Aplicabilidad de los criterios de alto riesgo hemorrágico del Academic Research Consortium al síndrome coronario agudo sometido a intervención coronaria percutánea / Applicability of the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk in acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Introducción y objetivos: La reciente propuesta del Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR), por consenso, no considera el síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) un criterio de hemorragia per se a pesar de tratarse de una situación de alto riesgo hemorrágico (ARH). En este artículo, se investiga la aplicabilidad de la clasificación y los criterios del ARC-HBR a los pacientes con SCA. Métodos: Se clasificó retrospectivamente a los pacientes con SCA sometidos a implante de stent coronario entre 2012 y 2018 en un hospital terciario como ARH si cumplían al menos 1 criterio mayor o 2 o más criterios menores del ARC-HBR. El objetivo primario fue la incidencia acumulada a 1 año de hemorragias de grado Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3-5. Resultados: De los 4.412 pacientes incluidos, el 29,5% estaba en ARH. La incidencia de hemorragias fue mayor en el grupo con ARH que en el de no ARH (el 9,4 frente al 1,3%; p < 0,01). Las tasas de hemorragias hospitalarias periprocedimiento y tras el alta también fueron mayores en el grupo con ARH (el 4,3 frente al 0,5% y el 5,3 frente al 0,9% respectivamente; p < 0,01). El riesgo hemorrágico se incrementó gradualmente a medida que aumentaban los criterios ARC-HBR: el 1,8, el 5,0, el 9,4, el 16,8, el 25,2 y el 25,9% con, respectivamente: solo 1 criterio menor, 2 o más criterios solo menores, 1 criterio mayor (solo o sumado a 1 criterio menor), 1 criterio mayor con 2 o más criterios menores, 2 o más criterios mayores (solos o sumados a 1 criterio menor) y 2 o más criterios mayores con 2 o más criterios menores. De los 20 criterios del ARC-HBR, 16 (80%) cumplieron los cortes predefinidos del riesgo hemorrágico BARC 3-5. Conclusiones: Este estudio respalda la aplicación de la clasificación y los criterios del ARC-HBR en el contexto del SCA. La clasificación ARC-HBR proporciona una estimación precisa del riesgo de hemorragia mayor y parece adecuada para la identificación y el tratamiento de los pacientes con ARH (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The recent Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) proposal did not consider acute coronary syndrome (ACS), by consensus, a bleeding criterion per se despite being a high bleeding risk (HBR) scenario. We investigated the applicability of the ARC-HBR classification and criteria in ACS patients. Methods: Patients with ACS undergoing coronary stenting between 2012 and 2018 at a tertiary hospital were retrospectively classified as being at HBR if they met ≥ 1 major or ≥ 2 minor ARC-HBR criteria. The primary endpoint was the 1-year cumulative incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3 or 5 bleeding.Results: Among 4412 patients, 29.5% were at HBR. The incidence of bleeding was higher in the HBR group than in the non-HBR group (9.4% vs 1.3%; P < .01). The rates of in-hospital periprocedural and postdischarge bleeding were also higher in the HBR group (4.3% vs 0.5% and 5.3% vs 0.9%, respectively; P < .01). Bleeding risk gradually increased with increasing ARC-HBR criteria: 1.8%, 5.0%, 9.4%, 16.8%, 25.2%, and 25.9% for 1 isolated minor criterion, ≥ 2 isolated minor criteria, 1 major criterion (isolated or plus 1 minor criterion), 1 major plus ≥ 2 minor criteria, ≥ 2 major criteria (isolated or plus 1 minor criterion), and ≥ 2 major plus ≥ 2 minor criteria, respectively. Sixteen (80%) out of 20 ARC-HBR criteria satisfied the ARC-HBR predefined cutoffs for BARC 3 or 5 bleeding risk. Conclusions: This study supports the use of the ARC-HBR classification and criteria in the ACS setting. The ARC-HBR classification provides an accurate major bleeding risk estimate and it seems suitable for the identification and management of patients at HBR (AU)

[Practice Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for the management of cardiac disease in pregnancy]. / Guías de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología en la gestante con cardiopatía.

Maternal adaptation to pregnancy includes reproductive hormone interaction plasma, volume changes with an increase in total body water, vascular alterations with a decrease in systemic resistance and modifications associated with hypercoagulability. These explain, in part, the appearance of signs and symptoms, even in a normal pregnant woman, that are difficult to distinguish from those occurring in heart disease and why some cardiac abnormalities are not well tolerated during pregnancy. Cardiovascular abnormalities are considered the first non-obstetric cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Rheumatic and congenital heart diseases are currently the most frequent cardiopathy found in women of childbearing age, followed by hypertension, coronary artery disease and arrhythmia. Although pregnancy is well tolerated by most women with heart disease, there are some cardiovascular abnormalities which place the mother and the infant at extremely high risk: patients with congestive heart failure and severe cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, cyanotic congenital heart disease, Marfan's syndrome, severe obstructive lesions of the left side of the heart, patients with prosthetic cardiac valves and antecedents of peripartum cardiomyopathy should be encouraged to avoid pregnancy and the interruption of pregnancy may be advisable in cases with great risk of disability or death. The most severe cardiopathies significantly increase the risk of fetal loss and the presence of a congenital cardiac abnormality in either parent increases the risk of congenital cardiac disease in the fetus. Medical care must be initiated early, prior to conception and women with cardiopathy should be informed of the possible risks of pregnancy to both the mother and fetus.

[Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiology on magnetic resonance]. / Guías de práctica clínica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología en resonancia magnética.

A wide perspective of the cardiac applications of magnetic resonance is presented in this report, including technical aspects of the practice, recommendations on the appropriate training of medical personnel for the practice of examination and also, an extensively commented review of the accepted clinical indications for the practice of a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study at present.

[A comparison of the clinical and angiographic evolution of diabetic and nondiabetic patients treated by conventional angioplasty versus stent implantation in native coronary arteries]. / Comparación de la evolución clínica y angiográfica de pacientes diabéticos y no diabéticos tratados con angioplastia convencional frente a implantación de stent en arterias coronarias nativas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetic patients have a high restenosis risk after balloon coronary angioplasty. Stent implantation in these patients appears to be a potential beneficial therapeutic option. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and angiographic outcome of diabetic patients vs non-diabetic patients, treated with conventional angioplasty vs stent implantation in lesions located in native coronary arteries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 302 patients (58 diabetics and 244 non-diabetics) underwent a coronary angioplasty of one vessel in native coronary arteries with initial success and after at least six months clinical and angiographic follow-up were included in the study. Of the total number of patients, 100 were treated with conventional balloon angioplasty and 202 with stent implantation. Major adverse clinical events and angiographic restenosis rate were evaluated at follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 65 years and 74% were male. Angiographic restenosis rate was similar in diabetic vs non-diabetic patients with stent implantation (24% vs 23% respectively). Nevertheless, diabetic patients treated with balloon angioplasty compared to diabetic patients treated with stenting, evolved with a higher restenosis rate (64% vs 24%; p < 0.05), and at the end of follow-up diabetics had need a higher rate of target vessel revascularization (40% vs 24%; p < 0.05), a lower major event free survival (56% vs 70%; p < 0.05) and worse symptomatic status (72% vs 36%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients treated with conventional one vessel coronary balloon angioplasty evolved with a high restenosis rate and a bad mid-term clinical outcome. Stent implantation was able reduce to the restenosis rate and improve the mid-term clinical outcome, in a comparable population of diabetic patients.

[The clinical and angiographic evolution of dilated lesions in the proximal segment of the anterior descending coronary artery: stent versus balloon]. / Evolución clínica y angiográfica de las lesiones dilatadas en el segmento proximal de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior: stent frente a balón.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The restenosis rate after coronary balloon angioplasty of lesions located in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery is high, having been recommended elective stent implantation in order to improve the outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, anatomic and angiographic factors related to the short-term outcome after angioplasty of severe lesions in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery, with and without stent implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We study 87 patients with severe stenosis (> or = 70%) of the proximal segment of left anterior descending artery treated successfully with angioplasty. In 54 patients (62%) a conventional balloon was used (group A) and in 33 (38%) a stent was implanted (group B). RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 61.9 +/- 12 years old, 74% were male and angioplasty was performed because of unstable angina in 72%. At the end of the follow-up (mean 6.3 +/- 1.5 months), 21% of patients in group B had angina vs 54% in group A (p = 0.03). Group B patients experienced a lower restenosis rate (30% vs. 50%; p = 0.07) and less repeat angioplasty procedures (33% vs 21%; p = NS) than group A. These results were maintained independently of the vessel diameter (< 3 mm or > or = 3 mm) or when an optimal result (< 25%) after balloon angioplasty was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, stenting of lesions located in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery appears imply a better short-term clinical, angiographic outcome and a lower restenosis rate than lesions treated with conventional balloon angioplasty, even despite an optimal result after balloon angioplasty or independently of the vessel diameter. Future studies will be necessary to confirm these results.

[The predictive factors of intra-stent restenosis]. / Factores predictores de reestenosis intra-stent.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Stenting has contributed to improve the early angiographic result, the restenosis rate and the problem of acute and subacute coronary occlusion. In spite of this, the restenosis phenomenon still remains a problem to be completely solved. The aim of the study was to identify clinical, angiographical and procedural factors that are predictive of in-stent restenosis after successful implantation of coronary stent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 202 lesions, in 176 consecutive patients who underwent stent implantation with success in our hospital between January 1995 and August 1998. All patients had a clinical follow-up and an angiography after six months of stent implantation. RESULTS: From 202 lesions evaluated, 47 evolved with restenosis (23%). The only independent predictive variables were: to be receiving hypolipemiant treatment before stenting (OR: 0.3; IC: 0.1-0.8), the use of high pressure for stent implantation (OR: 0.4; IC: 0.2-0.9), to implant stent in < 3.1 mm (OR: 2.2; IC: 1.1-4.5) and to have a residual stenosis > 30% after stenting (OR: 13; IC: 1.5-120). CONCLUSIONS: The only statistical variables associated with in-stent restenosis phenomenon were: be under hypolipemiant treatment before the procedure and the use of high pressures for stent implantation; while risk factors arose: to implant stent in vessels < 3.1 mm and suboptimal angiography result after stenting.

[Informed consent in cardiology. The Committee on Informed Consent of the Commission on Professional Matters of the Sociedad Española de Cardiología]. / El consentimiento informado en cardiología. Comité de Consentimientos Informados de la Comisión de Asuntos Professionales de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología.

In the last thirty years, the clinical relationship between physicians and patients has been rather modified. There are several factors that have contributed to this change: a) New ways to execute medical practises, specially referred to the development of new techniques; b) Cultural changes in our western society, mainly in the mediterranean area, where there has been progress in the recognition of patients' autonomy to decide about their own lives, health and their own bodies; c) The increasing number of lawsuits, complaints and judgements about the problems that clinical information involves, particularly the informed consent in clinical practise. We consider it necessary to make an extensive and deep discussion from all of the areas in Medicine and Law, to analyze the different ethical and legal parts of the informed consent. For that reason the Spanish Society of Cardiology offers their members a basic document in order to reflect about these facts, developing arguments, justifications and supports. This document has also considered models, conditions to their applicability according to Spanish law, and the experience we have had. Finally, there is a list of diagnostic procedures and interventional practises in cardiology that might be preceded by a written informed consent document. We considered them by the name of Spanish Society of Cardiology recommendations.

[Intracoronary prosthesis (stent): an approach to the analysis of cost-effectiveness]. / Prótesis intracoronarias (stent): una aproximación al análisis de coste-efectividad.

Stents have emerged as one of the major therapeutic tools for percutaneous intracoronary revascularization procedures. In fact, a stent is implanted in at least 30% of lesions attempted. Their clinical impact is huge because stenting has produced a decrease int the need for emergency surgery to 0.5%, with an incidence of acute myocardial infarction related to angioplasty of 2% and a death rate of < 1% despite unfavourable clinical and anatomical conditions treated. The initial price of stenting was a high frequency of subacute stent thrombosis and peripheral vascular complications, which has been solved. In this context, the cost of stenting procedures increased by more than 30% in relation to the cost of conventional balloon angioplasty. But, the use of new antiplatelet regimes, implantation with high atmospheres and the achievement of a minimal residual narrowing after stenting practically promotes the disappearance of the two major initial problems, making possible a decrease in the restenosis rate to 20% with a parallel reduction of 10% in the need for new revascularization procedures during the first years after stent implantation. This means a reduction in the midterm costs. The incremental rate of cost/effectiveness after stenting in one vessel disease has been estimated as 23,600 dollars/years of adjusted quality of life gained ($/QUALY) ($20-40,000/QALY is acceptable in pharmaeconomic studies). From another point of view, stenting implies 19 QALYS gained at a mean cost of $52,700. The incremental cost of stenting may be more favourable if a reduction of $1,800 in the total cost of stenting procedures could be achieved, or if the stent cost were reduced by at least $700. In Spain, each patient who was event-free during the first year of follow-up would cost 1,674,000 ptas. A 10% reduction of new revascularization procedures x 100 patients would cost 20 million pesetas. Despite the enormous interest of socioeconomic analysis these data only reflect a partial point of view, because of the complexity of evaluating the contribution of new technologies, the true quality of life gained for patients, the societal point of view, or that of the National Health Service. Moreover, we assume that in the current socioeconomic context there are finite resources and a limitless demand.

[Conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty as the form of treatment of complex intra-stent restenosis]. / Angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea convencional como forma de tratamiento de reestenosis compleja intra-stent.

We report the case of a patient with unstable refractory angina due to a coronary narrowing because of in-stent restenosis affecting the first diagonal, first septal and left anterior descending coronary artery. The lesions were successfully dilated with a conventional balloon catheter and a triple guide-wire system was placed through the inter-filaments space of the stent, to protect and recanalize the branch vessels involved. The patient evolved well and was discharged asymptomatic.

[Encapsulated coronary rupture following stent implantation]. / Rotura coronaria encapsulada tras implantación de stent.

We report a case of coronary encapsulated rupture following stent implantation in the distal anastomosis of a saphenous by-pass graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery that evolved well with conservative treatment. The patient did not require pericardiocentesis and was treated with prolonged inflations with low pressure autoperfusion balloon at the rupture point. Pericardial adherences related to a previous coronary surgery probably limited the bleeding process avoiding hemodynamic collapse.

[Percutaneous revascularization with coronary angioplasty in patients with refractory angina]. / Revascularización percutánea mediante angioplastia coronaria en pacientes con angina refractaria.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Refractory angina, specially when accompanied by electrocardiographic (ECGs) changes, has been associated with a high morbidity and mortality if urgent revascularization is not performed. Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) could be a useful therapeutic alternative in such cases. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate and midterm outcomes of a cohort of high risk patients with refractory angina with or without ECG changes revascularized by PTCA. METHODS: Of 801 consecutive patients who underwent PTCA, we selected 48 patients (49 procedures, 61 lesions), with unstable angina in spite of treatment with nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, heparin and aspirin (refractory angina). Twenty-six patients (27 procedures, 37 lesions) had ECG changes (group A), and 22 patients (22 PTCAs, 24 lesions) did not have changes (group B). RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 65 +/- 11 years. The most frequent ECG changes found in group A were T wave inversion (38%) and ST segment depression (34%). The left anterior descending coronary artery was the most frequent dilated vessel (41%). Some new devices (Stent, Rotablator, etc.) were used in 22% vs 25% of lesions in group A and B respectively. Successful dilatation was achieved in 59 (96%) of attempted lesion without statistical differences between group A and B. One patient in each group developed an acute myocardial infarction. Death occurred in 2 patients from group A (one of non-cardiovascular cause). Follow-up was obtained in 33 (94%) of the 35 patients (minimum follow-up > or = 6 months or less if a major event occurred). Mean follow-up time was 16.7 +/- 6 vs 13.4 +/- 6 months in group A and B. During this time, death occurred in 2 patients (6%) both from group B (one non-cardiac); in 9 (27%) patients a repeat PTCA was performed (26% of patients from group A and 28% from B); CABG was performed in 2 (6%) patients (both from group B), and an AMI occurred in 1 patient in each group. Angiographic follow-up was obtained in 73% of patients in group A vs 91% in group B. The restenosis rate was 47% in group A vs 54% in group B. At the end of the first year of follow-up, 93% of patients were alive and 9/10 patients successfully revascularized were asymptomatic or had less severe angina. CONCLUSIONS: At present, PTCA is a safe revascularization method in patients with refractory angina providing a high initial success (95% of cases) and a good mid-term outcome (one year): > 90% survival rate, with improvement in the quality of life in 9/10 patients successfully revascularized, regardless of the presence or absence of ECG changes at the time of PTCA.

[Percutaneous mitral valvotomy. The experience of the Hospital Universitario San Carlos of Madrid]. / Valvotomía mitral percutánea. Experiencia del Hospital Universitario San Carlos de Madrid.

Percutaneous mitral valvotomy is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of selected patients with mitral stenosis. With the purpose of reviewing our own experience and to determine the relationship of several variables with procedural success or complications rate, we have analyzed the immediate results of 335 consecutive procedures (90% with the Inoue balloon). Mean age was 51 +/- 12 years, 79% were female, 59% were in atrial fibrillation, 49% in NYHA class > or = III and 34% had mild mitral regurgitation. Mean echocardiographic score was 7.6 +/- 1.9 and up to 25% of patients had a total score > or = 8. Mean mitral valve area (Gorlin) increased from 0.94 +/- 0.2 to 1.87 +/- 0.5 cm2, with increments > or = 50% in mitral area in 88% and a final area > or = 1.5 cm2 in 85% of patients. Patients with an score > 8 obtained smaller mitral areas (1.64 +/- 0.4 vs 1.95 +/- 0.5 cm2. p < 0.01), and a higher percent of suboptimal (< 1.5 cm2) mitral area (22 vs 2%, p < 0.001) than patients with a lower score. Echocardiographic score (p = 0.009), balloon size (p = 0.01) and left atrial diameter (p = 0.04) were identified as independent predictors of a post-procedural mitral area > or = 1.5 cm2. Complications including cardiac tamponade (3 cases), cerebral ischemic events (1 case) and death (1 case) were rare. Mitral regurgitation increased by 2 or more grades in 14%, but regurgitation was severe in only 6% and early mitral surgery was required in 6 (2%) patients. No clinical, anatomical or procedural variables were found to be predictors of a significant increase in mitral regurgitation, a complication which occurred even in valves with a low echocardiographic score. In conclusion, percutaneous mitral valvotomy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of selected patients with mitral stenosis. Since complications, even if rare might be serious, the procedure should be performed only in symptomatic patients.

[The evaluation of the results after coronary angioplasty by intracoronary Doppler and quantitative angiography. The correlation of both methods]. / Valoración del resultado tras angioplastia coronaria con Doppler intracoronario y angiografía cuantitativa. Correlación de ambos métodos.

To study the importance of measuring coronary flow reserve immediately after coronary angioplasty we have analysed the results obtained after 28 angioplasties performed in 21 patients. Coronary flow reserve was measured with a 3F intracoronary catheter selectively placed in the dilated artery. Corresponding coronary angiography was analysed with an automatic edge detection program (ARTREK) and visual estimation. Coronary flow reserve increased in 26/27 cases after angioplasty from 2.4 +/- 1.3 to 4.1 +/- 2.7 (p less than 0.001). A correlation was found between minimal luminal area and minimal luminal diameter after coronary angioplasty, and coronary flow reserve (r = 0.46; p less than 0.05 and r = 0.47; p less than 0.05, respectively). The finding of a normal coronary flow reserve (greater than or equal to 3.5), had a 100% specificity but only 56% sensitivity to detect angiographic success (residual stenosis less than 50%). However 47% of patients with angiographic success did not reach normal values of coronary flow reserve. Visual estimation of the stenosis had a good correlation with automatic evaluation but significant scattering was observed at visual levels less than or equal to 25%. Visual assessment underestimated residual stenosis in all but one of the procedures. We conclude that coronary flow reserve is a potentially useful index for assessing the results after angioplasty that may complement coronary angiography. Nonetheless substantial differences between both methods exist in a significant number of cases. The relative merits of both methods, as well as the particular circumstances in which coronary flow reserve should be used, require further studies.

[Guided coronary atherectomy: preliminary results]. / Aterectomía coronaria dirigida: resultados preliminares.

Coronary atherectomy implies removing atheromatous material from the diseased coronary arterial wall. This technique has emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures, in an attempt to diminish both initial procedural failure and restenosis rate. Among different technologies, the Simpson's atherotome provides a means of performing directional (i.e. selective) coronary atherectomy (DCA). This device implements a coaxial catheter which is advanced into the lesion over a steerable guidewire. Its distal tip includes a hollow metallic cylinder with a lateral window. Removal of the material is accomplished by a rotating cutter which can be moved distally, once the device's window has been orientated facing the lesion. We have performed 14 DCA in 14 patients. Mean age was 58 years and 12 patients were male. The technique was indicated for unstable angina (7 patients), stable angina (4 patients) and silent myocardial ischemia (3 patients). Fifteen lesions were attempted (13 original and two with restenosis), located as follows: nine in the left anterior descending coronary artery, three in the right coronary artery and three in the left circumflex artery. Eleven lesions were proximal and four were located in mid coronary segments. Twelve lesions (80%) were eccentric, and five (33%) were irregular. Initial angiographic success (residual stenosis less than 50%) was obtained in all 15 lesions (100%). Pre-DCA stenosis was 84 +/- 5% and post-DCA stenosis was 16 +/- 6%. There was no need for urgent coronary artery by-pass surgery and no patient developed an acute myocardial infarction in relation to the procedure. A 82-year-old woman died after the procedure in cardiogenic shock.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The effects of ticlopidine administration at low doses on the incidence of restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty]. / Efectos de la administración de ticlopidina en dosis bajas sobre la frecuencia de reestenosis tras angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea.

The incidence of restenosis remains the same as initially reported (30%) and no therapeutic approach has reduced its appearance. Platelets-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation probably play a preponderant role in the pathogenesis of restenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ticlopidine (250 mg/day) on restenosis rate after single lesion coronary angioplasty. One hundred seventy nine consecutive patients were prospectively included in this study and were assigned to ticlopidine (group T, n = 91) or to a control group (n = 88) in an alternative fashion. Age (60 +/- 10 vs 58 +/- 9 years), gender (87% vs 87% male), treatment, coronary risk factors, lesion morphology, stenosis severity pre- and postangioplasty, type of vessel, collateral circulation, and left ventricular ejection fraction, were similar in the T and control groups, respectively. Unstable angina was more frequently found in group T patients (81% vs 65%, p less than 0.01). A late angiographic follow-up (7 +/- 2 months after angioplasty) revealed restenosis (greater than 50% luminal narrowing) in 26 patients (28%) in group T and in 21 patients (24%) in the control group (NS). At that time, 88% and 98% of patients without restenosis vs 35% and 48% of patients with restenosis were asymptomatic in the T and control groups, respectively. An exercise test prior to the late control angiogram was abnormal (angina and/or ST segment depression) in 77% and 73% of patients with restenosis in T and control groups, respectively. Thus, in our experience, ticlopidine at a dosage of 250 mg/day was unable to reduce restenosis rate after single lesion coronary angioplasty.

[Congenital anomalies of coronary artery origin: a diagnostic challenge]. / Anomalías congénitas del origen de las arterias coronarias: un reto diagnóstico.

From a series of 4,313 consecutive patients who underwent a diagnostic coronary angiogram, 16 (0.37%) presented a congenital anomalous origin of the coronary arteries. None of these patients had other congenital cardiac anomalies associated. Age was 57 +/- 9 years and 13 (81%) were male. The diagnostic catheterization was performed for unstable angina in 8 patients (50%), for stable angina in five (32%), for dyspnea in two and for atypical chest pain in the remaining patient. A previous myocardial infarction was present in 6 patients (37%) whereas one patient had apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We observed absence of coronary lesions in 4 patients and severe coronary stenosis lesions in 12 patients (75%), five of those with lesions located in the anomalous vessel. The most frequent abnormality found was an anomalous origin of left circumflex coronary artery in 8 cases (50%), followed by an abnormal origin of the right coronary artery in 5 cases (31%), and an abnormal origin of the left coronary tree in 3 cases (19%) (left anterior descending coronary artery arising from the right coronary artery, a single coronary artery which originated in the left coronary sinus, and a left main coronary artery which originated in the noncoronary sinus). The relationship of the anomalous coronary artery to the great vessels was the following: A retro-aortic course in 11 patient (69%), by the anterior free wall in two (12.5%), interarterial in two (12.5%), and septal in one (6%). Finally, as an index of the difficulty to visualize the anomalous coronary artery, an unusual catheter was needed in six (37%) of the diagnostic procedures to reach the target vessel.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)