Coronary calcifications, the Achilles heel in coronary interventions.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in severely calcified coronaries has been associated with higher rates of procedural complications, including myocardial infarction and death in addition to increased frequency of coronary revascularization on an intermediate and long-term basis. The SYNTAX score, which is designed to assess the complexity of coronary artery disease and aids in choosing a revascularization method, allocates two points per lesion when there is heavy calcification present on fluoroscopy. With the advent of novel multimodality imaging technologies, the detection and evaluation of coronary calcifications improved significantly over the last decade. Several tools are now available for modifying calcified lesions including different types of dedicated balloons and atherectomy devices, which may create some degree of confusion regarding the suitable application of each instrument. The aim of this review is to cover this vital topic from different aspects. First, we tried to provide an overview on the pathophysiology and types of coronary calcification and its risk factors. Then, we outlined the available imaging modalities for the evaluation of calcified coronary lesions, highlighting the points of strength and weakness of each of them. A comprehensive discussion of calcium-modifying techniques was elaborated, summarizing their mechanism of action, pros and cons, and possible complications. Finally, an integrated algorithm was proposed for the best management of calcified coronary lesions.

Right Ventricular Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Three-Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Study.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) induces left ventricle reverse remodeling; however, its effects on right ventricular (RV) volumes and function were not well described. This study aimed to assess the effects of CRT on RV. Of 112 patients, 63 enrolled with a mean age of 62.77 ± 7.23 years, including 40 males (63.5%). All patients met criteria for CRT implantation and were followed at 3-month and 6-month intervals. Standard 2-dimensional/3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and speckle-tracking analyses were conducted for assessment of LV and left atrium (LA). RV maximum diameters, tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, fractional area change, RV global (RV 4-chamber strain (RV4CSL), and RV free wall strain (RVFWSL), in addition to 3D echocardiographic assessment of RV, were done before CRT implantation and at follow-up visits. Mean follow-up period was 6.76 ± 1.25 months. A total of 48 patients (76.2%) were LV responders (LVR) whereas the rest were nonresponders (LVNR). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics, risk factors, device implantation, and programming values. Only LVR had significant reduction in RV basal diameter, together with significant improvement of RV systolic performance: systolic velocity, fractional area change, RV4CSL, RVFWSL, and 3D-derived RV volumes and ejection fraction, compared with baseline values. In addition, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure decreased in LVR with reduction of tricuspid regurgitation severity. LV response, percentage change of RV4CSL, LA end-systolic volume index, and LA emptying fraction at 3-month follow-up were the most independent predictors of RV response by multivariate analysis. Reduced left ventricular end-systolic volume >13.5% had 92.3% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity. In conclusion, CRT-induced RV reverse remodeling and improved RV-arterial coupling. These effects were associated with left side response to CRT.

Effects of coronary revascularization by elective percutaneous coronary intervention on cardiac autonomic modulation assessed by heart rate variability: a single-center prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of coronary revascularization using elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on autonomic modulation assessed by heart rate variability measurement (HRV) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: A single-center prospective cohort study included 100 patients were included undergoing elective PCI excluding those with contraindication to contrast or dual antiplatelet therapy, atrial fibrillation or multiple premature beats, receiving anti-arrhythmic drugs and those who underwent previous PCI or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Short-term measurement of time domain parameters (mean, SDNN, RMSSD) and frequency domain parameters (LF component, HF component, LF/HF ratio) of HRV was performed at the same time of the day, pre-PCI, 24 hours and 6 months post-PCI by CheckMyheart™ handheld HRV device. 5-min HRV analysis software was used to interpret the data using standard methods of HRV measurement of the Task Force of The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and The North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. SYNTAX (SX) score was calculated before PCI and residual SYNTAX (rSS) score was calculated after PCI using SYNTAX score calculator software. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 56.89±10.75 years with 85% males. HRV time and frequency domain parameters showed a statistically significant improvement at different time intervals (before PCI, 24 hours and 6 months after PCI) (p-value <0.001). HRV time and frequency domain measures showed a statistically significant difference between time and frequency domain HRV parameters 24 hours and 6 months after PCI in patients who had complete revascularization (CR) with those who had incomplete revascularization (IR). (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: Autonomic modulation in CAD patients was improved by coronary revascularization using PCI assessed by serial HRV measurement. Patients with CR had better autonomic modulation than those with IR assessed by HRV 24 and 6 months after PCI.

The effects of clinical and angiographic aspects of coronary artery disease on the cardiac autonomic function: a single-center prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic malfunction is linked to elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Various patient characteristics can alter the cardiac autonomic function therefore, using a prospective observational study, we aimed to assess the effects of different clinical and angiographic factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients on the cardiac autonomic function evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV) measurement. METHODS AND PATIENTS: 100 patients undergoing coronary angiography when clinically indicated were enrolled. A short-term 5-minute HRV measurement was performed by CheckMyheart™ handheld HRV device manufactured by DailyCare BioMedical Inc, Taiwan. HRV data were fed to CheckMyheart™ 5-min HRV analysis software and interpreted based on the standard methods for HRV measurement as discussed in the Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and The North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NAPSE). Coronary angiography was done with an emphasis on SYNTAX (SX) score calculation. RESULTS: The mean age of the recruited patients was 56.89±10.75 years with 85% of them were males and the mean SX score 13.11±8.52. Multivariate regression analysis of the different patient clinical and angiographic characteristics affecting HRV showed that CAD type either single or multi-vessel and SX score were the major independent variables affecting HRV in patients with CAD. CONCLUSION: The complexity of CAD measured by SX score was the main independent predictor affecting the cardiac autonomic function estimated by HRV measurement.

Predictors of pacing induced left ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyopathy assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography and speckle tracking strain.

BACKGROUND: Long-term RV pacing leads to ventricular dyssynchrony, in the form of LBBB-like morphology, with subsequent detrimental effects on LV structure and function. Three-dimensional echocardiography allowed early detection of volumetric changes associated with PICMP and provided more accurate assessment of mechanical dyssynchrony. Speckle tracking strain is able to identify LV dysfunction even before any reduction in LVEF. Our aim was to study pacing effects on LV function and hemodynamics using 3D echo and speckle tracking strain. RESULTS: This was a prospective study of 175 consecutive patients without structural heart disease (LVEF > 50%) presented for permanent pacing. Full-volume 3D echocardiography done before implantation, 1 week, and 6 months together with GLS. Patients were followed for 6 months to detect incidence of PIVD (defined as reduction in LVEF > 10% but still above 50%) and PICMP (defined as decrease in LVEF by 10% from baseline in absence of other known causes of cardiomyopathy resulting in EF< 50%). PIVD and PICMP predictors and risk factors were analyzed. Only 50 patients met study criteria. Twenty-five (50%) patients developed LV systolic dysfunction; of these, 19 (38%) developed PIVD and 6 (12%) developed PICMP. Pre-implantation GLS was significantly lower in the 6 patients who subsequently developed PICMP, compared to those who developed PIVD and the preserved EF group (mean GLS - 15.50 vs. - 21.0, - 20.0 respectively; p = 0.005, 0.033, respectively). At 1 week, GLS was significantly lower in the 25 patients who subsequently developed PIVD, compared to those who did not (GLS - 13.0 vs. - 18.0, respectively; p = 0.002). A reduction of baseline GLS by 15% or more at 1 week was associated with the development of PIVD and PICMP (p = < 0.001). A wider native QRS complex was associated with PIVD and PICMP (p = 0.008, 0.018, respectively). The other predictors were found non-significant. CONCLUSION: PICMP may be more common than previously reported and it may occur shortly after implantation. Pre-implantation GLS is a sensitive parameter for PICMP. One-week GLS, pre-implantation QRS complex width are early predictors for PICMP and PIVD before any reduction in EF.

Effects of cardiac pacemakers on left ventricular volumes and function assessed by 3D echocardiography, Doppler method, and global longitudinal strain.

BACKGROUND: Many previous studies reported the negative effects of right ventricular (RV) pacing on the left ventricular (LV) structure and ejection fraction. Studying pacing hemodynamics is essential to understand these detrimental effects. In this study, we tried to understand RV pacing effects on LV volumes and function using advanced tools like 3D echo and global longitudinal strain (GLS). This was a prospective study of 175 consecutive patients (LVEF>50%) presented permanent pacing. Of 175 patients, only 50 patients met study criteria, divided into two groups (single or dual pacing). LV volumes and function were assessed by full-volume 3D echocardiography and GLS before pacing, at 1-week and 6-month post-pacing. Cardiac output (COP) was calculated by pulsed wave Doppler method and 3D echo. RESULTS: Doppler method results were similar to 3D echo in calculating SV and COP. At 1-week post pacing, both groups showed a significant decrease in SV due to a drop in EDV while ESV did not change significantly. Despite the drop in SV, there was a significant increase in cardiac output (COP) due to achieving higher heart rates post-pacing. There was a significant drop in EF and GLS in both groups. At 6 months, SV continued to decrease with a corresponding decrease in COP and LVEF. This drop in SV was due to a significant increase in ESV while EDV did not show a significant change at a 6-month follow-up. Also, the drop EF and GLS became more significant. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding the changes in LV volumes (EDV, ESV, SV), LVEF or GLS throughout the study (pre-pacing, at 1-week and 6-months post pacing). However, dual-chamber pacing group provided higher heart rates and as a result higher COP than the single-chamber group. CONCLUSIONS: RV pacing led to a significant drop in LV COP, ejection fraction (EF), and GLS over short- and long-term duration. Dual chamber pacing provided higher COP than a single chamber pacing. This was due to tracking the S. A node with pacing at higher heart rates not due to an increase in SV and preserving atrioventricular synchrony. Both Doppler method and 3D echo can be used to calculate SV and COP.

Physician assessment of stroke risk in hypertensive patients in the Middle East and Africa: results of the action survey.

OBJECTIVES: In the absence of reliable, contemporary national data, the ACTION survey was designed to: a) provide preliminary data on stroke risk in the MEA (Middle East and Africa); b) describe the contribution of specific cardiovascular risk factors; 3) assess blood pressure (BP) control. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: This was a multi-center observational study in nine countries in the MEA region. From 2003 to 2005, 562 physicians from a variety of specialties recorded observations of cardiovascular risk factors in 4,747 hypertensive patients, aged 54-80 years. The 10-year absolute stroke risk was calculated using a scoring system based on the Framingham Heart Study observations, and comparisons made with an age-matched cohort. RESULTS: The mean 10-year stroke risk was estimated at 22.7% and was significantly higher for men (25.4%) than for women (19.5%) (P < .001) and for diabetics (28.2%) than for non-diabetics (19.4%) (P < .001). Compared with an age-matched Framingham cohort, the estimated stroke risk in our population was almost double, and was significantly higher for females (212%) than for males (192%) (P < .001). Hypertension, diabetes, left ventricular hypertrophy, and smoking were major contributing risk factors, as were physical inactivity and elevated cholesterol. Blood pressure was controlled in only 18% of the population and in 12% of diabetics. CONCLUSION: Physicians of all specialties were willing to participate in stroke risk assessment. The risk of stroke in hypertensive patients in the MEA region is high, and is higher than would be predicted using Framingham data, particularly for females. Hypertension appears to be poorly controlled in more than 80% of hypertensive patients in the MEA region.