Application of Insect Medicines in Treatment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Based on Comorbidity Theory of "Blood-Vessel-Cardiac Collaterals" / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Coronary microvascular dysfunction （CMD） is one of the important causes of myocardial ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery ischemic symptoms. However， effective diagnostic methods and targeted treatment strategies for CMD are currently lacking. According to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the comorbidity theory of "blood-vessel-cardiac collaterals" plays a central role throughout the entire development process of CMD. It suggests that in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CMD， the treatment of blood， vessels， and cardiac collaterals should not be neglected. In light of this， insect medicines， known for their efficacy in promoting blood circulation， resolving stasis， and alleviating spasms， hold promise as a potential treatment for CMD. However， there is currently no research or summary on the use of insect medicines for the treatment of CMD. Therefore， this article took the comorbidity theory of "blood-vessel-cardiac collaterals" as the starting point and divided the pathogenesis of CMD into five evolution stages： Beginning in the blood （changes in blood components and hemorheology）， progressing in the vessels （atheromatous plaque formation and unstable plaques）， occurring in the cardiac collaterals （microvascular endothelial damage and microvascular constriction and spasms）， ending in the cardiac collaterals （microvascular remodeling）， and resulting in energy metabolism disorders throughout the process， so as to explore the pathogenesis and evolution of CMD. In addition， based on the modern pharmacological research on insect medicines， this article discussed the clinical application of insect medicines in the treatment of CMD from four aspects： Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis to relieve vessels' obstruction， relieving spasms to alleviate pain， combating poison with poison to disperse stagnation， and tonifying cardiac collaterals to nourish the heart， which aims to provide a theoretical basis for the use of TCM in treating CMD， broaden the scope of medication， and improve clinical efficacy.

Construction of a porcine model of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery and assessment by CT myocardial perfusion imaging combined with coronary CT angiography / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To construct a porcine model of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA) and explore the diagnostic value of a one-stop noninvasive method including CT myocardial perfusion imaging (CT-MPI) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA).Methods:Twelve swines were divided into the experimental group (9) and the normal group (3). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) porcine model was constructed in the experimental group by inducing diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hypercholesterolemia. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and functional examination were performed on all 7+3 trial swines to clarify the INOCA diagnosis after completion of the modeling. Then, CT-MPI and CCTA were performed on all individuals to explore the CT-MPI and CCTA characteristics of INOCA porcine models. CT-MPI parameters, including myocardial blood flow (MBF), and myocardial blood volume (MBV) in rest and stress conditions, and CCTA parameters, including severity of stenosis and CAD-RADS, were analyzed.Results:ICA and functional tests showed that all swines in the experimental group met the diagnostic criteria for INOCA, which meant that INOCA porcine model was constructed successfully. CCTA results confirmed that there was no obstructive coronary stenosis in all 10 swines which were examined, which was consistent with ICA findings. CT-MPI results demonstrated that the mean MBF values, as well as the mean MBV values, in the rest and stress condition of each swines in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group. In contrast to the control group, the mean MBF and MBV values of swines in the experimental group in stress condition were generally lower than those in resting condition.Conclusions:In this study, a porcine model of CMD is successfully constructed by inducing hypercholesterolemia+diabetes mellitus+chronic kidney disease. ICA and invasive functional tests show that this CMD model meet the diagnostic criteria for INOCA. It has been confirmed that one-stop CT multimodality examination including CT-MPI and CCTA can be used for the diagnosis of INOCA as a noninvasive diagnostic method.

Short-term prognostic predictive value of deep-learning assisted quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiography in ST-elevated myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the prognostic predictive value of deep neural network (DNN) assisted myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) quantitative analysis of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed in 97 STEMI patients with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction-3 flow in infarct vessel after primary PCI in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from June to November 2021. MCE was performed within 48 h after PCI. Patients were followed up to 120 days. The adverse events were defined as cardiac death, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, reinfarction, stroke and recurrent angina. The framework consisted of the U-net and hierarchical convolutional LSTMs. The plateau myocardial contrast intensity (A), micro-bubble rate constant (β), and microvascular blood flow (MBF) for all myocardial segments were obtained by the framework, and then underwent variability analysis. Patients were divided into low MBF group and high MBF group based on MBF values, the baseline characteristics and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Other variables included biomarkers, ventricular wall motion analysis, MCE qualitative analysis, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The relationship between various variables and prognosis was investigated using Cox regression analysis. The ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the models, and the diagnostic efficacy of the models was compared using the integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI).Results:The time-cost for processing all 3 810 frames from 97 patients was 377 s. 92.89% and 7.11% of the frames were evaluated by an experienced echocardiographer as "good segmentation" and "correction needed". The correlation coefficients of A, β, and MBF ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 for intra-observer and inter-observer variability. During follow-up, 20 patients met the adverse events. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that for each increase of 1 IU/s in MBF of the infarct-related artery territory, the risk of adverse events decreased by 6% ( HR 0.94, 95% CI =0.91-0.98). There was a 4.5-fold increased risk of adverse events in the low MBF group ( HR 5.50, 95% CI=1.55-19.49). After incorporating DNN-assisted MCE quantitative analysis into qualitative analysis, the IDI for prognostic prediction was 15% (AUC 0.86, sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.73). Conclusions:MBF of the area supplied by infarct-related artery after STEMI-PCI is an independent protective factor for short-term prognosis. The DNN-assisted MCE quantitative analysis is an objective, efficient, and reproducible method to evaluate microvascular perfusion. Assessment of culprit-MBF after PCI in STEMI patients adds independent short-term prognostic information over qualitative analysis.It has the potential to be a valuable tool for risk stratification and clinical follow-up.

Effect of coronary microvascular dysfunction on cardiac mechanical indices in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and relationship of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) on cardiac mechanical indices in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease(NOCAD) in the resting state.Methods:This study was a single-center retrospective study. Seventy-nine NOCAD patients who hospitalized in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from July 2017 to March 2022 were recruited. All patients underwent conventional echocardiography examination and the examination of coronary flow velocity reserved by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE-CFVR). Based on the results of TTDE-CFVR, patients were divided into CMD group (CFVR<2.5, 32 cases) and a control group (CFVR≥2.5, 47 cases). Clinical data, routine echocardiographic parameters, regional mechanical indices including regional myocardial work index(RWI) and regional longitudinal strain(RLS), global mechanical indices including left ventricular global longitudinal strain(GLS), global longitudinal strain in the endocardial layer(GLS-endo), global longitudinal strain in the epicardial layer(GLS-epi), left ventricular global work index(GWI), global contractive work(GCW), global waste work(GWW), global work efficiency(GWE) were compared between two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of CMD. ROC curve was used to construct a prediction model for CMD.Results:There was no significant difference in sex ratio, BMI, smoking history, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia between CMD group and control group. Age was significantly higher in the CMD group than in the control group. RWI, GWI, GCW, GWE and the absolute values of RLS, GLS, GLS-endo and GLS-epi were significantly lower in the CMD group than in the control group. Logistic regression analysis showed that the decrease of absolute value of GLS was an independent risk factor for the CMD( OR=1.335, 95% CI=1.041-1.713, P=0.023). ROC curve showed that myocardial strain-related indexes had a good decrease value for the CMD. Conclusions:For patients with NOCAD, the presence of CMD is associated with the decrease of left ventricular regional and global systolic function.

Effect of Shuangshen Ningxin Capsules on Cardiac Function and Hemodynamics in Rats with Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Shuangshen Ningxin capsules （SSNX） on cardiac hemodynamics and cardiac function in rats with coronary microvascular dysfunction. Method:Rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group， a model group， a nicorandil group （5 mg·kg^-1）， and high- （180 mg·kg^-1）， medium- （90 mg·kg^-1）， and low-dose （45 mg·kg^-1） SSNX groups. Rats received corresponding drugs for 7 days. Two hours after the last administration， the model of coronary microvascular dysfunction was induced by left ventricular injection of embolic microspheres （40-120 μm， about 1 000 microspheres）. Twenty-four hours after modeling， left ventricular internal dimension in diastole （LVIDd）， left ventricular internal dimension in systole （LVIDs） left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV）， left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV）， stroke volume （SV）， cardiac output （CO）， left ventricular ejection fraction （EF）， and left ventricular shortening rate （FS） were detected by echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization was used to observe the arterial systolic blood pressure （SBP）， diastolic blood pressure （DBP）， left ventricular systolic pressure （LVSP）， left ventricular end-diastolic pressure （LVEDP）， maximum rate of increase in left ventricular pressure （LV+dp/dt_max）， and maximum rate of decrease in left ventricular pressure （LV-dp/dt_max）， and the mean arterial pressure （MAP） was calculated. Heart rate （HR） was calculated according to Ⅱ lead ECG. Biochemical analysis was carried out to detect the activities of creatine kinase （CK）， creatine kinase-MB （CK-MB）， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum cardiac troponin T （cTnT）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Caspase-3， Bcl-2， and Bax， and 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining to observe the area of myocardial infarction. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the myocardium. Result:As revealed by echocardiography， compared with the sham operation group， the model group showed reduced SV， CO， EF， and FS （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and increased LVIDs and LVEDV （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the SSNX groups showed increased EF （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01） and FS （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the high- and medium-dose SSNX groups displayed reduced LVIDs and LVESV， and increased LVEDV， SV， and CO （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. SBP， DBP， MAP， LVSP， LV+dp/dt_max， and LV-dp/dt_max in the model group were lower than those in the sham operation group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while there was no significant difference in HR. SSNX improved hemodynamics of rats， and increased SBP， DBP， MAP， LVSP， LV+dp/dt_max， LV-dp/dt_max， and HR as compared with the model group （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. The serum CK， LDH， CK-MB， and cTnT levels in the model group were higher than those in the sham operation group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， SSNX groups reduced serum CK， LDH， CK-MB， and cTnT （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic> P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the sham operation group， the model group displayed increased expression of Caspase-3 protein in the myocardium （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and reduced expression of Bcl-2 protein （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The expression of Caspase-3 protein in the myocardium of SSNX groups was lower than that in the model group， and statistical difference was observed between the low-dose SSNX group and the model group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the SSNX groups exhibited increased expression of Bcl-2 in the rat myocardium， and the statistical difference was observed in the high-dose SSNX group <italic>（P</italic><0.01）. As demonstrated by the TTC staining， compared with the model group， SSNX groups showed reduced areas of myocardial infarction （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The HE staining indicated that the pathological injury in myocardial tissues of the SSNX groups was relieved as compared with that in the model group. Conclusion:SSNX can significantly enhance the cardiac function after coronary microvascular dysfunction caused by embolic microspheres， improve cardiac hemodynamics， reduce the area of myocardial infarction， and decrease CK， LDH， CK-MB， and cTnT levels. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis to protect the myocardium.

Effects of Danhong Injection () on Peri-Procedural Myocardial Injury and Microcirculatory Resistance in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of Danhong Injection (, DH) on the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).@*METHODS@#Seventy-eight patients with unstable angina were randomly divided into DH group (39 cases) and the control group (39 cases) during elective PCI. Randomization was performed using a random-number table. The DH group received DH at a dosage of 40 mL (mixed with 250 mL saline, covered by a light-proof bag, intravenous drip) during PCI and daily for 7 consecutive days, while the control group only received the same dosage of saline. Both groups received standardized treatment. The IMR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were measured at maximal hyperemia before and after PCI. Myocardial markers, including myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and coronary troponin T (cTnT) values were measured at baseline and 24 h after PCI.@*RESULTS@#Among the 78 patients enrolled, the baseline and procedural characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in pre-PCI myocardial markers and coronary physiological indexes between the two groups. However, post-PCI CK and CK-MB levels in the DH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (111.97 ± 80.97 vs. 165.47 ± 102.99, P=0.013; 13.08 ± 6.90 vs. 19.75 ± 15.49, P=0.016). Post-PCI myoglobin and cTNT-positive tend to be lower in the DH group than in the control group but did not reach statistical significance (88.07 ± 52.36 vs. 108.13 ± 90.94, P=0.52; 2.56% vs.7.69%, P=0.065). Compared with the control group, the post-IMR levels of the DH group tended to decrease, but there was no statistical difference (20.73 ± 13.15 vs. 26.37 ± 12.31, P=0.05). There were no statistical differences in post-FFR in both groups. The peri-procedural myocardial injury of the DH group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.56% vs. 15.38%, P=0.025). During the 30-d follow-up period, no major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in either group.@*CONCLUSION@#This study demonstrated benefit of DH in reducing myocardial injury and potential preserving microvascular function in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective PCI.

Aspirin plus verapamil relieves angina and perfusion abnormalities in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction and Chagas disease: a pilot non-randomized study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Most patients with chronic cardiomyopathy of Chagas disease (CCCD) harbor a secondary cause of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), for which there is no evidence-based therapy. We evaluated the impact of verapamil plus aspirin on symptoms and perfusion abnormalities in patients with CCCD and CMD. METHODS: Consecutive patients with angina pectoris, who had neither coronary artery obstructions nor moderate-severe left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction > 40%) despite showing wall motion abnormalities on ventriculography, were referred for invasive angiography and tested for Chagas disease. Thirty-two patients with confirmed CCCD and ischemia on stress-rest SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) were included. Clinical evaluation, quality of life (EQ-5D/ Seattle Angina Questionnaire), and MPS were assessed before and after 3 months of treatment with oral verapamil plus aspirin (n=26) or placebo (n=6). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64 years, and 18 (56%) were female. The ischemic index summed difference score (SDS) in MPS was significantly reduced by 55.6% after aspirin+verapamil treatment. A decrease in SDS was observed in 20 (77%) participants, and in 10 participants, no more ischemia could be detected. Enhancements in quality of life were also detected. No change in symptoms or MPS was observed in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost 3-month treatment for patients diagnosed with CCCD and CMD was safe and resulted in a 55.6% reduction in ischemic burden, symptomatic improvement, and better quality of life.

Estudo Comparativo da Doença Coronariana Microvascular Causada por Doença de Chagas e por Outras Etiologias / Chagas Cardiomyopathy as the Etiology of Suspected Coronary Microvascular Disease. A Comparison Study with Suspected Coronary Microvascular Disease of Other Etiologies

Resumo Fundamento A doença de Chagas (DC) constitui uma causa potencial negligenciada de doença microvascular coronariana (DMC). Objetivos Comparar pacientes com DMC relacionada à DC (DMC-DC) com pacientes com DMC ligada a outras etiologias (DMC-OE). Métodos De 1292 pacientes estáveis, encaminhados para angiografia coronária invasiva para elucidar o padrão hemodinâmico e a causa de angina, 247 apresentaram coronárias subepicárdicas normais, e 101 foram incluídos após aplicação dos critérios de exclusão. Desses, 15 compuseram o grupo de DMC-DC e suas características clínicas, hemodinâmicas, angiográficas, e cintilográficas foram comparadas às do grupo de 86 pacientes com DMC-OE. O nível de significância estatística para todas as comparações adotado foi de 0,05. Resultados Pacientes com suspeita de DMC-DC apresentaram características antropométricas, clínicas e angiográficas, além de alterações hemodinâmicas e de perfusão miocárdica estatisticamente comparáveis às detectadas nos 86 pacientes com DMC-OE. Disfunção ventricular diastólica, expressa por elevada pressão telediastólica do ventrículo esquerdo, foi igualmente encontrada nos dois grupos. Entretanto, em comparação a esse grupo com DMC-OE, o grupo com DMC-DC exibiu fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda mais baixa (61,1 ± 11,9 vs 54,8 ± 15,9; p= 0,049) e mais elevado escore de mobilidade da parede ventricular (1,77 ± 0,35 vs 1,18 ± 0,26; p= 0,02). Conclusão A cardiomiopatia crônica da doença de Chagas esteve associada à etiologia de possível doença microvascular coronariana em 15% de amostra de 101 pacientes estáveis, cujo sintoma principal era angina requerendo elucidação por angiografia invasiva. Embora os grupos DMC-DC e DMC-OE apresentassem características clínicas, hemodinâmicas, e de perfusão miocárdica em comum, a disfunção global e segmentar do ventrículo esquerdo foi mais grave nos pacientes com DMC associada à DC em comparação à DMC por outras etiologias. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1094-1101)

Abstract Background Chagas disease (CD) as neglected secondary form of suspected coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). Objectives Comparison of patients with CMD related to CD (CMD-CE) versus patients with CMD caused by other etiologies (CMD-OE). Methods Of 1292 stable patients referred for invasive coronary angiography to elucidate the hemodynamic pattern and the cause of angina as a cardinal symptom in their medical history, 247 presented normal epicardial coronary arteries and 101 were included after strict exclusion criteria. Of those, 15 had suspected CMD-CE, and their clinical, hemodynamic, angiographic and scintigraphic characteristics were compared to those of the other 86 patients with suspected CDM-OE. Level of significance for all comparisons was p < 0.05. Results Patients with suspected CMD-CE showed most anthropometric, clinical, angiographic hemodynamic and myocardial perfusion abnormalities that were statistically similar to those detected in the remaining 86 patients with suspected CMD-OE. LV diastolic dysfunction, expressed by elevated LV end-diastolic pressure was equally found in both groups. However, as compared to the group of CMD-OE the group with CMD-CE exhibited lower left ventricular ejection fraction (54.8 ± 15.9 vs 61.1 ± 11.9, p= 0.049) and a more severely impaired index of regional wall motion abnormalities (1.77 ± 0.35 vs 1.18 ± 0.26, p= 0.02) respectively for the CMD-OE and CMD-CE groups. Conclusion Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy was a secondary cause of suspected coronary microvascular disease in 15% of 101 stable patients whose cardinal symptom was anginal pain warranting coronary angiography. Although sharing several clinical, hemodynamic, and myocardial perfusion characteristics with patients whose suspected CMD was due to other etiologies, impairment of LV segmental and global systolic function was significantly more severe in the patients with suspected CMD related to Chagas cardiomyopathy. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1094-1101)

Cancer therapy-related cardiovascular dysfunction and coronary microvascular dysfunction: Research progress / 第二军医大学学报

The risk of cardiovascular diseases is significantly increased in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Recent evidences suggested that cardiac dysfunction and subsequent heart failure are mainly caused by vascular toxicity rather than myocardial toxicity. However, not all of the vascular toxicity of cancer therapies can be explained by obstructive coronary artery disease. In the past few decades, it has been found that myocardial ischemia may be caused by structural or functional disorders of the complex vascular network that cannot be seen by coronary angiography, known as coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). There is growing evidences that cancer therapy-related cardiovascular dysfunction (CTRCD) and CMD have many common pathophysiological mechanisms. This paper elucidates the relationship between CTRCD and CMD from the pathophysiological perspective, providing reference for exploring new diagnostic methods and treatment strategies of cardiovascular diseases.

3.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance intravoxel incoherent motion in evaluating microvascular dysfunction of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the value of 3.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) for evaluating microvascular dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Methods Twenty-six HCM patients and 12 healthy controls, who received CMR examination in the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from Apr. 2016 to Oct. 2017, were enrolled. All volunteers underwent short-axis cardiac cine and IVIM scans, and HCM patients underwent late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scan. The fraction of fast apparent diffusion coefficient (f), fast apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCfast) and slow apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCslow) were measured using MITK-Diffusion post-processing software. End-diastolic thickness (EDTH) was measured on short-axis cine image. HCM patients were grouped according to the severity of the left ventricular hypertrophy and whether having LGE or not. The differences of f value, ADCfast and ADCslow were compared between HCM patients and healthy controls, non-hypertrophic segments and hypertrophic segments of HCM patients, LGE segments and non-LGE segments of HCM patients, and different hypertrophic subgroups in hypertrophic segment group. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation between IVIM parameters (f value, ADCfast and ADCslow) and EDTH in each segment. Results The ADCslow and ADCfast of the HCM patients were lower than those of the healthy controls (ADCslow: 0.003 [0.002, 0.005] mm2/s vs 0.004 [0.002, 0.007] mm2/s, ADCfast: 0.046 [0.025, 0.074] mm2/s vs 0.069 [0.052, 0.086] mm2/s), and the differences were significant (Z=-2.434 and -7.268, both P0.05). The ADCfast values of the non-hypertrophic segment group and the hypertrophic segment group in the HCM patients were 0.051 (0.029, 0.077) mm2/s and 0.027 (0.019, 0.052) mm2/s, respectively, which were both significantly lower than that of the healthy controls (Z=-5.505 and -8.144, both P0.05). The f value and ADCfast of the segmental myocardia with LGE were significantly lower than those without LGE (Z=-2.704 and -2.143, P=0.007 and 0.032). Spearman correlation analysis showed that EDTH was significantly negatively correlated with f value and ADCfast (r=-0.195 and -0.282, both P<0.01). Conclusion CMR IVIM technology can non-invasively and quantitatively reflect cardiac microvascular dysfunction in HCM patients. The severity of microvascular dysfunction is related to the severity of myocardial hypertrophy. Microvascular dysfunction is also present in non-hypertrophic and non-LGE myocardia.

Coronary Flow Reserve in Non-Infarcted Myocardium Predicts Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is recognized as an indicator of myocardial perfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the present study, and divided into MACE and non-MACE groups according to the incidence of 12-month MACEs. Left ventricular function and CFR were analyzed using two-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week after PCI. Cardiac troponin I levels were assayed to estimate peak concentrations thereof. RESULTS: The MACE group was associated with lower CFR, compared to the non-MACE group (2.41 vs. 2.77, p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium was an independent predictor of 12-month MACE (hazard ratio: 0.093, 95% confidence interval: 0.020–0.426, p=0.002) after adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is a useful marker for predicting 12-month MACEs in patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI.

Penile microvascular endothelial function in hypertensive patients: effects of acute type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibition

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate penile endothelial microvascular function in patients with primary arterial hypertension and age-matched normotensive subjects using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Additionally, we analyzed the acute penile microvascular effects induced by oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (sildenafil; SIL) administration. Endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity was evaluated in the penises and forearms of hypertensive patients (aged 58.8±6.6 years, n=34) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n=33) at rest and 60 min following oral SIL (100 mg) administration. LSCI was coupled with cutaneous acetylcholine (ACh) iontophoresis using increasing anodal currents. Basal penile cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) values were not significantly different between control subjects and hypertensive individuals. Penile CVC values increased significantly after SIL administration in control (P<0.0001) and hypertensive (P<0.0001) subjects. Peak CVC values were not different between the two groups during penile ACh iontophoresis before SIL administration (P=0.2052). Peak CVC values were higher in control subjects than in hypertensive subjects after SIL administration (P=0.0427). Penile endothelium-dependent microvascular function is, to some extent, preserved in patients presenting with primary arterial hypertension under effective anti-hypertensive treatment. LSCI may be a valuable non-invasive tool for the evaluation of penile vascular responses to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

Recent advances on pericytes in microvascular dysfunction and traditional Chinese medicine prevention / 中国中药杂志

Pericytesis a kind of widespread vascular mural cells embedded within the vascular basement membrane of blood microvessels, constituting the barrier of capillaries and tissue spaces together with endothelial cells. Pericytes communicate with microvascular endothelial cells through cell connections or paracrine signals, playing an important role in important physiological processes such as blood flow, vascular permeability and vascular formation. Pericytes dysfunction may participate in some microvascular dysfunction, and also mediate pathological repair process, therefore pericytes attracted more and more attention. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that microvascular dysfunction belongs to the collaterals disease; Qi stagnation and blood stasis in collaterals result in function imbalance of internal organs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown effects on pericytes in microvascular dysfunction, for example qi reinforcing blood-circulation activating medicines can reduce the damage of retinal pericytes in diabetic retinopathy. However, there are some limitations of research fields, inaccuracy of research techniques and methods, and lack of mechanism elaboration depth in the study of microvascular lesion pericytes. This paper reviewed the biological characteristics of pericytes and pericytes in microvascular dysfunction, as well as the intervention study of TCM on pericytes. The article aims to provide reference for the research of pericytes in microvascular dysfunction and the TCM study on pericytes.

Advances in animal model and traditional Chinese medicine prevention in coronary microvascular dysfunction / 中国中药杂志

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common mechanism for some heart disease like cardiac X syndrome and no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). With the development of medical imageology, CMD has received increased attention. Animal model of CMD is indispensable tool for the research of pathogenesis and treatment evaluation, therefor choose an appropriate animal model is the first issue to carry out CMD research. Experimental and clinical studies have shown unique effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in CMD therapy. Clarifying of the TCM therapeutic effect mechanisms and seeking an optimal solution of combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine will be the focus of future research. This paper reviewed the establishment and evaluation of CMD animal model, as well as the intervention study of TCM on CMD. The article aims to provide reference for the basic research of CMD and the TCM experimental study on CMD.

Findings of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy after 16 Years

A 58-year-old man had been diagnosed with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) according to echocardiography findings 16 years ago. Echocardiography showed ischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP)-like features with decreased systolic function but a non-dilated chamber. Coronary angiography was performed but showed a normal coronary artery. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multifocal transmural and subepicardial delayed-enhancing areas at the anteroseptal, septal, and inferoseptal left ventricular (LV) wall, and wall thinning and decreased motion of the anteroseptal LV wall. Findings of ischemic CMP-like features by echocardiography suggested microvascular dysfunction. This late stage of HCMP carries a high risk of sudden death. Cardiac MRI evaluation may be necessary in cases of ischemic CMP-like features in HCMP. In this case, the diagnosis of end-stage HCMP with microvascular dysfunction was confirmed by using cardiac MRI after a follow-up period of more than 16 years.

A case of serpentine coronaries and acute myocardial infarction.

Microvascular disease is a prominent feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and leads to Raynaud’s phenomenon, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis. The presence of macrovascular disease is less well established, and, in particular, it is not known whether the prevalence of coronary heart disease in SSc is increased. We report a case of SSc who presented with evolved myocardial infarction whose angiogram revealed tortuous coronaries and peripheral arteries. Regional wall motion abnormality was not demonstrated on echocardiography. The microvascular dysfunction and vasospasm of coronaries were responsible for the myocardial infarction.

Clinical and Angiographic Predictors of Microvascular Dysfunction in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

PURPOSE: We aimed to discover clinical and angiographic predictors of microvascular dysfunction using the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 113 patients with STEMI (age, 56+/-11 years; 95 men) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The IMR was measured with a pressure sensor/thermistor-tipped guidewire after primary PCI. The patients were divided into three groups based on IMR values: Low IMR [31 U (48.1+/-17.1 U), n=37]. RESULTS: The age of the Low IMR group was significantly lower than that of the Mid and High IMR groups. The door-to-balloon time was <90 minutes in all patients, and it was not significantly different between groups. Meanwhile, the symptom-onset-to-balloon time was significantly longer in the High IMR group, compared to the Mid and Low IMR groups (p<0.001). In the high IMR group, the culprit lesion was found in a proximal location significantly more often than in a non-proximal location (p=0.008). In multivariate regression analysis, age and symptom-onset-to-balloon time were independent determinants of a high IMR (p=0.013 and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that age and symptom-onset-to-balloon time might be the major predictors of microvascular dysfunction in STEMI patients with a door-to-balloon time of <90 minutes.

Suspected Microvascular Coronary Spasm Diagnosed by Spasm Provocation Test with High Dose of Acetylcholine.

A 71-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital complaining of chest oppression on exercise, such as cycling uphill, which had continued for 9 years. We diagnosed him as having microvascular spasm according to the results of coronary angiography with an acetylcholine provocation test with a high dose (150g) of acetylcholine administrated at a time during 20 seconds. Electrocardiographic changes during the spasm provocation test resembled that during exercise tests performed upon admission and 9 years previously. He was treated with a calcium channel blocker and partial symptom relief was obtained.

Coronary Flow Reserve in the Remote Myocardium Predicts Left Ventricular Remodeling Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the non-infarcted myocardium is often impaired following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the clinical significance of CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a relationship exists between CFR and left ventricular remodeling following AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 18 consecutive patients undergoing coronary intervention. Heart function was analyzed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week and six months after coronary angioplasty. Ten subjects were enrolled as the control group and were examined using the same method at the same time to assess CFR. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were routinely analyzed to estimate peak concentration. RESULTS: CFR was 1.55+/-0.11 in the infarcted zone and 2.05+/-0.31 in the remote zone (p2.05). The levels of cTnI were higher in Group I compared to Group II on admission (36.40 vs. 21.38, p<0.05). Furthermore, left ventricular end diastolic volume was higher in Group I compared to Group II at six months following coronary angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Microvascular dysfunction is commonly observed in the remote myocardium. The CFR value accurately predicts adverse ventricular remodeling following AMI.

Coronary Flow Reserve in the Remote Myocardium Predicts Left Ventricular Remodeling Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the non-infarcted myocardium is often impaired following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the clinical significance of CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a relationship exists between CFR and left ventricular remodeling following AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 18 consecutive patients undergoing coronary intervention. Heart function was analyzed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week and six months after coronary angioplasty. Ten subjects were enrolled as the control group and were examined using the same method at the same time to assess CFR. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were routinely analyzed to estimate peak concentration. RESULTS: CFR was 1.55+/-0.11 in the infarcted zone and 2.05+/-0.31 in the remote zone (p2.05). The levels of cTnI were higher in Group I compared to Group II on admission (36.40 vs. 21.38, p<0.05). Furthermore, left ventricular end diastolic volume was higher in Group I compared to Group II at six months following coronary angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Microvascular dysfunction is commonly observed in the remote myocardium. The CFR value accurately predicts adverse ventricular remodeling following AMI.