LMCA Disease Research Articles

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.

Comparison of Clinical and Angiographic Profiles of Patients with or without Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Angiography for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: High death rates are seen in cases with heart disease affecting the left major coronary artery. The left main coronary artery has different flow dynamics and pathophysiology than other coronary arteries. It is important to identify the best management options for patients with left main coronary artery disease based on their anatomic pattern. Objective: To compare the clinical and angiographic profiles of patients with or without left main coronary artery disease in patients undergoing angiography for ACS. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Invasive coronary angiography was performed on 985 adult patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease throughout a 6-month study period. The research participants were split into two groups: left main (Group 1) and non-left main (Group 2) following coronary angiography. It was determined whether there were any statistically significant variances between the two groups by comparing their demographics, risk factors, and angiograms. Results: In group 1, the mean age and SD are 54.3±8.4 and in group 2, they are 54.4±11.9. There were 748 men (75.9% of the total) and 236 females (23.9%). Out of the male participants, 630 were assigned to Group 2 (non-LMCA) and 118 were placed in Group 1 (LMCA). All of the females were present in group 2. Left main illness tends to be greater in males, as indicated by the results of the comparison research between the two groups (p=0.046). BMI comparisons across the groups indicated no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The most common presentation was non-ST elevated ACS, which was significantly related to the LM group (p<0.05). The coronary angiogram of 867 patients showed no left main artery involvement in 88.0% of patients, while the left main in 118 cases was 12.0%. For this research, 985 participants had coronary angiography performed by cardiac catheterization. From the total of 985 patients, 89 (9.0%) were classified as having "normal" or "non-critical" coronary arteries, 227 (23.1%) as having "single vessel disease," 296 (30.0%) as having "double vessel disease," and 374 (38.0%) as having "triple vessel disease." There are 867 individuals (88.0%) with no involvement of the left main artery, and 118 patients (12.0%) having left main disease among the population investigated. Conclusion: Patients with NSTE-ACS, diabetes and LMCA disease were considerably more likely to be men. They were also more likely to have a favorable family history (ACS). Triple vessel disease and distal left main disease were more prevalent among patients. Keywords: Left main coronary artery, Coronary angiography, Coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome.

P048 A young girl with myocardial infarction

Abstract Background/Aims Takayasu arteritis is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease of the aorta and its major branches. It is commonly seen in young women but has been reported in children as young as 6 months. Acute myocardial infarction due to coronary artery involvement is a rare presentation in Takayasu’s arteritis. Methods A previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented with a history of five episodes of short lasting exertional tightening type chest pain with adrenergic symptoms over a week which was relieved by rest. She didn't have any history of shortness of breath, limb claudication or constitutional symptoms. However, on two of the occasions she felt faint. She denied any recreational drug use. There was no family history of cardiovascular disease, connective tissue diseases or sudden cardiac death. On examination she was of average build with no peripheral stigmata of connective tissue diseases or hypercholesterolemia. Apart from a tachycardia of 110 bpm, her cardiovascular examination was normal. There was no BP difference between the arms and no audible bruits. All her peripheral pulses were felt. Results Her ECG showed ST segment depressions in V1-V5. High sensitivity Troponin I was strongly positive. An urgent CT coronary angiogram revealed aortitis involving the ascending and arch of the aorta extending to the left subclavian artery with both coronary arteries showing smooth short segment narrowing at the origin. Doppler USS abdomen showed wall thickening of proximal and mid abdominal aorta. Blood investigations showed a leucocytosis of 14,100/µl and thrombocytosis of 532000/µl. Her ESR was raised at 31 mm/hr and CRP was 5 mg/l. While further awaiting investigations she was started on treatment as for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction according to standard guidelines. Screening for tuberculosis and VDRL were negative . A CT aortic angiogram showed wall thickening involving the aortic root, coronary arteries, ascending aorta and the abdominal aorta with involvement of the origins of coeliac axis and the superior mesenteric artery. Appearance were suggestive of Takayasu arteritis Type v. She was pulsed with intravenous methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg for 3 days followed by oral prednisolone 2 mg/kg. As a steroid sparing agent methotrexate was added. Despite treatment, while in hospital she developed chest pain with ECG showing new onset ST elevation in aVR. An urgent coronary angiogram done showed severe LMCA disease for which stenting was done. At this stage Tocilizumab was initiated. A year later she remains well controlled in terms of her disease activity. Conclusion Though rare, Takayasu’s arteritis should be considered in any adolescent female presenting with ischemic type symptoms and positive inflammatory response. High index of suspicion can lead to early imaging and aggressive immunosuppression that will reduce the morbidity and mortality of this disease. Disclosure S. Janagan: None. M.P.M.L. Gunathilaka: None. L. Rajagopala: None. J.D. Jagoda: None.

Subclinical Inflammation As an Independent Risk Factor for All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate pre-procedural (Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio) (NLR) in patients with (Left Main Coronary Artery) (LMCA) disease and to identify a relevant NLR value related to mortality after percutaneous intervention in unprotected LMCA disease. Patients and Methods: Seventy-one patients diagnosed with unprotected LMCA disease were divided into two groups according to their mortality rates: survivors (n= 56, 78%) and non-survivors (n= 15, 22%). The mean follow-up duration was 26.0 ± 24.8 months, and all-cause mortality was considered as an endpoint. Results: The non-survivor group had higher NLR values [3.23 (2.31-4.01) vs. 5.82 (2.92-14.99), p= 0.026] compared to the survivor-group. ROC analysis revealed an NLR cut-off value of 5.24 for predicting all-cause mortality. During follow-up, the group with high NLR values was associated with a significantly higher rate of all-cause mortality rate [6 (10.5%) vs. 9 (64.3%), p< 0.001] compared to the low NLR group. In multivariate analysis, the NLR (OR= 1.695; 95% CI= 1.124-2.556; p= 0.012) was found to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: NLR is the independent predictor of all-cause mortality in unprotected LMCA disease. As far as we know, this study is the first study investigating the prognostic value of NLR in patients with unprotected LMCA disease stenting.

IMMEDIATE AND 4-YEAR OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME UNDERGOING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION FOR LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background: The treatment of LMCAD has shifted from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data on long-term outcomes of PCI for LMCA disease, especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains limited and conicting. This study aims to nd the association of the immediate and 4-year mortality in ACS patients with LMCA disease treated by PCI based on ejection fractions at admission. Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted. Patients were divided at admission into those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and those with preserved ejection fraction. Results: Forty (58.8%) of the patients presented with preserved EF. The mean age of the patients was 71.6±7.1 years. The mean LVEF of the preserved group was 61.6±4.3% and signicantly higher than that of the reduced group. Age and cardiovascular risk factor prole was similar between the two groups. Patients with reduced ejection fraction had signicantly higher levels of serum creatinine and signicantly lower levels of Hb and HDL. Mean hospital stay was signicantly longer for patients with preserved EF. In-hospital deaths were also similar between the two groups. The reduced EF group had a signicantly higher allcause mortality in the 4-year follow-up period. The mean years of follow-up for all participants was 4.2±1.3 years. Conclusion: It was seen that in patients presenting with ACS and undergoing PCI due to LMCAD, LVEF at admission, singly and in in multivariate regression is an important predictor of in hospital and 4-year mortality

Revascularization in Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction

BackgroundLeft main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is associated with high mortality and morbidity due to a large area of jeopardized myocardium. However, the optimal revascularization strategy for patients with LMCA disease and left ventricular dysfunction is still unclear. ObjectivesThis study sought to examine long-term comparative outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) according to the severity of left ventricular dysfunction. MethodsThe authors evaluated a total of 3,488 patients with LMCA disease who underwent CABG (n = 1,355) or PCI (n = 2,133) from the IRIS-MAIN (Interventional Research Incorporation Society-Left MAIN Revascularization) registry. Left ventricular function was categorized according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as normal function (LVEF ≥55%), mild dysfunction (LVEF ≥45% to <55%), moderate dysfunction (LVEF ≥35% to <45%), or severe dysfunction (LVEF <35%). The primary outcome was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. ResultsAmong the overall patient population, 2,641 (75.7%) patients had normal LVEF and 403 (11.6%), 260 (7.5%), and 184 (5.3%) had mild, moderate, and severe left ventricular dysfunction at baseline, respectively. Compared with CABG, PCI was associated with a higher adjusted risk of primary outcomes in patients with moderate (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 4.28) or severe (HR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.27 to 4.73) dysfunction. In contrast, PCI and CABG had similar risks of the primary outcomes in patients with normal (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.07) or mild (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.63 to 2.17) dysfunction (p for interaction = 0.004). ConclusionsIn the revascularization of LMCA disease, PCI was associated with an inferior primary composite outcome of death, MI, or stroke compared with CABG in patients with moderate or severe left ventricular dysfunction. However, the risk for the primary outcome was comparable between PCI and CABG in those with normal or mild left ventricular dysfunction. (Observational Study for Left Main Disease Treatment; NCT01341327)

Long-Term Outcomes of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Treated With Drug-Eluting Stents vs Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BackgroundCurrently, DES is a reasonable treatment option for LMCA disease but CABG continues to be first-line treatment. Multiple randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have compared outcomes between these two treatment modalities. Recently, these trials published their long-term results with conflicting findings. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs that compared DES vs CABG in patients with LMCA disease. We only included trials with follow up duration of at least 5 years. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included risk of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and repeat revascularization. ResultsWe included a total of 4 RCTs. The median-weighted follow up period was 6.5 years. There was no significant difference between DES and CABG in all-cause mortality (Risk ratio (RR) 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.31; p = 0.28), risk of cardiac death (RR of 1.08, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.38; p = 0.56), total MI (RR of 1.22, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.56; p = 0.11), and stroke (RR of 0.85, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.57; p = 0.60). The risk of repeat revascularization (RR of 1.75, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.03; p < 0.00001), and non-periprocedural MI (RR of 2.13, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.97; p < 0.00001) were significantly higher in the DES arm. ConclusionsDES has similar long-term outcomes compared to CABG in terms of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, total MI and stroke; but was associated with a higher risk of repeat revascularization, and non-periprocedural MI.

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Mimicking as LMCA Disease - A Rare Case Report

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Mimicking as LMCA Disease - A Rare Case Report

Early Experience of Cardiac Surgery in the Maldives

Introduction:From stitching a heart wound to the current level of sophistication, cardiac surgery has come a long way as a discipline. Heart surgery in South Asia has advanced tremendously; both, quantitatively and qualitatively. This is a report of the first fifteen surgeries done in the Maldives where cardiac surgery has started as an organized program.&#x0D; Methods: Data on the first fifteen consecutive cardiac surgeries done in our hospital, over a period of 7 months, was analyzed. We briefly describe our usual perioperative management, and the pretext of the beginning of the cardiac surgery program.&#x0D; Results: Fifteen patients, 13 males, aged 59.9±13.8 years, with a EuroScore of 0.9±0.4%, were operated. Eleven underwent CABG; and four had a valve replacement. Nine out of 11 had TVD, including 6 who had an LMCA disease. The first surgery was an off-pump CABG. The CABG group had a total of 2-5 grafts. Pump and cross-clamp times were 239.6 (± 56.1) min and 154.2 (± 45) min respectively. Five (33.3%) had at least one non-fatal complication. Two (13.2%) required re-exploration for mediastinal bleeding. The length of hospital stay was 16.5 days (±6.9 days). The chest tubes stayed for an average of 4.8 (±0.7) days. There was no in-hospital, 30-day and 90-day mortality recorded.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cardiac surgery has begun in the Maldives. It is safe and feasible to sustain cardiac surgery program in the country, provided continued national support and international collaboration is ensured.

Early Experience of Cardiac Surgery in the Maldives

Introduction: From stitching a heart wound to the current level of sophistication, cardiac surgery has come a long way as a discipline. Heart surgery in South Asia has advanced tremendously; both, quantitatively and qualitatively. This is a report of the first fifteen surgeries done in the Maldives where cardiac surgery has started as an organized program. Methods: Data on the first fifteen consecutive cardiac surgeries done in our hospital, over a period of 7 months, was analyzed. We briefly describe our usual perioperative management, and the pretext of the beginning of the cardiac surgery program. Results: Fifteen patients, 13 males, aged 59.9±13.8 years, with a EuroScore of 0.9±0.4%, were operated. Eleven underwent CABG; and four had a valve replacement. Nine out of 11 had TVD, including 6 who had an LMCA disease. The first surgery was an off-pump CABG. The CABG group had a total of 2-5 grafts. Pump and cross-clamp times were 239.6 (± 56.1) min and 154.2 (± 45) min respectively. Five (33.3%) had at least one non-fatal complication. Two (13.2%) required re-exploration for mediastinal bleeding. The length of hospital stay was 16.5 days (±6.9 days). The chest tubes stayed for an average of 4.8 (±0.7) days. There was no in-hospital, 30-day and 90-day mortality recorded. Conclusion: Cardiac surgery has begun in the Maldives. It is safe and feasible to sustain cardiac surgery program in the country, provided continued national support and international collaboration is ensured.

Missing significant ostioproximal LMCA disease during angiography through radial route by tiger catheter: A single center experience in Eastern India

Missing significant ostioproximal LMCA disease during angiography through radial route by tiger catheter: A single center experience in Eastern India

Correlation of Treadmill Stress Test with Coronary Angiography to Predict Coronary Artery Disease in Males versus Females

Background Treadmill stress test (TMT) is the most commonly performed stress test for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in outpatient setting. The present study was conducted to find correlation of TMT with coronary angiography (CAG) in males versus female patients. Methods Total 422 patients who had undergone CAG and TMT were enrolled in present study. TMT test was done using Bruce protocol, and results were classified as inconclusive, low, intermediate, and high probability for inducible ischemia. Results Of 422 patients enrolled in the present study, 290 (69%) were males and 132 (31%) were females. Clinical presentation was angina on exertion CCS class II–III in 302 (71.6%) patients and angina equivalent in 124 (29.4%) patients. Out of these, 211 (50.2%) were diabetic and 308 (72.9%) were hypertensive. TMT was inconclusive, low, intermediate, and high probability for inducible ischemia in 35 (8.2%), 40 (9.7%), 19 (4.5%), and 328 (77.7%) patients, respectively. CAGs were normal in 149 (35.4%) patients and abnormal in 273 (64.6%) patients. Out of 328 patients with strongly positive TMT, 104 (31.7%) had normal coronaries, 56 (17%) had mild CAD, while 75 (22.8%) had SVD. LMCA disease, DVD, and TVD were found in 5 (1.5%), 48 (14.6%), and 40 (12.1%) patients, respectively. Of 132 female patients, 70 (53%) were found to have CAD and 62 (47%) had normal coronaries on CAG. Of 290 males, 241(83.1%) were found to have CAD and 49 (16.8%) had normal coronaries on CAG. Positive predictive value (PPV) in females was 53% and in males was 83%. Subgroup analysis showed that if there was high-probability TMT along with older age (p &lt; 0.00), male sex (p &lt; 0.01), and diabetes (p &lt; 0.00), chances of having CAD were more. Conclusion PPV of positive TMT in female is 53% and in male is 83%. High-probability TMT along with the older age, male sex, and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) makes the probability of having CAD is high.

Experience of LMCA Angioplasty from a Referral Center and in Hospital Outcomes

AbstractIntroduction and Objectives: CABG is the treatment of choice for severe left main coronary artery stenosis. The results of a number of multicenter trials have suggested angioplasty with stenting as a possible alternative treatment. Previous studies demonstrated procedural success of 90-100% and Mortality 0.8-2% So, want to see these parameters in Asian population though the LMCA registry of a referral center institute.Material and Methods: We have collected data from patient records who underwent LMCA angioplasty procedure (both unprotected or protected LMCA) performed at our institution between April 2003 to July 2015. Detailed in-hospital data including age, gender, coronary risk factors, procedural events were obtained and analyzed.Results: Angiographically documented success was obtained in 98% patients with zero mortality. In 134 patients the lesions were pre-dilated using a conventional balloon. In 19 patients direct stenting was done. The median diameter and length of the stent was 3.2542 mm and 13.790 mm, respectively. POBA was done in two cases, BMS were used in 27 cases, DES were used in 124 cases.Only LMCA stenting was done in 53 cases LMCA with other vessels stenting was done in 98 cases. FFR was used in 2 cases, Kissing balloon dilatation was used in 8 cases, ostial flaring was done in 5 cases. There was no mortality in the study but on table stent thrombosis was seen in one patient for which thrombuster was used, IABP was placed immediately and sent for CABG. For one case result was suboptimal.Conclusions: Present study demonstrated that stenting for significant LMCA disease is safe and feasible with very high procedural and clinical success rates and zero mortality. LMCA-left main coronary artery, POBA-plain old balloon angioplasty, PCI-Percutaneous coronary intervention, CABG-coronary artery bypass grafting, FFR-Fractional flow reserve, TIMI- thrombolysis in myocardial infarction, DES-drug eluting stent, BMS-bare metal stent, TLR-Target lesion revascularization.

Clinical Outcomes of Revascularization Strategies for Patients With MVD/LMCA Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR), a new minimally invasive procedure for patients requiring revascularization for multivessel coronary lesions, combines coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left anterior descending (LAD) lesions and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-LAD coronary lesions. However, available data related to outcomes comparing the 3 revascularization therapies is limited to small studies.We conducted a search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library of Controlled Trials up to December 31, 2014, without language restriction. A total of 16 randomized trials (n=4858 patients) comparing HCR versus PCI or off-pump CABG (OPCAB) were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular events (CVE), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effect and fixed-effect models. Ranking probabilities were used to calculate a summary numerical value: the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve.No significant differences were seen between the HCR and PCI in short term (in hospital and 30 days) with regard to MACCE (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00–2.35), all-cause death (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 0.34–7.66), MI (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.19–2.95), CVE (OR = 4.45, 95% CI 0.39–19.16), and TVR (OR = 6.99, 95% CI 0.17–39.39). However, OPCAB had lower MACCE than HCR (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.00–0.95). In midterm (1 year and 3 year), in comparison with HCR, PCI had higher all-cause death (OR = 5.66, 95% CI 0.00–13.88) and CVE (OR = 4.40, 95% CI 0.01–5.68), and lower MI (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.00–2.86), TVR (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.05–2.26), and thus the MACCE (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.00–2.35). Off-pump CABG presented a better outcome than HCR with significant lower MACCE (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.01–0.68). Surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities showed that HCR may be the superior strategy for MVD and LMCA disease when regarded to MACCE (SUCRA = 0.84), MI (SUCRA = 0.76) in short term, and regarded to MACCE (SUCRA = 0.99), MI (SUCRA = 0.94), and CVE (SUCRA = 0.92) in midterm.Hybrid coronary revascularization seemed to be a feasible and acceptable option for treatment of LMCA disease and MVD. More powerful evidences are required to precisely evaluate risks and benefits of the 3 therapies for patients who have different clinical characteristics.

Study of clinical presentation in patients with LMCA disease

Study of clinical presentation in patients with LMCA disease

Evaluation of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and stenting of Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis in Tehran's Rajaie and Lavasani Hospitals from 2010 to 2011.

Background:Data of the results from treatment of unprotected and protected LMCA diseases with PCI and stent implantations in our country were limited. Surgical therapy is considered as an standard care for patients with unprotected LMCA stenosis. This notion is based on some randomized and observational studies performed three decades ago which convincingly showed superiority of CABGs over medical therapy. Moreover, preliminary studies have shown that the use of DES for the treatment of unprotected LMCA diseases is associated with very favorable mid-term outcome, which is highly competitive with that of surgery, especially for ostial lesionsObjectives:This study sought to evaluate one year safety and effectiveness of PCI and stenting in LMCA disease.Patients and Methods:We performed a one year clinical follow-up of any patients with LMCA disease “Protected and Unprotected” who underwent PCI and stenting (n = 40) with BMS (n = 17) or DES (n = 23) in Tehran’s Rajaje and Lavasani hospitals from September 2010 to September 2011. The primary end points were all-cause mortality, and MACCE which consisted of the composite of death, MI, stroke, and target vessel revascularization, and the duration of hospitalization change the severity of angina pain and the function class of physical activity.Results:In the one year follow-up, the adjusted risk of death was 5% and the composite of death, MI, stroke and target vessel revascularization (MACCE) was 22%. In 94.7% the number of patients, the severity of angina pain were decreased, and in 92.5% of patients, the function class of physical activity has been improved. The duration of hospitalization was 4.38 ± 1.63 days which was less than that of CABGs.Conclusions:For the treatment of protected and unprotected LMCA diseases, PCI with stent implantation is effective, and leads to decreasing the mortality and the death rate, MI, stroke, the severity of angina pain, and improving the function class of physical activity and tolerance.

‘FREEDOM’ trial: Have the interventional cardiologists lost their freedom?

‘FREEDOM’ trial: Have the interventional cardiologists lost their freedom?

Real World Application of Stenting of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Stenosis: A Single-Center Experience.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to summarize our single-center real-world experience with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) stenting of unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA). PCI-stenting of the ULMCA, while controversial, is emerging as an alternative to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in select patients and clinical situations.MethodsBetween January 2005 and December 2008, PCI-stenting was performed on 125 patients with ULMCA lesions at our institution. Clinical and procedural data were recorded at the time of procedure, and patients were followed prospectively (mean 1.7 years; range 1 day-4.1 years) for outcomes, including death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR).ResultsThe majority of cases were urgent or emergent (82.5%), 50.4% of patients were non-surgical candidates, and 63.2% had 3 vessel disease. Many emergent patients presented in shock (62.1%), were not surgical candidates (89.7%), and had high mortality (20.7% in-hospital, 44.8% long-term). Mortality in the elective group was 6.3%. Cumulative death and TVR rates were 28.8% and 13.6%, respectively. Independent predictors of mortality were ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35% (HR 2.4, CI 1.1 - 5.4) and left main bifurcation (HR 2.7, CI 1.2 - 5.7).ConclusionsPCI-stenting is a viable option in patients with LMCA disease and extends options to patients who are poor candidates for CABG. Elective PCI in low-risk CABG patients results in good long-term survival. Cumulative TVR is 13.6%. EF ≤ 35% and left main bifurcation are independently associated with increased mortality.

Retrospective comparison of single versus two stents for PCI of distal unprotected LMCA disease: Apples aren't oranges and inverse probability weighting won't make them so!

Catheterization and Cardiovascular InterventionsVolume 77, Issue 6 p. 783-784 Coronary Artery Disease Retrospective comparison of single versus two stents for PCI of distal unprotected LMCA disease: Apples aren't oranges and inverse probability weighting won't make them so!† Issam D. Moussa MD, Corresponding Author Issam D. Moussa MD [email protected] Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TexasDivision of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7872, San Antonio, TX 78229Search for more papers by this author Issam D. Moussa MD, Corresponding Author Issam D. Moussa MD [email protected] Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TexasDivision of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7872, San Antonio, TX 78229Search for more papers by this author First published: 22 April 2011 https://doi.org/10.1002/ccd.23121 † Conflict of interest: Nothing to report. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume77, Issue61 May 2011Pages 783-784 SCAI Member Sign in RelatedInformation

Left main or proximal left anterior descending coronary artery disease: detection by echocardiographic evaluation of interventricular septal function during exercise.

Forty patients with coronary artery disease were studied prospectively to investigate whether stenosis of the left main (LMCA) or left anterior descending coronary artery, proximal to the first septal branch (proximal LAD), could be detected by M-mode echocardiography during exertion. The interventricular septum was visualized in 30 of the patients during bicycle exercise in the semisupine position, all with simultaneous occurrence of electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischaemia. Fifteen of these had LMCA or proximal LAD stenosis. Systolic motion and thickening of the septum decreased significantly from rest to peak exercise in patients with LMCA or proximal LAD disease while it increased in those without. The results suggest that M-mode echocardiography during exercise in patients with coronary artery disease might identify those with LMCA or proximal LAD stenosis.