Effect of Coronary Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Ischemia on Plasma Levels of High-Sensitivity Troponin T and NT-proBNP in Patients With Stable Angina.

OBJECTIVE: Circulating levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are predictors of prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed at evaluating the effect of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia on cardiac release of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP in patients with suspected CAD. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were measured in 378 patients (60.1±0.5 years, 229 males) with stable angina and unknown CAD enrolled in the Evaluation of Integrated Cardiac Imaging (EVINCI) study. All patients underwent stress imaging to detect myocardial ischemia and coronary computed tomographic angiography to assess the presence and characteristics of CAD. An individual computed tomographic angiography score was calculated combining extent, severity, composition, and location of plaques. In the whole population, the median (25-75 percentiles) value of plasma hs-cTnT was 6.17 (4.2-9.1) ng/L and of NT-proBNP was 61.66 (31.2-132.6) ng/L. In a multivariate model, computed tomographic angiography score was an independent predictor of the plasma hs-cTnT (coefficient 0.06, SE 0.02; P=0.0089), whereas ischemia was a predictor of NT-proBNP (coefficient 0.38, SE 0.12; P=0.0015). Hs-cTnT concentrations were significantly increased in patients with CAD with or without myocardial ischemia (P<0.005), whereas only patients with CAD and ischemia showed significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable angina, the presence and extent of coronary atherosclerosis is related with circulating levels of hs-cTnT, also in the absence of ischemia, suggesting an ischemia-independent mechanism of hs-cTnT release. Obstructive CAD causing myocardial ischemia is associated with increased levels of NT-proBNP.

Relation between quantitative coronary CTA and myocardial ischemia by adenosine stress myocardial CT perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Coronary-computed tomography angiography (CTA) has limited accuracy to predict myocardial ischemia. Besides luminal area stenosis, other coronary plaque morphology and composition parameters may help to assess ischemia. With the integration of coronary CTA and adenosine stress CT myocardial perfusion (CTP), reliable information regarding coronary anatomy and function can be derived in one procedure. This analysis aimed to investigate the association between coronary stenosis severity, plaque composition and morphology and the presence of ischemia measured with adenosine stress myocardial CTP. METHODS AND RESULTS: 84 patients (age, 62 ± 10 years; 48% men) who underwent sequential coronary CTA and adenosine stress myocardial CT perfusion were analyzed. Automated quantification was performed in all coronary lesions (quantitative CTA). Downstream myocardial ischemia was assessed by visual analysis of the rest and stress CTP images and defined as a summed difference score of ≥1. One or more coronary plaques were present in 146 coronary arteries of which 31 (21%) were ischemia-related. Of the lesions with a stenosis percentage <50%, 50%-70%, and >70%, respectively, 9% (6/67), 18% (9/51), and 57% (16/28) demonstrated downstream ischemia. Furthermore, mean plaque burden, plaque volume, lesion length, maximal plaque thickness, and dense calcium volume were significantly higher in ischemia-related lesions, but only stenosis severity (%) (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10; P = .006) and lesion length (mm) (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.02-1.55; P = .029) were independent correlates. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing stenosis percentage by quantitative CTA is positively correlated to myocardial ischemia measured with adenosine stress myocardial CTP. However, stenosis percentage remains a moderate determinant. Lumen area stenosis and lesion length were independently associated with ischemia, adjusted for coronary plaque volume, mean plaque burden, maximal lesion thickness, and dense calcium volume.

Prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography in diabetic patients without chest pain syndrome.

AIMS: Diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are often free of chest pain syndrome. A useful modality for non-invasive assessment of CAD is coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). However, the prognostic value of CAD on coronary CTA in diabetic patients without chest pain syndrome is relatively unknown. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the long-term prognostic value of coronary CTA in a large population diabetic patients without chest pain syndrome. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2013, 525 diabetic patients without chest pain syndrome were prospectively included to undergo coronary artery calcium (CAC)-scoring followed by coronary CTA. During follow-up, the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and late revascularization (>90 days) was registered. RESULTS: In total, CAC-scoring was performed in 410 patients and coronary CTA in 444 patients (431 interpretable). After median follow-up of 5.0 (IQR 2.7-6.5) years, the composite endpoint occurred in 65 (14%) patients. Coronary CTA demonstrated a high prevalence of CAD (85%), mostly non-obstructive CAD (51%). Furthermore, patients with a normal CTA had an excellent prognosis (event-rate 3%). An incremental increase in event-rate was observed with increasing CAC-risk category or coronary stenosis severity. Finally, obstructive (50-70%) or severe CAD (>70%) was independently predictive of events (HR 11.10 [2.52;48.79] (P = .001), HR 15.16 [3.01;76.36] (P = .001)). Obstructive (50-70%) or severe CAD (>70%) provided increased value over baseline risk factors. CONCLUSION: Coronary CTA provided prognostic value in diabetic patients without chest pain syndrome. Most importantly, the prognosis of patients with a normal CTA was excellent.

Influence of coronary vessel dominance on short- and long-term outcome in patients after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Prognostic importance of coronary vessel dominance in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess influence of coronary vessel dominance on the short- and long-term outcome after STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Coronary angiographic images of consecutive patients presenting with first STEMI were retrospectively reviewed to assess coronary vessel dominance. Patients were followed after STEMI during a median period of 48 (IQR38-61) months for the occurrence of all-cause mortality and the composite of reinfarction and cardiac death. The population comprised 1131 patients of which 971 (86%) patients had a right dominant, 102 (9%) a left dominant, and 58 (5%) a balanced system. After 5 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with a left dominant system, compared with a right dominant and balanced system (log-rank P = 0.013). Moreover, a left dominant system was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.11-5.67, P = 0.027) and the composite of reinfarction and cardiac death within 30-days after STEMI (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.09-4.61, P = 0.028). In patients surviving first 30-days post-STEMI, coronary vessel dominance had no influence on long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A left dominant coronary artery system is associated with a significantly increased risk of 30-day mortality and early reinfarction after STEMI. After surviving the first 30-days post-STEMI, coronary vessel dominance had no influence on long-term outcome.

Position of Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter valve in the aortic root in relation with the coronary ostia: implications for percutaneous coronary interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the implications of stable coverage of the coronary ostia by the Edwards SAPIEN valve frame in terms of myocardial ischemia and subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). BACKGROUND: Edwards SAPIEN frame is frequently deployed relatively higher than recommended and may overlap the coronary ostia. METHODS: A total of 142 patients (age 81 ± 7 years, male 49%) treated with Edwards SAPIEN valve and with multi-detector row computed tomography at 1 month follow-up were evaluated. The position of the frame in relation to the coronary ostia was assessed. Levels of troponin T were measured 12-24 hr after TAVI. PCI events at follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The left coronary ostium was fully covered in three (2.1%) patients and the right coronary ostium in 11 (7.7%). There were no differences in troponin T levels between patients with fully covered ostia versus patients with partly or non-covered ostia (0.24 (0.13-0.50) µg/L versus 0.35 (0.15-0.55) µg/L, respectively; P = 0.377). At 30 ± 15 months follow up, 10 (7%) patients underwent successful PCI. Rate of subsequent PCI was similar between patients with any covered ostium and patients with non-covered ostia [4 (7.8%) vs. 6 (6.5%), P = 0.780, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Full overlap of the coronary ostia by Edwards SAPIEN frame is infrequent and in most cases does not limit subsequent PCI.

The Clear Value of Coronary Artery Calcification Evaluation on Non-Gated Chest Computed Tomography for Cardiac Risk Stratification.

To enhance risk stratification in patients suspected of coronary artery disease, the assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) could be incorporated, especially when CAC can be readily assessed on previously performed non-gated chest computed tomography (CT). Guidelines recommend reporting on patients' extent of CAC on these non-cardiac directed exams and various studies have shown the diagnostic and prognostic value. However, this method is still little applied, and no current consensus exists in clinical practice. This review aims to point out the clinical utility of different kinds of CAC assessment on non-gated CTs. It demonstrates that these scans indeed represent a merely untapped and underestimated resource for risk stratification in patients with stable chest pain or an increased risk of cardiovascular events. To our knowledge, this is the first review to describe the clinical utility of different kinds of visual CAC evaluation on non-gated unenhanced chest CT. Various methods of CAC assessment on non-gated CT are discussed and compared in terms of diagnostic and prognostic value. Furthermore, the application of these non-gated CT scans in the general practice of cardiology is discussed. The clinical utility of coronary calcium assessed on non-gated chest CT, according to the current literature, is evident. This resource of information for cardiac risk stratification needs no specific requirements for scan protocol, and is radiation-free and cost-free. However, some gaps in research remain. In conclusion, the integration of CAC on non-gated chest CT in general cardiology should be promoted and research on this method should be encouraged.

Coronary calcifications as assessed on routine non-gated chest CT; a gatekeeper to tailor downstream additional imaging in patients with stable chest pain.

Background and aims: Currently applied methods for risk-assessment in coronary artery disease (CAD) often overestimate patients' risk for obstructive CAD. To enhance risk estimation, assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) can be applied. In 10 % of patients presenting with stable chest pain a previous non-gated computed tomography (CT) has been performed, suitable for CAC-assessment. This study is the first to investigate the clinical utility of CAC-assessment on non-gated CT for risk-assessment of obstructive CAD in symptomatic patients. Methods: For this analysis, all patients referred for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in whom a previous non-gated chest CT was performed were included. The extent of CAC was assessed on chest CT and ordinally scored. CAD was assessed on CCTA and obstructive CAD defined as stenosis of ≥70 %. Patients were stratified according to CAC-severity and percentages of patients with obstructive CAD were compared between the CAC groups. Results: In total, 170 patients of 32-88 years were included and 35 % were male. The percentage of obstructive CAD between the CAC groups differed significantly (p < 0.01). A calcium score of 0 ruled out obstructive CAD irrespective of sex, pre-test probability, type of complaints and number of risk factors with a 100 % certainty. Furthermore, a mild CAC score ruled out obstructive CAD in patients with low - intermediate PTP or non-anginal complaints with 100 % certainty. Conclusion: When available, CAC on non-gated chest CT can accurately rule out obstructive CAD and can therefore function as a radiation-free and cost-free gatekeeper for additional imaging in patients presenting with stable chest pain.

Coronary artery calcium assessment on non-gated chest CT to optimize pre-operative cardiac screening in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend standard pre-operative cardiac screening in all liver transplantation (LT) recipients, despite the relatively low prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Most LT recipients often have non-gated computed tomography (CT) performed of the chest and abdomen. This study evaluated the ability of coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessment on consecutively available scans, to identify a selection of low-risk patients, in whom further cardiac imaging can be safely withheld. METHODS: LT recipients with prior non-gated CT chest-abdomen were included. CAC was visually scored on a semi-quantitative ordinal scale. Stress myocardial perfusion, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were used as golden standard. The sensitivity and specificity of CAC to exclude and predict obstructive CAD were assessed. In addition, peri- and postoperative mortality and cardiac events were analyzed. RESULTS: 149 LT recipients (ranged 31-71 years) were included. In 75% of patients, no CAC and mild CAC could rule out obstructive CAD on CCTA and ICA with 100% certainty. The threshold of mild CAC had a sensitivity of 100% for both CCTA and ICA and a specificity of 91% and 68%, respectively. None of the patients with no or mild calcifications experienced peri- and post-operative cardiac events or died of cardiac causes. CONCLUSION: Visual evaluation of CAC on prior non-gated CT can accurately and safely exclude obstructive CAD in LT recipients. Incorporation of these already available data can optimize cardiac screening, by safely withholding or correctly allocating dedicated cardiac imaging in LT recipients. Thereby, reducing patients' test burden and save health care expenses.

Automated quantitative coronary computed tomography correlates of myocardial ischaemia on gated myocardial perfusion SPECT.

PURPOSE: Automated software tools have permitted more comprehensive, robust and reproducible quantification of coronary stenosis, plaque burden and plaque location of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) data. The association between these quantitative CTA (QCT) parameters and the presence of myocardial ischaemia has not been explored. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the association between QCT parameters of coronary artery lesions and the presence of myocardial ischaemia on gated myocardial perfusion single-photon emission CT (SPECT). METHODS: Included in the study were 40 patients (mean age 58.2 ± 10.9 years, 27 men) with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who had undergone multidetector row CTA and gated myocardial perfusion SPECT within 6 months. From the CTA datasets, vessel-based and lesion-based visual analyses were performed. Consecutively, lesion-based QCT was performed to assess plaque length, plaque burden, percentage lumen area stenosis and remodelling index. Subsequently, the presence of myocardial ischaemia was assessed using the summed difference score (SDS ≥2) on gated myocardial perfusion SPECT. RESULTS: Myocardial ischaemia was seen in 25 patients (62.5%) in 37 vascular territories. Quantitatively assessed significant stenosis and quantitatively assessed lesion length were independently associated with myocardial ischaemia (OR 7.72, 95% CI 2.41-24.7, p < 0.001, and OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.45, p = 0.032, respectively) after correcting for clinical variables and visually assessed significant stenosis. The addition of quantitatively assessed significant stenosis (χ(2) = 20.7) and lesion length (χ(2) = 26.0) to the clinical variables and the visual assessment (χ(2) = 5.9) had incremental value in the association with myocardial ischaemia. CONCLUSION: Coronary lesion length and quantitatively assessed significant stenosis were independently associated with myocardial ischaemia. Both quantitative parameters have incremental value over baseline variables and visually assessed significant stenosis. Potentially, QCT can refine assessment of CAD, which may be of potential use for identification of patients with myocardial ischaemia.

The maximum necrotic core area is most often located proximally to the site of most severe narrowing: a virtual histology intravascular ultrasound study.

Previous angiographic studies have shown that almost two-thirds of vulnerable plaques are located in non-obstructive lesions. Possibly, the maximum necrotic core (Max NC) area is not always identical to the site of most severe stenosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential difference in location between the maximum necrotic core area and the site of most severe narrowing as assessed by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH IVUS). Overall, 77 patients (139 vessels) underwent VH IVUS. The Max NC site was defined as the cross section with the largest necrotic core area per vessel. The site of most severe narrowing was defined as the minimum lumen area (MLA). Per vessel, the distance from both the Max NC site and MLA site to the origo of the coronary artery was evaluated. In addition, the presence of a virtual histology-thin cap fibroatheroma (VH-TCFA) was assessed. The mean difference (mm) between the MLA site and Max NC site was 10.8 ± 20.6 mm (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the Max NC site was located at the MLA site in seven vessels (5%) and proximally to the MLA site in 92 vessels (66%). Importantly, a higher percentage of VH-TCFA was demonstrated at the Max NC site as compared to the MLA site (24 vs. 9%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that the Max NC area is rarely at the site of most severe narrowing. Most often, the Max NC area is located proximal to the site of most severe narrowing.

Plaque Rupture in a Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor without Cardiovascular Risk Factors 20 Years after Thoracic Radiotherapy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Major improvements in cancer therapies have significantly contributed to increased survival rates of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors, outweighing cardiovascular side effects and the risks of radiation-induced heart disease. Non-invasive screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) starting five years after irradiation is recommended, as plaque development and morphology may differ in this high-risk population. Due to rapid plaque progression and a possibly higher incidence of non-calcified plaques, coronary artery calcium scoring may not be sufficient as a screening modality in HL survivors treated with thoracic radiotherapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old man with a history of HL treated with thoracic radiotherapy presented at the emergency department 20 years after cancer treatment with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction, in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors, for which primary percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending artery was performed. Four months prior to acute myocardial infarction, invasive coronary angiography only showed wall irregularities. Two years earlier, the Agatston calcium score was zero. DISCUSSION: In HL survivors treated with thoracic radiotherapy, a calcium score of zero may not give the same warranty period for cardiac event-free survival compared to the general population. Coronary computed tomography angiography can be a proper diagnostic tool to detect CAD at an early stage after mediastinal irradiation, as performing calcium scoring may not be sufficient in this population to detect non-calcified plaques, which may show rapid progression and lead to acute coronary syndrome. Also, intensive lipid-lowering therapy should be considered in the presence of atherosclerosis in this patient population.

Evaluation of Clinical Applicability of Coronary Artery Calcium Assessment on Non-Gated Chest Computed Tomography, Compared With the Classic Agatston Score on Cardiac Computed Tomography.

Given current pretest probability (PTP) estimations tend to overestimate patients' risk for obstructive coronary artery disease, evaluation of patients' coronary artery calcium (CAC) is more precise. The value of CAC assessment with the Agatston score on cardiac computed tomography (CT) for risk estimation has been well indicated in patients with stable chest pain. CAC can be equally well assessed on routine non-gated chest CT, which is often available. This study aims to determine the clinical applicability of CAC assessment on non-gated CT in patients with stable chest pain compared with the classic Agatston score on gated CT. Consecutive patients referred for evaluation of the Agatston score, who had a previously performed non-gated chest CT for evaluation of noncardiac diseases, were included. CAC on non-gated CT was ordinally scored. Subsequently, patients were stratified according to CAC severity and PTP. The agreement and correlation between the classic Agatston score and CAC on non-gated CT were evaluated. The discriminative power for risk reclassification of both CAC assessment methods was assessed. Invasive coronary angiography was used as the gold standard, when available. A total of 140 patients aged between 30 and 88 years were included. The agreement between ordinally scored CAC and the Agatston score was excellent (κ = 0.82) and the correlation strong (r = 0.94). Most patients (80%) with an intermediate PTP had no or mild CAC on non-gated CT. They were reclassified at low risk with 100% accuracy compared with invasive coronary angiography. Similarly, 86% of patients had an Agatston score <300. These patients were reclassified with 98% accuracy. In patients with high PTP, the accuracy remained substantial and comparable, 94% and 89%, respectively. In conclusion, we believe this is the first study to assess the clinical applicability of CAC on non-gated CT in patients with stable chest pain, compared with the classic Agatston score. The agreement between methods was excellent and the correlation strong. Furthermore, CAC assessment on non-gated CT could reclassify patients' risk for obstructive coronary artery disease as accurately as could the classic Agatston score.

Importance of plaque volume and composition for the prediction of myocardial ischaemia using sequential coronary computed tomography angiography/positron emission tomography imaging.

AIMS: Coronary atherosclerosis with a large necrotic core has been postulated to reduce the vasodilatory capacity of vascular tissue. In the present analysis, we explored whether total plaque volume and necrotic core volume on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are independently associated with myocardial ischaemia on positron emission tomography (PET). METHODS AND RESULTS: From a registry of symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease and clinically indicated CCTA with sequential [15O]H2O PET myocardial perfusion imaging, we quantitatively measured diameter stenosis, total and compositional plaque volumes on CCTA. Primary endpoint was myocardial ischaemia on PET, defined as an absolute stress myocardial blood flow ≤2.4 mL/g/min in ≥1 segment. Multivariable prediction models for myocardial ischaemia were consecutively created using logistic regression analysis (stenosis model: diameter stenosis ≥50%; plaque volume model: +total plaque volume; plaque composition model: +necrotic core volume). A total of 493 patients (mean age 63 ± 8 years, 54% men) underwent sequential CCTA/PET imaging. In 153 (31%) patients, myocardial ischaemia was detected on PET. Diameter stenosis ≥50% (P < 0.001) and necrotic core volume (P = 0.029) were independently associated with myocardial ischaemia, while total plaque volume showed borderline significance (P = 0.052). The plaque composition model (χ2 = 169) provided incremental value for the prediction of ischaemia when compared with the stenosis model (χ2 = 138, P < 0.001) and plaque volume model (χ2 = 164, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The volume of necrotic core on CCTA independently and incrementally predicts myocardial ischaemia on PET, beyond diameter stenosis alone.

Relation Between Coronary Plaque Composition Assessed by Intravascular Ultrasound Virtual Histology and Myocardial Ischemia Assessed by Quantitative Flow Ratio.

Coronary plaque composition may play an important role in the induction of myocardial ischemia. Our objective was to further clarify the relation between coronary plaque composition and myocardial ischemia in patients with chest pain symptoms. The study population consisted of 103 patients who presented to the outpatient clinic or emergency department with chest pain symptoms and were referred for diagnostic invasive coronary angiography. Intravascular ultrasound virtual histology was used for the assessment of coronary plaque composition. A noncalcified plaque was defined as a combination of necrotic core and fibrofatty tissue. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR), which is a coronary angiography-based technique used to calculate fractional flow reserve without the need for hyperemia induction or for a pressure wire, was used as the reference standard for the evaluation of myocardial ischemia. Coronary artery plaques with QFR of ≤0.80 were considered abnormal-that is, ischemia-generating. In total, 149 coronary plaques were analyzed, 21 of which (14%) were considered abnormal according to QFR. The percentage of noncalcified tissue was significantly higher in plaques with abnormal QFR (38.2 ± 6.5% vs 33.1 ± 9.0%, p = 0.014). After univariable analysis, both plaque load (odds ratio [OR] per 1% increase 1.081, p <0.001) and the percentage of noncalcified tissue (OR per 1% increase 1.070, p = 0.020) were significantly associated with reduced QFR. However, after multivariable analysis, only plaque load remained significantly associated with abnormal QFR (OR per 1% increase 1.072, p <0.001). In conclusion, the noncalcified plaque area was significantly higher in hemodynamically significant coronary lesions than in nonsignificant lesions. Although an increase in the noncalcified plaque area was significantly associated with a reduced QFR, this association lost significance after adjustment for localized plaque load.

Plaque volume, composition, and fraction versus ischemia and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The various plaque components have been associated with ischemia and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The main goal of this analysis was to test the hypothesis that, at patient level, the fraction of non-calcified plaque volume (PV) of total PV is associated with ischemia and outcomes in patients with CAD. This ratio could be a simple and clinically useful parameter, if predicting outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients with suspected CAD undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography with selective positron emission tomography perfusion imaging were selected. Plaque components were quantitatively analyzed at patient level. The fraction of various plaque components were expressed as percentage of total PV and examined among patients with non-obstructive CAD, suspected stenosis with normal perfusion, and those with reduced myocardial perfusion. Clinical outcomes included all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. RESULTS: In total, 494 patients (age 63 â€‹± â€‹9 years, 55% male) were included. Total PV and all plaque components were significantly larger in patients with reduced myocardial perfusion compared to patients with normal perfusion and those with non-obstructive CAD. During follow-up 35 events occurred. Patients with any plaque component â€‹≥ â€‹median showed worse outcomes (log-rank p â€‹< â€‹0.001 for all). In addition, low-attenuation plaque â€‹≥ â€‹median was associated with worse outcomes independent of total PV (adjusted HR: 2.754, 95% CI: 1.022-7.0419, p â€‹= â€‹0.045). The fractions of the various plaque components were not associated with outcomes. CONCLUSION: Larger total PV or any plaque component at patient level are associated with abnormal myocardial perfusion and adverse events. The various plaque components as fraction of total PV lack additional prognostic value.

Relation between Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Cardiovascular Events in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic radiotherapy is one of the corner stones of HL treatment, but it is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. As HL is often diagnosed at a young age, long-term follow-up including screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) is recommended. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the presence of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in relation to cardiovascular events in HL patients treated with thoracic radiotherapy compared to a non-cancer control group. METHODS: Consecutive HL patients who underwent evaluation for asymptomatic CAD with coronary computed tomography angiography > 10 years after thoracic irradiation were included. The study population consisted of 97 HL patients matched to 97 non-cancer patients on gender, age, cardiovascular risk factors, and statin use. RESULTS: Mean age during CT scan in the HL population was 45.5 ± 9.9 and in the non-cancer population 45.5 ± 10.3 years. CACS was elevated (defined as >0) in 49 (50.5%) HL patients and 30 (30.9%) control patients. HL survivors had an odds ratio of 2.28 [95% CI: 1.22-4.28] for having a CACS > 0 compared to the matched population (p = 0.006). Prevalence of CACS > 90th percentile differed significantly: 17.1% in HL survivors vs. 4.6% in the matched population (p = 0.009). Non-obstructive coronary artery stenosis was more prevalent in the HL population than in the control population (45.7% vs. 28.4%, respectively, p = 0.01). During follow-up of 8.5 [5.3; 9.9] years, nine HL patients experienced an event including two patients with a CACS of zero. No events occurred in the control population. CONCLUSION: In a matched study population, HL survivors have a higher prevalence of a CACS > 0 and an increased risk of cardiovascular events after thoracic irradiation compared to a matched non-cancer control group.

Coronary computed tomography angiography-based endothelial wall shear stress in normal coronary arteries.

Endothelial wall shear stress (ESS) is a biomechanical force which plays a role in the formation and evolution of atherosclerotic lesions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-based ESS in coronary arteries without atherosclerosis, and to assess factors affecting ESS values. CCTA images from patients with suspected coronary artery disease were analyzed to identify coronary arteries without atherosclerosis. Minimal and maximal ESS values were calculated for 3-mm segments. Factors potentially affecting ESS values were examined, including sex, lumen diameter and distance from the ostium. Segments were categorized according to lumen diameter tertiles into small (< 2.6 mm), intermediate (2.6-3.2 mm) or large (≥ 3.2 mm) segments. A total of 349 normal vessels from 168 patients (mean age 59 ± 9 years, 39% men) were included. ESS was highest in the left anterior descending artery compared to the left circumflex artery and right coronary artery (minimal ESS 2.3 Pa vs. 1.9 Pa vs. 1.6 Pa, p < 0.001 and maximal ESS 3.7 Pa vs. 3.0 Pa vs. 2.5 Pa, p < 0.001). Men had lower ESS values than women, also after adjusting for lumen diameter (p < 0.001). ESS values were highest in small segments compared to intermediate or large segments (minimal ESS 3.8 Pa vs. 1.7 Pa vs. 1.2 Pa, p < 0.001 and maximal ESS 6.0 Pa vs. 2.6 Pa vs. 2.0 Pa, p < 0.001). A weak to strong correlation was found between ESS and distance from the ostium (ρ = 0.22-0.62, p < 0.001). CCTA-based ESS values increase rapidly and become widely scattered with decreasing lumen diameter. This needs to be taken into account when assessing the added value of ESS beyond lumen diameter in highly stenotic lesions.

Five-year safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers in a Dutch cohort.

BACKGROUND: Adequate real-world safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers (LPs) have been demonstrated up to 3 years after implantation. Longer-term data are warranted to assess the net clinical benefit of leadless pacing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of LP therapy in a real-world cohort. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, all consecutive patients with a first LP implantation from December 21, 2012, to December 13, 2016, in 6 Dutch high-volume centers were included. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of major procedure- or device-related complications (ie, requiring surgery) at 5-year follow-up. Analyses were performed with and without Nanostim battery advisory-related complications. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients with a pacing capture threshold ≤2.0 V at implantation and without ≥1.5-V increase at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients were included (mean age 79 ± 9 years), 93 (52%) with a Nanostim and 86 (48%) with a Micra VR LP. Mean follow-up duration was 44 ± 26 months. Forty-one major complications occurred, of which 7 were not advisory related. The 5-year major complication rate was 4% without advisory-related complications and 27% including advisory-related complications. No advisory-related major complications occurred a median 10 days (range 0-88 days) postimplantation. The pacing capture threshold was low in 163 of 167 patients (98%) and stable in 157 of 160 (98%). CONCLUSION: The long-term major complication rate without advisory-related complications was low with LPs. No complications occurred after the acute phase and no infections occurred, which may be a specific benefit of LPs. The performance was adequate with a stable pacing capture threshold.

Atherosclerotic plaque characteristics on quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography associated with ischemia on positron emission tomography in diabetic patients.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may show diffuse coronary artery atherosclerosis on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). The present study aimed at quantification of atherosclerotic plaque with CTA and its association with myocardial ischemia on positron emission tomography (PET) in DM patients. Of 922 symptomatic outpatients without previously known coronary artery disease who underwent CTA, 115 with DM (mean age 65 ± 8 years, 58% male) who had coronary atherosclerosis and underwent both quantified CTA (QCTA) and PET were included in the study. QCTA analysis was performed on a per-vessel basis and the most stenotic lesion of each vessel was considered. Myocardial ischemia on PET was based on absolute myocardial blood flow at stress ≤ 2.4 ml/g/min. Of the 345 vessels included in the analysis, 135 (39%) had flow-limiting stenosis and were characterized by having longer lesions, higher plaque volume, more extensive plaque burden and higher percentage of dense calcium (37 ± 22% vs 28 ± 22%, p = 0.001). On univariable analysis, QCTA parameters indicating the degree of stenosis, the plaque extent and composition were associated with presence of ischemia. The addition of the QCTA degree of stenosis parameters (x2 36.45 vs 88.18, p < 0.001) and the QCTA plaque extent parameters (x2 88.18 vs 97.44, p = 0.01) to a baseline model increased the association with ischemia. In DM patients, QCTA variables of vessel stenosis, plaque extent and composition are associated with ischemia on PET and characterize the hemodynamic significant atherosclerotic lesion.

Left ventricular assist device and pump thrombosis: the importance of the inflow cannula position.

Pump thrombosis is a devastating complication after left ventricular assist device implantation. This study aims to elucidate the relation between left ventricular assist device implantation angle and risk of pump thrombosis. Between November 2010 and March 2020, 53 left ventricular assist device-patients underwent a computed tomography scan. Using a 3-dimensional multiplanar reformation the left ventricular axis was reconstructed to measure the implantation angle of the inflow cannula. All patients were retrospectively analyzed for the occurrence of pump thrombosis. In 10 (91%) patients with a pump thrombosis, the implantation angle was towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. In only 20 patients (49%) of the patients without a pump thrombosis the inflow cannula pointed towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The mean angle in patients with a pump thrombosis was 10.1 ± 11.9 degrees towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle compared to 4.1 ± 19.9 degrees towards the septum in non-pump thrombosis patients (P = 0.005). There was a trend towards a significant difference in time to first pump thrombosis between patients with a lateral or septal deviated left ventricular assist device (hazard ratio of 0.15, P = 0.07). This study demonstrates that left ventricular assist device implantation angle is associated with pump thrombosis. Almost all patients in whom a pump thrombosis occurred during follow-up had a left ventricular assist device implanted with the inflow-cannula pointing towards the lateral wall of the left ventricle.