Intact Coronary Arteries Research Articles

A Routine Coronary Angiography before Carotid Endarterectomy as an Example of Interdisciplinary Work: The Immediate Results of the Surgery.

The aim: to evaluate the incidence of obstructive lesions of the coronary arteries during routine coronary angiography (CAG) before carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and the incidence of perioperative complications. Materials and Methods: We examined a continuous sample of 498 patients before CEA who underwent an invasive evaluation of the coronary bed during CAG. Depending on the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery lesions, the patients were divided into three groups: group I-obstructive coronary artery disease (≥70%) (n = 309, 62.0%); group II-non-obstructive lesions of the coronary arteries (<70%) (n = 118, 23.7%); group III-intact coronary arteries (n = 71, 14.3%). The groups were compared with each other according to the data of the preoperative examination (clinical and anamnestic parameters, laboratory data and results of echocardiography), as well as according to the immediate results of the operation. In the hospital period, adverse cardiovascular events were assessed: death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL) and combined endpoint. Results: The groups differed significantly in the presence of symptoms of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and myocardial revascularization procedures in their medical history and in the presence of chronic ischemia of the lower extremities. However, in the group of intact coronary arteries, the symptoms of angina were in 14.1% of patients, and a history of myocardial infarction was in 12.7%. Myocardial revascularization before CEA or simultaneously with it was performed in 43.0% of patients. As a result, it was possible to reduce the number of perioperative cardiac complications (mortality 0.7%, perioperative myocardial infarction 1.96%). Conclusions: The high incidence of obstructive lesions in the coronary arteries in our patients and the minimum number of perioperative complications favor routine CAG before CEA.

Potential of speckle tracking echocardiography with the assessment of left ventricle myocardial work in predicting coronary artery disease in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Aim. The study aimed at evaluating the role of the left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) measurement and the left ventricle myocardial work parameters in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD), and determining the indications for early invasive diagnosis and treatment in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).Materials and methods. The study included 51 patients aged from 41 to 93 years who were admitted at the Institute clinic with a diagnosis of NSTE-ACS. Upon admission, the risk of hospital mortality was assessed using GRACE risk score; standard echocardiography (EchoCG) and speckle tracking echocardiography (ST EchoCG) were performed to assess the LV longitudinal strain and the LV myocardial work parameters, and coronary angiography (CAG) was performed within 48 hours. The comparison group consisted of 20 volunteers without CAD.Results. According to the risk assessment with the GRACE score, the patients with low and moderate risk made 41 and 47 %, respectively. Local contractility disorders during standard EchoCG were detected in 15 patients (29 %). When analyzing regional parameters of longitudinal strain and myocardial work, the greatest prognostic value in identifying patients with hemodynamically significant changes in the coronary arteries (CAs) was demonstrated by the functional risk area (FRA) of 4 or more adjacent segments with a myocardial work index ≤1400 mmHg x% (sensitivity and specificity 84,2 and 78,1 %, AUC=0,83). In the dysfunctional segments of the risk zone in almost all patients, a paradoxical mechanism of deformation was detected in the form of post-systolic shortening with a post-systolic index (PSI) reaching a value of ≥20 % at least in one of the adjacent segments. The combination of a significant increase in PSI and the detection of FRA limited to 3 segments indicated the acuity of coronary insufficiency, hemodynamically significant stenosis (sensitivity and specificity 84 % and 79 %). When distributing patients, taking into account the data of standard EchoCG and ST EchoCG with the assessment of myocardial work, in the absence of significant disturbances in systolic function, the patients with intact main CAs or insignificant changes in the main CAs prevailed; among patients without visual impairment of contractility, the detected FRA indicated a hemodynamically significant damage of one of the main CAs; a combination of local contractility disorders and additional FRA was associated with multiple CA damage.Conclusion. The use of ST EchoCG with the assessment of myocardial work and identification of the functional risk area in NSTE-ACS patients makes it possible to predict CAD, detect patients at risk of an unfavorable outcome regardless of the GRACE risk level, determine indications for immediate invasive diagnostics, and choose the optimal method of revascularization.

Contemporary algorithms for diagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease in real clinical practice

Background. Despite the high evidence level of the currently existing international recommendations on stable coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic coronary syndrome, their implementation in domestic clinical practice is insufficient.The aim of the work. To analyze the choice of diagnostic tactics (non-invasive and invasive) in patients with suspected obstructive coronary heart disease in real clinical practice.Methods. The study included outpatients with suspected obstructive CHD, in whom the pre-test probability (PTP) of obstructive CHD was determined; if PTP = 5–15 %, clinical probability was assessed based on CHD risk factors. Based on the results of coronary angiography, the following groups were identified: group I – obstructive lesion of the coronary arteries (≥ 70 %) (n = 50); group II – non-obstructive lesion of the coronary arteries (&lt; 70 %) (n = 32); group III – intact coronary arteries (n = 40). Results. According to the results of coronary angiography, the frequency of detection of obstructive lesion of the coronary arteries was 42 % (in patients without past medical history of myocardial infarction – 31 %). Before performing coronary angiography, non-invasive tests were performed in 2.5 % of cases. Pain in the chest was represented by typical angina in 74 % of patients, with no difference in frequency in all groups. PTP values were statistically significantly higher in the group with obstructive CHD (median – 32 %), however, in the other two groups, PTP values corresponded to a high risk of obstructive CHD (median – 27 % and 21 %, respectively). PTP was an independent predictor for obstructive CHD and subsequent myocardial revascularization.Conclusion. In the cohort of outpatients with suspected coronary heart disease we examined during invasive coronary angiography, the frequency of obstructive lesion of the coronary arteries remains low. Non-invasive tests were performed in isolated cases, while PTP was an independent predictor for obstructive CHD and subsequent myocardial revascularization. To increase the frequency of detection of obstructive coronary heart disease, we should adhere to the diagnostic algorithms of the European Society of Cardiology and make wider use of non-invasive imaging tests.

Оценка перфузии и диастолической функции миокарда у больных с микрососудистой дисфункцией и гипертонической болезнью на ранней стадии по данным перфузионной С-ОФЭКТ-КТ с 99mTc-технетрилом

Objective: to study the correlation between quantitative perfusion parameters and the diastolic function in patients with microvascular dysfunction and arterial hypertension, stage 1, pain in the left half of the chest and intact coronary arteries (ICA), according to the single-photon emission computed tomography with 99mTc. Material and methods. The study included 29 patients with stage I arterial hypertension confirmed by 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, without left ventricular hypertrophy, with pain in the left half of the chest and ICA, each of whom underwent diagnostic invasive coronary angiography and SPECT/CT of the myocardium with 99mTc-technetrile at rest and in combination with stress. Results. In the examined patients with stage I arterial hypertension, without left ventricular hypertrophy with pain in the left half of the chest and ICA, according to S-SPECT/CT, disturbances in diastolic function (DF) of the LV, heterogeneity of perfusion at rest and stress-induced myocardial ischemia, corresponding to the initial manifestations of coronary insufficiency, were revealed, caused by a decrease in the perfusion reserve due to secondary microvascular dysfunction (vMSD), and is, apparently, the main factor in the occurrence of pain in the left half of the chest in this category of patients. A reliable inverse relationship has been established between speed and direct time indicators of LV DF and the prevalence and severity of stress-induced myocardial ischemia. Conclusion. In patients with stage I arterial hypertension, without left ventricular hypertrophy with pain in the left half of the chest and ICA perfusion deficiency and myocardial ischemia are associated with a significant increase in diastolic duration and a decrease in the velocity parameters of LV DF, which is revealed by SPECT/CT data already in the early stages and initial stage of the HD disease. The occurrence of left-sided heart failure in patients with hypertension and ICA is associated with coronary insufficiency caused by vMSD.

Features of the myocardial infarction course in convalescents of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19

Acute myocardial injury is one of the possible complications of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 and can be diagnosed both in the acute phase of the infection, and also after stabilization or clinical improvement of the patient's condition. This review is devoted to the actual problem of the acute myocardial infarction development during the period of COVID-19 convalescence. The pathophysiological mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction during recovery from COVID-19 are diverse. The key role belongs to the state of hypercoagulation and the systemic inflammatory response, which can provoke destabilization and rupture of unstable atherosclerotic cardiac plaques. Type 2 acute myocardial infarction is most often diagnosed in COVID-19 convalescents against the background of intact coronary arteries. In this case, acute myocardial infarction develops due to an imbalance between increased myocardial oxygen demand (increased levels of cytokines in the blood, hypercatecholaminemia, hyperthermia and tachycardia) and a decrease in oxygen supply to cardiomyocytes due to hypoxemia and hypotension. Subclinical myocardial injury may be present despite normal coronary arteries on angiography and intact left ventricular ejection fraction. There is no clear relationship between the development of acute myocardial infarction during the period of COVID-19 convalescence and the severity of the infection, the time from the initial diagnosis, and the presence of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the patient. Cardiac complaints in COVID-19 convalescents are often interpreted as a post-COVID syndrome, especially given the absence of a history of coronary heart disease in many patients, which can lead to late diagnosis. Further study of the features of acute myocardial infarction during the period of COVID-19 convalescence is needed.

Clinical symptoms and ECG data in women with acute coronary syndrome

Background. There are many differences in chest pain symptoms between men and women in terms of location, nature, and additional symptoms. The issue of describing the differences in chest pain in men and women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as their correlation with changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and coronary angiography (CAG) remains relevant.Methods. The study included 588 patients of the cardiology department of the Novokuznetsk City Clinical Hospital No. 1 from 2013 to 2017 with a diagnosis of ACS. Depending on the gender, the subjects were divided into two groups: Group I – 330 men; Group II – 258 women.Results. ACS with ST elevation was more common in men (45.8 %) than in women (33.3 %; p = 0.002). There were no pathological ECG changes in women in 58.1 % of cases, in men – in 45.5 % (p &lt; 0.001). ECG type Q/ST elevation was detected more often in men (45.8 %) than in women (33.3 %; p = 0.002). The absence of coronary artery lesions was observed in 27.9 % of men and 44.2 % of women (p &lt; 0.001). Hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis was more common in men (57.6 %) than in women (38.7 %; p &lt; 0.001). In a typical angina clinic, hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease in patients with Q/without ST elevation ACS was detected in 40.2 % of men and in 58.5 % of women (p = 0.002). In the atypical angina clinic, hemodynamically significant lesions of coronary artery were more common in men (40.6 %) than in women (34.1 %; p = 0.02).Conclusion. In women atypical chest pains and intact coronary arteries were detected more often than in men, and hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis were found less often than in men. In men, a more pronounced pathology of the coronary arteries in ACS was revealed, in women – great difficulties in diagnosing ACS.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease: features of perfusion volume computed tomography of the heart in a pharmacological test with adenosine triphosphate

To study myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) using volumetric computed tomography (VCT) of the heart with a pharmacological test with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The study included 93 patients, of which 18 had CAD with DM, and 50 had CAD without DM. All patients underwent one of the stress tests, cardiac VCT with ATP test, invasive coronary angiography, or CT coronary angiography. Left ventricle (LV) myocardial perfusion was evaluated for hypoperfusion zones and the calculation of semi-quantitative indices: decrease of LV myocardial density, LV myocardial perfusion index, transmural perfusion coefficient, and our proposed new indicator - myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR). The MPR index value in the hypoperfusion zones in patients with CAD and DM was 0.64 [0.62-0.66], in patients with CAD without diabetes 0.65 [0.63-0.66]; p=0.4; the value of the transmural perfusion coefficient in the areas of abnormal LV myocardial perfusion in patients with CAD and DM was 0.81 [0.80-0.86] versus 0.83 [0.80-0.85] in patients with CAD without DM (p=0.6). More hypoperfusion segments were observed in patients with CAD and DM (33.3%) compared to those without DM (14%; p=0.029). The MPR index in the hypoperfusion zones in patients with CAD with intact coronary arteries (CA) and DM was 0.56 [0.54-0.60] versus 0.55 [0.54-0.62] in patients with CAD with intact CA without DM; p=0.2. In patients with CAD and type 2 DM, according to the VCT with ATP test, more foci hypoperfusion areas were detected, regardless of the severity of coronary artery involvement, compared with patients with CAD without DM, which may be due to the microangiopathy in the myocardium. The similarity of the MPR parameters in the hypoperfusion zones associated with hemodynamic stenosis of the CA and with intact CAs indicates the ischemic genesis of these zones. For citation: Soboleva GN, Minasyan AA, Gaman SA, Rogoza AN, Molina LP, Soboleva TV, Shariya MA, Ternovoy SK, Karpov YuA. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease: features of perfusion volume computed tomography of the heart in a pharmacological test with adenosine triphosphate. Terapevticheskii Arkhiv (Ter. Arkh.). 2023;95(4):309-315. DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.04.202158.

Острый коронарный синдром у пациентов со стенозом клапана аорты

The purpose — to assess the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) clinical aspects in patients with aortic stenosis. Material and methods. This is a retrospective single-center study that included comparison of hospital and midterm outcomes of ACS and aortic stenosis (n = 95, divided into the following groups: group 1 — severe aortic stenosis + ACS (n = 39); group 2 — moderate aortic stenosis + ACS (n = 28); group 3 — ACS without aortic stenosis (the control group selected using «Propensity matching» method) (n = 28)). Results. Hospital mortality did not differ statistically between the groups. In group 1, there was a tendency to worse survival within 1 year. In groups with aortic malformation, ACS with ST segment elevation was less common — p = 0.0002 and p = 0.001, respectively. In group 1, 23.1% of patients had intact coronary arteries. Conclusions. Severe aortic valve stenosis in some cases «mimics» acute coronary syndrome, which is indicated by significantly more frequent detection of intact coronary arteries in this cohort. Aortic stenosis of varying degrees does not lead to an increase in the frequency of early postoperative complications and 30-day mortality after PCI.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicating Coronavirus Infection (Case Report)

Coronavirus infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a multifaceted disease due to generalized vascular endothelial damage. Endothelial damage also underlies COVID-associated coagulopathy.The paper presents a case of coagulopathy causing myocardial infarction in a 43-year-old patient with no history of coronary disease. We have reviewed the available literature for the pathophysiological rationale of the assumed possibility of coronary thrombosis resulting from coagulopathy with the intact intima of the coronary arteries.Conclusion. The present observation of coronary thrombosis with radiographically intact coronary artery intima confirms the important role of coronavirus infection in triggering endothelial dysfunction. Currently, the most effective strategy for this type of coronary lesions is the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents along with ECG, echocardiography and troponin level monitoring.

Features of the pathogenesis and course of myocardial infarction in COVID-19 patients: a descriptive review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains one of the most urgent problems for healthcare professionals due to the variety of non-pulmonary manifestations. Along with the respiratory syndrome in a significant proportion of patients, the disease course is accompanied by pronounced systemic inflammatory response and hemostasis changes. This is associated with a high risk of complications, especially in patients with concomitant cardiovascular pathology. The aim of the study was to analyze and systematize the literature data on the pathogenesis, clinical course, and outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with COVID-19. For review, publications indexed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cyberleninka databases were used. The search depth was 2 years, starting from 2020. The review is based on summarized data from the most relevant clinical studies, reports and systematic reviews. The literature analysis made it possible to conclude that the published data on MI in patients with COVID-19 are currently contradictory. Multiple thrombosis, sepsis, macrophage activation, increasing hypoxemia, imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand in patients with severe COVID-19 have led to a high incidence of type 1 and type 2 MI. It should be especially noted that in a number of cases, MI with COVID-19 occurs in patients with intact coronary arteries, and its course is associated with a high incidence of complications, which, in turn, leads to a significant increase in short- and mid-term mortality.

Impact of MMP-9 Genetic Polymorphism and Concentration on the Development of Coronary Artery Disease in Ukrainian Population.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death in Europe. It is known that atherosclerosis is the primary risk factor of CAD development. MMP-9 is involved in all stages of atherosclerosis and thus may contribute to CAD emergence. To investigate the influence of MMP-9 on the (CAD) development 25 patients with intact coronary arteries (CA), 40 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and 63 patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) were enrolled in the study. Real-time PCR was carried out for genotyping on the rs17567-polymorphic locus, and ELISA study was performed to measure the MMP-9 plasma concentration. It was found the lower risk of MI occurrence for AG-carriers (Pa=0.023; ORa = 0.299, 95% CI = 0.106–0.848) in Ukrainian population.

Acute coronary syndrome in patients under 35 years old

Objective. To evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics of a group of patients under 35 years old admitted with acute coronary syndrome, as well as the features of coronary bed damage and endovascular treatment.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the group of patients aged 30 to 35, admitted to the Regional Vascular Center with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the period from 2019 to June 2021, was carried out. The study included 72 patients with ACS, regardless of the ST segment changes on the electrocardiogram, were admitted to the hospital by the emergency medical service referral. Positive troponins were detected in all the patients by qualitative analysis. Upon admission, they were sent to a catheterization laboratory. An examination was carried out according to the recommendations of medical care, as well as selective coronary angiography and, if indicated, stenting of the coronary arteries was performed.Results. When analyzing the clinical and demographic characteristics of the group, attention has been drawn to the absolute predominance of males — 71 (98.7%), urban residents — 64 (88.9%), low frequency of bad habits: tobacco smoking in 13 (18.1%) and alcohol abuse in 2 (2.8%) patients, the absence of concomitant pathology, a signifi cant time from the onset of symptoms to calling an ambulance (165 [90; 263]). According to the results of angiography, it should be noted the possibility of acute coronary syndrome with intact coronary arteries is 9 (27.3%) among all ACS cases with ST segment elevation and 29 (74.3%) with ACS without ST segment elevation, while in one third of the above episodes (13 (34.2%)) ACS was caused by the presence of a muscle “bridge” in the basin of the anterior descending artery, a concomitant phenomenon of slowed blood fl ow. The attention has been also drawn to the almost equal proportions of acute thrombotic occlusion (19 (55.9%)) and haemodynamically signifi cant hemadostenosis (14 (41.2%)) as the cause of ACS.Conclusion. In patients under 35 years old with a typical clinical. picture, positive troponins, with a qualitative analysis, there is a high probability of pathological changes in the coronary bed, regardless of the ST segment changes, which requires X-ray endovascular methods of diagnosis and treatment. Angiographic features of the coronary artery lesion in young people are the discreteness of the lesion in the proximal or middle sections of the arteries, the high frequency of thrombotic occlusions, the predominant lesion of the anterior descending or right coronary arteries, the low frequency of calcifi cation of the coronary arteries.

ASSOCIATION OF MMP-9 GENETIC POLYMORPHISM AND ММР-9 CONCENTRATION WITH ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN UKRAINIAN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of reduced life expectancy, workability, and death among the people of Eastern Europe. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is known as one of the leading factors involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and heart remodeling. The increasing sizes of the heart’s chambers lead to changes in the electrophysiological properties of the myocardium and to the subsequent occurrence of arrhythmias and conduction disorders. Materials and methods. The study included 25 patients with intact coronary arteries (CA), 40 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 63 patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) to investigate the effect of MMP-9 polymorphism and its serum concentration on changes in echocardiographic parameters. Real-time PCR was carried out for genotyping on the rs17567-polymorphic locus and ELISA study was performed to measure the MMP-9 plasma concentration. Results. Statistically significant differences were found in the thickness of the posterior wall of the heart among carriers of the G-allele and AA-homozygotes for the MMP-9 rs17576-single nucleotide polymorphism but only in patients with ACS. The size of the left ventricle posterior wall can be predicted for carriers of these genotypes. Conclusions. The study revealed no statistically significant relationship between MMP-9 concentration and echocardiographic parameters in patients with ACS and CCS. However, there were statistically significant differences in the left atrium diameter and thickness of the posterior wall of the left ventricle depending on the genotype for MMP-9 rs17576-single nucleotide polymorphism only in patients with ACS. The size of the posterior wall of the left ventricle can be predicted for carriers of AG and GG genotypes.

“A STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS OF RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY AND THORACIC AORTA IN POST MORTEM CASES”

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease which primarily affects the intima of large and medium sized muscular arteries, commonly involving aorta, coronary arteries and cerebral arteries. The contribution of atherosclerosis in morbidity and mortality of young adults is on the rise. Objective: To demonstrate histopathological spectrum of atherosclerotic lesions in Right Coronary Artery and Thoracic aorta and to compare the age, gender and BMI variation in prevalence of atherosclerotic lesions. 150 specime Materials And Methods: ns of heart with intact coronary arteries and thoracic aorta received by Department of pathology, Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga. Heart was grossly examined and sections were taken from Right Coronary Artery and Thoracic Aorta which were processed and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Microscopically typing of the atherosclerotic lesion was made using American Heart Association classication of atherosclerosis. Of the Results: 150 cases, males 91% and females 9% were affected. Majority of the cases were in the age group of 30-40 years (33.33%) and BMI range of 18.6- 24.9 (72.67%). Commonest type of atherosclerosis in Right coronary artery was type 5 (Fibroatheroma) (25.33%) and in Thoracic aorta was type 3 (Preatheroma) (30%). Grade 1 Luminal narrowing (1-25% obstruction) was most commonly seen in Right coronary Artery (50% cases). Conclusion: Due to increase in cardiac death rates screening of cardiovascular risk factors, preventive measures, life style modication and having healthy dietary habits should be implemented early in 3rd decades of young Indians to retard the progression of atherosclerosis.

Механізми та діагностика ішемії міокарда в пацієнтів з інтактними коронарними артеріями

This article describes pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the occurrence of myocardial ischemia and angina attacks in patients without ischemic non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA) based on coronary angiography. Groups of patients who need additional invasive diagnosis with intracoronary administration of vasoactive agents (adenosine, acetylcholine) were identified. The diagnostic and technical features used during the invasive diagnostic procedure are presented in detail. The main indicators (coronary flow reserve, index of microvascular resistance, hyperemic microvascular resistance) are described. Particular attention is paid to the factors complicating interpretation of the results, as well as to the safety of this procedure. The information obtained during the invasive diagnostic procedure allows to determine the appropriate endotype of INOCA in order to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe effective drug treatment improving prognosis and quality of life. Key words: intact coronary arteries, coronary angiography, invasive diagnostic procedure, vasospastic angina, microvascular angina.

Stress Echocardiography with Adenosinethreephosphate and Atrial Pacing in Diagnosis of Late Coronary Shunts Stenosis

The aim of the study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of stress echocardiography (stress echoCG) with combination of high doze АТР and atrial pacing in diagnosis of late coronary shunts stenosis.48 men aged from 45 to 64 (48,4 ± 1,6 years), 36 patients undergone mammarocoronary shunting, 12 patients undergone auto venous shunting. Stress echoCG with combination of high doze ATP and atrial pacing suggested shunts lesions in 44 patients, in 8 cases previously intact coronary arteries, approved with coronary angiography. Coronary angiographies reviled no coronary lesions in 24 patients &gt; 70 % shunts restenosis, in 22 coronary stenosis from 50 up to 70 %. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of stress- EchoCG with combination of stress-agents in coronary shunts restenosis, as well as stenosis of previously intact coronary arteries were 100 %.

Takotsubo syndrome in an adolescent with spinal amyotrophy after surgical treatment

Takotsubo syndrome (stress-induced cardiomyopathy) is well known in adult cardiology practice, and it also occurs in children. Takotsubo syndrome develops after emotional or physical stress. There is an acute transient disorder of the left ventricle contractility of the apex. The development of pain syndrome, electrocardiographic changes and troponins elevation imitate myocardial infarction. The key diagnostic point is intact coronary arteries and complete reversibility of local contractility disorders over the time.The article describes the clinical case of takotsubo syndrome in an adolescent with type III spinal muscular atrophy after planned surgery (repeated posterior spondylodesis).Takotsubo syndrome with clinical manifestations of acute left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema developed in the early postoperative period with distinctive electrocardiographic changes (ST segment elevation, local impairment of left ventricular contractility according by echocardiography and ventriculography, and increased levels of troponin). Timely examination and correction of therapy confirm the clinical diagnosis. The regression of symptoms occurred within a few days.

Gene Polymorphisms of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System as Risk Factors for the Development of In-Stent Restenosis in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

This study investigated the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) gene polymorphisms as possible genetic risk factors for the restenosis development in patients with drug-eluting stents. 113 participants had coronary artery disease and underwent stenting. The control group consisted of 62 individuals with intact coronary arteries. Patients were divided into two groups: with in-stent restenosis (ISR) and without it. The patients with ISR were classified into subgroups by the terms of the restenosis development and age. Real-time PCR and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-PCR were used to genotype the study participants for RAAS gene polymorphisms. We found that the development of restenosis is generally associated with the minor A allele for renin (REN) rs2368564 and the major TT genotype for angiotensinogen (AGT) rs699. The heterozygous genotype for AGT rs4762 acts as a protective marker. A minor A allele for angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AGTR2) rs1403543 is associated with a risk of restenosis in people under 65 years old. Among patients with the early ISR, heterozygotes for angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) rs5186 are more frequent, as well as A allele carriers for AGTR2 rs1403543. A minor homozygous genotype for REN rs41317140 and heterozygous genotype for aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) rs1799998 are predisposed to the late restenosis. Thus, to choose the effective treatment tactics for patients with coronary artery disease, it is necessary to genotype patients for the RAAS polymorphisms, which, along with age and clinical characteristics, will allow a comprehensive assessment of the risk of the restenosis development after stenting.

Prediction of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Coronary atherosclerosis has a long subclinical period. It’s early detection may offer a possibility of timely initiation of preventive interventions Purpose To develop a diagnostic rule for detection of patients (pts) with high probability of subclinical atherosclerosis among those with high or very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 52 pts (32 men [62%]), aged 40 to 65 years [mean age 54.6 ± 8.0]) with high or very high CV risk (5-9 and ≥10% by The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation Scale [SCORE], respectively). All participants underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography and calcium scoring. Traditional risk factors (RFs) (family history of premature CVD, smoking, overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, lipids parameters (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides) and lipids-related markers (apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, ApoB/ApoA1 ratio), biomarkers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs CRP], fibrinogen), indicator carbohydrate metabolism (glucose), ankle-brachial index, stress-test, carotid plaques according to ultrasound were evaluated in all pts. Psychological RFs were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and DS-14 for type D personality. Results All pts were divided into 2 groups according to the CT angiography results: pts in the main group (n = 21) had any non-obstructive lesions or calcium score &amp;gt;0, pts in the control group (n = 31) had intact coronary arteries. The groups did not differ in age or gender. 26 multiple linear logistic models for any subclinical atherosclerosis were developed based on obtained diagnostic features. Taking into account R-square = 0.344 (p = 0.0008), the best fitting model was follows: subclinical coronary atherosclerosis= -1.576 + 0.234 x SCORE ≥5% + 0.541 x hs CRP &amp;gt;2 g/l + 0.015 x heart rate (bpm) + 0.311 family history of premature CVD. The developed algorithm had sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 80%. Conclusions The created diagnostic model diagnostic model suggests the presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in patients with high / very high CV risk with a high degree of probability. This easy-to-use method can be used in routine clinical practice to improve risk stratification and management choices in high-risk pts.

Acute Myocardial Injury Detected By ECG-Synchronized Perfusion Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in a Polymorbid Female Patient

A case of acute focal myocardial injury in a polymorbid female patient with intact coronary arteries according to direct coronary angiography is reported. Acute focal myocardial injury was detected by ECG-synchronized perfusion single-photon emission computed tomogra-phy (SPECT) of the myocardium, and confirmed by the results of postmortem examination. The article also discusses the possibility of using perfusion SPECT to diagnose acute focal changes against the background of focal inflammatory myocardial infiltration.