Current Practice of Transradial Coronary Angiography and Intervention: Results from the Korean Transradial Intervention Prospective Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although increasing evidence has indicated that radial access is a beneficial technique, few studies have focused on Korean subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate current practice of coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using radial access in South Korea. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 6338 subjects were analyzed from Korean Transradial Intervention prospective registry that was conducted at 20 centers in Korea. After evaluating the initial access, subjects intended for radial access were assessed for their baseline, procedure-related, and complication data. Subjects were categorized into three groups: group of overall subjects (n=5554); group of subjects who underwent PCI (n=1780); and group of subjects who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) (n=167). RESULTS: The rate of radial artery as an initial access and the rate of access site crossover was 87.6% and 4.4%, respectively, in overall subjects. Those rates were 82.4% and 8.1%, respectively, in subjects who underwent PCI, and 60.1% and 4.8%, respectively, in subjects who underwent PPCI. For subjects who underwent CAG, a 6-F introducer sheath and a 5-F angiographic catheter was the most commonly used. During PCI, a 6-F introducer sheath (90.6%) and a 6-F guiding catheter were standardly used. CONCLUSION: The large prospective registry allowed us to present the current practice of CAG and PCI using radial access. These data provides evidence to achieve consensus on radial access in CAG and PCI in the Korean population.

Cut-Off Value and Factors Associated with a False Positive D-Dimer Result for Venous Thromboembolism in Koreans / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The D-dimer value is a simple blood test used to evaluate venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, due to its low specificity, another test is needed for a definite diagnosis, such as a radiographic test. We evaluate the factors associated with a false positive D-dimer test and propose a new cut-off value for detecting VTE more effectively in Koreans. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study. From January 2009 to December 2009, 2,047 patients (988 men, 63 +/- 15 years) had the D-dimer value checked to evaluate VTE. The main outcome of interest was a positive D-dimer test. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were determined using logistic regression analysis. The new D-dimer cut-off was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The result was positive in 1,093 patients (53%), for a false positive percentage for VTE of 95% and a false negative percentage for VTE of 1%. Significant false positive predictors for a positive D-dimer were increasing age, trauma, postoperative, acute infection, tuberculosis, stroke, malignancy, chronic renal failure, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and lung disease. The discriminative value of the D-dimer test was assessed using ROC curve analysis. A D-dimer value of 0.68 mg/L on admission was the best cut-off value for predicting the development of VTE with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 57%. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors affect the D-dimer value and we must consider these factors before using the D-dimer value to evaluate VTE. A D-dimer value of 0.68 mg/L appears to be a good cut-off value for evaluating VTE more effectively in Koreans.

Progressive Familial Heart Block Type I in a Korean Patient

A 29-year-old man was referred to the emergency department with a complaint of abdominal pain and dizziness. He had experienced two previous syncopal episodes. His family history revealed that his mother and his two uncles had received permanent pacemaker implantation. His initial heart rate was 49 beats per minute. The electrocardiography (ECG) showed atrial flutter and right bundle branch block (RBBB) with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB). On admission, 24-hour Holter showed ventricular pause up to 16 seconds during syncope. Radio frequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial flutter was performed. The ECG revealed bifascicular block (RBBB and LAFB) and first-degree atrioventricular block. He received a permanent pacemaker implantation. His brother's and his sister's ECGs also showed trifascicular block and the pedigree showed autosomal dominant inheritance. This patient was diagnosed with a progressive familial heart block (PFHB) type I. This would be the first report of a PFHB type I case documented in Korea.

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Presenting as Acute Lower Limb Ischemia / 가정의학회지

An ischemic foot can be developed by acute arterial occlusion. Given proper treatment within critical time, the patient can avoid foot amputation and death. Early proper diagnosis and treatment by family physician at the initial clinical interviewing is important in saving the affected leg and the life. Thrombosis and embolism are the common causes of acute arterial occlusion. Thrombosis mostly arises from underlying cardiac disease such as arrhythmia, coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease while arterial occlusion by embolism can be shown on a narrowed artery related with systemic atherosclerosis. Because the treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the acute ischemic foot, it is important to identify the cause of acute ischemic foot. At this paper, we reported a case that the cause of acute ischemic foot of the patient proved paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after some diagnostic tests.

A Case of Successful Correction of Subclavian Steal Syndrome by Percutaneus Transluminal Angioplasty with Stenting Who Found Incidentally Significant Interarm Blood Pressure Difference / 가정의학회지

A case of successful correction of subclavian steal syndrome by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting in a male patient who found incidentally significant interarm blood pressure difference. Small difference in blood pressure (BP) between two arms is a relatively common. Significant interarm BP difference is a potential marker of peripheral vascular disease such as subclavian artery stenosis and a predictor of cardiovascular disease. The subclavian steal syndrome is a condition that results from stenosis of subclavian artery proximal to the vertebral artery. The resulting symptoms are vertebrobasilar insufficiency symptoms due to reversal of blood flow from the contralateral vertebral and basilar artery into the ipsilateral upper extremity vessels and arm ischemic symptoms. Stenotic lesion of subclavian artery has traditionally been treated surgically. However recent trends are undergoing a paradigm shift from open surgery to endovascular approach. We report a patient with subclavian steal syndrome who found incidentally 35 mmHg interarm systolic BP difference. It was successfully treated by percutaneus transradial angioplasty with stenting on stenotic lesion of the subclavian artery.

Long-Term Prognosis and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Variant Angina

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The overall prognosis of patients with vasospastic angina (VA) is relatively good. However, the long-term prognosis and its influencing factors are not well understood in Korean patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between August 1996 and January 2007, 256 consecutive patients with VA were reviewed (215 men, 53+/-9 years). Coronary spasm was confirmed via intravenous ergonovine provocation in all study patients during coronary angiography. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as myocardial infarction (MI), resuscitation from cardiac arrest, or repeat hospitalization due to recurrent angina. RESULTS: The 256 patients were followed for an average of 59 months (range, 5 months to 11 years). Thirty-one patients (12.1%) were lost to follow-up. Cardiac deaths occurred in 6 patients (2.3%), non-fatal MIs occurred in 3 patients (1.2%), and MACEs occurred in 52 patients (20.3%). The rates of survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were 99%, 97%, and 97%, respectively, and the rates of MI-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were 99%, 96%, and 95%, respectively. Rates of MACE-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91%, 81%, and 62%, respectively. MI at initial presentation and current smoking were factors significantly associated with MACEs; these factors were also independent predictors of MACE-free survival. CONCLUSION: Despite treatment with calcium channel blockers, recurrent episodes of angina were frequently observed, whereas sudden cardiac death and non-fatal MI were rare. Smoking and myocardial infarction at admission were independent risk factors for cardiac death, non-fatal MI, and repeat hospitalization due to recurrent angina in patients with variant angina.

Infective Endocarditis Not Easily Diagnosed in Primary Care

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of antibiotics and cardiac surgery, infective endocarditis, remains a life-threatening disease. Unfortunately, diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. This is due, in part, to the vague and, at times, baffling clinical picture of this disease and to the frequency with which antibiotics were administered prior to obtaining a microbiological diagnosis. We conducted this study to improve the suspicion index from difficult diagnostic process of this serious disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 39 patients admitted to the Gangneung Asan Hospital in Gangwon-do with infective endocarditis from December 1996 to July 2004. We evaluated initial chief complaints and presumed diagnosis on first visit to medical care facilities, duration of referral from primary care to our hospital, the time period to confirm the diagnosis, treatment modality, and survival rate. RESULTS: Among the total, 23 out of 39 patients fulfilled the criteria for definite infective endocarditis, whereas the others (16 patients) were for possible group in Duke criteria. In 79.5%, infective endocarditis was the first clinical presentation without medical history of any cardiac disease. Most frequent initial presenting symptoms and signs were fever and chills (56.4%), abnormal neurologic deficit (12.8%), and myalgia (7.6%). The most common initial diagnosis at first medical facilities was common cold. The mean duration of referral from primary care to our hospital was 9.5 days. The mean duration of symptoms before the definite diagnosis was 20.3 days. The most frequent etiologic microorganisms were streptococcus and staphylococcus. Blood culture negative infective endocarditis was found in 35.9% of cases. Almost all patients were treated with 3rd generation cephalosporins. Among the total, 71.6% patients were treated with medical treatment only, and 28.2% patients required surgical intervention. The mortality rate was 20.5% with the major cause of death being sepsis. CONCLUSION: Since the symptoms and signs of infective endocarditis are nonspecific, it is difficult to suspect and reach to correct diagnosis of infective endocarditis in primary care, requiring prolonged duration of 3 weeks to reach diagnosis. The consequences can result in higher rate of systemic complications and mortality.

Precordial ST-Segment Elevation in Acute Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction

It is rare to observe ST-segment elevations in the precordial leads that are caused by an occlusion of the right coronary artery and/or its branches. We report here on two cases of acute occlusion of the right coronary artery or its branches that caused acute right ventricular myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevations in the anterior precordial leads. These cases should remind us that the presence of diffuse ST-segment elevations in the precordial leads could be due to acute occlusion of the right coronary artery.

Cardio-thoracic Ratio (CTR) for Detection of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) in Elderly People

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is closely related with a high death rate, rhythmia, ischemic heart disease, stroke and sudden death. It is known that the prognosis becomes better as LVH regresses. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it correctly with ease in primary care. The authors evaluated the most standard cardio-thoracic ratio (CTR) with respect to LVH oriented towards elderly people whose body habitus changed over time as they had become older, and evaluated the factors which affect the rate of diagnosis including sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: A total of 231 subjects over 60 years of age who visited a general hospital health promotion center from March 1997 to August 2003, underwent echocardiography and identified not to have heart disease were selected. LV (left vetricular) mass was measured through echocardiography. LV mass was divided by 2.7 times of height (m) by Deveruex's method, and 49.1 g/m2.7 for men and 46.7 g/m2.7 for women were set to be standards of LVH. CTR was obtained by dividing the maximum transverse diameter of the heart by maximum transverse diameter of thorax on chest PA. RESULTS: CTR was observed on the basis of 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, and the agreement was highest of 0.5 for men and 0.45 for women. However, considering the sensitivity, the specificity, and the positive predictive value, it was thought to be most proper to be set at 0.5 was be standard for both men and women. When diagnosing LVH through chest PA, if 0.5 was set to be standard, false positive become high in women, false negative became high as height increased, and false negative became high as body mass index (BMI) increased. The smoking group showed higher false negative compared to the non- smoking group, and the false negative was higher as the level of hemoglobin increased. CONCLUSION: When diagnosing LVH through CTR in elderly people, it was appropriate to set 0.5 as a standard, but it is necessary to consider sex, body habitus, BMI, smoking and the level of hemoglobin.

Relationship of Left Ventricular Mass to Obesity in Normotensive Adults

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The combination of hypertension and obesity are well known to act as risk factors of left ventricular hypertrophy in a number of studies, but it is unclear whether obesity itself stimulates LVH independently. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of left ventricular mass to body size in normotensive adults. METHODS: A population sample of 240 normotensive (systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) adults (139 men and 101 women) was examined by echocardiography. We excluded adults with history of hypertension, thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus and other cardiac diseases. Left ventricular mass normalized for height(2.7) was used in the analyses and left ventricular hypertrophy was defined as a value of 50 g/m(2.7) men or 47 g/m(2.7) in women. RESULTS: Left ventricular mass significantly and positively correlated with body mass index. On univariate correlation analysis after adjusting for age, the body mass index was associated with LV mass/height(2.7) (LVMI: Left Ventricular Mass Index) in males and body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip circumference ratio were associated with LVMI in females. Left ventricular hypertrophy was more frequent in overweight (33.3%) and obese (39.4%) groups than in lean group (15.9%). CONCLUSION: Left ventricular mass was strongly related to obesity in normotensive adults, especially in females. Obesity may be an independent risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy.

Relationship of Left Ventricular Mass to Obesity in Normotensive Adults

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The combination of hypertension and obesity are well known to act as risk factors of left ventricular hypertrophy in a number of studies, but it is unclear whether obesity itself stimulates LVH independently. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of left ventricular mass to body size in normotensive adults. METHODS: A population sample of 240 normotensive (systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg) adults (139 men and 101 women) was examined by echocardiography. We excluded adults with history of hypertension, thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus and other cardiac diseases. Left ventricular mass normalized for height(2.7) was used in the analyses and left ventricular hypertrophy was defined as a value of 50 g/m(2.7) men or 47 g/m(2.7) in women. RESULTS: Left ventricular mass significantly and positively correlated with body mass index. On univariate correlation analysis after adjusting for age, the body mass index was associated with LV mass/height(2.7) (LVMI: Left Ventricular Mass Index) in males and body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip circumference ratio were associated with LVMI in females. Left ventricular hypertrophy was more frequent in overweight (33.3%) and obese (39.4%) groups than in lean group (15.9%). CONCLUSION: Left ventricular mass was strongly related to obesity in normotensive adults, especially in females. Obesity may be an independent risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy.

Change of Antibiotic Sensitivities to Causative Organisms of Urinary Tract Infection in Out Patients 2 years Before and After the Separation of Prescription and Dispensing Medicines

BACKGROUND: The overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents and their resultant emergence of resistant microorganisms have made choices regarding antimicrobial therapy more difficult .Therefore,a new system that separated prescribing and dispensing medicine began on July 1,1997 to prevent overuse and misuse of medicine.We studied to evaluate changes of antibiotic sensitivities to causative microorganisms of urinary tract infection 2 years before and after the new medical system. METHODS: During each 2 years before and after the new medical system,we analyzed antibiotic sensitivities of causative microorganisms for urinary tract infection among the 447 out-patients who visited a hospital in GangNeung.The diagnosis of urinary tract infection was based on greater than 105 CFU (Colony For Unit)per ml.urine. RESULTS: The most common pathogenic microorganisms as E.coli (76.5%),followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.1%),and Proteus mirabilis (3.6%)in urine culture. A first generation cephalosporin,cephalothin,against E.coli, had more significant sensitivity after the introduction of the new medical system (52.6%)than before (33.9%),especially in the 80th decade (P=0.023) and in females (P<0.001).Also,trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole against E.coli showed signifcant improving sensitivity (P=0.025). CONCLUSION: There was little change of antibiotic sensitivity of urinary tract infection in out-patients before and after the new medical system in cephalothin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole against E.coli. The change of antibiotic sensitivities will require further observation for a longer term after the introduction of the new medical system.

Successful treatment of acute ischemic colitis with stent insertion / 대한내과학회지

Mesenteric ischemia is rare and is often diagnosed late. Fatal complications or acute ischemic events can occur in the absence of proper treatment. Any sensitive and specific tests are not available for functional diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia until now. If another causes of abdominal pain and weight loss have been confidently ruled out, evidence of visceral artery occlusion at noninvasive imaging (CT angiography, Doppler US, and MR angiography) suggests mesenteric ischemia. Until the 1990s, open surgery was considered the only treatment of choice. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was reserved for patients to whom surgery carried a high risk. However, open surgery carries a non-egligible risk of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, PTA with stent placement has been recognized as a minimal invasive treatment option for obtaining good long term results with an acceptable recurrence rate and consequently has been suggested for primary treatment of mesenteric ischemia. We describe the successful application of PTA to the inferior mesenteric artery stenosis by using drug eluting stent.

Electrocardiogram as a Diagnostic Method for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the sensitivity and specificity of ECG as a tool for detecting echocardiographically defined LVH in a population-based sample and to examine the impact of a variety of factors that affect the sensitivity and specificity of ECG for detection of LVH. METHODS: A total of 1,130 subjects who received a thorough medical checkup for cardiologic department voluntarily were selected. The subjects were examined using M-mode echocardiography and standard 12-lead ECG. The chi-square test was used to test for differences in sensitivity and specificity of ECG for echocardiographically defined LVH. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistic was used to adjust for sex, age, and obesity and to test the association between cigarette smoking, amount of alcohol, exercise, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and sensitivity and specificity of ECG. RESULTS: Echocardiographic LVH was detected in 434 (38.4%) and electrocardiographic features of LVH were present in 146 (12.9%). ECG for diagnosis of LVH showed sensitivity of 20.0%, specificity of 91.5%, and diagnostic accuracy of 64.1%. Sensitivity of ECG for LVH was higher in persons with obesity (P=.04) or hypertension (P=.04). Specificity of ECG for LVH was lower in persons with hypertension (P=.003) CONCLUSION: ECG has a low sensitivity and a high specificity for echocardiographically defined LVH. Attention must be paid to carefully interpret ECG for diagnosis of LVH in persons with obesity or hypertension, because the rate of false positives and negatives can be increased.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Infective Endocarditis

No abstract available.

Prevalence of thyroid diseases among adult for health check-up in a Youngdong area of Kwangwon province

BACKGROUND: Thyroid diseases is common in adult and frequently has significant clinical consequences. But, Prevalence have not been accurately estimated before performance of sensitive TSH and high resolution ultrasound devices on thyroid gland in practice. The objective of the study was to obstain prevalance rate of thyroid dysfunction and structural abnormality by sensitive TSH, Free T4 and high resolution ultrasound. METHODS: The subjects were 10,543(5,638 male and 4,815 female) individuals who visited a health care center of a general hospital in Kangnung city during the period of Jan. 1st, 1997 through May 31st, 2000. For thyroid dysfunction, serum TSH(Thyroid Stimulation Hormone) and Free T4 concentration of those were measured by RIA or IRMA. During the period of Dec. 1st, 1997 through May 25th, 1998, 1,316 individuals were examined by radiology specialists using high resolution ultrasonography with 7.5 MHz linear array. Consequently 21 patients who showed thyroid nodule were performed ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. Accordingly medical records containing results of physical examination made by 3 specialists in family medicine before thyroid ultrasonography were investigated in association with other diagnostic modalities. RESULTS: The measurements of thyroid function revealed that 10,090(96.5%) were normal, 240(2.3%) low(below 0.39 mU/L) and 123(1.2%) high(above 5.1 mU/L) in TSH. In terms of prevalence rate per 1,000 population, 15.2 cases were with subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 9.0 cases with subclinical hypothyroidism, 7.7 cases with hyperthyroidism and 3.3 cases with hypothyroidism. Among 94 individuals(7.1%) with structural abnormality on thyroid gland by ultrasonography, 60(4.6%) showed solitary solid nodule, 12(0.9%) multiple solid nodules, 18(1.4%) cystic nodules and 3(0.3%) diffuse parenchymal lesions. Physical examination found only 13.3% of 91 nodules found by high-resolution ultrasonography, and nodules as large as above 1.0 cm in size were palpable only in 22.2%. 21 Of 91 thyroid nodules was received ultrasound-guided FNA and 4(19%) were found to have malignant nodules. CONCLUSION: The study results showed the relatively high rate of thyroid diseases among general population, with the prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunction 3.6%, thyroid nodule 6.9%, malignant incidentaloma among thyroid nodules 4.4%. Physical examination was relative ineffective in detection for thyroid nodules in routine health examinations.

Long Stent Implantation in Long Coronary Lesions: Immediate and Follow-up Results

BACKGROUND: The results of new devices for long coronary stenotic lesion is disappointing. We evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of single long coronary stenting for long coronary stenosis, we implanted two types of long stents, newly developed less shortening Wall stent and Gianturco-Roubin II stent. METHODS: This study reports on the use of stents in 106 patients with 109 lesions with long lesion. Long coronary disease was defined as a lesion length longer than 20 mm. After the implantation of the stent, the stented coronary segment was dilated further with high pressure balloon inflation to achieve angiographic optimization. RESULTS: The mean age was 59+/-9 years. Mean stent length was 35+/-11 mm. Vessel distribution was 2 (2%) left main, 66 (61%) LAD, 10 (9%) LCX and 31 (28%) RCA. Implanted stents were 57 (52%) Gianturco-Roubin II stents and 52 (48%) Wall stents. Procedural success was achieved in 109 (100%) lesions. The MLD at lesion site increased from 0.8+/-0.4 mm to 3.2+/-0.5 mm. Procedure associated complications included 4 non-Q myocardial infarction. Angiographic follow up at 6 months was performed on 78 (72%) eligible lesions. There was one myocardial infarction and no death during follow up period. Restenosis by 50% diameter stenosis criteria was present in 39 (50%) of lesions. The target lesion revascularization was performed in 21 (19%) lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Stent implantation for long coronary disease is associated with excellent procedural success rates and low complication rates in the majority of patients. However, the restenosis rate is high regardless of the stent used. Further study needs to be done to improve the long-term clinical outcome.

Comparison of Slotted Tube versus Coil Stent Implantation for Ostial Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Stenosis: Initial and Late Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Balloon angioplasty of ostial left anterior descending coronary artery lesions has been associated with high rate of acute complications and late restenosis. Recently, coronary stenting has been proposed as one of effective treatment modalites of ostial left anterior descending artery lesions. METHODS: To evaluate the effects of stent design on the development of late restenosis, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of slotted tube stent implantation (40 patients, Palmaz-Schatz stent) and coil stent implantation (15 patients, tantalum Cordis stent) of ostial left anterior descending artery stenosis. Six-month angiographic follow-up data were obtained in 31 patients (82%) with slotted tube stent implantation and 12 patients (86%) with coil stent implantation. Angiographic restenosis was defined as > or = 50% diameter stenosis. RESULTS: Angiographic resten-osis rate was significantly lower in slotted tube stent implantation (32%) than in coil stent implantation (67%) (p<0.05). Target lesion revascularization rate of slotted tube stent implantation was significantly lower (26%) than that of coil stent implantation (57%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coil stent implantation of ostial left anterior descending artery lesions was associated with higher late restenosis compared with slotted tube stent impla-ntation. In conclusion, slotted tube stent implantation might be considered for ostial left anterior descending artery lesions to improve late clinical outcomes.

Comparison between Intravascular Ultrasound and Quantitative Coronary Angiographic Measurements in Coronary Artery Stenting

BACKGROUND: To overcome the limitation of angiography, intravascular ultrasound(IVUS) is widely used to guide coronary stent implantation. We compared the quantitative measurements of IVUS and quantitaitve coronary angiographic(QVA) analysis after stent implantation. METHODS: Thirty nine patients with 39 coronary lesions underwent coronary stent implantation. The implanted stents were CrossFlex stent in 17, NIR stent in 13, Palmaz-Schatz stent in 6, Multilink stent in 2 patients, and Divysio stent in 1 patient. Post-stent IVUS procedure with automatic pullback device was performed successfully in all patients after angiographic optimization. IVUS and QCA measurements included the minimum lumen diameter at proximal and distal reference artery, and stented site after intracoronary administration of 0.2mg nitroglycerin. RESULTS: IVUS and QCA measurement of minimal luminal diameter(MLD) at proximal and distal reference artery, and stented site correlated reliably each other(r=0.62, p<0.01 ; r=0.77, p<0.01 ; r=0.73, p<0.01 respectively). Event if insignificant statistical difference, there was a tendency of larger MLD at proximal and distal reference artery by IVUS measurement than by QCA measurement(3.2+/-0.5mm vs. 3.1+/-0.4mm, p=0.2 : 3.1+/-0.6mm vs. 3.0+/-0.7mm, p=0.2, respectively). The MLD at stented site was significantly larger by QCA measurement than by IVUS measurement(3.2+/-0.6mm vs. 2.9+/-0.5mm, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded 1) the correlation between IVUS and QCA measurements of reference vessel and stented site was reliable. 2) There was a tendency of larger luminal diameter at reference vessel by IVUS than by QCA. 3) The minimal luminal diameter was measured significantly larger at stented site by QCA than by IVUS.

A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Clinical Investigation of the Effects of Sulodexide on Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Balloon Angioplasty

BACKGROUND: Restenosis remains as the major limitation of percutaneous translumainal coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA). Although its mechanism remains incompletely understood, proliferative action of arterial smooth muscle cells has been found to play an important role on restenosis by neointimal formation after PTCA. Glycosaminoglycan-containing compounds, including Sulodexide (Vessel Due , ALFA, Wasserman, S.p.A, Italy), inhibit the proliferation and maigration of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to assess the efficacy of Sulodexide, a glycosaminoglycan compound with antithrombotic and antiproliferative properties, in preventing restenosis after PTCA. METHOD: Two hundred eighty-four patients with ischemic heart disease were randomized to receive either the standard PTCA without Sulodexide in 144 patients (control group, M : F = 99 : 45, Age = 58 +9 or -9), 160 lesions or the standard PTCA with Sulodexide in 140 patients (treated group, M : F = 89 : 51, age = 58 +10 or -10), 158 lesions. Successful angioplasties were performed in 258 atheromatous coronary lesions in 224 patients for whom follow-up angiographic data were obtained 6 month later. Quantitative coronary angiographic analysis (QCA) was performed before , immediate after PTCA and 6-month later. Angiographic restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis at follow-up) was the primary end point : miniamal luminal diameter at follow-up angiogram was the secondary end point. RESULT: Successful PTCA was 97.6% and 97.5% in the standard PTCA with Sulodexide and the standard PTCA without Sulodexide, respectively. Although reference vessel size and minimal luminal diamater after PTCA were larger in the control group than in the Sulodexide group(2.94+0.11 or-0.11 vs 2.83+0.13 or -0.13 mm and 2.26+0.12 or -0.12 vs 2.18+0.08 or -0.08 mm, respectively, p=NS), there was a increased tendency of minimal lumen diameter at 6 months angiogram in the Sulidexide group than in the control group (1.12+0.50 or -0.50 vs 1.07 + 0.53 or -0.53 mm, respectively, p=NS). Angiographic restenosis occured in 42% of lesions in the Sulodexide group and 52% of the control group (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Sulodexide treatment had a tendency to reduce restenosis rate in 6 months after coronary angioplasty. However, further study is necessary to verify the antiproliferative effect of Sulodexide with much larger number of patients.