Efficacy of Low-Dose Compared With Standard-Dose Radiation for Cardiac Catheterization and Intervention (KAR RAD Study).

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of low-dose (LD) radiation (≤7.5 frames/second [f/s]) compared with standard-dose (SD) radiation (≥10 f/s) in cardiac catheterization (CC) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients undergoing CC with LD vs SD radiation have not been previously studied. METHODS: We performed an observational study of 452 consecutive patients (61 ± 12 years) who had coronary angiography or PCI from September 2016 to September 2017. Patients were divided into an LD radiation group (n = 136) consisting of 0.5 f/s and 1 f/s (n = 73), 4 f/s (n = 40), or 7.5 f/s fluoroscopy (n = 23) with 7.5 f/s cine angiography vs an SD group (n = 316) consisting of 10 f/s (n = 250), 15 f/s (n = 64), or 30 f/s fluoroscopy (n = 2) and 10-30 f/s cine angiography. Primary endpoints included air kerma, dose area product (DAP), fluoroscopy time, and contrast use. RESULTS: Compared with SD radiation, LD radiation was associated with a significant reduction in air kerma (100.70 mGy [IQR, 46.42-233.35 mGy] vs 660.96 mGy [IQR, 362.78-1373.65 mGy]; P<.001), DAP (723.60 µGy•m² [IQR, 313.09-2328.22 µGy•m²] vs 5203.40 µGy•m² [IQR, 2743.55-10064.71 µGy•m²]; P<.001), and contrast use (100 mL [IQR, 60-150 mL] vs 115 mL [IQR, 80-180 mL]; P<.03). No difference in fluoroscopy time was noted (13.33 min [IQR, 6.93-25.55 min] vs 12.75 min [IQR, 7.75-22.55 min]; P=.95). CONCLUSIONS: LD radiation in CC was efficacious, with significant radiation reduction and without an increase in fluoroscopy time or contrast utilization. All patients underwent successful LD radiation catheterization without conversion to SD.

Usefulness of left ventricular mass change to predict progression of renal dysfunction in Hispanics.

There is a strong relation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and left ventricular (LV) mass in Hispanic patients. This population also tends to have a higher incidence of kidney disease, with progression to dialysis. We analyzed the change in LV mass in 982 Hispanic patients with MetS and used these data to anticipate the progression of renal dysfunction. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the formula described by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration. Echocardiographic data were collected using 2-dimensionally guided M-mode echocardiography measures. The data collected were then analyzed using linear regression analyses. Results showed a lower average GFR in individuals classified as having a severe change in LV mass in comparison to those with milder change in LV mass (P < 0.0001). This relation was also demonstrated when those with severe change in LV mass were compared with the control group (P < 0.0001). In those ≥54 years old, the presence of MetS and LV mass were negatively correlated with GFR (regression coefficient [RC] = 14.76, P < 0.063; RC = 0.11, P < 0.0001 respectively). In patients <54 years old, no statistically significant association between the presence of MetS and GFR was seen. However, LV mass was once again negatively correlated with GFR (RC = 0.15, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, results demonstrated the association between the MetS, change in LV mass, and chronic kidney disease progression.

The dilemma of refractory hypoxemia after inferior wall myocardial infarction.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) occurs in 25% of people. The decision on whether to close the PFO found after myocardial infarction and specifically right ventricular infarction is debated, with no solid guidelines addressing this subject. Here we present the case of a 59-year-old man who presented with a myocardial infarction and was found to have PFO. He was treated with revascularization of the culprit artery, followed by supportive care.

Spindle-cell sarcoma involving the major pulmonary arteries.

Primary pulmonary vasculature tumors are exceptionally rare, with only a few reported cases. Signs and symptoms of such neoplasms vary but include dyspnea, cough, and chest pain. This condition is associated with a high mortality rate and is easily misdiagnosed as a pulmonary artery embolism. We pre-sent a case of pulmonary artery sarcoma that demonstrates the value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for accurate diagnosis.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Entresto a Possible Option.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) makes up half of diagnosed heart failure (HF) cases and has similar outcomes compared to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but a discrepancy in knowledge and approach to treatment. HFpEF is diagnosed using the following criteria: symptoms, preserved ejection fraction (greater than 50%), and evidence of abnormal left ventricular filling or relaxation, or diastolic distensibility or stiffness. Studies conducted to examine the efficacy of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (irbesartan and candesartan), thiazide diuretics (chlorthalidone), and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) (perindopril) in the treatment of HFpEF, showed moderate efficacy but no clear benefit. Recently, the FDA has approved a novel drug, which combines an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor and ARB (valsartan) named LCZ696 (entresto) for possible treatment of HFrEF. CONCLUSION: In this article, we will discuss the failure of previous treatment modalities and the promise that LCZ696 (entresto) may hold for treating patients with HFpEF.