Surgical mitral plasticity for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The outcome of mitral valve (MV) repair for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is suboptimal, due to the high recurrence rate of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) during follow-up. The MV adapts to new MR increasing its area to cover the enlarged annular area (mitral plasticity). As this process is often incomplete, we aimed to evaluate if augmenting the anterior leaflet (AL) and cutting the second-order chords (CC) together with restrictive mitral annuloplasty, a strategy we call "surgical mitral plasticity," could improve the midterm results of MV repair for IMR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2017 to October 2019, 22 patients with chronic IMR underwent surgical mitral plasticity. Mean age was 73 ± 7 years and six were female. Mean ejection fraction was 32% ± 11%, IMR grade was moderate in 10 and severe in 12. Mean clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 12 ± 6 months. RESULTS: There was no early death, and one patient died 6 months after surgery. Ejection fraction improved from 32% ± 15% to 40% ± 6% (P = .031). IMR was absent or mild in all patients, and none showed recurrent moderate or more IMR. Tenting area decreased significantly from 2.5 ± 0.5 to 0.5 ± 0.3 cm² and coaptation length increased from 1.9 ± 0.7 to 7.8 ± 1.6 mm. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral plasticity, if uncomplete, is ineffective in preventing IMR to become significant. Surgical mitral plasticity, by completing incomplete process of MV adaptation, has a strong rationale, which however needs to be validated with longer follow-up.

Aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation express different titin isoforms: Differences and relationships with functional and geometric characteristics.

Background-Titin represents an important biomechanical sensor which determines compliance and diastolic/systolic function of the left ventricle (LV). To assess the different titin-isoform expression and the relationships with functional and geometric patterns, we analyzed titin-isoform expression and cardiomyocytes contractile function in myocardial biopsy samples of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) and for aortic regurgitation (AR). Method -Specimens, collected from the LV of 35 with AS and 35 with AR undergoing AVR were analyzed for titin-isoform expression and cardiomyocytes force measurement. Ten donor hearts were analyzed as controls for normal values. Results were implemented with preoperative geometry and function assessed by Doppler echocardiography. Results-Compared to controls, N2BA/N2B titin-isoforms ratio was reduced to 0.24 in AS (p < 0.001) but increased to 0.51 in AR (p < 0.001). N2BA/N2B titin-isoforms ratio was further reduced in 8 patients with severe (restrictive) diastolic dysfunction (0.17 ±â€¯0.03, p < 0.001) but was increased in patients with severe systolic dysfunction (0.58 ±â€¯0.07, p < 0.001). As compared to controls, Fpasive was higher in AS (6.7 ±â€¯0.2 vs 4.4 ± 0.4 kN/m2, p < 0.001) but was lower in AR (3.7 ±â€¯0.2 vs 4.4 ±â€¯0.4 kN/m2, p < 0.001). Total force was comparable. Fpassive was significantly higher in AS patients with severe than with moderate LV diastolic dysfunction (7.1 ± 0.5 vs 6.6. ±â€¯0.6, p = 0.004). Conclusions-titin-isoform expression differs in AS and AR as adaptive response to different pathophysiologic scenarios. Co-expressing isoforms at varying ratios results in modulation of the passive mechanical behavior of the LV at different degree of dysfunction and allows for compensative adjustment of the diastolic/systolic properties of the myocardium.

Individualized strategy for clopidogrel suspension in patients undergoing off-pump coronary surgery for acute coronary syndrome: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of patients presenting for urgent coronary surgery have been exposed to clopidogrel, which constitutes a risk of bleeding and related events. Based on the wide variability in clopidogrel response and platelet function recovery after cessation, we evaluated the role of point-of-care platelet function testing to define the optimal time for off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in a case-control study. METHODS: Three equally matched groups (300 patients in total) undergoing isolated off-pump CABG for acute coronary syndrome were compared. Group A were treated with clopidogrel and prospectively underwent a strategy guided by platelet function testing. Outcomes were compared with 2 propensity score matched groups: group B underwent CABG after the currently recommended 5 days without clopidogrel; group C were never exposed to clopidogrel. RESULTS: Patients in group A had reduced postoperative bleeding compared with those in group B (523±202 mL vs 851±605 mL; P<.001) and a lower number of units packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused during the postoperative hospital stay (1.2±1.6 units vs 1.9±1.8 units; P=.004). Postoperative bleeding and the number of units of PRBCs transfused were similar in group A and group C. There was no difference in blood-derived products and platelet consumption, mortality, or the need for reoperation among the groups. Patients in group A waited 3.6±1.7 days for surgery. The strategy used for group A saved 280 days of hospital stay in total. CONCLUSIONS: The strategy guided by platelet function testing for off-pump CABG offers improved guidance for optimal timing of CABG in patients treated with clopidogrel. This strategy significantly reduces postoperative bleeding and blood consumption, and has a shorter waiting time for surgery than current clinical practice.

B-type natriuretic peptide as a biochemical marker of left ventricular diastolic function: assessment in asymptomatic patients 1 year after valve replacement for aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction after aortic valve replacement (AVR) carries a substantial risk of development of heart failure and reduced survival. In addition to echocardiography, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) provides a powerful incremental assessment of diastolic function. This study evaluates BNP as a marker of LV diastolic dysfunction in a cohort of patients with preserved LV ejection fraction who underwent AVR for pure aortic stenosis and the relationship between BNP values and the grade of LV diastolic dysfunction. METHODS A total of 113 patients were included in the study. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed preoperatively, 5 days postoperatively and at 12-month follow-up, to assess LV dimensional and functional parameters. Diastolic function was labelled as normal, mild, moderate or severe dysfunction. Concomitantly, BNP levels were evaluated. RESULTS Mild to severe diastolic dysfunction occurred preoperatively in all patients. At 12-month follow-up, 65 (62.5%) patients had mild and 25 (24.1%) moderate to severe diastolic dysfunction. BNP values, categorized for quartile distribution, correlated with diastolic dysfunction grade (P<0.001 for each comparison). At receiver operating characteristic analysis, the BNP level of 120 pg/ml was 91% sensitive and 85% specific for diastolic disease, while 300 pg/ml was 80% sensitive and 91% specific for moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction. Twelve months after AVR, BNP values were strongly correlated with the significant echocardiographic parameters suggestive of diastolic dysfunction (P≤0.006 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS The BNP level following AVR is related to diastolic disease severity and may complement echocardiographic evaluation when symptoms are unclear and LV function is difficult to interpret.

Aspirin plus clopidogrel for optimal platelet inhibition following off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: results from the CRYSSA (prevention of Coronary arteRY bypaSS occlusion After off-pump procedures) randomised study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the individual variability in the response to aspirin and/or clopidogrel and its impact on graft patency after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN: A single-centre prospective randomised controlled study designed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Randomisation was obtained by a computer-generated algorithm. SETTING: University medical school in Italy. PATIENTS: 300 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were randomised to receive aspirin (n=150) or aspirin plus clopidogrel (n=150). INTERVENTION: Aspirin 100 mg or aspirin 100 mg plus clopidogrel 75 mg daily was initiated when postoperative chest tube drainage was ≤ 50 ml/h for 2 h and patients were followed up for 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Qualitative and quantitative assessment of platelet function, angiographic evaluation of coronary revascularisation by 64-slice CT and clinical outcome. RESULTS: In the aspirin group, 49 patients (32.6%) were aspirin resistant and, in the aspirin-clopidogrel group, 19 patients (12.6%) were aspirin and clopidogrel resistant. The platelet response to aspirin was similar in all aspirin responders despite the study arm (Aspirin Reaction Units 313.2 ± 44.8 vs 323.6 ± 53.6; p=0.07). The platelet response to clopidogrel was enhanced by aspirin in patients responsive to both aspirin and clopidogrel (synergistic effect) compared with responders to clopidogrel only (P2Y12 Reaction Units 139.9 ± 15.5 vs 179.4 ± 18.5; p<0.001). Combined therapy was associated with a reduced vein graft occlusion rate (7.4% vs 13.1%; p=0.04). Antiplatelet resistance was a predictor of graft occlusion (RR 3.6, 95% CI 2.5 to 6.9; p<0.001). Synergistic aspirin and clopidogrel activity was a strong predictor of vein graft patency (RR 5.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 16.3; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Combined clopidogrel and aspirin overcome single drug resistances, are safe for bleeding and improve venous graft patency.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in postmenopausal women: a sex-specific risk factor in coronary surgery.

BACKGROUND: After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, older women have less favorable clinical outcome and lower conduit patency compared with men. This less favorable outcome can be in part ascribed to impaired endothelium-derived nitric oxide (eNOS) production. This study evaluated endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in internal mammary artery from postmenopausal women undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: Internal mammary artery segments were obtained from 20 postmenopausal woman and 20 matched male patients. Twenty more segments from younger patients were used as controls. Expression of eNOS messenger RNA in internal mammary artery endothelial cells were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The eNOS protein level was assayed by Western blot. Vascular dynamics of specimens were evaluated by organ chamber methodology. RESULTS: In postmenopausal women, the band of messenger RNA for eNOS was reduced by 37.4% and by 25.2%, respectively, compared with matched men and the control group (62.6%±4.8% versus 74.8%±5.3%, p<0.001). In comparison with the control group lane, the eNOS protein immunoreactive band was 44.2% decreased in postmenopausal women and 34.5% decreased in matched men, and was significantly decreased in postmenopausal women as compared with matched men (55.8%±4.6% versus 65.5%±5.2%, p<0.001). Nitric oxide-mediated vasomotor dynamics were consistent with reduced eNOS production. CONCLUSIONS: Internal mammary artery endothelial cells from women after menopause undergoing coronary surgery have impaired expression of messenger RNA for eNOS and reduced eNOS levels. Reduced bioactivity of nitric oxide translates into impaired endothelial metabolism that could contribute to worse surgical outcome.

Previous percutaneous coronary interventions increase mortality and morbidity after coronary surgery.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter study investigated the impact of previous percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on postoperative outcome and 5-year survival of subsequent coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Among 7,855 patients who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2000 and December 2005, 6,834 (87%) had no previous PCI and 1,021 (13%) had previous PCI with stenting. Logistic multiple regression and propensity score analyses were used to assess the risk-adjusted impact of prior PCI on in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events. The Cox regression model was used to assess the effect of prior PCI on 3-year and 5-year survival. RESULTS: After risk-adjusted multivariate analysis, age over 70 years, female sex, 3-vessel or 2-vessel plus left main coronary disease, multivessel PCI, ejection fraction 0.40 or less, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were identified as independent predictors of both hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events. After propensity score matching, conditional logistic regression analysis identified history of previous PCI as significantly associated with an increased risk for hospital mortality (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 4.8; p=0.003) and major adverse cardiac events (odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 3.6; p<0.001). Survival at 3 and 5 years was lower in patients with previous PCI compared with the no-PCI patients (97.4%±0.01% vs 96.5%±0.02% and 94.2%±0.03% vs 92.1%±0.05%; log-rank test: p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provided further evidence that history of PCI before coronary artery bypass grafting increases risk of both operative death and perioperative complications, and decreases survival at 5 years follow-up.

Preoperative intraaortic balloon pump for off-pump coronary arterial revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) support showed better outcomes in critical patients undergoing coronary revascularization compared with intraoperative or postoperative insertion. We conducted a prospective, randomized study to determine the optimal timing for preoperative IABP insertion in high-risk patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery revascularization. METHODS: The study enrolled 230 consecutive high-risk patients (having a logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score of ≥10) undergoing off-pump coronary artery revascularization. They were randomized for preoperative IABP starting at 2 hours (2T, n=115) or 12 hours (12T, n=115). Clinical, biochemical, and hemodynamic results, and the need for inotropic drug support, were markers of outcome and compared between groups. RESULTS: Hospital mortality in group 12T was reduced by 60%, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 1.5; p=0.1). Twelve hours of preoperative IABP therapy reduced postoperative low output syndrome (hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 0.9; p=0.03) and biomarker leakage upper normal limit (hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 0.7; p=0.001). Postoperative left ventricular function was similar between the groups. Group 2T patients required higher inotropic support for a longer average duration and prolonged postoperative intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve hours preoperative IABP therapy improved treatment efficacy. Postoperative morbidity was reduced, but hospital mortality rate was not affected. The IABP-related complication rate was low and not related to the length of treatment.

Myocardial metabolism and diastolic function after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: influence of patient-prosthesis mismatch.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of patient-prosthesis mismatch on myocardial function and high-energy phosphate metabolism after aortic valve replacement for pure aortic stenosis. Patients with and without patient-prosthesis mismatch were compared using magnetic resonance techniques. METHODS: Thirty patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement with Medtronic Mosaic bioprosthesis were evaluated. Fifteen patients with patient-prosthesis mismatch were compared to 15 matched patients without patient-prosthesis mismatch. These two homogeneous groups were studied for myocardial metabolism and left ventricle function preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively with magnetic resonance imaging and (31)P spectroscopy. RESULTS: All patients experienced improvement in myocardial metabolism and left ventricle function. Left ventricle mass regression was impaired in both groups. Impaired diastolic filling was associated with increased left ventricle wall mass in both groups (patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = -0.71, p = 0.002; no patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = -0.88, p < 0.001). Myocardial phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate ratio revealed a modest correlation with left ventricle function as evaluated by early acceleration peak (patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = 0.37, p = 0.03; no patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = 0.17, p = 0.02) and early deceleration peak (patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = 0.30, p = 0.01; no patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = 0.39, p = 0.008). No significant correlation between the phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate ratio and left ventricle mass was found (patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = 0.39, p = 0.6; no patient-prosthesis mismatch: R(2) = 0.40, p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Aortic valve replacement leads to early improvement of left ventricle function and myocardial metabolism in all patients regardless of the occurrence of patient-prosthesis mismatch.

Coronary perfusion: impact of flow dynamics and geometric design of 2 different aortic prostheses of similar size.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement leads to improvement of coronary flow but not to complete normalization. Coronary hypoperfusion contributes to higher left ventricular mass persistence, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure and sudden death. This prospective study compares 2 similarly sized aortic prostheses (mechanical and porcine) regarding coronary flow and hemodynamic performances in patients who underwent surgery for pure aortic stenosis. METHODS: Sixty patients having undergone aortic valve replacement for pure aortic stenosis with Medtronic Mosaic Ultra bioprosthesis 21 mm (n = 30) or St Jude Regent mechanical valve 19 mm (n = 30) were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively comparing the coronary flow and the hemodynamic behavior. Echocardiography and cardiac positron emission tomography were performed at rest and during exercise or adenosine maximal stimulation, respectively. RESULTS: The St Jude Regent mechanical valve, compared with the Medtronic Mosaic Ultra bioprosthesis, had reduced coronary flow reserve (2.1 ± 0.3 vs 2.3 ± 0.2; P = .003), less favorable systolic/diastolic time ratio (0.87 ± 0.02 vs 0.78 ± 0.03; P < .001), and higher mean transprosthetic gradient (46 ± 11 vs 38 ± 9; P = .003) during exercise. Multivariate analysis of impaired coronary reserve related indexed effective orifice area less than 0.65 cm/m(2) (risk ratio [RR], 1.9; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.5-2.8; P < .001), mechanical valve (RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-3.3; P < .001), and systolic/diastolic time ratio greater than 0.75 (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.8-3.8; P < .001), as well as high transprosthetic gradient (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4; P < .001) ) during exercise with coronary reserve less than 2.2. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of coronary flow and reserve was more evident for bioprostheses than for mechanical valves. The bioprostheses demonstrated superior hemodynamics during exercise, which may have some impact on exercise capability during normal daily life.

Serial evaluation of flow in single or arterial Y-grafts to the left coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether composite Y-grafts can withstand the flow demand of the coronary system at rest and under stress. This study compared the graft flow and flow reserve of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) intraoperatively and over a 2-year follow-up in single or composite Y-graft configurations using the radial artery (RA). METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent off-pump myocardial revascularization with a composite Y-graft (group 2) were compared with a homogeneous group of 100 patients treated with a single independent LIMA graft on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (group 1). Intraoperative baseline flow and flow after adenosine infusion into the left ventricle were analyzed. Over a 2-year follow-up, noninvasive longitudinal evaluation of flow was carried out at rest and during maximal hyperemic response by transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography. Final functional evaluation was obtained through a 2-day stress/rest 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomographic scan. RESULTS: The proximal LIMA in a Y-graft configuration showed adaptability to flow dynamics. It had a greater average peak velocity (p = 0.02), flow volume (p < 0.01), and diameter (p < 0.01) than independent single LIMA grafts. Distal flow at rest and during adenosine recruitment was similar between groups both intraoperatively and at all time points of the follow-up. No steal phenomenon occurred at rest, nor was it induced by adenosine in the Y-graft group. Exercise nuclear scintigraphy showed satisfactory exercise tolerance and no inducible significant perfusion defects in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Left internal mammary artery Y-grafting with the RA is adequate for flow requirements of distal branches at rest and during maximal hyperemia and is able to adapt its dimension to flow demand. Optimal results for RA anastomoses are possible only in arteries with critical stenosis and of good size and quality.

Randomized flow capacity comparison of skeletonized and pedicled left internal mammary artery.

BACKGROUND: The preferential harvesting technique of the internal mammary artery has been periodically debated. This randomized study evaluated the flow outcome of the skeletonized versus pedicled left internal mammary artery. METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing surgery for left anterior descending coronary artery revascularization were enrolled and randomized to pedicled (n=100) or skeletonized (n=100) harvesting. Intraoperative baseline flow and post adenosine infusion into the left ventricle, hospital outcome, echocardiographic results, and troponin I leakage were analyzed. Noninvasive periodic evaluation of flow was carried out at rest and during intravenous adenosine infusion by transthoracic Doppler ultrasound, and was stratified according to the harvesting technique. Final angiographic evaluation was performed by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography. RESULTS: Skeletonized left internal mammary arteries demonstrated better flow capacity at rest and during adenosine recruitment perioperatively and at all time points of follow-up. Troponin I leakage was significantly higher in the pedicled group (59 vs 42, p=0.02). Pedicled harvesting (hazard ratio [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5 to 6.9, p<0.001); indexed left ventricular mass greater than 150 g/m2 (HR 4.6, 95% CI 3.1 to 7.5, p<0.001); and baseline corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count greater than 30 (HR 4.4, 95% CI, 3.8 to 7.2, p<0.001) were the most powerful multivariable predictors of graft flow reserve less than 2.0. Postoperative echocardiographic results and clinical and angiographic outcomes were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletonization of the left internal mammary artery, beyond traditional proven advantages, provided significantly higher flow capacity and better graft flow reserve.

The association of acute aortic dissection with Helicobacter pylori virulence specific serotypes: Distinct diversity of systemic antibodies to CagA and VacA genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported an association between chronic Helicobacter pylori infection and cardiovascular disease; however, controversy still exists regarding the presence of bacterial genomic material in atherosclerotic plaques. Currently, the genetic polymorphisms of H. pylori have been investigated and many virulence factors have been identified. No one has tried to associate these polymorphisms with aortic dissections. This study evaluated whether more virulent strains of H. pylori represent a risk factor for acute ascending aorta dissections. METHODS: The serologic status for H. pylori and type I strains were determined in 100 patients who underwent operative repair of acute, ascending aorta dissection and in 100 population-based control subjects matched fully for clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. The specimens from dissected aorta were evaluated to identify the presence of bacterial genomic material in surgical patients. RESULTS: No evidence of genomic material from H. pylori was found in the specimens. The prevalence of positive H. pylori serology was greater in patients than in controls (72 vs 50) with an adjusted odds ratio 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-4.1; P = .006). Patients with aortic dissection also had a greater prevalence of vacuolating cytotoxin gene subtypes s1m1 (73% vs 31%) with an odds ratio of 6.0 (95% confidence interval, 3.1-11; P < .001). Patients who were positive for vacuolating cytotoxin gene subtypes s1m1 were similar in demographic and clinical features compared with other patients. CONCLUSION: The findings provide support for the hypothesis that an association exists between the more virulent type I strains of H. pylori (vacuolating cytotoxin gene subtypes s1m1) infection and acute aortic dissection. The mechanism(s) underlying the association remain to be elucidated.

Influence of prosthesis-patient mismatch on exercise-induced arrhythmias: a further aspect after aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The influence of prosthesis-patient mismatch on outcome after aortic valve replacement is controversial. This study analyzed the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch on survival, the extent of left ventricular mass, and physical capacity after replacement with a small-size prosthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 157 patients who underwent valve replacement for pure aortic stenosis were reviewed. Late mortality, morbidity, left ventricular mass regression, transprosthetic gradient at rest and after exercise, exercise capacity, and occurrence of arrhythmias were evaluated. RESULTS: Prosthesis-patient mismatch, defined as an indexed effective orifice area of 0.75 cm(2)/m(2) or more, occurred in 96 (61.1%) patients and had no significant impact on early and late mortality. The only independent predictor of mortality was age greater than 65 years. At follow-up, multivariate analysis of prosthetic gradient at rest of 35 mm Hg end exercise capacity or more revealed that both these evidences were associated with high left ventricular mass (P < .001), female gender (P < .001), and follow-up time (P < .001). Arrhythmias occurred during exercise in 34.1% of patients (40/117). Multivariate analysis of occurrence of arrhythmias revealed that they were associated with high mean transprosthetic gradients: values of 50 mm Hg or more during exercise had 95% sensitivity and 72% specificity for predicting arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: Prosthesis-patient mismatch failed to demonstrate any significant impact on early and late mortality and morbidity and in left ventricular mass regression. High transprosthetic gradients influence exercise capacity and occurrence of arrhythmias.

Effect of rosuvastatin pretreatment on myocardial damage after coronary surgery: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial disease without evidence of myocardial infarction is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery during cardiopulmonary bypass. Statins might be protective, but their efficacy has not been established in randomized trials. METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing coronary surgery were enrolled. They were randomized to rosuvastatin (20 mg/d, n = 100) or placebo (n = 100) starting 1 week before the operation. Troponin I, myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB mass, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were used as markers of myocardial injury, and their values were determined at baseline and at regular intervals after the operation. Electrocardiography and echocardiography were performed before and after the operation. RESULTS: Myocardial disease was diagnosed when troponin I, myoglobin, and creatine kinase-MB mass values were above the upper normal limit without evidence of electrocardiographic changes, echocardiographic changes, or both. The percentages of marker level increase indicative of myocardial disease were determined in the placebo versus statin groups and were as follows: troponin I, 35% versus 65% (P < .0001); myoglobin, 39% versus 72% (P < .0001); creatine kinase-MB mass, 22% versus 40% (P = .0002). Peak postoperative values of troponin I (0.16 +/- 0.15 vs 0.32 +/- 0.26 ng/mL, P = .0008), myoglobin (72.25 +/- 25 vs 98.31 +/- 31 ng/mL, P < .0001), and creatine kinase-MB mass (3.9 +/- 3.3 vs 9.3 +/- 8.1 ng/mL, P < .0001) were significantly higher in the placebo group. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein values were increased in 58% of pretreated versus 88% of the control patients (15.4 +/- 2.5 vs 17.2 +/- 3.4 mg/L, P < .0001). In high-risk patients myocardial disease was observed more frequently but significantly less in statin-pretreated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Statin pretreatment reduces myocardial damage after coronary surgery and could improve both short- and long-term results.