Safety and efficacy of coil embolization of the septal perforator for septal ablation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate safety, efficacy, and durability of coil embolization of the major septal perforator of the left anterior descending coronary artery in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). BACKGROUND: The long-term effect of coil embolization therapy in HOCM patients is not well defined. METHODS: We evaluated 24 symptomatic HOCM patients in a single center who underwent coil embolization of the septal perforator artery(ies). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients on optimal medical therapy presented with NYHA functional class III (75%) or IV (25%) underwent the procedure. The procedure was successful in 22 patients, with significant reduction in left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient. The functional class significantly improved to class I (54.2%) or II (41.7%) (P < = 0.01). The LVOT gradient was significantly lower during follow up echocardiography (21.3 ± 19 vs. 81.3 ± 41 mm Hg; P < = 0.01). Interventricular septal thickness decreased over time (16.3 ± 3 vs. 18.5 ± 2 mm, P< = 0.01). The procedure was aborted in one of the patients after the third coil prolapsed from the septal perforator in to the left anterior descending artery. The coil was effectively snared out. Three patients required additional coil placement in the second major septal perforator. New permanent pacemaker placement was required in one patient. However, three patients underwent ICD implantation at follow up due to ventricular arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the use of coil embolization for septal ablation is safe, effective, and durable in patients with symptomatic HOCM. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Radiation-induced heart disease: a clinical update.

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improvement in cancer therapy has led to increasing number of cancer survivors, some of whom may suffer from adverse cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy. Longterm followup is essential, as the cardiac complication may manifest years after completion of radiation therapy. In this paper, we have discussed the cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy.

Usefulness of single nucleotide polymorphism in chromosome 4q25 to predict in-hospital and long-term development of atrial fibrillation and survival in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

We aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in chromosome 4q25 are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), long-term AF, postoperative or long-term stroke, and long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting. We performed genotyping for rs2200733 and rs10033464 in white participants (n = 1,166) from the TexGen genetic registry. The development of postoperative or long-term AF, postoperative or long-term stroke, and long-term mortality were ascertained. Both rs2200733 and rs10033464 were associated with postoperative AF (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04 to 1.91, and OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.06, respectively). Carriers of the risk allele (T) had an increased risk of postoperative AF with preoperative ß blocker (BB) (for rs2200733, OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.004 to 2.16 for those taking a BB, and OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.73 for those not taking a BB; for rs10033464, OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.93 for those taking preoperative a BB, and OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.65 for those not taking a BB). Both rs2200733 and rs10033464 were also associated with long-term AF (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.67, and hazard ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.66, respectively). Carriers of rs2200733 had increased long-term mortality (hazard ratio 1.57, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.24). These variants were not associated with postoperative or long-term stroke. In conclusion, variants in 4q25 are associated with an increased risk of postoperative or long-term AF and, possibly, mortality in whites undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and could potentially affect the choice of therapy used to decrease postoperative AF.

Contemporary treatment of unstable angina and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (part 2).

In Part 1 of this review, we discussed how plaque rupture is the most common underlying cause of most cases of unstable angina/non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI) and how early risk stratification is vital for the timely diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Now, in Part 2, we focus on the medical therapies and treatment strategies (early conservative vs early invasive) used for UA/NSTEMI. We also discuss results from various large randomized controlled trials that have led to the contemporary standards of practice for, and reduced morbidity and death from, UA/NSTEMI. In summary, ACS involving UA/NSTEMI is associated with high rates of adverse cardiovascular events, despite recent therapeutic advances. Plaque composition and inflammation are more important in the pathogenesis of ACS than is the actual degree of arterial stenosis. As results from new trials challenge our current practices and help us develop the optimal treatment strategy for UA/NSTEMI patients, the cornerstones of contemporary treatment remain early risk stratification and aggressive medical therapy, supplemented by coronary angiography in appropriately selected patients. An early-invasive-treatment strategy is of most benefit to high-risk patients, whereas an early-conservative strategy is recommended for low-risk patients. Adjunctive medical therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel or another adenosine diphosphate antagonist, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and either low-molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin, in the appropriate setting, further reduces the risk of ischemic events secondary to thrombosis. Short- and long-term inhibition of platelet aggregation should be achieved by appropriately evaluating the risk of bleeding complications in these patients.

Contemporary treatment of unstable angina and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (part 1).

In this, the 1st part of a 2-part review, we discuss how plaque rupture is the most common underlying pathophysiologic cause of unstable angina and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and how early risk stratification is vital in the timely diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Part 2 of this review (to be published in a later issue of this journal) will focus mainly on the various pharmacologic agents and treatment approaches (early invasive vs early conservative) to the management of unstable angina and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.