS. RESULTS: The three LAS components showed moderate correlation with most diastolic variables (left atrial volume index, E/e' ratio and e' wave). In addition, there was related reduction of the LAS, which was inversely proportional to the DD grade (p < 0.05). LAS was effective for the identification of patients with DD grade III [area under the curve (AUC) for the reservoir = 0.99; conduit AUC = 0.89; contraction AUC = 0.99) and also those with DD grade II or III (reservoir AUC = 0.94; conduit AUC = 0.92; contraction AUC = 0.80]. CONCLUSIONS: LAS alone presented excellent capacity to classify DD in patients with acute coronary syndrome and may represent an additional tool for this purpose.

Association between left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular diastolic function is an important prognostic marker in acute coronary syndrome. However, classifcation of the dysfunction grade using isolated echocardiographic parameters remains difcult. Therefore, it is necessary to combine multiple data in diagnostic algorithms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of left atrial strain (LAS) components to classify left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) grade. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 109 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency room with acute coronary syndrome. Patients were referred for echocardiographic evaluation within 72 h. Mean values of LAS, corresponding to three phases of atrial function (reservoir, conduit and contraction), were obtained by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Patients were divided according to the diastolic dysfunction grade for later association with the LAS. RESULTS: The three LAS components showed moderate correlation with most diastolic variables (left atrial volume index, E/e' ratio and e' wave). In addition, there was related reduction of the LAS, which was inversely proportional to the DD grade (p< 0.05). LAS was efective for the identifcation of patients with DD grade III [area under the curve (AUC) for the reservoir=0.99; conduit AUC=0.89; contraction AUC=0.99) and also those with DD grade II or III (reservoir AUC=0.94; conduit AUC=0.92; contraction AUC=0.80]. CONCLUSIONS: LAS alone presented excellent capacity to classify DD in patients with acute coronary syndrome and may represent an additional tool for this purpose.

Randomized double-blinded study comparing medical treatment versus iliac vein stenting in chronic venous disease.

OBJECTIVE: Iliac vein stenting has emerged as the procedure of choice in the treatment of iliac vein obstruction (IVO). However, clinical outcomes have never been studied by a randomized clinical trial. Our purpose was to compare medical and endovascular treatment results in symptomatic chronic venous disease (CVD) patients with significant IVO documented by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS: Patients with Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology clinical class C3 to C6 and a visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain) score >3 were considered eligible. We randomly assigned limbs with ≥50% IVO on IVUS to undergo medical treatment alone or medical treatment plus iliac vein stenting. The patient and clinical physician were blinded. Primary outcomes included change from baseline in VAS pain score, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey quality of life questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included stent integrity, migration, and patency rates at 6 months. RESULTS: Of 207 CVD patients, 58 (28%) were eligible and eight (14%) were excluded; 51 of 85 class C3 to C6 limbs (60%) had ≥50% IVO by IVUS. Iliac vein stenting, in randomized patients, was 100% technically successful. At 6 months' follow-up, the mean VAS pain score declined from a median of 8 to 2.5 in patients receiving stents and from 8 to 7 in patients receiving only medical treatment (P < .001). The Venous Clinical Severity Score dropped from a median of 18.5 to 11 after stenting and from 15 to 14 with medical treatment (P < .001). The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (0-100) improved from a total median score of 53.9 to 85.0 with stenting and 48.3 to 59.8 after medical treatment (P < .001). There was no stent fracture or migration, and the primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 92%, 96%, and 100%, respectively (median, 11.8; range, 6-18 months). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of IVO with stenting is safe and promotes effective relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life compared with medical treatment alone in symptomatic CVD patients. Our results echo those achieved in numerous previously published nonrandomized clinical series.

Predição de nefropatia induzida pelo contraste após revascularização coronária percutânea: precisamos de fórmulas? - Uma perspetiva da cardiologia / Predicting contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention: Do we need formulas? A cardiological perspective

A nefropatia induzida pelo contraste (NIC) tem figurado como um diagnóstico cada vez mais frequente no campo da cardiologia intervencionista. Tal fato deve-se ao aumento progressivo no uso de meios de contraste iodados em procedimentos diagnósticos e terapêuticos cardiovasculares, à abordagem de pacientes portadores de múltiplas comorbidades, além de cenários clínicos e angiográficos cada vez mais complexos que requerem procedimentos prolongados ou estagiados.Estima-se que a NIC seja a terceira causa de incidência de insuficiência renal (IR) em pacientes internados, contribui com 11-12% de todos os casos de IR aguda. Segundo alguns estudos, pode atingir percentuais de 25-30% em indivíduos idosos, particularmente se portadores de diabetes mellitus(DM), síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST, disfunção ventricular esquerda e doença renal crónica (DRC). Um subgrupo especial de alto risco para desenvolvimento de NIC inclui aqueles que apresentam DM e doença renal crónica concomitante.

Randomized double-blinded study comparing medical treatment versus iliac vein stenting in chronic venous disease

OBJECTIVE:Iliac vein stenting has emerged as the procedure of choice in the treatment of iliac vein obstruction (IVO). However, clinical outcomes have never been studied by a randomized clinical trial. Our purpose was to compare medical and endovascular treatment results in symptomatic chronic venous disease (CVD) patients with significant IVO documented by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).METHODS:Patients with Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology clinical class C3 to C6 and a visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain) score >3 were considered eligible. We randomly assigned limbs with ≥50% IVO on IVUS to undergo medical treatment alone or medical treatment plus iliac vein stenting. The patient and clinical physician were blinded. Primary outcomes included change from baseline in VAS pain score, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey quality of life questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included stent integrity, migration, and patency rates at 6 months.