A Delphi consensus on the management of anticoagulation in the COVID-19 pandemic: the MONACO study.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, guideline documents on the management of anticoagulation were rapidly published. However, these documents did not follow a structured methodology, and significant differences existed between the guidelines. The aim of this expert consensus was to provide recommendations on the clinical management of oral anticoagulation in patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A two-round Delphi study was conducted using an online survey. In the first round, panellists expressed their level of agreement with the items on a 9-point Likert scale. Items were selected if they received approval from ≥66.6% of panellists and if they were agreed by the scientific committee. In the second round, panellists revaluated those items that did not meet consensus in the first round. Results: A total of 147 panellists completed the first round, and 144 of them completed the second round. Consensus was reached on 161 items included in five dimensions. These dimensions addressed: (I) management of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) without mechanical valves or moderate/severe mitral stenosis during COVID-19 infection; (II) thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalised for COVID-19; (III) management of anticoagulation at hospital discharge/after COVID-19; (IV) anticoagulation monitoring in the COVID-19 pandemic setting; and (V) role of telemedicine in the management and follow-up of patients with AF in the COVID-19 pandemic setting. Conclusions: These areas of collective agreement could specially guide clinicians in making decisions regarding anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19 during hospitalisation and at discharge, where results from clinical trials are still limited and, in some cases, conflicting.

Case Report: Probable Myocarditis After Covid-19 mRNA Vaccine in a Patient With Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

Arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC) is a rare heritable heart-muscle disorder characterized by a progressive loss of left ventricular myocardium and its replacement by fibrofatty tissue. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart that may occur secondary to infections, immune system activation or exposure to drugs. Hot phases of ALVC present with chest pain and troponin rise, mimicking acute viral myocarditis and indicate a progression of the disease. Recently, myocarditis has also been described as an infrequent complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) mRNA vaccines. We herein report for the first time a case of probable myocarditis induced by Covid-19 vaccine in a patient with previous medical history of ALVC. We aim to highlight the common characteristics of ALVC and Covid-19 vaccine myocarditis and work through the differential diagnosis of these two entities.

Sacubitrilo-valsartán e inhibidores del cotransportador de sodio-glucosa tipo 2 en insuficiencia cardiaca: ¿separación de poderes o bienes gananciales? / Sacubitril-valsartan and sodium-glucose linked transporter-2 inhibition in heart failure: give separately or together?

La coexistencia de insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) reducida y diabetes es muy frecuente. En los últimos años, el sacubitrilo-valsartán (SV) y la familia de los inhibidores del cotransportador de sodio-glucosa tipo 2 (iSGLT2) han pasado a formar parte del arsenal terapéutico habitual del profesional dedicado a la IC. Comparado con el enalapril, se ha demostrado con el SV en pacientes con IC y FEVI reducida una clara mejoría a nivel pronóstico y de calidad de vida; la familia de fármacos glucosúricos ha mostrado beneficios significativos en protección renal y hospitalización por IC en una población más variada, donde la prevalencia de IC basal es baja. Se revisa la evidencia actual de los 2 fármacos y el uso combinado de ambos. Información sobre el suplemento: este artículo forma parte del suplemento titulado «Controversias para una nueva era en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca», que ha sido patrocinado por Novartis

Heart failure with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) commonly coexists with diabetes. In recent years, sacubitril-valsartan and the family of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become established as part of the routine therapeutic armamentarium for clinicians dealing with heart failure. In patients with HFrEF, sacubitril-valsartan has been associated with a substantially better prognosis and quality of life compared with enalapril. In addition, the family of SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant clinical benefits in a more varied patient population with a low prevalence of heart failure at baseline: they preserved renal function and reduced hospitalization for heart failure. The aim of this article was to review the evidence currently available on these two drugs classes and on their use in combination. Supplement information: this article is part of a supplement entitled "Questions on a new era for heart failure treatment" which is sponsored by Novartis

Evolution of functional class, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcomes after sacubitril/valsartan initiation in daily practice.

Aim: To analyze the impact of sacubitril/valsartan on functional class, surrogate parameters and clinical outcomes in clinical practice. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction that started treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. Results: 149 patients (70.7 ± 9.6 years) were included. At baseline, 83.9, 15.4 and 0.7% were taking sacubitril/valsartan 24/26, 49/51 and 97/103 mg, respectively. After 316.1 ± 155.9 days, these numbers moved to 38.9, 39.6, 12.8% (8.7% discontinued). Sacubitril/valsartan improved functional class (from 2.3 ± 0.6 to 1.8 ± 0.5; p < 0.001), increased ejection fraction (from 31.2 ± 7.0 to 37.3 ± 10.5%; p < 0.001) and reduced NT-proBNP (from 3884 ± 4871 to 1975.3 ± 3006.6 pg/ml; p = 0.0001). Rates of any event, cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization/decompensation were 13.2 events/100 patient-years. Conclusion: Sacubitril/valsartan is effective and safe in routine practice.

Los niveles en sangre de PGC-1alfa predice miocardio salvado y remodelado ventricular tras infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST / Blood pgc-1α concentration predicts myocardial salvage and ventricular remodeling after st-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Introducción y objetivos: El coactivador 1alfa del receptor activado gamma del proliferador de peroxisoma (PGC-1alfa) es un regulador metabólico que se induce durante la isquemia y previene el remodelado cardiaco en modelos animales. Su actividad puede estimarse en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el valor predictivo de los niveles en sangre de PGC-1α en la extensión del área necrótica y el remodelado ventricular tras infarto. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 31 pacientes con primer infarto de miocardio de localización anterior y reperfusión exitosa. Se determinó la expresión de PGC-1α en sangre periférica al ingreso y a las 72 h, evaluando su correlación con el daño miocárdico y el volumen ventricular y la función sistólica a los 6 meses. El edema y la necrosis miocárdica se estimaron mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca durante la primera semana. A los 6 meses, una resonancia de control evaluó tamaño del infarto y remodelado ventricular, definido como el incremento > 10% del volumen telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo. Se definió miocardio salvado como la diferencia entre las áreas de edema y de necrosis. Resultados: Se observó más miocardio salvado en los pacientes con expresión de PGC-1α detectable al ingreso (el 18,3% ± 5,3% frente al 4,5% ± 3,9%; p = 0,04). La inducción de PGC-1α a las 72 h se correlacionó con mayor remodelado ventricular (variación del volumen telediastólico del ventrículo izquierdo a los 6 meses, el 29,7% ± 11,2% frente al 1,2% ± 5,8%; p = 0,04). Conclusiones: El grado de expresión basal de PGC–1α y una respuesta atenuada del sistema tras infarto agudo de miocardio se asocian con más miocardio salvado y predicen menos remodelado ventricular (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a metabolic regulator induced during ischemia that prevents cardiac remodeling in animal models. The activity of PGC-1α can be estimated in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of blood PGC-1α levels in predicting the extent of necrosis and ventricular remodeling after infarction. Methods: In this prospective study of 31 patients with a first myocardial infarction in an anterior location and successful reperfusion, PGC-1α expression in peripheral blood on admission and at 72 hours was correlated with myocardial injury, ventricular volume, and systolic function at 6 months. Edema and myocardial necrosis were estimated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during the first week. At 6 months, infarct size and ventricular remodeling, defined as an increase > 10% of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, was evaluated by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Myocardial salvage was defined as the difference between the edema and necrosis areas. Results: Greater myocardial salvage was seen in patients with detectable PGC-1α levels at admission (mean [standard deviation (SD)], 18.3% [5.3%] vs 4.5% [3.9%]; P = .04). Induction of PGC–1α at 72 hours correlated with greater ventricular remodeling (change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume at 6 months, 29.7% [11.2%] vs 1.2% [5.8%]; P = .04). Conclusions: Baseline PGC–1α expression and an attenuated systemic response after acute myocardial infarction are associated with greater myocardial salvage and predict less ventricular remodeling (AU)

Blood PGC-1α Concentration Predicts Myocardial Salvage and Ventricular Remodeling After ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a metabolic regulator induced during ischemia that prevents cardiac remodeling in animal models. The activity of PGC-1α can be estimated in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of blood PGC-1α levels in predicting the extent of necrosis and ventricular remodeling after infarction. METHODS: In this prospective study of 31 patients with a first myocardial infarction in an anterior location and successful reperfusion, PGC-1α expression in peripheral blood on admission and at 72 hours was correlated with myocardial injury, ventricular volume, and systolic function at 6 months. Edema and myocardial necrosis were estimated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during the first week. At 6 months, infarct size and ventricular remodeling, defined as an increase > 10% of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, was evaluated by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Myocardial salvage was defined as the difference between the edema and necrosis areas. RESULTS: Greater myocardial salvage was seen in patients with detectable PGC-1α levels at admission (mean [standard deviation (SD)], 18.3% [5.3%] vs 4.5% [3.9%]; P = .04). Induction of PGC-1α at 72 hours correlated with greater ventricular remodeling (change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume at 6 months, 29.7% [11.2%] vs 1.2% [5.8%]; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline PGC-1α expression and an attenuated systemic response after acute myocardial infarction are associated with greater myocardial salvage and predict less ventricular remodeling.

Clinical benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in patients with an ejection fraction > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator prolongs survival and improves quality of life in advanced heart failure. Traditionally, patients with ejection fraction > 35 estimated by echocardiography have been excluded. We assessed the prognostic impact of this therapy in a group of patients with severely depressed systolic function as assessed by echocardiography but with an ejection fraction > 35% as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients admitted for decompensated heart failure between 2004 and 2011. The patients were in functional class II-IV, with a QRS ≥ to 120 ms, ejection fraction ≤ 35% estimated by echocardiography, and a cardiac magnetic resonance study. We included all patients (n=103) who underwent device implantation for primary prevention. Ventricular arrhythmia, all-cause mortality and readmission for heart failure were considered major cardiac events. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to systolic function assessed by magnetic resonance. RESULTS: The 2 groups showed similar improvements in functional class and ejection fraction at 6 months. We found a nonsignificant trend toward a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with systolic function ≤ 35% at long-term follow-up. The presence of a pattern of necrosis identified patients with a worse prognosis for ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator leads to a similar clinical benefit in patients with an ejection fraction ≤ 35% or > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance. Analysis of the pattern of late gadolinium enhancement provides additional information on arrhythmic risk and long-term prognosis.

[Influence of age in short and long term prognostic of ischemic cardiogenic shock]. / Influencia de la edad en el pronóstico a corto y largo plazo del choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognosis during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years in patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock. METHOD: Prospective observational study practiced in a coronary Care Unit managed by cardiologists. We included patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock who received early coronary revascularization. Patients were divided into two groups: older than 75 years (group A) and lower (group B), and we compared the evolution during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years. Primary end point was mortality rate in the maximum follow-up of 4years. Secondary end point was mortality rate during hospitalization. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were included, 45% Group A. Patients of Group B were mostly men (81% vs. 57%; P=.014), diabetics (48% vs. 21%; P=0.006), and smokers (39.6% vs. 5%). Mortality rate during hospitalization was higher in Group A (54.5%) vs. 30.2% in Group B (P=.022). Mortality rate during follow-up (primary variable) was 73% in Group A vs. 38% in Group B (P=.007). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock in elderly patients is an entity with high mortality during hospitalization and continues to worsen during long term follow-up.

Influencia de la edad en el pronóstico a corto y largo plazo del choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico / Influence of age in short and long term prognostic of ischemic cardiogenic shock

Objetivo: Comparar la evolución durante el ingreso y a largo plazo de pacientes con choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo unicéntrico llevado a cabo en la unidad coronaria de un hospital terciario manejada por cardiólogos. Se incluyen pacientes con choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico que recibieron revascularización coronaria precoz. Dividimos a los pacientes en 2 grupos: mayores de 75 anos (grupo A) y menores (grupo B), y comparamos la evolución durante el ingreso y en un seguimiento máximo de 4 años. El objetivo principal fue estimar la mortalidad a los 4 años. El objetivo secundario se definió como la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados: Incluimos a 97 pacientes, 44 del grupo A (45%). Los pacientes del grupo B eran con más frecuencia varones (81 vs. 57%, p = 0.014), diabéticos (49 vs. 21%, p: 0.006) y fumadores (39.6 vs. 4.5%, p < 0.05). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue superior en el grupo A (54.5 vs. 30.2%, p = 0.022). El objetivo principal ocurrió en 32 pacientes del grupo A frente a 20 del grupo B (73 vs. 38%, p = 0.007). Conclusión: El choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico en paciente mayores de 75 anos presenta una alta mortalidad durante la estancia hospitalaria y en el seguimiento a largo plazo.

Objective: To compare the prognosis during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years in patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock. Method: Prospective observational study practiced in a coronary Care Unit managed by cardiologists. We included patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock who received early coronary revascularization. Patients were divided into two groups: older than 75 years (group A) and lower (group B), and we compared the evolution during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years. Primary end point was mortality rate in the maximum follow-up of 4years. Secondary end point was mortality rate during hospitalization. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included, 45% Group A. Patients of Group B were mostly men (81% vs. 57%; P =.014), diabetics (48% vs. 21%; P = 0.006), and smokers (39.6% vs. 5%). Mortality rate during hospitalization was higher in Group A (54.5%) vs. 30.2% in Group B(P = .022). Mortality rate during follow-up (primary variable) was 73% in Group A vs. 38% in Group B (P =.007). Conclusions: Myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock in elderly patients is an entity with high mortality during hospitalization and continues to worsen during long term follow-up.

Beneficio clínico de la terapia de resincronización cardiaca con desfibrilador para pacientes con fracción de eyección > 35 por ciento por resonancia magnética / Clinical benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in patients with an ejection fraction > 35 percent estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance

Introducción y objetivos. La terapia de resincronización cardiaca con desfibrilador aumenta la supervivencia y mejora la calidad de vida en insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. Tradicionalmente, se ha excluido a los pacientes con fracción de eyección > 35% calculada por ecocardiografía. Evaluamos el impacto pronóstico de dicha terapia en un grupo de pacientes con disfunción sistólica grave por ecocardiografía pero con fracción de eyección > 35% por resonancia magnética cardiaca. Métodos. Se analizaron los ingresos por insuficiencia cardiaca entre 2004 y 2011 en clase funcional II - IV , QRS >= 120 ms, fracción de eyección por ecocardiografía <= 35% y estudio de resonancia magnética cardiaca según protocolo local. Se incluyó a los pacientes (n = 103) con implante de dispositivo en prevención primaria. Se registró la incidencia de arritmias ventriculares, reingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca y mortalidad total. La muestra se dividió según la función sistólica por resonancia magnética fuera <= 35% o > 35%. Resultados. Ambos grupos mostraron mejoras comparables en clase funcional y fracción de eyección a los 6 meses. Se encontró una tendencia no significativa hacia mayor mortalidad total entre los pacientes con fracción de eyección <= 35% en el seguimiento a largo plazo. Al dividir la muestra por función sistólica y patrón de realce, encontramos que la presencia de necrosis identificaba a los pacientes con peor pronóstico de arritmias ventriculares y mortalidad total. Conclusiones. La terapia de resincronización cardiaca con desfibrilador proporcionó un beneficio clínico similar a los pacientes con función sistólica por resonancia resonancia magnética cardiaca <=35% y > 35%. El patrón de realce tardío de gadolinio aporta información adicional sobre riesgo arrítmico y pronóstico a largo plazo de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator prolongs survival and improves quality of life in advanced heart failure. Traditionally, patients with ejection fraction > 35 estimated by echocardiography have been excluded. We assessed the prognostic impact of this therapy in a group of patients with severely depressed systolic function as assessed by echocardiography but with an ejection fraction > 35% as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. Methods. We analyzed consecutive patients admitted for decompensated heart failure between 2004 and 2011. The patients were in functional class II-IV, with a QRS >= to 120 ms, ejection fraction <= 35% estimated by echocardiography, and a cardiac magnetic resonance study. We included all patients (n=103) who underwent device implantation for primary prevention. Ventricular arrhythmia, all-cause mortality and readmission for heart failure were considered major cardiac events. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to systolic function assessed by magnetic resonance. Results. The 2 groups showed similar improvements in functional class and ejection fraction at 6 months. We found a nonsignificant trend toward a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with systolic function <= 35% at long-term follow-up. The presence of a pattern of necrosis identified patients with a worse prognosis for ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in both groups. Conclusions. We conclude that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator leads to a similar clinical benefit in patients with an ejection fraction <= 35% or > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance. Analysis of the pattern of late gadolinium enhancement provides additional information on arrhythmic risk and long-term prognosis (AU)

Implicación diagnóstica de la variación porcentual de troponina I en el rango de normalidad en pacientes con sospecha de angina inestable / Diagnostic implication of the percentage change in troponin I in normal range in patients with suspected unstable angina

No disponible

Diagnóstico etiológico de la disfunción ventricular izquierda con tomografía computarizada: comparación con coronariografía y cardiorresonancia / Etiological diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction: computed tomography compared with coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance

Introducción y objetivos. Evaluar la capacidad de la tomografía computarizada con multidetectores en el diagnóstico de la disfunción ventricular izquierda de origen coronario y valorar su exactitud diagnóstica comparándola con la combinación de coronariografía invasiva y resonancia magnética. Métodos. Se estudió a 40 pacientes consecutivos con disfunción ventricular izquierda de origen no filiado mediante coronariografía invasiva y resonancia con contraste. A todos ellos se les realizó además un estudio de tomografía computarizada con multidetectores incluyendo presencia de calcio coronario y su cuantificación, coronariografía y valoración tisular del miocardio. Resultados. La sensibilidad y la especificidad de la presencia de calcio coronario para identificar la disfunción ventricular izquierda de origen coronario fueron del 100 y el 31% respectivamente. Si se considera un score de calcio por Agatston>100, la especificidad sube al 58% manteniendo la sensibilidad del 100%. Los valores de sensibilidad y especificidad de la coronariografía por tomografía computarizada con multidetectores fueron del 100 y el 96% respectivamente; para la identificación de áreas de necrosis en la adquisición precoz, del 57 y el 100% y en la adquisición tardía, del 84 y el 96%. Para identificar a los pacientes coronarios con necrosis, la sensibilidad y la especificidad fueron del 92 y el 100% respectivamente. Conclusiones. De todas las herramientas diagnósticas disponibles en tomografía computarizada con multidetectores, la coronariografía es la que muestra mayor exactitud diagnóstica para determinar el origen coronario de la disfunción ventricular. La combinación del estudio coronariográfico y el estudio tisular del miocardio tras el contraste permite obtener en un solo examen información similar a la de la combinación de cateterismo y resonancia con contraste (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To evaluate the capability of multidetector computed tomography to diagnose the coronary etiology of left ventricular dysfunction compared with using invasive coronary angiography and magnetic resonance. Methods. Forty consecutive patients with left ventricular dysfunction of uncertain etiology underwent invasive coronary angiography and contrast magnetic resonance. All patients were evaluated with multidetector computed tomography including coronary calcium presence and score, noninvasive coronary angiography, and myocardial tissue assessment. Results. The sensitivity and specificity of the presence of coronary calcium to identify left ventricular dysfunction was 100% and 31%, respectively. If an Agatston calcium score of >100 is taken, specificity increases to 58% with sensitivity still 100%. Sensitivity and specificity for coronary angiography by multidetector computed tomography was 100% and 96%, respectively; for identifying necrosis in contrast acquisition it was 57% and 100%, respectively; and in late acquisition, 84% and 96%, respectively. To identify coronary ventricular dysfunction with necrosis, the sensitivity and specificity was 92% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions. Of all the diagnostic tools available in multidetector computed tomography, coronary angiography is the most accurate in determining the coronary origin of left ventricular dysfunction. A combination of coronary angiography and myocardial tissue study after contrast allows a single test to obtain similar information compared with the combination of invasive coronary angiography and contrast magnetic resonance (AU)

Etiological diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction: computed tomography compared with coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the capability of multidetector computed tomography to diagnose the coronary etiology of left ventricular dysfunction compared with using invasive coronary angiography and magnetic resonance. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with left ventricular dysfunction of uncertain etiology underwent invasive coronary angiography and contrast magnetic resonance. All patients were evaluated with multidetector computed tomography including coronary calcium presence and score, noninvasive coronary angiography, and myocardial tissue assessment. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the presence of coronary calcium to identify left ventricular dysfunction was 100% and 31%, respectively. If an Agatston calcium score of >100 is taken, specificity increases to 58% with sensitivity still 100%. Sensitivity and specificity for coronary angiography by multidetector computed tomography was 100% and 96%, respectively; for identifying necrosis in contrast acquisition it was 57% and 100%, respectively; and in late acquisition, 84% and 96%, respectively. To identify coronary ventricular dysfunction with necrosis, the sensitivity and specificity was 92% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the diagnostic tools available in multidetector computed tomography, coronary angiography is the most accurate in determining the coronary origin of left ventricular dysfunction. A combination of coronary angiography and myocardial tissue study after contrast allows a single test to obtain similar information compared with the combination of invasive coronary angiography and contrast magnetic resonance.

Non-invasive assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts and native coronary arteries using 64-slice computed tomography: comparison with invasive coronary angiography.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although the diagnostic accuracy of CT in the non-invasive assessment of coronary arteries and grafts is known to be high, only a few studies have investigated the technique's reliability for the combined assessment of native coronary arteries, grafts, and vessels lying distal to anastomoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice CT for assessing coronary grafts and native coronary arteries. METHODS: In the study, 64-slice CT was used to evaluate 36 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery and had a clinical indication for angiographic graft assessment. The diagnostic accuracy of CT for identifying significant lesions in grafts and native coronary arteries was determined and compared with that of invasive coronary angiography. RESULTS: Of the 103 grafts studied (49 arterial and 54 venous), 96 (93.2%) could be visualized by angiography and 98 (95.1%) by CT. The sensitivity and specificity of CT for detecting significant lesions in grafts were 100% (30/30) and 97% (64/66), respectively, and the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 94% and 100%, respectively. For non-revascularized coronary arteries (258 segments), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 94%, 95%, 80%, and 99%, respectively, and for distal vessels, 86%, 97%, 67%, and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice CT for evaluating both coronary grafts and native coronary arteries was high.

Valoración no invasiva de injertos aortocoronarios y coronarias nativas con tomografía computarizada de 64 detectores: comparación con la coronariografía invasiva / Non-invasive assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts and native coronary arteries using 64-slice computed tomography: comparison with invasive coronary angiography

Introducción y objetivos. Aunque la tomografía computarizada (TC) multidetector muestra una elevada exactitud diagnóstica en la valoración no invasiva de las arterias coronarias e injertos, son escasos los trabajos que valoren su fiabilidad en el estudio conjunto de vasos nativos, injertos y vasos distales a las anastomosis. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la exactitud diagnóstica de la TC de 64 detectores en la valoración de injertos coronarios y arterias coronarias nativas. Métodos. Se estudia con TC de 64 detectores a 36 pacientes revascularizados quirúrgicamente e indicación clínica de evaluación angiográfica de sus injertos. Se analizó la exactitud diagnóstica de la TC para la detección de lesiones significativas en los injertos y coronarias nativas comparando sus resultados con los de la coronariografía invasiva. Resultados. De los 103 injertos referidos (49 arteriales y 54 venosos) se visualizaron 96 (93,2%) por coronariografía y 98 (95,1%) por TC. Los valores diagnósticos para los injertos mostraron una sensibilidad del 100% (30/30) y especificidad del 97% (64/66) y valores predictivos positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN) del 94 y el 100%, respectivamente. Respecto a los vasos nativos no revascularizados (258 segmentos), se obtuvo sensibilidad del 94%, especificidad del 95%, VPP del 80% y VPN del 99%. La sensibilidad y la especificidad de la valoración de vasos distales fueron del 86 y el 97% respectivamente, con VPP del 67% y VPN del 99%. Conclusiones. La TC de 64 detectores presenta una alta exactitud diagnóstica en la valoración de los injertos coronarios y arterias coronarias nativas (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Although the diagnostic accuracy of CT in the non-invasive assessment of coronary arteries and grafts is known to be high, only a few studies have investigated the technique’s reliability for the combined assessment of native coronary arteries, grafts, and vessels lying distal to anastomoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice CT for assessing coronary grafts and native coronary arteries. Methods. In the study, 64-slice CT was used to evaluate 36 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery and had a clinical indication for angiographic graft assessment. The diagnostic accuracy of CT for identifying significant lesions in grafts and native coronary arteries was determined and compared with that of invasive coronary angiography. Results. Of the 103 grafts studied (49 arterial and 54 venous), 96 (93.2%) could be visualized by angiography and 98 (95.1%) by CT. The sensitivity and specificity of CT for detecting significant lesions in grafts were 100% (30/30) and 97% (64/66), respectively, and the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 94% and 100%, respectively. For non-revascularized coronary arteries (258 segments), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 94%, 95%, 80%, and 99%, respectively, and for distal vessels, 86%, 97%, 67%, and 99%, respectively. Conclusions. The diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice CT for evaluating both coronary grafts and native coronary arteries was high (AU)

Late gadolinium enhancement-cardiovascular magnetic resonance identifies coronary artery disease as the aetiology of left ventricular dysfunction in acute new-onset congestive heart failure.

AIMS: We evaluated the ability of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify acute new-onset heart failure (HF) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), whether or not in relation to underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), in patients with no clinical evidence of associated ischaemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hundred consecutive patients admitted with acute new-onset decompensated HF and EF <40%, with no clinical or electrocardiographic data suggestive of CAD. The patients were classified according to the presence or absence of significant CAD (stenosis > or =70% in at least one major vessel). Twenty-one patients (21%) had significant CAD. Seventy-nine (79%) had no lesions. Eighteen of the 21 patients (85%) with CAD had subendocardial/transmural LGE. In the diagnosis of CAD, LGE has a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 80-91) and specificity of 92.4% (95% CI, 87-96), respectively, with a negative predictive value of 96% (95% CI, 90-99). It has an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.906 (95% CI, 0.814-0.998). CONCLUSION: In patients with new-onset HF and LVSD for whom there are no clinical and exploratory data suggestive of ischaemic heart disease, CMR with LGE is an excellent means of ruling out significant CAD and is a valid alternative to angiography.