Prognostic implications of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

AIMS: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a relatively infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome. Clinical features, angiographic findings, management, and outcomes of SCAD patients who present reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remain unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Spanish multicentre prospective SCAD registry (NCT03607981), included 389 consecutive patients with SCAD. In 348 of these patients, LVEF could be assessed by echocardiography during the index admission. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with preserved LVEF (LVEF ≥50%, n = 295, 85%) were compared with those with reduced LVEF (LVEF <50%, n = 53, 15%). Mean age was 54 years and 90% of patients in both groups were women. The most frequent clinical presentation in patients with reduced LVEF was ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (62% vs. 36%, P < 0.001), especially anterior STEMI. Proximal coronary segment and multi-segment involvement were also significantly more frequent in these patients. No differences were found on initial revascularization between groups. Patients with reduced LVEF significantly received more often neurohormonal antagonist therapy, and less frequently aspirin. In-hospital events were more frequent in these patients (13% vs. 5%, P = 0.01), with higher rates of death, cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmia, and stroke. During a median follow-up of 28 months, the occurrence of a combined adverse event did not statistically differ between the two groups (19% vs. 12%, P = 0.13). However, patients with reduced LVEF had higher mortality (9% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001) and readmission rates for heart failure (HF) (4% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with SCAD and reduced LVEF show differences in clinical characteristics and angiographic findings compared with SCAD patients with preserved LVEF. Although these patients receive specific medications at discharge, they had higher mortality and readmission rates for HF during follow-up.

Predictores de demora en el intervencionismo coronario percutáneo primario en el infarto de miocardio diagnosticado en hospitales sin hemodinámica / Time from electrocardiographic diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction to guidewire crossing in patients transferred to a hospital for primary angioplasty: factors associated with delay

Objetivos: Identificar variables predictoras del retraso hasta la angioplastia primaria, en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMEST) trasladados desde el medio extrahospitalario o desde hospitales sin hemodinámica. Método: Estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, realizado entre 2008 y 2018 en un hospital universitario receptor de pacientes con diagnóstico de IAMEST y que requirieron angioplastia primaria. Se realizó un análisis multivariable de regresión logística y lineal para identificar variables predictoras de demora de tiempo de electrocardiograma (ECG) diagnóstico hasta el paso de guía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.039 pacientes en el estudio. Doscientos noventa y seis pacientes (28,4%) presentaban tiempos ECG diagnóstico-paso de guía > 120 minutos. Las variables asociadas a tiempos prolongados de angioplastia primaria fueron la edad avanzada [odds ratio (OR) = 1,02; IC 95%: 1,01-1,04] la insuficiencia cardiaca grave al ingreso (OR = 2,28; IC 95%: 1,23-4,22), la cirugía cardiaca previa de bypass (OR = 10,01; IC 95%: 2,60-41,81), la muerte súbita extrahospitalaria recuperada (OR = 4,34; IC 95%: 1,84-10,32), la localización lateral del infarto (OR = 1,64; IC 95%: 1,06-2,51), el primer contacto con hospital sin disponibilidad de hemodinámica (OR = 1,52; IC 95%: 1,05- 2,21), la atención fuera de horas (OR = 1,46; IC 95%: 1,06-2,02) y finalmente la distancia en kilómetros al centro con hemodinámica (OR = 1,04; IC 95%: 1,03-1,05). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con IAMEST que requirieron traslado a un centro con hemodinámica, la demora en la realización de la angioplastia primaria se relacionó con factores clínicos, con características del infarto y logísticas. (AU)

Objective: To identify predictors of primary angioplasty delay in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transported from out-of-hospital sites or from hospitals without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) suites. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of cases between 2008 and 2018 in a university hospital receiving patients diagnosed with STEMI who required a PCI. We performed linear and multivariate regression analyses to identify factors that predicted delay in interpreting a diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG) until the guidewire passed the lesion (diagnosis–guidewire-crossing time). Results: A total of 1039 cases were studied; 296 patients (28.4%) had delays of more than 120 minutes between STEMI diagnosis and guidewire crossing. Factors associated with PCI delay were advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04]), severe heart failure on admission (OR = 2.28; 95% CI, 1.23–4.22), history of cardiac bypass surgery (OR = 10.01; 95% CI, 2.60–41.81), out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OR = 4.34; 95% CI, 1.84–10.32), lateral ischemia (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06–2.51), first medical attention in a hospital without a PCI suite (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.05–2.21), first medical attention outside regular working hours (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.06–2.02), and distance in kilometers to a PCI suite (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.05). Conclusions: Patients with STEMI who required transport to a hospital with a PCI suite experienced primary angioplasty delays. Delays were related to logistical and clinical factors as well as to infarction characteristics. (AU)

Predictors of primary percutaneous coronary intervention delay in cases of myocardial infarction diagnosed in hospitals without hemodynamic support systems / Predictores de demora en el intervencionismo coronario percutáneo primario en el infarto de miocardio diagnosticado en hospitales sin hemodinámica.

OBJECTIVES: The need for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in hospitals without hemodynamic support capability is associated with delays between first medical contact (FMC) and reperfusion. It is important to identify factors involved in delays, particularly if they are relevant to the organization of emergency services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of a registry of patients treated in hospitals without advanced hemodynamic support systems in a catchment area with an established care network for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The registry included care times. RESULTS: The network served 2542 patients with a mean (SD) age of 63 (13) years. FMC-to-reperfusion time was within 120 minutes in 42% of the cases. Nine of the hospitals had a chest-pain unit in the emergency department, and this factor was an independent predictor of FMC-to-reperfusion times of 120 minutes or less (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54­0.77; P < .0001); the time was shortened by 11 minutes in such hospitals. FMC-to-reperfusion was delayed beyond 120 minutes in relation to the following factors: shock and need for intubation at start of care, age, gender, FMC at night, left bundle branch block, and Killip class. One-month and 1-year mortality rates increased in hospitals without hemodynamic support systems in proportion to reperfusion delay, by 1.7% and 3.5% if the delay was 106 minutes or less and by 7.3% and 12.4% if the delay was 176 minutes or longer (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: FMC-to-reperfusion time in STEMI exceeds recommendations in 58% of the hospitals without hemodynamic support systems and delay is inversely proportional to the availability of an emergency department chest pain unit. One-month and 1-year mortality is proportional to the degree of delay.

OBJETIVO: La indicación de intervencionismo coronario percutáneo primario (ICPP) en hospitales sin hemodinámica (HSH) se asocia con tiempos primera asistencia-apertura de la arteria (TPA) prolongados. Es pertinente identificar los factores implicados, especialmente aquellos relacionados con la organización de los servicios de urgencias. METODO: Análisis de un registro de pacientes atendidos en HSH en una región sanitaria con una red asistencial para infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMEST) establecida y de sus tiempos de actuación. RESULTADOS: En 2.542 pacientes, de edad 63 ± 13 años, se alcanzó un TPA 120 minutos en un 42% de casos. En 9 de los 16 HSH analizados existía un box de dolor torácico en el área de urgencias, que se comportó como factor predictor independiente de un TPA 120 minutos [OR 0,64 (IC 95% 0,54-0,77), p 0,001], con una reducción de 11 minutos de este. Se asociaron de forma independiente con un TPA superior a 120 minutos la intubación y shock durante la primera asistencia, edad, sexo, atención en horario nocturno, bloqueo de rama izquierda y la clase Killip. La mortalidad al mes y al año aumentó en los HSH proporcionalmente al TPA (1,7% y 3,5% si TPA 106 minutos y del 7,3% y 12,4% si TPA 176 minutos, p 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El TPA alcanzado en activaciones procedentes de HSH supera las recomendaciones en el 58% de casos y se relaciona inversamente con la disponibilidad de un box de dolor torácico en urgencias. La mortalidad al mes y al año es proporcional al grado de retraso en la reperfusión.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in Spain: clinical and angiographic characteristics, management, and in-hospital events.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome. The characteristics and in-hospital clinical course of patients with SCAD in Spain remain unknown. METHODS: We present data from consecutive patients included in the national prospective SCAD registry. Angiographic analysis was performed in a centralized core laboratory. RESULTS: Between June 2015 and April 2019, we included 318 patients with SCAD (358 lesions) from 31 centers. Median age was 53 years, and 88% were women. The most frequent presentation was non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (53%). The most frequently involved artery was the left anterior descending coronary artery (44%), predominantly affecting the distal segments (39%) and secondary branches (54%). Most lesions (62%) appeared on angiography as intramural hematoma, without double lumen. Conservative management was selected as the initial approach in most patients (78%). During the index admission, 6% of patients had a major adverse event and 4 patients (1.3%) died. Independent predictors of adverse events were initial management with percutaneous coronary intervention (OR, 5.97; P=.004) and angiographic presentation as intramural hematoma (OR, 4.96; P=.028). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, SCAD affects mainly middle-aged women. In most patients, the initial management strategy was conservative with excellent in-hospital survival. Initial management with percutaneous coronary intervention and angiographic presentation as intramural hematoma were related to the presence of in-hospital adverse events. Registered at ClnicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03607981).

Ablación no invasiva de taquicardia ventricular con radioterapia estereotáctica en un paciente con miocardiopatía arritmogénica de ventrículo derecho / Noninvasive ablation of ventricular tachycardia with stereotactic radiotherapy in a patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

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Diabetes mellitus is not independently associated with mortality in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Insights from the Codi Infart registry.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus predicts poorer outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but the magnitude of this association in patients at older ages remains controversial. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Codi Infart database. All consecutive patients with diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2010 and 2015 were included. We assessed the impact of diabetes mellitus on 30-day and one-year mortality in patients aged less than and at least 75 years. RESULTS: A total of 12 792 cases were registered, of whom 3023 (23.6%) were aged at least 75 years. About 20% patients had previous diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Patients aged at least 75 years had higher prevalence of comorbidities, higher proportion of heart failure at admission, a more extensive coronary artery disease and significant delay to reperfusion (P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was associated with higher 30-day mortality both in young [odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.70] and in elderly patients (OR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.07-1.91). After adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant in young patients (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.16, P = 0.047), but not in the elderly (OR 1.14, P = 0.43). Likewise, a crude association between diabetes mellitus and one-year mortality was observed in both groups (young patients: HR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.51-2.46; older patients: HR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.08-1.64). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant in younger patients (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13-1.89; P < 0.001), but not in the elderly (HR = 1.16; P = 0.17). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of these nonselected patients with STEMI had previous diabetes mellitus. The association between diabetes mellitus and outcomes is different according to age.

Angina e isquemia a los 2 años con armazón vascular bioabsorbible y stents farmacoactivos metálicos. Estudio ESTROFA Isquemia AVB-SFAm / Angina and ischemia at 2 years with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds and metallic drug-eluting stents. ESTROFA Ischemia BVS-mDES study

Introducción y objetivos: Los armazones vasculares bioabsorbibles (AVB) tienen el potencial de restaurar la vasomotilidad, pero se desconocen las implicaciones clínicas. En este estudio se evalúan la angina y la isquemia a largo plazo tras el implante de AVB y stents farmacoactivos metálicos (SFAm). Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, que incluyó a pacientes tras 24 ± 6 meses de evolución sin eventos a los que se realizó ecografía de estrés y se aplicó el Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). El objetivo primario fue el resultado positivo en la ecografía de estrés. Resultados: Se incluyó a 102 pacientes tratados con AVB y 106 con SFAm, sin diferencias basales significativas. Se produjo recurrencia de la angina en 18 pacientes (17,6%) con AVB frente a 25 (23,5%) con SFAm (p = 0,37), pero los resultados del SAQ fueron significativamente mejores en el grupo AVB (frecuencia de angina, 96.0 ± 8.0 frente a 89,2 ± 29,7; p = 0,02). La ecografía de estrés fue positiva en 11/92 (11,9%) con AVB frente a 9/96 (9,4%) con SFAm (p = 0,71) y se indujo angina en 2/102 (1,9%) frente a 7/106 (6,6%) (p = 0,18), pero el desempeño en el ejercicio fue mejor con AVB incluso en aquellos con tests positivos (duración del ejercicio, 9,0 ± 2,0 frente a 7,7 ± 1,8 min; p = 0,02). Un análisis por puntuación de propensión de tratamiento ofreció resultados similares. Conclusiones: El objetivo primario fue comparable en ambos grupos. La recurrencia de la angina fue similar entre los tratados con AVB y con SFAm. El mejor estado funcional, medido por SAQ y nivel de ejercicio, detectado en pacientes con AVB tendría que confirmarse en futuros estudios

Introduction and objectives: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have the potential to restore vasomotion but the clinical implications are unknown. We sought to evaluate angina and ischemia in the long-term in patients treated with BVS and metallic drug-eluting stents (mDES). Methods: Multicenter study including patients with 24 ± 6 months of uneventful follow-up, in which stress echocardiography was performed and functional status was assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). The primary endpoint was a positive result in stress echocardiography. Results: The study included 102 patients treated with BVS and 106 with mDES. There were no differences in the patients' baseline characteristics. Recurrent angina was found in 18 patients (17.6%) in the BVS group vs 25 (23.5%) in the mDES group (P = .37), but SAQ results were significantly better in the BVS group (angina frequency 96.0 ± 8.0 vs 89.2 ± 29.7; P = .02). Stress echocardiography was positive in 11/92 (11.9%) of BVS patients vs 9/96 (9.4%) of mDES patients in the (P = .71) and angina was induced in 2/102 (1.9%) vs 7/106 (6.6%) (P = .18), respectively, but exercise performance was better in the BVS group even in those with positive tests (exercise duration 9.0 ± 2.0 minutes vs 7.7 ± 1.8 minutes; P = .02). A propensity score matching analysis yielded similar results. Conclusions: The primary endpoint was similar in both groups. In addition, recurrent angina was similar in patients with BVS and mDES. The better functional status, assessed by means of SAQ and exercise performance, detected in patients receiving BVS should be confirmed in further studies

Left atrial geometry and outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation: results from the multicentre LAGO-AF study.

Aims: Left atrial (LA) remodelling is a key determinant of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation outcome. Optimal methods to assess this process are scarce. LA sphericity is a shape-based parameter shown to be independently associated to procedural success. In a multicentre study, we aimed to test the feasibility of assessing LA sphericity and evaluate its capability to predict procedural outcomes. Methods and results: This study included consecutive patients undergoing first AF ablation during 2013. A 3D model of the LA chamber, excluding pulmonary veins and LA appendage, was used to quantify LA volume (LAV) and LA sphericity (≥82.1% was considered spherical LA). In total, 243 patients were included across 9 centres (71% men, aged 56 ± 10 years, 44% with hypertension and 76% CHA2DS2-VASc ≤ 1). Most patients had paroxysmal AF (66%) and underwent radiofrequency ablation (60%). Mean LA diameter (LAD), LAV, and LA sphericity were 42 ± 6 mm, 100 ± 33 mL, and 82.6 ± 3.5%, respectively. Adjusted Cox models identified paroxysmal AF [hazard ratio (HR 0.54, P = 0.032)] and LA sphericity (HR 1.87, P = 0.035) as independent predictors for AF recurrence. A combined clinical-imaging score [Left Atrial Geometry and Outcome (LAGO)] including five items (AF phenotype, structural heart disease, CHA2DS2-VASc ≤ 1, LAD, and LA sphericity) classified patients at low (≤2 points) and high risk (≥3 points) of procedural failure (35% vs. 82% recurrence at 3-year follow-up, respectively; HR 3.10, P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this multicentre, real-life cohort, LA sphericity and AF phenotype were the strongest predictors of AF ablation outcome after adjustment for covariates. The LAGO score was easy to implement, identified high risk of procedural failure, and could help select optimal candidates. Clinical Trial Registration Information: NCT02373982 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02373982).

Angina and Ischemia at 2 Years With Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds and Metallic Drug-eluting Stents. ESTROFA Ischemia BVS-mDES Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have the potential to restore vasomotion but the clinical implications are unknown. We sought to evaluate angina and ischemia in the long-term in patients treated with BVS and metallic drug-eluting stents (mDES). METHODS: Multicenter study including patients with 24 ± 6 months of uneventful follow-up, in which stress echocardiography was performed and functional status was assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). The primary endpoint was a positive result in stress echocardiography. RESULTS: The study included 102 patients treated with BVS and 106 with mDES. There were no differences in the patients' baseline characteristics. Recurrent angina was found in 18 patients (17.6%) in the BVS group vs 25 (23.5%) in the mDES group (P = .37), but SAQ results were significantly better in the BVS group (angina frequency 96.0 ± 8.0 vs 89.2 ± 29.7; P = .02). Stress echocardiography was positive in 11/92 (11.9%) of BVS patients vs 9/96 (9.4%) of mDES patients in the (P = .71) and angina was induced in 2/102 (1.9%) vs 7/106 (6.6%) (P = .18), respectively, but exercise performance was better in the BVS group even in those with positive tests (exercise duration 9.0 ± 2.0minutes vs 7.7 ± 1.8minutes; P = .02). A propensity score matching analysis yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The primary endpoint was similar in both groups. In addition, recurrent angina was similar in patients with BVS and mDES. The better functional status, assessed by means of SAQ and exercise performance, detected in patients receiving BVS should be confirmed in further studies.

Intracoronary thrombolysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction presenting with massive intraluminal thrombus and failed aspiration.

AIM: Massive intracoronary thrombus is associated with adverse procedural results including failed aspiration and unfavourable reperfusion. In this scenario the best treatment remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the effect of low dose intracoronary thrombolysis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presenting with a large thrombus burden and failed aspiration. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study 30 STEMI patients with a large thrombus burden and failed manual aspiration were included in the registry. Local fibrinolysis with low dose (one-third of systemic) tenecteplase (27%) or alteplase (73%) was administered via a 6F-infusion catheter. A thrombus was qualified as large when its maximal dimension was ≥2 vessels (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade 4 and 5). Altogether 33% of patients received delayed invasive therapy (>12 h) guided by the presence of recurrent symptoms and/or ischaemia. A total of 17% of patients presented with cardiogenic shock and half of the population received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. A post-lysis thrombus grade 4-5 was found in just one patient. TIMI flow grade improved from 0/1 at baseline (93%) to ≥2 in most patients (97%). Blush grade 2-3 was observed in 85% and we observed a similar percentage (82%) of more than 50% ST-segment resolution. In-hospital mortality was 10% (three patients with cardiogenic shock). No major bleeding events were observed. At a median follow-up of 14 (6-35) months, only one new clinical event was reported (1 target lesion revascularization, (TLR)). CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients with a large thrombus burden and failed manual aspiration, administration of low dose intracoronary thrombolysis is safe and reduces trhombus burden, as a result improving in epicardial flow and myocardial reperfusion.

Coronary artery perforation by intracoronary guide wires: risk factors and clinical outcomes.

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of coronary artery perforation by intracoronary guide wires during angioplasty, to identify associated factors, and to assess outcomes. The retrospective analysis covered 4,353 consecutive procedures, corresponding to a total 6,994 lesions treated over a period of 8 years. Coronary artery perforation by guide wires occurred in 15 cases (0.35%). Perforation was associated with the number of hydrophilic wires used (odds ratio=2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.05) and treatment of chronic occlusions (odds ratio=3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-10.46). Cardiac tamponade occurred in seven cases (46.7%), six of which were subacute. Three cases were resolved by pericardiocentesis, while four required surgical drainage. Cardiac tamponade was associated with the number of guide wires used (P=.039) and the use of abciximab (P=.016). No death occurred.

Perforación coronaria causada por guías intracoronarias: factores de riesgo y evolución clínica / Coronary artery perforation by intracoronary guide wires: risk factors and clinical outcomes

En el presente estudio se valora la incidencia, los parámetros relacionados y la evolución de la perforación coronaria por guía intracoronaria durante la realización de angioplastia. Se analizaron retrospectivamente 4.353 procedimientos consecutivos, correspondientes a 6.994 lesiones tratadas en 8 años. Se detectó perforación coronaria por guía en 15 casos (0,35%). Ésta se relacionó con el número de guías hidrófilas usadas (odds ratio [OR] = 2,33; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,34-4,05) y el tratamiento de oclusiones crónicas (OR = 3,31; IC del 95%, 1,05-10,46). En 7 casos (46,7%) hubo taponamiento cardiaco, 6 de manera subaguda; 3 se solucionaron con pericardiocentesis y 4 requirieron drenaje quirúrgico. El taponamiento se relacionó con el número de guías utilizadas (p = 0,039) y el uso de abciximab (p = 0,016). No se produjeron muertes (AU)

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of coronary artery perforation by intracoronary guide wires during angioplasty, to identify associated factors, and to assess outcomes. The retrospective analysis covered 4,353 consecutive procedures, corresponding to a total 6,994 lesions treated over a period of 8 years. Coronary artery perforation by guide wires occurred in 15 cases (0.35%). Perforation was associated with the number of hydrophilic wires used (odds ratio=2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.05) and treatment of chronic occlusions (odds ratio=3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-10.46). Cardiac tamponade occurred in seven cases (46.7%), six of which were subacute. Three cases were resolved by pericardiocentesis, while four required surgical drainage. Cardiac tamponade was associated with the number of guide wires used (P=.039) and the use of abciximab (P=.016). No death occurred (AU)