Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Iliac Artery Endovascular Therapy in the Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Diseases (K-VIS ELLA) Registry

Background and Objectives@#Limited data are available regarding long-term clinical outcomes of iliac artery endovascular therapy (EVT) in real-world practice. This study investigated long-term outcomes according to Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) classifications. @*Methods@#We analyzed data from 1,705 limbs of 1,364 patients from the retrospective cohort of the multicenter Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Disease registry. The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR)-free survival. @*Results@#TASC A, B, C, and D lesions were present in 19.4%, 26.2%, 28.7%, and 25.7% of the treated limbs, respectively. The technical success rate was 96.2% and did not differ between TASC lesion types. Complications occurred in 6.8% of cases and more occurred in TASC D (11.8%). Iliac artery EVT showed a 5-year TLR-free survival of 89.2%. The TASC D group had the lowest TLR-free rate of 79.3%. TASC D (hazard ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.73; p=0.014), plain old balloon angioplasty (HR, 4.25; 95% CI, 2.03–8.88; p<0.001), current smoker (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.26–2.83; p=0.002), previous bypass surgery (HR, 3.04;95% CI, 1.28–7.19; p=0.011), combined femoropopliteal treatment (HR, 4.89; 95% CI, 3.19–7.50; p<0.001), combined below the knee treatment (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.25–3.89; p=0.007), and complications (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.07–3.24; p=0.028) were predictors for TLR. @*Conclusions@#Iliac artery EVT achieved excellent technical success and 5-year TLR-free survival. TASC D showed a favorable but lower 5-year TLR-free survival rate and higher complication rate compared with other TASC groups.

Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors After Endovascular Treatment in Patients With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia

Background and Objectives@#Endovascular therapy (EVT) first strategy has been widely adopted for the treatment of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients in realworld practice. This study aimed to investigate long-term outcomes of CLTI patients who underwent EVT and identify prognostic factors. @*Methods@#From the retrospective cohorts of a Korean multicenter endovascular therapy registry, 1,036 patients with CLTI (792 men, 68.8 ± 9.5 years) were included. The primary endpoint was amputation-free survival (AFS) defined as the absence of major amputation or death. Secondary endpoints were major adverse limb events (MALE; a composite of major amputation, minor amputation, and reintervention). @*Results@#Five-year AFS and freedom from MALE were 69.8% and 61%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.476; p<0.001), end-stage renal disease (ESRD; HR, 2.340; p<0.001), Rutherford category (RC) 6 (HR, 1.456; p=0.036), and suboptimal EVT (HR, 1.798; p=0.005) were identified as predictors of major amputation or death, whereas smoking (HR, 0.594; p=0.007) was protective. Low body mass index (HR, 1.505; p=0.046), ESRD (HR, 1.648; p=0.001), femoropopliteal lesion (HR, 1.877; p=0.004), RC-6 (HR, 1.471;p=0.008), and suboptimal EVT (HR, 1.847; p=0.001) were predictors of MALE. The highest hazard rates were observed during the first 6 months for both major amputation or death and MALE. After that, the hazard rate decreased and rose again after 3–4 years. @*Conclusions@#In CLTI patients, long-term outcomes of EVT were acceptable. ESRD, RC-6, and suboptimal EVT were common predictors for poor clinical outcomes.

Korean Multicenter Registry Study of EPIC Stents for the Treatment of Iliac Artery Disease: K-EPIC Registry

Background and Objectives@#The EPIC™ stent is a self-expanding, nitinol stent that has been designed to enhance flexibility and provide expansion within vessels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the EPIC™ stent when used to treat iliac artery diseases in a prospective Korean multicenter registry. @*Methods@#A total of 138 patients with iliac artery diseases who received endovascular treatment with EPIC™ stents at 9 Korean sites were enrolled in a prospective cohort and followed for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the 1-year freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoints were 1-year clinical patency and freedom from major adverse events (MAEs). @*Results@#The mean age of the study subjects was 66.8±8.5 years and most subjects were male (86.2%). The most frequent lesion type was Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus B (43.5%) and the majority (56.5%) of the target lesions were located in the common iliac artery. Procedural success was obtained in 99.3% of patients. The freedom from TLR and the clinical patency at 1-year follow-up were 94.9% and 92.3%, respectively. The 1-year rate of MAEs was 5.1%. Combined coronary artery disease (hazard ratio [HR], 5.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–30.89; p=0.035) and smaller stent diameter (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17–0.88;p=0.023) were identified as independent risk factors of TLR after EPIC™ stent implantation. @*Conclusions@#The EPIC™ stents demonstrated excellent immediate and 1-year efficacy and safety outcomes in iliac artery lesions in this multicenter, prospective, registry-based study.

Association between Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes of Peripheral Artery Disease after Endovascular Therapy: Data from K-VIS ELLA Registry

Background and Objectives@#Few studies have investigated the obesity paradox in clinical outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We investigated the association between body massindex (BMI) and clinical outcomes in PAD patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). @*Methods@#Patients (n=2,914) from the retrospective Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Disease registry were categorized according to BMI: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2 , n=204), normal weight (18.5–25 kg/m2 , n=1,818), overweight (25–30 kg/m2 , n=766), or obese (≥30 kg/m2 , n=126). Groups were compared for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). @*Results@#The underweight and obese groups were older and had more frequent critical limb ischemia and infrapopliteal artery disease than the normal or overweight groups (all p<0.001). Hypertension and diabetes were more frequent and current smoking was less frequent in the overweight and obese groups than the underweight or normal weight groups (all p <0.001). The underweight group showed the higher rates of MACE and MALE at 3 years (17.2%, 15.7%) compared with the normal weight (10.8%, 11.7%), overweight (8.4%, 10.7%), or obese groups (8.7%, 14.3%) (log-rank p<0.001, p=0.015). In contrast, the risk of MACE was lower in the overweight than the normal weight group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.706; 95% CI, 0.537–0.928). @*Conclusions@#In PAD patients undergoing EVT, underweight was an independent predictor for MACE and MALE, whereas MACE risk was lower for overweight than normal weight patients.

Korean Multicenter Registry Study of EPIC Stents for the Treatment of Iliac Artery Disease: K-EPIC Registry

Background and Objectives@#The EPIC™ stent is a self-expanding, nitinol stent that has been designed to enhance flexibility and provide expansion within vessels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the EPIC™ stent when used to treat iliac artery diseases in a prospective Korean multicenter registry. @*Methods@#A total of 138 patients with iliac artery diseases who received endovascular treatment with EPIC™ stents at 9 Korean sites were enrolled in a prospective cohort and followed for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the 1-year freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoints were 1-year clinical patency and freedom from major adverse events (MAEs). @*Results@#The mean age of the study subjects was 66.8±8.5 years and most subjects were male (86.2%). The most frequent lesion type was Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus B (43.5%) and the majority (56.5%) of the target lesions were located in the common iliac artery. Procedural success was obtained in 99.3% of patients. The freedom from TLR and the clinical patency at 1-year follow-up were 94.9% and 92.3%, respectively. The 1-year rate of MAEs was 5.1%. Combined coronary artery disease (hazard ratio [HR], 5.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–30.89; p=0.035) and smaller stent diameter (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17–0.88;p=0.023) were identified as independent risk factors of TLR after EPIC™ stent implantation. @*Conclusions@#The EPIC™ stents demonstrated excellent immediate and 1-year efficacy and safety outcomes in iliac artery lesions in this multicenter, prospective, registry-based study.

Association between Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes of Peripheral Artery Disease after Endovascular Therapy: Data from K-VIS ELLA Registry

Background and Objectives@#Few studies have investigated the obesity paradox in clinical outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We investigated the association between body massindex (BMI) and clinical outcomes in PAD patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). @*Methods@#Patients (n=2,914) from the retrospective Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Disease registry were categorized according to BMI: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2 , n=204), normal weight (18.5–25 kg/m2 , n=1,818), overweight (25–30 kg/m2 , n=766), or obese (≥30 kg/m2 , n=126). Groups were compared for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). @*Results@#The underweight and obese groups were older and had more frequent critical limb ischemia and infrapopliteal artery disease than the normal or overweight groups (all p<0.001). Hypertension and diabetes were more frequent and current smoking was less frequent in the overweight and obese groups than the underweight or normal weight groups (all p <0.001). The underweight group showed the higher rates of MACE and MALE at 3 years (17.2%, 15.7%) compared with the normal weight (10.8%, 11.7%), overweight (8.4%, 10.7%), or obese groups (8.7%, 14.3%) (log-rank p<0.001, p=0.015). In contrast, the risk of MACE was lower in the overweight than the normal weight group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.706; 95% CI, 0.537–0.928). @*Conclusions@#In PAD patients undergoing EVT, underweight was an independent predictor for MACE and MALE, whereas MACE risk was lower for overweight than normal weight patients.

Frequent Premature Atrial Contractions as a Poor Prognostic Factor in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients with Concomitant Non-Sustained Atrial Tachycardia

In cryptogenic stroke patients, early detection of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and recurrent stroke is required to prevent poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, we investigated the predictors of new-onset AF and recurrent stroke in cryptogenic stroke patients without previously diagnosed AF. In total, 390 patients who were diagnosed with stroke and non-sustained atrial tachycardia (NSAT) on 24-hour Holter monitoring were followed up to assess new-onset AF and recurrent stroke. The 5-year event-free survival as well as the predictors of recurrent stroke or new-onset AF were investigated. Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, frequent premature atrial contractions (PACs) were defined as PACs >44 beats/day. The median follow-up period was 35 months. The composite event rate was 11.5%. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5-year cumulative incidence of composite events was higher in cryptogenic stroke patients with frequent PACs than in those without frequent PACs. Multivariate analysis revealed that current smoking, increased left atrial volume index, and frequent PACs were poor prognostic predictors of composite event, and frequent PACs were an independent poor prognostic factor of new-onset AF in cryptogenic stroke patients. Therefore, frequent PACs might be associated with poor clinical outcomes (new-onset AF and recurrent stroke) in cryptogenic stroke patients with concomitant NSAT.

Differential efficacy between stenting and plain balloon angioplasty for femoropopliteal disease with or without total occlusion

Background/Aims@#Whether the presence of chronic total occlusion (CTO) affects patency after stenting in femoropopliteal lesions is unknown. We determined the effects of plain balloon angioplasty (POBA) in comparison with those of stenting on patency for femoropopliteal CTO and stenosis (non-CTO). @*Methods@#We analyzed data from the Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower-Limb Artery Diseases Registry, a multicenter cohort of patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. Data from 1,329 patients and 1558 limbs treated with endovascular intervention for at least one femoropopliteal lesion were evaluated. @*Results@#Among the 1,558 limbs, 345, 432, 275, and 506 were in the non-CTO-POBA,non-CTO-stent, CTO-POBA, and CTO-stent groups, respectively. During follow-up, loss of clinical primary patency, a composite of freedom from restenosis or clinically driven target lesion revascularization, occurred in 65 (18.8%), 68 (15.7%), 62 (22.5%), and 113 limbs (22.3%) in the non-CTO-POBA, non-CTO-stent, CTO-POBA, and CTO-stent groups, respectively. The patients in the non-CTOstent group showed a significantly better clinical primary patency than those in the no-CTO-POBA group, whereas those in the CTO-stent and CTO-POBAgroups showed no significant differences. After inverse probability of treatment weighting to balance the differences among covariates between the non-CTOstent and non-CTO-POBA groups, the non-CTO-stent group still showed superior clinical primary patency as compared with the non-CTO-POBA group. @*Conclusions@#In the patients with femoropopliteal stenosis without CTO, stenting resulted in better clinical outcomes than balloon angioplasty. The presence of CTO in the femoropopliteal lesion should be considered when selecting a suitable device for performing endovascular procedures.

Associates and Prognosis of Giant Left Atrium; Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) remodeling develops as a result of longstanding pressure overload. However, determinants and clinical outcome of excessive remodeling, so called giant left atrium (GLA), are not clear. METHODS: Clinical characteristics of patients with GLA (antero-posterior diameter higher than 65 mm), including echo-Doppler parameters, and follow-up clinical outcomes from a tertiary referral hospital were investigated. RESULTS: Among 68519 consecutive primary patients who underwent echocardiography over a period of 10 years, data from 163 GLA cases (0.24%) were analyzed. Main causes were significant rheumatic mitral stenosis (n = 58, 36%); other causes comprised significant rheumatic mitral regurgitation (MR; n = 10, 6%), mitral valve (MV) prolapse or congenital mitral valvular disease (MVD) (n = 20, 12%), and functional MR (n = 25, 15%). However, mild rheumatic MV disease (n = 4, 3%) or left ventricular (LV) systolic or diastolic dysfunction without significant MR (n = 46, 28%) were also causes of GLA. During median follow-up of 22 months, 42 cases (26%) underwent composite events. MV surgery was related to lower rate of composite events. In multivariate analysis, MV surgery, elevated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, and increased LA volume index were independent predictors of future events (p < 0.05) regardless of underlying diseases or history of MV surgery. CONCLUSION: Although rheumatic MVD with atrial fibrillation is the main contributor to GLA, longstanding atrial fibrillation with LV dysfunction but without MVD also could be related to GLA. Even in GLA state, accurate measurement of LA volume is crucial for risk stratification for future events, regardless of underlying disease.

Baseline Characteristics of a Retrospective Patient Cohort in the Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Diseases (K-VIS ELLA) Registry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Korean Vascular Intervention Society Endovascular Therapy in Lower Limb Artery Diseases (K-VIS ELLA) Registry is a multicenter observational study with retrospective and prospective cohorts of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing endovascular treatment. In this study, we report the baseline characteristics of this retrospective cohort. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In the present study we analyzed datasets of 3073 patients with 3972 target limbs from a retrospective cohort treated with endovascular therapy in 31 Korean hospitals. Data regarding patient baseline clinical and lesion characteristics and postintervention medications were collected from electronic medical records. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 68.3±9.4 years. The majority were male (82.1%) with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (58.0%), hypertension (73.4%), and coronary artery disease (CAD; 55.3%). Patients more commonly presented with intermittent claudication (66.3%) than with critical limb ischemia (CLI; 33.7%). Femoropopliteal artery (41.2%) was the most common target vessel for endovascular treatment, followed by the aortoiliac (35.6%) and infrapopliteal arteries (23.2%). TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease (TASC II) type C/D aortoiliac (48.0%) or femoropopliteal lesions (60.2%) were frequent targets of endovascular treatment. At hospital discharge, only 73.1% of patients received dual antiplatelet therapy and 69.2% received a statin. CONCLUSION: The majority of Korean patients with PAD exhibited conventional risk factors, such as male sex, older age, diabetes, and hypertension with coexisting CAD. Complex lesions were frequently treated with endovascular therapy. However, the rate of adherence to guidelines regarding post-procedural medical treatment requires improvement.

Left Ventricular Filling Pressure as Assessed by the E/e' Ratio Is a Determinant of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Cardioversion

PURPOSE: Left ventricular (LV) filling pressure affects atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. We investigated the relationship between diastolic dysfunction and AF recurrence after cardioversion, and whether LV filling pressure was predictive of AF recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients (mean 58+/-12 years) with newly diagnosed persistent AF were retrospectively enrolled. We excluded patients with left atrial (LA) diameters larger than 50 mm, thereby isolating the effect of LV filling pressure. We evaluated the differences between the patients with (group 1) and without AF recurrence (group 2). RESULTS: Group 1 showed increased LA volume index (LAVI) and E/e' compared to group 2 (p9.15) compared with patients with lower LV filling pressure (E/e'< or =9.15) (log rank p=0.008). Cox regression analysis revealed that E/e' [hazards ratio (HR): 1.100, 95% CI: 1.017-1.190] and LAVI (HR: 1.042, 95% CI: 1.002-1.084) were independent predictors for AF recurrence after cardioversion. CONCLUSION: LV filling pressure predicts the risk of AF recurrence in persistent AF patients after cardioversion.

Carotid Artery End-Diastolic Velocity and Future Cerebro-Cardiovascular Events in Asymptomatic High Risk Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prognostic value of additional carotid Doppler evaluations to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque has not been completely evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1119 patients with risk factors for, but without, overt coronary artery disease (CAD), who underwent both carotid ultrasound and Doppler examination were included in the present study. Parameters of interest included peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities, resistive indices of the carotid arteries, IMT, and plaque measurements. The primary end-point was all-cause cerebro-cardiovascular events (CVEs) including acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization therapy, heart failure admission, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Model 1 covariates comprised age and sex; Model 2 also included hypertension, diabetes and smoking; Model 3 also had use of aspirin and statin; and Model 4 also included IMT and plaque. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 1386+/-461 days and the mean age of the study population was 60+/-12 years. Amongst 1119 participants, 43% were women, 57% had a history of hypertension, and 23% had diabetes. During follow-up, 6.6% of patients experienced CVEs. Among carotid Doppler parameters, average common carotid artery end-diastolic velocity was the independent predictor for future CVEs after adjustments for all models variables (HR 0.95 per cm/s, 95% confident interval 0.91-0.99, p=0.034 in Model 4) and significantly increased the predictive value of Model 4 (global chi2=59.0 vs. 62.8, p=0.029). CONCLUSION: Carotid Doppler measurements in addition to IMT and plaque evaluation are independently associated with future CVEs in asymptomatic patients at risk for CAD.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Is Related to Plaque Stability and Is a Potential Biomarker for Acute Coronary Syndrome

PURPOSE: Plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) binds to low-density lipoprotein. The levels of Lp-PLA2 reflect the plaque burden, and are upregulated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated the diagnostic value of Lp-PLA2 levels and found that it might be a potential biomarker for ACS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We classified 226 study participants into three groups: patients without significant stenosis (control group), patients with significant stenosis with stable angina (SA group), and patients with ACS (ACS group). RESULTS: Lp-PLA2 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly greater in the ACS group than in the SA group (p=0.044 and p=0.029, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Lp-PLA2 levels are significantly associated with ACS (odds ratio=1.047, p=0.013). The addition of Lp-PLA2 to the ACS model significantly increased the global chi2 value over traditional risk factors (28.14 to 35.602, p=0.006). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for Lp-PLA2 was 0.624 (p=0.004). The addition of Lp-PLA2 level to serum hs-CRP concentration yielded an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.0368 (p=0.0093, standard error: 0.0142) and improved the ability to diagnose ACS. CONCLUSION: Lp-PLA2 levels are related to plaque stability and might be a diagnostic biomarker for ACS.

Multidetector Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease; The Diagnostic Accuracy in Calcified Coronary Arteries, Comparing with IVUS Imaging

PURPOSE: Contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has been used as an alternative to coronary angiography for the assessment of coronary artery disease in the patient of the intermediate risk group. However, coronary calcium is a known limiting factor for MDCT evaluation. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of 64-channel MDCT with each coronary artery calcium score (CACS) by compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 symptomatic patients with intermediate-risk (10 females, mean age 59.9+/-6.9 years, Framingham point scores 9-20) with 162 sites who had a culprit lesion on 64-channel MDCT before performing coronary angiography with IVUS were enrolled. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups depending on CACS: 0, 1-99, 100-399, and >400. Lesion length, external elastic membrane (EEM) cross sectional area (CSA), minimal luminal area, and plaque area were measured and compared between IVUS and MDCT. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients for the measurements of the EEM CSA, lumen CSA, and plaque area were r=0.514, r=0.837, and r=0.578, respectively. Furthermore, there were close correlation of plaque area between four subgroups of CACS (r=0.671, r=0.623, r=0.562, r=0.571, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite the increase in CACS, the geometric analysis of coronary arteries using with 64-channel MDCT was comparable with IVUS in symptomatic patient of the intermediate risk group.

Effect of Abciximab on the Levels of Circulating Microparticles in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Angioplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of the additional use of abciximab during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the level of procoagulant microparticles (MPs) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who had undergone primary PCI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, we studied 86 patients with STEMI (72 men, age 58+/-13) who had undergone primary PCI. The decision to administer abciximab immediately prior to PCI was left to the discretion of the operator. Blood samples for analysis of MPs were obtained from the femoral artery before and after PCI. MPs with procoagulant potential were measured using a commercial kit. The cellular origins of MPs were determined by antigenic capture with specific antibodies. RESULTS: Procoagulant MPs captured onto annexin V were not changed significantly after PCI {13.4+/-13.2 nM vs. 13.2+/-16.1 nM phosphatidylserine equivalent (PS eq), p=0.479}. Abciximab was used in 30 of 86 patients (35%) immediately prior to PCI. In patients who had undergone PCI without abciximab, no significant change in the level of MPs was observed after PCI. However, in the abciximab group, the level of circulating MPs was significantly decreased after PCI (12.0+/-10.7 nM vs. 7.8+/-11.7 nM PS eq, p=0.018). Levels of endothelial- and platelet-derived MPs also showed a significant reduction after PCI in the abciximab group. CONCLUSION: Primary PCI with additional abciximab significantly reduced the level of procoagulant MPs regardless of their cellular origins in patients with STEMI.

MicroRNA in the Diseased Pulmonary Vasculature: Implications for the Basic Scientist and Clinician

Since the first descriptions of their active functions more than ten years ago, small non-coding RNA species termed microRNA (miRNA) have emerged as essential regulators in a broad range of adaptive and maladaptive cellular processes. With an exceptionally rapid pace of discovery in this field, the dysregulation of many individual miRNAs has been implicated in the development and progression of various cardiovascular diseases. MiRNA are also expected to play crucial regulatory roles in the progression of pulmonary vascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension (PH), yet direct insights in this field are only just emerging. This review will provide an overview of pulmonary hypertension and its molecular mechanisms, tailored for both basic scientists studying pulmonary vascular biology and physicians who manage PH in their clinical practice. We will describe the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension and mechanisms of action of miRNA relevant to this disease. Moreover, we will summarize the potential roles of miRNA as biomarkers and therapeutic targets as well as future strategies for defining the cooperative actions of these powerful effectors in pulmonary vascular disease.

The Influence of Anti-Platelet Resistance on the Development of Cerebral Ischemic Lesion after Carotid Artery Stenting

PURPOSE: Cerebral ischemic lesions are frequently observed after carotid artery stenting (CAS), and anti-platelet agents are used to prevent stent thrombosis and peri-procedural complications. However, despite the premedication, cerebral ischemic lesions are observed, suggesting that they may rather be related to anti-platelet resistance. We, therefore, investigated the effects of anti-platelet resistance on the development of cerebral ischemic lesions after CAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who received CAS and selected patients for whom brain MRI was performed within 24 hours after CAS and for whom anti-platelet resistance was checked. Anti-platelet resistance was examined by the VerifyNow system. We analyzed the correlation between anti-platelet resistance and cerebral ischemic lesions detected on follow-up MRI. RESULTS: Among 76 patients, 45 (59.2%) developed new ischemic lesions after CAS. Twelve (15.8%) patients showed aspirin resistance and 50 (65.8%) patients showed clopidogrel resistance. Patients with a new ischemic lesion demonstrated a significantly greater frequency of clopidogrel resistance than those who had no new ischemic lesion (82.2% versus 41.9%, p=0.001). The frequency of aspirin resistance was not significantly different between the groups of patients with and without new ischemic lesions (20.0% versus 9.7%, p=0.340). In multivariate analysis, clopidogrel resistance was a significant risk factor for post-procedural cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSION: Anti-platelet resistance can be used to predict new ischemic lesions after CAS. Anti-platelet resistance should be evaluated in all patients prior to CAS to prevent ischemic complications related to CAS.

Preventive Effect of Pretreatment with Intravenous Nicorandil on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Renal Dysfunction Undergoing Coronary Angiography (PRINCIPLE Study)

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pretreatment with intravenous nicorandil on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with renal dysfunction undergoing coronary angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled multicenter study enrolled a total of 166 patients (nicorandil n=81; control n=85) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate 0.5 mg/dL increase or >25% rise in serum creatinine (SCr) concentration within 48 hours of contrast exposure compared to baseline. RESULTS: The final analysis included 149 patients (nicorandil n=73; control n=76). The baseline characteristics and the total volume of the used contrast (Iodixanol, 125.6+/-69.1 mL vs. 126.9+/-74.6 mL, p=0.916) were similar between the two groups. The incidence of CIN also did not differ between the nicorandil and control groups (6.8% vs. 6.6%, p=0.794). There was no difference between the two groups in the relative change in SCr from baseline to peak level within 48 hours after coronary angiography (-1.58+/-24.07% vs. 0.96+/-17.49%, p=0.464), although the nicorandil group showed less absolute change in SCr than the control group (-0.01+/-0.43 mg/mL vs. 0.02+/-0.31 mg/mL, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic intravenous infusion of nicorandil did not decrease the incidence of CIN in patients with renal dysfunction undergoing coronary angiography.

Spontaneous Sinus Conversion of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation During Treatment of Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a common adverse effect of treatment for heart failure and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The cardiac manifestations of hyperkalemia include various electrocardiogram changes. We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman with heart failure and permanent atrial fibrillation who reverted to normal sinus rhythm during recovery from hyperkalemia.

Effect of Adiponectin and Resistin on Coronary Plaque Composition and Coronary Artery Remodeling of Target Lesion in Patients with Stable Angina

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin and resistin on coronary plaque composition determined by virtual histology (VH) intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary artery remodeling of target lesion in patients with stable angina. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 48 patients who underwent coronary angiography and VH IVUS for stable angina (27 men, 61+/-9 years of age). Preintervention grayscale and VH IVUS analysis was done across the target lesion. Planar VH IVUS analysis at the minimum luminal site and volumetric analysis over a 10-mm-long segment centered at the minimum luminal site were performed. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on remodeling index (RI): positive remodeling (PR) defined as RI>1.0 and non-PR as RI< or =1.0. Blood samples for analysis of adiponectin and resistin were obtained from the femoral artery before coronary angioplasty. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients enrolled, 23 (48%) had PR in their target lesion and 25 (52%) were non-PR group. Clinical and angiographic characteristics, VH IVUS parameters were not different between the PR and the non-PR groups. Adiponectin and resistin levels showed no significant correlations with coronary plaque composition evaluated with VH IVUS. Adiponectin showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, resistin showed trend toward higher level in non-PR group (4.17+/-2.18 ng/mL vs. 6.11+/-4.26 ng/mL, P=0.056) and a significant negative correlation with RI (r=-0.303, P=0.036). CONCLUSION: We found a negative correlation between the resistin level and RI of a de-novo target lesion in patients with stable angina.