Ischemic Pattern Research Articles

Atherosclerotic plaque locations may be related to different ischemic lesion patterns

BackgroundAtherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Artery-to-artery embolism is the major stroke mechanism in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. This study hypothesized that the atherosclerotic ICA geometry and plaque location would be associated with lesion pattern in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsIschemic stroke patients with symptomatic proximal ICA disease (> 50% diameter stenosis) were enrolled. The carotid plaque location was divided into high-apical and low-body types. The geometric parameters of the ICA (angles between arteries) were measured, and ischemic lesion patterns were classified according to the number, location, and size of the lesions. Factors associated with plaque location and lesion pattern, dichotomized by size, were investigated.ResultsOf the 93 acute ischemic stroke patients enrolled, 31 had high-apical and 62 had low-body plaques. Hyperlipidemia was more prevalent and the common carotid artery (CCA)-ICA angle was wider (167.7 ± 10.4° vs 162.3 ± 9.8°, p = 0.019) in patients with low-body than high-apical plaques. Low-body plaques were more frequently associated with small scattered or cortical lesions (54.8% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.040), whereas high-apical plaques were more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions (38.7% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.002). The presence of low-body plaques (odds ratio: 3.106, 95% confidence interval: 1.105–8.728, p = 0.032) was independently associated with the small lesion-only pattern.ConclusionsLow-body plaques are more frequently associated with small scattered lesions, whereas high-apical plaques are more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions. A wide CCA-ICA angle is associated with low-body plaque of the carotid artery.

Myocardial injury in patients with sickle cell anaemia and myocardial ischaemia in Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background In children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), ischaemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes occur during both vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and the steady state. Myocardial ischaemia evidenced by an ischaemic pattern on ECG may lead to myocardial injury which is evidenced by elevated serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Occasionally, the myocardial injury is fatal. Aim To determine the relationship between raised serum cTnT levels and an ischaemic ECG pattern in children with SCA. Methods This was a dual study design comprising a prospective cohort study of a group of children with SCA observed during VOC and 6 weeks later during follow-up steady state, and a case–control study of SCA children and apparently healthy children. The subjects were 34 SCA children aged 5–17 years and 34 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls with haemoglobin genotype AA attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. VOC was diagnosed by clinical examination and a history of bone pain. During VOC and follow-up steady state, an ECG was performed and blood taken for serum cTnT estimation. In the apparently healthy children, only serum cTnT was estimated. Serum cTnT was analysed by electrochemiluminescence immune-assay. Ischaemic ECG was assessed using the World Heart Federation criteria. Results Twenty-eight (82.4%) SCA children had elevated serum cTnT during VOC and it was elevated in only six (17.6%) of them during the steady state. An ischaemic ECG was observed in 25 (73.5%) and 20 (58.8%) of them during VOC and the steady state, respectively. Ischaemic ECG identified SCA children with elevated cTnT during VOC (sensitivity 75%, specificity 33.3%) and the follow-up steady state (sensitivity 50%, specificity 39.3%). Measures of agreement between ECG and cTnT in detecting myocardial injury were poor during VOC (κ 0.07, p = 0.68) and the follow-up steady state (κ − 0.06, p = 0.63). Conclusions Most SCA children have an ischaemic ECG with elevated serum cTnT, especially during VOC, which suggests ischaemic-induced cardiac injury. However, elevated serum cTnT can occur without an ischaemic ECG and vice versa. Performing only electrocardiography or cTnT to detect ischaemia-induced cardiac injury may be misleading. Therefore, when there is a high index of suspicion, both tests should be undertaken, especially during VOC, to ensure prompt, effective treatment. Abbreviations AHC, apparently healthy children; AUC, area under the ROC curve; BMI, body mass index; cTnT, cardiac troponin T; ECG, electrocardiogram; EDTA, ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; HbS, haemoglobin S; HLA, human leucocyte antigen; LVH, left ventricular hypertrophy; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; SCA, sickle cell anaemia; UCTH, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital; URL, upper reference limit; USFDA, United States Food and Drug Administration; USNIH, United States National Institutes of Health; VOC, vaso-occlusive painful crisis; WHF, World Heart Federation;

A lateral lead variant of the de Winter pattern due to left main stenosis and left anterior descending artery occlusion

Early recognition of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction equivalent electrocardiogram patterns is of paramount importance. Successful identification of these ischemic patterns helps ensure proper triage of patients needing urgent restoration of coronary perfusion. The so-called de Winter sign has become increasingly recognized as a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction equivalent pattern due to proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion. Yet, despite the de Winter pattern's well-defined electrocardiographic-angiographic relationship, the electrophysiologic explanation for its characteristic electrocardiographic manifestations remains unclear. Herein, we report a case in which an ischemic lateral lead variant of the de Winter pattern emerged from a patient inflicted by an abrupt thrombotic occlusion of the ostial left anterior descending artery, which developed in series with a high-grade stenosis of the distal left main coronary artery. We examine the patient's presenting electrocardiographic findings and clinical course to (i) establish causal inferences that align with the distribution of myocardial ischemia supported by coronary angiography and (ii) provide an accompanying analysis of the relevant scientific literature.

P0254MYOCARDIAL TISSUE CHARACTERIZATION IN LIVING KIDNEY DONORS 5 YEARS AFTER NEPHRECTOMY

Abstract Background and Aims Uraemic cardiomyopathy is characterized by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the myocardium, assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) techniques of native T1-mapping and extracellular volume (ECV), has been demonstrated in end stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients with stage 3 CKD and normal left ventricular mass. In living kidney donors estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) declines by a third after donation, with 60% having a resultant eGFR comparable with stage 3 CKD. Recent studies have demonstrated small increases in LV mass at 12 months after donation as well as functional sequelae of reduced global circumferential strain and apical torsion. We sought to establish whether living kidney donors had CMR evidence of diffuse interstitial cardiac fibrosis which might contribute to observed functional correlates. Method A cross sectional blinded study of living kidney donors (n=50) and healthy controls (n=45) who underwent 3 Tesla CMR and blood samples for biomarkers of fibrosis. A modified look-locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) 5(3)3 sampling scheme was used for T1 mapping followed by T2 mapping sequences at the mid LV slice. Five minutes after the administration of gadolinium (Gadovist®) contrast (0.15mmol/kg), standard T1-weighted gradient echo inversion recovery images were repeated for the assessment of late gadolinium enhancement (assessment for focal fibrosis). Post contrast MOLLI images were acquired using identical slice positions as native images using a 4(1)3(1)2 sampling scheme 15 minutes after the administration of gadolinium. Native and post contrast T1 time was used to calculate ECV. Results There were no differences in demographics between groups; age (donors 54 ± 12yrs vs. healthy controls 50 ± 13yrs, p=0.128), ethnicity (89% Caucasian) or male gender (37%). LV mass and volumes were not significantly different. Forty four donors and 34 controls consented to receive gadolinium contrast. Native T1 in the septal mid LV slice was not significantly different between groups (donors 1223 ± 35ms vs. controls 1210 ± 36ms, p=0.102). There was also no difference in T2 time of the septal mid LV slice (donors 40 ± 2ms vs. controls 40 ± 4ms vs. p=0.455). Late gadolinium enhancement was seen in five living kidney donors in a right ventricular insertion point pattern but there was no mid wall or ischaemic pattern enhancement. There was no difference in septal ECV at the mid LV slice (donors 25 ± 2% vs. controls 25 ± 2%, p=0.896). There was also no corresponding difference in fibroblast growth factor-23 (RU/ml) in donors 74 [58-105] vs. controls 59 [47-75], p=0.081 or soluble α-klotho (pg/ml) in donors 610 [503-810] vs. controls 703 [550-955], p=0.061. Conclusion Septal T1 times and ECV in living kidney donors at 5 years from donation are no different from healthy controls. Biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis are also comparable to healthy controls in this small cohort. We found no CMR evidence of the ultrastructural changes reported in uraemic cardiomyopathy in the hearts of living kidney donors at 5 years from donation.

In Combined Heart/Lung Transplantation, the Reperfusion Response in Recipients is Dominated by Heart-Associated Cytokine and Endothelial Patterns While the Ischemic Injury in the Storage Solution is Dominated by a Lung-Associated Microenvironment

Organ-specific differences are discussed for ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in cardiothoracic transplantation but rarely compared directly in a clinical setting. Therefore, we compared a cohort of combined heart/lung transplants (HLTx) with cohorts of isolated heart (HTx) or lung transplantations (LuTx), respectively, with regards to cytokines and endothelial markers in recipient blood and perfusates. Our aim was to determine whether the microenvironment of HLTx patients and perfusates would be rather related to the HTx or LuTx setting. Blood plasma pre Tx and post Tx at T0, T24 and 3 wks as well as perfusion solutions (taken from storage bags at the end of cold ischemia) of 5 HLTx, 24 HTx and 21 LuTx patients were analyzed for cytokines, chemokines and soluble endothelial markers (60 proteins) using multiplex assays. Early after transplantation at T0 and T24, HLTx and HTx were clustered together and separated from LuTx recipients based on their significantly higher plasma levels of IL-6, CXCL8/IL-8, Ang-2, IGFBP-1, PAI-1 compared to LTx recipients. Endoglin, IL-18, sFASL, TNF-α, VEGF-A, -C, -D, HB-EGF, EGF, uPA and PAI-1 contributed to the discriminative pattern between the three groups with similar kinetics of a significant increase at T0 (all p<0.01). In sharp contrast, HLTx perfusates were grouped together with LuTx and not HTx based on their significantly higher levels of IGFBP-1, PAI-1, IL-6 indicating that this compartment is dominated by the lung rather than the heart. A direct comparison of combined heart/lung with isolated heart or lung transplantation revealed that the early systemic reperfusion response of HLTx recipients in blood is dominated by heart-associated endothelial markers like IGFBP-1, Ang-2, and PAI-1 which groups them together with HTx patients. In contrast, the ischemic damage pattern of HLTx perfusates was clustering closer to lung than to heart perfusates. These differences between recipient blood and perfusates strongly suggest that the ischemia response is dominated by lung whereas the systemic reperfusion response is guided by heart. These results underline the organ-specific impact on IRI with distinct heart- vs lung-associated signatures.

Different ECG patterns of left main coronary artery occlusion signifying varying degrees of ischemic severity

Many ischemic ECG patterns are found in patients with acute left main coronary artery occlusion. We present a patient with dynamic ECG changes that corresponded to changes in his clinical symptoms and hemodynamic status. These changes signify different severity of myocardial ischemia caused by left main coronary artery disease. Take-home Message: Our case with left main coronary artery disease illustrated three distinct ECG patterns with different severity of clinical symptoms signifying varying severity of ischemia. In left main coronary artery disease, the ST deviations in the precordial leads can be relatively minor. Left axis deviation or left anterior fascicular block with broad QRS possibly reflects left ventricular depolarization delay secondary to extensive ischemia.

Abstract TP78: Classification of Ischemic Core Distribution Pattern Using Computed Tomography Perfusion in Anterior Circulation Acute Large Vessel Occlusion

Introduction: The evaluation of ischemic core is important in acute cerebral infarction with large vessel occlusion. The ischemic core is thought to approximate the region that is difficult to receive collateral circulation. We classified the ischemic core distribution pattern into four types on the basis of the tendency of cerebral blood volume (CBV) decrease in the ischemic core, and examined the prognostic ability. Methods: We included M1 or ICA occlusion which completely recanalized (TICI3) by thrombectomy in our institute from January 2015 to May 2019. The ischemic core was defined as a region where CBV were reduced less than 1.9 ml/100cc. Ischemic core distribution pattern was classified into the following 4 types. Type A: absent of ischemic core. Type B: ischemic core is confined to the basal ganglia and white matter. Type C1: ischemic core is present in the cortex but less than half of MCA region. Type C2: ischemic core is present in the cortex, and more than half of MCA region. The patient characteristics, temporal parameters, ASPECTS and ischemic core distribution pattern were analyzed with mRS0-2 at discharge as a good outcome group. Results: A total of 47 cases (14 ICA, 33 M1) were included. Ischemic core distribution pattern correlated well with mRS at discharge (p&lt;0.004). Factors that showed a significance in univariate analysis between the good outcome group (n=19) and the poor outcome group (n=28) were age (76 vs 80.5, p=0.037), ASPECTS (10 vs 9, p=0.027), ischemic core distribution type (B vs C1, p=0.002), last known well to recanalization time (191 vs 272.5, p=0.027). Among these factors, multivariate analysis correlated significantly with age (OR, 1.18; 95CI,1.01-1.36), ischemic core distribution pattern (OR, 5.01; 95CI, 1.8-13.9), and recanalization time (OR, 1.46; 95CI, 1.01-2.12). Conclusions: The distribution pattern of ischemic core defined by reduced CBV have good correlation with outcome. There is a possibility that it can be used as a simple tool to predict prognosis using CT perfusion in anterior circulation acute large vessel occlusion.

P231 Cardiac metastasis mimicking a myocardial infarction

Abstract We present the case of a 79 years old male patient affected by a lung squamous cell carcinoma (T4 N0 M1a) diagnosed in december 2018 with a 5x5 cm mass in the inferior lobe of the left lung close to the pericardium and a second 5 cm mass in the apical lobe of the right lung. TT echocardiography at that time was normal. Treatment with gemcitabine was scheduled with slight progression of the disease at the CT scan control in april 2019 when initial invasion of the left inferior pulmonary vein was detected. An ECG performed during routine control revealed the presence of q waves and ST segment elevation in the inferior leads. The patient was asymptomatic about the heart but the blood tests revealed a slight increase of HS Troponin I. We decided to repeat the TT echo, which showed the presence of a rounded mobile mass of about 3x2.5 cm in the left atrium close to the upper left pulmonary vein and another formation of about 5x2 cm infiltrating the inferior wall of the left ventricle that appeared akynetic. Both metastatic and thrombotic origins were debated and anticoagulant therapy with LMWH was started. We chose to perform a TE echocardiography, which confirmed the presence of the rounded mass in the left atrium, enlarged as compared to the TT evaluation. At the 3D reconstruction, it appeared to come from the left inferior pulmonary vein, completely occluding it, and expanding to the left superior vein, narrowing but not closing its orifice. The mass was well delimitated, disomogenous and vacuolated, thus confirming its likely neoplastic origin. From the trans-gastric view, we confirmed the large infiltration of the inferior wall of the left ventricle. General conditions of the patients quickly deteriorated and he experienced an ischemic stroke. At the TT echo re-evaluation the mass in the left atrium was greatly reduced as compared to the previous control. Cardiac metastases are a rare and frequently clinically silent occurrence; However, in a minority of cases they may present with ECG alterations such as ST-T segment modifications. In neoplastic patients an ischaemic ECG pattern not following its typical progression, without typical symptoms of ischaemia should rise the suspicion of a cardiac metastasis. In our case the abnormalities could be caused by a loss of viable myocardium secondary to the infiltrating mass or by a compression of the right coronary artery. In this context the echocardiography, both TT and especially TE, is a valuable tool that allow to recognize the real cause of these abnormalities and provides useful informations that enable to distinguish neoplastic mass from a thrombus. The ischaemic stroke was probably due to an embolization of the mass from the left atrium, as confirmed by its important reduction at the last echo control. Abstract P231 Figure. ECG abnormalities and TE echo alteration

Diagnostic Accuracy of Single-shot 2-Dimensional Multisegment Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of single-shot 2-dimensional multislice late gadolinium enhancement (2D-MSLGE) compared with gold standard single-slice 2D inversion recovery segmented gradient echo (2D-SSLGE). Sixty-seven patients prospectively underwent clinically indicated cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and were enrolled. The image quality was assessed using a 4-point scale. Segments positive for LGE were classified as ischemic or nonischemic for 2D-MSLGE and 2D-SSLGE. Interobserver and intraobserver variability was assessed for both sequences by 2 readers. The endpoints were as follows: (a) detection of myocardial segments involved by LGE and (b) classification of LGE as ischemic and nonischemic pattern. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy value were calculated for the 2 endpoints. 2D-MSLGE and 2D-SSLGE were successfully performed in all patients with comparable image quality (1.56±0.59 vs. 1.54±0.58, P=0.84). For the overall population, 2D-MSLGE correctly identified 1093 of 1139 myocardial segments positive for LGE (96%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 95%-97%), as compared with 2D-SSLGE. Similarly, 2D-MSLGE correctly identified 1128 of 1139 (99%; 95% CI: 98%-99%) and 1108 of 1139 (97%; 95% CI: 96%-98%) of nonischemic and ischemic LGE patterns.Interobserver and intraobserver variability for quantification of LGE using 2D-MSLGE was 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. The acquisition time was shorter for 2D-MSLGE as compared with 2D-SSLGE (2.0±0.5 vs. 6.0±2.0 min, P: 0.01). As compared with 2D-SSLGE, 2D-MSLGE is a reliable tool in both ischemic and nonischemic cardiac disease; it is associated with shorter scan times without the need for prolonged breath holding and may be beneficial for those with dysrhythmia.

Hospital Factors Associated With Interhospital Transfer Destination for Stroke in the Northeast United States.

BackgroundWe aimed to determine if there is an association between hospital quality and the likelihood of a given hospital being a preferred transfer destination for stroke patients.Methods and ResultsData from Medicare claims identified acute ischemic stroke transferred between 394 northeast US hospitals from 2007 to 2011. Hospitals were categorized as transferring (n=136), retaining (n=241), or receiving (n=17) hospitals based on the proportion of acute ischemic stroke encounters transferred or received. We identified all 6409 potential dyads of sending and receiving hospitals, and categorized dyads as connected if ≥5 patients were transferred between the hospitals annually (n=82). We used logistic regression to identify hospital characteristics associated with establishing a connected dyad, exploring the effect of adjusting for different quality measures and outcomes. We also adjusted for driving distance between hospitals, receiving hospital stroke volume, and the number of hospitals in the receiving hospital referral region. The odds of establishing a transfer connection increased when rate of alteplase administration increased at the receiving hospital or decreased at the sending hospital, however this finding did not hold after applying a potential strategy to adjust for clustering. Receiving hospital performance on 90‐day home time was not associated with likelihood of transfer connection.ConclusionsAmong northeast US hospitals, we found that differences in hospital quality, specifically higher levels of alteplase administration, may be associated with increased likelihood of being a transfer destination. Further research is needed to better understand acute ischemic stroke transfer patterns to optimize stroke transfer systems.

P5278Myocardial abnormalities in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH) detected using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)

Abstract Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved the prognosis in PLWH with survival nearing that of HIV negative people. PLWH may develop significant comorbidities as they age including cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, heart failure, as well as subclinical evidence of myocardial inflammation. Overall, ART treated patients are at an increased CVD risk with some studies quoting a 2.2 fold relative risk. Aim To assess the incidence of functional, structural and tissue characterisation changes in PLWH using CMR with multiparametric mapping Methods 39 PLWH (34 men, mean age 55.8±10.9, mean duration of HIV 17.8±9.29 years) and 29 healthy volunteers (20 men, mean age 45.1±8.3) underwent CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging, T1 and T2 mapping. Results Of PLWH, only 7 scans (18%) were normal. LV ejection fraction was significantly lower and LV mass significantly higher compared to controls. Native T1, a marker of diffuse fibrosis or increased myocardial water content was no different between the groups. T2, a more specific marker of myocardial oedema, was elevated in PLWH. Sixteen PLWH (41%) had evidence of LGE including 8 with an ischaemic pattern (7 sub-endocardial and one transmural) and 8 with a non-ischaemic pattern (5 with mid-wall enhancement and 3 with RV insertion point LGE. No controls had evidence of LGE. Student t-Test: PLWH versus controls PLWH (n=39) Control (n=29) P-value LVEF (%) 59±15 67±5 &lt;0.01 iLVM 79±24 56±13 &lt;0.01 Native T1 (ms) 1021±52 1001±41 0.116 T2 (ms) 48±2 46±2 &lt;0.05 LGE 16 (41%) 0 (0%) &lt;0.001 LVEF (%) = Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction; iLVM = Indexed Left Ventricular Mass (g/m2); LGE = Late Gadolinium Enhancement. Conclusion This study identifies a number of cardiac changes associated with HIV and prolonged treatment with ART. The elevated LV mass may be associated with hypertension, commonly found in PLWH. The elevated myocardial T2 compared to controls may be due to chronic inflammation associated to prolonged HIV exposure. There was no evidence of diffuse fibrosis but focal areas of non-ischaemic scar were a common finding which may relate to previous myocarditis or HIV-related cardiomyopathy. A fifth of PLWH also had evidence of previous myocardial infarction. We propose to image asymptomatic PLWH to further classify, diagnose and treat a vulnerable group of patients who are now described as having a normal life expectancy.

P5253Does regional myocardial strain by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking reflect scar in ischemic heart disease?

Abstract Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is the gold standard for detection of myocardial scar. We hypothesized that CMR Feature Tracking (FT)-derived regional myocardial strain may reflect the presence of scar and could thus potentially be used instead of LGE imaging. Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between FT-derived regional myocardial strain and LGE in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Seventy-five patients with CAD and typical ischemic LGE patterns on CMR (1.5T) were included (mean age 60±12 years, 70% males). Myocardial strain analysis and LGE identification were performed using dedicated commercial software. Scar was defined by presence of LGE in the same area of the myocardium in both short- and long-axis views. Peak systolic regional longitudinal and circumferential strain (RLS, RCS) values were calculated in the region of interest corresponding to the LGE area and also in a non-LGE myocardial region as a reference in each patient. These comparisons were repeated for a subgroup of 36 patients with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) &lt;40% to determine whether the relationship between strain and LGE holds in the presence of reduced LV function, when strain measurements may be altered as a reflection of reduced LVEF itself. Results Both global longitudinal and circumferential strain values were abnormal (−12.8±5.1% and −11.4±4.1%, respectively), reflecting LV dysfunction in this CAD cohort (EF = 40±16%). The magnitude of both RLS and RCS was significantly reduced in areas of LGE, compared to those without LGE: RLS −10.0±5.8% versus −20.4±7.5% (p&lt;0.001); RCS −10.1±5.3±% versus −18.9±7.5%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Same pattern was noted in the reduced EF subgroup: RLS −8.0±4.7% versus −16.9±6.6% (p&lt;0.001), RCS −7.7±4.3±% versus −16.0±7.9%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). The figure depicts 2 representative cases in long and short axis views, LGE detection and concomitant regional strain analysis. LGE and regional strain analysis. Conclusion Reduced magnitude of regional longitudinal and circumferential strain by CMR-FT correlates with presence of LGE. Pending further validation, this finding may constitute the basis for detection of scar without contrast enhanced imaging, and would result in reduced cost, scan time and risk associated with gadolinium. Acknowledgement/Funding ARP: Research support (software) from Neosoft and Philips

P1528The added value of cardiac magnetic resonance to the diagnosis of patients after aborted sudden cardiac death

Abstract Introduction An estimated 25% of all cardiovascular deaths are due to sudden cardiac death (SCD). The primary cause of SCD is coronary artery disease, however cardiac diseases accounted for SCD differ in young vs. older individuals. In patients with normal coronary angiography (NCA) the differential diagnosis is still challenging, due to the broad spectrum of underlying cardiovascular abnormalities. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides accurate tissue specific and functional information of the heart. Purpose We aimed to investigate patients after aborted sudden cardiac death but NCA using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Our goal was to evaluate left and right ventricular parameters, presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and to assess the diagnostic value of CMR. Methods We enrolled 84 consecutive patients (39±13 y; 51% male) after aborted SCD with NCA and without CMR contraindication. CMR examination including long- and short-axis cine, T2-weighted and LGE images were performed. Left and right ventricular parameters were evaluated. Presence and pattern of the oedema and LGE were also assessed. Results Structural myocardial abnormality was present in 57% of pts: dilated (n=13), arrhythmogenic right ventricular (n=6) and hypertrophic (n=4) cardiomyopathy (CMP), moreover acute (n=2) and chronic (n=3) myocardial infarction, acute (n=2) and chronic (n=2) myocarditis, Tako-Tsubo CMP (n=1), noncompaction CMP (n=1), endomyocardial fibrosis (n=1). In 13 cases aspecific structural alterations were detected with (n=7) and without (n=6) LGE. Only 13% of the patients showed ejection fraction lower than 35% (LVEF=52±9%), 54% showed LV dilation (LVEDVi&gt;100 ml/m2 in males and &gt;90 ml/m2 in females; LVEDVi=104±22 ml/m2). LGE was present in 36%, showing ischemic pattern in five cases and nonischaemic pattern in 25 cases. Eleven patients were elite athletes (28±10y, 91% male, training hours: &gt;10 hours/week). Three of them showed ARVC based on the current Task Force criteria, another three athletes showed aspecific structural alteration with nonischaemic LGE. The CMR examination confirmed the referral diagnosis in 22%, excluded the presence of structural myocardial alteration in 43% and changed the clinical diagnosis in 35% of the patients. Conclusion CMR has an important diagnostic value in patients after reanimation but NCA. More than half of these patients showed structural alteration and CMR provided a diagnosis in 42%. Acknowledgement/Funding Project no. NVKP_16-1-2016-0017 has been implemented with the support provided from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund of Hungary

DIAGNOSIS OF VENOUS ISCHEMIC STROKE. PART II (ALGORITHMS AND SEMIOLOGY OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY. LIMITATIONS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE). A REVIEW

Venous stroke in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare pathological condition with uncertain diagnostic algorithm to ensure prompt treatment by neurologists and radiologists. All the methods are not obligatory in the workup of acute stroke, except computed tomography (CT) and transcranial Doppler. Researchers and clinicians are commonly guided by their own experiences. Therefore, the diagnosis of venous stroke is an unstable process resulting in its underestimation in the general stroke population. The optimal use of neuroimaging methods within the existing standards of care for patients with stroke, determination of the necessary and sufficient set of diagnostic procedures is an organizational and methodical problem. In addition, there is no complete description of venous ischemic stroke patterns in the medical literature. The article reviews existing evidence-based data on the diagnostic algorithms for venous stroke and discusses the probability of detecting radiologic symptoms based on the diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of such methods as conventional CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT and MR angiography, CT and MR perfusion, transcranial Doppler (TCD) and ultrasound of the brachiocephalic arteries stated in the national and international guidelines, as well as our own experience. Limitations of their use and options to overcome major drawbacks including the introduction of teleradiology are considered.

Analysis of muscle tone and strength and cerebral blood flow in kickboxers

Purpose: the article deals with providing a characteristic of muscle and tone status as well as precerebral and cerebral hemodynamics in kickboxers. Materials: 102 athletes with the qualification from the Second-class Athlete to the Master of Sport voluntary participated in the study. The average age of athletes at the moment of the study was 20.90±0.50. The average sports experience of participants was equal to 4.15±2.77. The control group consisted of apparently healthy young males of the same age but not involved in sports activities (n=35). The indicators of muscle tone and strength and cerebral blood flow were studied with the help of Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the head, electroneuromyography, and transcranial Doppler. Results: the article provides the results of the study on the effect of muscle and tone disturbances in the spinal motion segment on the functional status of precerebral and cerebral blood flow. The disturbances in nerve conduction velocity in the symmetrical groups of trunk muscles are considered as the reason for muscle imbalance in 50% of athletes. The analysis of blood flow indicators in kickboxers with muscle imbalance revealed a typical increase in the tone of precerebral vessels and changes in the gradients of blood flow velocity in various segments of the carotid and vertebral arteries. The decrease of cerebral blood flow in athletes, in particular, the venous outflow of a dystonic nature, is the result of spasmodic and ischemic Doppler patterns against a decreased indicator of arteriovenous balance. Mild traumatic brain injuries should also be taken into account when speaking about the development of cerebrovascular dysfunction as a result of kickboxers’ sparring activities and competitions. Conclusions: Differentiated disturbances in sensory and motor conductivity result in the disturbance of afferentation and muscle imbalance intensity. Angiospasm and vascular ischemia determine the increase in the linear blood flow velocity in the carotid system and the decrease in the vessels of the vertebrobasilar system against the increase in resistivity indicators in the carotid basins and vertebrobasilar system in kickboxers. Correlation analysis revealed visceral motor correlations, which proved the influence of the functional status of the regional muscle system on cerebral hemodynamics. The analysis of tone and strength muscle characteristics and cerebral blood flow in kickboxers indicates the necessity of correcting muscle and tone asymmetry of the paravertebral area.

MR-imaging pattern is not a predictor of occult atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke

BackgroundTo date, insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are the most effective method for the detection of occult atrial fibrillation (AF) in cryptogenic stroke. The overall detection rate after 12 months, however, is low and ranges between 12.4 and 33.3%, even if clinical predictors are considered. Ischemic stroke patients due to cardiogenic embolism present with particular lesion patterns. In patients with cryptogenic stroke, MR-imaging pattern may be a valuable predictor for AF.MethodsThis is an MRI-based, retrospective, observational, comparative, single-center study of 104 patients who underwent ICM implantation after cryptogenic stroke. The findings were compared to a reference group with related stroke etiology, i.e., 166 patients with embolic stroke due to AF detected for the first time by long-term ECG. Lesion patterns were evaluated with regard to affected territories, distribution (cortical, lacunar, scattered), lesion volume, and lesion size (diameter of the lesion size > 20 mm).ResultsThe MR-imaging analysis of acute ischemic lesions yielded no association between AF and lesion size or volume, arterial vessel distribution, or the number of affected territories. There was no significant difference between the cohorts regarding ischemic patterns (cortical lesions, scattered lesions, and lacunar infarcts). An important clinical inference of our findings is that 10% (2 of 20) of cases in the ICM group in whom AF was detected had a lacunar infarct pattern. Similar results were shown in cases of ischemic stroke patients with AF detected for the first time by long-term ECG, with 10.9% (16 of 147) of them showing lacunar infarcts. The analysis of chronic MRI lesions revealed no differences between the groups in the rate of chronic lesions, arterial vessel distribution, or the number of affected territories. Left atrial size (LA size) and the presence of atrial runs in long-term ECG were independently associated with AF.ConclusionsIn this MRI-based analysis of patients with cryptogenic stroke who had received ICM implantation, the detection rate of AF in patients with ICM was not related to the imaging pattern. In addition, the lacunar infarct pattern should not be an exclusion criterion for ICM insertion in patients with cryptogenic stroke. ICM insertion in patients with cryptogenic stroke should not be evaluated solely on the basis of reference to infarct patterns.

Thrombolysis’ benefits on early post-stroke language recovery in aphasia patients

IntroductionThrombolysis may affect ischemic stroke-related size, pattern and nature of infarcts, and has the potential to change aphasia presentation and recovery. Data on evolution of post-stroke aphasia following thrombolysis are still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the course of language recovery through a well-validated language assessment battery after acute ischemic stroke and investigate whether traditional categorical classifications of aphasia can describe the clinical picture in post-thrombolysis phase. Materials and methodsDemographic, clinical, and language assessment data of 116 patients presenting sub-acute ischemic stroke aphasia (41 treated with r-tPA; 75 non-treated) were retrospectively analyzed. The participants were assessed by a clinical neuropsychologist with a variety of subtests taken from a well-validated Italian language battery (Neuro-Psychological Aphasia Evaluation). ResultsThe percentage of resolved aphasia was significantly higher in treated patients compared to non-treated patients (p = 0.005) and global aphasia was more common in the non-treated group (non-treated 30.7% vs treated 17.1%). Aphasia subtypes and stroke etiologies showed no significant association, except for small vessel etiology and resolved aphasia (p = 0.041). Reperfusion treatment, baseline NIHSS, and lacunar stroke were the predictors of aphasia recovery. ConclusionThe percentage of resolved aphasia was significantly higher in the treated patients compared to the non-treated, with the latter showing a higher percentage of global aphasia. Identifying classic aphasia subtypes after thrombolysis is still possible since reperfused areas do not necessary change the classification or lead to completely different aphasic syndromes. Reperfusion treatment, baseline NIHSS, and lacunar stroke were the main predictors of aphasia recovery.

Aortic stiffness is independently associated with interstitial myocardial fibrosis by native T1 and accelerated in the presence of chronic kidney disease

BackgroundPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have considerable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk and related to left ventricular remodeling and heart failure. Myocardial fibrosis is the pathophysiological hallmark of the failing heart. Methods and resultsAn observational study of consecutive CKD patients (n = 276) undergoing comprehensive clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship between aortic stiffness, myocardial fibrosis, left ventricular remodeling and the severity of chronic kidney disease was examined. Compared to age-gender matched controls with no known kidney disease (n = 242), CKD patients had considerably higher myocardial native T1 and central aortic PWV (p ≪ 0.001), as well as abnormal diastolic relaxation by E/e′ (mean) by echocardiography (p ≪ 0.01). A third of all patients had LGE, with similar proportions for the presence and the (ischaemic and non-ischaemic) pattern between the groups. PWV was strongly associated with and age, NT-proBNP and native T1 in both groups, but not with LGE presence or type; the associations were amplified in severe CKD stages. In multivariate analyses, PWV was independently associated with native T1 in both groups (p ≪ 0.01) with near two-fold increase in adjusted R2 in the presence of CKD (native T1 (10 ms) R2, B(95%CI) CKD vs. non-CKD 0.28, 0.2(0.15–0.25) vs. 0.18, 0.1(0.06–0.15), p ≪ 0.01). ConclusionsAortic stiffness and interstitial myocardial fibrosis are interrelated; this association is accelerated in the presence of CKD, but independent of LGE. Our findings reiterate the significant contribution of CKD-related factors to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular remodeling.

Baseline ST elevation and myocardial scar: Results from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

BackgroundThe mechanism of ST elevation on baseline electrocardiograms (ECG) unknown but it may be associated with abnormal myocardial substrate. This paper evaluates whether clinically unrecognized myocardial scar on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is associated with ST elevation at baseline. MethodsThe Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) study is a population-based cohort in the United States. Participants were aged 45 through 84 years and free of clinical cardiovascular disease at enrollment in 2000–2002. Our cohort included 1365 participants who underwent both ECG and contrast enhanced CMR in the 5th examination (2010−2012). Multivariable logistic regression examined the association of ST elevation and CMR defined regional myocardial scar after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. ResultsOf 1365 participants (58 ±9 years, 52% men), 105 (8%) had scar on CMR. Of these, the scar in 40 participants followed an ischemic pattern and in the other 65 participants followed a non-ischemic pattern. ST elevation at the 5th examination was present in 435 participants: 40 (0.9%) had ST elevations in inferior and 427 (98%) in lateral leads. 2/40 (5%) and 22/427 (5%) participants with inferior and lateral ST elevations, respectively, had evidence of scar. 15 (1.0%) had myocardial scar noted in the basal anterior region. In the fully adjusted models, ST elevation was associated with scar in basal anterior region (OR 18.2, p = 0.031). ConclusionsIn a community population, ST elevation at baseline in the inferior or lateral leads was associated with myocardial scar in the basal inferior and anterior segments. The previously described association between ST elevation and increased mortality may be mediated by myocardial scar.

452-P: Albumin/Creatinine Ratio and Pulse Wave Velocity Predicts Coronary Artery Disease and Renal Outcome in Type 2 Diabetic and Prediabetic Subjects

Introduction: Silent coronary heart disease is frequently undetected in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and prediabetes determined by glucose intolerance (GI). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) have been considered markers of cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease and chronic renal failure. Aims: To evaluate the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its relationship with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and PWV in type 2 DM with silent CHD. Methods: We analyzed 92 individuals (44 male), 49 (60±7y) type 2 DM non-insulin dependents and 43 prediabetics (43±4y), with Grade I-II hypertension and no symptoms of CHD. All type 2 DM patients were under hypoglycemic treatment with an A1C hemoglobin between 5.5 and 6.5%. Every patient underwent a myocardial perfusion SPECT scan. In those subjects with ischemic patterns, a coronary angiography was performed. In addition, a PWV, glomerular filtration rate (CrCl), and ACR were evaluated. Statistics: mean±SEM, and ANOVA followed by Post Hoc analysis among groups. Results: Silent CHD was found in 48.59% of DM2 and 25.58% of GI. DM2 and GI patients with CHD had higher ACR and PWV and reduced glomerular filtration rate (p&amp;lt;0.05). DM2 and GI showed a negative relationship between GFR and ACR (p&amp;lt;0.05). Type 2 diabetic and GI showed a negative relation between GFR and ACR or PWV when having GFR above 60 mil.min. Meanwhile, in type 2 Diabetics with CHD and GFR &amp;lt; 60 ml.min a negative relationship with PWV was only, suggesting a cardiorenal interaction in type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Higher PWV, lower GFR and ACR predict the incidence of CHD in DM2. GI also represent a group of higher risk for coronary heart disease with the same predictors showed in DM2. PWV seems to represent a reliable marker. Disclosure R.A. Sanchez: None. M.J. Sanchez: None. A.J. Ramirez: None.