[Aortic Valve Replacement after Balloon Valvuloplasty for Aortic Valve Stenosis in a Dialysis Patient with Cardiogenic Shock;Report of a Case].

A 67-year-old man on chronic hemodialysis was admitted with worsening congestive heart failure due to critical aortic stenosis. Echocardiography showed severe aortic stenosis with a valve area of 0.67 cm2 and an ejection fraction of 0.31. Cardiac catheterization revealed severe pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary artery pressures of 62/32 mmHg. In the middle of cardiac catheterization, the systolic pressure declined to 60 mmHg due to cardiogenic shock. Dopamine hydrochloride and dobutamine hydrochloride infusions were necessary to maintain a systolic pressure greater than 80 mmHg. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty was urgently performed. The patient's symptoms rapidly resolved except for angina on exertion. One month later, elective aortic valve replacement was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the he was discharged on the 60th postoperative day. A follow-up echocardiogram 6 months postoperatively revealed normal prosthetic valve function and an ejection fraction of 0.6.

Impact of acute kidney injury on in-hospital outcomes in patients with DeBakey type III acute aortic dissection.

The relation between the incidence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) and clinical outcomes remains unclear in patients with DeBakey type III acute aortic dissection (AAD). We retrospectively assessed 56 patients admitted to our hospital for type III AAD within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The presence of AKI was identified, and its severity was staged on the basis of changes in serum creatinine (SCr) levels within 7 days after admission. We investigated the relations between AKI and clinical presentations, in-hospital complications, and predischarge renal function; AKI was observed in 20 patients (36%). After adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index, the incidence of AKI was associated with a history of hypertension, electrocardiographic ST-T changes, DeBakey type IIIb, and SCr level on admission. Maximum white blood cell count and serum C-reactive protein level were higher in patients with AKI than in those without AKI. AKI was associated with a greater incidence of in-hospital complications (70% vs 39%, p = 0.03) and higher SCr levels at discharge (1.1 [range 1.0 to 2.0] vs 0.9 [range 0.7 to 1.0] mg/dl, p = 0.0001). These associations were more pronounced in patients with relatively severe AKI. Multivariate analysis revealed that SCr level on admission and DeBakey type IIIb with renal artery involvement were major predictors of AKI. In conclusion, renal function on admission and renal artery involvement were significant risk factors for AKI, which was associated with poor outcomes and enhanced inflammatory response during hospitalization in patients with type III AAD.

Extended follow-up following "full-metal jacket" percutaneous coronary interventions with drug-eluting stents.

OBJECTIVES: To report very long-term follow-up of "Full-Metal Jacket" (FMJ) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in long-diffuse coronary lesions with drug-eluting stents (DES). BACKGROUND: PCI for long-diffuse lesions may result in FMJ, which is not preferred by some operators due to long-term risk of restenosis and stent thrombosis. The data on long-term follow-up of patients with FMJ are limited and would be useful in understanding the safety and feasibility of such a strategy. METHODS: Between April 2002 and March 2007, 274 patients (297 lesions in native coronary arteries) underwent PCI utilizing DES. FMJ was described as lesions requiring ≥ 60 mm of continuous stent. The measured endpoints were cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target-vessel revascularization (TVR), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as composite of cardiac death, target-vessel MI, and TVR. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 62.1 ± 11 years. The mean length of total stents used was 75.1 ± 16.4 mm (60-150). During the median follow-up of 74.7 months (interquartile range: 58-96), the rates of cardiac death, MI, TLR, and TVR were: 5.8% (n = 16), 6.2% (n = 17), 27.3% (n = 81), and 30% (n = 89), respectively. The MACE rate was 34%. Definite and probable stent thrombosis occurred in 10 patients (3.6%). CONCLUSION: The long-term follow-up of patients with FMJ is acceptable especially in regards to hard endpoints (death and MI) given the complexity of lesions treated. The high MACE rate was driven mainly by TVR. The availability of newer-generation DES and bioabsorbable scaffolds may improve these results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Differences in the clinical and angiographic characteristics of chronic total occlusion lesions in the three major coronary arteries.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in the clinical and angiographic characteristics of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions among the 3 major coronary arteries (LAD, LCx, and RCA). BACKGROUND: The success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO lesions is not uniform among the 3 major coronary arteries and this may be influenced by the differences in angiographic and clinical characteristics that may exists between them. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients who underwent PCI of CTO lesions at our 2 centers between 2003 and 2010. RESULTS: We analyzed 708 CTO-PCI procedures between 2003 and 2010. The CTO lesions were located in LAD: 222 (31.4%), LCx: 167 (23.6%), and RCA: 319 (45.0%). Patients with CTO in LAD had lower incidence of previous history of PCI and CABG compared to those with CTO lesions in LCx or RCA. In regard to angiographic findings, LAD lesions tended to have more side branches and blunt occlusion stump. The LCx lesions presented more frequently as a part of multivessel disease. RCA lesions were significantly longer, more severely angulated, and calcified. Good collateral circulations were more often encountered in the RCA. In regard to success rates, RCA showed lower procedural success rates (71.8%) followed by LAD (74.8%) and LCx (79.0%). CONCLUSIONS: There were several differences in the clinical and angiographic characteristics of CTO lesions among the 3 major coronary arteries. These differences can explain the discrepancy in procedure success rates.

J waves in accidental hypothermia.

BACKGROUND: The J wave is an ECG marker of ventricular fibrillation. However, the prevalence and clinical implications of J waves in hypothermic patients remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated the clinical characteristics and ECGs of patients who were admitted for accidental hypothermia (<35.0°C). J waves were defined as notches or slurs in the terminal part of the QRS complex with an amplitude ≥0.1mV. We analyzed the prevalence of J waves and the relationship between body temperature (BT) and J wave amplitude. We also examined the augmentation of J waves following variable R-R intervals in patients with atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, we assessed the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. A total of 60 hypothermic patients were recruited (mean age, 64±9 years; 97% male). The mean BT was 31.3°C (range, 29.4-33.5°C). J waves, which disappeared after rewarming, were observed in 30 patients (50%), with a higher frequency in patients with lower BT. Higher amplitude of J waves was associated with lower BT (P<0.001). Of the 8 patients with J waves and atrial fibrillation, 4 exhibited an augmentation of J waves following a short R-R interval. Only 1 patient with J waves developed ventricular tachycardia during rewarming. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of J waves and their amplitude increased with the severity of hypothermia. The temporal development of J waves might not be associated with fatal arrhythmic events.

The impact of main branch restenosis on long term mortality following drug-eluting stent implantation in patients with de novo unprotected distal left main bifurcation coronary lesions: the Milan and New-Tokyo (MITO) Registry.

BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains one of the main limitations for percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected distal left main (UDLM). This study aims to demonstrate the impact of main-branch ISR (MB-ISR) on mortality and to clarify the optimal strategy. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2008, 482 consecutive UDLM patients treated with drug eluting stent (sirolimus and paclitaxel) were evaluated. RESULTS: During follow-up period (median 52.6 months), MB-ISR occurred in 29, SB-ISR in 65, and MB/SB-ISR in 24. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the independent predictors of MB-ISR were calcification (HR 2.284, p = 0.016), true-bifurcation (HR 2.331, p = 0.024), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (insulin-DM) (HR 2.259, p = 0.048). Furthermore, final proximal postdilatation (FPPD) (HR 0.548, p = 0.077), full LM cover approach (FCA) (HR 0.605, p = 0.093) and greater MLD (HR 0.611, p = 0.062) had a tendency to reduce MB-ISR. Furthermore, the occurrence of MB-ISR within 1-year was associated with cardiac-death (HR 2.734, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The patients with MB-ISR had more comorbidities and complex lesions, resulting in higher risk of cardiac mortality as compared to the patients without MB-ISR. Presence of calcification, true-bifurcation and insulin-DM were associated with MB-ISR following UDLM intervention, while FCA, FPPD, and greater MLD seemed to be associated with the low occurrence of MB-ISR.

Discrepancies in vessel sizing between angiography and intravascular ultrasound varies according to the vessel evaluated.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) of the coronary artery and stent size may be influenced by anatomical location in relation to both calibration point and the X-ray tube. The impact of this phenomenon on lesion assessment is undetermined. METHODS: In total, 427 consecutive patients who underwent PCI with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guidance were enrolled. The minimum stent diameter (MSD) was measured using QCA (MSDQCA) and IVUS (MSDIVUS) analysis. We used reference objects positioned at a different height from the X-ray source to validate our approach. RESULTS: A statistically positive moderate correlation was observed between MSDQCA and MSDIVUS (r=0.649, p=0.001). The mean MSDQCA and MSDIVUS were 3.04±0.49 mm and 2.68±0.47 mm respectively. The difference between MSDQCA and MSDIVUS of >0.75 mm was more frequently observed in the LCx rather than in the LAD (7.4% in the LAD vs. 24.3% in the LCx, p=0.001). The discrepancy between the MSDQCA and MSDIVUS for the LCx was larger than for the LAD, and tended to be larger than for the RCA (13.3% vs. 18.5%, p=0.05 and 18.5% vs. 14.5%, p=0.17). A discrepancy >20% was more frequently observed in the small (≤2.5 mm) than in the large MSDIVUS group (52.7% vs. 25.1%, p=0.001). This discrepancy was more common in the LCx than in the LAD or RCA (48.6% vs. 30.9% vs. 31.2%, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of the MSDQCA is more likely to overestimate in the LCx than in the LAD, particularly when the MSDIVUS is <2.5 mm. Therefore, we should be less aggressive in oversizing balloons and stents based on QCA for the LCx or small vessel intervention.

The long-term clinical outcome of T-stenting and small protrusion technique for coronary bifurcation lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report long-term clinical outcomes in patients treated with the provisional T-stenting and small protrusion (TAP) technique. BACKGROUND: Several strategies have been proposed for treating bifurcation lesions, each with its own merits and technical challenges. The TAP technique is a relatively new strategy that is technically less challenging, ensures complete coverage of the side-branch ostium, and minimizes stent overlap. Although there is reasonable amount of data for other bifurcation strategies, the long-term clinical outcomes for TAP technique are limited. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent TAP technique with drug-eluting stents between July 2005 and January 2012. The measured endpoints at follow-up were major adverse cardiac events defined as composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients (81.1% men) with a mean age of 64.8 years underwent TAP stenting. Procedural success was achieved in 100% of cases. True bifurcation was observed in 75 (78.9%) patients. First-generation drug-eluting stents were used in 55.8% of patients. The outcome rates at 3-year follow-up of major adverse cardiac events, cardiac death/follow-up myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, and target lesion revascularization were 12.9%, 3.1%, 9.7%, and 5.1%, respectively. There were no cases of follow-up myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis (definite and probable). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that TAP technique is associated with acceptable clinical outcomes with no episodes of definite and probable stent thrombosis. Further studies should compare TAP technique with other 2-stent strategies.

Impact of residual chronic total occlusion of right coronary artery on the long-term outcome in patients treated for unprotected left main disease: the Milan and New-Tokyo registry.

BACKGROUND: The presence of chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery (CTO-RCA) in patients undergoing percutaneous interventions for unprotected left main (ULM) disease may affect the prognosis. In this study, we evaluated the immediate results and follow-up of patients with ULM-percutaneous interventions and with or without associated CTO-RCA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between March 2002 and December 2008, a total of 568 consecutive patients with ULM stenosis treated with drug-eluting stent were included in this analysis. The mean EuroScore and SYNTAX scores were 4.05±2.62 and 28.12±10.82, respectively. Of these, 522 had ULM lesions without residual CTO-RCA (493 ULM without CTO-RCA+29 ULM with treated CTO-RCA), and 46 patients had residual CTO-RCA. At 1466 days (interquartile range, 1150-1917) follow-up, the cardiac-death occurred in 41 patients (7.2%). Cardiac-death was more frequently observed in patients with ULM and residual CTO-RCA as compared with those without residual CTO-RCA (adjusted hazard ratios, 2.163 [95% confidence interval, 1.018-4.597]; P=0.045). However, target lesion revascularization occurred less frequently in patients with residual CTO-RCA (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.321 [95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.794]; P=0.014), resulting in the similar major adverse cardiovascular events rates between the 2 groups. When we analyzed patients with concomitant ULM and CTO-RCA, cardiac-death was significantly higher in patients with residual as compared with treated CTO-RCA (log-rank P=0.01) despite no difference in baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac-death occurred more frequently in patients with residual CTO-RCA as compared with those without residual CTO-RCA. These findings suggest that recanalization of CTO-RCA has significant impact on the long-term cardiac-mortality in patients undergoing ULM-percutaneous interventions probably by offering reserve coronary circulation, if in-stent restenosis were to occur in the treated left main.

Assessment of efficacy and safety of combining "paclitaxel" eluting balloon and "limus" eluting stent in the same lesion.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of combining drug-eluting balloon (DEB) and drug-eluting stents (DES) in the same coronary lesion. BACKGROUND: Use of DEB may not always produce optimal results or even result in dissection, compelling the operators to consider bailout stenting with bare metal stents (BMS). However, BMS may not be ideal in patients who have significant risk-profile for restenosis. We have opted for DES over BMS in such situations and present our follow-up data. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 46 patients (57 lesions) requiring bailout stenting following DEB use were treated with second-generation DES. All patients had at-least one or more risk-factors that made them vulnerable for restenosis (diabetes, chronic kidney disease, previous in-stent restenosis [ISR], and/or long diffuse lesions ≥ 30 mm). RESULTS: Of the 57 lesions, 34 (60%) were previous ISR. The mean length of the DEB was: 36.2 ± 5.6 mm. All patients had TIMI-3 flow post PCI with no in-lab complications. At median follow-up of 12.3 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.5-18.1), the rates target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) were 3 (5.3%) and 4 (7%), respectively. One patient had died 3 months following treatment. There were no episodes of myocardial infarction, definite or probable stent thrombosis. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rate defined as cardiac-death, MI, and TVR occurred in 11% of patients. CONCLUSION: The results from this novel strategy of combining "Paclitaxel" eluting balloon and "Limus" eluting stent in a same lesion are encouraging. Dual drug-elution acting on two different pathways may provide potential synergy that may explain the favorable outcome.

Incidence, management, and outcomes of cardiac tamponade during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a single-center study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the incidence, causes, and outcomes of cardiac tamponade in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). BACKGROUND: Use of TAVI is increasing, but the procedure is vulnerable to complications, given the cohort of patients. Cardiac tamponade is a possible complication, and there is a scarcity of data on the incidence and outcomes of cardiac tamponade during TAVI. METHODS: All patients who sustained cardiac tamponade during or post-TAVI between 2007 and 2012 were included in the study. RESULTS: Of 389 patients who underwent TAVI, 17 (4.3%) had cardiac tamponade. The mean age was 82.3 ± 3.7 years, and most were women (n = 12, 70.6%). Causes of cardiac tamponade were right ventricular perforation by temporary pacemaker (9 patients, 52.9%), annular rupture or aortic dissection (4 patients, 23.5%), and tear in the left ventricular free wall caused by Amplatz stiff wire or catheters (4 patients, 23.5%). Mortality occurred in 4 patients (23.5%), and all had tamponade caused by injury to the high-pressured left-sided circulation (left ventricle and aorta). Most patients (n = 14, 82.4%) sustained cardiac tamponade during the procedure-2 patients (11.7%) within 24 h, and 1 patient after 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac tamponade during TAVI is not frequent but is associated with high mortality rates especially when left-sided structures are involved. Meticulous handling of the equipment and improvements in the safety of currently used devices could further reduce the occurrence of this complication.

Primary cardiac sarcoma mimicking benign myxoma: a case report.

A 53-year-old woman presented with a primary cardiac sarcoma mimicking benign myxoma manifesting as progressive heart failure. Transesophageal echocardiography disclosed two separate tumors in the left atrium which appeared just like myxoma, except for the origin and multiple growth profile. Three separate tumors were identified during the operation arising from the posterior wall of the left atrium, mitral valve orifice and left atrial free wall. The histological diagnosis was malignant undifferentiated sarcoma. Six months later, she noticed dyspnea and arm numbness due to local recurrence of cardiac tumor and brain metastasis. She died suddenly 6 months after the surgery during admission. The clinical and echocardiographic findings are crucial to discriminate malignant cardiac tumors from benign myxoma. Rapidly progressive clinical course, multiple tumor growth and non-septal attachment of the tumor all suggest a malignant profile of the primary cardiac tumors. Careful and precise preoperative evaluation, including echocardiographic survey of the tumor origin and multiple growth profile, are essential to identify malignant cardiac tumor.