Effect of Stents Coated with Artemisinin or Dihydroartemisinin in a Porcine Coronary Restenosis Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin are drugs used to treat malaria. These drugs suppress inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-intima hyperplasia effect of a novel drug-eluting stent with artemisinin or dihydroartemisinin in a porcine coronary restenosis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pigs were randomized into four groups; in the first, the coronary arteries (20 pigs, a total of 40 coronary arteries, with 10 coronary arteries in each group) was implanted with bare metal stents (BMS, n=10); the second group was given polymer-coated stents (PCS, n=10); the third group was treated with artemisinin-eluting stents (AES, n=10); and the fourth group was given dihydroartemisinin-eluting stents (DAES, n=10). Histopathologic analysis was performed 28 days after stenting. RESULTS: The injury and fibrin scores among the four groups were not significantly different. However, the internal elastic lamina, lumen area, and neointima area were significantly different. Moreover, the percent area of stenosis (46.2±18.66% in BMS vs. 89.4±10.92% in PCS vs. 83.3±17.07% in AES vs. 36.7±11.20% in DAES, p<0.0001) and inflammation score (1.0 [range: 1.0-1.0] vs. 3.0 [range: 2.25-3.0] vs. 3.0 [range: 1.0-3.0] vs. 2.0 [range: 1.75-3.0] in BMS, PCS, AES, and DAES, respectively; p<0.001) were markedly decreased in the DAES group compared to the PCS group. CONCLUSION: DES, which uses a natural substance, dihydroartemisinin, showed a neointima and inflammatory suppressive effect in a porcine coronary restenosis model.

Erratum: Two-year clinical outcomes in stable angina and acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention of left main coronary artery disease

In the article cited above, fourth line of the first paragraph in Methods part, page 1085, has an error. Chonbuk National University Hospital should be corrected as “Chonnam National University Hospital.”

Erratum: Two-year clinical outcomes in stable angina and acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention of left main coronary artery disease

In the article cited above, fourth line of the first paragraph in Methods part, page 1085, has an error. Chonbuk National University Hospital should be corrected as “Chonnam National University Hospital.”

Two-year clinical outcomes in stable angina and acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention of left main coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study appraised the long term clinical outcomes of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. There are limited data regarding long-term clinical outcomes after PCI for ULMCA disease. METHODS: From 2001 to 2011, a total of 448 patients who underwent PCI for ULMCA disease and had 2-year clinical follow-up, were analyzed. The study patients were divided into two groups: group I (stable angina pectoris [SAP], n = 60, 48 men, 62 ± 10 years) and group II (acute coronary syndrome [ACS], n = 388, 291 men, 64 ± 10 years). We evaluated clinical and angiographic characteristics and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during 2-year clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of studied patients was 64 ± 10 years with 339 male patients. Average stent diameter was 3.6 ± 0.4 mm and stent length was 19.7 ± 6.3 mm. Stent implantation techniques and use of intravascular ultrasound guidance were not different between two groups. In-hospital mortality was 0% in group I and 7% in group II (p = 0.035). One-month mortality was 0% in group I and 7.7% in group II (p = 0.968). Two-year survival rate was 93% in the group I and 88.4% in the group II (p = 0.921). Predictive factors for 2-year MACE were hypertension, Killip class ≥ 3, and use of intra-aortic balloon pump by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although in-hospital mortality rate was higher in ACS than in SAP, clinical outcomes during 2-year clinical follow-up were similar between SAP and ACS after PCI of ULMCA.

Cardioprotective Effect of Fimasartan, a New Angiotensin Receptor Blocker, in a Porcine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Cardioprotective effect of fimasartan, a new angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), was evaluated in a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Fifty swine were randomized to group 1 (sham, n=10), group 2 (no angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor [ACEI] or ARB, n=10), group 3 (perindopril 2 mg daily, n=10), group 4 (valsartan 40 mg daily, n=10), or group 5 (fimasartan 30 mg daily, n=10). Acute MI was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending artery for 50 min. Echocardiography, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) were performed at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks. Iodine-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan was done at 6 weeks for visualization of cardiac sympathetic activity. Left ventricular function and volumes at 4 weeks were similar between the 5 groups. No difference was observed in groups 2 to 5 in SPECT perfusion defect, matched and mismatched segments between SPECT and PET at 1 week and 4 weeks. MIBG scan showed similar uptake between the 5 groups. Pathologic analysis showed similar infarct size in groups 2 to 5. Infarct size reduction was not observed with use of fimasartan as well as other ACEI and ARB in a porcine model of acute MI.

A case of myocardial involvement in lung cancer that mimics ST segment elevation in myocardial infarction

No abstract available.

Acute right heart failure caused by iatrogenic brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula following orthopedic surgery

No abstract available.

Left Atrial Volume is a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Diastolic dysfunction may develop in conjunction with or without systolic dysfunction in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The present study investigated the association between left arterial (LA) volume and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 772 patients with AMI. METHODS: The patients were divided into groups according to LA volume index (LAVI) measured using echocardiography according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines: LAVI > or = 40 mL/m2 (Group I: n = 260, 191 males; age, 71.1 +/- 10.8 years) and LAVI < 40 mL/m2 (Group II: n = 512, 432 males; age, 62.8 +/- 12.7 years). The mean observational period was 314.2 +/- 134.6 days. RESULTS: Group I patients were older than those in Group II. Hypertension (56.8% vs. 46.0%, respectively; p = 0.007) and advanced Killip class (42.6% vs. 21.0%, respectively; p < 0.001) were more frequent in Group I than in Group II. MACE was more prevalent in Group I than in Group II (20.3% vs. 13.7%, respectively; p = 0.037). MACE-free survival rates were higher in Group II than in Group I during clinical follow-up. The multivariate analysis revealed that high LAVI was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 3.002; confidedce interval, 1.051-8.569; p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: LA volume is an independent predictor of adverse cardiac events in patients with AMI, and the LAVI is useful for AMI risk stratification.

Comparison of Coronary Plaque and Stenosis Between Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Virtual Histology-Intravascular Ultrasound in Asymptomatic Patients with Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare plaque characteristics by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with those by virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS). METHODS: We enrolled 50 asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus or more than two risk factors for coronary artery disease such as hypertension, smoking, and hyperlipidemia. If the patient had a coronary lesion (plaque with more than 50% stenosis or calcium score more than 100), we recommended coronary angiography and VH-IVUS and compared CCTA findings with VH-IVUS findings. RESULTS: 35 patients (70%) had coronary lesions, and we performed both CCTA and VH-IVUS in 23 patients. All 23 patients had multiple risk factors, and the majority of target lesions were located at left anterior descending artery (73.9%), and calcium score of lesion site was 106+/-162 with plaque volume of 232+/-153 mm3 by CCTA. Calcium score of lesion site was significantly greater in diabetic patients (n=14) than non-diabetic patients (n=9) (118+/-159 vs. 88+/-175, p=0.038). By VH-IVUS, plaque volume was 174+/-127 mm3, absolute necrotic core (NC) volume was 22+/-21 mm3, and relative NC volume was 20.8+/-8.7%. Absolute dense calcium (DC) volume and absolute NC volumes were significantly greater in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients (11.5+/-13.8 mm3 vs. 9.1+/-11.0 mm3, p=0.028, and 23.9+/-24.7 mm3 vs. 18.1+/-14.3 mm3, p=0.035, respectively). Plaque volume by CCTA correlated with that of VH-IVUS (r=0.742, p<0.001), and plaque volume by CCTA correlated with absolute NC volume by VH-IVUS (r=0.621, p<0.001), and calcium score of lesion site by CCTA correlated with absolute dense calcium volume by VH-IVUS (r=0.478, p=0.028). CONCLUSION: Coronary lesion was detected by CCTA in 70% of asymptomatic patients with multiple coronary risk factors, and parameters detected by CCTA correlated well with those detected by VH-IVUS.

Clinical Impact of High Triglycerides and Central Obesity in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dyslipidemia and obesity are risk factors for the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that affect the clinical outcomes in patients. METHODS: We analyzed 2,751 consecutive AMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (mean age, 63.7 +/- 12.1 years). The patients were divided into four groups based on serum triglyceride levels and central obesity [Group Ia: triglycerides or = 200 mg/dL and (-) central obesity; Group IIb: triglyceride > or = 200 mg/dL and (+) central obesity]. In-hospital outcome was defined as in-hospital mortality and complications. One-year clinical outcome was compared and defined as the composite of 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, recurrent MI, and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: Total MACE developed in 502 patients (18.2%), while 303 patients (11.0%) died prior to the 1-year follow-up visit. In-hospital complications and in-hospital mortality were not different among the four groups. One-year clinical outcomes based on triglyceride levels (Group I vs. Group II) were not different. In addition, there were no differences in clinical outcomes in patients with a triglyceride level < 200 mg/dL, regardless of central obesity. One-year MACE rates were not significantly different among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the 1-year MACE rate based on the triglyceride level and presence of central obesity in patients with AMI who underwent PCI.

Clinical Impact of High Triglycerides and Central Obesity in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dyslipidemia and obesity are risk factors for the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that affect the clinical outcomes in patients. METHODS: We analyzed 2,751 consecutive AMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (mean age, 63.7 +/- 12.1 years). The patients were divided into four groups based on serum triglyceride levels and central obesity [Group Ia: triglycerides or = 200 mg/dL and (-) central obesity; Group IIb: triglyceride > or = 200 mg/dL and (+) central obesity]. In-hospital outcome was defined as in-hospital mortality and complications. One-year clinical outcome was compared and defined as the composite of 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, recurrent MI, and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: Total MACE developed in 502 patients (18.2%), while 303 patients (11.0%) died prior to the 1-year follow-up visit. In-hospital complications and in-hospital mortality were not different among the four groups. One-year clinical outcomes based on triglyceride levels (Group I vs. Group II) were not different. In addition, there were no differences in clinical outcomes in patients with a triglyceride level < 200 mg/dL, regardless of central obesity. One-year MACE rates were not significantly different among the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the 1-year MACE rate based on the triglyceride level and presence of central obesity in patients with AMI who underwent PCI.

Predictive Factors for Long-term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Variant Angina / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incidence of variant angina (VA) is relatively high in Korea compared with western countries, but its long-term clinical outcomes are not well defined. METHODS: Patients who underwent ergonovine provocation tests at the cardiac catheterization laboratory of Chonnam National University Hospital between 1996 and 2011 were enrolled in this study (n = 1162). Of them, 686 patients with positive ergonovine provocation tests were divided into two groups: patients with cardiac events (Group I: 153 patients, 52.4 +/- 11.0 years, M: F = 103: 50) and those without (Group II: 533 patients, 51.6 +/- 10.7 years, M: F = 350: 183). The mean follow-up duration was 40.2 +/- 38.0 months. Cardiac events were defined as cardiac death, recurrent ischemia, rehospitalization, myocardial infarction, and follow-up angiography. Clinical findings, laboratory and coronary angiographic characteristics were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A history of smoking was more common in Group I than in Group II (45.8% vs. 36.3%, p = 0.037). The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (119.4 +/- 35.3 vs. 111.1 +/- 32.2 mg/dL, p = 0.010) were higher in Group I than in Group II. According to Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the major predictive factor for cardiac events during clinical follow-up was smoking (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.036-3.126, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: A history of smoking was the only independent risk factor for cardiac events during a long-term clinical follow-up in Korean patients with variant angina.

Progressive Dilation of the Left Atrium and Ventricle after Acute Myocardial Infarction Is Associated with High Mortality

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of progressive dilation in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) combined with heart failure (HF) and determine the prognostic significance and associated factors with a geometric change of an infarcted heart. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1310 AMI patients with HF (63.9+/-12.5 years, 70% male) between November 2005 and April 2011 underwent echocardiography at admission and one year later. Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is defined as 20% progression, and left atria (LA) remodeling is 10% compared with the initial volume index. RESULTS: The prevalence of both LA and LV remodeling was 13.9%; LV only was 9.3%, LA only 22.8% and non-remodeling was 55.1%, respectively. In the non-remodeling group, Killip class II was more frequent (83.9%, p<0.001) whereas in other remodeling groups, Killip class III was more frequent. Initial wall motion score index, ejection fraction, maximal cardiac enzyme, high sensitive C-reactive protein, B type natriuretic peptide, and triglyceride serum levels were significantly associated with heart remodeling. All causes of death occurred in 168 cases (12.8%) during the follow-up period. Mortality was the highest in the LV and LA remodeling group (20.9%) and the lowest in the non-remodeling group (11.4%). During the period of follow-up, the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in the groups of LA and LV remodeling than in others (log rank p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Total mortality was significantly increased in patients AMI with geometrically progressive LA and LV dilatation.

Pulmonary thromboembolism due to severe hyperhomocysteinemia associated with a methyltetrahydrofolate reductase mutation

No abstract available.

Comparison of Coronary Plaque Components between Non-Culprit Lesions in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Target Lesions in Patients with Stable Angina: Virtual Histology-Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The differences in plaque characteristics between non-culprit lesions (NCL) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (ACS-NCL) and target lesions (TL) in stable angina (SA) patients (SA-TL) are not well understood. We used a virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) to compare the plaque components between ACS-NCL and SA-TL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We compared VH-IVUS findings between 290 ACS-NCL and 276 SA-TL. VH-IVUS classified the color-coded tissue into four major components: green (fibrotic); yellow-green (fibro-fatty); white {dense calcium (DC)}; and red {necrotic core (NC)}. Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was defined as a NC > or =10% of the plaque area in at least 3 consecutive frames without overlying fibrous tissue in the presence of > or =40% plaque burden. RESULTS: Although the plaque burden was significantly smaller (52+/-13% vs. 54+/-14%, p=0.044), ACS-NCL had a greater %NC area (17.9+/-11.6% vs. 14.3+/-8.7%, p<0.001) and %DC area (9.7+/-9.8% vs. 8.1+/-8.0%, p=0.032) compared with SA-TL at the minimum lumen site. By volumetric analysis, ACS-NCL had a greater %NC volume (15.8+/-9.2% vs. 13.9+/-7.4%, p=0.006) compared with SA-TL. TCFA was observed more frequently in ACS-NCL compared with SA-TL (27.6% vs. 18.1%, p=0.032). Independent predictors of TCFA by multivariate analysis were ACS {odds ratio (OR): 2.204, 95% CI: 1.321-3.434, p=0.021} and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR: 1.101; 95% CI 1.058-1.204, p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Although the plaque burden was significantly smaller, ACL-NCL had more vulnerable plaque components compared with SA-TL, and ACS and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were the independent predictors of TCFA.

Recurrent Stent Thrombosis and Pulmonary Thromboembolism Associated with Hyperhomocysteinemia

Stent thrombosis is a fatal complication that can cause sudden cardiac death in patients implanted coronary stent. Also, pulmonary thromboembolism is associated with increased mortality. Usually, these vascular thromboembolic diseases did not occured simultaneously. If this circumstance develops, possible mechanisms and causes should be described. Here, we report a case of patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention under diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with recurrent stent thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism associated with hyperhomocysteinemia despite optimal medical therapy.

Is Myocardial Infarction in Patients without Significant Stenosis on a Coronary Angiogram as Benign as Believed? / 전남의대학술지

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and 1-year outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients without significant stenosis on a coronary angiogram comparison with the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with significant coronary artery stenosis. A total of 1,220 patients with AMI were retrospectively classified into Group I (> or =50% diameter stenosis, n=1,120) and Group II (<50%, n=100). Group II was further divided into two subgroups according to the underlying etiology: cryptogenic (Group II-a, n=54) and those with possible causative factors (Group II-b, n=46). Patients in Group II were younger, were more likely to be women, and were less likely to smoke and to have diabetes mellitus than were patients in Group I. The levels of cardiac enzymes, LDL-cholesterol levels, and the apo-B/A1 ratio were lower in Group II. However, 1-month and 12-month rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were not significantly different between the two groups. The Group II-b subgroup comprised 29 patients with vasospasm, 11 with myocardial bridge, and 6 with spontaneous thrombolysis. Left ventricular ejection fraction and creatinine clearance were lower and levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were higher in Group II-a than in Group II-b. However, outcomes including MACE and mortality at 12 months were not significantly different between the two subgroups. The 1-year outcomes of patients in Group II were similar to those of patients in Group I. The clinical outcomes in Group II-a were also similar to those of Group II-b, although the former group showed higher levels of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in a Low-Risk Patient During Elective Spinal Surgery

Patients with intermittent claudication secondary to spinal problem may have asymptomatic cardiac disease. We experienced a case of sudden cardiac arrest in a low-risk male patient during elective spinal surgery which was performed in accordance with the current guidelines. A 54-year-old male, who did not have active cardiac conditions or clinical risk factors for perioperative cardiovascular events, was scheduled to have a planned surgery for spinal stenosis without preoperative testing for cardiovascular events according to the current guidelines. But, he developed sudden cardiac arrest during elective spinal surgery. Emergent coronary angiogram showed significant stenosis in the distal left main coronary artery and proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. We successfully deployed 2 bare metal stents with intravascular ultrasound guidance. His mental state recovered and he was extubated 4 hours later. On day 8 in the hospital, he was transferred to the local hospital for care of his spinal problem.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in the Patients with Slow Coronary Flow

Flow mediated brachial dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) have been a surrogate for early atherosclerosis. Slow coronary flow in a normal coronary angiogram is not a rare condition, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. A total of 85 patients with angina were evaluated of their brachial artery FMD, carotid IMT and conventional coronary angiography. Coronary flow was quantified using the corrected thrombosis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count method. Group I was a control with normal coronary angiography (n = 41, 56.1 +/- 8.0 yr) and group II was no significant coronary stenosis with slow flow (n = 44, 56.3 +/- 10.0 yr). Diabetes was rare but dyslipidemia and family history were frequent in group II. Heart rate was higher in group II than in group I. White blood cells, especially monocytes and homocysteine were higher in group II. The FMD was significantly lower in group II than in group I. Elevated heart rate, dyslipidemia and low FMD were independently related with slow coronary flow in regression analysis. Therefore, endothelial dysfunction may be an earlier vascular phenomenon than increased carotid IMT in the patients with slow coronary flow.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients Younger Than 40 Years Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Artery Intervention / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of coronary artery disease has increased in young adults. We evaluated the differences in clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes in young patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS: A total of 164 patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention were divided into two groups: the STEMI group (120 patients; mean age, 35.7 +/- 3.8 years; 118 males) and the NSTEMII group (44 patients; mean age, 35.7 +/- 4.3 years; 43 males). We analyzed clinical and angiographic characteristics and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death from any cause, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, during a 1-year clinical follow-up of the two groups. RESULTS: During hospitalization, Killip class II acute myocardial infarction (5.8% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.041) was observed more frequently in the NSTEMI group. The levels of troponin-I (66.9 +/- 103.6 vs. 26.6 +/- 38.5 ng/mL, p = 0.014) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (733.0 +/- 1,018.1 vs. 476.2 +/- 374.5 pg/mL, p = 0.012) were significantly higher in the STEMI group. One-year MACE did not differ between the two groups. By multiple logistic regression analysis, bare metal stents (odds ratio, 3.360; 95% confidence interval, 1.105-10.217; p = 0.033) and high lipoprotein (a) levels (odds ratio, 1.047; 95% confidence interval, 1.020-1.075; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of 1-year MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Young patients with STEMI and NSTEMI have similar clinical outcomes. Bare metal stents and high serum lipoprotein (a) levels are independent predictors of MACE during 1-year clinical follow-ups in young patients with acute myocardial infarction.