Impact of Complete Revascularization in the ISCHEMIA Trial.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic complete revascularization (ACR) and functional complete revascularization (FCR) have been associated with reduced death and myocardial infarction (MI) in some prior studies. The impact of complete revascularization (CR) in patients undergoing an invasive (INV) compared with a conservative (CON) management strategy has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: Among patients with chronic coronary disease without prior coronary artery bypass grafting randomized to INV vs CON management in the ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial, we examined the following: 1) the outcomes of ACR and FCR compared with incomplete revascularization; and 2) the potential impact of achieving CR in all INV patients compared with CON management. METHODS: ACR and FCR in the INV group were assessed at an independent core laboratory. Multivariable-adjusted outcomes of CR were examined in INV patients. Inverse probability weighted modeling was then performed to estimate the treatment effect had CR been achieved in all INV patients compared with CON management. RESULTS: ACR and FCR were achieved in 43.4% and 58.4% of 1,824 INV patients. ACR was associated with reduced 4-year rates of cardiovascular death or MI compared with incomplete revascularization. By inverse probability weighted modeling, ACR in all 2,296 INV patients compared with 2,498 CON patients was associated with a lower 4-year rate of cardiovascular death or MI (difference -3.5; 95% CI: -7.2% to 0.0%). In comparison, the event rate difference of cardiovascular death or MI for INV minus CON in the overall ISCHEMIA trial was -2.4%. Results were similar but less pronounced with FCR. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of an INV strategy may be improved if CR (especially ACR) is achieved. (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches [ISCHEMIA]; NCT01471522).

Impact of complete revascularization in the IschemiaTrial

BACKGROUND: Anatomic complete revascularization (ACR) and functional complete revascularization (FCR) have been associated with reduced death and myocardial infarction (MI) in some prior studies. The impact of complete revascularization (CR) in patients undergoing an invasive (INV) compared with a conservative (CON) management strategy has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: Among patients with chronic coronary disease without prior coronary artery bypass grafting randomized to INV vs CON management in the ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial, we examined the following: 1) the outcomes of ACR and FCR compared with incomplete revascularization; and 2) the potential impact of achieving CR in all INV patients compared with CON management. METHODS: ACR and FCR in the INV group were assessed at an independent core laboratory. Multivariable-adjusted outcomes of CR were examined in INV patients. Inverse probability weighted modeling was then performed to estimate the treatment effect had CR been achieved in all INV patients compared with CON management. RESULTS: ACR and FCR were achieved in 43.4% and 58.4% of 1,824 INV patients. ACR was associated with reduced 4-year rates of cardiovascular death or MI compared with incomplete revascularization. By inverse probability weighted modeling, ACR in all 2,296 INV patients compared with 2,498 CON patients was associated with a lower 4-year rate of cardiovascular death or MI (difference -3.5; 95% CI: -7.2% to 0.0%). In comparison, the event rate difference of cardiovascular death or MI for INV minus CON in the overall ISCHEMIA trial was -2.4%. Results were similar but less pronounced with FCR. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of an INV strategy may be improved if CR (especially ACR) is achieved. (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches [ISCHEMIA]; NCT01471522).

Role of High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Levels in Predicting the Risk of Six-Month Event Rates in Patients With Chronic Stable Angina Undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty With a Drug-Eluting Stent.

Introduction This prospective observational study reports the association between baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and adverse events at six months in patients who were diagnosed with symptomatic chronic stable angina and then underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with a drug-eluting stent (DES). Methods A total of 104 patients were examined with chronic stable angina over a period of six months. Before conducting percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the baseline levels of hs-CRP were measured, and based on the levels, the patients were grouped into high and low hs-CRP groups. Results The primary causes of death or the need for repeat revascularization or myocardial infarction or angina were concluded after assessing the patients for six months. A total of 104 patients were studied, among which 72 (69.23%) had low hs-CRP and 32 (30.77%) had high hs-CRP levels. The number of males in this study was 68 (65.38%) and females were 36 (34.62%). The mean age of the patients was 55.26 ± 10.31 years. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of gender, age, comorbidities, and risk factors except for certain predisposing factors like dyslipidemia and smoking. Moreover, we did not find any significant difference among the groups in the cause of death and myocardial infarction after a follow-up of six months. However, we observed a higher need for revascularization and angina outcomes in the group with high hs-CRP compared to low hs-CRP. Conclusion It can be concluded that a higher risk of angina and repeat revascularization is related to a high baseline hs-CRP but there is no evidence whether it is somehow linked to myocardial infarction and mortality or not.

No reflow phenomenon in CAD patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A prospective hospital based observational study.

The present study assessed incidence, risk factors, in-hospital and short-term outcomes associated with no-reflow in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable angina and stable angina. Out of 449 patients, 42 (9.3%) developed no-reflow. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity and smoking were significant risk factors. There was significant association of no-reflow with left main disease, multiple stents, target lesion length≥ 20 mm and higher thrombus grade. Interestingly, 93 patients (23.4%) of normal flow had myocardial perfusion grade (MPG) of 0/1 with mortality in 9 (10%) patients. No-reflow is associated with poor in-hospital and short-term outcomes with higher incidence of death, cardiogenic shock, heart failure and MACE. Knowledge of risk factors of no-reflow portends a more meticulous approach to improve final outcomes. MPG could be better predictor of outcomes in these patients.

The role of 12-lead electrocardiogram in the risk stratification of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome and the correlation with coronary angiography - The CINCHONa study - A prospective cohort study in Northern India.

Background: Clinical guidelines recommend risk stratification of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) using the GRACE risk score. However, the GRACE risk score is not followed widely in clinical practice due to various reasons. Our primary objectives of this study were to correlate the presenting electrocardiogram (ECG) of NST-ACS with coronary angiography (CAG) findings and to identify specific ECG changes that are suggestive of severe coronary artery disease (CAD) thus helping to triage all patients with NST-ACS. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken on patients diagnosed with NST-ACS in a medical college hospital, in Northern India over one and a ½ years. The admission ECG of the patients was compared with CAG findings to find out the correlation between the two with respect to severity of CAD. Categorical and quantitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test and independent t-test, respectively. Odds ratio (OR) were calculated using the univariate logistic regression analysis. Results: On comparing the two groups with normal and abnormal ECG, we found that smokers had significantly higher odds of having an abnormal ECG (OR 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.29-8.50]). Patients with an abnormal ECG had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those with normal ECG (52.01 ± 10.56 vs. 55.96 ± 6.13%, P = 0.045). The patients with severe CAD on CAG had significantly higher odds of abnormal ECG (OR 3.68, 95% CI [1.2311.04]). Of the specific ECG abnormalities, ST depression and T-wave inversion in same or different leads were significantly associated with severity of CAD (OR 0.13, 95% CI [0.04-0.43], P = 0.001 and OR 0.13, 95% CI [0.03-0.46], P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: The identification of ECG changes suggestive of high-risk CAD can dictate to transfer such patients without delay to a percutaneous coronary intervention capable hospital for urgent CAG with intent to revascularization, thus helping in risk stratification of NST-ACS at the community level.

Résumé Contexte: Les directives cliniques recommandent la stratification du risque de syndrome coronarien aigu sans élévation du segment ST (SCA-NST) à l'aide du GRACE cote de risque. Cependant, le score de risque GRACE n'est pas largement suivi dans la pratique clinique pour diverses raisons. Nos objectifs premiers de cette étude étaient de corréler l'électrocardiogramme (ECG) de présentation du NST-ACS avec les résultats de l'angiographie coronarienne (CAG) et de identifier les modifications spécifiques de l'ECG qui suggèrent une maladie coronarienne (CAD) sévère, aidant ainsi au triage de tous les patients atteints de NST-ACS. Matériels et Méthodes: Cette étude observationnelle prospective a été entreprise sur des patients diagnostiqués avec un NST-ACS dans une faculté de médecine. hôpital, dans le nord de l'Inde pendant un an et demi. L'ECG d'admission des patients a été comparé aux résultats du CAG pour déterminer la corrélation entre les deux par rapport à la sévérité de la coronaropathie. Les variables catégorielles et quantitatives ont été comparées à l'aide du test du Chi-carré et test t indépendant, respectivement. Les rapports de cotes (OR) ont été calculés à l'aide de l'analyse de régression logistique univariée. Résultats: En comparant les deux groupes avec un ECG normal et anormal, nous avons constaté que les fumeurs avaient une probabilité significativement plus élevée d'avoir un ECG anormal (OR 3,31 ; Intervalle de confiance à 95 % [IC] [1,29­8,50]). Les patients avec un ECG anormal avaient une fraction d'éjection ventriculaire gauche significativement inférieure à à ceux ayant un ECG normal (52,01 ± 10,56 vs 55,96 ± 6,13 %, P = 0,045). Les patients atteints de coronaropathie sévère sur CAG avaient des taux significativement plus élevés risque d'ECG anormal (OR 3,68, IC à 95 % [1,2311,04]). Parmi les anomalies spécifiques de l'ECG, le sous-décalage du segment ST et l'inversion de l'onde T dans le même ou différentes dérivations étaient significativement associées à la sévérité de la coronaropathie (OR 0,13, IC 95 % [0,04­0,43], P = 0,001 et OR 0,13, IC 95 % [0,03­0,46], P = 0,002, respectivement). Conclusion: L'identification des modifications de l'ECG suggérant une coronaropathie à haut risque peut dicter le transfert de ces patients sans délai vers un hôpital capable d'intervention coronarienne percutanée pour CAG urgent avec intention de revascularisation, contribuant ainsi au risque stratification du NST-ACS au niveau communautaire. Mots-clés: Syndrome coronarien aigu, coronarographie, électrocardiogramme, score de risque GRACE, coronarien aigu sans sus-décalage du segment ST syndrome.

Ultra-low CONtraSt PCI vs conVEntional PCI in patients of ACS with increased risk of CI-AKI (CONSaVE-AKI).

OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized study assessed short-term outcomes and safety of ultra-low contrast percutaneous coronary intervention(ULC-PCI) vs conventional PCI in high risk for contrast induced acute kidney injury(CI-AKI) patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome(ACS). BACKGROUND: Patients at an increased risk of developing CI-AKI can be identified prior to PCI based on their pre-procedural risk scores. ULC-PCI is a novel contrast conservation strategy in such high risk patients for prevention of CI-AKI. METHODS: 82 patients undergoing PCI for ACS were enrolled having estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and moderate to very high pre-procedural risk of developing CI-AKI as calculated by Maioli risk calculator. They were randomized into two groups of 41 patients each of ULC-PCI (contrast volume ≤ patient's eGFR) and conventional PCI (contrast volume ≤ 3xpatient's eGFR). Primary end point was development of CI-AKI. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar between groups. Primary outcome of CI-AKI occurred more in patients of the conventional PCI group [7 (17.1%)] than in the ULC PCI group [(0 patients), p = 0.012]. Contrast volume (41.02 (±9.8) ml vs 112.54 (±25.18) ml; P < 0.0001) was markedly lower in the ULC-PCI group. No significant difference in secondary safety outcomes between two study arms at 30 days. IVUS was used in 17% patients in ULC PCI. CONCLUSION: ULC-PCI in patients with increased risk of developing CI-AKI is feasible, appears safe, and has the potential to decrease the incidence of CI-AKI specially in resource limited setting such as ours where coronary imaging by IVUS is not possible in every patient.

Optical Coherence Tomography: An Eye Into the Coronary Artery.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the hands of interventional cardiologists. Intraluminal and transmural contents of the coronary arteries are no longer elusive to the cardiologist's probing eye. Although the graduation of an interventionalist in imaging techniques right from naked eye angiographies to ultrasound-based coronary sonographies to the modern light-based OCT has been slow, with the increasing regularity of complex coronary cases in practice, such a transition is inevitable. Although intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) due to its robust clinical data has been the preferred imaging modality in recent years, OCT provides a distinct upgrade over it in many imaging and procedural aspects. Better image resolution, accurate estimation of the calcified lesion, and better evaluation of acute and chronic stent failure are the distinct advantages of OCT over IVUS. Despite the obvious imaging advantages of OCT, its clinical impact remains subdued. However, upcoming newer trials and data have been encouraging for expanding the use of OCT to wider indications in clinical utility. During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), OCT provides the detailed information (dissection, tissue prolapse, thrombi, and incomplete stent apposition) required for optimal stent deployment, which is the key to successfully reducing the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and stent-related morbidities. The increasing use of OCT in complex bifurcation stenting involving the left main (LM) is being studied. Also, the traditional pitfalls of OCT, such as additional contrast load for image acquisition and stenting involving the ostial and proximal LM, have also been overcome recently. In this review, we discuss the interpretation of OCT images and its clinical impact on the outcome of procedures along with current barriers to its use and newer paradigms in which OCT is starting to become a promising tool for the interventionalist and what can be expected for the immediate future in the imaging world.

Outcome of submitral aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Submitral aneurysm is a rare cardiac entity with outpouching in relation to the posterior annulus of the mitral valve. Multiple etiology have been described with the role of infection and inflammation with varied clinical presentation in different case reports. However, the literature on clinical outcome and follow-up is lacking. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective, observational study included all the adult patients (>18 years) who were diagnosed with a submitral aneurysm. Epidemiological, demographic, laboratory, clinical management, and outcome data were extracted and followed for the endpoints of cardiac death, noncardiac death, recurrent hospitalization (due to heart failure, rupture, arrhythmic events, embolic events), surgical repair, and echocardiography parameters for mitral regurgitation or change in the size of the left ventricle for 1-year postdischarge from the index hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 31.2 ± 11.1 years. Possible etiology could be established in only five (50%) patients (two patients had tuberculosis and three patients had acute coronary syndrome). At index hospitalization, nine (90%) patients had heart failure, two (20%) patients had rupture of a submitral aneurysm, four patients underwent surgery, and one patient expired. On follow-up of 1 year, one more patient underwent surgical repair while three patients expired. CONCLUSION: A submitral aneurysm is a rare cardiac entity with poor outcomes. Surgical repair with or without mitral valve replacement plays a definitive role in management.

Target Vessel Versus Complete Revascularization in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Without Cardiogenic Shock.

Introduction The role of complete revascularization (CR) vs target vessel revascularization (TVR) in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients without cardiogenic shock is still not established. In this study, we compared outcomes at one and six months among patients with NSTEMI with multivessel disease (MVD) undergoing CR vs TVR. Methods It was a prospective, observational study carried out among 60 NSTEMI patients with MVD (30 undergoing TVR and 30 CR) from October 2018 to November 2019. They were assessed at one and six months for primary and secondary outcomes. Results The mean age of the patients was 56.13 ± 9.23 years and both the groups were well matched with respect to age, gender, risk factors, and comorbidities. In the majority of patients, the target vessel was left anterior descending (LAD) followed by right coronary artery (RCA) and left circumflex (LCX) in both groups. The primary outcomes of death from any cause, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and the need for revascularization of the ischemia-driven vessel showed no significant difference at one and six months follow-up between the CR and TVR groups. However, the secondary outcomes of heart failure hospitalizations and angina episodes were significantly more in the TVR group than CR group at one month (6 vs 1, P=0.044), (8 vs 2, P=0.038) and six months (8 vs 2, P=0.038), (9 vs 2, P=0.02), respectively. Conclusion CR was associated with no difference in death from all-cause or future revascularization but significantly lesser secondary outcomes of heart failure hospitalizations and angina episodes as compared to TVR in NSTEMI without cardiogenic shock.

A case report-facing blues in cardiac amyloidosis: no more a zebra.

Background: Cardiac amyloidosis presentation in an affected individual can be varied. We describe a patient who had the entire spectrum of involvement in his life time. Initially presented as an ischaemic heart disease and later developed complete heart block (CHB) and frank cardiomyopathy. Increased load of amyloid caused lead-tissue interface disruption resulting in high pacing thresholds with difficulty in capture during permanent pacemaker implantation requiring a novel strategy of management. Case summary: A 65-year-old male presented with two episodes of syncope with a history of gradually progressive dyspnoea of 6 months duration along with lower limb swelling for last 1-2 months. He had a history of drug-eluting stent implantation for stable ischaemic heart disease 4 years back. Now he presented with a CHB and a transthoracic echocardiogram hinted towards a restrictive physiology and an infiltrative disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging could not be done in view of the incompatible temporary pacemaker on which the patient was dependent. Abdominal fat pad biopsy was positive for amyloid. He was taken up for permanent pacemaker implantation; however, multiple attempts could not achieve desired threshold and capture amplitudes in the right ventricular apex, septum, or outflow region. The lead was placed in the coronary sinus and a stent was placed proximally to trap the lead behind the deployed stent. Threshold and impedance were satisfactory. Cardiac biopsy subsequently confirmed aTTR amyloidosis. Discussion: The patient had an ischaemic heart disease, conduction disease, and cardiomyopathy as the manifestation of cardiac amyloidosis. While two-dimensional echo is the screening tool of choice, cardiac biopsy remains the gold standard of diagnosis for amyloidosis. Cardiac pacing comes with its own unique set of challenges in patients with advanced amyloid cardiomyopathy and have to be overcome for symptomatic benefit of the patient. Coronary sinus may be utilized in such patients for single-site ventricular pacing and placing a stent may help to anchor the lead when placed within it.

Enigma of Twins: Identical Presentation and Angiographic Lesion in Monozygotic Twins.

We present a case of monozygotic identical twins presenting with coronary artery disease (CAD), there were striking similarities in the symptoms, coronary anatomy, and lesions.

Marshall to the rescue in cardiac resynchronization therapy: Left ventricular lead placement in coronary sinus ostial atresia.

This case highlights the importance of proper identification of congenital anomalies of the coronary sinus for the successful placement of left ventricular lead during cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation. We discuss an alternate route for left ventricular lead placement via the vein of Marshall when the coronary sinus ostium in the right atrium was atretic and was facing difficulty initially in detecting the anomaly.

Hematinic deficiency in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hematinic deficiency irrespective of anemia is not uncommon in patients with heart failure. We studied the prevalence, distribution, and etiology of anemia in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and compared it with non-anemic patients. METHODS: Congestive heart failure (CHF) was diagnosed by modified Framingham criteria and ejection fraction (EF) <40%. Iron deficiency (ID) anemia was defined as serum ferritin level <100 ng/ml (absolute) or 100-300 ng/ml with transferrin saturation <20% (functional). Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency were defined as <200pg/ml and <4ng/ml respectively. RESULT: 688 patients with HFrEF were studied with an overall mean age of 57.2±13.8 years, and males outnumbering females (62.3% vs. 37.7%). Coronary artery disease (44.2%), dilated cardiomyopathy (46.8%), and valvular heart disease (6.7%) were major causes of CHF.Anemia was found in 63.9% of patients. Vit B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency were found in 107 (15.55%), and 54 (7.85%) subjects, respectively. Absolute ID was detected in 186 (42.27%) patients with anemia and 84 (33.87%) patients without anemia, while functional ID was present in 80 (18.18%) patients with anemia and 29 (11.69%) patients without anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency was noted in 70 (15.9%) patients with anemia and 37 (14.9%) patients without anemia, while folate deficiency was noted in 31 (7.04%) patients with anemia and 23 (9.2%) patients without anemia. Hematinic deficiency among the study population was distributed equally among patients irrespective of EF, NYHA class, socioeconomic class diet pattern. CONCLUSION: The study shows that hematinic deficiency was seen even in non-anemic patients irrespective of diet pattern. Supplementation could be a strong strategy to improve outcomes in these patients of heart failure irrespective of anemia and should be evaluated in prospective studies.

Looking Deep Into the Palpitation - Pheochromocytoma Presenting as Sinus Node Dysfunction.

A 23-year-old male came to the outpatient department with a history of intermittent palpitations and headaches for the past six to eight months. He was diagnosed with hypertension and had a junctional rhythm on an electrocardiogram (ECG). On further workup for his hypertension, he was found to have elevated levels of serum metanephrines and computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed pheochromocytoma. He was subsequently operated upon and his arrhythmia subsided after surgery. We discuss our approach to this scenario, which leads us to a rather rare cause of sinus node dysfunction.

Effect of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Diastolic Function in Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction is often present in patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD), even in the absence of regional or global LV systolic dysfunction. It has been suggested that abnormalities in LV diastolic function may actually precede LV systolic dysfunction, and therefore, serve as an early and sensitive marker of ischemia. This study aims to find improvement of diastolic function after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable or unstable angina. METHODS: In this single-center hospital-based study, we enrolled 309 patients with either stable or unstable CAD and with normal systolic function who underwent successful PCI. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline (before PCI) and repeated 48 h after PCI. LV diastolic parameters were compared before and after PCI using paired samples t-test results. RESULTS: Mean age of study population was 56.65 ± 9.65 years. Majority of patients were male (63%). There was significant increase in mitral E-wave velocity (68.39 ± 17.52 cm/s vs. 71.64 ± 18.23 cm/s), E/A ratio (0.85 ± 0.29 vs. 0.89 ± 0.32), and early diastolic mitral annular motion (e') (7.02 ± 0.89 cm/s vs. 8.45 ± 0.86 cm/s) following PCI (P < 0.0001). Left atrial volume index (22.53 ± 4.43 vs. 20.81 ± 4.14), tricuspid jet velocity (0.91 ± 0.57 m/s vs. 0.76 ± 0.67 m/s), and E/e' ratio (10.03 ± 3.5 vs. 8.62 ± 2.61) decreased significantly following PCI (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that LV diastolic filling pattern is modified significantly as early as 48 h after successful PCI. Improvement in impaired relaxation appears to be most likely explanation for these changes. PCI may be potential therapeutic target to improve diastolic function in patients with CAD.

Outcomes in the ISCHEMIA Trial Based on Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemia Severity.

BACKGROUND: The ISCHEMIA trial (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches) postulated that patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and moderate or severe ischemia would benefit from revascularization. We investigated the relationship between severity of CAD and ischemia and trial outcomes, overall and by management strategy. METHODS: In total, 5179 patients with moderate or severe ischemia were randomized to an initial invasive or conservative management strategy. Blinded, core laboratory-interpreted coronary computed tomographic angiography was used to assess anatomic eligibility for randomization. Extent and severity of CAD were classified with the modified Duke Prognostic Index (n=2475, 48%). Ischemia severity was interpreted by independent core laboratories (nuclear, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, exercise tolerance testing, n=5105, 99%). We compared 4-year event rates across subgroups defined by severity of ischemia and CAD. The primary end point for this analysis was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points were myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular death or MI, and the trial primary end point (cardiovascular death, MI, or hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or resuscitated cardiac arrest). RESULTS: Relative to mild/no ischemia, neither moderate ischemia nor severe ischemia was associated with increased mortality (moderate ischemia hazard ratio [HR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.61-1.30]; severe ischemia HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.57-1.21]; P=0.33). Nonfatal MI rates increased with worsening ischemia severity (HR for moderate ischemia, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.86-1.69] versus mild/no ischemia; HR for severe ischemia, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.98-1.91]; P=0.04 for trend, P=NS after adjustment for CAD). Increasing CAD severity was associated with death (HR, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.06-6.98]) and MI (HR, 3.78 [95% CI, 1.63-8.78]) for the most versus least severe CAD subgroup. Ischemia severity did not identify a subgroup with treatment benefit on mortality, MI, the trial primary end point, or cardiovascular death or MI. In the most severe CAD subgroup (n=659), the 4-year rate of cardiovascular death or MI was lower in the invasive strategy group (difference, 6.3% [95% CI, 0.2%-12.4%]), but 4-year all-cause mortality was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia severity was not associated with increased risk after adjustment for CAD severity. More severe CAD was associated with increased risk. Invasive management did not lower all-cause mortality at 4 years in any ischemia or CAD subgroup. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Impact of COVID-19 on Thrombus Burden and Outcome in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background Cardiovascular manifestations are one of the most common complications in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and are associated with increased mortality. However, the impact of COVID-19 infection on thrombus burden and the outcome of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been studied. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study that included all adult patients (>18 years) diagnosed with AMI with or without COVID-19 infection. Epidemiological, laboratory, clinical, interventional, and outcome data were extracted and the impact of COVID-19 on thrombus burden and the primary clinical composite endpoint of all-cause death during hospital admission or 30 days after discharge was studied. Results The study population included 336 patients, including 56 patients with COVID and AMI and 280 patients with AMI without COVID-19 infection. Chest pain was the most common symptom (84.8%) while one or more co-morbidity was present in 117 (34.8%) patients. Forty-eight patients in the AMI with COVID group had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) while 256 patients in the AMI without COVID group had STEMI, eight patients in the AMI with COVID group had non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and 24 in the AMI without COVID group had NSTEMI. Patients with COVID-19 co-infection had a higher thrombus burden as compared to the patients without COVID-19 AMI group (p-value 0.008). The primary outcome in the form of all-cause mortality was seen in 13 (3.9%) patients, which was also more in the AMI with COVID group. Conclusion COVID-19 in AMI is a state of high thrombus burden associated with higher mortality, especially in patients with chronic co-morbidities.

Outcomes in the ISCHEMIA Trial Based on Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemia Severity

BACKGROUND: The ISCHEMIA trial (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches) postulated that patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and moderate or severe ischemia would benefit from revascularization. We investigated the relationship between severity of CAD and ischemia and trial outcomes, overall and by management strategy. METHODS: In total, 5179 patients with moderate or severe ischemia were randomized to an initial invasive or conservative management strategy. Blinded, core laboratory­interpreted coronary computed tomographic angiography was used to assess anatomic eligibility for randomization. Extent and severity of CAD were classified with the modified Duke Prognostic Index (n=2475, 48%). Ischemia severity was interpreted by independent core laboratories (nuclear, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, exercise tolerance testing, n=5105, 99%). We compared 4-year event rates across subgroups defined by severity of ischemia and CAD. The primary end point for this analysis was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points were myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular death or MI, and the trial primary end point (cardiovascular death, MI, or hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or resuscitated cardiac arrest). RESULTS: Relative to mild/no ischemia, neither moderate ischemia nor severe ischemia was associated with increased mortality (moderate ischemia hazard ratio [HR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.61­1.30]; severe ischemia HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.57­1.21]; P=0.33). Nonfatal MI rates increased with worsening ischemia severity (HR for moderate ischemia, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.86­1.69] versus mild/no ischemia; HR for severe ischemia, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.98­1.91]; P=0.04 for trend, P=NS after adjustment for CAD). Increasing CAD severity was associated with death (HR, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.06­6.98]) and MI (HR, 3.78 [95% CI, 1.63­8.78]) for the most versus least severe CAD subgroup. Ischemia severity did not identify a subgroup with treatment benefit on mortality, MI, the trial primary end point, or cardiovascular death or MI. In the most severe CAD subgroup (n=659), the 4-year rate of cardiovascular death or MI was lower in the invasive strategy group (difference, 6.3% [95% CI, 0.2%­12.4%]), but 4-year all-cause mortality was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia severity was not associated with increased risk after adjustment for CAD severity. More severe CAD was associated with increased risk. Invasive management did not lower all-cause mortality at 4 years in any ischemia or CAD subgroup.

Aortic Dissection With Complete Occlusion of Left Main Coronary Artery Presenting as Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Acute Aortic Dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition, which presents with a wide variety of symptoms ranging from being asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death. A retrograde extension of AAD can lead to partial or complete occlusion of coronary vessels, leading to an exceedingly rare presentation in the form of acute Myocardial Infarction (MI). A prognosis of AAD depends on prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention to re-establish coronary blood flow. Here, we report a case of AAD, presenting as acute anterolateral wall MI, due to total occlusion of the left main coronary artery.