Vasodilator Stress CMR and All-Cause Mortality in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: A Large Retrospective Registry.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the association of ischemic burden, as measured by vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), with all-cause mortality and the effect of revascularization on all-cause mortality in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). BACKGROUND: In patients with SIHD, the association of ischemic burden, derived from vasodilator stress CMR, with all-cause mortality and its role for decision-making is unclear. METHODS: The registry consisted of 6,389 consecutive patients (mean age: 65 ± 12 years; 38% women) who underwent vasodilator stress CMR for known or suspected SIHD. The ischemic burden (at stress first-pass perfusion imaging) was computed (17-segment model). The effect of CMR-related revascularization (within the following 3 months) on all-cause mortality was retrospectively explored using the electronic regional health system registry. RESULTS: During a 5.75-year median follow-up, 717 (11%) deaths were documented. In multivariable analyses, more extensive ischemic burden (per 1-segment increase) was independently related to all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.07; p < 0.001). In 1,032 1:1 matched patients using a limited number of variables (516 revascularized, 516 non-revascularized), revascularization within the following 3 months was associated with less all-cause mortality only in patients with extensive CMR-related ischemia (>5 segments, n = 432; 10% vs. 24%; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In a large retrospective registry of unselected patients with known or suspected SIHD who underwent vasodilator stress CMR, extensive ischemic burden was related to a higher risk of long-term, all-cause mortality. Revascularization was associated with a protective effect only in the restricted subset of patients with extensive CMR-related ischemia. Further research will be needed to confirm this hypothesis-generating finding.

Valor pronóstico de la isquemia miocárdica y la necrosis en pacientes con la función ventricular izquierda deprimida: un registro multicéntrico con resonancia magnética cardiaca de estrés / Prognostic Value of Myocardial Ischemia and Necrosis in Depressed Left Ventricular Function: a Multicenter Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Registry

Introducción y objetivos No se conoce el valor pronóstico incremental que aporta la isquemia miocárdica inducible respecto a la necrosis determinada por resonancia magnética cardiaca de estrés en pacientes con función ventricular izquierda deprimida. Se determina el valor pronóstico de la necrosis y la isquemia en pacientes con función ventricular izquierda deprimida remitidos a exploración por resonancia magnética de estrés con perfusión de dipiridamol. Métodos En un registro multicéntrico basado en el uso de resonancia magnética de estrés, se determinó la presencia Métodos: En un registro multicéntrico basado en el uso de resonancia magnética de estrés, se determinó la presencia (≥ 2 segmentos) de realce tardío de contraste y defectos de perfusión y su asociación con eventos mayores (muerte cardiaca e infarto no mortal). RESULTADOS: De un total de 391 pacientes, se identificó defecto de perfusión o realce tardío en 224 (57%) y 237 (61%). Durante el seguimiento (mediana, 96 semanas), se produjeron 47 eventos mayores (12%): 25 muertes cardiacas y 22 infartos de miocardio. Los pacientes con eventos mayores presentaron mayor extensión de los defectos de perfusión (6 frente a 3 segmentos; p < 0,001), pero no del realce tardío (5 frente a 3 segmentos; p = 0,1). La tasa de eventos mayores fue significativamente superior en presencia de defectos de perfusión (el 17 frente al 5%; p = 0,0005), pero no cuando había realce tardío (el 14 frente al 9%; p = 0,1). Se clasificó a los pacientes en los cuatro grupos siguientes: ausencia de defecto de perfusión y ausencia de realce tardío (n=124), presencia de realce tardío y ausencia de defecto de perfusión (n=43), presencia de realce tardío y presencia de defecto de perfusión (n=195), y ausencia de realce tardío y presencia de defecto de perfusión (n=29). Las tasas de eventos fueron del 5, el 7, el 16 y el 24% respectivamente (p de tendencia=0,003). En un modelo de regresión multivariable, solamente el defecto de perfusión predijo los eventos clínicos (hazard ratio=2,86; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,37-5,95; p = 0,002), pero el realce tardío no (hazard ratio=1,70; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,90-3,22; p = 0,105). CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes con la función ventricular izquierda deprimida, la isquemia inducible es el más potente predictor de futuros eventos mayores

Introduction and objectives The incremental prognostic value of inducible myocardial ischemia over necrosis derived by stress cardiac magnetic resonance in depressed left ventricular function is unknown. We determined the prognostic value of necrosis and ischemia in patients with depressed left ventricular function referred for dipyridamole stress perfusion magnetic resonance. Methods In a multicenter registry using stress magnetic resonance, the presence (≥ 2 segments) of late enhancement and perfusion defects and their association with major events (cardiac death and nonfatal infarction) was determined. RESULTS: In 391 patients, perfusion defect or late enhancement were present in 224 (57%) and 237 (61%). During follow-up (median, 96 weeks), 47 major events (12%) occurred: 25 cardiac deaths and 22 myocardial infarctions. Patients with major events displayed a larger extent of perfusion defects (6 segments vs 3 segments; P <.001) but not late enhancement (5 segments vs 3 segments; P =.1). Major event rate was significantly higher in the presence of perfusion defects (17% vs 5%; P =.0005) but not of late enhancement (14% vs 9%; P =.1). Patients were categorized into 4 groups: absence of perfusion defect and absence of late enhancement (n = 124), presence of late enhancement and absence of perfusion defect (n = 43), presence of perfusion defect and presence of late enhancement (n = 195), absence of late enhancement and presence of perfusion defect (n = 29). Event rate was 5%, 7%, 16%, and 24%, respectively (P for trend = .003). In a multivariate regression model, only perfusion defect (hazard ratio = 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-5.95]; P = .002) but not late enhancement (hazard ratio = 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-3.22; P =.105) predicted events. CONCLUSIONS: In depressed left ventricular function, the presence of inducible ischemia is the strongest predictor of major events

Prognostic value of myocardial ischemia and necrosis in depressed left ventricular function: a multicenter stress cardiac magnetic resonance registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The incremental prognostic value of inducible myocardial ischemia over necrosis derived by stress cardiac magnetic resonance in depressed left ventricular function is unknown. We determined the prognostic value of necrosis and ischemia in patients with depressed left ventricular function referred for dipyridamole stress perfusion magnetic resonance. METHODS: In a multicenter registry using stress magnetic resonance, the presence (≥ 2 segments) of late enhancement and perfusion defects and their association with major events (cardiac death and nonfatal infarction) was determined. RESULTS: In 391 patients, perfusion defect or late enhancement were present in 224 (57%) and 237 (61%). During follow-up (median, 96 weeks), 47 major events (12%) occurred: 25 cardiac deaths and 22 myocardial infarctions. Patients with major events displayed a larger extent of perfusion defects (6 segments vs 3 segments; P <.001) but not late enhancement (5 segments vs 3 segments; P =.1). Major event rate was significantly higher in the presence of perfusion defects (17% vs 5%; P =.0005) but not of late enhancement (14% vs 9%; P =.1). Patients were categorized into 4 groups: absence of perfusion defect and absence of late enhancement (n = 124), presence of late enhancement and absence of perfusion defect (n = 43), presence of perfusion defect and presence of late enhancement (n = 195), absence of late enhancement and presence of perfusion defect (n = 29). Event rate was 5%, 7%, 16%, and 24%, respectively (P for trend = .003). In a multivariate regression model, only perfusion defect (hazard ratio = 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-5.95]; P = .002) but not late enhancement (hazard ratio = 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-3.22; P =.105) predicted events. CONCLUSIONS: In depressed left ventricular function, the presence of inducible ischemia is the strongest predictor of major events.

Valor pronóstico a largo plazo del análisis completo de los índices de resonancia magnética cardiaca tras un infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Long-term prognostic value of a comprehensive assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance indexes after an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Introducción y objetivos. Se ha demostrado el valor pronóstico de varios índices de resonancia magnética cardiaca a medio plazo tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. La extensión de la necrosis transmural permite una predicción simple y exacta de viabilidad miocárdica. Sin embargo, se desconoce su valor pronóstico a largo plazo más allá de una completa evaluación clínica y por resonancia. Nuestra hipótesis es que la evaluación semicuantitativa de la extensión de la necrosis transmural es el mejor índice de resonancia para predecir el pronóstico a largo plazo tras un infarto con elevación del segmento ST. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo con resonancia a 206 pacientes consecutivos tras un infarto con elevación del segmento ST. También se evaluó semicuantitativamente (número de segmentos alterados, modelo de 17 segmentos) edema, contractilidad basal y tras dobutamina, perfusión de primer paso, obstrucción microvascular y extensión de la necrosis transmural. Resultados. Durante el seguimiento (mediana, 51 meses), 29 pacientes sufrieron un primer evento cardiaco adverso (8 muertes cardiacas, 11 infartos y 10 reingresos por insuficiencia cardiaca). Estos eventos se asociaron con mayor alteración de los índices de resonancia. Tras un ajuste multivariable, la extensión de la necrosis transmural fue el único índice de resonancia con asociación independiente con los eventos cardiacos adversos (razón de riesgos = 1,34 [1,19-1,51] por cada segmento con necrosis transmural > 50%; p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Un sencillo análisis semicuantitativo de la extensión de la necrosis transmural es el índice de resonancia cardiaca más potente para predecir el pronóstico a largo plazo tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (AU)

Introduction and objectives: A variety of cardiac magnetic resonance indexes predict mid-term prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. The extent of transmural necrosis permits simple and accurate prediction of systolic recovery. However, its long-term prognostic value beyond a comprehensive clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation is unknown. We hypothesized that a simple semiquantitative assessment of the extent of transmural necrosis is the best resonance index to predict long-term outcome soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: One week after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction we carried out a comprehensive quantification of several resonance parameters in 206 consecutive patients. A semiquantitative assessment (altered number of segments in the 17-segment model) of edema, baseline and post-dobutamine wall motion abnormalities, first pass perfusion, microvascular obstruction, and the extent of transmural necrosis was also performed. Results: During follow-up (median 51 months), 29 patients suffered a major adverse cardiac event (8 cardiac deaths, 11 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, and 10 readmissions for heart failure). Major cardiac events were associated with more severely altered quantitative and semiquantitative resonance indexes. After a comprehensive multivariate adjustment, the extent of transmural necrosis was the only resonance index independently related to the major cardiac event rate (hazard ratio=1.34 [1.19-1.51] per each additional segment displaying >50% transmural necrosis, P<.001). Conclusions: A simple and non-time consuming semiquantitative analysis of the extent of transmural necrosis is the most powerful cardiac magnetic resonance index to predict long-term outcome soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (AU)

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived intramyocardial hemorrhage after STEMI: Influence on long-term prognosis, adverse left ventricular remodeling and relationship with microvascular obstruction.

BACKGROUND: T2 weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The long-term prognostic value of IMH beyond a comprehensive CMR assessment with late enhancement (LE) imaging including microvascular obstruction (MVO) is unclear. The value of CMR-derived IMH for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and adverse cardiac remodeling after STEMI and its relationship with MVO was analyzed. METHODS: CMR including LE and T2 sequences was performed in 304 patients 1 week after STEMI. Adverse remodeling was defined as dilated left ventricular end-systolic volume indexes (dLVESV) at 6 months CMR. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 140 weeks, 47 MACE (10 cardiac deaths, 16 myocardial infarctions, 21 heart failure episodes) occurred. Predictors of MACE were ejection fraction (HR .95 95% CI [.93-.97], p=.001, per %) and IMH (HR 1.17 95% CI [1.03-1.33], p=.01, per segment). The extent of MVO and IMH significantly correlated (r=.951, p<.0001). dLVESV was present in 40% of patients. CMR predictors of dLVESV were: LVESV (OR 1.11 95% CI [1.07-1.15], p<.0001, per ml/m(2)), infarct size (OR 1.05 95% CI [1.01-1.09], p=.02, per %) and IMH (OR 1.54 95% CI [1.15-2.07], p=.004, per segment). Addition of T2 information did not improve the LE and cine CMR-model for predicting MACE (.744 95% CI [.659-.829] vs. .734 95% CI [.650-.818], p=.6) or dLVESV (.914 95% CI [.875-.952] vs. .913 95% CI [.875-.952], p=.9). CONCLUSIONS: IMH after STEMI predicts MACE and adverse remodeling. Nevertheless, with a strong interrelation with MVO, the addition of T2 imaging does not improve the predictive value of LE-CMR.

Long-term prognostic value of a comprehensive assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance indexes after an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A variety of cardiac magnetic resonance indexes predict mid-term prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. The extent of transmural necrosis permits simple and accurate prediction of systolic recovery. However, its long-term prognostic value beyond a comprehensive clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation is unknown. We hypothesized that a simple semiquantitative assessment of the extent of transmural necrosis is the best resonance index to predict long-term outcome soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: One week after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction we carried out a comprehensive quantification of several resonance parameters in 206 consecutive patients. A semiquantitative assessment (altered number of segments in the 17-segment model) of edema, baseline and post-dobutamine wall motion abnormalities, first pass perfusion, microvascular obstruction, and the extent of transmural necrosis was also performed. RESULTS: During follow-up (median 51 months), 29 patients suffered a major adverse cardiac event (8 cardiac deaths, 11 nonfatal myocardial infarctions, and 10 readmissions for heart failure). Major cardiac events were associated with more severely altered quantitative and semiquantitative resonance indexes. After a comprehensive multivariate adjustment, the extent of transmural necrosis was the only resonance index independently related to the major cardiac event rate (hazard ratio=1.34 [1.19-1.51] per each additional segment displaying>50% transmural necrosis, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: A simple and non-time consuming semiquantitative analysis of the extent of transmural necrosis is the most powerful cardiac magnetic resonance index to predict long-term outcome soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Surfactant protein A influences reepithelialization in an alveolocapillary model system.

PURPOSE: Restoring the barrier integrity of the alveolar epithelium after injury is pivotal. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of surfactant, surfactant protein A (SP-A), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), and analogues of SP-A on alveolar epithelial repair. Additionally, we assessed the influence of microvascular endothelial cells on reepithelialization. METHODS: Repair was studied in an in vitro model system consisting of a bilayer coculture of A549 and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), which stably expressing fluorescent proteins. The epithelial repair was assessed in a scratch assay using vital fluorescence microscopy and compared with a monolayer of A549 cells. RESULTS: HMPEC cells differentially modulated the response of the A549 cells. Surfactant and SP-A augmented the reepithelialization in the presence of HPMECs, whereas in the absence of HPMECs, surfactant inhibited wound healing and SP-A failed to alter the response. Like SP-A, a structural analogue of its collagenous tail domain augmented the reepithelialization in the model system, whereas an analogue of its head domain did not alter the response. Additionally, we demonstrated that TGF-ß associated with SP-A was able to initiate the Smad-dependent TGF-ß pathway and that both TGF-ß and TGF-ß free SP-A were able to stimulate wound healing in the bilayer model. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that surfactant, SP-A and TGF-ß, influence epithelial repair in vitro and that the microvascular endothelial cells can modulate the response. This indicates that surfactant and SP-A could play a role in alveolar epithelial repair and that the microvascular endothelium may be involved in these processes.

Prognostic implications of dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging: a prospective multicenter registry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dipyridamole cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the prediction of major events (MEs) in patients with ischemic chest pain in a large multicenter registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. A total of 1722 patients who were undergoing cardiac MR imaging for chest pain were included. Wall motion abnormalities (WMAs) at rest, hyperemia perfusion defect (PD), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and inducible WMA were analyzed (abnormal if more than one abnormal segment was seen) with the 17-segment model. A cardiac MR categorization was created: category 1, no PD, LGE, or inducible WMA; category 2, PD without LGE and inducible WMA; category 3, LGE without inducible WMA; and category 4, inducible WMA. The association with ME was analyzed by using Cox proportional hazard regression multivariate models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 308 days, 61 MEs (4%) occurred (36 cardiac deaths, 25 nonfatal myocardial infarctions). MEs were associated with a greater extent of WMA, PD, LGE, and inducible WMA (P ≤ .001 for all analyses). In multivariable analyses, PD (P = .002) and inducible WMA (P = .0001) were the only cardiac MR predictors. ME rate in categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2% (14 of 901 patients), 3% (six of 219 patients), 4% (15 of 409 patients), and 14% (26 of 193 patients), respectively (category 4 vs category 1, adjusted P < .001). Cardiac MR-directed revascularization was performed in 242 patients (14%) and reduced the risk of ME in only category 4 (7% [six of 92 patients] vs 26% [26 of 101 patients], P = .0004). CONCLUSION: Dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging can be used to predict MEs in patients with ischemic chest pain. Patients with inducible WMA are at the highest risk for MEs and benefit the most from revascularization.

Contractile reserve and extent of transmural necrosis in the setting of myocardial stunning: comparison at cardiac MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To perform a comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived ejection fraction (EF) during low-dose dobutamine infusion (EF(D)) with the extent of segments with transmural necrosis in more than 50% of their wall thickness (ETN) for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and late systolic recovery soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. One hundred nineteen consecutive patients with a first STEMI, a depressed left ventricular EF, and an open infarct-related artery underwent MR imaging at 1 week after infarction. EF(D) and ETN (by using a 17-segment model) were determined, and the prediction of MACEs and systolic recovery at follow-up was assessed by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: During follow-up (median, 613 days; range, 312-1243 days), 18 MACEs (five cardiac deaths, six myocardial infarctions, seven readmissions for heart failure) occurred. MACEs were associated with a lower EF(D) (43% +/- 12 [standard deviation] vs 49% +/- 10, P = .02) and a larger ETN (seven segments +/- three vs four segments +/- three, P < .001). Patients with systolic recovery (increase in EF of >5% at follow-up compared with baseline EF, n = 44) displayed a higher EF(D) (51% +/- 10 vs 47% +/- 9, P = .04) and a smaller ETN (three segments +/- two vs five segments +/- three, P = .002) at 1 week. ETN and EF(D) both related to MACEs (AUC: 0.78 vs 0.67, respectively, P = .1) and systolic recovery (AUC: 0.68 vs 0.62, respectively, P = .3). According to multivariable analysis, ETN was the only MR variable associated with time to MACEs (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 1.60; P < .001) and systolic recovery (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.64, 0.92; P = .004) independent of baseline characteristics. CONCLUSION: ETN is as useful as EF(D) for the prediction of MACEs and systolic recovery soon after STEMI.

Prognostic differences between routine invasive and conservative strategies for the management of high-risk, non-ST segment acute coronary syndromes: Experience from two consecutive periods in a single center.

BACKGROUND: The optimal revascularization strategy for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) remains controversial, especially in a real world context. The objective of this work was to assess differences at 1 year in all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of mortality or acute myocardial infarction (MI) between two management strategies for NSTE-ACS: a conservative strategy (CS) versus a routine invasive strategy (RIS). METHODS: Of 799 consecutive patients admitted to our institution, 369 were treated with CS (from January 2001 to October 2002); 430 patients admitted with the same diagnosis were treated with RIS (from November 2002 to November 2004). A propensity score (PS) matched sample was created and included 694 patients (87% of the original population). The event rate was compared between each paired member of the PS-matched sample, one receiving RIS and the other CS, and their differences were tested by Cox proportional analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between the two management cohorts. By design, the rate of in-hospital catheterization and revascularization procedures increased in RIS compared with CS. The mortality rate was lower, but not significant, in RIS (HR: 0.76, 95% CI=0.51-1.11; p=0.155). For the composite of death or MI, RIS showed a relative risk reduction of 29% (HR: 0.71, 95% CI=0.53-0.94); p=0.018) compared with CS, differences that become non-significant (p=0.680) if we adjust for differences in rate of revascularization procedures and changes in medication prescription. CONCLUSIONS: RIS was associated with a 1-year lower risk of the combined endpoint of all-cause death and MI in patients with NSTE-ACS, attributable to changes in frequency of revascularization procedures and in medical treatment.

[Abnormal myocardial perfusion after infarction in patients with persistent TIMI grade-3 flow. Only an acute phenomenon?]. / Perfusión miocárdica alterada tras un infarto en pacientes con flujo TIMI 3 mantenido. Sólo un fenómeno agudo?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: It has been suggested that abnormal perfusion as derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a transient dysfunction of microcirculation after myocardial infarction (MI) with TIMI 3 flow. We hypothesized that defects of myocardial perfusion may persist during the following months. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with MI and sustained TIMI 3 flow underwent intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) 1 week and 6 months after infarction. Abnormal perfusion by MCE was regarded as > 1 hypoperfused segment. RESULTS: At the first week, 20 patients showed abnormal perfusion as derived from MCE. At the sixth month 10 patients displayed chronic abnormal perfusion. These patients had greater left ventricular volumes and lower ejection fraction at the sixth month by CMR (P< .01). CONCLUSIONS: MCE detects perfusion defects which can persist in chronic phase--this relates to more severe systolic dysfunction and increased left ventricular volumes.

Perfusión miocárdica alterada tras un infarto en pacientes con flujo TIMI 3 mantenido. ¿Sólo un fenómeno agudo? / Abnormal myocardial perfusion after infarction in patients with persistent TIMI grade-3 flow. Only an acute phenomenon?

Introducción y objetivos. Se ha señalado que la perfusión anormal analizada mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) es una alteración transitoria de la microcirculación después de un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) con flujo TIMI 3. Planteamos la hipótesis de que las alteraciones de la perfusión miocárdica pueden persistir en los meses siguientes. Métodos. Estudiamos 47 pacientes con un primer IAM y flujo TIMI 3 mantenido mediante ecografía miocárdica con inyección intracoronaria de contraste (EMC) en la primera semana y el sexto mes postinfarto. Se consideró que había perfusión anormal mediante EMC si había más de un segmento hipoperfundido. Resultados. En la primera semana 20 pacientes mostraron perfusión anormal mediante EMC. En el sexto mes, 10 pacientes presentaron perfusión anormal persistente mediante EMC. Estos pacientes mostraron mayores volúmenes ventriculares y peor fracción de eyección en la fase crónica (p < 0,01) mediante RMC. Conclusiones. Mediante EMC pueden detectarse defectos de la perfusión que pueden persistir en fase crónica y se relacionan con mayor dilatación ventricular y peor función sistólica (AU)

Introduction and objectives. It has been suggested that abnormal perfusion as derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a transient dysfunction of microcirculation after myocardial infarction (MI) with TIMI 3 flow. We hypothesized that defects of myocardial perfusion may persist during the following months. Methods. Forty-seven patients with MI and sustained TIMI 3 flow underwent intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) 1 week and 6 months after infarction. Abnormal perfusion by MCE was regarded as > 1 hypoperfused segment. Results. At the first week, 20 patients showed abnormal perfusion as derived from MCE. At the sixth month 10 patients displayed chronic abnormal perfusion. These patients had greater left ventricular volumes and lower ejection fraction at the sixth month by CMR (P<.01). Conclusions. MCE detects perfusion defects which can persist in chronic phase -­ this relates to more severe systolic dysfunction and increased left ventricular volumes (AU)

Evolution of 5 cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived viability indexes after reperfused myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous evolution of 5 cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived myocardial viability indexes. METHODS: We studied 72 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction and sustained TIMI 3 flow. In the first week and in the sixth month of the study, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, we determined wall thickening (WT) and the following viability indexes: wall thickness, WT with low-dose dobutamine, microvascular perfusion in first-pass imaging, microvascular obstruction in late-enhancement imaging, and transmural extent of necrosis. RESULTS: In 250 dysfunctional segments, the evolution outcomes for the viability indexes were as follows: (1) wall thickness thinned (8.6 +/- 2.9 versus 7.7 +/- 3 mm, P < .001), (2) WT with low-dose dobutamine improved (1.5 +/- 1.9 versus 2.6 +/- 3 mm, P < .001), (3) the number of segments showing abnormal microvascular perfusion in first-pass imaging decreased (22% versus 7%, P < .001), (4) the number of segments showing microvascular obstruction in late-enhancement imaging decreased (14% versus 2%, P < .001), and (5) the transmural extent of necrosis remained stable throughout follow-up (56% +/- 40% versus 54% +/- 39%, P = .3). CONCLUSIONS: After reperfused myocardial infarction, dynamic changes in wall thickness, contractile reserve, microvascular perfusion, and microvascular obstruction take place. These changes may affect their accuracy as viability indexes early after myocardial infarction. The transmural extent of necrosis does not vary, however.

Carbohydrate antigen 125: an emerging prognostic risk factor in acute heart failure?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether circulating levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predict subsequent 6-month all-cause mortality in patients after the index hospitalisation for acute heart failure (HF). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study at a single teaching centre in Spain. METHODS: 529 consecutive patients with acute HF admitted in a single university centre were analysed. In addition to the traditional clinical information, CA125 (U/ml) was measured during the early course of hospitalisation. The independent association between baseline CA125 and mortality was assessed with Cox regression analysis. The follow-up was limited to 6 months. RESULTS: 349 (66%) patients showed serum levels of CA125 >35 U/ml (established cut-off point value). At a 6-month follow-up, 89 (16.8%) deaths were identified. A positive trend between mortality and CA125 quartiles was observed; 3.8%, 15.2%, 22% and 26.5% of deaths occurred from quartile 1 to 4 of CA125 (p<0.001). Likewise, a monotonic, ascending trend in the risk ratios was estimated from the multivariable Cox model. Compared with the first quartile of CA125, the HRs (95% CI) for the second, third and fourth quartiles were 3.25 (1.20 to 8.79), 4.91 (1.88 to 12.85) and 8.41 (3.24 to 21.79), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of CA125 obtained in patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute HF was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality up to the 6-month follow-up.

Prognostic effect of renal dysfunction after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with and without heart failure.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to assess, 1) the independent prognostic effect of renal dysfunction on all-cause mortality in the setting of acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI), and 2) to determine if such effect varies based upon the presence of heart failure (HF) on admission. METHODS: 549 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of STEMI were prospectively recruited in a teaching hospital in Spain. Serum creatinine (sCr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were obtained on admission, together with other relevant information used for risk stratification. The independent effect of sCr and GFR on long-term mortality was determined by Cox regression analysis. Main outcome was all-cause mortality, with a median follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: In a multivariate analysis the degree of renal impairment was a strong predictor of mortality in patients without clinical evidence of HF at admission (HR=1.15; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.19 and HR=1.58; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.81) for sCr (per 0.1 mg/dl) and GFR (per decreasing 10 ml/min/1.73 m2), respectively. In the group with HF, the effect was less pronounced (HR=1.03; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04 and HR=1.17; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37) for sCr and GFR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of STEMI, renal dysfunction estimates showed a differential prognostic effect depending on HF status, with a greater impact seen in patients without clinical evidence of HF.

[Prognostic value of white blood cell count in acute myocardial infarction: long-term mortality]. / Valor pronóstico del recuento leucocitario en el infarto agudo de miocardio: mortalidad a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although traditionally an elevated white blood cell count (WBC), an indicator of systemic inflammation, has been accepted as part of the healing response following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it has frequently been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. The present study was designed to assess the association between WBC and long-term mortality in AMI patients either with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) or without ST-segment elevation (non-STEMI). Patients and method. The study included 1118 consecutive patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of AMI: 569 non-STEMI and 549 STEMI. The WBC was measured in the 24 hours following admission. Patients were divided into 3 groups: WBC1 (count, <10 x 103 cells/mL), WBC2 (count, 10-14.9 x 10(3) cells/mL), and WBC3 (count, > or =15x10(3) cells/mL). All-cause mortality was recorded during a median follow-up period of 10+/-2 months. The relationship between WBC and mortality was assessed by Cox regression analysis for both types of AMI. RESULTS: Long-term mortality during follow-up was 18.5% in non-STEMI patients and 19.9% in STEMI patients. In non-STEMI patients, the adjusted hazard ratios for those in the WBC3 and WBC2 groups compared with those in the WBC1 group were 2.07 (1.08-3.94; P=.027) and 1.61 (1.03-2.51; P=.036), respectively. The corresponding figures in STEMI patients were 2.07 (1.13-3.76; P=.017) and 2.22 (1.35-3.63; P=.002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: WBC on admission was an independent predictor of long-term mortality in both non-STEMI and STEMI patients.

Valor pronóstico del recuento leucocitario en el infarto agudo de miocardio: mortalidad a largo plazo / Prognostic value of white blood cell count in acute myocardial infarction: long-term mortality

Introducción y objetivos. Publicaciones recientes respaldan el papel pronóstico del recuento leucocitario (RL) en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el valor predictivo atribuible al RL, con independencia de otras variables de contrastado valor pronóstico, para predecir mortalidad a largo plazo en pacientes con IAM sin elevación del segmento ST (IAMSEST) y con elevación del segmento ST (IAMEST). Pacientes y método. Analizamos a 1.118 pacientes admitidos de forma consecutiva con el diagnóstico de IAM (IAMSEST = 569; IAMEST = 549). El RL se obtuvo en la primera determinación analítica. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Cox para determinar el grado de asociación entre el RL y la mortalidad total para ambos tipos de IAM. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 10 ± 2 meses. El RL se incluyó en ambos modelos categorizado en los siguientes puntos de corte (x 10³ células/ml): < 10 (RL1); 10-14,9 (RL2) y ≥ 15 (RL3). Resultados. Durante el seguimiento se registraron 105 muertes (18,5%) en pacientes con IAMSEST y 109 (19,9%) con IAMEST. Las hazard ratio ajustadas para las categorías RL2 y RL3 frente a RL1 en el grupo con IAMSEST fueron: 1,61 (1,03-2,51; p = 0,036) y 2,07 (1,08-3,94; p = 0,027), y en el IAMEST: 2,22 (1,35-3,63; p = 0,002) y 2,07 (1,13-3,76; p = 0,017), respectivamente. Conclusiones. El RL determinado en las primeras horas de un IAM demostró ser un predictor independiente de otras variables de contrastado valor pronóstico para predecir la mortalidad total a largo plazo en el IAMSEST y el IAMEST

Introduction and objectives. Although traditionally an elevated white blood cell count (WBC), an indicator of systemic inflammation, has been accepted as part of the healing response following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it has frequently been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. The present study was designed to assess the association between WBC and long-term mortality in AMI patients either with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) or without ST-segment elevation (non-STEMI). Patients and method. The study included 1118 consecutive patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of AMI: 569 non-STEMI and 549 STEMI. The WBC was measured in the 24 hours following admission. Patients were divided into 3 groups: WBC1 (count, <10x103 cells/mL), WBC2 (count, 10-14.9x10³ cells/mL), and WBC3 (count, ≥15x10³ cells/mL). All-cause mortality was recorded during a median follow-up period of 10±2 months. The relationship between WBC and mortality was assessed by Cox regression analysis for both types of AMI. Results. Long-term mortality during follow-up was 18.5% in non-STEMI patients and 19.9% in STEMI patients. In non-STEMI patients, the adjusted hazard ratios for those in the WBC3 and WBC2 groups compared with those in the WBC1 group were 2.07 (1.08-3.94; P=.027) and 1.61 (1.03-2.51; P=.036), respectively. The corresponding figures in STEMI patients were 2.07 (1.13-3.76; P=.017) and 2.22 (1.35-3.63; P=.002), respectively. Conclusions. WBC on admission was an independent predictor of long-term mortality in both non-STEMI and STEMI patients

[An invasive strategy in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. From large trials to the real world]. / Estrategia invasiva en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. De los grandes estudios al mundo real.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We report the impact on prognosis of an invasive strategy used at our center for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We analyzed 504 consecutive patients with typical chest pain, electrocardiographic changes or increased troponin I serum values, who were divided into 2 cohorts: a) conservative group, 272 patients admitted between October 2001 and September 2002 and managed with a conservative strategy, and b) invasive group, 232 patients admitted between October 2002 and September 2003 for whom an invasive strategy was recommended. We recorded major events (death or reinfarction) and minor events (readmission or need for postdischarge revascularization) within a 12-week follow-up period. RESULTS: In the invasive group in-hospital angioplasty (21% vs 35%, P<.0001) and in-hospital revascularization (33% vs 48%, P=.001) increased. There were no significant differences between the conservative and the invasive group regarding major events (17% vs 15%). The invasive group was associated with a reduction in minor events (17% vs 9%, P=.01). The incidence of any event was reduced (28% vs 20%, P=.04). In the multivariate analysis for the whole group (n=504) the invasive strategy significantly reduced minor events (hazard ratio 0.5 [0.3-0.8], P=.008) and any event (hazard ratio 0.5 [0.3-0.8], P=.005), but not major events (hazard ratio 0.6 [0.4-1.1], P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: The results observed in recent randomized clinical trials regarding the use of an invasive strategy were confirmed in the real world. In the short term, the benefits seem to be confined to a reduction in minor events, i.e., fewer readmissions and less need for postdischarge revascularization.

Estrategia invasiva en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. De los grandes estudios al mundo real / An Invasive Strategy in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes. From Large Trials to the Real World

Introducción y objetivos. Presentamos el impacto pronóstico de una estrategia invasiva (EI) en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST en nuestra institución. Pacientes y método. Se ha estudiado a 504 pacientes consecutivos con dolor torácico típico, cambios electrocardiográficos y elevación de la troponina I divididos en 2 cohortes: a) grupo conservador, 272 pacientes ingresa- dos entre octubre de 2001 y septiembre de 2002, manejados con una estrategia conservadora (EC); b) grupo invasivo, 232 pacientes ingresados entre octubre de 2002 y septiembre de 2003 y en los que se recomendó una EI. Se recogieron los eventos mayores (defunción o reinfarto) y menores (reingreso o necesidad de revascularización postalta) durante 12 semanas. Resultados. En el grupo invasivo se incrementó la angioplastia prealta (el 21 frente al 35%; p < 0,0001) y la revascularización prealta (el 33 frente al 48%; p = 0,001). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos conservador e invasivo en relación con los eventos mayores (el 17 frente al 15%). El grupo invasivo se relacionó con menos eventos menores (el 17 frente al 9%; p = 0,01). La incidencia de cualquier evento se redujo (un 28 frente a un 20%; p = 0,04). En el análisis multivariado global (n = 504), el manejo invasivo fue un predictor independiente de menos eventos menores (hazard ratio [HR] = 0,5; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 0,3-0,8; p = 0,008) y de cualquier evento (HR = 0,5; IC del 95%, 0,3-0,8; p = 0,005), pero no de menos eventos mayores (HR = 0,6; IC del 95%, 0,4-1,1; p = 0,09). Conclusiones. Los resultados de los estudios aleatorizados recientes respecto al uso de una EI se confirman en el mundo real. En una perspectiva a corto plazo los beneficios se centran especialmente en una reducción de eventos menores: menos reingresos y menor necesidad de revascularización postalta (AU)

Introduction and objectives. We report the impact on prognosis of an invasive strategy used at our center for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Patients and method. We analyzed 504 consecutive patients with typical chest pain, electrocardiographic changes or increased troponin I serum values, who were divided into 2 cohorts: a) conservative group, 272 patients admitted between October 2001 and September 2002 and managed with a conservative strategy, and b) invasive group, 232 patients admitted between October 2002 and September 2003 for whom an invasive strategy was recommended. We recorded major events (death or reinfarction) and minor events (readmission or need for post- discharge revascularization) within a 12-week follow-up period. Results. In the invasive group in-hospital angioplasty (21% vs 35%, P<.0001) and in-hospital revascularization (33% vs 48%, P=.001) increased. There were no significant differences between the conservative and the invasive group regarding major events (17% vs 15%). The invasive group was associated with a reduction in minor events (17% vs 9%, P=.01). The incidence of any event was reduced (28% vs 20%, P=.04). In the multivariate analysis for the whole group (n=504) the invasive strategy significantly reduced minor events (hazard ratio 0.5 [0.3- 0.8], P=.008) and any event (hazard ratio 0.5 [0.3-0.8], P=.005), but not major events (hazard ratio 0.6 [0.4-1.1], P=.09). Conclusions. The results observed in recent randomized clinical trials regarding the use of an invasive strategy were confirmed in the real world. In the short term, the benefits seem to be confined to a reduction in minor events, i.e., fewer readmissions and less need for postdischarge revascularization (AU)

[Sex differences in mortality at one-month and at one-year after an acute coronary syndrome]. / Diferencias entre sexos en la mortalidad a un mes y a un año tras un síndrome coronario agudo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We aimed to delineate the sex differences in short-term (one-month) and long-term (one-year) cardiac death after an acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: After the publication of the new myocardial infarction definition, we prospectively analyzed 1,324 consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome to a tertiary hospital. 483 (37%) of these patients had myocardial infarction with ST-elevation, 439 (33%) had myocardial infarction without ST elevation (troponin I > 1 ng/ml) and 402 (30%) had an unstable angina (troponin I < 1 ng/ml). RESULTS: Within 1-year of follow-up, 177 deaths (13.4%) were detected. There was a similar rate of cardiac death in female and male patients with 'non-ST elevation myocardial infarction' (one-month: 9.7% vs 7.1%, p = NS; one-year: 16.7% vs 13.2%, p = NS) and with unstable angina (one-month: 3% vs 1.9%, p = NS; one-year: 3% vs 5.6%, p = NS). Among patients with 'ST-elevation myocardial infarction' women showed a higher rate of cardiac death at one-month (21.5% vs 9.8%; p < 0.0001) and at one-year (28.9% vs 14.1%, p < 0.0001) than men. In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of cardiac death in 'ST-elevation myocardial infarction' at one-year were age > 70 years (p < 0.0001), Killip class > 1 (p < 0.0001) and lack of reperfusion (p = 0.003) but not having a female sex. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with 'non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes' did not display sex differences with regard to mortality. Women with 'ST-elevation myocardial infarction' had a higher mortality; however, these differences were not independently related to a female sex but to a worse baseline clinical profile and a lesser rate of reperfusion.