Intelligent systems for sitting posture monitoring and anomaly detection: an overview.

The number of people who need to use wheelchair for proper mobility is increasing. The integration of technology into these devices enables the simultaneous and objective assessment of posture, while also facilitating the concurrent monitoring of the functional status of wheelchair users. In this way, both the health personnel and the user can be provided with relevant information for the recovery process. This information can be used to carry out an early adaptation of the rehabilitation of patients, thus allowing to prevent further musculoskeletal problems, as well as risk situations such as ulcers or falls. Thus, a higher quality of life is promoted in affected individuals. As a result, this paper presents an orderly and organized analysis of the existing postural diagnosis systems for detecting sitting anomalies in the literature. This analysis can be divided into two parts that compose such postural diagnosis: on the one hand, the monitoring devices necessary for the collection of postural data and, on the other hand, the techniques used for anomaly detection. These anomaly detection techniques will be explained under two different approaches: the traditional generalized approach followed to date by most works, where anomalies are treated as incorrect postures, and a new individualized approach treating anomalies as changes with respect to the normal sitting pattern. In this way, the advantages, limitations and opportunities of the different techniques are analyzed. The main contribution of this overview paper is to synthesize and organize information, identify trends, and provide a comprehensive understanding of sitting posture diagnosis systems, offering researchers an accessible resource for navigating the current state of knowledge of this particular field.

MRI Investigation of the Differential Impact of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Myocardial Infarction in Elderly vs. Nonelderly Patients to Predict Readmission for Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), especially elderly individuals, have an increased risk of readmission for acute heart failure (AHF). PURPOSE: To study the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by MRI to predict AHF in elderly (>70 years) and nonelderly patients after STEMI. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Multicenter registry of 759 reperfused STEMI patients (23.3% elderly). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5-T. Balanced steady-state free precession (cine imaging) and segmented inversion recovery steady-state free precession (late gadolinium enhancement) sequences. ASSESSMENT: One-week MRI-derived LVEF (%) was quantified. Sequential MRI data were recorded in 579 patients. Patients were categorized according to their MRI-derived LVEF as preserved (p-LVEF, ≥50%), mildly reduced (mr-LVEF, 41%-49%), or reduced (r-LVEF, ≤40%). Median follow-up was 5 [2.33-7.54] years. STATISTICAL TESTS: Univariable (Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests) and multivariable (Cox proportional hazard regression) comparisons and continuous-time multistate Markov model to analyze transitions between LVEF categories and to AHF. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Over the follow-up period, 79 (10.4%) patients presented AHF. MRI-LVEF was the most robust predictor in nonelderly (HR 0.94 [0.91-0.98]) and elderly patients (HR 0.94 [0.91-0.97]). Elderly patients had an increased AHF risk across the LVEF spectrum. An excess of risk (compared to p-LVEF) was noted in patients with r-LVEF both in nonelderly (HR 11.25 [5.67-22.32]) and elderly patients (HR 7.55 [3.29-17.34]). However, the mr-LVEF category was associated with increased AHF risk only in elderly patients (HR 3.66 [1.54-8.68]). Less transitions to higher LVEF states (n = 19, 30.2% vs. n = 98, 53%) and more transitions to AHF state (n = 34, 53.9% vs. n = 45, 24.3%) were observed in elderly than nonelderly patients. DATA CONCLUSION: MRI-derived p-LVEF confers a favorable prognosis and r-LVEF identifies individuals at the highest risk of AHF in both elderly and nonelderly patients. Nevertheless, an excess of risk was also found in the mr-LVEF category in the elderly group. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction at Any Time Post-Infarction for Prediction of Subsequent Events in a Large Multicenter STEMI Registry.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging technique for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) quantification, but as yet the prognostic value of LVEF assessment at any time after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for subsequent major adverse cardiac event (MACE) prediction is uncertain. PURPOSE: To explore the prognostic impact of MRI-derived LVEF at any time post-STEMI to predict subsequent MACE (cardiovascular death or re-admission for acute heart failure). STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: One thousand thirteen STEMI patients were included in a multicenter registry. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5-T. Balanced steady-state free precession (cine imaging) and segmented inversion recovery steady-state free precession (late gadolinium enhancement) sequences. ASSESSMENT: Post-infarction MRI-derived LVEF (reduced [r]: <40%; mid-range [mr]: 40%-49%; preserved [p]: ≥50%) was sequentially quantified at 1 week and after >3 months of follow-up. STATISTICAL TESTS: Multi-state Markov model to determine the prognostic value of each LVEF state (r-, mr- or p-) at any time point assessed to predict subsequent MACE. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: During a 6.2-year median follow-up, 105 MACE (10%) were registered. Transitions toward improved LVEF predominated and only r-LVEF (at any time assessed) was significantly related to a higher incidence of subsequent MACE. The observed transitions from r-LVEF, mr-LVEF, and p-LVEF states to MACE were: 15.3%, 6%, and 6.7%, respectively. Regarding the adjusted transition intensity ratios, patients in r-LVEF state were 4.52-fold more likely than those in mr-LVEF state and 5.01-fold more likely than those in p-LVEF state to move to MACE state. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found in transitions from mr-LVEF and p-LVEF states to MACE state (P-value = 0.6). DATA CONCLUSION: LVEF is an important MRI index for simple and dynamic post-STEMI risk stratification. Detection of r-LVEF by MRI at any time during follow-up identifies a subset of patients at high risk of subsequent events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Machine learning techniques to characterize functional traits of plankton from image data.

Plankton imaging systems supported by automated classification and analysis have improved ecologists' ability to observe aquatic ecosystems. Today, we are on the cusp of reliably tracking plankton populations with a suite of lab-based and in situ tools, collecting imaging data at unprecedentedly fine spatial and temporal scales. But these data have potential well beyond examining the abundances of different taxa; the individual images themselves contain a wealth of information on functional traits. Here, we outline traits that could be measured from image data, suggest machine learning and computer vision approaches to extract functional trait information from the images, and discuss promising avenues for novel studies. The approaches we discuss are data agnostic and are broadly applicable to imagery of other aquatic or terrestrial organisms.

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in older patients.

BACKGROUND: older patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a very high-risk population. Data on the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in this scenario are scarce. METHODS: the registry comprised 247 STEMI patients over 70 years of age treated with percutaneous intervention and included in a multicenter registry. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic parameters and CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %), infarct size (% of left ventricular mass) and microvascular obstruction (MVO, number of segments) were prospectively collected. The additional prognostic power of CMR was assessed using adjusted C-statistic, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI). RESULTS: during a 4.8-year mean follow-up, the number of first major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 66 (26.7%): 27 all-cause deaths and 39 re-admissions for acute heart failure. Predictors of MACE were GRACE score (HR 1.03 [1.02-1.04], P < 0.001), CMR-LVEF (HR 0.97 [0.95-0.99] per percent increase, P = 0.006) and MVO (HR 1.24 [1.09-1.4] per segment, P = 0.001). Adding CMR data significantly improved MACE prediction compared to the model with baseline and echocardiographic characteristics (C-statistic 0.759 [0.694-0.824] vs. 0.685 [0.613-0.756], NRI = 0.6, IDI = 0.08, P < 0.001). The best cut-offs for independent variables were GRACE score > 155, LVEF < 40% and MVO ≥ 2 segments. A simple score (0, 1, 2, 3) based on the number of altered factors accurately predicted the MACE per 100 person-years: 0.78, 5.53, 11.51 and 78.79, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CMR data contribute valuable prognostic information in older patients submitted to undergo CMR soon after STEMI. The Older-STEMI-CMR score should be externally validated.

Incidence, Outcomes, and Predictors of Ventricular Thrombus after Reperfused ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Using Sequential Cardiac MR Imaging.

Purpose To characterize the incidence, outcomes, and predictors of left ventricular (LV) thrombus by using sequential cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and Methods Written informed consent was obtained from all patients, and the study protocol was approved by the committee on human research. In a cohort of 772 patients with STEMI, 392 (mean age, 58 years; range, 24-89 years) were retrospectively selected who were studied with cardiac MR imaging at 1 week and 6 months. Cardiac MR imaging guided the initiation and withdrawal of anticoagulants. Patients with LV thrombus at 6 months were restudied at 1 year. For predicting the occurrence of LV thrombus, a multiple regression model was applied. Results LV thrombus was detected in 27 of 392 patients (7%): 18 (5%) at 1 week and nine (2%) at 6 months. LV thrombus resolved in 22 of 25 patients (88%) restudied within the first year. During a mean follow-up of 181 weeks ± 168, patients with LV thrombus displayed a very low rate of stroke (0%), peripheral embolism (0%), and severe hemorrhage (n = 1, 3.7%). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50% (P < .001) and anterior infarction (P = .008) independently helped predict LV thrombus. The incidence of LV thrombus was as follows: (a) nonanterior infarction, LVEF 50% or greater (one of 135, 1%); (b) nonanterior infarction, LVEF less than 50% (one of 50, 2%); (c) anterior infarction, LVEF 50% or greater (two of 92, 2%); and (d) anterior infarction, LVEF less than 50% (23 of 115, 20%) (P < .001 for the trend). Conclusion Cardiac MR imaging contributes information for the diagnosis and therapy of LV thrombus after STEMI. Patients with simultaneous anterior infarction and LVEF less than 50% are at highest risk. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Potential polyunsaturated aldehydes in the Strait of Gibraltar under two tidal regimes.

Diatoms, a major component of the large-sized phytoplankton, are able to produce and release polyunsaturated aldehydes after cell disruption (potential PUAs or pPUA). These organisms are dominant in the large phytoplankton fraction (>10 µm) in the Strait of Gibraltar, the only connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In this area, the hydrodynamics exerts a strong control on the composition and physiological state of the phytoplankton. This environment offers a great opportunity to analyze and compare the little known distribution of larger sized PUA producers in nature and, moreover, to study how environmental variables could affect the ranges and potential distribution of these compounds. Our results showed that, at both tidal regimes studied (Spring and Neap tides), diatoms in the Strait of Gibraltar are able to produce three aldehydes: Heptadienal, Octadienal and Decadienal, with a significant dominance of Decadienal production. The PUA released by mechanical cell disruption of large-sized collected cells (pPUA) ranged from 0.01 to 12.3 pmol from cells in 1 L, and from 0.1 to 9.8 fmol cell⁻¹. Tidal regime affected the abundance, distribution and the level of physiological stress of diatoms in the Strait. During Spring tides, diatoms were more abundant, usually grouped nearer the coastal basin and showed less physiological stress than during Neap tides. Our results suggest a significant general increase in the pPUA productivity with increasing physiological stress for the cell also significantly associated to low nitrate availability.

Pericardiectomy and Mechanical Mitro-Aortic Valve Replacement in a Young Patient With Erdheim-Chester Disease.

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare histiocytosis that primarily affects the skeletal system, but cardiovascular manifestations occur in 75% of cases and are associated with a poor prognosis. Given the small number of cases, the evolution and management of the disease are uncertain. Therefore, it is important to report and share Erdheim-Chester cases. This report presents the case of a young patient with constrictive pericarditis and mitral valve regurgitation resulting from Erdheim-Chester disease.

Low-risk delisting strategy in highly sensitized patients without donor offers included in exchange donation programs. One single-center experience.

Donor exchange programs were designed to allocate organs for highly sensitized (HS) patients. The allocation algorithm differs slightly among countries and includes different strategies to improve access to transplants in HS patients. However, many HS patients with a calculated panel reactive of antibodies (cPRA) of 100 % remain on the waiting list for a long time. Some allocation algorithms assume immunological risk, including Imlifidase treatment, to increase the chance of transplantation in very HS patients. Here, we describe our unicenter experience of low-risk delisting strategy in 15 HS patients included in the Spanish donor exchange program without donor offers. After delisting, 7 out of 15 HS patients reduced the cPRA below 99.95 % and impacted the reduction of time on the waiting list (p = 0.01), where 5 out of 7 achieved transplantation. Within those HS that remained above 99.95 %, 1 out of 8 was transplanted. All the HS were transplanted with delisted DSA, and only one with DSA level rebounded early after transplantation. All HS transplanted after delisting maintain graft function. The transplant immunology laboratories are challenged to search intermediate risk assessment methods for delisting high HS patients.

Cutaneous aspects of congenital absence of the inferior vena cava in a newborn.

We present the case of a 9-day-old girl with venous dilatations in lower abdomen and legs associated to cyanosis. Radiological studies revealed a congenital agenesis of the entire inferior vena cava.

Intelligent sitting posture classifier for wheelchair users.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in postural monitoring while seated, thus preventing the appearance of ulcers and musculoskeletal problems in the long term. To date, postural control has been carried out by means of subjective questionnaires that do not provide continuous and quantitative information. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out a monitoring that allows to determine not only the postural status of wheelchair users, but also to infer the evolution or anomalies associated with a specific disease. Therefore, this paper proposes an intelligent classifier based on a multilayer neural network for the classification of sitting postures of wheelchair users. The posture database was generated based on data collected by a novel monitoring device composed of force resistive sensors. A training and hyperparameter selection methodology has been used based on the idea of using a stratified K-Fold in weight groups strategy. This allows the neural network to acquire a greater capacity for generalization, thus allowing, unlike other proposed models, to achieve higher success rates not only in familiar subjects but also in subjects with physical complexions outside the standard. In this way, the system can be used to support wheelchair users and healthcare professionals, helping them to automatically monitor their posture, regardless physical complexions.

Aortic Dilatation on the Edge of Dissection-Do We Operate Too Late? The Ratio between Ascending and Descending Aorta DiameteR (RADAR).

(1) Background: There is a need for a novel surrogate marker to ease decision making when facing ascending aortic dilatation. In this article, we study the ratio between ascending and descending aorta diameters as a potential one. (2) Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study, including all the patients who underwent surgery for acute type A aorta dissection (aTAAD) between January 2014 and September 2020 at our center. A total of 50 patients were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected. The anatomical measurements were made including orthogonal maximal diameters of the ascending and descending aorta, post-dissection whole circumference length (post-wCL), post-dissection true lumen circumference length (post-tCL), and surface and sphericity indices of the ascending and descending aorta. Pre-dissection ascending aorta diameter (pre-AAD) and pre-dissection descending aorta diameter (pre-DAD) were calculated as well as the ratio between them and compared with reference values. (3) Results: Of the pre-AAD patients, 96% had smaller than the recommended 55 mm. The ratio between the descending and ascending aorta pre-dissection diameters was significantly smaller compared to the reference value (0.657 ± 0.125 versus 0.745 ± 0.016 with a mean difference of -0.088 and a p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The 55 mm threshold for aorta maximal diameter is an insufficient criterion when assessing the risk of dissection. The ratio between DAD and AAD is a parameter worthy of analysis as a tool to stratify the risk of dissection.

Risk of death associated with incident heart failure in patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome.

AIMS: Traditional adverse events in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) include atherothrombotic events but usually exclude heart failure (HF). Data are scarce about how new-onset HF modifies mortality risk. We aimed to determine the incidence of HF and compare its long-term mortality risk with myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with known or suspected CCS. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 5811 consecutive HF-free patients submitted to vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for known or suspected CCS. Ischaemic burden and left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed by CMR. HF included outpatient diagnosis or acute HF hospitalization. The mortality risk for the incident events and their cross-comparisons were evaluated using a Markov illness-death model with transition-specific survival models. RESULTS: The mean age was 55 ± 11 years, and 38.9% were female. At a median follow-up of 5.44 (IQR = 2.53-8.55) years, 591 deaths were registered (1.79 per 100 P-Y). The rates of new-onset HF were higher compared with MI and stroke [1.02, 0.62, and 0.51, respectively (P < 0.05)]. The adjusted association between new-onset HF, MI, and stroke, and subsequent mortality was time dependent. The risk increased almost linearly for HF and became significant by the third year. By Year 10, the mortality risk attributable to new-onset HF was more than 2.5-fold (HR: 2.68, 95% CI = 1.74-4.12). For MI, there was a significant increase in mortality risk up to the second year, followed by a monotonic decrease. For stroke, the mortality risk increased for the entire follow-up but became significant by the third year. A cross-comparison among incident endpoints HF outnumbers risk for those with MI by the sixth year (HRyear6.3 : 1.88, 95% CI = 1.03-3.43). There was no difference in mortality risk between incident HF and stroke. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CCS, long-term rates of incident HF were higher than MI and stroke. Patients with new-onset HF showed a higher risk of long-term mortality.

Cardiac magnetic resonance outperforms echocardiography to predict subsequent implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are effective as a primary prevention measure of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The implications of using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) instead of echocardiography (Echo) to assess LVEF prior to the indication of ICD in this setting are unknown. Materials and methods: We evaluated 52 STEMI patients (56.6 ± 11 years, 88.5% male) treated with ICD in primary prevention who underwent echocardiography and CMR prior to ICD implantation. ICD implantation was indicated based on the presence of heart failure and depressed LVEF (≤ 35%) by echocardiography, CMR, or both. Prediction of ICD therapies (ICD-T) during follow-up by echocardiography and CMR before ICD implantation was assessed. Results: Compared to echocardiography, LVEF was lower by cardiac CMR (30.2 ± 9% vs. 37.4 ± 7.6%, p < 0.001). LVEF ≤ 35% was detected in 24 patients (46.2%) by Echo and in 42 (80.7%) by CMR. During a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 4.2 years, 10 patients received appropriate ICD-T (3.16 ICD-T per 100 person-years): 5 direct shocks to treat very fast ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, 3 effective antitachycardia pacing (ATP) for treatment of ventricular tachycardia, and 2 ineffective ATP followed by shock to treat ventricular tachycardia. Echo-LVEF ≤ 35% correctly predicted ICD-T in 4/10 (40%) patients and CMR-LVEF ≤ 35% in 10/10 (100%) patients. CMR-LVEF improved on Echo-LVEF for predicting ICD-T (area under the curve: 0.76 vs. 0.48, p = 0.04). Conclusion: In STEMI patients treated with ICD, assessment of LVEF by CMR outperforms Echo-LVEF to predict the subsequent use of appropriate ICD therapies.

Short-Course High-Intensity Statin Treatment during Admission for Myocardial Infarction and LDL-Cholesterol Reduction-Impact on Tailored Lipid-Lowering Therapy at Discharge.

We hypothesized that a short-course high-intensity statin treatment during admission for myocardial infarction (MI) could rapidly reduce LDL-C and thus impact the choice of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) at discharge. Our cohort comprised 133 MI patients (62.71 ± 11.3 years, 82% male) treated with atorvastatin 80 mg o.d. during admission. Basal LDL-C levels before admission were analyzed. We compared lipid profile variables before and during admission, and LLT at discharge was registered. Achieved theoretical LDL-C levels were estimated using LDL-C during admission and basal LDL-C as references and compared to LDL-C on first blood sample 4-6 weeks after discharge. A significant reduction in cholesterol from basal levels was noted during admission, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, and LDL-C (-39.23 ± 34.89 mg/dL, p < 0.001). LDL-C levels were reduced by 30% in days 1-2 and 40-45% in subsequent days (R2 0.766, p < 0.001). Using LDL-C during admission as a reference, most patients (88.7%) would theoretically achieve an LDL-C < 55 mg/dL with discharge LLT. However, if basal LDL-C levels were considered as a reference, only a small proportion of patients (30.1%) would achieve this lipid target, aligned with the proportion of patients with LDL-C < 55 mg/dL 4-6 weeks after discharge (36.8%). We conclude that statin treatment during admission for MI can induce a significant reduction in LDL-C and LLT at discharge is usually prescribed using LDL-C during admission as the reference, which leads to insufficient LDL-C reduction after discharge. Basal LDL-C before admission should be considered as the reference value for tailored LLT prescription.

Residual ST-segment elevation to predict long-term clinical and CMR-derived outcomes in STEMI.

Residual ST-segment elevation after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has traditionally been considered a predictor of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and ventricular aneurism. However, the implications in terms of long-term prognosis and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived structural consequences are unclear. A total of 488 reperfused STEMI patients were prospectively included. The number of Q wave leads with residual ST-segment elevation > 1 mm (Q-STE) at pre-discharge ECG was assessed. LV ejection fraction (LVEF, %) and infarct size (IS, % of LV mass) were quantified in 319 patients at 6-month CMR. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as all-cause death and/or re-admission for acute heart failure (HF), whichever occurred first. During a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, 92 MACE (18.9%), 39 deaths and 53 HF were recorded. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, Q-STE (per lead with > 1 mm) was independently associated with a higher risk of long-term MACE (HR 1.24 [1.07-1.44] per lead, p = 0.004), reduced (< 40%) LVEF (HR 1.36 [1.02-1.82] per lead, p = 0.04) and large (> 30% of LV mass) IS (HR 1.43 [1.11-1.85] per lead, p = 0.006) at 6-month CMR. Patients with Q-STE ≥ 2 leads (n = 172, 35.2%) displayed lower MACE-free survival, more depressed LVEF, and larger IS at 6-month CMR (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Residual ST-segment elevation after STEMI represents a universally available tool that predicts worse long-term clinical and CMR-derived structural outcomes.

Combined assessment of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance and angiography to predict the effect of revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome patients.

AIMS: The role of revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and the value of ischaemia vs. anatomy to guide decision-making are in constant debate. We explored the potential of a combined assessment of ischaemic burden by vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and presence of multivessel disease by angiography to predict the effect of revascularization on all-cause mortality in CCS. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group comprised 1066 CCS patients submitted to vasodilator stress CMR pre-cardiac catheterization (mean age 66 ± 11 years, 69% male). Stress CMR-derived ischaemic burden (extensive if >5 ischaemic segments) and presence of multivessel disease in angiography (two- or three-vessel or left main stem disease) were computed. The influence of revascularization on all-cause mortality was explored and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained. During a median 7.51-year follow-up, 557 (52%) CMR-related revascularizations and 308 (29%) deaths were documented. Revascularization exerted a neutral effect on all-cause mortality in the whole study group [HR 0.94 (0.74-1.19), P = 0.6], in patients without multivessel disease [n = 598, 56%, HR 1.12 (0.77-1.62), P = 0.6], and in those with multivessel disease without extensive ischaemic burden [n = 181, 17%, HR 1.66 (0.91-3.04), P = 0.1]. However, compared to non-revascularized patients, revascularization significantly reduced all-cause mortality in patients with simultaneous multivessel disease and extensive ischaemic burden (n = 287, 27%): 3.77 vs. 7.37 deaths per 100 person-years, HR 0.60 (0.40-0.90), P = 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CCS submitted to catheterization, evidence of simultaneous extensive CMR-related ischaemic burden and multivessel disease identifies the subset in whom revascularization can reduce all-cause mortality.

Exercise ECG Testing and Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Risk Prediction in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (VS-CMR) has become crucial in the workup of patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Whether traditional exercise ECG testing (ExECG) contributes prognostic information beyond VS-CMR is unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively included 288 patients with known or suspected CCS who had undergone ExECG and subsequent VS-CMR in our institution. Clinical, ExECG, and VS-CMR variables were recorded. We defined the serious adverse events (SAE) as a combined endpoint of acute coronary syndrome, admission for heart failure, or all-cause death. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.15 yr, we registered 27 SAE (15 admissions for acute coronary syndrome, eight admissions for heart failure, and four all-cause deaths). Once adjusted for clinical, ExECG, and VS-CMR parameters associated with SAE, the only independent predictors were HRmax in ExECG (HR = 0.98: 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; P = .01) and more extensive stress-induced perfusion defects (PDs, number of segments) in VS-CMR (HR = 1.19: 95% CI, 1.07-1.34; P < .01). Adding HRmax significantly improved the predictive power of the multivariable model for SAE, including PDs (continuous reclassification improvement index: 0.47: 95% CI, 0.10-0.81; P < .05). The annualized SAE rate was 1% (if PD < 2 segments and HRmax > 130 bpm), 2% (if PD < 2 segments and HRmax ≤ 130 bpm), 3.2% (if PD ≥ 2 segments and HRmax > 130 bpm), and 6.3% (if PD ≥ 2 segments and HRmax ≤ 130 bpm), P < .01, for the trend. In patients on ß-blocker therapy, however, only PDs in VS-CMR, but not HRmax, predicted SAE. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ExECG contributes significantly to prognostic information beyond VS-CMR in patients with known or suspected CCS.

Risk score for early risk prediction by cardiac magnetic resonance after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can improve major adverse cardiac event (MACE) risk prediction. We aimed to create a simple clinical-CMR risk score for early MACE risk stratification in STEMI patients. METHODS: We performed a multicenter prospective registry of reperfused STEMI patients (n = 1118) in whom early (1-week) CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size and microvascular obstruction (MVO) were quantified. MACE was defined as a combined clinical endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (NF-MI) or re-admission for acute decompensated heart failure (HF). RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 5.52 [2.63-7.44] years, 216 first MACE (58 CV deaths, 71 NF-MI and 87 HF) were registered. Mean age was 59.3 ± 12.3 years and most patients (82.8%) were male. Based on the four variables independently associated with MACE, we computed an 8-point risk score: time to reperfusion >4.15 h (1 point), GRACE risk score > 155 (3 points), CMR-LVEF <40% (3 points), and MVO >1.5 segments (1 point). This score permitted MACE risk stratification: MACE per 100 person-years was 1.96 in the low-risk category (0-2 points), 5.44 in the intermediate-risk category (3-5 points), and 19.7 in the high-risk category (6-8 points): p < 0.001 in multivariable Cox survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A novel risk score including clinical (time to reperfusion >4.15 h and GRACE risk score > 155) and CMR (LVEF <40% and MVO >1.5 segments) variables allows for simple and straightforward MACE risk stratification early after STEMI. External validation should confirm the applicability of the risk score.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury to coronary arteries: Comprehensive microscopic study after reperfused myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. We evaluated the dynamics of microscopic damage throughout the ischemia-reperfusion process in the wall of coronary arteries following myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: In a swine model of reperfused MI, animals were divided into one control and four MI groups: 90-min ischemia without reperfusion, or followed by one minute, one week or one month reperfusion. Left anterior descending (LAD; infarct-related artery) and control right coronary arteries (RCA) were isolated. Taking the balloon inflation region as a reference, we isolated the proximal and distal LAD areas, performing histological staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Although mild changes in tunica intima were observed during ischemia, an almost complete absence of endothelium, and abnormal breaks in the internal elastic layer were found post-revascularization. In tunica media, increased thickness was observed soon after reperfusion, whereas larger thickness, disorganized muscle cell distribution and edema were found one week after reperfusion. This damage was more pronounced in distal rather than proximal LAD, whereas no changes were detected in RCA. In the tunica adventitia, vasa vasorum density decayed during ischemia in both LAD regions, but was restored after one month. Leukocyte adhesion to the artery was observed post-revascularization, developing into a massive presence in the three layers one week post-reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-reperfusion can itself induce damage in the wall of the epicardial coronary artery, becoming more pronounced in the region distal to balloon inflation. Exploring these abnormalities will provide insight into the pathophysiology of coronary circulation and MI.