The impact of diabetes on the relationship of coronary artery disease and outcome: a study using multimodality imaging.

BACKGROUND: Patients with prediabetes or diabetes are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and adverse outcomes. First-line coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) followed by selective use of positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging is a feasible strategy to diagnose and risk-stratify patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to study whether diabetes changes the relationship of CAD and long-term outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively identified consecutive symptomatic patients who underwent coronary CTA for suspected CAD. In patients with suspected obstructive CAD on CTA, myocardial ischemia was evaluated by 15O-water PET myocardial perfusion imaging. The relationship of the phenotype of CAD and long-term outcome in patients with no diabetes, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes was investigated. A composite endpoint included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and unstable angina pectoris (UAP). RESULTS: A total of 1743 patients were included: 1214 (70%) non-diabetic, 259 (15%) prediabetic, and 270 (16%) type 2 diabetic patients. During 6.43 years of median follow-up, 164 adverse events occurred (106 deaths, 41 MIs, 17 UAPs). The prevalence of normal coronary arteries on CTA was highest in the non-diabetic patients (39%). The prevalence of hemodynamically significant CAD (abnormal perfusion) increased from 14% in non-diabetic patients to 20% in prediabetic and 27% in diabetic patients. The event rate was lowest in patients with normal coronary arteries and highest in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes and hemodynamically significant CAD (annual event rate 0.2% vs. 4.7%). However, neither prediabetes nor diabetes were independent predictors of the composite adverse outcome after adjustment for the clinical risk factors and imaging findings. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary CTA followed by selective downstream use of PET myocardial perfusion imaging predicts long-term outcome similarly in non-diabetic and diabetic patients.

Global and segmental absolute stress myocardial blood flow in prediction of cardiac events: [15O] water positron emission tomography study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the value of reduced global and segmental absolute stress myocardial blood flow (sMBF) quantified by [15O] water positron emission tomography (PET) for predicting cardiac events in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Global and segmental sMBF during adenosine stress were retrospectively quantified in 530 symptomatic patients who underwent [15O] water PET for evaluation of coronary stenosis detected by coronary computed tomography angiography. RESULTS: Cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina occurred in 28 (5.3%) patients at a 4-year follow-up. Reduced global sMBF was associated with events (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.622, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.538-0.707, p = 0.006). Reduced global sMBF (< 2.2 ml/g/min) was found in 22.8%, preserved global sMBF despite segmentally reduced sMBF in 35.3%, and normal sMBF in 41.9% of patients. Compared with normal sMBF, reduced global sMBF was associated with the highest risk of events (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 6.970, 95% CI 2.271-21.396, p = 0.001), whereas segmentally reduced sMBF combined with preserved global MBF predicted an intermediate risk (adjusted HR 3.251, 95% CI 1.030-10.257, p = 0.044). The addition of global or segmental reduction of sMBF to clinical risk factors improved risk prediction (net reclassification index 0.498, 95% CI 0.118-0.879, p = 0.010, and 0.583, 95% CI 0.203-0.963, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: In symptomatic patients evaluated for suspected obstructive CAD, reduced global sMBF by [15O] water PET identifies those at the highest risk of adverse cardiac events, whereas segmental reduction of sMBF with preserved global sMBF is associated with an intermediate event risk.

Impact of preoperative thrombocytopenia on the outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting.

The impact of thrombocytopenia on postoperative bleeding and other major adverse events after cardiac surgery is unclear. This issue was investigated in a series of patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from the prospective, multicenter E-CABG registry. Preoperative thrombocytopenia was defined as preoperative platelet count <150 × 109/L and it was considered moderate-severe when preoperative platelet count was <100 × 109/L. Multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis was performed to adjust the effect of thrombocytopenia on outcomes for baseline and operative covariates as well as for interinstitutional differences in patient-blood management. Among 7189 patients included in this analysis, 599 (8.3%) had preoperative thrombocytopenia. Patient with preoperative thrombocytopenia had an increased chest drainage output at 12 h (mean, 519 vs. 456 mL, adjusted coeff. 39, 95%CI 18-60) and rates of severe-massive bleeding (Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding (UDPB) severity grades 3-4: 12.7% vs. 8.1%, adjusted OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.11-1.93; E-CABG bleeding severity grades 2-3: 10.4% vs. 6.1%, adjusted OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.30-2.43). Thrombocytopenia was associated with an increased risk of hospital/30-day death (3.2% vs. 1.9%, adjusted OR 2.02, 95%CI 1.20-3.42), 1-year death (5.7% vs. 3.4%, adjusted HR 1.68, 95%CI 1.16-2.44), deep sternal wound infection (3.5% vs. 2.4%, adjusted OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.02-2.66), acute kidney injury (28.1% vs. 22.2%, OR 1.45, 1.18-1.78), and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (mean, 3.6 vs 2.8 days, adjusted coeff. 0.74, 95%CI 0.40-1.09). Similar results were observed in a subset of patients with moderate-severe thrombocytopenia (51 patients, 0.7%). In particular, these patients had a markedly higher rate of acute kidney injury (40%, adjusted OR, 1.94, 95%CI 1.05-3.57), resternotomy for bleeding (7.8%, adjusted OR 3.49, 95%CI 1.20-10.21), and severe-massive bleeding (UDPB severity grades 3-4: 23.5%, adjusted OR 3.08, 95%CI 1.52-6.22; E-CABG bleeding severity grades 2-3: 23.5%, adjusted OR 4.43, 95%CI 2.15-9.15) compared to patients with normal preoperative platelet count. Mild preoperative thrombocytopenia is associated with increased risk of severe-massive bleeding, mortality, and other major adverse events after CABG. Such risks are markedly increased in patients with moderate-severe preoperative thrombocytopenia.

Impact of Calcified Target Lesions on the Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the BASE ACS Trial.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a post hoc analysis of outcome in patients with, versus those without, calcified target lesions from the BASE ACS trial. BACKGROUND: The outcome of contemporary stent implantation in patients with calcified lesions presenting with acute coronary syndrome is unknown. METHODS: The BASE ACS trial randomized 827 patients (1:1) presenting with acute coronary syndrome to receive either titanium-nitride-oxide-coated stents or everolimus-eluting stents. Calcified lesions were defined as moderate or severe calcification in the vessel wall by coronary angiography. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE): a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. Follow-up was planned at 12 months, and yearly thereafter for up to 7 years. RESULTS: Of 827 patients enrolled in the trial, 352 (42.6%) had calcified target lesions. Median follow-up was 5.0 years. The incidence of MACE was higher in patients with, versus those without, calcified target lesions (19.6% vs. 12.2%, respectively, P = 0.004). This was driven by more frequent cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction events (P < 0.05, both). The rates of ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization were comparable (P > 0.05). MACE and the other endpoints were comparable between the 2 propensity-score matched subgroups (P > 0.05 for all). Hypertension and smaller vessel size independently predicted MACE in patients treated for calcified lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome who were treated for calcified lesions had worse long-term clinical outcome, compared with those treated for non-calcified lesions, mainly due to more frequent safety events. In the propensity score-matched analysis, the outcome was comparable.

Neointimal Healing Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography after Drug-Eluting Absorbable Metal Scaffold Implantation in de novo Native Coronary Lesions: Rationale and Design of the Magmaris-OCT Study.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore neointimal healing assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) following implantation of the Magmaris sirolimus-eluting absorbable metal scaffold. METHODS: The Magmaris-OCT is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm observational clinical study, intended to enrol 60 consecutive patients with up to 2 de novo native coronary lesions, each located in different major epicardial vessels, with a reference vessel diameter of 2.5-3.5 mm, and a maximum lesion length of 20 mm. Patients will undergo Magmaris scaffold implantation in the target lesion, according to the standard practice. Clinical follow-up will take place at 30 days, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. For invasive-imaging follow-up, patients will be classified into 3 groups: cohort A will be scheduled for follow-up at 3 months, cohort B at 6 months, and cohort C at 12 months. Invasive imaging will include quantitative coronary angiography, OCT evaluation, and coronary flow reserve measurement. The primary end point will be the percentage of uncovered scaffold struts assessed by OCT at the prespecified follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide insight into the short- and mid-term healing properties following Magmaris scaffold implantation, with special emphasis on the neointimal coverage of scaffold struts.

Outcome of poor initial TIMI flow in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We explored the predictors and outcome of poor, versus good, initial TIMI flow in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). DESIGN: We performed post-hoc analysis of a randomized trial of patients presenting with ACS who received 2 comparative stents. Poor initial TIMI flow was defined as baseline TIMI flow grade 0/1 at the initial coronary angiography. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE): a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. Stent thrombosis (ST) was adjudicated according to the criteria of definite ST described by the Academic Research Consortium. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed. We report data after 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of 827 patients enrolled, 279 (33.7%) had initial TIMI 0/1 flow. Median follow-up duration was 5.0 years. Presentation by ST-elevation myocardial infarction and target vessel other than left anterior descending artery predicted initial TIMI 0/1 flow. MACE rate was comparable between the 2 subgroups (14% versus 15.9%, in patients with poor versus good initial TIMI flow, respectively, p = .46). Individual endpoints were comparable (p > .05 for all). Definite ST was more frequent in patients with initial TIMI 0/1 flow (3.6% versus 1.5%, respectively, p = .048). This was driven by more frequent early events (30 days) (p = .036); late/very late events were comparable (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of poor initial TIMI flow included presentation by ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and target vessel other than left anterior descending artery. Definite ST occurred more in patients with poor, versus good, initial TIMI flow, mainly driven by difference in early events.

Optical coherence tomography follow-up 18 months after titanium-nitride-oxide-coated versus everolimus-eluting stent implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background Inadequate neointimal coverage of stent struts is associated with late stent thrombosis. Purpose To demonstrate the extent of neointimal coverage and strut malapposition in titanium-nitride-oxide-coated bioactive stents (BAS) versus everolimus-eluting stents (EES) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed at 18-month follow-up. Material and Methods In the BASE-ACS trial, 827 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome were randomized to receive either BAS or EES. Forty patients (20 BAS, 20 EES) underwent OCT at 18-month follow-up for evaluation of stent strut coverage, malapposition, and neointimal hyperplasia (NIH). Primary endpoint was binary stent strut coverage (ratio of covered struts to all analyzed struts multiplied by 100). Co-primary endpoint was the percentage of malapposed struts. Results We analyzed 3465 struts in 330 cross-sections of BAS and 3327 struts in 316 cross-sections of EES. Binary stent strut coverage, based on strut-level analysis, was higher with BAS versus EES (99.5% versus 94.2%, respectively; P < 0.001), the strut-level percentage of malapposed struts was lower with BAS (0.6% versus 2.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). Yet, the mean NIH thickness was greater with BAS (237 ± 125 versus 108 ± 62 µm, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusion In the current post-hoc analysis with OCT performed at 18 months, binary strut coverage, based on strut-level analysis, was higher with BAS versus EES; strut-level malapposed struts were fewer with BAS; yet, BAS induced thicker NIH.

Incidence and predictors of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery: detection by event loop recorder monitoring from a contemporary multicentre cohort.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery. We explored the incidence and predictors of post-operative AF at 30-day follow-up in an unselected multi-centre cohort of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in contemporary practice. Methods and results We enrolled 740 consecutive patients scheduled for elective CABG with or without valve surgery. Cardiac rhythm was continuously monitored for 15 days after surgery by an ambulatory event loop recorder. Clinical follow-up for the occurrence of arrhythmias was performed for the next 15 days by office visits. The primary end point was the incidence of AF at 30-day follow-up. Mean age was 56.5 ± 8.9 years; 69.5% were males; 80% had diabetes. All patients completed 30-day follow-up. At the end of 30 days, AF occurred in 77 patients (10.4%). Most episodes (47 out of 77 episodes, 61%) of AF occurred during post-operative day 2. Episodes of AF were very rare after the first 5 post-operative days (3 out of 77 episodes, 3.9%). Multivariable regression analysis identified the following independent predictors of AF at 30-day follow-up: the lack of beta blocker use (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.21-0.64, P < 0.001), and the preoperative left atrial volume index (hazard Ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.79-2.74, P < 0.001). Conclusions In patients undergoing elective CABG, the incidence of post-operative AF at 30-day follow-up is rather low; the lack of beta blocker use in the perioperative period, and the preoperative left atrial volume index independently predicted the occurrence of AF at 30 days.

Local Intracoronary Infusion of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors via a Perfusion Catheter versus Intracoronary Guiding Catheter Injection during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Glycoprotein IIb IIIa inhibitors improved short- and long-term outcome when added to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We hypothesized that intracoronary eptifibatide infusion via a perfusion catheter improves angiographic and clinical outcome of patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI, versus conventional intracoronary bolus injection. METHODS: Prospectively, we enrolled 80 patients with acute STEMI and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade ≥ 2. Patients were assigned to receive eptifibatide (180 µg) either via a dedicated coronary perfusion catheter (ClearWayTM) during PPCI (group I), or guiding catheter (group II). Assessment of TIMI thrombus grade, TIMI flow grade, and TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade was performed both at baseline and post- procedurally. The primary 'angiographic' endpoint was final TMP grade 0/1. The primary 'clinical' endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal re-infarction, target vessel revascularization, and recurrent ischemia at 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age was 52.3 ± 8.9 years (17.5% females). Clearance of visible thrombus (TIMI thrombus grade 0) at final angiogram was more frequent in group I. Additionally, both final TIMI flow grade 3 and final TMP grade 3 occurred more frequently in group I. The primary angiographic endpoint was more frequent in group II versus group I (17.5% versus 0%, respectively, p = 0.001). The primary clinical endpoint was more frequent in group II (20% versus 0%, respectively, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI, intracoronary eptifibatide infusion via a perfusion catheter during PPCI improved immediate angiographic outcome, and reduced clinical events at 30-day follow-up, versus bolus injection via the guiding catheter.

Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Can Ivabradine Reduce Its Occurrence?

INTRODUCTION: We compared the efficacy of perioperative ivabradine, bisoprolol, or both for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 740 consecutive patients scheduled for elective CABG with/without valve surgery. Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 protocols: ivabradine given perioperatively (48 hours preoperatively, then 1 week postoperatively) 5 mg bid for 24 hours, then 7.5 mg bid thereafter in patients who can tolerate (group 1, n = 212); bisoprolol given perioperatively 5 mg bid (group 2, n = 288); or both drugs given perioperatively (ivabradine as before + bisoprolol 5 mg once daily) (group 3, n = 240). Cardiac rhythm was continuously monitored for 15 days postoperatively by ambulatory event recorder. Clinical follow-up for the occurrence of arrhythmias was performed for the next 15 days. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF at 30-day follow-up. Mean age was 56.5 ± 8.9 years (30.5% females). All patients completed 30-day follow-up. AF occurred in 10.4%. The 3 groups were matched for most baseline characteristics, echocardiographic and angiographic data (P > 0.05 for all). The incidence of AF was significantly lower in group 3 (4.2%), compared with group 1 (15.5%), and group 2 (12.2%), (P < 0.001 both). The duration of stay in the intensive care unit was shorter in group 3 versus group 1 and 2 (P < 0.001 both). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing elective CABG, adding ivabradine to ß-blockers during the perioperative period was associated with reduced incidence of AF at 30-day follow-up, compared with either medication alone.

Clinical outcome of titanium-nitride-oxide-coated cobalt-chromium stents in patients with de novo coronary lesions: 12-month results of the OPTIMAX first-in-man study.

OBJECTIVES: We explored the 12-month clinical outcome of the titanium-nitride-oxide-coated OPTIMAX stent based on cobalt-chromium platform. BACKGROUND: The OPTIMAX stent demonstrated a satisfactory 6-month clinical outcome in de novo coronary lesions. METHODS: We enrolled 224 consecutive symptomatic patients with significant (50%) stenosis in de novo coronary lesions, who were treated with OPTIMAX stent implantation. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events at 12-month follow-up, defined as a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Stent thrombosis was adjudicated according to the definition of the Academic Research Consortium. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 67 ± 8 years (75% males). Patients presented with acute coronary syndrome in 62.1%. Radial access was used in 92%; complex (type B and C) lesions were treated in 79.9%. Both procedural and clinical success occurred in 100% of the cases. The mean follow-up period was 366 ± 22 days. At 12-month follow-up, the primary endpoint occurred in 14 (6.3%) patients. Cardiac death occurred in three (1.3%) patients, non-fatal MI in seven (3.1%) patients, and ischemia-driven TLR in seven (3.1%) patients. No definite stent thrombosis occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In the current prospective observational study, implantation of the OPTIMAX stent demonstrated an adequate 12-month clinical outcome, with a low rate of major adverse cardiac events, and no stent thrombosis.

4-Year outcome of bioactive stents versus everolimus-eluting stents in acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The BASE-ACS trial demonstrated non-inferiority of titanium-nitride-oxide-coated bioactive stents (BAS), versus everolimus-eluting stents (EES), for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1- and 2-year follow-up, in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We presented the 4-year outcome of the BASE-ACS trial. DESIGN: We randomized 827 patients with ACS to receive either BAS (417) or EES (410). MACE was a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12-month follow-up. Analyses were performed by intention to treat. Follow-up was planned at 12 months, and yearly thereafter for 5 years. RESULTS: Four-year clinical follow-up was completed in 753 (91.1%) patients. At 4 years, BAS were non-inferior to EES for MACE (14.7% versus 17.8%, respectively; p = 0.24 for superiority; p = 0.001 for non-inferiority). Non-fatal MI was less frequent with BAS (5.0% versus 9.2%, respectively; p = 0.025). Cardiac death and ischemia-driven TLR were comparable (2.9% versus 3.5%, and 8.6% versus 9.2%; p = 0.62 and p = 0.80, respectively). Independent predictors of MACE were calcified lesions (HR 1.54, p = 0.021), the number of vessels treated (HR 1.53, p = 0.025), and reference vessel diameter (HR 0.54, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with ACS, BAS was associated with a clinical outcome non-inferior to EES at 4-year follow-up.

Transcatheter leadless pacemaker implantation in a patient with a transvenous dual-chamber pacemaker already in place.

An 83-year-old lady had a DDDR pacemaker inserted in 1997 for symptomatic atrioventricular block. She underwent battery replacement in 2008. In 2010, she developed atrial fibrillation; the pacemaker was switched to VVIR mode. During the last 2years, ventricular lead threshold increased progressively. In December 2015, she presented for elective battery replacement. After successful battery replacement, the ventricular lead threshold remained high; therefore, we implanted a leadless transcatheter pacemaker, via femoral vein access, using a dedicated catheter delivery system. Electrical measurements at this stage revealed a pacing threshold of 0.28V at 0.24msec, and an impedance of 650Ω.

Acute Beta Blockade at Peak Stress: Will It Alter the Sensitivity of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Patients with Normal Resting Wall Motion?

BACKGROUND: We compared the accuracy of recovery phase images following administration of intravenous propranolol with peak stress images, for detection of coronary artery disease in patients with no resting wall motion abnormalities undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiography. METHODS: We enrolled 100 consecutive patients with no resting wall motion abnormalities who underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography. Propranolol was injected after termination of dobutamine infusion. Positive peak stress images were defined as the induction of wall motion abnormalities at any stage before propranolol injection. Positive recovery phase images were defined as maintenance or worsening of wall motion abnormalities induced at peak stress, or the appearance of new wall motion abnormalities during recovery phase. Significant coronary stenosis was defined as ≥ 50% obstruction of ≥ 1 sizable artery by coronary angiography. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (72%) had significant coronary artery disease. Analysis of peak stress images revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 80.6%, 85.7%, 93.5%, and 63.2%; the overall accuracy was 82%. Analysis of the recovery phase images revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 91.7%, 75%, 90.4%, and 77.8%; here, the overall accuracy was 87%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with no resting wall motion abnormalities, acute beta blockade during dobutamine stress echocardiography improved the sensitivity of recovery phase images for detection of significant coronary artery disease versus peak stress images, but with reduced specificity. KEY WORDS: Accuracy; Beta blocker; Coronary artery disease; Dobutamine stress echocardiography; Recovery phase images.

Cutoff Value of Admission N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Which Predicts Poor Myocardial Perfusion after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: We explored the value of admission levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTProBNP) that best predicts poor myocardial tissue perfusion following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients admitted with acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: We enrolled 90 consecutive patients admitted with acute STEMI who underwent PPCI and achieved post-procedural TIMI flow grade 3 in the infarct-related artery. We measured levels of NTProBNP from admission blood samples. Thereafter, we assessed post-procedural myocardial blush grade (MBG) at the end of PPCI, and further measured ST segment resolution (STR) 90 minutes following PPCI. The primary endpoint was STR < 50%; furthermore, the co-primary angiographic endpoint was postprocedural MBG 0/1. RESULTS: The mean age of study subjects was 53.6 ± 10.9 years (74.4% males). We found that NTProBNP was higher in patients with STR < 50% versus those with STR ≥ 50% (p < 0.001), and in patients with post-procedural MBG 0/1 versus those with MBG 2/3 (p < 0.001). A value of NTProBNP ≥ 420 ng/L was the optimal cutoff value that best predicted < 50% STR; it predicted < 50% STR with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 98.4%, 92.3%, 96.9%, and 96%, respectively. Likewise, a value of NTProBNP ≥ 570 ng/L was the optimal cutoff value that best predicted postprocedural MBG 0/1; it predicted MBG 0/1 with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 92.2%, 66.7%, 78.3%, and 86.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI and ended up with successful recanalization of the epicardial infarct-related artery, elevated admission levels of NTProBNP predicted incomplete post-procedural STR with good sensitivity and specificity, and predicted poor post-procedural myocardial blush with good sensitivity and moderate specificity.

Early neointimal coverage and vasodilator response following biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting vs. durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stents in patients with acute coronary syndrome ­HATTRICK-OCT trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients at high bleeding risk would benefit from a shorter dual antiplatelet therapy after PCI. Compared to first-generation devices, the design of newer generation drug-eluting stents may facilitate more rapid anatomical and functional healing of stented vessel based on thinner stent platforms, biodegradable/biocompatible polymers and rapid drug elution. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four non-diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and culprit lesion in the LAD were randomized to receive either biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) or durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stent (DP-ZES). Neointimal strut coverage was examined using optical coherence tomography, and vasodilator response on invasive thermodilution-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR) at 3-month follow-up. The primary endpoints were percent uncovered struts and CFR. A total of 425 cross-sections (4,897 struts) were analyzed in the BP-SES group, and 425 cross-sections (5,467 struts) in the DP-ZES group. The percent uncovered struts was lower in the BP-SES group compared with the DP-ZES group, both at strut level (3.9% vs. 8.9%, respectively, P<0.001), and stent level (3.9 ± 3.2% vs. 8.9 ± 6.9%, respectively, P=0.019). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding CFR (3.0 ± 1.3 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0, respectively, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In non-diabetic patients with ACS, BP-SES provided slightly better stent strut coverage at 3 months compared with DP-ZES, but neither stent was fully covered. No difference in vasodilator response was seen.

Excellent very early neointimal coverage of bioactive stents by optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVES: In a prospective study, we explored the extent of neointimal coverage of stent struts by optical coherence tomography 14 days following the implantation of bioactive stents in an unselected cohort. DESIGN: We enrolled 15 consecutive patients who underwent bioactive stent implantation. Optical coherence tomography images were obtained at 14-day follow-up. Morphometric analysis, strut coverage, strut apposition, neointimal hyperplasia, and possible thrombosis were evaluated at 1-mm intervals. Binary stent strut coverage was defined as the percentage of covered struts of all analyzed struts. RESULTS: Patients underwent optical coherence tomography examination at an average of 14.5 ± 2.3 days following stent implantation. Mean age was 62 ± 11 years; 86.7% were males; 26.7% diabetic. Three-hundred eighteen cross-sections were analyzed, including 2935 struts, an average of 9.2 ± 3 struts per cross-section. Binary stent strut coverage was 96.3%; the prevalence of malapposed struts 1.8%. No thrombi were detected. Mean neointimal hyperplasia thickness was 71.5 ± 53.7 µm. CONCLUSIONS: In the current evaluation by optical coherence tomography at 14-day follow-up after bioactive stent implantation in an unselected cohort, binary stent strut coverage was fairly adequate, and the prevalence of malapposed struts was low.

CD4+CD28null T cells in acute coronary syndrome: lower with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We explored any possible difference in the percentage of CD4 + CD28null T cells between patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and those with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome. DESIGN: We enrolled 55 consecutive patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, and 16 healthy control subjects. CD4 + CD28null T cell percentage was assayed by flow cytometry from blood samples withdrawn at the time of enrollment. RESULTS: Mean age was 55.2 ± 10.8 years (69.1% males). Mean CD4 + CD28null T cell percentage was 5.9 ± 3.8% in the study cohort versus 0.8 ± 0.7% in controls (p < 0.001). Mean CD4 + CD28null T cell percentage was higher in patients presenting with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome versus those presenting with STEMI: 7.3 ± 4.1% versus 4.6 ± 3.1%, respectively (p = 0.008). Multivariable regression analysis identified the category of acute coronary syndrome as the only variable independently associated with CD4 + CD28null T cell percentage (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, the CD4 + CD28null T cell percentage was higher in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome versus those with STEMI. The category of acute coronary syndrome was the only variable independently associated with the CD4 + CD28null T cell percentage in multivariable regression analysis.

Left Atrial Volume Index at Peak Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Predicts the Extent of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Normal Resting Wall Motion.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVI) measured at rest is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcome at long-term follow-up. We explored the value of LAVI measured at peak dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) to identify patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and to discriminate those with multivessel CAD. METHODS: We enrolled 100 patients of 134 consecutively screened patients without resting wall-motion abnormalities (WMA) referred for DSE. LA volume was measured using the biplane area-length method at rest and at peak DSE. Significant coronary stenosis was defined as ≥50% obstruction of ≥1 sizable artery by coronary angiography. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.2 ± 10.6 years (55% males). Fifty-six patients (56%) had significant CAD by coronary angiography: 28 (28%) had single-vessel CAD, and 28 (28%) had multivessel CAD. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of stress-induced LAVI that best discriminates significant CAD was 30.1 mL/m(2) . Using this cutoff value, significant CAD was identified with a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity 95.5%, PPV 96%, and NPV 84%. The optimal cutoff value of stress-induced LAVI that best discriminates multivessel CAD was 32.7 mL/m(2) . Using this cutoff value, multivessel CAD was identified with a sensitivity of 88.7%, specificity 96.5%, PPV 97%, and NPV 89%. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic patients who underwent DSE for suspected CAD and had no resting WMA, LAVI measured at peak DSE predicted angiographically significant CAD with acceptable sensitivity and high specificity and predicted multivessel CAD with high sensitivity and specificity.

Bare-metal vs. drug-eluting stents in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: We explored 12-month clinical outcomes of 929 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bare-metal stents (BMS) vs. drug-eluting stents (DES) from the prospective multicenter AFCAS (Atrial Fibrillation undergoing Coronary Artery Stenting) registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: Endpoints included the first occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization, definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST), transient ischemic attack or stroke. Bleeding events were defined according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. Altogether, 673 (72.4%) patients received BMS and 220 (23.7%) at least one DES. Patients treated with DES more often had diabetes and prior ischemic events, and a longer stent length (P<0.05 for all), whereas patients treated with BMS more often had heart failure and were more likely to present with acute ST-elevation MI (P<0.05 for both). At 12-month follow-up, rates and risks of MACCE and total bleeding events were comparable between the groups (22.0% with BMS vs. 19.5% with DES, P=0.51, hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-1.25 for DES) and (19.5% vs. 15.0%, respectively, P=0.16, HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.51-1.09 for DES). Definite/probable ST was more frequent in the BMS group (1.9% vs. 0%, respectively, P=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: In real-world patients with AF undergoing PCI, DES use was associated with outcomes comparable to those with BMS without excess bleeding complications. More ST was seen in BMS-treated patients.