A case of percutaneous septal myocardial ablation in a patient with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with accessory mitral valve tissue.

Accessory mitral valve tissue (AMVT) is a rare congenital anomaly that sometimes causes left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) complicated by AMVT. The patient presented at our hospital with palpitations and shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a diagnosis of HOCM and an abnormal structure inside the LVOT. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed an AMVT. We initially treated the patient with oral medication, but due to side effects, the patient could not take the target dose and her symptoms did not improve. We suggested surgical treatment, but the patient refused. By evaluating the relationship between AMVT and the surrounding tissues using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, we determined that percutaneous septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) might be successful. The first PTSMA was not effective, but the second procedure showed significant improvement in the pressure gradient and symptoms. The patient with HOCM and concomitant AMVT had a severe LVOT pressure gradient, and PTSMA was performed with excellent results. Since we experienced a rare case and were able to treat it percutaneously, we report our findings in relation to the literature. Learning objective: This case study highlights successful use of percutaneous septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) in treating a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and accessory mitral valve tissue (AMVT). The key objective is to understand PTSMA can be an effective treatment option for HOCM with Type IIa AMVT, characterized by the attachment only to the mitral leaflets, when surgical intervention is not preferred, enhancing management of this rare condition.

Swallowing-induced Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia Causes Weight Loss and Fainting during Mealtime: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Swallow or deglutition syncope is an unusual disorder. We herein report an 80-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia induced by swallowing, causing syncope. Initially, we suspected a digestive disorder and found no significant findings. Finally, a swallowing test with monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure helped in the diagnosis. The patient was treated with antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation. The mechanism underlying swallowing-induced tachycardia presumably involves mechanical stimulation of the esophagus and autonomic nervous system effects. However, few cases have been reported, and the exact mechanism remains unclear.

A case report of a perigraft inflammatory reaction to a Viabahn stent-graft: diagnosis with MRI and treatment with steroids.

BACKGROUND: Perigraft inflammatory reactions to prosthetic graft materials in vascular surgery have been reported; however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of a perigraft inflammatory reaction to a Viabahn stent-graft used in a superficial femoral artery occlusion lesion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old man with right leg claudication was diagnosed with a right superficial femoral artery occlusion via contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Endovascular treatment included intravascular ultrasound for passing through the true lumen. A 25-cm Viabahn stent-graft (diameter 5 mm) was implanted. The patient developed pain and local swelling of the right thigh 5 days after endovascular treatment. Blood analysis revealed elevated inflammatory marker levels. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive soft-tissue edema and a high perivascular T2 signal around the right superficial femoral artery. Clinical symptoms resolved within 7 days after initiating steroid therapy, which was gradually decreased and halted after 3 weeks. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated substantially reduced inflammation over the following months. CONCLUSIONS: Perigraft inflammatory reaction to a Viabahn stent-graft implant can be immediately diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging and treated with steroids to reduce the possibility of stent-graft occlusion.

Possible mechanism of late lumen enlargement after treatment for de novo coronary lesions with drug-coated balloon.

BACKGROUND: Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment for de novo coronary artery disease has demonstrated late lumen enlargement (LLE) in mid-term follow-up and it was considered as clinical benefit; however, its mechanism and the predictive factor remains unclear. METHODS: This study enrolled 46 consecutive patients (54 lesions) treated with DCB, using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) at the index procedure and at the 9-month follow-up. We measured IVUS parameters at 1-mm intervals and calculated the mean volume of the external elastic membrane (EEM), lumen, and plaque. We calculated the dissection index (DI) defined as summation of the following points, 2: dissection over EEM, 1: intra-EEM dissection, 0: no dissection at every 1-mm interval, and divided by lesion length. RESULTS: IVUS showed that there was no flow limiting dissection just after DCB treatment, the mean EEM and lumen volume (LV) had significantly increased while mean plaque volume had significantly decreased at 9 months, and 74.1% lesions exhibited LLE. We divided the patients into three groups according to delta mean LV. Mean EEM volume significantly increased and mean plaque volume significantly decreased in the larger and smaller LLE groups, but not in the non-LLE group. The DI was higher in a descending order in the three groups. The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the DI was the strongest predictor of the change in mean LV. CONCLUSIONS: LLE after DCB treatment may be caused by vessel enlargement and plaque regression. The non-flow limiting larger dissection just after DCB treatment may strongly associate with the intending LLE.

Comparison of the 9-Month Intrastent Condition and 30-Month Clinical Outcomes After Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation Between Standard-Duration and 1-Month Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Followed by Prasugrel Monotherapy.

Background: In this study we investigated the efficacy and safety of very short duration (1-month) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) followed by prasugrel monotherapy. In particular, we compared intrastent conditions using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after second-generation drug-eluting stent implantation between standard-duration and 1-month DAPT followed by prasugrel monotherapy. Methods and Results: Between May 2015 and February 2018, 120 consecutive patients who underwent elective Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent implantation were enrolled and divided into those receiving standard-duration or 1-month (1M) DAPT followed by prasugrel monotherapy; 47 patients (n=55 stents) and 46 patients (n=54 stents) in the standard and 1M groups, respectively, completed the protocol. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of abnormal intrastent tissue at the 9-month examination, as observed by OCT. The secondary endpoint was the presence of composite adverse events, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target lesion and vessel revascularization, and major and minor bleeding. The prevalence of abnormal intrastent tissue was similar between the standard and 1M groups (1.6% vs. 1.5%, respectively; non-inferiority P<0.01). There was a tendency for fewer composite events in the 1M than standard group at the 30-month follow-up examination (28.3% vs. 44.7%, respectively; P=0.41). Conclusions: In conclusion, 1M DAPT followed by prasugrel monotherapy after second-generation drug-eluting stent implantation was not inferior to standard-duration DAPT in terms of intrastent thrombus formation and composite adverse events.

Empagliflozin's Ameliorating Effect on Plasma Triglycerides: Association with Endothelial Function Recovery in Diabetic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

AIM: So far, the mechanisms behind the cardiovascular benefits of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have not been fully clarified. METHODS: In order to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on systemic hemodynamics, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and endothelial function, 50 diabetic patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) were included in this analysis and were given empagliflozin 10 mg/d. Cookie meal testing (carbohydrates: 75 g, fats: 28.5 g), endothelial function testing using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and body composition evaluation were performed before and after six months of treatment. Changes in %FMD between the treatment periods and its association with metabolic biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: After six months of treatment, the body weight and body fat percentage decreased significantly, while the body muscle percentage increased significantly. The hemoglobin A1c level and fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased with treatment. Postprandial insulin secretion was also significantly suppressed and the insulin resistance index was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the fasting and postprandial triglyceride (TG) levels decreased significantly, while total ketone bodies increased significantly after the six-month treatment. While the plasma brain natriuretic peptide level was not changed, the C-reactive protein level was decreased and FMD was significantly improved after the six-month treatment. Multiple regression analysis showed that the strongest predictive factor of FMD improvement is change in the plasma TG levels. CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors improve multiple metabolic parameters. Of these, a reduction in plasma TGs was strongly associated with endothelial function recovery in diabetic patients with CAD, and this reduction may be related to the cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Preventing brain embolism by using a modified isolation technique in transcatheter aortic valve implantation for a patient with shaggy and porcelain aorta.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a useful and effective treatment for surgical high-risk patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Stroke is one of the most frequent complications associated with TAVI. Shaggy and porcelain aortas are a risk factor for procedure-related strokes. Preventing brain embolism is one of the most important goals in patients with diseased aortas. We present a case where we performed TAVI in an 89-year-old man with severe AS, a shaggy aorta, a porcelain aorta, and congestive heart failure. TAVI via a transfemoral approach was performed using a modified isolation technique with cannulation from bilateral axillary arteries and cardiopulmonary bypass to prevent brain embolism. The catheter-delivered embolic protection device is necessary to pass the diseased aorta, but the modified isolation technique can be used without any contact with the shaggy aorta. Embolism did not occur, and his heart failure improved immediately. .

Lumen boundaries extracted from coronary computed tomography angiography on computed fractional flow reserve (FFRCT): validation with optical coherence tomography.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of minimum lumen area (MLA) by coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) and its impact on fractional flow reserve (FFRCT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (118 lesions, 72 vessels) who underwent cCTA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were enrolled. OCT and cCTA were co-registered and MLAs were measured with both modalities. FFROCT was calculated using OCT-updated models with cCTA-based lumen geometry replaced by OCT-derived geometry. Lesions were grouped by Agatston score (AS) and minimum lumen diameter (MLD) using the OCT catheter and guidewire size (1.0 mm) as a threshold. For all lesions, the average absolute difference between cCTA and OCT MLA was 0.621±0.571 mm2. Pearson correlation coefficients between cCTA and OCT MLAs in lesions with low-intermediate and high AS were 0.873 and 0.787, respectively (both p<0.0001). Irrespective of AS score, excellent correlations were observed for MLA (r=0.839, p<0.0001) and FFR comparisons (r=0.918, p<0.0001) in lesions with MLD ≥1.0 mm but not for lesions with MLD <1.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial resolution of cCTA or calcification does not practically limit the accuracy of lumen boundary identification by cCTA or FFRCT calculations for MLD ≥1.0 mm. The accuracy of cCTA MLA could not be adequately assessed for lesions with MLD <1.0 mm.

Peri-strut low-intensity area assessed by midterm follow-up optical coherence tomography may predict target lesion revascularisation after everolimus-eluting stent implantation.

AIMS: Peri-strut low-intensity area (PLIA) assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been reported as a potential marker of abnormal neointimal healing. We aimed to evaluate the impact of PLIA on clinical events and its risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 264 consecutive patients treated with an everolimus-eluting stent (EES) who underwent follow-up OCT six to 12 months after stenting. Target lesion revascularisation (TLR) was evaluated at a mean 42.6 months after stenting. PLIA was identified in 102 patients; 162 patients did not exhibit PLIA. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis indicated that the presence of PLIA (PLIA+) was an independent risk factor for an increased incidence of TLR (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.608, p=0.003). In both the early (<1 year) and late (>1 year) phases, the incidence of TLR was significantly higher in the PLIA+ group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In the Cox hazard regression analysis, current smoking and increased C-reactive protein level were independently associated with PLIA+ (HR: 1.737, p=0.009; HR: 2.435, p=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PLIA on midterm OCT was associated with TLR after EES implantation. Detailed stent assessment by midterm OCT may help to predict stent failure in patients treated with EES.

Data on impact of monocytes and glucose fluctuation on plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease.

Data presented in this article are supplementary material to our research article entitled "Impact of CD14++CD16+ monocytes on coronary plaque vulnerability assessed by optical coherence tomography in coronary artery disease patients" [1]. This article contains the data of study population, diagnostic ability of CD14++CD16+ monocytes to identify thin-cap fibroatheromas, and association between laboratory variables and plaque properties.

Impact of CD14++CD16+ monocytes on coronary plaque vulnerability assessed by optical coherence tomography in coronary artery disease patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study examined the impact of CD14++CD16+ monocytes on coronary plaque vulnerability, as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and investigated their association with daily glucose fluctuation. Although increased CD14++CD16+ monocyte levels have been reported to increase cardiovascular events, their impact on coronary plaque vulnerability in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 50 consecutive patients with CAD, receiving lipid-lowering therapy and undergoing coronary angiography and OCT. Patients were divided into 3 tertiles according to the CD14++CD16+ monocyte percentages assessed by flow cytometry. Standard OCT parameters were assessed for 97 angiographically intermediate lesions (diameter stenosis: 30-70%). Daily glucose fluctuation was analyzed by measuring the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE). RESULTS: CD14++CD16+ monocytes negatively correlated with fibrous cap thickness (r = -0.508, p < 0.01). The presence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was increased stepwise according to the tertile of CD14++CD16+ monocytes (0 [tertile 1] vs. 5 [tertile 2] vs. 10 [tertile 3], p < 0.01). CD14++CD16+ monocytes were a significant determinant of TCFA (OR 1.279, p = 0.001). In non-DM patients, a significant relationship was found between CD14++CD16+ monocytes and MAGE (r = 0.477, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: CD14++CD16+ monocytes were associated with coronary plaque vulnerability in CAD patients with well-regulated lipid levels both in DM and non-DM patients. Cross-talk between glucose fluctuation and CD14++CD16+ monocytes may enhance plaque vulnerability, particularly in non-DM patients. CD14++CD16+ monocytes could be a possible therapeutic target for coronary plaque stabilization.

The impact of serum trans fatty acids concentration on plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary artery disease: Assessment via optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent epidemiological studies have showed that excessive intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) can be a residual risk for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) even under medical management, including statins. This study aimed at investigating the association between lipid profile, including serum TFA concentration, and plaque vulnerability using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: The level of serum elaidic acid, a major TFA component, was measured using gas chromatography in 161 consecutively enrolled patients with CAD under guideline-directed risk factor management. OCT was performed to evaluate morphological features of angiographic intermediate stenosis (30% < diameter of stenosis <70%). OCT data were also used to measure lipid index (LI), defined as mean lipid arc multiplied by lipid length, and determine the presence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), defined as a lipid-rich plaque with the smallest fibrous cap thickness <65 µm and the maximal arc >90°. RESULTS: Among 190 lesions assessed using OCT, 49 TCFAs were detected. In patients with at least one TCFA lesion, levels of elaidic acid (12.9 ± 4.9 vs. 10.3 ± 4.3 µmol/L, p = 0.001), triglycerides (169 ± 81 vs. 130 ± 60 mg/dL, p = 0.005), and remnant-like particle cholesterol (10.4 ± 6.5 vs. 7.7 ± 4.7 mg/dL, p = 0.005) were higher than in those without TCFAs. Generalized estimating equations identified elaidic acid level as the independent risk factor of TCFA. LI had a positive correlation with elaidic acid level (r = 0.173, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: TFA may affect plaque vulnerability in patients with CAD. Serum TFA concentration may represent another cardiovascular risk factor during conventional risk factor management.

Morphological and pharmacological determinants of peri-procedural myocardial infarction following elective stent implantation: Optical coherence tomography sub-analysis of the PRASFIT-Elective study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes, and several morphological predictors of PMI have been studied. However, the determinants of PMI under novel anti-platelet therapy are not fully elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: PRASFIT-Elective is a multicenter, parallel-group study of PCI patients in non-acute settings receiving either prasugrel or clopidogrel in addition to aspirin. Among 742 study patients, 94 (116 lesions) underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the area of intra-stent tissue (IST, which comprises tissue protrusion and thrombus) after stenting in addition to standard parameters. We investigated the relationship between the peak creatine kinase (CK)-MB fraction levels after PCI and post-stent OCT findings, as well as on-treatment platelet reactivity determined by the P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) at PCI, in a post hoc manner. The multivariate linear analysis revealed that a larger total IST area (standardized coefficient: 0.370, p<0.001) and smaller minimal stent diameter (standardized coefficient: -0.242, p<0.014), but not the PRU value (p=0.988), were independently associated with CK-MB leakage. The IST area after stenting was mainly determined by the target lesion lipid index (averaged lipid arc×lipid length) (r=0.583, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Following elective PCI, a large IST area originating from a lipid-rich plaque and a smaller minimal stent diameter were associated with PMI.

Effects of daily glucose fluctuations on the healing response to everolimus-eluting stent implantation as assessed using continuous glucose monitoring and optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have revealed that glucose fluctuations provoke oxidative stress that leads to endothelial cell dysfunction, progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and plaque vulnerability. However, little is known regarding their effect on neointimal growth after stenting in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate the effects of glucose fluctuations on neointimal growth after everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation. METHODS: This study examined 50 patients who underwent a 9-month follow-up using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after EES implantation. Glucose fluctuation was expressed as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), and was determined via continuous glucose monitoring before stenting. At the OCT follow-up, we evaluated the percentage of uncovered struts and three-dimensional uniformity of neointimal distribution by calculating the mean neointimal thickness (NIT) within 360 equally-spaced radial sectors for every 1-mm cross-sectional OCT analysis, and assessed the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: We evaluated 60 lesions in 50 patients. Linear mixed effect models were used to explore the influence of different variables on variability in NIT and the percentage of uncovered struts and to adjust for covariates. Univariate analysis showed that MAGE was most strongly correlated with the previously mentioned OCT measurements (coefficient ß ± standard error = 0.267 ± 0.073 and 0.016 ± 0.003, t = 3.668 and 6.092, both P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, MAGE had the strongest effect on variability in NIT (coefficient ß ± standard error = 0.239 ± 0.093, P = 0.014) and the percentage of uncovered struts (coefficient ß ± standard error = 0.019 ± 0.004, P < 0.001). Five lesions in four patients required target lesion revascularization (10.0 %) at a mean duration of 9 months after EES implantation. Compared to non-MACE cases, cases of MACE exhibited a significantly higher MAGE (99 vs. 68; P = 0.004), maximum NIT (580 vs. 330 µm; P = 0.002), and variability in NIT (100 vs. 65; P = 0.007), although there was no significant difference in these groups' HbA1c levels. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose fluctuation may affect vessel healing after EES implantation in patients with CAD who are receiving lipid-lowering therapy. Therefore, glucose fluctuations may be an important target for secondary prevention after coronary stenting, which is independent of dyslipidemia control.

Association between daily glucose fluctuation and coronary plaque properties in patients receiving adequate lipid-lowering therapy assessed by continuous glucose monitoring and optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Glucose fluctuation has been recognized as a residual risk apart from dyslipidemia for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the association between glucose fluctuation and coronary plaque morphology in CAD patients. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 72 consecutive CAD patients receiving adequate lipid-lowering therapy. They were divided into 3 tertiles according to the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), which represents glucose fluctuation, measured by continuous glucose monitoring (tertile 1; < 49.1, tertile 2; 49.1 ~ 85.3, tertile 3; >85.3). Morphological feature of plaques were evaluated by optical coherence tomography. Lipid index (LI) (mean lipid arc × length), fibrous cap thickness (FCT), and the prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) were assessed in both culprit and non-culprit lesions. RESULTS: In total, 166 lesions were evaluated. LI was stepwisely increased according to the tertile of MAGE (1958 ± 974 [tertile 1] vs. 2653 ± 1400 [tertile 2] vs. 4362 ± 1858 [tertile 3], p < 0.001), whereas FCT was the thinnest in the tertile 3 (157.3 ± 73.0 µm vs. 104.0 ± 64.1 µm vs. 83.1 ± 34.7 µm, p < 0.001, respectively). The tertile 3 had the highest prevalence of TCFA. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MAGE had the strongest effect on LI and FCT (standardized coefficient ß = 0.527 and -0.392, respectively, both P < 0.001). Multiple logistic analysis identified MAGE as the only independent predictor of the presence of TCFA (odds ratio 1.034; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Glucose fluctuation and hypoglycemia may impact the formation of lipid-rich plaques and thinning of fibrous cap in CAD patients with lipid-lowering therapy.