Evaluation of stable angina by coronary computed tomographic angiography versus standard of care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited data comparing Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) versus the usual Standard of care (SOC) in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare CCTA versus SOC in patients with stable CAD. METHODS: We searched multiple databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CCTA with SOC, which included various functional testing approaches for evaluating stable CAD. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Outcomes included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for unstable angina (UA), invasive angiography, revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). RESULTS: We identified 6 RCTs with 19,881 patients with stable CAD, of which 9995 underwent CCTA, and 9886 underwent SOC. There were no significant differences between CCTA and SOC in terms of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.70-1.19; p = 0.50), MI (RR: 0.78; 95 % CI: 0.58-1.05; p = 0.11), hospitalizations for UA (RR: 1.20; 95 % CI: 0.95-1.51;p = 0.12), invasive angiography (RR: 0.71; 95 % CI: 0.32-1.61; p = 0.42), revascularization (RR:1.25; 95 % CI: 0.83-1.89; p = 0.29), PCI (RR: 1.20; 95 % CI: 0.78-1.85; p = 0.40), and CABG rates (RR: 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.530-1.49; p = 0.65). CONCLUSION: In patients with stable CAD, CCTA is associated with similar outcomes compared to the usual Standard of care. Given its potential to quickly rule out severe obstructive disease, its ability to provide non-invasive physiology and identify non-obstructive CAD with plaque information makes it an attractive addition to the available armamentarium to evaluate chest pain.

Marantic Endocarditis in Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Marantic endocarditis is a rare condition associated with autoimmune disease, malignancy, and hypercoagulable states. It is characterized by sterile friable vegetations composed of fibrin and platelets that confer a high risk of systemic embolism. Here we showcase imaging that led to the diagnosis of an interesting case of marantic endocarditis secondary to metastatic malignancy.

Outcomes of Valvular Endocarditis in Patients With and Without Pericardial Effusion: A National Inpatient Sample Study.

Over the last decade, hospitalizations for infective endocarditis (IE) have been steadily increasing, leading to a significant healthcare burden. Pericardial effusion (PCE) has been identified as a serious complication of IE, yet no significant association with mortality has been established. Our study aims to further analyze and understand the significance of PCE in patients with IE. We performed a retrospective analysis using the national inpatient sample database to identify all the hospital admissions with IE using ICD 10 codes and stratified them into 2 groups based on the presence of PCE. The outcomes of interest were inhospital mortality, inhospital complications, need for cardiac surgery, and length of stay. From 2015 Q4-2019, a total of 76,260 hospitalizations were included (weighted: 381,300), of which 2.7% included a PCE diagnosis. Hospitalizations with a PCE diagnosis included patients that were younger (51 vs 61, P < 0.001), as well as slightly more males (58.0% vs 55.2%, P = 0.011), and black patients (16.9% vs 12.9%, P < 0.001). PCE was associated with higher in-hospital death (12.7% vs 9.0%, P < 0.001), longer lengths of stay (12 days vs 7 days, P < 0.001), higher rates of cardiac surgery (22.4% vs 7.3%, P < 0.001). The rates of heart failure, heart block, renal failure, cardiogenic shock, and embolic stroke were higher on PCE group. We found that presence of PCE is associated with higher inhospital mortality, longer length of stay, and greater utilization of cardiac surgery, as well as presence of heart failure, heart block, cardiogenic shock, and embolic stroke.

Impact of sex on in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR): Analysis from the nationwide readmission database.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sex differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission rates among patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in the United States of America. BACKGROUND: Women have higher rates of mortality and rehospitalization than men following many cardiac procedures. TMVR has grown as an alternative to mitral valve surgery for patients at high surgical risk. The rates of TMVR mortality and rehospitalization by sex are unknown. METHODS: We analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2019 to identify hospitalizations for TMVR. Sex differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions were determined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2019, 4109 hospitalizations for TMVR were identified, comprised of 1758 (42.8%) men and 2351 (57.2%) women. The median age was 74 years for both men and women. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality during index hospitalization (6.51% vs. 6.69%; p = 0.852) and all-cause 90-day readmission (28.19% vs. 29.59%; p = 0.563) between men and women. Across the study period, trend analysis did not reveal a significant change in in-hospital mortality (men p = 0.087, women p = 0.194) or 90-day readmission rates (men p = 0.569, women p = 0.454). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing TMVR, in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions are similar between men and women. Between 2016 and 2019, TMVR in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission rates remained unchanged. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings.

Diagnostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients With a Working Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

We aimed to study the efficacy of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting the etiology of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases. Search terms used: Myocardial infarction, Coronary angiography, Normal coronary arteries, CMR, and OCT. Inclusion criteria was fulfilled by 18 studies. Meta-analysis was performed with 15 studies. A total of 2697 patients were included. The mean age of all the patients was 51.5 and 56.4% were men. CMR established diagnosis in 74% of the patients; 29% had acute myocarditis, 18% had true myocardial infarction and 12% had takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Combining OCT with CMR was better at finding the etiology than either modality individually. The findings of this study conclude that CMR is integral in identifying the etiology of MINOCA. Coupling OCT and CMR is better than either technique individually at finding the cause.

Intravascular Lithotripsy for Acute Stent Under-Expansion and In-Stent Restenosis: A Case Series.

Coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) has an incidence of about 10% of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed in the United States. Traditional management strategies for ISR include balloon angioplasty with non-compliant or use of cutting/scoring balloons or atheroablative therapies (like laser and rotational atherectomy), all of which are inherently limited in their ability to treat stent under-expansion or calcification around the stent. Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has recently demonstrated safe and efficacious treatment of severely calcified coronary stenoses with reported cases of treating ISR as an off-label use. In this case series, we describe the successful use of IVL for 6 cases of ISR and 1 case of stent under-expansion using 40-80 IVL pulses per lesion. Angiographic success was obtained in all seven patients, and there were no intra-procedural complications or adverse cardiac events at a mean follow-up of 200 days. Our report indicates that IVL can be safely and effectively used to treat ISR and stent under-expansion.

Trends in and predictors of multiple readmissions following heart failure hospitalization: A National wide analysis from the United States.

BACKGROUND: Readmission following Heart failure (HF) hospitalization is common: 25% are readmitted within a month of discharge and ≈50% within 6 months. A small proportion of these patients can have multiple readmissions within this period, adding disproportionately to the health care costs. In this study, we assessed the trends, predictors and costs associated with multiple readmissions using National readmissions database (NRD). METHODS: We queried NRD for HF hospitalizations from 2010 to 2018 using ICD-9/10-CM codes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare readmission cohorts, with the multivariable model adjusting for other factors. All analyses accounted for the NRD sampling design were conducted using SAS v. 9.4 with p < 0.05 used to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Within the study period, an estimated 6,763,201 HF hospitalizations were identified. Of these, 58% had no readmission; 26% had 1 readmission; and 16% had ≥2 readmissions within 90 days of index hospitalization. There was no statistically significant change in readmission rates during the observation period. Multiple readmissions which accounted for 37% of all readmissions contributed to 57% of readmission costs. Younger age was identified as a predictor of multiple readmissions while sex, comorbidities and the type of insurance were not significantly different from those with single readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple readmissions in HF are common (16%), have remained unchanged between 2010 and 2018 and impose a significant health care cost burden. Future research should focus on identifying these patients for targeted intervention that may minimize excessive readmissions particularly in those patients who are in the palliation phase of HF.

Detection of myocardial dysfunction using global longitudinal strain with speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with vs without rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder primarily involving the peripheral joints. Systemic involvement can occur, including myocardial dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel diagnostic study which is recently being used to detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by STE is more sensitive than standard echocardiographic parameters to detect occult cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: A systematic search of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify studies comparing the STE parameters between RA and non-RA patients. RESULTS: Left ventricular (LV) GLS was significantly lower in patients with RA compared to non-RA patients with a standard mean difference (SMD) of -1.09 (-1.48--0.70, P < 0.001). LV Global Circumferential Strain (GCS) was reported in five studies, and it was found to be lower in RA patients with an SMD of -1.25 (-2.59--0.10; P < 0.0010). Meta regression analysis studies failed to show any significant impact of disease duration, activity, age, sex and BMI on LV GLS and RV GLS. CONCLUSIONS: RA patients have lower LV GLS and LV GCS compared to controls suggesting impaired myocardial dysfunction. Further studies need to be done to delineate the importance of lower GLS in asymptomatic rheumatoid patients to guide disease management and risk factor modification in this selected population.

Sex difference in clinical and procedural outcomes in patients undergoing coronary atherectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rotational and orbital coronary atherectomy (CA) are commonly utilized to treat complex calcified coronary lesions. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate sex differences in procedural complications and clinical outcomes after CA. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched for all studies comparing sex differences in procedural and clinical outcomes following CA. The outcomes of interest were procedural complications (coronary dissection, stroke, major bleeding, coronary perforation, cardiac tamponade, and slow or no flow in target vessel) and the clinical outcomes (including early mortality, mid-term all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization). Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. RESULTS: Six observational studies with 3517 patients (2420 men and 1035 women) were included in this meta-analysis. While there was no significant difference in the early mortality (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.37-3.53; P = 0.83) between men and women, at a mean follow-up of 2.9 years, all-cause mortality was significantly higher in women (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11-1.49; P = 0.0009). Women had an increased risk of procedure-related stroke (RR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.06-14.90; P = 0.04), coronary dissection (RR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.23-3.58; P = 0.006), and bleeding (RR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.30-3.93; P = 0.004), whereas the rates of coronary perforation, cardiac tamponade, and the risk of slow or no flow in the revascularized artery were similar in both. CONCLUSION: In our analysis, women undergoing CA are at increased risk of mid-term mortality and procedure-related complications including stroke, coronary dissection, and major bleeding.

Azacitidine-induced myopericarditis in acute myeloid leukemia.

Hypomethylating agents are commonly used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes and are known to cause bone marrow suppression; however, cardiac complications are rare. We describe a patient who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and developed myopericarditis after receiving chemotherapy with azacitidine. Our case highlights the importance of a thorough history, including medication review, in patients with suspected myopericarditis. It also raises awareness about the potential cardiac side effects of azacitidine.

Multivessel vs. culprit-vessel only percutaneous coronary interventions in acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized and retrospective studies.

AIMS: Studies comparing outcomes of multivessel (MV) vs. culprit-vessel (CV) only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during index cardiac catheterization in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) have reported conflicting results. In this systematic review we aim to investigate outcomes with MV vs. CV-only revascularization strategies in patients with acute MI and CS. METHODS AND RESULTS: PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL and Cochrane databases were queried for studies comparing MV vs. CV PCI in patients with acute MI and CS. Data were extracted and pooled by means of random effects model. Primary outcome was early all-cause mortality (up to 30 days), while the secondary outcomes included late all-cause mortality (mean, 11.4 months), stroke, new renal replacement therapy, reinfarction, repeat revascularization, and bleeding. Pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and number needed to harm (NNH) were calculated. A total of 16 studies enrolling 75 431 patients were included. The MV PCI was associated with higher risk of early mortality [OR 1.17, 95% CI (1.00-1.35); P = 0.04; NNH = 62], stroke [1.15 (1.03-1.29); P = 0.01; NNH = 351], and new renal replacement therapy [1.33 (1.06-1.67); P = 0.01; NNH = 61]; and with lower risk of repeat revascularization [0.61 (0.41-0.89); P = 0.01] when compared with CV PCI. No significant difference was observed in late-term mortality [1.02 (0.84-1.25); P = 0.84], risk of reinfarction [1.13 (0.94-1.35); P = 0.18], or bleeding [1.21 (0.94-1.55); P = 0.13] between groups. CONCLUSION: Among patients with acute MI and CS, MV PCI during index cardiac catheterization was associated with higher risk of early mortality, stroke, and renal replacement therapy.

Delayed acute myocarditis with COVID-19 infection.

Myocardial injury occurs in 20% to 30% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection, and cardiovascular complications contribute to approximately 40% of all COVID-19-related deaths. Most cases of myocarditis related to COVID-19 infection occur in the acute phase of infection and are self-limited. We describe a case of delayed-onset fulminant myocarditis that developed 5 weeks after mild COVID-19 infection leading to cardiogenic shock and the need for mechanical circulatory support. Our case illustrates how myocarditis can occur as a late complication of COVID-19 infection, even in those with a mild initial course.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Conservative Treatment in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: While aortic valve replacement (AVR) is indicated for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), the appropriate management of asymptomatic severe AS remains unclear. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of surgical AVR (SAVR) versus conservative treatment in patients with asymptomatic severe AS. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar for studies comparing outcomes of SAVR versus conservative treatment in asymptomatic severe AS. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each individual study. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality, 30-day operative mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), heart failure hospitalization (HFH), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies with 2685 patients were included. The mean age was above 60 years, and the median follow-up duration was 4 years. Compared to conservative treatment, SAVR was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.23-0.64) and HFH rates (RR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.71). There were no significant differences in cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.03-1.67), non-cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.23-1.03), 30-day operative mortality (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.10-2.32), SCD (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.05-2.89), MI (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.04-5.52), and stroke rates (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.35-4.11) between the two strategies. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with asymptomatic severe AS, SAVR is associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality and HFH compared to conservative treatment. While SAVR is a promising option for asymptomatic severe AS, most studies were observational and nonrandomized; randomized trials are needed to establish a clear benefit.

Sex differences in mortality and 90-day readmission rates after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a nationwide analysis from the USA.

AIMS: To assess gender differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmission rates among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the USA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hospitalizations for TAVR were retrospectively identified in the National readmissions database (NRD) from 2012 to 2017. Gender based differences in in-hospital mortality and 90-day readmissions were explored using multivariable logistic regression models. During the study period, an estimated 171 361 hospitalizations for TAVR were identified, including 79 722 (46.5%) procedures in women and 91 639 (53.5%) in men. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality and 90-day all-cause readmissions were significantly higher for women compared with men (2.7% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.002; 25.1% vs. 24.1%, P = 0.012, respectively). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, women had 13% greater adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.26, P = 0.017], and 9% greater adjusted odds of 90-day readmission compared with men (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.14, P < 0.001). During the study period, there was a steady decrease in-hospital mortality (5.3% in 2012 to 1.6% in 2017; Ptrend < 0.001) and 90-day (29.9% in 2012 to 21.7% in 2017; Ptrend < 0.001) readmission rate in both genders. CONCLUSION: In-hospital mortality and readmission rates for TAVR hospitalizations have decreased over time across both genders. Despite these improvements, women undergoing TAVR continue to have a modestly higher in-hospital mortality, and 90-day readmission rates compared with men. Given the expanding indications and use of TAVR, further research is necessary to identify the reasons for this persistent gap and design appropriate interventions.

Sex disparities in in-hospital outcomes of left ventricular aneurysm complicating acute myocardial infarction: A United States nationwide analysis.

Background: Previous studies have reported sex-specific differences in the presentation, mechanisms, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We assessed differences between women and men in the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of left ventricular (LV) aneurysm complicating AMI. Methods: Hospitalizations for AMI with LV aneurysm were identified retrospectively in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2001 to 2017. Incidence and trends in in-hospital mortality, complications, length of stay and costs were analyzed in women and men. Results: A total of 16,334 AMI hospitalizations with concomitant LV aneurysm were identified including 6994 (42.8%) women and 9340 (57.2%) men. Among these hospitalizations, women had a higher incidence of LV aneurysm compared to men (0.16% vs. 0.14%; p < 0.001). Unadjusted in-hospital mortality was higher in women than men (12.7% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for demographic and baseline characteristics and excluding inter-hospital transfers, women with AMI complicated by LV aneurysm had 49% greater odds of in-hospital mortality than men (OR 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.10, p = 0.02). Women with LV aneurysm were less likely than men to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (28.5% vs. 35.4%; p < 0.001), bypass surgery (15.8% vs. 25.1%; p < 0.001), coronary atherectomy (0.8% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.009) and LV aneurysm surgery (7.8% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.001). Conclusions: In this large population-based cohort study, women had a slightly higher incidence but dramatically higher in-hospital mortality associated with LV aneurysm complicating AMI compared to men. Further research is necessary to validate strategies to ensure that women receive guideline-directed therapy for AMI and LV aneurysm to address the sex disparity in mortality.

Chylopericardium due to Subclavian Vein Thrombosis in the Setting of Protein S Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Chylopericardium is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pericardial cavity. It can be idiopathic or secondary to trauma, cardiothoracic surgery, neoplasm, radiation, tuberculosis, lymphatic duct dysfunction, thrombosis, or other causes. We present a case of chylopericardium due to subclavian vein thrombosis in a patient with protein S deficiency. Clinical Case. A 48-year-old man with a history of protein S deficiency presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and a productive cough. CT of the chest showed pulmonary emboli, moderate pericardial effusion, and a large thrombus of the superior vena cava, brachiocephalic vein, and subclavian veins. He developed echocardiographic evidence of cardiac tamponade so he underwent pericardiocentesis with drainage of milky-appearing fluid. Analysis of the fluid showed elevated triglycerides consistent with chylopericardium. The pericardial effusion reaccumulated, likely secondary to lymphatic duct obstruction due to his subclavian vein thrombus. Catheter-assisted thrombolysis was performed with resolution of the patient's effusion and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Chylopericardium is a rare but important complication of subclavian vein thrombosis. Management is typically with surgical intervention, although our case represents successful treatment with catheter-assisted thrombolysis.

Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement versus redo surgical valve replacement for degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valve: An updated meta-analysis comparing midterm outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Redo surgical aortic valve replacement (redo SAVR) and valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV TAVR) are the two treatment strategies available for patients with severe symptomatic bioprosthetic aortic valve dysfunction. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing both early and mid-term outcomes of ViV TAVR versus redo SAVR in patients with bioprosthetic aortic valve disease. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane reviews, and Google scholar electronic databases were searched and studies comparing ViV TAVR versus redo SAVR were included. The primary outcome of interest was mid-term (1-5 years) and 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included were 30-day all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, pacemaker implantation, stroke, acute kidney injury, major or life-threatening bleeding, and postprocedural aortic valve gradients. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all outcomes using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. RESULTS: Nine observational studies with a total of 2,891 individuals and mean follow-up of 26 months met the inclusion criteria. There is no significant difference in mid-term and 1-year mortality between ViV-TAVR and redo SAVR groups with RR of 1.15 (95% CI 0.99-1.32; p = .06) and 1.06 (95% CI 0.69-1.61; p = .8). 30-day mortality rate was significantly lower in ViV-TAVR group with RR of 0.65 (95% CI 0.45-0.93; p = .02). ViV-TAVR group had lower 30-day bleeding, length of stay, and higher postoperative gradients. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a lower 30-day mortality and similar 1-year and mid-term mortality for ViV TAVR compared to redo SAVR despite a higher baseline risk. Given these findings and the ongoing advances in the transcatheter therapeutics, VIV TAVR should be preferred over redo SAVR particularly in those at intermediate-high surgical risk.

Sex Differences in Clinical Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as a reasonable alternative to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in well-selected patients with unprotected left main coronary disease (LMCD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of assessing the impact of sex on outcomes of PCI in patients with unprotected LMCD. METHODS: A systematic search of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify studies comparing the outcomes of men vs. women among patients undergoing PCI for unprotected LMCD. The primary outcome of interest was study defined major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis and stroke. For all outcomes, pooled odds ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 6515 individuals (4954 men, 1561women) with a mean follow up of 36 months were included in the analysis. MACE and MI were significantly higher in women with OR of 1.17 (95% CI 1.01-1.36; p = 0.03) and 1.42 (95% CI 1.07-1.87; p = 0.01) respectively. All-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and TLR were similar among men and women. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that women undergoing PCI for unprotected LMCD have higher rates of MACE and MI compared to men.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of impact of baseline thrombocytopenia on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia (TP) is associated with higher incidence of bleeding in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of baseline thrombocytopenia (bTP) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. METHODS: Literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and clinicaltrials.gov from inception till October 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: Patients with (a) no Thrombocytopenia (nTP) (b) bTP before PCI. Primary endpoints were in-hospital, and all-cause mortality rates at the longest follow-up. The main summary estimate was random effects risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 6,51,543 patients from 10 retrospective studies were included. There was increased in-hospital all-cause mortality (RR 2.58 [1.7-3.8], p < .001) and bleeding (RR 2.37 [1.41-3.98], p < .005), in the bTP group compared to the nTP group. There was no difference for in-hopsital major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (MACE) (RR 1.38 [0.94-2.0], p < .10), post-PCI MI (RR 1.17 [0.9-1.5], p = .19) and TVR (RR 1.65 [0.8-3.6], p = .21), respectively. Outcomes at longest follow-up showed increased incidence of all-cause mortality (RR 1.86 [1.2-2.9], p < .006) and bleeding (RR 1.72 [1.1-2.9], p = .04) in bTP group, while there was no significant difference for post-PCI MI (RR 1.07 [0.91-1.3], p = .42), MACE (RR 1.86 [0.69-1.8], p = .68) and TVR (RR 1.1 [0.9-1.2], p = .93) between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: bTP in patients undergoing PCI is associated with increased mortality and predicts risk of bleeding.