Impact of Epicardial Adipose Tissue on Infarct Size and Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

We aimed to assess the correlation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with infarct size (IS) and residual systolic function in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We enrolled patients discharged for a first anterior reperfused STEMI submitted to undergo CMR. EAT, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF), and IS were quantified at the 1-week (n = 221) and at 6-month CMR (n = 167). At 1-week CMR, mean EAT was 31 ± 13 mL/m2. Patients with high EAT volume (n = 72) showed larger 1-week IS. After adjustment, EAT extent was independently related to 1-week IS. In patients with large IS at 1 week (>30% of LV mass, n = 88), those with high EAT showed more preserved 6-month LVEF. This association persisted after adjustment and in a 1:1 propensity score-matched patient subset. Overall, EAT decreased at 6 months. In patients with large IS, a greater reduction of EAT was associated with more preserved 6-month LVEF. In STEMI, a higher presence of EAT was associated with a larger IS. Nevertheless, in patients with large infarctions, high EAT and greater subsequent EAT reduction were linked to more preserved LVEF in the chronic phase. This dual and paradoxical effect of EAT fuels the need for further research in this field.

Clinical Predictors and Prognosis of Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) without ST-Segment Elevation in Older Adults.

A non-neglectable percentage of patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) show non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Specific data in older patients are scarce. We aimed to identify the clinical predictors of MINOCA in older patients admitted for NSTEMI and to explore the long-term prognosis of MINOCA. This was a single-center, observational, consecutive cohort study of older (≥70 years) patients admitted for NSTEMI between 2010 and 2014 who underwent coronary angiography. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to analyze the association of variables with MINOCA and all-cause mortality and with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction and a combined endpoint of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unplanned revascularization. The registry included 324 patients (mean age 78.8 ± 5.4 years), of which 71 (21.9%) were diagnosed with MINOCA. Predictors of MINOCA were female sex, left bundle branch block, pacemaker rhythm, chest pain at rest, peak troponin level, previous MI, Killip ≥2, and ST segment depression. Regarding prognosis, patients with obstructive coronary arteries (stenosis ≥50%) and the subgroup of MINOCA patients with plaques <50% had a similar prognosis; while MINOCA patients with angiographically smooth coronary arteries had a reduced risk of MACE. We conclude that the following: (1) in elderly patients admitted for NSTEMI, certain universally available clinical, electrocardiographic, and analytical variables are associated with the diagnosis of MINOCA; (2) elderly patients with MINOCA have a better prognosis than those with obstructive coronary arteries; however, only those with angiographically smooth coronary arteries have a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and MACE.

MRI Investigation of the Differential Impact of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Myocardial Infarction in Elderly vs. Nonelderly Patients to Predict Readmission for Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), especially elderly individuals, have an increased risk of readmission for acute heart failure (AHF). PURPOSE: To study the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by MRI to predict AHF in elderly (>70 years) and nonelderly patients after STEMI. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Multicenter registry of 759 reperfused STEMI patients (23.3% elderly). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5-T. Balanced steady-state free precession (cine imaging) and segmented inversion recovery steady-state free precession (late gadolinium enhancement) sequences. ASSESSMENT: One-week MRI-derived LVEF (%) was quantified. Sequential MRI data were recorded in 579 patients. Patients were categorized according to their MRI-derived LVEF as preserved (p-LVEF, ≥50%), mildly reduced (mr-LVEF, 41%-49%), or reduced (r-LVEF, ≤40%). Median follow-up was 5 [2.33-7.54] years. STATISTICAL TESTS: Univariable (Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests) and multivariable (Cox proportional hazard regression) comparisons and continuous-time multistate Markov model to analyze transitions between LVEF categories and to AHF. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Over the follow-up period, 79 (10.4%) patients presented AHF. MRI-LVEF was the most robust predictor in nonelderly (HR 0.94 [0.91-0.98]) and elderly patients (HR 0.94 [0.91-0.97]). Elderly patients had an increased AHF risk across the LVEF spectrum. An excess of risk (compared to p-LVEF) was noted in patients with r-LVEF both in nonelderly (HR 11.25 [5.67-22.32]) and elderly patients (HR 7.55 [3.29-17.34]). However, the mr-LVEF category was associated with increased AHF risk only in elderly patients (HR 3.66 [1.54-8.68]). Less transitions to higher LVEF states (n = 19, 30.2% vs. n = 98, 53%) and more transitions to AHF state (n = 34, 53.9% vs. n = 45, 24.3%) were observed in elderly than nonelderly patients. DATA CONCLUSION: MRI-derived p-LVEF confers a favorable prognosis and r-LVEF identifies individuals at the highest risk of AHF in both elderly and nonelderly patients. Nevertheless, an excess of risk was also found in the mr-LVEF category in the elderly group. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2. TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Cardiac magnetic resonance outperforms echocardiography to predict subsequent implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are effective as a primary prevention measure of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The implications of using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) instead of echocardiography (Echo) to assess LVEF prior to the indication of ICD in this setting are unknown. Materials and methods: We evaluated 52 STEMI patients (56.6 ± 11 years, 88.5% male) treated with ICD in primary prevention who underwent echocardiography and CMR prior to ICD implantation. ICD implantation was indicated based on the presence of heart failure and depressed LVEF (≤ 35%) by echocardiography, CMR, or both. Prediction of ICD therapies (ICD-T) during follow-up by echocardiography and CMR before ICD implantation was assessed. Results: Compared to echocardiography, LVEF was lower by cardiac CMR (30.2 ± 9% vs. 37.4 ± 7.6%, p < 0.001). LVEF ≤ 35% was detected in 24 patients (46.2%) by Echo and in 42 (80.7%) by CMR. During a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 4.2 years, 10 patients received appropriate ICD-T (3.16 ICD-T per 100 person-years): 5 direct shocks to treat very fast ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, 3 effective antitachycardia pacing (ATP) for treatment of ventricular tachycardia, and 2 ineffective ATP followed by shock to treat ventricular tachycardia. Echo-LVEF ≤ 35% correctly predicted ICD-T in 4/10 (40%) patients and CMR-LVEF ≤ 35% in 10/10 (100%) patients. CMR-LVEF improved on Echo-LVEF for predicting ICD-T (area under the curve: 0.76 vs. 0.48, p = 0.04). Conclusion: In STEMI patients treated with ICD, assessment of LVEF by CMR outperforms Echo-LVEF to predict the subsequent use of appropriate ICD therapies.

Short-Course High-Intensity Statin Treatment during Admission for Myocardial Infarction and LDL-Cholesterol Reduction-Impact on Tailored Lipid-Lowering Therapy at Discharge.

We hypothesized that a short-course high-intensity statin treatment during admission for myocardial infarction (MI) could rapidly reduce LDL-C and thus impact the choice of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) at discharge. Our cohort comprised 133 MI patients (62.71 ± 11.3 years, 82% male) treated with atorvastatin 80 mg o.d. during admission. Basal LDL-C levels before admission were analyzed. We compared lipid profile variables before and during admission, and LLT at discharge was registered. Achieved theoretical LDL-C levels were estimated using LDL-C during admission and basal LDL-C as references and compared to LDL-C on first blood sample 4-6 weeks after discharge. A significant reduction in cholesterol from basal levels was noted during admission, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, and LDL-C (-39.23 ± 34.89 mg/dL, p < 0.001). LDL-C levels were reduced by 30% in days 1-2 and 40-45% in subsequent days (R2 0.766, p < 0.001). Using LDL-C during admission as a reference, most patients (88.7%) would theoretically achieve an LDL-C < 55 mg/dL with discharge LLT. However, if basal LDL-C levels were considered as a reference, only a small proportion of patients (30.1%) would achieve this lipid target, aligned with the proportion of patients with LDL-C < 55 mg/dL 4-6 weeks after discharge (36.8%). We conclude that statin treatment during admission for MI can induce a significant reduction in LDL-C and LLT at discharge is usually prescribed using LDL-C during admission as the reference, which leads to insufficient LDL-C reduction after discharge. Basal LDL-C before admission should be considered as the reference value for tailored LLT prescription.

Residual ST-segment elevation to predict long-term clinical and CMR-derived outcomes in STEMI.

Residual ST-segment elevation after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has traditionally been considered a predictor of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and ventricular aneurism. However, the implications in terms of long-term prognosis and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived structural consequences are unclear. A total of 488 reperfused STEMI patients were prospectively included. The number of Q wave leads with residual ST-segment elevation > 1 mm (Q-STE) at pre-discharge ECG was assessed. LV ejection fraction (LVEF, %) and infarct size (IS, % of LV mass) were quantified in 319 patients at 6-month CMR. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as all-cause death and/or re-admission for acute heart failure (HF), whichever occurred first. During a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, 92 MACE (18.9%), 39 deaths and 53 HF were recorded. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, Q-STE (per lead with > 1 mm) was independently associated with a higher risk of long-term MACE (HR 1.24 [1.07-1.44] per lead, p = 0.004), reduced (< 40%) LVEF (HR 1.36 [1.02-1.82] per lead, p = 0.04) and large (> 30% of LV mass) IS (HR 1.43 [1.11-1.85] per lead, p = 0.006) at 6-month CMR. Patients with Q-STE ≥ 2 leads (n = 172, 35.2%) displayed lower MACE-free survival, more depressed LVEF, and larger IS at 6-month CMR (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Residual ST-segment elevation after STEMI represents a universally available tool that predicts worse long-term clinical and CMR-derived structural outcomes.

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in older patients.

BACKGROUND: older patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a very high-risk population. Data on the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in this scenario are scarce. METHODS: the registry comprised 247 STEMI patients over 70 years of age treated with percutaneous intervention and included in a multicenter registry. Baseline characteristics, echocardiographic parameters and CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %), infarct size (% of left ventricular mass) and microvascular obstruction (MVO, number of segments) were prospectively collected. The additional prognostic power of CMR was assessed using adjusted C-statistic, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI). RESULTS: during a 4.8-year mean follow-up, the number of first major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 66 (26.7%): 27 all-cause deaths and 39 re-admissions for acute heart failure. Predictors of MACE were GRACE score (HR 1.03 [1.02-1.04], P < 0.001), CMR-LVEF (HR 0.97 [0.95-0.99] per percent increase, P = 0.006) and MVO (HR 1.24 [1.09-1.4] per segment, P = 0.001). Adding CMR data significantly improved MACE prediction compared to the model with baseline and echocardiographic characteristics (C-statistic 0.759 [0.694-0.824] vs. 0.685 [0.613-0.756], NRI = 0.6, IDI = 0.08, P < 0.001). The best cut-offs for independent variables were GRACE score > 155, LVEF < 40% and MVO ≥ 2 segments. A simple score (0, 1, 2, 3) based on the number of altered factors accurately predicted the MACE per 100 person-years: 0.78, 5.53, 11.51 and 78.79, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CMR data contribute valuable prognostic information in older patients submitted to undergo CMR soon after STEMI. The Older-STEMI-CMR score should be externally validated.

Exercise ECG Testing and Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Risk Prediction in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (VS-CMR) has become crucial in the workup of patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Whether traditional exercise ECG testing (ExECG) contributes prognostic information beyond VS-CMR is unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively included 288 patients with known or suspected CCS who had undergone ExECG and subsequent VS-CMR in our institution. Clinical, ExECG, and VS-CMR variables were recorded. We defined the serious adverse events (SAE) as a combined endpoint of acute coronary syndrome, admission for heart failure, or all-cause death. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.15 yr, we registered 27 SAE (15 admissions for acute coronary syndrome, eight admissions for heart failure, and four all-cause deaths). Once adjusted for clinical, ExECG, and VS-CMR parameters associated with SAE, the only independent predictors were HRmax in ExECG (HR = 0.98: 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; P = .01) and more extensive stress-induced perfusion defects (PDs, number of segments) in VS-CMR (HR = 1.19: 95% CI, 1.07-1.34; P < .01). Adding HRmax significantly improved the predictive power of the multivariable model for SAE, including PDs (continuous reclassification improvement index: 0.47: 95% CI, 0.10-0.81; P < .05). The annualized SAE rate was 1% (if PD < 2 segments and HRmax > 130 bpm), 2% (if PD < 2 segments and HRmax ≤ 130 bpm), 3.2% (if PD ≥ 2 segments and HRmax > 130 bpm), and 6.3% (if PD ≥ 2 segments and HRmax ≤ 130 bpm), P < .01, for the trend. In patients on ß-blocker therapy, however, only PDs in VS-CMR, but not HRmax, predicted SAE. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ExECG contributes significantly to prognostic information beyond VS-CMR in patients with known or suspected CCS.

Stress cardiac magnetic resonance for mortality prediction and decision-making: registry of 2496 elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The management of elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is challenging. We explored the prognostic value and usefulness for decision-making of ischemic burden determined by vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in elderly patients with known or suspected CCS. METHODS: The study group comprised 2496 patients older than 70 years who underwent vasodilator stress CMR for known or suspected CCS. The ischemic burden (number of segments with stress-induced perfusion deficit) was calculated following the 17-segment model. Subsequently, we retrospectively analyzed its association with all-cause mortality and the effect of CMR-guided revascularization. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 4.58 years, there were 430 deaths (17.2%). A higher ischemic burden was an independent predictor of mortality (HR, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.01-1.07 for each additional ischemic segment; P=.006). This association was also found in patients older than 80 years and in women (P <.001). An interaction between revascularization and mortality was detected toward deleterious consequences at low ischemic burden and a protective effect in patients with extensive ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Vasodilator stress CMR is a valuable tool to stratify risk in elderly patients with CCS and might be helpful to guide decision-making in this scenario.

Applicability of Echocardiographic Strict Negative Criteria for Suspected Infective Endocarditis.

Echocardiography is the cornerstone imaging technique in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) but is often misused in clinical practice. Recently, strict negative criteria have been proposed to avoid unnecessary follow-up echocardiograms. We aimed to evaluate the use of echocardiography in real-world clinical daily practice and the usefulness of these criteria in the diagnosis of IE. We retrospectively retrieved every echocardiogram performed in our center for suspected IE between 2014 and 2018, including 905 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs). Of these, 451 (49.8%) fulfilled the strict negative criteria (group 1). In this group, IE was seldom diagnosed (n = 4, 0.9%). In 338 patients (37.4%) no signs of IE were evident, but they did not fulfill the strict negative criteria (group 2). A follow-up echocardiogram and definitive diagnosis of IE were more frequent (n = 48, 14.2% and n = 20, 5.9%). Finally, in 116 patients (12.8%) the initial TTE showed typical or suggestive signs of IE, in whom the diagnosis was confirmed in 48 patients (41.4%). A definitive diagnosis of IE was established in a minority of the study population (n = 72, 8%). Only 1 readmission for underdiagnosis of IE was noted on group 2. We conclude that in a real-life setting only a minority of patients in whom IE was suspected had a definitive diagnosis. An initial TTE for suspected IE fulfilling the strict negative criteria predicts both a low probability of requesting a follow-up study and of a definitive diagnosis of IE.

Risk score for early risk prediction by cardiac magnetic resonance after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can improve major adverse cardiac event (MACE) risk prediction. We aimed to create a simple clinical-CMR risk score for early MACE risk stratification in STEMI patients. METHODS: We performed a multicenter prospective registry of reperfused STEMI patients (n = 1118) in whom early (1-week) CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size and microvascular obstruction (MVO) were quantified. MACE was defined as a combined clinical endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (NF-MI) or re-admission for acute decompensated heart failure (HF). RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 5.52 [2.63-7.44] years, 216 first MACE (58 CV deaths, 71 NF-MI and 87 HF) were registered. Mean age was 59.3 ± 12.3 years and most patients (82.8%) were male. Based on the four variables independently associated with MACE, we computed an 8-point risk score: time to reperfusion >4.15 h (1 point), GRACE risk score > 155 (3 points), CMR-LVEF <40% (3 points), and MVO >1.5 segments (1 point). This score permitted MACE risk stratification: MACE per 100 person-years was 1.96 in the low-risk category (0-2 points), 5.44 in the intermediate-risk category (3-5 points), and 19.7 in the high-risk category (6-8 points): p < 0.001 in multivariable Cox survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A novel risk score including clinical (time to reperfusion >4.15 h and GRACE risk score > 155) and CMR (LVEF <40% and MVO >1.5 segments) variables allows for simple and straightforward MACE risk stratification early after STEMI. External validation should confirm the applicability of the risk score.