Systemic markers of inflammation are associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy and an increased intimal inflammatory component.

We evaluated an extensive profile of clinical variables and immune markers to assess the inflammatory milieu associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology (VH). In total, 101 heart transplant (HTx) recipients were included and underwent IVUS/VH examination and measurement of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, interleukin-6, osteoprotegerin, soluble gp130, von Willebrand factor, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and neopterin. Mean Maximal Intimal Thickness (MIT) was 0.61 +/- 0.19 mm and mean fibrotic, fibrofatty, dense calcified and necrotic core components were 55 +/- 15, 14 +/- 10, 15 +/- 13 and 17 +/- 9%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, CRP > 1.5 mg/L (OR 4.6, p < 0.01), VCAM-1 > 391 ng/mL (adjusted OR 3.2, p = 0.04) and neopterin > 7.7 nmol/L (OR 3.8, p = 0.02) were independently associated with MIT > 0.5 mm. Similarly, CRP > 1.5 mg/L (OR 3.7, p < 0.01) and VCAM-1 > 391 (OR 2.7, p = 0.04) were independently associated with an increased intimal inflammatory component (dense calcified/necrotic core component > 30%). Advanced CAV is associated with elevated CRP, VCAM-1 and neopterin and the two former biomarkers are also associated with an increased intimal inflammatory component. Forthcoming studies should clarify if routine measurements of these markers can accurately identify HTx recipients at risk of developing advanced CAV and vulnerable lesions.

Inflammation and coronary angiography in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and because it is often asymptomatic and extensive in comparison with CAD in subjects without diabetes, it represents a diagnostic challenge. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of CAD in asymptomatic T2DM patients utilizing angiography and to investigate its association with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, the metabolic syndrome and markers of inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients with T2DM without symptoms of CAD, and with >or=1 CV risk factor (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, premature familial CAD, smoking or microalbuminuria) underwent a diagnostic stress test and coronary angiography irrespective of stress test results. Stenosis detected in the main coronary arteries >or=50% of lumen diameter was categorized as one-, two- or three-vessel disease. Inflammatory markers were analysed in fasting samples. RESULTS: Fifteen men and two women had significant CAD (21%) (1-vessel disease, n=10; 2- or 3-vessel disease, n=7). Patients with 2- or 3-vessel disease were significantly older and had a longer duration of diabetes, but the prevalence of other traditional CV risk factors or the metabolic syndrome was similar among those with 1-vessel and those with 2- or 3-vessel disease. Sensitivity for CAD of the stress test was low (0.35). The mean level of the pro-inflammatory marker interleukin-6 was elevated in patients with 2- to 3-vessel CAD as compared to patients with no or 1-vessel CAD (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Significant CAD was found in 21% of asymptomatic patients with T2DM with >or=1 CV risk factor. Inflammatory markers may be helpful in identifying patients that are likely to have significant CAD, but larger studies are warranted.

Routine coronary angiography in diabetic nephropathy patients before transplantation.

We evaluated the incidence of significant coronary artery stenoses (CAS), angina pectoris (AP), revascularization and associated risk factors in 155 consecutive diabetic nephropathy transplant candidates. Kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant candidates with diabetes for more than 10 years and/or retinopathy and/or biopsy verified diabetic nephropathy were included. The inclusion period was 1999-2004. Seventy-two percent of patients were male. Sixty-one percent had type 1 diabetes and 39% had type 2 diabetes and mean age was 46 years (+/-10) and 58 years (+/-11), respectively. History of heart disease was present in 34% of patients, 34% had cerebro-vascular and/or peripheral atherosclerotic disease, and 51% had neither. Fifty-five percent had a smoking history and 46% were on dialysis. Significant CAS was found in 45% of patients, of whom 17% had AP. No patients below 35 years of age had significant CAS (n = 11, p = 0.001). Revascularization was performed in 57% of patients with significant CAS. The only risk factor for significant CAS in multiple logistic regression was age (p = 0.046). Approximately half of the patients had significant CAS, and half of these underwent revascularization. Most patients with CAS did not have symptoms of myocardial ischemia. The data justify screening diabetic nephropathy transplant candidates with coronary angiography before transplantation.

[Angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction in patients transferred from other hospitals]. / Angioplastikk ved akutt hjerteinfarkt hos pasienter overført fra annet sykehus.

BACKGROUND: Primary or rescue angioplasty are reperfusion modalities in selected patients with acute myocardial infarction, after initial diagnosis in local hospitals. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transporting patients to a tertiary care hospital for interventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and April 2000, 50 consecutive patients were included in this prospective observational study. Comparisons were performed between patients admitted to primary angioplasty, either directly (n = 20; group A) or from other hospitals (n = 14; group B), and those transferred for rescue angioplasty (n = 16; group C). RESULTS: No severe complications occurred during interhospital transport. Median time interval from onset of symptoms to hospitalization was comparable between groups. Median time interval from onset of symptoms to balloon inflation in group C (340 minutes) was significantly longer than in groups A and B (181 and 130 minutes). All patients were alive at follow-up after median 230 days. Median echocardiographically determined left ventricular ejection fraction in group A was non-significantly higher (50%) than in groups B and C (43% and 46%). INTERPRETATION: Acute transfer for primary or rescue angioplasty is feasible and safe for selected patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Natriuretic peptides in patients with aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Whereas atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is secreted mainly from cardiac atria, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is produced to a larger extent in ventricles. Their relative importance as markers of cardiac function and myocardial hypertrophy is not yet clarified. This study evaluated circulating BNP and ANP and the N-terminal part of their propeptides (NT-proBNP and NT-proANP) as markers of left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial pressure increase in patients with aortic stenosis. METHODS: The plasma concentrations of BNP, NT-proBNP, ANP, and NT-proANP were measured by radioimmunoassay in 67 patients with aortic stenosis. Peptide plasma concentrations were related to measurements obtained by cardiac catheterization and echocardiography. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that BNP and NT-proBNP performed best in the detection of increased left ventricular mass and NT-proANP in the detection of increased left atrial pressure. NT-proBNP was significantly increased in mild left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass index, 78 to 139 g/m(2)), whereas NT-proANP was not increased until left ventricular mass index was 141 to 180 g/m(2). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma BNP and NT-proBNP may serve as early markers of left ventricular hypertrophy, whereas ANP and NT-proANP reflect left atrial pressure increase. The repeated and combined measurements of natriuretic peptides might provide diagnostic information relevant to the evaluation of the stage of aortic stenosis.

Acute regional myocardial ischemia identified by 2-dimensional multiregion tissue Doppler imaging technique.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) is a promising method for the assessment of regional myocardial function, but pulsed TDE does not provide quantitative data from multiple regions simultaneously. This feature is important for the objective assessment of regional differences in myocardial function. In the present study, we investigated a new off-line TDE method that provides quantitative pulsed velocity data from an unlimited number of regions selected within a 2-dimensional (2D) image. The goal of the study was to determine the ability of this new approach to quantify regional myocardial function during acute myocardial ischemia induced by balloon angioplasty. METHODS: Twenty-two patients undergoing angioplasty of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were studied. Left ventricular longitudinal wall motion was assessed by 2D TDE from the apical 4-chamber view before, during, and after angioplasty. Images were sampled at a rate of 69 +/- 15 frames/s, and the off-line analysis allowed simultaneous measurement of velocities in multiple myocardial segments. RESULTS: There were 3 major alterations in the systolic velocity pattern during LAD occlusion. Peak early systolic velocities along the apical septum were significantly reduced during LAD occlusion (2.8 +/- 1.2 cm/s to 0.6 +/- 1.7 cm/s, P <.001). Myocardial velocities in mid systole suggested paradoxical wall motion (1.0 +/- 1.2 cm/s to -0.8 +/- 0.9 cm/s, P <.001). When comparing the ischemic regions of the left ventricle with the nonischemic regions, each patient demonstrated lower myocardial systolic velocities in the ischemic region. Furthermore, during early diastole, the wall motion of the ischemic segments showed a postsystolic contraction pattern with velocities changing from -0.9 +/- 1.0 cm/s to 1.9 +/- 1.3 cm/s (P <.001). CONCLUSION: This new 2D TDE approach is able to quantify detailed myocardial velocity profiles from multiple regions simultaneously. Single-beat comparisons of ischemic and nonischemic regions might enhance the sensitivity for diagnosing ischemic heart disease. Reversed systolic wall motion during midsystole and marked positive velocity during early diastole might be new and important markers of myocardial wall ischemia.

Transmyocardial revascularization with CO2 laser in patients with refractory angina pectoris. Clinical results from the Norwegian randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical effects, exercise performance and effect on maximal oxygen consumption (MVO2) of transmyocardial revascularization with CO2-laser (TMR) in patients with refractory angina pectoris. BACKGROUND: Transmyocardial laser revascularization is a new method to treat patients with refractory angina pectoris not eligible for conventional revascularization. Few randomized studies comparing TMR with conventional treatment have been published. METHODS: One hundred patients with refractory angina not eligible for conventional revascularization were block-randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive continued optimal medical treatment (MT) or TMR in addition to MT. The patients were evaluated at baseline and at three and 12 months with end points to symptoms, exercise capacity and MVO2. RESULTS: Transmyocardial laser revascularization resulted in significant relief in angina symptoms after three and 12 months compared to baseline. Time to chest pain during exercise increased from baseline by 78 s after three months (p = NS) and 66 s (p < 0.01) after 12 months in the TMR group, whereas total exercise time and MVO2 were unchanged. No significant changes were observed in the MT group. Perioperative mortality was 4%. One year mortality was 12% in the TMR group and 8% in the MT group (p = NS.) CONCLUSIONS: Transmyocardial laser revascularization was performed with low perioperative mortality and caused significant symptomatic improvement, but no improvement in exercise capacity.

Restenosis and clinical outcome in patients treated with amlodipine after angioplasty: results from the Coronary AngioPlasty Amlodipine REStenosis Study (CAPARES).

OBJECTIVES: Our intent was to investigate the effect of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker amlodipine on restenosis and clinical outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). BACKGROUND: Amlodipine has sustained vasodilatory effects and relieves coronary spasm, which may reduce luminal loss and clinical complications after PTCA. METHODS: In a prospective, double-blind design, 635 patients were randomized to 10 mg of amlodipine or placebo. Pretreatment with the study drug started two weeks before PTCA and continued until four months after PTCA. The primary angiographic end point was loss in minimal lumen diameter (MLD) from post-PTCA to follow-up, as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). Clinical end points were death, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and repeat PTCA (major adverse clinical events). RESULTS: Angioplasty was performed in 585 patients (92.1%); 91 patients (15.6%) had coronary stents implanted. Follow-up angiography suitable for QCA analysis was done in 236 patients in the amlodipine group and 215 patients in the placebo group (per-protocol group). The mean loss in MLD was 0.30 +/- 0.45 mm in the amlodipine group versus 0.29 +/- 0.49 mm in the placebo group (p = 0.84). The need for repeat PTCA was significantly lower in the amlodipine versus the placebo group (10 [3.1%] vs. 23 patients [7.3%], p = 0.02, relative risk ratio [RR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22 to 0.91), and the composite incidence of clinical events (30 [9.4%] vs. 46 patients (14.5%), p = 0.049, RR: 0.65, CI: 0.43 to 0.99) within the four months follow-up period (intention-to-treat analysis). CONCLUSIONS: Amlodipine therapy starting two weeks before PTCA did not reduce luminal loss, but the incidence of repeat PTCA and the composite major adverse clinical events were significantly reduced during the four-month follow-up period after PTCA with amlodipine as compared with placebo.

Physiologic response to gain and loss in coronary minimal luminal diameter in patients treated with coronary angioplasty: prediction of restenosis on the basis of exercise capacity.

BACKGROUND: The effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on physiologic measurements has previously been shown, but the relation between physiologic response and degree of change in coronary luminal diameter is not known. We studied the relation between exercise capacity and minimal luminal diameter before and after PTCA. We also explored the usefulness of measurement of attenuation in exercise capacity after PTCA to predict the likelihood of restenosis. METHODS: Bicycle exercise testing was performed 2 weeks before and 2 and 20 weeks after PTCA in 395 consecutively enrolled patients. Angiograms obtained before and after PTCA and 20 weeks afterward were analyzed by quantitative coronary angiography. Restenosis was defined as both angiographic (>/=50% diameter stenosis at follow-up angiography) and clinical (target-vessel revascularization), after successful PTCA. Exercise capacity was defined as the cumulative work performed divided by body weight (watt x minutes x kilograms(-1)). RESULTS: Exercise capacity increased 43% (P <.0001) from before PTCA to 2 weeks after PTCA (early increase) and decreased 4% (P =.01) from 2 to 20 weeks after PTCA (late decrease). The gain in minimal luminal diameter (Minimal luminal diameter after - Minimal luminal diameter before) was 0.92 +/- 0.46 mm. The loss in minimal luminal diameter (Minimal luminal diameter after PTCA - Minimal luminal diameter at follow-up examination) was 0.27 +/- 0.42 mm. Exercise capacity and minimal luminal diameter measured before PTCA were positively correlated (coefficient 3.3; R = 0.12; P =.01). Gain in minimal luminal diameter correlated with the early increase in exercise capacity (coefficient -3.8; R = 0.23; P <.0001). Loss in minimal luminal diameter correlated with the late decrease in exercise capacity (coefficient 3.3; R = 0.20; P <.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the late decrease in exercise capacity was independently predictive of both angiographically (odds ratio 1.13; P <.0001) and clinically (odds ratio 1.12; P <.0001) defined restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated a linear relation between the severity of coronary stenosis and exercise capacity measured before PTCA. The degree of coronary luminal enlargement achieved with angioplasty and the luminal reduction that occurred between PTCA and follow-up evaluation correlated with increases and decreases in exercise capacity. Attenuation in exercise capacity was found to be a strong predictor of restenosis.

Luminal loss and restenosis after coronary angioplasty. The role of lipoproteins and lipids.

AIMS: Lipoproteins and lipids, especially lipoprotein(a), have been studied as risk factors for restenosis after coronary angioplasty with conflicting results. We investigated the association between serum levels of lipoprotein(a) apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B-100, total-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and coronary luminal loss and restenosis after angioplasty. METHODS: The lipoproteins and lipids were measured in 305 consecutive patients who underwent successful angioplasty and reangiography 20+/-3 weeks after angioplasty. Single-vessel dilatation was performed in 251 patients. Luminal loss was defined as minimal luminal diameter post-angioplasty minus minimal luminal diameter at follow-up, divided by the interpolated reference diameter of the vessel. Restenosis was defined according to three dichotomous categorical criteria: (1) >50% diameter stenosis at follow-up (2) loss of >50% of the gain achieved by angioplasty, (3) the need for target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: There was no significant association between the serum levels of lipoproteins and lipids and luminal loss. Univariate analysis did not show any significant difference in the serum levels of any of the lipoproteins and lipids between the restenosis and no-restenosis groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the angiographic variables (luminal gain and post-angioplasty minimal luminal diameter) were associated with luminal loss and restenosis after angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Lipoproteins and lipids were neither associated with luminal loss nor independent risk factors for restenosis after angioplasty.

[Current use of beta-blockers in coronary artery disease]. / Aktuell bruk av beta-blokkere ved koronar hjertesykdom.

This article presents the results of a retrospective analysis of the use of beta-blockers and current dosing of these agents in patients with coronary artery disease. While 70 to 78% of patients admitted to Norwegian university hospitals during 1990-1997 for angiographic evaluation of chest pain used beta-blockers, only 43-60% of patients with stable coronary artery disease enrolled in the 4S study in Norway received such treatment. High risk groups such as diabetics and patients with peripheral artery disease were less likely to receive beta-blockers during the early period, but were not treated differentially compared to low risk patients during recent years. Only 15% of patients with congestive heart failure received oral beta-blockers, and only 10.5% intravenous beta-blockade during acute myocardial infarction. The dosing of the most common beta-blockers were low, approximately 50% of doses shown to improve survival after acute myocardial infarction.

Effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty on exercise in patients with and without previous myocardial infarction.

Improvement in exercise capacity is an important clinical effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and was assessed in patients with and without previous myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing PTCA. We prospectively followed patients with exercise testing before and 2 weeks after angioplasty in 415 patients, 170 (41%) of whom had a previous MI. A third exercise test was performed 20 +/- 2 weeks after PTCA in 403 patients. From left ventricular angiography obtained before PTCA, regional dyskinesia was classified into anterior or posterior locations. Both patients with and without previous MI had a significant increase in exercise capacity from before to 2 and 20 weeks after PTCA (previous MI: 31.9% and 29.3%; no MI: 50.7% and 38.2%; p <0.0001 [analysis of variance]). In patients with MI and anterior dyskinesia, in whom lesions on the left anterior descending artery were dilated or posterior dyskinesia in whom lesions on the right coronary artery were dilated, exercise capacity increased significantly from before to 2 and 20 weeks after PTCA (left anterior descending artery: 53.1% and 39.7%, p <0.0001; right coronary artery: 16.9% and 27.6%, p = 0.01 [analysis of variance]). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that male sex, no previous MI, and dilation of left anterior descending artery were significantly associated with increased exercise capacity after angioplasty adjusted for age and smoking habits, whereas left ventricular ejection fraction and end-diastolic pressure were not associated with increased exercise capacity.

Influence of guidewire and catheter type on the frequency of cerebral microembolic signals during left heart catheterization.

Cerebral embolization is a serious complication during diagnostic heart catheterization. To date there have been no studies to determine whether the technique and the catheter type influence the frequency of cerebral microembolic signals (MES's) during left ventricular catheterization. Twenty-two patients had a leading straight tip guidewire protruding 5 to 10 cm outside the coronary catheters when the latter was advanced over the aortic arch (group A), whereas in 21 patients the guidewire was withdrawn in the descending part of the aorta (group B). Transcranial Doppler of the left middle cerebral artery was performed to monitor the number of cerebral MES's. When a protruding guidewire was used to advance the coronary catheters over the aortic arch, MES's were detected in 86% of the patients compared with 29% when the catheters were advanced without a guidewire (relative risk = 4.6, p = 0.00001). The number of MES's per patient also was significantly higher when a guidewire was used (median 9 vs 0) (p = 0.000004). In group A, a higher number of MES's was detected when a right Judkins catheter was advanced over the aortic arch than when a left Judkins catheter was advanced (median 6.5 vs 1) (p = 0.0005) and in patients who previously had a myocardial infarction than in those who had not (median 1 1 vs 4) (p = 0.007). This study strongly suggests that the risk of embolization is greater when straight tip guidewires are used to advance catheters over the aortic arch during left ventricular heart catheterization, especially in patients with a history of myocardial infarction.

Sustained benefit of stenting chronic coronary occlusion: long-term clinical follow-up of the Stenting in Chronic Coronary Occlusion (SICCO) study.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the long-term clinical outcome of stenting chronic occlusions. BACKGROUND: In the Stenting in Chronic Coronary Occlusion (SICCO) study, patients were randomized to additional stent implantation (n = 58) or not (n = 59) after successful recanalization and dilation of a chronic coronary occlusion. Palmaz-Schatz stents were used with full anticoagulation. The previously published 6-month angiographic follow-up results showed reduction of the restenosis rate from 74% to 32%. METHODS: The primary end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, lesion-related acute myocardial infarction, repeat lesion-related revascularization or angiographic documentation of reocclusion). RESULTS: Late clinical follow-up was obtained in all patients at 33 +/- 6 months. Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 14 patients (24.1%) in the stent group compared with 35 patients (59.3%) in the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) group (odds ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.49, p = 0.0002). Target vessel revascularization (including failed PTCA attempts) was performed in 24% of the stent group and in 53% of the PTCA group (p = 0.002). There were no events in the stent group after 8 months, whereas events continued to occur in the PTCA group. By multivariate analysis, allocation to the PTCA group, left anterior descending coronary artery lesion and lesion length were significantly related to the development of major adverse cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the long-term safety and clinical benefit of stenting recanalized chronic occlusions. There is a continued risk of late clinical events related to nonstented lesions. Implantation of an intracoronary stent should therefore be considered after successful opening of a chronic coronary occlusion.

Attenuated physical exercise capacity in smokers compared with non-smokers after coronary angioplasty despite similar luminal diameters.

AIMS: To study the impact of smoking on the change in exercise capacity in patients treated with coronary angioplasty. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-eight men below 70 years of age eligible for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty without previous coronary interventions were consecutively enrolled. Of the 334 patients (90.8%) who completed the study 77 (23.1%) were current smokers. Exercise tests were performed before percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, 2 and 19 +/- 2.4 weeks after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Coronary angiography was done in 333 patients (99.7%) (at mean 19 +/- 2.4 weeks). The angiograms were analysed quantitatively. RESULTS: There were no differences in the clinical and angiographic characteristics among the groups except for age. The non-smokers were older than the smokers (55.7 vs 52.4 years (P = 0.001)). Exercise capacity was equal before percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in both groups (17.6 vs 16.5 W x min-1 x kg-1). Non-smokers had a significantly higher increase in exercise capacity than smokers from baseline to 2 weeks after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (mean difference 4.3 W x min-1 x kg-1 (95% CI: 2.3 to 6.2; P < 0.001)), and from baseline to 19 weeks after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (mean difference 3.9 W x min-1 x kg-1 (95% CI: 1.6 to 6.2; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A clinical benefit from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was seen in both groups as judged from exercise testing. Smokers had a substantially lower increase in exercise capacity than non-smokers, indicating an attenuated benefit from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty among smokers.

[Thrombolytic treatment in acute myocardial infarction. Choice of preparations in Norwegian hospitals]. / Trombolytisk behandling ved akutt hjerteinfarkt. Preparatvalg ved norske sykehus.

In 1994 Statens legemiddelkontroll recommended Norwegian hospitals to increase the use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) in thrombolytic treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Using a questionnaire, which was distributed to all medical departments in Norwegian hospitals, we examined and assessed the preference of thrombolytic agents. None of the coronary care units administered r-tPA routinely as their first choice. Of 59 hospitals involved, 35 (59%) considered r-tPA on a wider indication (i.e. young age, short history of symptoms, and anterior wall infarction) than the 24 (41%) that only used r-tPA when streptokinase had recently been given. Of a total of 11,191 cases of myocardial infarction in 1996, 628 (6%) were treated with r-tPA. Closer examination of 2,818 cases of myocardial infarction in 13 hospitals revealed that thrombolytic treatment was given in 1,016 (36%) instances. In 206 cases (20%), the chosen agent was r-tPA, whereas 810 (80%) were given streptokinase. The reasons for the preference of streptokinase to r-tPA are discussed.

Evaluation of a pressure-recording guidewire in patients with coronary arterial disease.

The accuracy and feasibility of coronary arterial pressure measurements with a 0.018-in. pressure-recording guidewire (PRGW) was evaluated in patients. Transstenotic pressure gradients were measured with the PRGW and a guiding catheter, at baseline and during coronary vasodilatation. Proximal intracoronary pressure was measured with both systems before and after gradient measurements. Zero pressure was measured with the PRGW before and after intracoronary use. The average of all proximal intracoronary PRGW readings were close to guiding catheter values, but there were substantial individual deviations. Average change in proximal deviation before and after gradient measurements was -1 mm Hg, standard deviation (S.D.) 7.6, range -16 to 15. Errors in zero pressure measurements after intracoronary use (average 2.8 mm Hg, S.D. 8.8, range -9 to 35) were much greater than before use (average 0.1 mm Hg, S.D. 1.4, range -4 to 3, P < 0.001). The PRGW was successfully introduced through an 8F guiding catheter and positioned across the stenosis in 21 of 26 attempts (81%). Intracoronary advancement of the PRGW through a double-lumen multifunctional probing catheter was successful in all nine attempts. In conclusion, errors in PRGW-measurements caused uncertainty in gradient interpretation. However, we found the wire useful in several cases, particularly for exclusion of hemodynamically significant lesions. The steerability of the wire is inferior to ordinary guidewires, but it can be advanced to a distal intracoronary position through an over-the-wire catheter.

Outcome of bypass surgery in patients with chronic ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Predictive value of MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To determine the preoperative findings of MR imaging of the left ventricle (LV) that could best predict the functional outcome of the LV after surgical revascularization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with angina pectoris, previous myocardial infarction, and dysfunction of the LV, and who had a preoperative cine MR, were re-evaluated after bypass surgery with MR in a study on the effects of revascularization after mean 22 months. RESULTS: Angina pectoris was relieved in all patients except one, but the maximum workload during the exercise test was increased in only 3 patients. Coronary angiography showed that 37 of 45 (82%) of the distal anastomoses were open. The LV ejection fraction was the same before and after operation both at angiography and MR imaging. MR showed LV end-diastolic volume to be increased from 190 +/- 50 ml to 250 +/- 70 ml. Compared to angiography, MR provided additional information regarding myocardial wall thickness and function, and the size of myocardial infarction. Improvement in systolic wall thickening was seen in 65% of the segments that had had an end-diastolic wall thickness (EDWT) greater than 15 mm before operation, while only 4% of the segments with EDWT < 6 mm improved. In the wall thickness range of 6-15 mm, MR was unable to predict the functional outcome of the LV. CONCLUSION: Preoperative MR findings of thick myocardial walls with poor function seem predictive of improved function after revascularization. When the LV wall thickness is less than 6 mm, no improvement should be expected.

Stenting in Chronic Coronary Occlusion (SICCO): a randomized, controlled trial of adding stent implantation after successful angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether stenting improves long-term results after recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions. BACKGROUND: Restenosis is common after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of chronic coronary occlusions. Stenting has been suggested as a means of improving results, but its use has not previously been investigated in a randomized trial. METHODS: We randomly assigned 119 patients with a satisfactory result after successful recanalization by PTCA of a chronic coronary occlusion to 1) a control (PTCA) group with no other intervention, or 2) a group in which PTCA was followed by implantation of Palmaz-Schatz stents with full anticoagulation. Coronary angiography was performed before randomization, after stenting and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Inguinal bleeding was more frequent in the stent group. There were no deaths. One patient with stenting had a myocardial infarction. Subacute occlusion within 2 weeks occurred in four patients in the stent group and in three in the PTCA group. At follow-up, 57% of patients with stenting were free from angina compared with 24% of patients with PTCA only (p < 0.001). Angiographic follow-up data were available in 114 patients. Restenosis (> or = 50% diameter stenosis) developed in 32% of patients with stenting and in 74% of patients with PTCA only (p < 0.001); reocclusion occurred in 12% and 26%, respectively (p = 0.058). Minimal lumen diameter (mean +/- SD) at follow-up was 1.92 +/- 0.95 mm and 1.11 +/- 0.78 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). Target lesion revascularization within 300 days was less frequent in patients with stenting than in patients with PTCA only (22% vs. 42%, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Stent implantation improved long-term angiographic and clinical results after PTCA of chronic coronary occlusions and is thus recommended regardless of the primary PTCA result.