Evolution of right ventricular function post-acute ST elevation myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: To characterize the evolution of right ventricular (RV) function post-myocardial infarction (MI), to describe the culprit vessel involved with RV injury and to assess the concordance between RV injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and RV infarct on electrocardiogram (EKG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations at three time frames post-ST elevation MI (STEMI). RESULTS: Of those with an initial normal scan, RV function did not significantly change over time (60.6 ± 6.3, 57.8 ± 6.0, 55.4 ± 5.7, P > 0.05). However, in those whose RVEF (RV ejection fraction) was initially low, it significantly increased from the first scan to the third scan (46.2 ± 3.6, 50 ± 6.6, 51.3 ± 5.2, P < 0.01). Post-hoc testing revealed a significant difference between the 48-hour and the 6-month scan, and between the 48-hour and the 3-week scan; however, there was no significant difference between the 3-week and 6-month scans. Interestingly, 23% of patients with low RVEF at baseline had the left anterior descending (LAD) as the culprit vessel. Only 15% of the low RVEF at baseline group were classified as having an RVMI by EKG criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal timepoint to assess for RV injury via CMR may be 3 weeks post-acute MI. Standard EKG criteria may underestimate RV injury when compared to CMR.

Magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging at 3.0 Tesla for the identification of myocardial ischaemia: comparison with coronary catheter angiography and fractional flow reserve measurements.

AIMS: To assess image quality and diagnostic performance of 3.0 Tesla (3T) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion imaging with a dual radiofrequency source to detect functional relevant coronary artery disease (CAD), using coronary angiography and invasive pressure-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) as reference standard. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 116 patients with suspected or known CAD, who underwent 3T adenosine myocardial perfusion CMR (resolution 2.97 × 2.97 mm) and coronary angiography plus FFR measurements in intermediate lesions. Image quality of myocardial perfusion CMR was graded on a 4-point scale (1 = poor to 4 = excellent). Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by ROC analyses using a 16-myocardial segment-based summed perfusion score (0 = normal to 3 = transmural perfusion defect) and by determining sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value on the coronary vessel territory and the patient level. Diagnostic image quality was achieved for all stress myocardial perfusion CMR studies with an average quality score of 2.5, 3.1, and 3.0 for LAD, LCX, and RCA territories. The ability of the myocardial perfusion CMR perfusion score to detect significant coronary artery stenosis yielded an area under the curve of 0.93 on ROC analysis. Values for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value on a vessel territory level and the patient level were 89, 95, 87, 96% and 85, 87, 77, 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with suspected or known significant CAD, 3T myocardial perfusion CMR with standard perfusion protocols provides consistently high image quality and an excellent diagnostic performance.

Circulating concentrations of GLP-1 are associated with coronary atherosclerosis in humans.

BACKGROUND: GLP-1 is an incretine hormone which gets secreted from intestinal L-cells in response to nutritional stimuli leading to pancreatic insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon release. GLP-1 further inhibits gastric motility and reduces appetite which in conjunction improves postprandial glucose metabolism. Additional vasoprotective effects have been described for GLP-1 in experimental models. Despite these vasoprotective actions, associations between endogenous levels of GLP-1 and cardiovascular disease have yet not been investigated in humans which was the aim of the present study. METHODS: GLP-1 serum levels were assessed in a cohort of 303 patients receiving coronary CT-angiography due to typical or atypical chest pain. RESULTS: GLP-1 was found to be positively associated with total coronary plaque burden in a fully adjusted model containing age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, triglycerides, LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), hsCRP (high-sensitive C-reactive protein), and eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) (OR: 2.53 (95% CI: 1.12 - 6.08; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Circulating GLP-1 was found to be positivity associated with coronary atherosclerosis in humans. The clinical relevance of this observation needs further investigations.

Atherosclerotic plaque burden in cocaine users with acute chest pain: analysis by coronary computed tomography angiography.

Chest pain associated with cocaine use represents an increasing problem in the emergency department (ED). Cocaine use has been linked to the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We used coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) to evaluate the prevalence, severity and composition of atherosclerotic lesions in cocaine users. We studied 78 patients with non-occasional cocaine use (52 men, 44 ± 7 years, 23 under the acute influence) and acute chest pain but without ACS, who had undergone cCTA in the ED. Patients were matched one-to-one by gender, race, symptoms, and risk-factors with a control cohort (n = 78; 52 men, 45 ± 6 years) not using cocaine. Each coronary segment was evaluated for the presence and composition (calcified, non-calcified, partially calcified) of atherosclerotic plaque and for stenosis. The prevalence of coronary stenosis was not significantly different between patients with and without cocaine use (13% versus 5%, P > 0.05). However, cocaine users on average had significantly more atherosclerotic plaques (0.44 ± 0.88 versus 0.29 ± 0.83, P < 0.05) and a tendency towards more calcified (0.64 ± 1.23 versus 0.55 ± 1.22, P > 0.05) and non-calcified plaques (0.26 ± 0.63 versus 0.17 ± 0.57, P > 0.05), yet not reaching statistical significance. Furthermore, cocaine users had significantly more partially calcified plaques (0.41 ± 0.61 versus 0.17 ± 0.41, P < 0.05) and higher partially calcified plaque volume (59.7 ± 33.3 mm(3) versus 25.6 ± 12.6 mm(3), P < 0.05). Thus, cocaine users tend to have more pronounced coronary atherosclerosis compared to patients without cocaine use at the time of presentation with acute chest pain.

Cost-effectiveness of paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with drug-eluting stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: The economic impact of drug-eluting stent (DES) in-stent restenosis (ISR) is substantial, highlighting the need for cost-effective treatment strategies. HYPOTHESIS: Compared to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) or repeat DES implantation, drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty is a cost-effective therapy for DES-ISR. METHODS: A Markov state-transition model was used to compare DCB angioplasty with POBA and repeat DES implantation. Model input parameters were obtained from the literature, and the cost analysis was conducted from a German healthcare payer's perspective. Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Initial procedure costs amounted to €3488 for DCB angioplasty and to €2782 for POBA. Over a 6-month time horizon, the DCB strategy was less costly (€4028 vs €4169) and more effective in terms of life-years (LYs) gained (0.497 versus 0.489) than POBA. The DES strategy incurred initial costs of €3167 and resulted in 0.494 LYs gained, at total costs of €4101 after a 6-month follow-up. Thus, DCB angioplasty was the least costly and most effective strategy. Base-case results were influenced mostly by initial procedure costs, target lesion revascularization rates, and the costs of dual antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: DCB angioplasty is a cost-effective treatment option for coronary DES-ISR. The higher initial costs of the DCB strategy compared to POBA or repeat DES implantation are offset by later cost savings.

Increased pericardial adipose tissue is correlated with atrial fibrillation and left atrial dilatation.

INTRODUCTION: Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), a visceral fat depot surrounding the heart, serves as an endocrine active organ and is associated with inflammation. There is growing evidence that atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked with inflammation, which in turn can be a promoter of left atrial remodeling. The aim of this study was to evaluate a potential correlation of PAT to AF and left atrial structural remodeling represented by LA size. METHODS: PAT was measured in 1,288 patients who underwent coronary artery calcium-scanning for coronary risk stratification. LA size was determined by two independent readers. Patients were subdivided into patients without AF, patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. RESULTS: PAT was independently correlated with AF, persistent AF, and LA size (all p values <0.001). No association could be observed between paroxysmal AF and PAT. These associations persisted after multivariate adjustment for AF risk factors such as age, hypertension, valvular disease, heart failure, and body mass index (AF: OR 1.52, 95 % CI 1.15-2.00, p = 0.003; persistent AF: OR 2.58, 95 % CI 1.69-3.99, p = 0.001; LA size: regression coefficient 0.15 with 95 % CI 0.10-0.20, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PAT is associated with AF, in particular with persistent AF and LA size. These findings suggest that PAT could be an independent risk factor for the development of AF and for LA remodeling.

Cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular magnetic resonance and single-photon emission computed tomography for diagnosis of coronary artery disease in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated a superior diagnostic accuracy of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to determine the comparative cost-effectiveness of CMR versus single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). METHODS: Based on Bayes' theorem, a mathematical model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness and utility of CMR with SPECT in patients with suspected CAD. Invasive coronary angiography served as the standard of reference. Effectiveness was defined as the accurate detection of CAD, and utility as the number of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Model input parameters were derived from the literature, and the cost analysis was conducted from a German health care payer's perspective. Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Reimbursement fees represented only a minor fraction of the total costs incurred by a diagnostic strategy. Increases in the prevalence of CAD were generally associated with improved cost-effectiveness and decreased costs per utility unit (ΔQALY). By comparison, CMR was consistently more cost-effective than SPECT, and showed lower costs per QALY gained. Given a CAD prevalence of 0.50, CMR was associated with total costs of €6,120 for one patient correctly diagnosed as having CAD and with €2,246 per ΔQALY gained versus €7,065 and €2,931 for SPECT, respectively. Above a threshold value of CAD prevalence of 0.60, proceeding directly to invasive angiography was the most cost-effective approach. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with low to intermediate CAD probabilities, CMR is more cost-effective than SPECT. Moreover, lower costs per utility unit indicate a superior clinical utility of CMR.

Fully automated derivation of coronary artery calcium scores and cardiovascular risk assessment from contrast medium-enhanced coronary CT angiography studies.

OBJECTIVES: Performance evaluation of a fully automated system for calculating computed tomography (CT) coronary artery calcium scores from contrast medium-enhanced coronary CT angiography (cCTA) studies. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients (58 ± 11 years, 71 men) who had undergone cCTA as well as an unenhanced CT calcium scoring study where included. Calcium scores were computed from cCTA by an automated image processing algorithm and compared with calcium scores obtained by standard manual assessment of unenhanced CT calcium scoring studies. Results were compared vis-a-vis (1) absolute calcium score values, (2) age-, gender- and race-dependent percentiles, and (3) commonly used calcium score risk classification categories. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen out of 127 (93.7%) studies were successfully processed. Mean Agatston calcium score values obtained by traditional non-contrast CT calcium scoring studies and derived from contrast medium-enhanced cCTA did not significantly differ (235.6 ± 430.5 vs 262.0 ± 499.5; P > 0.05). Calcium score risk categories and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) percentiles showed very high correlation (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.97, P < 0.0001/0.95, P < 0.0001) between the two approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium score values automatically computed from cCTA are highly correlated with standard unenhanced CT calcium scoring studies. These results suggest a radiation dose- and time-saving potential when deriving calcium scores from cCTA studies without a preceding unenhanced CT calcium scoring study.

Aortic valve calcium score as a predictor for outcome after TAVI using the CoreValve revalving system.

BACKGROUND: TAVI is a novel treatment option for patients at too high risk for surgery. Risk scores for surgical valve replacement failed to accurately predict outcomes after TAVI and alternative risk parameters are lacking so far. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the CT-derived aortic valve calcification score as a predictor for outcome during and after TAVI. METHODS: Transfemoral TAVI using the CoreValve device was performed in 68 patients, in whom the aortic valve calcium score was determined from preprocedural 64-sclice ECG gated CT-scans. RESULTS: 30-day MACE rate (death, stroke, MI) was 10.3%, 1-year mortality was 11.8%. Using linear regression analysis the aortic valve calcium score was the only significant predictor for 30-day MACE and for 1-year mortality and was also associated with the incidence and severity of post procedural aortic regurgitation (r=0.33, p<0.05). Patients withvalve calcium scores >750 had a significant lower 1-year survival rate compared to patients with scores <750 (58% vs. 98%, p<0.05). The aortic valve calcium score is also inversely associated with the absolute improvement of NYHA-class after TAVI (regression coefficient=-0.43, p<0.02). CONCLUSION: The degree of aortic valve calcification is associated with post procedural aortic regurgitation, procedural complications, 1-year mortality and with the degree of functional improvement of patients who underwent TAVI using the CoreValve device. Due to the fact that the aortic valve calcium score can be determined from CT-datasets that are used for preprocedural planning, this parameter may be incorporated in the general work up and may be used for risk stratification and patient selection.

Potential lifetime cost-effectiveness of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation in patients with resistant hypertension.

AIMS: Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) for the treatment of resistant hypertension. We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of this approach separately for men and women of different ages. METHODS AND RESULTS: A Markov state-transition model accounting for costs, life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness was developed to compare RDN with best medical therapy (BMT) in patients with resistant hypertension. The model ran from age 30 to 100 years or death, with a cycle length of 1 year. The efficacy of RDN was modelled as a reduction in the risk of hypertension-related disease events and death. Analyses were conducted from a payer's perspective. Costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% annually. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. When compared with BMT, RDN gained 0.98 QALYs in men and 0.88 QALYs in women 60 years of age at an additional cost of €2589 and €2044, respectively. As the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios increased with patient age, RDN consistently yielded more QALYs at lower costs in lower age groups. Considering a willingness-to-pay threshold of €35 000/QALY, there was a 95% probability that RDN would remain cost-effective up to an age of 78 and 76 years in men and women, respectively. Cost-effectiveness was influenced mostly by the magnitude of effect of RDN on systolic blood pressure, the rate of RDN non-responders, and the procedure costs of RDN. CONCLUSION: Renal sympathetic denervation is a cost-effective intervention for patients with resistant hypertension. Earlier treatment produces better cost-effectiveness ratios.

CT evaluation of coronary artery stents with iterative image reconstruction: improvements in image quality and potential for radiation dose reduction.

OBJECTIVES: Comparison of coronary artery stent assessment with cardiac CT angiography (cCTA) using traditional filtered back projection (FBP) and sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE), in both full- and half-radiation dose image data. METHODS: Dual-source cCTA studies of 37 implanted stents were reconstructed at full- and half-radiation dose with FBP and SAFIRE. Half-dose data were based on projections from one DSCT detector. In-stent noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and stent-lumen attenuation increase ratio (SAIR) were measured and image quality graded. Stent volumes were measured to gauge severity of beam hardening artefacts. RESULTS: Full-dose SAFIRE reconstructions were superior to full-dose FBP vis-à-vis in-stent noise (21.2 ± 6.6 vs. 35.7 ± 17.5; P < 0.05), SNR (22.1 ± 8.6 vs. 14.3 ± 6.7; P < 0.05), SAIR (19.6 ± 17.6 vs. 33.4 ± 20.4%; P < 0.05), and image quality (4.2 ± 0.86 vs. 3.5 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). Stent volumes were lower measured with SAFIRE (119.9 ± 53.7 vs. 129.8 ± 65.0 mm(3); P > 0.05). Comparing half-dose SAFIRE with full-dose FBP, in-stent noise (26.7 ± 13.0 vs. 35.7 ± 17.5; P < 0.05) and SNR (18.2 ± 6.9 vs. 14.3 ± 6.7; P < 0.05) improved significantly. SAIR (31.6 ± 24.3 vs. 33.4 ± 20.4%; P > 0.05), stent volume (129.6 ± 57.3 vs. 129.8 ± 65.0 mm(3); P > 0.05), and image quality (3.5 ± 1.0 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1; P > 0.05) did not differ. Radiation dose decreased from 8.7 ± 5.2 to 4.3 ± 2.6 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: Iterative reconstruction significantly improves imaging of coronary artery stents by CT compared with FBP, even with half-radiation-dose data.

Cryoballoon in AF ablation: impact of PV ovality on AF recurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Complete occlusion of the pulmonary veins (PV) is crucial for successful PV isolation. While two different sizes of cryoballoons (23 and 28 mm) are available, complete occlusion is not always achieved in any given PV. We investigated the role of PV ostial anatomy during cryoballoon PV occlusion grading and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence rate. METHODS: PV ostial diameter was analyzed in 168 consecutive patients (111 men, 61 ± 10 years, 124 paroxysmal (px) and 44 persistent AF) using cardiac computed tomography (CT) prior to procedure. The ovality index at the PV ostial level was calculated in any given PV. During follow-up, 7-day holter monitors were performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months post-ablation. RESULTS: The success rate at 12 ± 6 months follow-up was 69% including a 3-month blanking period (px AF: 66%; persistent AF 77%). The ovality index of the left-sided PVs was significantly larger ("more oval") than that of the right-sided PVs (p<0.001). An optimized PV occlusion in all individual PVs (complete occlusion, grading 4/4) was achieved during ablation in 49% of patients with AF recurrence and in 73% of patients without AF recurrence (p=0.004). Patients with AF recurrence had "more oval" left-sided PVs compared to patients free from AF recurrence (LSPV 0.40 ± 0.2 vs. 0.33 ± 0.2; p=0.04 and LIPV 0.41 ± 0.3 vs. 0.32 ± 0.2; p=0.03), whereas no significant association was found for right sided PVs. CONCLUSION: The ostial PV anatomy seems to have an important impact on clinical outcome and should be considered when planning and performing cryoballoon AF ablation procedures.

Lipoprotein (a) is independently correlated with coronary artery calcification.

INTRODUCTION: Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) has been recognized as a risk factor for both coronary heart diseases and for cardiovascular events. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a well proven marker for coronary artery disease and risk factor for cardiovascular events. Still there are conflicting data regarding the relationship of Lp(a) and CAC. We therefore wanted to evaluate the influence of Lp(a) on CAC. METHODS: 1560 European patients (1123 men, age 59.3 ± 20.8 years) with typical or atypical chest pain underwent CAC scoring by a multi-slice CT-scanner, using a standard protocol. Blood samples were evaluated the same day using an automated particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay to determine Lp(a) serum levels. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between CAC score, age, and common cardiovascular risk factors. Lp(a) serum levels were not associated with age but a positive correlation between Lp(a) serum levels and CAC was found. In the multivariate analysis age, diabetes, statin therapy, and Lp(a) could be identified as independent risk factors for CAC. (p<0.001). BMI, smoking, hypertension and LDL-C were not independently associated with CAC. CONCLUSION: Lp (a) could be identified as an independent predictor of CAC, a marker of coronary atherosclerosis. Further a positive correlation between increasing Lp (a) levels and CAC scores was found.

A novel double cryoballoon strategy in persistent atrial fibrillation: a pilot study.

AIMS: Cryoballoon technology is a promising technique in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, success rates in patients with persistent AF have not been convincing. There is a trend toward performing more extensive procedures that are referred to as 'pulmonary vein isolation plus.' To combine pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and antral substrate modification, we used both the 23-mm and 28-mm cryoballoon in a single approach in patients with persistent AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: 33 consecutive patients (26 men, age 60 ± 10 years, LA size 44 ± 5 mm) with persistent AF were prospectively included. All patients underwent the "double balloon strategy:" at least two applications at each pulmonary vein (PV) using the smaller 23-mm balloon to isolate the PV at the ostial level plus at least one additional freeze by the 28-mm balloon at the wide PV antral level. 7-day Holter monitors were performed during follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months post-ablation. 131 of 133 PVs were targeted and isolated (98.4 %). A mean of 14 ± 2 cryoballoon applications per patient or 3.5 ± 1.5 applications per vein were performed. After a single procedure and mean follow-up of 15 ± 3 months, 69.7 % of patients remained in sinus rhythm (3-month blanking period). There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: In persistent AF, the "double balloon strategy;" combining the small and large cryoballoon allowed ostial PV isolation followed by antral cryoablation is feasible, safe and associated with a favorable outcome.

Cost-effectiveness of paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty and paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation for treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR). The cost-effectiveness of this practice is unknown. METHODS: A Markov state-transition decision analytic model accounting for varying procedural efficacy rates, complication rates, and cost estimates was developed to compare DCB angioplasty with drug-eluting stent (DES) placement in patients with bare-metal stent (BMS)-ISR. Data on procedural outcomes associated with both treatment strategies were derived from the literature, and the cost analysis was conducted from a health care payer perspective. Effectiveness was expressed as life-years gained. RESULTS: In the base-case analysis, initial procedure costs amounted to €3,604.14 for DCB angioplasty and to €3,309.66 for DES implantation. Over a 12-month time horizon, the DCB strategy was found to be less costly (€4,130.38 vs. €5,305.30) and slightly more effective in terms of life expectancy (0.983 vs. 0.976 years) than the DES strategy. Extensive sensitivity analyses indicated that, in comparison with DES implantation, the cost advantage of the DCB strategy was robust to clinically plausible variations in the values of key model input parameters. The variables with the greatest impact on base-case results were the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel after DCB angioplasty, the use of generic clopidogrel, and variations in the costs associated with the DCB device. CONCLUSION: DCB angioplasty is a cost-effective treatment option for coronary BMS-ISR. The higher initial costs of DCB are more than offset by later cost-savings, predominantly as a result of reduced medication costs.

Direct costs and cost-effectiveness of dual-source computed tomography and invasive coronary angiography in patients with an intermediate pretest likelihood for coronary artery disease.

AIMS: The study aims to determine the direct costs and comparative cost-effectiveness of latest-generation dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) and invasive coronary angiography for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients suspected of having this disease. METHODS: The study was based on a previously elaborated cohort with an intermediate pretest likelihood for CAD and on complementary clinical data. Cost calculations were based on a detailed analysis of direct costs, and generally accepted accounting principles were applied. Based on Bayes' theorem, a mathematical model was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of both diagnostic approaches. Total costs included direct costs, induced costs and costs of complications. Effectiveness was defined as the ability of a diagnostic test to accurately identify a patient with CAD. RESULTS: Direct costs amounted to €98.60 for DSCT and to €317.75 for invasive coronary angiography. Analysis of model calculations indicated that cost-effectiveness grew hyperbolically with increasing prevalence of CAD. Given the prevalence of CAD in the study cohort (24%), DSCT was found to be more cost-effective than invasive coronary angiography (€970 vs €1354 for one patient correctly diagnosed as having CAD). At a disease prevalence of 49%, DSCT and invasive angiography were equally effective with costs of €633. Above a threshold value of disease prevalence of 55%, proceeding directly to invasive coronary angiography was more cost-effective than DSCT. CONCLUSIONS: With proper patient selection and consideration of disease prevalence, DSCT coronary angiography is cost-effective for diagnosing CAD in patients with an intermediate pretest likelihood for it. However, the range of eligible patients may be smaller than previously reported.

Accuracy of 64-multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation prior to pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS: Aim of our study was to investigate the value of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for detecting significant stenoses of coronary arteries in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to pulmonary vein (PV) ablation (PVA). BACKGROUND: Many patients undergoing PVA for AF receive three-dimensional computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography imaging for improving anatomical orientation. METHODS: One-hundred and eighty-one patients with AF refractory to antiarrhythmic treatment underwent ECG-gated 64-MDCT for identification of PV anatomy and simultaneous assessment of coronary vessels before PVA. No additional radiation was incurred for MDCT coronary angiography during MDCT scan. Pretest probability for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was estimated. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was performed in all patients with at least intermediate risk of CAD. RESULTS: Eighty-six out of 181 patients (48%) had ICA and MDCT, 95 patients (52%) underwent MDCT alone. ICA revealed significant stenoses in 9% of the catheterized patients (8/86). MDCT investigation lead to a sensitivity of 90% (9/10), specificity of 98% (829/844 lesions), positive predictive value (PPV) of 39% (9/24), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% (829/830 lesions) for the detection of >50% stenoses seen on ICA. All patients with a significant stenosis were classified as patients with CAD. Overall prevalence of significant CAD detected by MDCT was found to be low with 10% of patients and 2% of all segments. CONCLUSION: MDCT coronary angiography is sensitive and highly specific in patients presenting for PVA. In this group a negative scan reliably excludes significant CAD. These data suggest that MDCT coronary angiography can replace ICA prior to PVA.

Visualization of anomalous origin and course of coronary arteries in 748 consecutive symptomatic patients by 64-slice computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are currently undergoing profound changes in understanding potentially pathophysiological mechanisms of disease. Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anomalous origin and course of coronary arteries in consecutive symptomatic patients, who underwent cardiac 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA). METHODS: Imaging datasets of 748 consecutive symptomatic patients referred for cardiac MDCTA were analyzed and CAAs of origin and further vessel course were grouped according to a recently suggested classification scheme by Angelini et al. RESULTS: An overall of 17/748 patients (2.3%) showed CAA of origin and further vessel course. According to aforementioned classification scheme no Subgroup 1- (absent left main trunk) and Subgroup 2- (anomalous location of coronary ostium within aortic root or near proper aortic sinus of Valsalva) CAA were found. Subgroup 3 (anomalous location of coronary ostium outside normal "coronary" aortic sinuses) consisted of one patient with high anterior origin of both coronary arteries. The remaining 16 patients showed a coronary ostium at improper sinus (Subgroup 4). Latter group was subdivided into a right coronary artery arising from left anterior sinus with separate ostium (subgroup 4a; n = 7) and common ostium with left main coronary artery (subgroup 4b; n = 1). Subgroup 4c consisted of one patient with a single coronary artery arising from the right anterior sinus (RAS) without left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). In subgroup 4d, LCX arose from RAS (n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of CAA of origin and further vessel course in a symptomatic consecutive patient population was similar to large angiographic series, although these patients do not reflect general population. However, our study supports the use of 64-slice MDCTA for the identification and definition of CAA.

MMP-1 serum levels predict coronary atherosclerosis in humans.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction results as a consequence of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, with plaque stability largely depending on the lesion forming extracellular matrix components. Lipid enriched non-calcified lesions are considered more instable and rupture prone than calcified lesions. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix degrading enzymes with plaque destabilisating characteristics which have been implicated in atherogenesis. We therefore hypothesised MMP-1 and MMP-9 serum levels to be associated with non-calcified lesions as determined by CT-angiography in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: 260 patients with typical or atypical chest pain underwent dual-source multi-slice CT-angiography (0.6-mm collimation, 330-ms gantry rotation time) to exclude coronary artery stenosis. Atherosclerotic plaques were classified as calcified, mixed or non-calcified. RESULTS: In multivariable regession analysis, MMP-1 serum levels were associated with total plaque burden (OR: 1.37 (CI: 1.02-1.85); p < 0.05) in a model adjusted for age, sex, BMI, classical cardiovascular risk factors, hsCRP, adiponectin, pericardial fat volume and medication. Specification of plaque morphology revealed significant association of MMP-1 serum levels with non-calcified plaques (OR: 1.16 (CI: 1.0-1.34); p = 0.05) and calcified plaques (OR: 1.22 (CI: 1,03-1.45); p < 0.05) while association with mixed plaques was lost in the fully adjusted model. No associations were found between MMP9 serum levels and total plaque burden or plaque morphology. CONCLUSION: MMP-1 serum levels are associated with total plaque burden but do not allow a specification of plaque morphology.