Acute coronary syndrome with single­lead ST segment elevation: A rare presentation of multivessel coronary artery disease.

We report the case of a 73-year-old male admitted for epigastric pain and syncope with increased troponin level and a rare electrocardiogram (a single­lead ST-elevation). Coronary angiography showed multi-vessel coronary artery disease. The patient underwent coronary angioplasty with drug-eluting stenting on left anterior descending coronary artery and drug eluting ballooning on first diagonal ostium. Coronary revascularization was completed with a staged stenting on left circumflex artery and right coronary artery. In rare cases of acute coronary syndrome, even isolated ST single lead anomalies may underlie multivessel coronary disease.

Prognostic Significance of the Combination of Left Atrial Reservoir Strain and Global Longitudinal Strain Immediately After Onset of ST-Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The role of left atrial (LA) function in the long-term prognosis of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still unclear.Methods and Results: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 433 patients with the first episode of STEMI within 12 h of onset. The patients underwent echocardiography 24 h after admission. LA reservoir strain and other echocardiographic parameters were analyzed. Follow up was performed for up to 10 years (mean duration, 91 months). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): cardiac death or hospitalization due to heart failure (HF). MACE occurred in 90 patients (20%) during the follow-up period. Multivariate Cox hazard analyses showed LA reservoir strain, global longitudinal strain (GLS), age and maximum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were the significant predictors of MACE. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that LA reservoir strain <25.8% was a strong predictor (Log rank, χ2=76.7, P<0.0001). Net reclassification improvement (NRI) demonstrated that adding LA reservoir strain had significant incremental effect on the conventional parameters (NRI and 95% CI: 0.24 [0.11-0.44]) . When combined with GLS >-11.5%, the patients with LA reservoir strain <25.8% were found to be at extremely high risk for MACE (Log rank, χ2=126.3, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: LA reservoir strain immediately after STEMI onset was a significant predictor of poor prognosis in patients, especially when combined with GLS.

Clinical Usefulness of the Serial Examination of Three-Dimensional Global Longitudinal Strain After the Onset of ST-Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) after ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) can predict the prognosis. This study investigated the clinical significance of a serial 3D-STE can predict the prognosis after onset of STEMI.Methods and Results:This study enrolled 272 patients (mean age, 65 years) with first-time STEMI treated with reperfusion therapy. At 24 h after admission, standard 2D echocardiography and 3D full-volume imaging were performed, and 2D-STE and 3D-STE were calculated. Within 1 year, 19 patients who experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE; cardiac death, heart failure requiring hospitalization) were excluded. Among the 253 patients, 248 were examined with follow-up echocardiography. The patients were followed up for a median of 108 months (interquartile range: 96-129 months). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a MACE; 45 patients experienced MACEs. Receiver operating characteristic curves and Cox hazard multivariate analysis showed that the 2D-global longitudinal strain (GLS) and 3D-GLS at 1-year indices were significant predictors of MACE. The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that a 3D-GLS of >-13.1 was an independent predictor for MACE (log-rank χ2=165.5, P<0.0001). The deterioration of 3D-GLS at 1 year was a significant prognosticator (log-rank χ2=36.7, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The deterioration of 3D-GLS measured by STE at 1 year after the onset of STEMI is the strongest predictor of long-term prognosis.

Global Strain Measured by Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Is a Useful Predictor for 10-Year Prognosis After a First ST-Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) after ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and 1-year prognosis. This study investigated the clinical significance of 3D-STE in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with STEMI.Methods and Results:A total of 270 patients (mean age 64.6 years) with first-time STEMI treated with reperfusion therapy were enrolled. At 24 h after admission, standard 2D echocardiography and 3D full-volume imaging were performed, and 2D-STE and 3D-STE were calculated. Patients were followed up for a median of 119 months (interquartile range: 96-129 months). The primary endpoint was occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE: cardiac death, heart failure with hospitalization), and 64 patients experienced MACEs. Receiver operating characteristic curves and Cox hazard multivariate analysis showed that the 3D-STE indices were stronger predictors of MACE compared with those of 2D-STE. Additionally, 3D-global longitudinal strain (GLS) was the strongest predictor for MACE followed by 3D-global circumferential strain (GCS). The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that 3D-GLS >-11.0 was an independent predictor for MACE (log-rank χ2=132.2, P<0.0001). When combined with 3D-GCS >-18.3, patients with higher values of 3D-GLS and 3D-GCS were found to be at extremely high risk for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Global strain measured by 3D-STE immediately after the onset of STEMI is a clinically significant predictor of 10-year prognosis.

Association of Baseline Anemia with Mid-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Trans-Radial Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Radial access is recommended for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), because it has fewer bleeding complications than trans-femoral PCI. However, even if trans-radial PCI is chosen, patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presenting with anemia on admission might have poor clinical outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether anemia on admission was associated with mid-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent trans-radial primary PCI. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, recurrent acute myocardial infarction, and readmission for heart failure. A total of 288 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent trans-radial primary PCI were divided into an anemia group (n = 79) and a non-anemia group (n = 209). The median follow-up duration was 301 days. The anemia group was significantly older than the non-anemia group (77.3 ± 11.9 versus 64.4 ± 12.7 years, respectively; P < 0.001). There were significantly more females in the anemia group than in the non-anemia group (36.7% versus 14.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the composite outcome-free survival was significantly worse in the anemia group than in the non-anemia group (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox hazard model analysis revealed that hemoglobin levels on admission were significantly associated with the composite outcome (per 1 g/dL increase: hazard ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.66-0.88, P < 0.001) after controlling for confounding factors. In conclusion, baseline anemia was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes. Patients with STEMI presenting with anemia should be managed carefully, even if trans-radial primary PCI is chosen.

Effects of different doses of atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin on elderly patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a randomized double-blind prospective study to investigate effect of different doses of atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin on elderly patients with ST-elevation AMI after PCI. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-two AMI patients over 60 years old who underwent PCI were randomly divided into six groups: the low atorvastatin group, high atorvastatin group; low rosuvastatin group; high rosuvastatin group; low simvastatin group; high simvastatin group. Demographic data and clinical information as well as coronary angiography parameters were recorded. Plasma levels of CK-MB, BNP, ALT, and TnI were measured at 12 hr, 24 hr, and 1 week after PCI. Major cardiovascular events (MACE) were recorded and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in angiographic and procedural characteristics. In all high dose groups, all levels of CK-MB, BNP, ALT, and TnI were significantly lower. However, after 1 week of PCI, only CK-MB, BNP, and TnI showed significant difference between high and low dose groups. Patients in high dose groups had significantly lower rates for surgical or percutaneous intervention, recurrence of angina, and rehospitalization. K-M curve analysis also showed cumulative incidence freedom time of overall MACE in high dose groups was significantly longer. No significant differences were found among different drugs with the same doses. CONCLUSION: Patients with higher doses had lower level of CK-MB, BNP, ALT, and TnI and lower occurrence of MACE after PCI.

Predictive Value of Four-Dimensional Strain Echocardiography for Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the predictive value of four-dimensional (4D) strain echocardiography for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. METHODS: Consecutive STEMI patients who underwent successful primary coronary interven tion (PCI) were enrolled and followed, with 2D and 4D strain echocardiography performed within 1 week after PCI. RESULTS: Twenty-six first MACE were recorded in 81 patients who finished a ∼3.0 year follow-up. Compared with those without MACE, subjects with MACE were more likely to have anterior MI (73.08 vs. 38.18%, p = 0.003), significantly decreased 2D left ventricular ejection fraction (2DLVEF) and 4DLVEF (all p < 0.05), as well as an overtly compromised 4D strain parameters. The prediction models incorporating infarct location with either 2DLVEF or 4D strain parameters were then developed. Model comparisons revealed that the global area strain (GAS)-based model had the highest discriminative capacity (c statistics = 0.774) and was well calibrated for MACE. Additionally, the clinical utility of the GAS-based prediction model was verified by decision curve analysis showing a consistent positive and larger net benefit compared to the 2DLVEF-based model. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a superiority of 4D strain echocardiography over conventional 2D echocardiography, especially GAS, for risk stratification in STEMI patients after successful primary PCI.

Determinants of short and long door-to-balloon time in current primary percutaneous coronary interventions.

Primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have been developed to improve clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In primary PCI, the door-to-balloon time (DTBT) is closely associated with mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to find determinants of short and long DTBT. From our hospital record, we included 214 STEMI patients, and divided into the short DTBT group (DTBT < 60 min, n = 60), the intermediate DTBT group (60 min ≤ DTBT ≤ 120 min, n = 121) and the long DTBT group (DTBT > 120 min, n = 33). In-hospital mortality was highest in the long DTBT group (24.2%), followed by the intermediate DTBT group (5.8%), and lowest in the short DTBT group (0%) (< 0.001). Transfers from local clinics or hospitals (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.72-6.83, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with short DTBT, whereas Killip class 3 or 4 (vs. Killip class 1 or 2: OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.64, P = 0.007) was inversely associated with short DTBT in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, transfer from local clinics/hospitals was associated with short DTBT. Our results may suggest the current limitation of ambulance system, which does not include pre-hospital ECG system, in Japan. The development of pre-hospital ECG system would be needed for better management in STEMI.

Left Circumflexus Coronary Artery Total Occlusion with Clinical Presentation as NSTEMI and Acute Pulmonary Oedema.

Current guidelines for the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) focus on the electrocardiogram to divide patients into ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)/unstable angina (UA). Patients with STEMI in the earliest time will receive reperfusion therapy to destruct occlusive thrombus. An ST segment elevation is the 'sine qua non' for diagnosing acute total coronary occlusion causing transmural myocardial infarction. Left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) occlusion is often categorized as NSTEMI because of the absence of significant ST-elevation on the 12 lead standard electrocardiogram. An ST segment elevation is presented in fewer than 50% of patients with LCx total occlusion, such that the reperfusion therapy is delayed. We reported a 77 years old woman whom being diagnosed with NSTEMI because a 12 lead electrocardiogram showed ST segment depression in lead V2-V5. On coronary angiography, we found a total occlusion in the LCx artery as the culprit lession.

[Usefulness of copeptin in discarding non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain and negative first troponin I]. / Valor de la copeptina para la exclusión del infarto agudo de miocardio sin elevación del segmento ST en pacientes con dolor torácico y primera troponina negativa.

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of copeptin as a rapid and reliable marker for discarding non-ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients attended in an Emergency Care Department due to acute chest pain with a normal or non-diagnostic electrocardiogram and a negative first troponin I result. DESIGN: A prospective observational study was carried out. SETTING: The Emergency Care Department of a university hospital. PATIENTS: The study comprised a total of 97 patients attended in the Emergency Care Department due to chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome with an evolution of under 12h, a non-diagnostic electrocardiogram and a negative first troponin I result. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Patient demographic data and baseline characteristics, copeptin upon admission, troponin I upon admission and after 6h, and final diagnosis. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was NSTEMI in 14 patients (14.4%) -no significant differences in copeptin concentration being observed between the 2 groups, though a tendency towards higher values was recorded in the NSTEMI group (median: 24.6pmol/l [interquartile range: 42.0] vs. 12.0pmol/l [16.1]; P=.06). The AUC ROC for copeptin upon admission was 0.657 (95%CI: 0.504-0.810), with a negative predictive value of 92% for a cutoff point of 14pmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: Copeptin determination upon admission to the Emergency Care Department in patients with chest pain for ≤12h, suggestive of acute coronary syndrome, with a non-diagnostic electrocardiogram and a negative first troponin I determination does not allow rapid and reliable exclusion of the presence of NSTEMI. Serial troponin I measurements are needed in this respect.