[Management of the patient with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia: clinical case].

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare disease that affects small and medium-sized arteries. Clinical manifestations of FMD depend on its localization. In many cases, FMD of renal arteries (RA) is associated with arterial hypertension. Young age, particularly of female patients, suspected RA dissection or kidney infarction, absence of atherosclerosis or presence of FMD in other arteries of such patients evidence for RA FMD. In invasive treatment of hemodynamically significant stenoses, transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) of renal arteries is preferrable. Taking into account initial alterations of the vascular wall and unevenness of the lumen of the affected blood vessel, stent implantation is associated with an increased risk of complications and is recommended only if ballooning complications develop. An open reconstructive surgery is indicated in complicated narrowing anatomy, a high risk of the endovascular treatment, or after failure of the endovascular intervention. This article presents a clinical case of a young female patient with RA FMD and renovascular arterial hypertension who successfully underwent renal TBA with a drug-coated balloon.

Evaluation of the Fractional Flow Reserve by Computer Tomography Data: Comparison of the Calculated Parameters with the Results of Invasive Measurements.

Aim      To create a three-dimensional mathematical model of coronary flow in patients with ischemic heart disease based on findings of computed tomography angiography (CTA) with subsequent calculation of the fractional flow reserve (FFRCTA) and comparison of estimated FFRCTA with FFR reference values measured by coronary angiography (CAG).Material and methods  The study included 10 patients with borderline stenosis (50-75 %) as determined by CTA performed with a 640­slice CT-scanner. Based on CTA findings, three-dimensional mathematical models were constructed for further calculation of FFRCTA. Later, an invasive measurement of FFR (FFRINV) was performed for all patients. FFR values <0.8 indicated the hemodynamic significance of stenosis.Results FFRCTA and FFRINV values differed insignificantly in most cases (n=9) and exceeded 5% in only one case. The regression analysis showed a close correlation between estimated and invasively measured FFR values.Conclusion      Preliminary results showed a good consistency of calculated and measured FFR values. Therefore, further development of the method for mathematical modeling of three-dimensional blood flow by CTA findings is promising. Noninvasive evaluation of FFR is particularly relevant for analysis of hemodynamic significance of borderline (50-75 %) coronary stenoses.

Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging With Transesophageal Atrial Pacing Stress Test in Patients With Borderline Stenoses in the Coronary Arteries: a Comparison With Fractional Flow Reserve.

Aim      To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac perfusion computed tomography (PCT) with transesophageal electrocardiostimulation (TE ECS) for detection of ischemia in patients with borderline coronary stenosis (50-75 %) compared to measurements of fractional flow reserve (FFR).Material and methods  The study included 25 patients with borderline (50-75 %) coronary stenosis as per data of computed tomography angiography (CTA) or coronary angiography (CAG). Later the patients underwent invasive measurement of FFR and cardiac PCT on a 320-row detector tomograph in combination with the TE ECS stress test.  FFR values <0.8 indicated the hemodynamic significance of stenosis. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated visually based on consensus of two experts.Results All patients completed the study protocol. Cardiac pacing duration was 6 min for all patients. Four patients required intravenous administration of atropine sulphate. PCT with TE ECS detected significant for FFR stenoses with sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a positive result and predictive value for a negative result of 47, 90, 87, and 53 %, respectively.Conclusion      PCT with TE ECS in combination with CTA can be considered as an informative method for simultaneous evaluation of the condition of coronary arteries and detection of myocardial ischemia. This method is particularly relevant for assessing the hemodynamic significance of borderline coronary stenoses.

[Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Possibilities in "High Risk" Plaque Identification in Patients with non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Comparison with Intravascular Ultrasound].

Aim      To evaluate structural characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) by coronary computed tomography arteriography (CCTA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).Material and methods  This study included 37 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). 64-detector-row CCTA, coronarography, and grayscale IVUS were performed prior to coronary stenting. The ASP length and burden, remodeling index (RI), and known CT signs of unstable ASP (presence of dot calcification, positive remodeling of the artery in the ASP area, irregular plaque contour, presence of a peripheral high-density ring and a low-density patch in the ASP). The ASP type and signs of rupture or thrombosis were determined by IVUS.Results The IVUS study revealed 45 unstable ASP (UASP), including 25 UASP with rupture and 20 thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA), and 13 stable ASP (SASP). No significant differences were found between distribution of TCFA and ASP with rupture among symptom-associated plaques (SAP, n=28) and non-symptom-associated plaques (NSAP, n=30). They were found in 82.1 and 73.3 % of cases, respectively (p>0.05), which indicated generalization of the ASP destabilization process in the coronary circulation. However, the incidence of mural thrombus was higher for SAP (53.5 and 16.6 % of ASP, respectively; p<0.001). There was no difference between UASP and SASP in the incidence of qualitative ASP characteristics or in values of quantitative ASP characteristics, including known signs of instability, except for the irregular contour, which was observed in 92.9 % of UASP and 46.1 % of SASP (p=0.0007), and patches with X-ray density ≤46 HU, which were detected in 83.3 % of UASP and 46.1 % of SASP (р=0.01). The presence of these CT criteria 11- and 7-fold increased the likelihood of unstable ASP (odd ratio (OR), 11.1 at 95 % confidence interval (CI), from 2.24 to 55.33 and OR, 7.0 at 95 % CI, from 5.63 to 8.37 for the former and the latter criterion, respectively).Conclusion      According to IVUS data, two X-ray signs are most characteristic for UASP, the irregular contour and a patch with X-ray density ≤46 HU. The presence of these signs 11- and 7-fold, respectively, increases the likelihood of unstable ASP.

Prediction-Determining Outcomes and Their Predictors in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Receiving Multicomponent Antithrombotic Therapy in Real Clinical Practice.

Aim      Searching for clinical, angiographic, and biochemical predictors of cardiovascular complications (CVC) and hemorrhagic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving a multicomponent antithrombotic therapy (MAT) for an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and AF who require MAT for PCI are at a high risk of thrombotic complications (stroke, systemic embolism, coronary events) and hemorrhage. This warrants searching for new risk factors determining prediction of the outcome.Materials and methods This study included 207 patients (146 males aged 70.1±8.3 years) with IHD and AF who received direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) as a part of their MAT therapy. Median duration of the follow-up was 12 [8.0; 12.0] months. The efficacy endpoint was a sum of CVCs combining cardiovascular death, ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolic complications, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and requirement for an unscheduled PCI. "Coronary events", including ACS and requirement for an unscheduled PCI were analyzed separately. The safety endpoint was BARC type 2-5 bleeding. Upon admission, biomarkers (growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), D-dimer, thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)) were measured for all patients. Searching for prognostically significant indexes was performed with the Cox proportional hazards regression.Results Incidence of all CVCs was 16.4 %. Independent predictors of CVC included the DOAC treatment at a reduced dose (odds ratio (OR) 2.5 at 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.02-6.15; p=0.0454), GDF-15 >1191 pg /ml (OR 3.76 at 95 % CI, 1.26-11.18; p=0.0172), PAI-1 >13.2 U/ml (OR 2.67 at 95 % CI, 1.13-6,26; p=0.0245). Incidence of coronary complications was 9.2 %. Independent predictors of coronary complications included a SYNTAX index >26.5 (OR 4.5 at 95 % CI, 1.45-13.60; p=0.0090), PCI for chronic coronary occlusion (OR 3.21 at 95 % CI, 1.10-9.33; p=0.0326), a GDF-15 >1191 pg/ml (ОR 4.70 at 95 % CI, 1.32-16.81; p=0.0172). Incidence of BARC type 2-5 bleeding was 26.1 %. The only independent predictor for hemorrhage complications was the total PRECISE-DAPT score >30 (ОR 3.22; 95 % CI, 1.89-5.51; р<0.0001).Conclusion      Three independent predictors of CVC were identified for patients with IHD and AF treated with MAT following an elective PCI: treatment with a reduced dose of DOAC, GDF-15 >1191 pg /ml, and PAI-1>13.2 U/ml. Independent predictors of coronary complications included a SYNTAX index >26.5, PCI for chronic coronary occlusion, and GDF-15 >1191 pg/ml. The factor associated with a risk of bleeding was the total PRECISE-DAPT score >30.

[The study of myocardial perfusion by cardiac volumetric computed tomography, combined with adenosine triphosphate test, in a patient with painless myocardial ischemia and atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries].

The presented clinical observation demonstrates the diagnostic capabilities of cardiac volumetric computed tomography (CT) with a pharmacological test by a vasodilator adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the simultaneous assessment of coronary anatomy and changes in left ventricular myocardial perfusion (LV) in a patient with painless myocardial ischemia and coronary atherosclerosis. A 68-year-old patient with coronary heart disease (CHD) and atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries underwent cardiac volumetric CT in combination with a ATP pharmacological test. The study was performed on a Aquilion ONE 640 Vision Edition computer tomograph (Toshiba, Japan). Assessment of LV myocardial perfusion was carried out in comparison with other clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination methods. The results of clinical and instrumental examination of a patient with a low pre-test probability of coronary heart disease are presented. From the standpoint of modern recommendations on stable coronary heart disease, false-negative results of single-photon emission computed tomography of the heart and stress-echocardiography are discussed. Clinical observation demonstrates the feasibility of diagnosing LV myocardial ischemia by cardiac volumetric CT combined with ATP pharmacological test, confirmed by an invasive determination of the fractional flow reserve. The given clinical example represents the advantage of cardiac volumetric CT, combined with the ATP pharmacological test, as a method for visualizing LV myocardial perfusion in detecting myocardial ischemia.

[Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques: Comparison With Intravascular Ultrasound].

PURPOSE: Determination of computed tomography angiography (CTA) informativeness in assessment of state of atherosclerotic coronary plaque (ACP) and identification of signs of its instability compared with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronary CTA was carried out in 52 patients with clinical presentation of non-ST elevation (NSTE) acute coronary syndrome on the first day of hospitalization. ACPs were identified in 32 of 52 patients (61.5%). IVUS was performed in 32 patients (mean age 58+/-11.4 years, 27 men, 5 women, 22 with unstable angina, 10 with NSTE myocardial infarction) and 50 plaques in 45 coronary arteries were characterized (39 with spectral analysis of IVUS data). All data were compared with the results of coronary CTA. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of CTA in the detection of stenosis >50% were 97.67 and 71.40%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a high comparability of methods in determining plaque burden (r=0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67 - 0.88, p<0.0001), plaque length (r=0.75, 95%CI 0.60 - 0.85, p<0.0001), and remodeling index (r=0.62, 95%CI 0.40 - 0.77, p<0.0001). Threshold value for "low-density areas" of plaques typical for thin cap fibroatheroma was less or equal 41 Hounsfield units (sensitivity 82%; specificity 86%; area under the curve 0.824; 95% CI 0.615 - 0.947, p<0.0005). CONCLUSION: Coronary CT is a non-invasive method for rapid characterization of ACP. CT results correlate well with IVUS data, including identification of such important signs of plaque instability as presence of "low-density zone" and positive remodeling at the plague level.

[Clinical case of using manual thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in a patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction type 2].

The paper describes a patient admitted to the Emergency Cardiology Department, A.L. Myasnikov Institute of Clinical Cardiology, for diagnosed ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. At the prehospital stage, the patient received ineffective thrombolytic therapy; percutaneous coronary intervention was made at the Department of X-ray Endovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Methods of the Institute 3.5 hours after disease onset. Repeated thrombus aspirations from the infarction-related artery were carried out, which could have a good angiographic pattern. His medical record shows that the patient has been suffering from persistent atrial fibrillation for a long time. There is also evidence for transient ischemic attacks in 2010 and 2011. The fact that there are no coronary artery stenoses after thrombus removal could suspect the thromboembolic genesis of myocardial infarction.

[Comparison of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stable Angina Pectoris Using Intravascular Ultrasound].

AIM: to compare noninfarct-related lesions in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) with culprit and non-culprit lesions in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) using intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (VH-IVUS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall 70 patients were enrolled: 38 with ST elevation (STE) MI and 32 with stable angina pectoris (SAP). All patients underwent three-vessel coronary angiography and gray-scale and VH-IVUS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of infarct-related lesion in STEMI or culprit lesion in SAP.

[Assessment of Coronary Plaques in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Without Persistent ST-Segment Elevation].

AIM: to analyze morphological features of atherosclerotic plaques in culprit and non-culprit coronary lesions in patients with non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) by multidetector spiral computed tomography (MDCT). RESULTS. In culprit lesions (n = 70) compared to non-culprit lesions (n = 144) frequency of soft plaques (60 vs 43%, p = 0.003), positive remodeling (70.2 vs 54.3%, p = 0.03) and uneven contour (91.7 vs 68.7%, p = 0.0002) were significantly higher. Minimal plaque density was significantly lower and length of plaque was significantly higher in culprit coronary segments (40.1 ± 25.3 vs 74.1 ± 116.8 Hounsfield units [HU], p = 0.02 and 16.8 ± 13.4 vs 13.2 ± 6.9 mm, p = 0.01, respectively). Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis identified optimal cutoff value of minimum plaque density and length for discrimination between culprit and non-culprit lesion as 40 HU and 13.5 mm, respectively. The combination of soft plaque with a minimal density < 40 HU and uneven contour occurred in one third of culprit lesions and almost two times less in non-culprit (31.67 and 17.91%, respectively, p = 0.04) and was characterized by high specificity (82.1%) and negative predictive value (72.7%). CONCLUSION: The most specific features of culprit lesions in patients with NSTE-ACS were positive vascular remodeling, length > 13.5 mm, minimal CT-density < 40 HU, soft plaque's type and presence of uneven contour, as well as a combination of the last 3 features.

[Transradial approach during percutaneous coronary interventions. Part 1. Evidence base for applying a transradial approach].

The use of the radial artery as an approach to percutaneous coronary interventions is becoming increasing popular now. The success of this approach depends on both the accumulated experience of an operator and a health care facility. The paper analyzes an investigation of the comparative characteristics of both a transradial approach and a transfemoral one and the impact of the former on the success of the procedure. It considers the role of the transradial approach in the present-day practice of X-ray endovascular diagnosis and treatment specialists and discusses the problems of education and choice of optimal clinical indications.

[Transradial approach during percutaneous coronary interventions. Part 2. Practical guidelines and the authors' data].

The paper describes the technical features of a transradial approach; indications and patient selection for this arterial approach; and stepwise patient preparation. It depicts the anatomic variants of the origin of the radial artery, which affect the success of this approach. The suitable instruments for this approach are described. The authors give their results of the performed study comparing different types of approaches.

[Endovascular treatment for chronic coronary occlusions in patients with coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the angiographic results of endovascular treatment for chronic coronary occlusions in patients with coronary heart disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2009 to 2013 attempted endovascu-ar recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions in 854 patients with coronary heart disease. The patients' age ranged from3 6 to 68 years (mean 52 years). The estimated du-ation of occlusion was m1 onth to more than 3 years. There were 193 (22.6%) females and 661 (77.4%) males. 462 (54.1%) patients had a history of myocardial infarction. 738 (86.4%) and 116 (13.6%) patients had true (TIMI grade 0) and functional (TIMI grade i1 occlusions, respectively. Multi- and univascular lesions were found in 683 (79.9%) and 171 (20.1%) patients, respectively. Silent occlusions with preserved myocardial contractility were identified in 165 (19.3%) patients. RRESULTS:Blood flow could be successfully restored in 616 (72.1%) patients. Recanalization of chronic coronary occlusion failed in 238 (27.9%) patients. CCONCLUSION:Recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions is a highly effective and relatively safe technique. The efficiency of the procedure largely depends on the duration of occlusion, its X-ray morphological characteristics, and the experience of a physician.

[Coronary angioplasty and stenting in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy].

Multiple coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions are a major cause of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Myocardial revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy in the presence of the viable myocardium and/or ischemic areas leads to improved central hemodynamic parameters and as a consequence to better quality of life and prognosis as a whole. The paper describes a clinical case of successful coronary artery angioplasty and stenting in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Following 8 months, there was a considerable improvement in the patient's general condition, an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, and a reduction in cardiac cavity sizes.

[Invasive methods of detection of unstable atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries].

In most cases direct cause of acute coronary syndrome and sudden death is an intracoronary thrombus formed on a surface of unstable atherosclerotic plaque (UAP). The following are main characteristics of UAP: active inflammation; large lipid rich nucleus occupying a 40% of plaque volume; thin (< 65 mm) fibrous cap; erosions of intima over plaque; tear of plaque cap; superficially located calcium nodules; intraplaque hemorrhage. Visualization of UAP in coronary arteries is a very important direction in diagnostics. During recent years both invasive and noninvasive methods of detection of UAP have been actively developed. In this review we present main invasive techniques used for detection of UAP: intravascular ultrasound study with virtual histology; optical coherent tomography; near-infrared spectroscopy; thermography; intravascular magnetic resonance imaging; direct visualization by angioscopy. In the review we have covered main advantages and limitations of each invasive method of UAP detection and delineated perspectives of development of this direction.

[Endovascular closure of the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation: review of modern data and own experience of application].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most often disturbance of cardiac rhythm met in clinical practice. Long term therapy with anticoagulants is used for prevention of thrombi formation in left atrial appendage and consequent thromboembolism. However some patients have contraindications to this therapy. This article contains consideration of various alternative methods of prevention of thromboembolic complications in particular those 2 which are most widely used at present - percutaneous transcatheter isolation of left atrial appendage with Amplatzer Cardiac Plug () or Watchman Device. We present also data on own experience of the use of the ACP device.

[The first experience with X-ray endovascular closure of the left atrial auricle using an Amplatzer Cardiac Plug in patients with atrial fibrillation].

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice. Long-term anticoagulant therapy is used to prevent thrombosis in the left atrial (LA) auricle and, as a consequence, thrombolisms. However, some patients have contraindications to its use. The paper considers different alternative methods for preventing thromboembolic events and particularly one of the most common presently encountered ones - percutaneous transcatheter LA auricle excision, by applying the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug. There are also data on the authors' experience in using this device.

[Clinical application of a coronary intravascular ultrasound study].

A coronary intravascular ultrasound study (CIUSS) allows accurate estimation of coronary artery lumen and the structure of its wall. In the past 20 years, CIUSS has gained wide acceptance as an additional study. At present, it is mainly used to determine management tactics for coronary artery lesions during percutaneous coronary interventions and their degree in the situations where there are doubts about the need for treatment. CIUSS estimation of the magnitude of stenosis is also useful in the identification of coronary bed lesions that do not induce myocardial ischemia, whose vascularizations may be delayed. This review describes the place of CIUSS in modern interventional cardiology.

[Basic principles of optical coherence tomography in interventional cardiology].

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique of visualizing biological tissues. This technique versus intravascular ultrasound study has high resolution. OCT has proved to be effective in interventional cardiology due to a resolution of 10 microm. As of now, there are two crucially new different OCT flow charts. One is tomography, the basis for which is a Michelson interferometer and an up-to-date tomography scanner, such as a Fourier transform spectral interferometer. This paper describes the brief history of OCT and the principle of its operation, compares two basically different technologies, and depicts the limitations of the technique when performed in different ways.