Cerebrovascular Disease Hospitalization Rates in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients with Kidney Transplant and Peripheral Vascular Disease: Analysis Using the National Inpatient Sample (2005-2019).

Individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) face higher cerebrovascular risk. Yet, the impact of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and kidney transplantation (KTx) on hospitalization rates for cerebral infarction and hemorrhage remains underexplored. Analyzing 2,713,194 ESKD hospitalizations (2005-2019) using the National Inpatient Sample, we investigated hospitalization rates for ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular diseases concerning ESKD, PVD, KTx, or their combinations. Patients hospitalized with cerebral infarction due to thrombosis/embolism/occlusion (CITO) or artery occlusion resulting in cerebral ischemia (AOSI) had higher rates of comorbid ESKD and PVD (4.17% and 7.29%, respectively) versus non-CITO or AOSI hospitalizations (2.34%, p < 0.001; 2.29%, p < 0.001). Conversely, patients hospitalized with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (NIH) had significantly lower rates of ESKD and PVD (1.64%) compared to non-NIH hospitalizations (2.34%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, hospitalizations for CITO or AOSI exhibited higher rates of KTx and PVD (0.17%, 0.09%, respectively) compared to non-CITO or AOSI hospitalizations (0.05%, p = 0.033; 0.05%, p = 0.002). Patients hospitalized with NIH showed similar rates of KTx and PVD (0.04%) versus non-NIH hospitalizations (0.05%, p = 0.34). This nationwide analysis reveals that PVD in ESKD patients is associated with increased hospitalization rates with cerebral ischemic events and reduced NIH events. Among KTx recipients, PVD correlated with increased hospitalizations for ischemic events, without affecting NIH. This highlights management concerns for patients with KTx and PVD.

Sex differences in myocarditis hospitalizations: Rates, outcomes, and hospital characteristics in the National Readmission Database.

Inflammation of the myocardium, or myocarditis, presents with varied severity, from mild to life-threatening such as cardiogenic shock or ventricular tachycardia storm. Existing data on sex-related differences in its presentation and outcomes are scarce. Using the Nationwide Readmission Database (2016-2019), we identified myocarditis hospitalizations and stratified them according to sex to either males or females. Multivariable regression analyses were used to determine the association between sex and myocarditis outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes included sudden cardiac death (SCD), cardiogenic shock (CS), use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and 90-day readmissions. We found a total of 12,997 myocarditis hospitalizations, among which 4,884 (37.6 %) were females. Compared to males, females were older (51 ± 15.6 years vs. 41.9 ± 14.8 in males) and more likely to have connective tissue disease, obesity, and a history of coronary artery disease. No differences were noted between the two groups with regards to in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20; confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.53; P = 0.16), SCD (aOR:1.18; CI 0.84-1.64; P = 0.34), CS (aOR: 1.01; CI 0.85-1.20;P = 0.87), or use of MCS (aOR: 1.07; CI:0.86-1.34; P = 0.56). In terms of interventional procedures, females had lower rates of coronary angiography (aOR: 0.78; CI 0.70-0.88; P < 0.01), however, similar rates of right heart catheterization (aOR 0.93; CI:0.79-1.09; P = 0.36) and myocardial biopsy (aOR: 1.16; CI:0.83-1.62; P = 0.38) compared to males. Additionally, females had a higher risk of 90-day all-cause readmission (aOR: 1.25; CI: 1.16-1.56; P < 0.01) and myocarditis readmission (aOR:1.58; CI 1.02-2.44; P = 0.04). Specific predictors of readmission included essential hypertension, congestive heart failure, malignancy, and peripheral vascular disease. In conclusion, females admitted with myocarditis tend to have similar in-hospital outcomes with males; however, they are at higher risk of readmission within 90 days from hospitalization. Further studies are needed to identify those at higher risk of readmission.

Safety and Efficacy of Direct Oral Anticoagulant in Addition to Antiplatelet Therapy After Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of 53,869 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Significant progress has been made in the management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during the past few decades. However, the role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in post-ACS prophylactic therapy remains unknown. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of DOACs plus antiplatelet treatment (APT) after ACS. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials comparing DOACs plus APT with APT alone after ACS. The primary efficacy end points were cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and stroke and systemic embolization (SSE). The primary safety end point was major bleeding. The random-effects model was used to calculate relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% CIs. RESULTS: Nine trials with a total of 53,869 patients were identified, with 33,011 (61.2%) in the DOACs plus APT group and 20,858 (38.8%) in the APT alone group. The use of DOACs did not decrease the risk of cardiovascular death (RR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.75-1.01; P = 0.08; I2 = 0%) or myocardial infarction (RR = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80-1.02; P = 0.10; I2 = 6%). However, the risk of SSE was significantly lower in patients who received DOACs plus APT compared with APT alone (RR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.90; P = 0.008). Moreover, all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the DOACs plus APT group (RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-98; P = 0.03; I2 = 0%). However, the risk of major bleeding was significantly higher in patients treated with DOACs plus APT compared with APT alone (RR = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.96-3.26; P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), as was the risk of nonmajor bleeding (RR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.51-3.41; P < 0.01). IMPLICATIONS: DOACs plus APT for the prevention of left ventricular thrombus in patients with ACS were associated with a lower risk of SSE and all-cause mortality but increased the risk of major and nonmajor bleeding. The benefits and risks of this approach should be weighed based on a patient's individual clinical characteristics.

Mortality post in-patient catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in rural versus urban areas: Insights from national inpatient sample database.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence is supportive of early atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation to maintain sinus rhythm. Disparities in health care between rural and urban areas in the United States are well known. Catheter ablation (CA) of AF is a complex procedure and its outcomes among rural versus urban areas has not been studied in the past. METHODS: The national inpatient sample database 2016-2020 was queried for all hospitalization with the primary diagnosis of AF who underwent AF catheter ablation at the index hospitalization. Then, hospitalizations were stratified into rural versus urban. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were total hospitalization costs and likelihood for longer length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 78,735 patients underwent inpatient CA of AF between January 2016 and December 2020, mean age was 68.5 ± 11 with 44 % being females. 27,180 (35 %) CA were performed in rural areas, while the remaining CA  51,555 (65 %) were done in urban areas. While, there was very low risk of mortality, patients who underwent CA in rural areas had more comorbidities and also was associated with a 79 % increase in post-procedural in-hospital mortality compared with urban areas (aOR 1.79, 0.8 % vs 0.4 %, CI: 1.15-2.78, P < 0.01). CA of AF in rural areas had a longer length of hospital stay (aOR 1.11, 4.21 vs 3.79 days, 95 % CI: 1.02-1.2, P = 0.02), lower overall cost compared with urban areas (49,698 ± 1251 vs. $53,252 ± 1339, P = 0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed end stage renal disease and congestive heart failure were independent risk factors associated with increase in post CA in-hospital mortality exceeding two-fold. CONCLUSION: Inpatient CA of AF in rural areas was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay and a lower overall cost when compared with urban areas.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement With and Without Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is indicated for high-risk patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis (AS). Given the shared risk factors and coexistence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and AS, there is inconsistent clinical data regarding potential survival benefits of paired percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with TAVR procedures. We performed a literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception through June 2023 assessing the impact of concomitant PCI in patients with obstructive CAD undergoing TAVR. The primary outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality, 30-day cardiovascular mortality, and 6 months-1 year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding complications, and acute kidney injury (AKI). A total of 11 studies involving 2804 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared to patients undergoing TAVR alone, the TAVR+PCI group showed no significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality (RR 0.90, CI 0.66, 1.22, P = 0.49), 30-day cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.71 CI 0.44, 1.14, P = 0.16), or 6 months-1 year all-cause mortality (RR 0.94, CI 0.75, 1.18, P = 0.57). Regarding secondary outcomes, 30-day myocardial infarction was higher in the TAVR+PCI group (RR 3.09, CI 1.26, 7.57, P = 0.01), with no significant differences noted in rates of 30-day stroke (RR 1.14, CI 0.56, 2.33, P = 0.72), major bleeding/vascular complications (RR 1.11, CI 0.79, 1.56, P = 0.55), and AKI (RR 1.07, CI 0.75, 1.54, P = 0.71). Concomitant PCI does not confer any mortality benefit in patients with obstructive CAD and high-grade AS undergoing TAVR. Further trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Disparities in Acute Coronary Syndrome Outcomes in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are at similar risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as compared to general population. However, there is a paucity of real-world data evaluating outcomes of ACS in this population. We sought to study ACS outcomes in individuals with IDs using a large national database. METHODS: Adult admissions with a primary diagnosis of ACS were identified from the national inpatient sample of years 2016-2019. Cohort was stratified according to presence of IDs. A 1 to 1 nearest neighbor propensity score matching using 16 patient variables. Outcomes evaluated were in-hospital mortality, coronary angiography (CA), timing of CA (early [day 0] vs. late [>day0]), and revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 5110 admissions (2555 in each group) were included in our matched cohort. IDs admissions had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (9 % vs. 4 %, aOR: 2.84, 95 % CI [1.66-4.86], P < 0.001), and were less likely to receive CA (52 % vs. 71 %, aOR: 0.44, 95 % CI [0.34-0.58], P < 0.001) and revascularization (33 % vs. 52 %, aOR: 0.45, 95 % CI [0.35-0.58], P < 0.001). In-Hospital mortality was higher in the ID admissions whether invasive coronary treatment (CA or revascularization) was performed (6 % vs. 3 %, aOR: 2.34, 95 % CI [1.09-5.06], P = 0.03) or not (13 % vs. 5 %, aOR: 2.56, 95 % CI [1.14-5.78], P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Significant disparities exist in ACS outcomes and management in individuals with IDs. More research is needed to understand the reasons for these disparities and develop interventions to improve quality of care in this population.

Outcomes of Ventricular Tachycardia Catheter Ablation in Patients Who Underwent Cardiac Defibrillator Implantation Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis.

The timing of when to perform ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation while receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) during the same hospitalization has not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the use and outcomes of VT catheter ablation in patients with sustained VT receiving ICD in the same hospital stay. The Nationwide Readmission Database 2016 to 2019 was queried for all hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of VT with subsequent ICD during the same admission. Hospitalizations were later stratified according to whether a VT ablation was performed. All catheter ablation of VT were performed before ICD implantation. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission. A total of 29,385 VT hospitalizations were included. VT ablation was performed with subsequent ICD placement in 2,255 (7.6%), whereas 27,130 (92.3%) received an ICD only. No differences were found regarding in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35 to 1.9, p = 0.67) and all-cause 90-day readmission rate (aOR 1.1, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.3, p = 0.16). An increase in readmission because of recurrent VT was noted in the VT ablation group (aOR 1.53, 8% vs 5% CI 1.2 to 1.9, p <0.01); the VT ablation group encompassed a higher number of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (p <0.01), cardiogenic shock (p <0.01), and mechanical circulatory support use (p <0.01). In conclusion, the use of VT ablation in patients admitted with sustained VT is low and reserved for higher risk patients with significant co-morbidities. Despite the higher risk profile of VT ablation cohort, no differences were found in the short-term mortality and readmission rate between the groups.

Low voltage area guided substrate modification in nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Low voltage areas (LVAs) on left atrial (LA) bipolar voltage mapping correlate with areas of fibrosis. LVAs guided substrate modification was hypothesized to improve the success rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation particularly in nonparoxysmal AF population. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies yielded mixed results. METHODS: The databases of Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to August 2022. Relevant studies comparing LVA guided substrate modification (LVA ablation) versus conventional AF ablation (non LVA ablation) in patients with nonparoxysmal AF were identified and a meta-analysis was performed (Graphical Abstract image). The efficacy endpoints of interest were recurrence of AF and the need for repeat ablation at 1-year. The safety endpoint of interest was adverse events for both groups. Procedure related endpoints included total procedure time and fluoroscopy time. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies with 1597 patients were included. A significant reduction in AF recurrence at 1-year was observed in LVA ablation versus non LVA ablation group (risk ratio [RR] 0.63 (27% vs. 36%),95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.62, p < .001]. Also, redo ablation was significantly lower in LVA ablation group (RR 0.52[18% vs. 26.7%], 95% CI 0.38-0.69, p < .00133). No difference was found in the overall adverse event (RR 0.7 [4.3% vs. 5.4%], 95% CI 0.36-1.35, p = .29). CONCLUSION: LVA guided substrate modification provides significant reduction in recurrence of all atrial arrhythmias at 1-year compared with non LVA approaches in persistent and longstanding persistent AF population without increase in adverse events.

Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest with Valve Surgery Among Infective Endocarditis Patients: A United States National Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac arrest can complicate infective endocarditis (IE) and is associated with significant in-hospital complications and mortality rates. We report the characteristics, outcomes, and readmission rates for IE patients with cardiac arrest in the United States. METHODS: We surveyed the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD), a database designed to support national level readmission analyses, for patients admitted with IE and who had cardiac arrest during index admission between 2016 and 2019. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, surgical procedures, and outcomes were identified using their respective International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. RESULTS: There were 663 index admissions (mean age 55.87 ± 17.21 years;34.2 % females) for IE with cardiac arrest in the study period, with an overall mortality rate of 55.3 %. Of these, 270 (40.7 %) had surgical procedures performed during the hospitalization encounter. In patients who had a surgical procedure, 72 (26.8 %) patients had in-hospital mortality while 293 (74.9 %) patients without surgical procedures had in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). After coarsened matching for baseline characteristics, surgical valve procedures were less likely to be associated with mortality (OR = 0.09, 95%CI 0.04-0.24; p < 0.001). Among the 295 alive discharges associated with cardiac arrest, 76 (38.57 %) were readmitted within 30-days, with a mortality rate of 22 % noted for readmissions. CONCLUSION: Among IE patients who had cardiac arrest, surgical procedures subgroup had low mortality despite having higher complication rates. However, due to chances of bias more randomized trials are needed evaluate the hypothesis.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

During the pandemic, health care resources were primarily focused on treating COVID-19 infections and its related complications, with various Clinical units were converted to COVID-19 units, This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical course of patients who had developed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this large nationwide observational study utilizing National Inpatient Sample 2019 and 2020.The primary outcomes of our study were in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), total hospital charges and time from admission to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Using the National Inpatient Sample 2020 database we found 32,355,827 hospitalizations in 2020 and 521,484 of which had a primary diagnosis of STEMI that met our criteria. Patients with COVID-19 infection were similar in mean age, more likely to be men, were treated in the same hospital settings as those without COVID-19 and had higher rates of diabetes with chronic complications. These patients had a similar prevalence of traditional coronary artery disease risk factors including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease and obesity. There was higher inpatient mortality (adjusted odds ratios 3.10; 95% CI, 2.40-4.02; P < 0.01) and LOS (95% CI 1.07-2.25; P < 0.01) in STEMI patient with concurrent COVID-19 infection. The average time from admission to PCI was significantly higher among unstable angina (UA) and None ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with a secondary diagnosis of COVID-19 infection compared to patients without: 0.45 days (95% CI: .155-758; P < 0.01). The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the treatment of patients with ACS, resulting in increased inpatient mortality, higher costs, and longer lengths of stay. During the pandemic, for patients with UA and NSTEMI the time from admission to PCI was significantly longer in patients with a secondary diagnosis of COVID-19 compared to patients without. When comparing ACS outcomes between pre-pandemic to pandemic periods (2019 versus 2020), the 2020 data showed higher mortality, higher hospital costs, and a decrease in LOS. Finally, the time from admission to PCI was longer for UA and NSTEMI in 2020 but not for patients with STEMI.

Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Previous Mediastinal Radiation.

Studies have shown that patients with radiation therapy-associated coronary artery disease tend to have worse outcomes with percutaneous revascularization. Previous irradiation has been linked with future internal mammary artery graft disease. Studies investigating the outcomes of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) among patients with previous radiation are limited. The Nationwide Readmission Database for the years 2016 to 2019 was queried for hospitalizations with CABG and history of mediastinal radiation. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the association between the history of mediastinal radiation and in-hospital mortality, 90 days all-cause unplanned readmission rates, and acute coronary syndrome readmission rates. A total of 533,702 hospitalizations (2,070 in the irradiation history group and 531,632 in the control group) were included in this analysis. Patients with radiation therapy history were less likely to have traditional coronary artery disease risk factors and more likely to have associated valvular disease. Patients with a history of irradiation had similar in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission risk at the expense of higher hospitalizations costs (ß coefficient: $2,764; p = 0.005). They had a higher likelihood of readmission with acute coronary syndrome within 90 days (adjusted odds ratio 1.67, p = 0.02). In a conclusion, a history of mediastinal irradiation is not associated with increased rates of short-term mortality or increased all-cause readmission risk after CABG. However, it may be associated with increased acute coronary syndrome readmission rates.

AngioVac for Vegetation Debulking in Right-sided Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To investigate the utility of AngioVac-assisted vegetation debulking (AVD) in right sided infective endocarditis (RSIE). AngioVac is a vacuum-based device that was approved in 2014 for the percutaneous removal of undesirable materials from the intravascular system. Although there are multiple reports on the use of the AngioVac device to aspirate right-sided heart chamber thrombi, data on its use to treat RSIE is limited. We performed a comprehensive literature search for studies that evaluated the utility of AVD. The primary outcomes of our study were the procedural success, defined as the ability of AngioVac to produce residual vegetation size <50% (RVS<50%) without serious procedural complications, and the clinical success, defined as composite of RVS<50%, in-hospital survival, absence of recurrent bacteremia, and valve function not requiring further intervention. The secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcomes and average length of hospital stay. The pooled means and proportions of our data were analyzed using random effects model, generic inverse variance method, and represented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 44 studies, including 301 patients (mean age: 44.6 ± 18.2 years, 71.6% males) were included. Procedural success was achieved in 89.2% of patients (95% CI:82.3%-93.6%, I2 = 0%). Clinical success was achieved in 79.1% of patients (95% CI:67.9%-87.2%, I2 = 15%). Overall survival rate was 89.7% (95% CI:83.1%-93.9%%, I2 = 9%). Our meta-analysis demonstrates that AVD is a promising therapeutic option for RSIE offering a high success rate with an acceptable complication rate across a wide range of patients.

Single Versus Dual Antiplatelet Therapy following Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Patients With High Bleeding Risk.

Our study aims to compare the utility of single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following Left atrial appendage occlusion in patients whose post-procedural oral anticoagulation therapy was deemed high-risk or contraindicated. A total of 14 observational studies with 3,151 patients were included. Our study demonstrates that SAPT and DAPT were similar in preventing device-related thrombosis. Although SAPT and DAPT had a tendency toward a higher risk for stroke and major bleeding respectively, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Large-scale Randomized Controlled Studies are warranted to validate if our results could be translated into clinical practice.

Ventricular fibrillation arrest after blunt chest trauma in a 33-year-old man, commotio cordis?

BACKGROUND: Commotio cordis is an event in which a blunt, non-penetrating blow to the chest occurs, triggering a life-threatening arrhythmia and often sudden death. This phenomenon is often seen in young, male athletes and has become increasingly well-known over the past few decades. We present a unique case in which ventricular fibrillation occurs in an older male athlete after blunt trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient with no known medical history was brought to the ER after being found unconscious after a soccer ball kick to the chest. He was found to be in ventricular fibrillation and successfully resuscitated on the soccer field. Patient was admitted to the hospital and lab workup and initial imaging were unremarkable, except elevated troponin and lactate, which returned to normal levels. An echocardiogram showed global left ventricular systolic dysfunction with a visually estimated ejection fraction of 45-50%. Coronary showed angiographically nonobstructive coronary arteries. The patient was diagnosed with commotio cordis and discharged from the hospital in stable condition. Follow-up echocardiogram continued to show low ejection fraction and event monitor demonstrated frequent polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with periods of asystole. CONCLUSION: This case is unique in that blunt trauma to the chest from a soccer ball immediately triggered ventricular fibrillation in a patient with a possible cardiomyopathy. It is possible that the blunt trauma caused primary commotio cordis that led to cardiomyopathy in a previous healthy man, or that an underlying cardiomyopathy made it more likely for this to occur. Overall, increased awareness and prevention efforts of blunt chest trauma are required to reduce the high mortality associated life-threatening arrhythmias. There is limited data regarding the interplay between these two entities.

Mortality outcomes and 30-day readmissions associated with coronary artery aneurysms; a National Database Study.

BACKGROUND: The literature on prevalence and outcomes of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) in the United States (US) is limited. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence, outcomes, and trends of CAA. METHODS: Data from the national readmissions database (NRD) sample that constitutes 49.1% of the stratified sample of all hospitals in the US were analyzed for CAA among coronary angiography (CA) related hospitalizations for the years 2012-2018. RESULTS: A total of 6,843,910 index CA related hospitalizations were recorded for the years 2012-2018 in the NRD (Mean age 64.37 ± 13.30 years' 38.6% females). Of these 9671 (0.141%) were CAA, 5092 (52.7%) without-ACS and 4579 (47.3%) with ACS [NSTEMI occurred in 2907(63.5%) and STEMI in 1672(36.5%)]. In-hospital mortality among CAA was comparable to those without-CAA on angiography (n-209,2.17% vs n = 175,120,2.56%;p = 0.08). CAA patients who presented with ACS vs those without ACS had higher mortality (n = 150,3.28%vsn = 60,1.16%;p < 0.001) cardiogenic shock 6.9%vs2%, ventricular arrythmias 9.2%vs5.2%, coronary dissection 58%vs42.7%, and need for mechanical circulatory support 7%vs2.7% respectively. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed among 45.2% patients; however, on coarsened exact matching of baseline characteristics, PCI had no association with mortality, patients (OR 1.22, 95%CI0.69-2.16, p = 0.49). The prevalence of CAA on CA trend towards increased mortality with ACS increased over the years 2012-2018 (linear p-trend <0.05). The 30-day readmissions rate were 13.8% (non-CAA) vs 4.6% (CAA) p = 0.001 predominantly cardiovascular causes (50.9%vs70.7%) and PCI on readmission (7.06%vs17.5%). CONCLUSION: CAA is an uncommon anomaly noted on coronary angiography. The higher mortality in patients with ACS and increasing trend of CAA-ACS warrants more research.

Coronary Artery Aneurysms in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (From a United States Based National Cohort).

This study aimed to study group differences in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on the presence or absence of associated coronary artery aneurysms (CAA). The cause-and-effect relationship between CAAs and STEMI is largely unknown. The Nationwide Readmission database was used to identify and study group differences of patients with STEMI and with and without CAA from 2014 to 2018. The primary outcome in the 2 groups was mortality. Secondary outcomes in the 2 groups included differences in clinical outcomes, cardiovascular interventions performed, and prevalence of coronary artery dissection. The total number of patients with STEMI included was 1,038,299. In this sample, 1,543 (0.15%) had CAA. Compared with those without CAA, patients with CAAs and STEMI were younger (62.6 vs 65.4), more likely to be male (78 vs 66%), and had a higher prevalence of a history of Kawasaki disease (2.5 vs 0.01%). A difference exists in the prevalence of coronary dissection in patients with STEMI with and without CAA (73% vs 1%). Patients with CAA were more often treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (13.1 vs 5.6%), thrombectomy (16.5 vs 6%), and bare-metal stent implantation (8 vs 4.4). Patients in the CAA STEMI group had lower all-cause mortality (6.3 vs 11.7%). In conclusion, there are important differences in patients with STEMI with and without CAA, which include, but are not limited to, factors such as patient profile, the risk for coronary dissection, treatment, outcomes, and mortality.

Impella Support Versus Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is associated with high mortality rates. Data has shown that intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support does not provide a survival benefit over optimal medical therapy in AMICS. Despite lack of supportive evidence, IABP is still commonly used in these clinical situations. The Impella percutaneous ventricular assist device (PVAD) (Abiomed, Denver, MA) rapidly deploys superior mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients with AMICS. However, the safety and efficacy of Impella in AMICS is a matter of ongoing investigation, and its role in AMICS management is not yet fully established. METHODS: The databases of Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to March 2020. Relevant randomized trials and observational studies comparing Impella versus IABP in AMICS were identified and a meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model. The efficacy endpoint of interest was short-term mortality (defined as in-hospital or 30-day mortality). The safety endpoints of interest were major bleeding, limb complications, stroke and hemolysis. RESULTS: A total of 2 randomized trials and 5 observational studies with 3921 patients were included. No difference in short-term mortality between the two groups [RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.87-1.33, P = 0.49] was found. For safety endpoints, Impella was associated with significantly higher incidence of major bleeding [RR: 2.03, 95% CI 1.56-2.64, P < 0.0001], limb complications [RR: 3.67, 95% CI 1.56-8.65, P = 0.003] as well as hemolysis [RR: 9.46, 95% CI 1.75-51.22, P = 0.009] compared with IABP. No significant difference was observed for the incidence of stroke [RR: 1.07 95% CI 0.34-3.31 P = 0.91]. CONCLUSION: Impella support in AMICS patients was associated with a significantly increased risk of bleeding, limb complications and hemolysis without an improved short-term survival advantage compared with IABP.