Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis Research Articles

Computed tomography coronary angiography assessment of left main coronary artery stenosis severity

BackgroundAngiographic assessment of left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis severity can be unreliable. In cases of ambiguity, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can be utilised with a minimal lumen area (MLA) of ≥6 ​mm2 an accepted threshold for safe deferral of revascularization. We sought to assess whether quantitative computer tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) measures could assist clinicians making LMCA revascularization decisions when compared with IVUS as gold standard. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing IVUS assessment of angiographically intermediate LMCA stenosis were included. All patients had undergone 320-slice CTCA <90 days prior to IVUS imaging. Offline quantitative assessment of IVUS- and CT-derived measures were undertaken with the cohort divided into those with significant (s-LMCA) versus non-significant (ns-LMCA) disease using the accepted IVUS threshold. ResultsFifty-eight patients were included, with no difference in mean age (61.5 ​± ​12.2 vs. 59.7 ​± ​11.9 years, p ​= ​0.57), diabetic status (24.2% vs 16.0%, p ​= ​0.44) or other baseline demographics between groups. Patients with ns-LMCA had larger CT luminal area (8.64 ​± ​3.91 vs. 5.41 ​± ​1.54 ​mm2, p ​< ​0.001), larger minimal lumen diameter (MLD) (3.25 ​± ​0.74 vs. 2.56 ​± ​0.38 ​mm, p ​< ​0.001) and lower area stenosis (45.74 ​± ​18.10 vs. 60.93 ​± ​14.68%, p ​= ​0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CTCA and IVUS MLA (r ​= ​0.68, p ​< ​0.001) and MLD (r ​= ​0.67, p ​< ​0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated CTCA MLA cut-off <8.29 ​mm2 provides the greatest negative predictive value and sensitivity in predicting the presence of significant LMCA disease. ConclusionCTCA derived MLA and MLD have a strong correlation with IVUS. A CTCA derived MLA cut-off <8.29 ​mm2 showed greatest clinical utility for predicting the need for further assessment, based on IVUS gold standard.

Predictors and Causes of Intraoperative Conversion From Off-Pump to On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass: A Retrospective Study.

This study evaluated the incidence, causes, and predictors of intraoperative conversion from off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) to on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ONCAB), identifying risk factors to improve surgical planning. This retrospective case-control study included patients who underwent OPCAB at the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, Peshawar, Pakistan, between December 8, 2021, and December 7, 2023. Among 714 patients, 27 (3.78%) required conversion to ONCAB. For comparison, 108 (15.1%) controls were randomly selected from those who completed OPCAB successfully. Preoperative and intraoperative data were analyzed, and logistic regression identified predictors of conversion. The most frequent cause of conversion was hemodynamic instability, which occurred in 18 (66.67%) cases. Persistent hypotension and ST-segment changes lasting approximately 10-20 minutes were primary indicators before conversion, highlighting the need for close intraoperative monitoring. Left main coronary artery stenosis of 50%-70% emerged as the only independent predictor of conversion (odds ratio (OR) 7.60, 95% CI: 2.91-19.83, p < 0.001). This study emphasizes the importance of robust patient selection criteria, especially for cases with borderline coronary anatomy. Hemodynamic instability and moderate left main coronary artery stenosis significantly contribute to OPCAB-to-ONCAB conversion. Enhanced preoperative imaging and hemodynamic management protocols can potentially reduce conversion rates, improving surgical outcomes.

Systemic inflammatory index as a predictive marker for the severity of coronary artery disease in individuals with chronic kidney disease.

To evaluate the correlation between the inflammatory intensity, as indicated by the systemic inflammatory index (SII), and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 280 CKD patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. CAD was evaluated using the Gensini score (GS). Patients were divided into the low, medium and high SII groups according to the tertiles of the SII values. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between SII and GS. The cutoff points for the sensitivity and specificity of SII in predicting GS were estimated by performing the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Patients in the higher SII group had a higher prevalence of CAD (P = 0.013). In addition, the high SII group had more patients with complex CAD (triple-vessel disease and/or left main coronary artery stenosis) and chronic total occlusion lesions, and more patients required revascularization (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis suggested a positive relationship between SII and GS, and in comparison to neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, SII displayed a stronger correlation with GS (r = 0.332, P < 0.001). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that SII is independently associated with the severity of CAD (adjusted OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.21, P < 0.01), particularly among elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value for SII in predicting severe coronary artery stenosis (GS > 60) was 6.01 (sensitivity: 76.30%, specificity: 53.50%), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.705 (95% CI: 0.642-0.768, P < 0.001), which was statistically significantly better than platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (AUC = 0.646, 95% CI: 0.579-0.713, P < 0.001) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (AUC = 0.643, 95% CI: 0.574-0.712, P < 0.001). In patients with CKD, SII is independently associated with the severity of CAD, especially in individuals aged 65 years or older. Furthermore, SII functions as a predictive marker for the severity of coronary lesions.

Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis: 6 versus 12 Months.

Background/Objectives: For patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of an unprotected left main coronary artery (uLMCA) stenosis, the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of 6- versus 12-month DAPT duration in patients with PCI of an uLMCA and stable angina. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we included consecutive patients of our centre who underwent PCI of uLMCA stenosis for stable angina and who received DAPT with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel for either 6 or 12 months. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization at one year. Secondary endpoints included individual components of the primary endpoint, definite/probable stent thrombosis, and bleeding. Clinical outcomes were assessed by unadjusted analysis and by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Results: Out of 984 included patients, 339 (34.5%) received DAPT for 6 months and 645 (65.5%) for 12 months. The primary endpoint occurred in 51 patients (15.2%) in the 6-month group and in 104 (16.3%) in the 12-month group (p = 0.674). Incidences of stent thrombosis (0.9% versus 0.3%, p = 0.224) and BARC 3,4,5 bleeding (6% versus 5.8%, p = 0.808) were also comparable in both groups. We found no significant differences in the primary endpoint and its components or BARC 3,4,5 bleeding between 6 and 12 months. Conclusions: Our findings do not support the extension of DAPT beyond 6 months after PCI for uLMCA in patients with stable angina.

Left main revascularization guidelines: navigating the data.

This article explores recent developments in left main revascularization, with a focus on appraising the latest American and European guidelines. Recent pooled data analysis from four major randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for left main coronary artery stenosis indicate an advantage for CABG over PCI in regard to freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events, despite no significant difference in mortality observed at 5 years. Additional data support the use of CABG for patients with left ventricular dysfunction, complex left main lesions, diffuse coronary disease, and diabetes. The data underpinning the guidelines on each revascularization modality (PCI versus CABG) must consider factors such as lesion complexity, diabetes, and left ventricular dysfunction. Additionally, the findings of the four major RCTs upon which the guidelines are based must be ascertained in light of the latest advancements in these revascularization techniques.

Predictive value of the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio for coronary atherosclerosis severity in patients with CKD

BackgroundThe neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR), which is defined as the percentage of neutrophils divided by the concentration of albumin, is a cost-effective and readily available biomarker of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the NPAR and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsA total of 280 CKD patients who underwent coronary angiography were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was evaluated using the Gensini score (GS). Patients were divided into low-, medium- and high-NPAR groups according to the tertiles of the NPAR values. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between the NPAR and the GS. The cutoff points for the sensitivity and specificity of the NPAR in predicting the GS were estimated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsThere was a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among CKD patients with higher NPARs (P =0.041). More patients in the high-NPAR group had complex CAD (triple-vessel disease and/or left main coronary artery stenosis) and chronic total occlusion lesions, and more of these patients required revascularization therapy (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the NPAR and the severity of coronary stenosis (adjusted OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.25-5.76, p=0.012), particularly among female and older (age ≥65) patients. The ROC analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value for the NPAR in predicting severe coronary artery stenosis (GS>60) in CKD patients was 1.91 (sensitivity 0.495, specificity 0.749), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.650 (95% CI 0.581-0.719, P<0.001). A subgroup analysis according to sex revealed that the NPAR exhibited stronger predictive value in female patients (AUC 0.730, 95% CI 0.643-0.817) than in male patients (AUC 0.565, 95% CI 0.460-0.670) (P<0.001), and the optimal cutoff value for the NPAR in female patients was 1.80 (sensitivity 0.667, specificity 0.705).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the NPAR is independently associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in CKD patients, especially in female and elderly patients (≥65 years old). Moreover, the NPAR can effectively predict the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, exhibiting greater predictive value in females than in males.

A Case Report: A Successful Management of Extrinsic Compression of the Left Main Coronary Artery by a Dilated Pulmonary Artery in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Extrinsic compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) by a dilated pulmonary artery can be life threatening in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients; however, it can be treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. In this case report, we presented a successful treatment with the stenting of the LMCA stenosis associated with extrinsic compression of LMCA by a dilated pulmonary artery.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis patients. A Retrospective Study from Palestine

Percutaneous coronary intervention in unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis patients. A Retrospective Study from Palestine

Current spectrum and outcomes of infarct-related cardiogenic shock: insights from the CULPRIT-SHOCK registry and randomized controlled trial.

We analysed consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) who were enrolled into the CULPRIT-SHOCK randomized controlled trial (RCT) and those with exclusion criteria who were included into the accompanying registry. In total, 1075 patients with infarct-related CS were screened for CULPRIT-SHOCK in 83 specialized centres in Europe; 369 of them had exclusion criteria for the RCT and were enrolled into the registry. Patients were followed over 1 year. The mean age was 68 years and 260 (25%) were women. 13.5%, 30.9%, and 55.6% had one-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), respectively. Significant left main (LM) coronary artery stenosis was present in 8.0%. 54.2% of the patients had cardiac arrest before admission. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 patency of the infarct vessel after percutaneous coronary intervention was achieved in 83.6% of all patients. Mechanical circulatory support was applied in one-third of patients. Total mortality after 30 days and 1 year was 47.6% and 52.9%. Mortality after 1 year was highest in patients with LM coronary artery stenosis (63.5%), followed by three-vessel (56.6%), two-vessel (49.8%), and one-vessel CAD (38.6%), respectively. Mechanical complications were rare (21/1008; 2.1%) but associated with a high mortality of 66.7% after 1 year. In specialized centres in Europe, short- and long-term mortality of patients with infarct-related CS treated with an invasive strategy is still high and mainly depends on the extent of CAD. Therefore, there is still a need for improvement of care to improve the prognosis of infarct-related CS.

Klinički rezultati perkutanog lečenja stenoze na glavnom stablu leve koronarne arterije u akutnom infarktu miokarda

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery stenosis is a rare, but life-threatening event often accompanied by sudden cardiac death and/or cardiogenic shock. The optimal revascularization strategy for unprotected left main coronary artery disease is the subject of ongoing debate, especially in urgent settings, where immediate optimal acute angiographic result is required to ensure patient survival and improve prognosis. Aim: This study aims to investigate patient characteristics and procedural and clinical variables associated with favorable outcomes of percutaneous treatment. Material and methods: A number of 40 patients undergoing PCI with acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery stenosis were reviewed retrospectively from 1st January 2019 to 21st December 2022. Results: There was a total of 40 patients with a mean age of 70.83 ± 11.415. Cardiogenic shock occurred in 20 (50%) patients. Two patients (5%) died in the catheterization laboratory and 16 (40%) died during hospitalization. Twenty-two patients survived to be discharged; five patients died during the follow-up period. The overall mortality rate was 23 (57.5%). Factors associated with increased mortality included female gender (p = 0.008), cardiogenic shock (p = 0.025) and inotropes (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Acute myocardial infarction caused by left main coronary artery stenosis is complicated by high incidence of cardiogenic shock and mortality. In univariate analysis, cardio-genic shock, female gender and usage of inotropes correlated with death. Emergency PCI provides an important treatment option in these high-risk patients, but mortality remains high.

Impact of Target Lesion Revascularization on Long-Term Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Left Main Disease

BackgroundAlthough target lesion revascularization (TLR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is not rare, its timing of occurrence and prognostic impact on long-term mortality is uncertain. ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate TLR incidence over time and its impact on mortality after PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES) for LMCA disease. MethodsUsing a pooled data from 4 multicenter observational registries (IRIS-DES [Interventional Cardiology Research Incorporation Society-Drug-Eluting Stents], IRIS-MAIN [Interventional Cardiology Research Incorporation Society-Left MAIN Revascularization], MAIN-COMPARE [Revascularization for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis: Comparison of Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Versus Surgical Revascularization], and PRECOMBAT [PREmier of Randomized COMparison of Bypass Surgery versus AngioplasTy Using Drug-Eluting Stent in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease]), we evaluated 1,397 patients with LMCA disease treated with DES and available long-term mortality data. The association between TLR and the 10-year risk of mortality was examined by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, with TLR as a time-varying covariate. ResultsDuring maximum follow-up of 10 years (median 6.8 years), TLR occurred in 118 patients and its 10-year cumulative incidence was 10.8%. TLR mostly occurred within 2 years after initial PCI and decreased over time: early-stage TLR (within 2 years) in 73 (61.9%) patients and late-stage TLR (beyond 2 years) in 45 (38.1%) patients. Among all TLR patients, 23 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and 95 underwent repeat PCI. In the time-varying multivariable Cox model, the presence of TLR was not significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality (adjusted HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.50-1.63; P = 0.73). ConclusionsAlthough the incidence of ischemia-driven TLR was mostly common within 2 years after left main PCI, TLR occurred steadily during the 10-year follow-up period. However, given that such patients were optimally revascularized, the prognostic impact of TLR on mortality was not substantial. (Evaluation of the First, Second, and New Drug-Eluting Stents in Routine Clinical Practice [IRIS-DES]; NCT01186133; Observational Study for Left Main Disease Treatment [IRIS-MAIN]; NCT01341327; Ten-Year Outcomes of Stents Versus Coronary-Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease [MAIN COMPARE]; NCT02791412; Bypass Surgery Versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease [PRECOMBAT]; NCT00422968)

Long-Term Results of Stenting in Patients with Hemodynamically Significant Lesions of the Left Main Coronary Artery

The aim. To study the long-term results of stenting in patients with coronary artery disease with hemodynamically significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenoses.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 67 patients (56 men, 11 women) with a mean age of 63 ± 2.1 years.&#x0D; Results. Among the 67 patients included in the study, 29 patients (43.3%) underwent percutaneous coronary inter-vention using a single-stent technique. These were patients with ostial LMCA lesions, lesions of the middle third of the LMCA and some patients with Medina 1.1.0; 1.0.1; 1.0.0; 0.1.0; 0.0.1 lesions of the distal part of the LMCA. The median follow-up was 2 years. Using a questionnaire, we managed to establish contact with 25 patients (86.2%). Among these, 1 patient (3.4%) died of non-cardiac causes and 7 patients (24.1%) had a recurrence of angina within 2 years. The causes of angina recurrence in 2 cases (6.9%) were restenosis in the stent with transition to the mouth of the side branch, which required repeated stenting of the LMCA with transition to the left circumflex artery. In 5 patients (17.2%), angina recur-rence was associated with progression of coronary atherosclerosis of another localization.&#x0D; Among 67 patients with LMCA stenting, the two-stent technique was used in 38 patients (56.7%). These were pa-tients with Medina 1.1.0; 1.0.1; 1.0.0; 0.1.0; 0.0.1 lesions of the distal part of the LMCA. The median follow-up was 2 years. Using a questionnaire, we managed to contact 35 patients (92.1%). Among these, 4 patients (10.5%) died, but only one of them due to cardiac causes (2.6%), and 3 patients (7.9%) had recurrent angina within 2 years, two of whom underwent stenting by the T and protrusion (TAP) technique and one by culotte. The first two patients underwent angioplasty of restenosis in stents using balloons with a therapeutic coating. In the last patient, stent recoil in the left circumflex artery mouth was observed due to severe calcification, so this patient underwent re-implantation of the stent system in the recoil zone.&#x0D; Conclusions. The problem of choosing a method of revascularization for patients with hemodynamically significant LMCA lesions remains controversial to this day, despite the wide range of evidence. Doctors should jointly decide on the choice of treatment methodology solely in the interests of the patient, taking into account all the factors that may affect the patient’s quality of life in the long term.

The Impact of SYNTAX Score with Longterm Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review

The SYNTAX score was designed to predict the postprocedural risk associated with PCI or surgical revascularization. This study aims to evaluate long term (&gt;5 years) outcome of PCI with CABG by comparing several existing studies. A systematic search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. This systematic review used all studies in the field of differences in outcome of PCI and CABG intervention in left main coronary artery stenosis. This study used cross sectional study design with a systematic review method based on several cohort studies. The search was conducted until February 10th, 2023. Assessment of the study quality was carried out using the criteria of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Based on the final assessment, all included studies had a mean NOS score of 8 which could be interpreted as excellent quality. Our search yielded 1675 studies of which we included 5 studies for the final analysis. A total of 5.494 patients were treated with PCI and CABG. In this study, there were differences outcome in low, medium and high syntax scores on long term major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and long term mortality. However, the similar outcome was obtained in long term revascularization, long term stroke and long term Miokard Infark (MI). Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis patients with low to high SS may result various long-term outcomes. CABG is associated with lower incidence of mortality, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction, and MACCE than PCI. Meanwhile, PCI gives lower incidence of stroke.

Clinical Echocardiographic And Angiographic Profile Of Patients With Significant Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis

Clinical Echocardiographic And Angiographic Profile Of Patients With Significant Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis

Percutaneous treatment of left main coronary artery disease - temporal trends from large registry and ten-year follow-up. a single centre experience

Abstract Background Due to a large amount of jeopardized myocardium, patients with significant left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis have an increased risk of death. For years coronary artery bypass grafting has been considered as the treatment of choice. Recent years brought evidence that led to the reconsideration of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a valuable alternative. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess temporal trends in clinical practice and analyse the very long-term outcomes of LMCA PCI in a large tertiary hospital in Poland. Methods Group of 998 individuals undergoing LMCA PCI was selected from medical records of 44,989 patients hospitalized in years 2008-2021. Data on mortality were obtained from the Centre for Information Technology. Temporal trends were calculated for period 2008-2014 as compared to 2015-2021. The 10-year event rate was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier estimator, univariate (ULR), and multivariate logistic regression (MLR). Results The rate of LMCA PCI increased from 2.21% in 2008 to 6.88% in 2021 (p&amp;lt;0.001). 736 (73.8%) patients were male, the median age was 71 years (interquartile range 16). 409 (41.0%) of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 545 (54.6%) with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). In the analysed periods concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) rate increased from 27.44% to 42.5% (p&amp;lt;0.001), use of intravascular imaging (IVI) increased from 22.28% to 42.72% (p&amp;lt;0.001), use of rotational atherectomy increased from 8.36% to 18.94% (p&amp;lt;0.001). The 30-day mortality decreased from 10.31% to 4.23% (p&amp;lt;0.001), and 1-year mortality decreased from 18.66% to 12.05% (p=0.007). In the 10-year follow-up 399 (40.0%) patients died. In ULR, death was associated with femoral access (OR 1.766, 95% CI 1.308-2.386) and absorbed radiation dose (OR for increase in 1 Gy 1.192, 95% CI 1.080-1.304). The provisional stenting yielded better performance than two-stent techniques (OR 0.635, 95% CI 0.491-0.821). In MLR, death at 10 years was associated with age (OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.007-1.050), ACS (OR 1.725, 95% CI 1.134-2.624), atrial fibrillation (OR 1.540, 95% CI 1.002-2.367), lower glomerular filtration rate (OR for decrease in 1 ml/min/1.73 m2 1.011, 95% CI 1.001-1.022), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (OR for decrease in 1% 1.045, 95% CI 1.029-1.060). Better outcomes were associated with previous revascularization (OR 0.668, 95% CI 0.453-0.986), use of IVI (OR 0.518, 95% CI 0.353-0.759), drug-eluting stents (OR 0.238, 95% CI 0.106-0.536) and bigger balloon diameter used for stent optimization (OR for increase in 1 mm 0.889, 95% CI 0.801-0.986). Conclusions In the analysed period the rate of LMCA PCI, number of complex procedures, and co-morbidities increased, yet the prognosis has improved. The 10-year death rate analysis revealed that advancements in percutaneous device technology and procedural techniques are associated with more favourable outcomes.

Abstract 11389: Circulating Aldosterone is an Independent Risk Marker for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Elevated plasma aldosterone concentrations reflect remodeling of the vascular wall and increased cardiovascular risk, whereas data from the left main coronary artery (LMCA) are lacking. Patients with stenosis of the LMCA present difficult challenges. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma aldosterone concentrations and LMCA in patients with hypertension. Methods: We recruited hypertensive patients with LMCA with assessed plasma aldosterone concentrations before disease onset from the hospital between 2018 and 2022 and set them as the case group. Simultaneously, an age- and gender-matched cohort with plasma aldosterone concentration measurements but without LMCA was selected as the control group using a ratio of 1:3. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship of plasma aldosterone concentrations with LMCA. Angiographically significant LMCA stenosis is defined as luminal diameter stenosis ≥ 50%. Results: A total of 608 hypertensive patients were identified in this study, including 152 cases and 456 controls. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 ± 17.5 years, and 389 (64.0%) were men. Compared with the control group, the case group exhibited significantly higher plasma aldosterone concentrations (15.38 versus 9.68 ng/dL, P =0.009). In logistic regression analysis, higher plasma aldosterone concentrations showed 2.73-fold higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-3.68, P =0.003) for the presence of LMCA, which was significant in the adjusted model (odds ratio, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.18-2.97], P =0.008). In a stratified analysis, males with coronary artery disease and women of all ages showed a relationship between the two. The link between the two was unaffected by sensitivity analysis that excluded those who were exposed to interfering substances during the measurement of plasma aldosterone concentration and those who had primary aldosteronism. Conclusions: This study indicated that higher plasma aldosterone levels were associated with an increased risk of LMCA in patients with hypertension, even in the absence of primary aldosteronism. Interventional studies are needed to elucidate the health effect of treatments to lower aldosterone levels.

Intravascular ultrasound application in the evaluation of left main coronary artery lesions

Although atherosclerotic left main coronary artery stenosis (LMCA) has a low rate in the coronary angiography series, they have significant cardiovascular mortality and morbidity rates because their disease affects a significant proportion of the myocardium. Therefore, in severe cases (?50% stenosis of the LMCA), coronary artery bypass grafting is the revascularization of choice. However, assessing LMCA disease severity involves anatomical and technical challenges. Coronary intravascular ultrasound may help to overcome these difficulties. In this article, we report a 73-year-old case of LMCA disease that was considered to be severe by visual assessment of coronary angiography, and surgical intervention was abandoned because of a minimal lumen area of more than 6 mm2 when IVUS was performed.

Predictors of major adverse cardiac events during 7-days period in acute coronary syndrome patients who had percutaneous coronary intervention in Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Jakarta

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/YDWnVBBGC0Q Background: Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) increase the morbidity and mortality of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Data are lacking on MACE occurrence in patients with ACS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aims to find out the predictors of MACE during 7 days in ACS patients who had PCI. Methods: The study design was unmatched case-control. The study included 461 patients with ACS who were hospitalized in the intensive cardiology care unit in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from January 1st, 2015 until November 30th, 2017. Age, female sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure, kidney function disorder, cardiogenic shock, ejection fraction ≤ 40%, left main (LM) coronary artery stenosis, arrhythmia, 3-vessel coronary artery stenosis, and left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis were included in the analysis as predictors of MACE. Results: Cardiogenic shock (OR = 10.65, p = 0.001), LAD stenosis (OR = 15.23, p = 0.02), ejection fraction ≤ 40% (OR = 10.8, p = 0.00), 3-vessels or more coronary artery stenosis (OR 3.47, p = 0.01), heart failure (OR = 3.1, p = 0.02), and renal function disorder (OR 4.76, p = 0.00) were proven as predictors of MACE during 7-days period in ACS patients who had PCI. Female sex, cardiogenic shock, LAD stenosis, and ejection fraction ≤ 40% were independent predictors of MACE in ACS patients who had PCI, with OR values of 6.33 (95%CI 1.32- 30.50), OR 17.56 (1.85-167.06), OR 26.61 (1.38-513.81), and OR 7.6 (1.86-31.09), respectively. Conclusion: Cardiogenic shock, LAD stenosis, ejection fraction ≤ 40%, ≥ 3 vessels stenosis, heart failure, and renal function disorder were predictors of MACE during 7 days in ACS patients who had PCI.

Determination of Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis Through Noninvasive Testing to Guide Revascularization in Ischemic Heart Disease

Anatomically severe left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis (>50%) remains one of the few groups to benefit from early revascularization in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Identification of these patients through widely available noninvasive testing would decrease the need for additional upfront anatomic testing, lowering the overall cost of healthcare. Patients with SIHD who underwent either percutaneous or surgical revascularization over a 7-year period at our institution were retrospectively analyzed and categorized as having LMCA stenosis versus non-LM stenosis. All preceding noninvasive testing, including resting electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and functional testing was evaluated and compared between groups using chi-square and t test. In total, 806 patients were evaluated. Of those, 121 were identified as having significant LMCA stenosis with 685 patients in the non-LM cohort. Between LMCA versus non-LM cohorts, there were similar rates of electrocardiogram abnormalities (68.9% vs 70.8%, p >0.05), abnormal echocardiograms (72.7% vs 69.7%, p >0.05), abnormal functional testing (83.3% vs 77.4%, p >0.05), and high-risk imaging findings (5.6% vs 4.8%, p >0.05). More importantly, of those with a complete workup, there were similar rates of normal results between the LMCA (3 of 18, 16.7%) and non-LM stenosis (9 of 189, 4.8%) groups. A comprehensive noninvasive profile of patients with IHD failed to identify or exclude patients with anatomically severe LMCA stenosis, necessitating anatomic assessment.

Restenosis after excimer laser coronary atherectomy and drug-coated balloon dilation in Takayasu’s arteritis: a case report and review of the literature

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a rare chronic granulomatous arteritis that mainly affects the aorta and its major branches. Coronary artery (CA) involvement can be observed in 10–25% of TAK patients. We report a 21-year-old young female who was previously diagnosed with TAK and severe left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis and underwent numerous percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in our hospital due to in-stent restenosis (ISR). This time, an excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) and drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilation was taken at the LMCA for the ISR. The blood flow was smooth after the operation, and she was symptom-free after discharge. Unfortunately, 5 months later, severe intimal hyperplasia was still seen in the stent of LMCA and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. A coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) was performed, and she has been symptom-free ever since. ELCA plus DCB is one of the novel ways we first reported. However, ensuring long-term inflammation control is equally important to restore blood flow. The combination of revascularization and anti-inflammation/immunosuppression is recommended to improve the outcomes of TAK patients with CA involvements.