Effect of Colchicine on Myocardial Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a key factor of myocardial damage in reperfused ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, may reduce infarct size (IS) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling at the acute phase of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: In this double-blind multicenter trial, we randomly assigned patients admitted for a first episode of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention to receive oral colchicine (2-mg loading dose followed by 0.5 mg twice a day) or matching placebo from admission to day 5. The primary efficacy outcome was IS determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 5 days. The relative LV end-diastolic volume change at 3 months and IS at 3 months assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were among the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: We enrolled 192 patients, 101 in the colchicine group and 91 in the control group. At 5 days, the gadolinium enhancement-defined IS did not differ between the colchicine and placebo groups with a mean of 26 interquartile range (IQR) [16-44] versus 28.4 IQR [14-40] g of LV mass, respectively (P=0.87). At 3 months follow-up, there was no significant difference in LV remodeling between the colchicine and placebo groups with a +2.4% (IQR, -8.3% to 11.1%) versus -1.1% (IQR, -8.0% to 9.9%) change in LV end-diastolic volume (P=0.49). Infarct size at 3 months was also not significantly different between the colchicine and placebo groups (17 IQR [10-28] versus 18 IQR [10-27] g of LV mass, respectively; P=0.92). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events during the treatment period was greater with colchicine than with placebo (34% versus 11%, respectively; P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, oral administration of high-dose colchicine at the time of reperfusion and for 5 days did not reduce IS assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03156816.

Coronary CT Angiography with Photon-counting CT: First-In-Human Results.

Background Spatial resolution, soft-tissue contrast, and dose-efficient capabilities of photon-counting CT (PCCT) potentially allow a better quality and diagnostic confidence of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in comparison to conventional CT. Purpose To compare the quality of CCTA scans obtained with a clinical prototype PCCT system and an energy-integrating detector (EID) dual-layer CT (DLCT) system. Materials and Methods In this prospective board-approved study with informed consent, participants with coronary artery disease underwent retrospective electrocardiographically gated CCTA with both systems after injection of 65-75 mL of 400 mg/mL iodinated contrast agent at 5 mL/sec. A prior phantom task-based quality assessment of the detectability index of coronary lesions was performed. Ultra-high-resolution parameters were used for PCCT (1024 matrix, 0.25-mm section thickness) and EID DLCT (512 matrix, 0.67-mm section thickness). Three cardiac radiologists independently performed a blinded analysis using a five-point quality score (1 = insufficient, 5 = excellent) for overall image quality, diagnostic confidence, and diagnostic quality of calcifications, stents, and noncalcified plaques. A logistic regression model, adjusted for radiologists, was used to evaluate the proportion of improvement in scores with the best method. Results Fourteen consecutive participants (12 men; mean age, 61 years ± 17) were enrolled. Scores of overall quality and diagnostic confidence were higher with PCCT images with a median of 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 2) and 5 (IQR, 1) versus 4 (IQR, 1) and 4 (IQR, 3) with EID DLCT images, using a mean tube current of 255 mAs ± 0 versus 349 mAs ± 111 for EID DLCT images (P < .01). Proportions of improvement with PCCT images for quality of calcification, stent, and noncalcified plaque were 100%, 92% (95% CI: 71, 98), and 45% (95% CI: 28, 63), respectively. In the phantom study, detectability indexes were 2.3-fold higher for lumen and 2.9-fold higher for noncalcified plaques with PCCT images. Conclusion Coronary CT angiography with a photon-counting CT system demonstrated in humans an improved image quality and diagnostic confidence compared with an energy-integrating dual-layer CT. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Sandfort and Bluemke in this issue.

Extracorporeal life support in the multidisciplinary management of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the results of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a single-center experience. BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock is still a leading cause of death for AMI. Conventional management carries mortality rates exceeding 50%. ECLS may be considered as a bridge to decision in the setting of AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock not responsive to standard management. METHODS: We performed an observational analysis of our local database. The primary end-point was survival to hospital discharge. All variables were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: Between January 2007 and December 2017, 56 patients were supported for cardiogenic shock complicating AMI. The mean age was 56.7 years and 89.3% were males. Baseline characteristics were comparable between both groups. Of the 50 primary percutaneous coronary interventions that were attempted, 44 (88.0%) were successful. Twenty-three (41.1%) patients died during ECLS support. The complications' rate during ECLS support was comparable between both groups. Twenty-eight (50%) patients were successfully weaned from ECLS after a mean support of 8.7 days. Eight (14.3%) patients eventually died after weaning before hospital discharge. Five (8.9%) patients could not be weaned from ECLS and were switched to a long-term mechanical circulatory support. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 41.1% (n = 23). Eighteen (32.1%) patients were alive after a mean follow-up of 38.0 ± 29.9 (range, 4.2-95.4) months. CONCLUSIONS: ECLS should be considered as a therapeutic solution in the management of AMI-related cardiogenic shock with a satisfactory short- and long-term survival.

Sequential coronary bifurcation revascularization with the Xposition S™ self-apposing stent: a comparative fractal bench study.

Coronary bifurcation revascularization needs to take account of the diameter differential between vessels and to limit side-branch obstruction (SBO). The self-apposing properties of the Xposition S™ stent (STENTYS, France) seem interesting in this regard. The present experimental fractal bench study determined the best provisional stenting technique using Xposition S™. Three sequential strategies were compared (n = 5/group): implantation alone, side-branch inflation (SBI), and re-POT (initial proximal optimization technique (POT) + SBI + final POT). 2D- and 3D-OCT analyses and micro-CT scan were performed to quantify the main mechanical results at each step. Of the three groups, SBI and re-POT provided better final results than implantation alone in terms of residual SBO (respectively, 24.6 ± 5.6% and 24.8 ± 5.0% vs. 46.5 ± 10.3%, p < 0.05) and malapposition (respectively, 0.9 ± 0.6% and 0.8 ± 0.4% vs. 3.8 ± 1.9%, p < 0.05). Unlike SBI, the two POTs of the re-POT sequence did not improve the final result. SBI, alone or as part of re-POT, systematically led to one connector breakage, whereas implantation alone maintained complete stent integrity (p < 0.05). In Xposition S™ implantation, SBI should be systematic, but not post-dilatation specifically dedicated to bifurcation stenting (i.e., POTs). However, global post-dilatation is still mandatory to prevent stent underexpansion due to untreated stenosis.

Incidence and Significance of Spontaneous ST Segment Re-elevation After Reperfused Anterior Acute Myocardial Infarction　- Relationship With Infarct Size, Adverse Remodeling, and Events at 1 Year.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have ST segment re-elevation after initial regression post-reperfusion and there are few data regarding its prognostic significance.Methods and Results:A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded in 662 patients with anterior STEMI referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). ECGs were recorded 60-90 min after PPCI and at discharge. ST segment re-elevation was defined as a ≥0.1-mV increase in STMax between the post-PPCI and discharge ECGs. Infarct size (assessed as creatine kinase [CK] peak), echocardiography at baseline and follow-up, and all-cause death and heart failure events at 1 year were assessed. In all, 128 patients (19%) had ST segment re-elevation. There was no difference between patients with and without re-elevation in infarct size (CK peak [mean±SD] 4,231±2,656 vs. 3,993±2,819 IU/L; P=0.402), left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (50.7±11.6% vs. 52.2±10.8%; P=0.186), LV adverse remodeling (20.1±38.9% vs. 18.3±30.9%; P=0.631), or all-cause mortality and heart failure events (22 [19.8%] vs. 106 [19.2%]; P=0.887) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Among anterior STEMI patients treated by PPCI, ST segment re-elevation was present in 19% and was not associated with increased infarct size or major adverse events at 1 year.

Third generation drug eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in diabetic patients: 5 years follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term safety and efficacy data of a third generation drug eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in the complex patient population of diabetes mellitus after a follow-up period of 5 years. BACKGROUND: After percutaneous coronary intervention patients with diabetes mellitus are under higher risk of death, restenosis and stent thrombosis (ST) compared to non-diabetic patients. METHODS: In 126 centers worldwide 3067 patients were enrolled in the NOBORI 2 registry, 888 patients suffered from diabetes mellitus (DM), 213 of them (14%) being insulin dependent (IDDM). Five years follow-up has been completed in this study. RESULTS: At 5 years, 89.3% of the patients were available for follow-up. The reported target lesion failure (TLF) rates at 5 years were 12.39% in DM group and 7.34% in non-DM group; (p < 0.0001). In the DM group, the TLF rate in patients with IDDM was significantly higher than in the non-IDDM subgroup (17.84 vs. 10.67%; p < 0.01). The rate of ST at 5 years was not different among diabetic versus non-diabetic patients or IDDM versus NIDDM. Only 10 (<0.4%) very late stent thrombotic events beyond 12 months occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The Nobori DES performed well in patients with DM. As expected patients with DM, particularly those with IDDM, had worse outcomes. However, the very low rate of very late stent thrombosis in IDDM patients might have significant clinical value in the treatment of these patients. Clinical trial registration ISRCTN81649913; http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/search.html?srch=81649913&sort=3&dir=desc&max=10.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the left transcarotid approach in patients with previous ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) through a left transcarotid approach in patients previously operated on for ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA). BACKGROUND: The healthcare impact of extracranial carotid artery disease is essential as stroke is the third-leading cause of death in industrialized nations and CEA is often present in the history of patients awaiting TAVI. METHODS: The primary endpoint was to evaluate 30-day mortality and freedom from major TAVI-related complications in an observational analysis. RESULTS: From December 2011 to February 2014, we performed 9 TAVI. The mean age was 84.6 years. The procedure was performed without any technical complication or vascular injury in every patient. There was neither intraoperative mortality nor intraoperative major complications. One (11.1%) patient experienced spatial-temporal disorientation but cerebral computed tomography did not show any sign of stroke. Two (22.2%) patients needed the implantation of a pacemaker due to third-degree atrioventricular block appearance. Three (33.3%) patients were transfused with packed red blood cells and 1 (11.1%) patient developed a groin hematoma. Only 1 (11.1%) patient showed a residual paravalvular regurgitation ≥ 2. At 30-day follow-up there was neither mortality nor other TAVI-related complications and echocardiography parameters remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI through a left transcarotid approach in patients previously operated on for ipsilateral CEA is feasible and safe. The presence of a previous ipsilateral CEA represents no more a limitation to the utilization of this promising access route. At short-term follow-up, mortality and major complications rates are low.

Thrombus burden management during primary coronary bifurcation intervention: a new experimental bench model.

BACKGROUND: Management of thrombus burden during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is a key-point, given the high risk of stent malapposition and/or thrombus embolization. These issues are especially important if pPCI involves a coronary bifurcation. Herein, a new experimental bifurcation bench model to analyze thrombus burden behavior was developed. METHODS: On a fractal left main bifurcation bench model, we generated standardized thrombus with human blood and tissue factor. Three provisional pPCI strategies were compared (n = 10/group): 1) balloon-expandable stent (BES), 2) BES completed by proximal optimizing technique (POT), and 3) nitinol self-apposing stent (SAS). The embolized distal thrombus after stent implantation was weighed. Stent apposition and thrombus trapped by the stent were quantified on 2D-OCT. To analyze final stent apposition, a new OCT acquisition was performed after pharmacological thrombolysis. RESULTS: Trapped thrombus was significantly greater with isolated BES than SAS or BES+POT (18.8 ± 5.8% vs. 10.3 ± 3.3% and 6.2 ± 2.1%, respectively; p < 0.05), and greater with SAS than BES+POT (p < 0.05). Isolated BES and SAS tended show less embolized thrombus than BES+POT (5.93 ± 4.32 mg and 5.05 ± 4.56 mg vs. 7.01 ± 4.32 mg, respectively; p = NS). Conversely, SAS and BES+POT ensured perfect final global apposition (0.4 ± 0.6% and 1.3 ± 1.3%, respectively, p = NS) compared to isolated BES (74.0 ± 7.6%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This first experimental bench model of pPCI in a bifurcation quantified thrombus trapping and embolization. BES provided the best thrombus trapping, while SAS and BES+POT achieved better final stent apposition. These factors should be taken into account in selecting revascularization strategy.

One year results of coronary bifurcation revascularization with the re-POT provisional sequential technique. The CABRIOLET registry.

BACKGROUND: Re-POT (proximal optimization technique (POT)) is a simple provisional sequential technique for percutaneous coronary bifurcation revascularization with better arterial geometry respect compared to classical techniques. Re-POT has demonstrated excellent mechanical and short-term clinical results. The multicenter CABRIOLET registry (NCT03550196) evaluate the long-term clinical benefit of the re-POT sequence in non-selected patients. METHODS: All consecutive patients presenting a coronary bifurcation lesion for which provisional stenting was indicated were included in 5 european centers. Re-POT strategy was systematically attempted. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), comprising cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months' follow-up. The secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary endpoint, all-cause death, target vessel failure (TVF) and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Complex bifurcation was defined as Medina 0.1.1 or 1.1.1. RESULTS: A total of 500 patients aged 67.7 ± 11.7 years, 78.4% male, were included from 2015 to 2019, 174 of whom (34.8%) were considered having complex bifurcation lesions. Bifurcations involved the left main in 35.2% of cases. The full re-POT sequence was systematically performed in all cases. At 1 year, TLF was 2.0% (1.7% in complex vs. 2.1% in non-complex bifurcation; p = NS), and TLR was 1.6%, (1.1% vs. 1.8% respectively; p = NS). TVF and TVR rates were 3.2% and 2.8%. On multivariate analysis, only multivessel disease was predictive of TLF at 1 year (OR = 1.66 (1.09-2.53), p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this large prospective all-comer registry, provisional stenting with re-POT technique appeared safe and effective at 1 year, without anatomical bifurcation restriction.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation coronary lesions using optimised angiographic guidance: the 18th consensus document from the European Bifurcation Club.

The 2023 European Bifurcation Club (EBC) meeting took place in Warsaw in October, and the latest evidence for the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to optimise percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) was a major focus. The topic generated deep discussions and general appraisal on the potential benefits of IVUS and OCT in PCI procedures. Nevertheless, despite an increasing recognition of IVUS and OCT capabilities and their recognised central role for guidance in complex CBL and left main PCI, it is expected that angiography will continue to be the primary guidance modality for CBL PCI, principally due to educational and economic barriers. Mindful of the restricted access/adoption of intracoronary imaging for CBL PCI, the EBC board decided to review and describe a series of tips and tricks which can help to optimise angiography-guided PCI for CBLs. The identified key points for achieving an optimal angiography-guided PCI include a thorough analysis of pre-PCI images (computed tomography angiography, multiple angiographic views, quantitative coronary angiography vessel estimation), a systematic application of the technical steps suggested for a given selected technique, an intraprocedural or post-PCI use of stent enhancement and a low threshold for bailout use of intravascular imaging.

Postconditioning attenuates no-reflow in STEMI patients.

After acute myocardial infarction, the presence of no-reflow (or microvascular obstruction: MVO) has been associated with adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and worse clinical outcome. This study examined the effects of mechanical ischemic postconditioning on early and late MVO size in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Fifty patients undergoing primary coronary angioplasty for a first STEMI with TIMI grade flow 0-1 and no collaterals were randomized to ischemic postconditioning (PC) (n = 25) or control (n = 25) groups. Ischemic PC consisted in the application of four consecutive cycles of a 1-min balloon occlusion, each followed by a 1-min deflation at the onset of reperfusion. Early (3 min post-contrast) and late (10 min post-contrast) MVO size were assessed by contrast-enhanced cardiac-MRI within 96 h after reperfusion. PC was associated with smaller early and late MVO size (3.9 ± 4.8 in PC versus 7.8 ± 6.6% of LV in controls for early MVO, P = 0.02; and 1.8 ± 3.1 in PC versus 4.1 ± 3.9% of LV in controls for late MVO; P = 0.01). This significant reduction was persistent after adjustment for thrombus aspiration, which neither had any significant effect on infarct size, nor on early or late MVO (P = NS for all). Attenuation of MVO was associated to infarct size reduction. Mechanical postconditioning significantly reduces MVO in patients with acute STEMI treated with primary angioplasty.

First In-Human Results of Computed Tomography Angiography for Coronary Stent Assessment With a Spectral Photon Counting Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the image quality of in vivo coronary stents between an energy integrating detectors dual-layer computed tomography (EID-DLCT) and a clinical prototype of spectral photon counting computed tomography (SPCCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In January to June 2021, consecutive patients with coronary stents were prospectively enrolled to undergo a coronary computed tomography (CT) with an EID-DLCT (IQon, Philips) and an SPCCT (Philips). The study was approved by the local ethical committee and patients signed an informed consent. A retrospectively electrocardiogram-gated acquisition was performed with optimized matching parameters on the 2 scanners (EID-DLCT: collimation, 64 × 0.625 mm; kVp, 120, automatic exposure control with target current at 255 mAs; rotation time, 0.27 seconds; SPCCT: collimation, 64 × 0.275 mm; kVp, 120; mAs, 255; rotation time, 0.33 seconds). The injection protocol was the same on both scanners: 65 to 75 mL of Iomeron (Bracco) at 5 mL/s. Images were reconstructed with slice thickness of 0.67 mm, 512 matrix, XCB (Xres cardiac standard) and XCD (Xres cardiac detailed) kernel, iDose 3 for EID-DLCT and 0.25-mm slice thickness, 1024 matrix, Detailed 2 and Sharp kernel, and iDose 6 for SPCCT. Two experienced observers measured the proximal and distal external and internal diameters of the stents to quantify blooming artifacts. Regions of interest were drawn in the lumen of the stent and of the upstream coronary artery. The difference (Δ S-C) between the respective attenuation values was calculated as a quantification of stent-induced artifacts on intrastent image quality. For subjective image quality, 3 experienced observers graded with a 4-point scale the image quality of different parameters: coronary wall before the stent, stent lumen, stent structure, calcifications surrounding the stent, and beam-hardening artifacts. RESULTS: Eight patients (age, 68 years [interquartile range, 8]; all men; body mass index, 26.2 kg/m2 [interquartile range, 4.2]) with 16 stents were scanned. Five stents were not evaluable owing to motion artifacts on the SPCCT. Of the remaining, all were drug eluting stents, of which 6 were platinum-chromium, 3 were cobalt-platinum-iridium, and 1 was stainless steel. For 1 stent, no information could be retrieved. Radiation dose was lower with the SPCCT (fixed CT dose index of 25.7 mGy for SPCCT vs median CT dose index of 35.7 [IQ = 13.6] mGy; P = 0.02). For 1 stent, the internal diameter was not assessable on EID-DLCT. External diameters were smaller and internal diameters were larger with SPCCT (all P < 0.05). Consequently, blooming artifacts were reduced on SPCCT (P < 0.05). Whereas Hounsfield unit values within the coronary arteries on the 2 scanners were similar, the Δ S-C was lower for SPCCT-Sharp as compared with EID-DLCT-XCD and SPCCT-Detailed 2 (P < 0.05). The SPCCT received higher subjective scores than EID-DLCT for stent lumen, stent structure, surrounding calcifications and beam-hardening for both Detailed 2 and Sharp (all P ≤ 0.05). The SPCCT-Sharp was judged better for stent structure and beam-hardening assessment as compared with SPCCT-Detailed 2. CONCLUSION: Spectral photon counting CT demonstrated improved objective and subjective image quality as compared with EID-DLCT for the evaluation of coronary stents even with a reduced radiation dose.

Effect of cyclosporine on reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Experimental evidence suggests that cyclosporine, which inhibits the opening of mitochondrial permeability-transition pores, attenuates lethal myocardial injury that occurs at the time of reperfusion. In this pilot trial, we sought to determine whether the administration of cyclosporine at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) would limit the size of the infarct during acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: We randomly assigned 58 patients who presented with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction to receive either an intravenous bolus of 2.5 mg of cyclosporine per kilogram of body weight (cyclosporine group) or normal saline (control group) immediately before undergoing PCI. Infarct size was assessed in all patients by measuring the release of creatine kinase and troponin I and in a subgroup of 27 patients by performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 5 after infarction. RESULTS: The cyclosporine and control groups were similar with respect to ischemia time, the size of the area at risk, and the ejection fraction before PCI. The release of creatine kinase was significantly reduced in the cyclosporine group as compared with the control group (P=0.04). The release of troponin I was not significantly reduced (P=0.15). On day 5, the absolute mass of the area of hyperenhancement (i.e., infarcted tissue) on MRI was significantly reduced in the cyclosporine group as compared with the control group, with a median of 37 g (interquartile range, 21 to 51) versus 46 g (interquartile range, 20 to 65; P=0.04). No adverse effects of cyclosporine administration were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In our small, pilot trial, administration of cyclosporine at the time of reperfusion was associated with a smaller infarct by some measures than that seen with placebo. These data are preliminary and require confirmation in a larger clinical trial.

Is arterial wall-strain stiffening an additional process responsible for atherosclerosis in coronary bifurcations?: an in vivo study based on dynamic CT and MRI.

Coronary bifurcations represent specific regions of the arterial tree that are susceptible to atherosclerotic lesions. While the effects of vessel compliance, curvature, pulsatile blood flow, and cardiac motion on coronary endothelial shear stress have been widely explored, the effects of myocardial contraction on arterial wall stress/strain (WS/S) and vessel stiffness distributions remain unclear. Local increase of vessel stiffness resulting from wall-strain stiffening phenomenon (a local process due to the nonlinear mechanical properties of the arterial wall) may be critical in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify WS/S and stiffness in coronary bifurcations and to investigate correlations with plaque sites. Anatomic coronary geometry and cardiac motion were generated based on both computed tomography and MRI examinations of eight patients with minimal coronary disease. Computational structural analyses using the finite element method were subsequently performed, and spatial luminal arterial wall stretch (LW(Stretch)) and stiffness (LW(Stiff)) distributions in the left main coronary bifurcations were calculated. Our results show that all plaque sites were concomitantly subject to high LW(Stretch) and high LW(Stiff), with mean amplitudes of 34.7 ± 1.6% and 442.4 ± 113.0 kPa, respectively. The mean LW(Stiff) amplitude was found slightly greater at the plaque sites on the left main coronary artery (mean value: 482.2 ± 88.1 kPa) compared with those computed on the left anterior descending and left circumflex coronary arteries (416.3 ± 61.5 and 428.7 ± 181.8 kPa, respectively). These findings suggest that local wall stiffness plays a role in the initiation of atherosclerotic lesions.

Accelerated coronary atherosclerosis revealed by arrhythmogenic coronary spasm.

Coronary artery spasm is sometimes associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Based on intravascular ultrasound findings, it appears that coronary artery spasm promotes negative arterial remodeling, suggesting that patients with coronary artery spasm might be at higher risk of accelerated coronary atherosclerosis. We report the cases of 3 patients with ventricular arrhythmia secondary to coronary artery spasm complicated by accelerated coronary atherosclerosis. Consequently, coronary disease progression should be considered in the case of angina pectoris recurrence in patients with coronary artery spasm, especially in those with coronary artery spasm complicated by ventricular arrhythmia.

Fractional Flow Reserve to Guide Treatment of Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence that fractional flow reserve (FFR) is effective in guiding therapeutic strategy in multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) beyond prespecified percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary graft surgery candidates. OBJECTIVES: The FUTURE (FUnctional Testing Underlying coronary REvascularization) trial aimed to evaluate whether a treatment strategy based on FFR was superior to a traditional strategy without FFR in the treatment of multivessel CAD. METHODS: The FUTURE trial is a prospective, randomized, open-label superiority trial. Multivessel CAD candidates were randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment strategy based on FFR in all stenotic (≥50%) coronary arteries or to a traditional strategy without FFR. In the FFR group, revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or surgery) was indicated for FFR ≤0.80 lesions. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events at 1 year. RESULTS: The trial was stopped prematurely by the data safety and monitoring board after a safety analysis and 927 patients were enrolled. At 1-year follow-up, by intention to treat, there were no significant differences in major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events rates between groups (14.6% in the FFR group vs 14.4% in the control group; hazard ratio: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.69-1.36; P = 0.85). The difference in all-cause mortality was nonsignificant, 3.7% in the FFR group versus 1.5% in the control group (hazard ratio: 2.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.97-5.18; P = 0.06), and this was confirmed with a 24 months' extended follow-up. FFR significantly reduced the proportion of revascularized patients, with more patients referred to exclusively medical treatment (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with multivessel CAD, we did not find evidence that an FFR-guided treatment strategy reduced the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events or death at 1-year follow-up. (Functional Testing Underlying Coronary Revascularisation; NCT01881555).