Major Epicardial Coronary Arteries Research Articles

A 20-Year Autopsy Study of Myocardial Bridging Among Sudden Deaths

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a condition, where the cardiac muscle overlies the intramyocardial segment of the major epicardial coronary artery. This study aims to analyse the demographics and anatomical characteristics of MB within a pool of 2093 sudden cardiac-related death cases examined at the Forensic Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre between 2000 and 2019. In this cross-sectional study, postmortem data collected were gender, racial affiliations, MB anatomical properties, and association with cardiac pathologies entered into the statistical software SPSS version 25 for analysis. The prevalence of MB was 12.9%. It was commoner in males (91.5%). MB was predominant between age 21-40 years old (50.2%). Chinese race showed the highest number of recorded MB cases (24.3%) among local races. MB was mostly found in left anterior descending (LAD) artery (98.2%), with the commonest length of 11-20mm (44.6%), depth of 1-5mm (49.8%), and distance from the ostium of 21-40mm (54.0%). The prevalence of isolated MB (43.2%) was nearly comparable to that of MB with cardiac pathologies (56.8%). MB was mostly associated with atherosclerosis (50.1%) and atheroma formation was mostly proximal to MB (78.3%). MB is a common occurrence and commonly found in the LAD as a single entity. It has a higher preponderance in the male gender among the adult population. In conclusion, the findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of MB but also hold potential implications for identifying and managing risks related to sudden cardiac-related deaths. It is a pathological condition at a certain length and depth whether it exists as an isolated entity or associated with cardiac pathologies. Atherosclerosis tends to form proximal to MB and might pose a risk for myocardial infarction.

Surgical Debulking of Large Ventricular Fibromas in Children

This study aims to provide an update on the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, operative strategies, and mid-term outcomes in children undergoing ventricular fibroma resection. Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing ventricular fibroma resection between 2000 and 2023. Among 52 patients, median age at surgery was 2.0 years (IQR 0.8-4.6) and median tumor volume index was 69 milliliters/m2 (IQR 49-169). Tumor distorted the atrioventricular (AV) valve/subvalvar apparatus in 30 (58%) patients and abutted major epicardial coronary arteries in 41 (79%) patients. Surgery was indicated for arrythmia (n=45, 86%), symptoms (n=14, 27%), and/or hemodynamic compromise (n=11, 21%). Tumor was debulked in 34 (65%) patients, including the last 21 patients. Concomitant AV valvuloplasty was performed in 18 patients and ventricular cavity closure in 15 (29%) patients. During a median follow-up of 2.4 years (IQR 0.8-6.2), there was no mortality, cardiac arrests, heart transplants, or single ventricle palliation. The 15-year risk of reoperation and clinical ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation was 6.7% (95% CI 0-14.3%) and 2.4% (95% CI 0-7.2%), respectively. On latest imaging, pre- and post-debulking LV ejection fraction did not significantly differ (P=.069), while no patients had signs of outflow tract obstruction, inflow tract obstruction, or > moderate AV valve regurgitation. Large ventricular fibromas can be resected safely with appropriate surgical planning and an emphasis on debulking. Most children maintain left ventricular function and remain free of recurrent ventricular arrhythmias at follow-up. Extended follow-up is warranted to understand whether patients remain at risk for scar-based ventricular arrhythmias in the future.

Intercoronary Continuity between the Right Coronary Artery and the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery in the Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Anatomical View

Intercoronary continuity, a rare variant of the coronary circulation, is a congenital open-ended connection between two major epicardial coronary arteries. This connection may play a protective role against possible obstructive coronary artery disease or may be related to the phenomenon of coronary steal. In this case, we discuss intercoronary continuity between the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery in the acute coronary syndrome by the anatomical view.

Prognostic Nutritional Index is Associated with the Degree of Coronary Collateral Circulation in Stable Angina Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion.

Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) can effectively improve myocardial blood supply to the area of CTO (chronic total coronary occlusion) and can, thus, improve the prognosis of patients with stable coronary syndrome (SCS). The degree of inflammation and some inflammation markers were associated with the development of collaterals. To investigate whether prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has an association with the development of CCC in patients with SCS. A total of 400 SCS patients with the presence of CTO in at least one major epicardial coronary artery were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the Rentrop score. Scores of 0 to 1 were considered poor developed CCC, and scores of 2 to 3 were accepted as good developed CCC. Statistical significance was set as a p-value < 0.05 for all analyses. The mean age of the study cohort was 63±10 years; 273 (68.3%) were males. The poor-developed CCC group had a significantly lower PNI level compared with the good-developed CCC group (38.29±5.58 vs 41.23±3.85, p< 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the PNI (odds ratio 0.870; 95% confidence interval 0.822-0.922; p< 0.001) was an independent predictor of poorly developed CCC. The PNI can be used as one of the independent predictors of CCC formation. It was positively associated with the development of coronary collaterals in SCS patients with CTO.

Cost-Effectiveness of Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Treatment for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease

Complete revascularization by non-infarct-related artery (IRA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction is standard practice to improve patient prognosis. However, it is unclear whether a fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided or angiography-guided treatment strategy for non-IRA PCI would be more cost-effective. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of FFR-guided compared with angiography-guided PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction and multivessel disease. In this prespecified cost-effectiveness analysis of the FRAME-AMI randomized clinical trial, patients were randomly allocated to either FFR-guided or angiography-guided PCI for non-IRA lesions between August 19, 2016, and December 24, 2020. Patients were aged 19 years or older, had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI and underwent successful primary or urgent PCI, and had at least 1 non-IRA lesion (diameter stenosis >50% in a major epicardial coronary artery or major side branch with a vessel diameter of ≥2.0 mm). Data analysis was performed on August 27, 2023. Fractional flow reserve-guided vs angiography-guided PCI for non-IRA lesions. The model simulated death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. Future medical costs and benefits were discounted by 4.5% per year. The main outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), direct medical costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and incremental net monetary benefit (INB) of FFR-guided PCI compared with angiography-guided PCI. State-transition Markov models were applied to the Korean, US, and European health care systems using medical cost (presented in US dollars), utilities data, and transition probabilities from meta-analysis of previous trials. The FRAME-AMI trial randomized 562 patients, with a mean (SD) age of 63.3 (11.4) years. Most patients were men (474 [84.3%]). Fractional flow reserve-guided PCI increased QALYs by 0.06 compared with angiography-guided PCI. The total cumulative cost per patient was estimated as $1208 less for FFR-guided compared with angiography-guided PCI. The ICER was -$19 484 and the INB was $3378, indicating that FFR-guided PCI was more cost-effective for patients with acute myocardial infarction and multivessel disease. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed consistent results and the likelihood iteration of cost-effectiveness in FFR-guided PCI was 97%. When transition probabilities from the pairwise meta-analysis of the FLOWER-MI and FRAME-AMI trials were used, FFR-guided PCI was more cost-effective than angiography-guided PCI in the Korean, US, and European health care systems, with an INB of $3910, $8557, and $2210, respectively. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the likelihood iteration of cost-effectiveness with FFR-guided PCI was 85%, 82%, and 31% for the Korean, US, and European health care systems, respectively. This cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that FFR-guided PCI for non-IRA lesions saved medical costs and increased quality of life better than angiography-guided PCI for patients with acute myocardial infarction and multivessel disease. Fractional flow reserve-guided PCI should be considered in determining the treatment strategy for non-IRA stenoses in these patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02715518.

Rationale and design of a comparison of angiography-derived fractional flow reserve-guided and intravascular ultrasound-guided intervention strategy for clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial (FLAVOUR II)

IntroductionPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by coronary angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has shown improved clinical outcomes compared with angiography-only-guided PCI. In patients with intermediate stenoses,...

Serum levels of the endoplasmic-reticulum-stress chaperone GRP78 are associated with inflammation, identify patients with coronary artery disease and predict mortality

Abstract Introduction Endoplasmic-reticulum-stress (ER Stress) and associated chaperones like the ER-Stress moderator GRP78 (glucose-regulated-protein, 78kDa) are involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition to their intracellular effects, secretion and extracellular properties of chaperones, including GRP78, were recently described. In a recent study using proteomic data, we found coronary endothelial cells to secrete GRP78 into the extracellular space. Here, we investigated the significance of serum GRP78 in patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected CAD. Methods Serum concentration of GRP78 was measured by ELISA in an all-comers cohort of 789 patients with clinical indication for coronary angiography. Samples were drawn from the arterial sheath. CAD was defined as &amp;gt;50% stenosis in any major epicardial coronary artery. Patients were stratified according to their clinical presentation (CCS: chronic coronary syndrome or ACS). Clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality after one year. Patients with malignant or active auto-immune diseases were excluded. Results Mean age was 70.8 ± 11.9 years and 65% of patients were male. 24% patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). CAD was found in 72.4% of patients. Mean GRP78 serum concentration was 2492 ng/ml. Increased levels of GRP78 (&amp;gt; median) were associated with diabetes (29.9% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.03), a higher BMI (28.9 kg/m2 ± 7.1 vs. 27.0 kg/m2 ± 6.0, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and chronic kidney disease (CKD: 23.3 % vs. 17.1 %, p = 0.03). There was no difference regarding age or sex. We further compared GRP78 levels to other biomarkers including WBC, Hemoglobin, Troponin, Creatinine, and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). There was no association between GRP78 levels and the mentioned biomarkers, except for a positive correlation between GRP78 and levels of Interleukin-6 (Pearson r =0.14, p = 0.004). GRP78 levels were increased in patients with CAD when compared to patients without CAD (2640 ng/ml vs. 2178 ng/ml, p = 0.013). Interestingly, GRP78 levels were lower in patients with ACS than in patients with CCS (2284 ng/ml vs. 2822 ng/ml, p = 0.018). There was no difference between NSTEMI and STEMI patients. Finally, we assessed prognostic relevance of GRP78 in patients with CAD. Increased GRP78 levels were associated with lower occurrence of the clinical endpoint of one-year mortality (5.3% vs. 10.6 % vs. p = 0.016). Increased GRP78 levels were associated with reduced one-year mortality (HR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.25 - 0.92]). After adjusting for IL-6, age, sex, BMI, diabetes, CKD, and ACS, GRP78 remained an independent predictor of one-year mortality in patients with CAD. Conclusion GRP78 serum levels are generally elevated in patients with CAD but are downregulated during ACS. Reduced levels are associated with increased one-year mortality. These results support previous findings that GRP78 secretion is a protective mechanism in cardiovascular diseases.

Diagonal earlobe crease (Frank's sign) predicts obstructive coronary artery disease with modest accuracy

Abstract Introduction Traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) play an important role in the clinical evaluation of patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD). The utility of anthropometric indices, including diagonal earlobe crease (Frank's sign), in predicting the risk of CAD is controversial. Purpose To investigate the association between Frank's sign, traditional CVD risk factors, and obstructive CAD. Methods This prospective study included 1401 patients (mean age 65±10 years, 64% male) who underwent invasive coronary angiography for suspected acute or chronic coronary syndromes. In addition to routine clinical assessment, all patients underwent visual examination of both earlobes for the presence of Frank's sign, defined as a diagonal earlobe fold (Figure A, arrow). All assessments were made by three independent readers, with a majority vote in case of disagreement. Obstructive CAD was defined by invasive coronary angiography as &amp;gt;50% diameter stenosis of the left main coronary artery or &amp;gt;70% diameter stenosis of any other major epicardial coronary artery. Results Unilateral or bilateral Frank’s sign was observed more frequently in patients with obstructive CAD than in those without it (73% vs 68% for unilateral and 55% vs 47% for bilateral Frank’s sign, p&amp;lt;0.05 for both). In the multivariate logistic regression model (Graph), bilateral Frank’s sign was independently associated with CAD [odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-1.85], along with smoking (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.38-2.20), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.32-2.19), male sex (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.58-2.52), and dyslipidemia (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.06-2.19). However, diagnostic accuracy of Frank's sign was modest [area under the curve (AUC) 0.54, 95%CI 0.51-0.57] and resembled that of traditional CVD risk factors (Graph). Conclusion Despite being independently associated with obstructive CAD, Frank’s sign is not a reliable clinical marker of CAD due to modest diagnostic accuracy.

Abstract 17163: The Relationship Between TIMI Frame Count, Microvascular Resistance, and Coronary Flow Reserve in Patients With Ischemia and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

Introduction: Ischemia and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) may be caused by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), but coronary function testing for CMD is not routinely performed. Consensus statements include coronary flow reserve (CFR), an index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), or coronary slow flow by corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) &gt;25 as diagnostic for CMD. However, correlations between cTFC and invasive parameters of CMD are uncertain. Methods: Adults age ≥ 18 with INOCA (&lt;50% stenosis by invasive coronary angiography in all major epicardial coronary arteries) were prospectively enrolled. cTFC was measured from baseline angiography of the left anterior descending artery. Invasive coronary function testing using thermodilution techniques was performed to identify CMD, defined by IMR≥25 and/or CFR&lt;2.5. Relationships between cTFC and invasively derived CMD were evaluated. Results: Ninety-seven patients (mean age 60.4 ± 11 years; 80% female) underwent assessment; coronary slow flow was present in 46%. Coronary slow flow (cTFC&gt;25) had a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 57%, a positive predictive value of 53%, and a negative predictive value of 54% to identify CMD defined by IMR and/or CFR. cTFC weakly correlated with IMR (r=0.40, p&lt;0.001) and was not correlated with CFR (Pearson r=-0.03, p=0.73). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for cTFC to identify abnormal IMR (AUC = 0.64), CFR (AUC = 0.55), CMD (AUC = 0.59), and CMD endotypes of abnormal IMR with normal CFR (AUC = 0.65), abnormal CFR with normal IMR (AUC = 0.58), abnormal IMR and CFR (AUC = 0.54). Conclusions: Coronary slow flow by angiography was not a reliable indicator of CMD defined by abnormal IMR and/or CFR. Correlations between cTFC and IMR were poor and no correlation with CFR was observed. These findings raise questions regarding the relevance of coronary slow flow at baseline to assess microvascular pathology causing INOCA.

Abstract 14966: Happy Heart Syndrome: The Mid-Ventricular Variant of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Triggered by Pleasant Experiences

Introduction: A joyful event triggered chest pain in an elderly woman, leading to the diagnosis of a mid-ventricular variant of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). Case presentation: A 65-year-old woman experienced chest pain during a surprise retirement party. The initial electrocardiogram revealed T-wave inversions in leads V1 and V2, and her troponin I level was 6700 ng/ml. A coronary angiogram did not reveal any occlusion in the coronary arteries. However, the left ventriculogram exhibited findings consistent with the mid-ventricular variant of TC. The patient was treated with a diuretic, a beta-blocker, and an ACE inhibitor. A follow-up echocardiogram was scheduled after four weeks. Discussion: TC typically manifests with abnormal apical wall motion on the left ventriculogram, causing "apical ballooning" at end-systole and basal hyperkinesis, unrelated to specific major epicardial coronary artery distribution. Among patients presenting with symptoms resembling acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a study reported that 1.2% showed TC, with 60% exhibiting regional dysfunction in both apical and midventricular regions. In comparison, 40% had isolated dysfunction in the midventricular area. Other rare variants of TC have also been documented, including the inverted Takotsubo or basal variant, biventricular apical dysfunction, and isolated right ventricular Takotsubo syndrome. In a recent study, TC triggered by positive experiences ("happy heart syndrome"), the mid-ventricular variant was found to occur more frequently, representing 35% of the cases. The treatment for TC includes standard management of heart failure and regular follow-up echocardiography is recommended for surveillance. Conclusion: In cardiology, the often-overlooked atypical patterns of left ventricular dysfunction in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) and the challenges of diagnosing TC in patients with diverse emotional triggers pose difficulties.

The relationship of diagonal earlobe crease (Frank's sign) and obstructive coronary artery disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) play an important role in the clinical evaluation of patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD). The utility of the diagonal earlobe crease (DELC) in predicting the presence of CAD is controversial. To investigate the association between DELC, traditional CVD risk factors, and obstructive CAD. This prospective study included 1377 patients (mean age 65 ± 10years, 64% male) who underwent invasive coronary angiography for suspected acute or chronic coronary syndromes. In addition to routine clinical assessment, all patients underwent visual examination of both earlobes for the presence of DELC. All assessments were made by three independent readers, with amajority vote in the case of disagreement. Obstructive CAD was defined by invasive coronary angiography as > 50% stenosis of the left main coronary artery or > 70% stenosis in any other major epicardial coronary artery. Bilateral DELC was observed more frequently in patients with obstructive CAD than in those without it (67% vs. 33%, p = 0.022). In the multivariate logistic regression model, bilateral DELC was independently associated with CAD (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.74), along with smoking (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.44-2.38), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.29-2.15), male sex (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.61-2.58), and dyslipidemia (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12-2.30); however, the diagnostic accuracy of DELC was modest and resembled that of traditional CVD risk factors. Despite being independently associated with obstructive CAD, DELC is not areliable stand-alone clinical marker of CAD due to modest diagnostic accuracy.

Inquiring about the link between urotensin-II and coronary collateral development in coronary artery patients with and without diabetes

Aims: Coronary collateral circulation consists of vascular channels activated to maintain perfusion in major epicardial coronary arteries in severe stenosis or occlusion. Yet, coronary collateral development (CCD) in diabetic patients was previously proven to be poor. Urotesin-II (U-II) is famous for being the most potent vasoconstrictor agent, and plasma levels are known to elevate in diabetic patients and play an important role in diabetic complications. In this study, we inquired about the link between U-II levels and the development of coronary collaterals between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).&#x0D; Methods: We recruited 31 diabetic and 30 non-diabetic patients with 95% or more coronary artery stenosis or occlusion and considered Rentrop’s classification for grading collaterals. In this sense, while Rentrop grades 0-1 are regarded as poor CCD, Rentrop grades 2-3 correspond to well-developed collaterals. Moreover, we compared the patients’ serum levels of U-II by the degree of CCD.&#x0D; Results: The findings revealed that demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups (p &gt;0.05). Although CCD seemed worse in diabetic patients than those without diabetes (DM), the finding was not statistically significant. However, the diabetic patients had significantly higher U-II levels than non-diabetic patients (388.1±314.2 vs. 229.8±216.9, p=0.026). Despite not being significant, U-II levels were higher in patients with poor CCD than those with well-developed collaterals in the non-diabetic group (370.6±298; 178.6±158.3, p=0.2). In the diabetic group, on the other hand, U-II levels were significantly higher in patients with poor CCD and significantly lower in patients with good CCD (582.7±316.4 and 180.4±121.6, respectively; p

Short outcome in Patients with Non–ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) after multi-vessel Percutaneous Intervention

Background: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) presents a significant clinical challenge, particularly in the context of multi-vessel disease (MVD), which complicates patient management and impacts prognosis. The variability in short-term outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for NSTEMI patients with MVD necessitates a deeper understanding of the associated risk factors and outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors and short-term clinical outcomes of NSTEMI patients after multi-vessel PCI, identifying predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiac death within this population. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2022 to December 2022, including 100 NSTEMI patients who underwent multi-vessel PCI. The Institute Review Board approved the study, adhering to the Declaration of Helsinki. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were collected. Multi-vessel disease was defined by ≥50% narrowing in the left main coronary artery or ≥70% in at least two major epicardial coronary arteries. Statistical analysis employed SPSS Version 25.0, with Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses determining the impact of various predictors on short-term outcomes. Results: The mean age of participants was 65.6 ± 10.5 years, with a BMI of 22.75 ± 4.67 kg/m^2. Diabetic and ischemic heart disease prevalence was 30.4% and 26.9%, respectively. Multi-vessel disease was observed in 66.2% of patients. Short-term mortality and MACE rates were significantly influenced by factors such as age, lower BMI, renal dysfunction, and left ventricular dysfunction. The cumulative incidence of MACE within 30 days post-PCI was notably higher in patients with these risk factors. Conclusion: NSTEMI patients undergoing multi-vessel PCI face a significant risk of short-term adverse outcomes. Key predictors of increased risk include advanced age, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and renal dysfunction. Tailored management strategies focusing on these high-risk groups are essential for improving short-term prognosis.

Incremental value of epicardial fat volume on predicting obstructive coronary artery disease with myocardial ischemia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial fat volume (EFV) and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with myocardial ischemia, and evaluate the incremental value of EFV on top of traditional risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) in predicting obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and single photon emission computerized tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from March 2018 to November 2019 were consecutively enrolled. EFV and CAC were measured by non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Obstructive CAD was defined as coronary artery stenosis≥50% in at least one of the major epicardial coronary arteries, and myocardial ischemia was defined as reversible perfusion defects in stress and rest MPI. Obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia was defined in patients with coronary stenosis severity≥50% and reversible perfusion defects in the corresponding areas of SPECT-MPI. Patients with myocardial ischemia bot without obstructive CAD were defined as none-obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group. We collected and compared the general clinical data, CAC and EFV between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the relationship between EFV and obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. ROC curves were performed to determine whether addition of EFV improved predictive value beyond traditional risk factors and CAC for obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. Results: Among the 164 patients with suspected CAD, 111 patients were males, and average age was (61.4±9.9) years old. 62 (37.8%) patients were included into the obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group. 102 (62.2%) patients were included into the none-obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group. EFV was significantly higher in obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group than in none-obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group ((135.63±33.29)cm3 and (105.18±31.16)cm3, P<0.01). Univariate regression analysis showed the risk of obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia increased by 1.96 times for each SD increase in EFV(OR 2.96; 95%CI, 1.89-4.62; P<0.01). After adjustment for traditional risk factors and CAC, EFV remained as an independent predictor for obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia (OR, 4.48, 95%CI, 2.17-9.23; P<0.01). Addition of EFV to CAC and traditional risk factors was related to larger AUC for predicting obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia (0.90 vs. 0.85, P=0.04, 95%CI: 0.85-0.95) and the global chi-square increased by 21.81 (P<0.05). Conclusions: EFV is an independent predictor for obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. Addition of EFV to traditional risk factors and CAC has incremental value for predicting obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia in this patient cohort.

Evaluation of Nonculprit Coronary Artery Lesions in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ABSTRACT Background: Multivessel coronary artery disease is a common finding during the primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It might be a cause for recurrent attacks. This study aimed to evaluate nonculprit lesions (NCLs) encountered in the three major epicardial coronary arteries. Methods: Patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI and matched the study inclusion criteria were enrolled. They were evaluated clinically, biomedically, and coronary angiographically. The coronary angiography analysis was examined by four cardiologists using the Quantitative Coronary Artery Analysis software. The data was analyzed statistically. Results: Of the 154 patients included in the study, 130 (84.4%) were males and 24 (15.6%) were females, with a mean age of 52.92 ± 13.14 years. Five hundred seventy-four NCLs were found in 132 (85.7%) patients. Nonobstructive lesions with stenosis less than 70% of vessel diameter were more frequent than obstructive lesions. The left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) was the first one of the three major arteries to be affected by obstructive NCLs. The obstructive NCLs were 128 in number; found in 78 (50.4%) patients; 65 (50.8%) of them were in LCX; 32 (25%) were in left anterior descending (25%); and 31 (24.2%) were in right coronary artery. Conclusions: NCLs are common among STEMI patients. LCX obstructive NCLs are comparable to those in the other two major epicardial coronary arteries, with respect to frequency and severity of luminal stenosis.

Triglyceride glucose index is associated with obstructive coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients

BackgroundHypertension is a leading risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Triglyceride glucose index (TyG) is a surrogate of insulin resistance (IR). Few studies explore the association between TyG and the incidence of obstructive CAD (OCAD) in hypertensive patients.MethodsWe retrospectively screened 1841 hypertensive subjects who were free of a history of CAD and underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) because of chest pain. TyG index was calculated as ln (fasting TG [mg/dL] * fasting glucose [mg/dL]/2). The outcome of this research was OCAD, which was defined as the presence of diameter stenosis ≥ 50% in any of the four major epicardial coronary arteries detected on CCTA.ResultsA total of 310 (16.8%) patients developed obstructive CAD. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed a J-shaped relationship between TyG and OCAD and the OR for OCAD increased as the TyG rose over 8.61 (OR perSD) 1.64, 95% CI 1.13–2.54, p = 0.008). After full adjustments for confounding covariates, patients with TyG index in tertile 3 (T3) had 2.12 times (95% CI 1.80 to 3.81) and in T2 had 2.01 times (95% CI 1.40 to 2.88) as high as the risk of OCAD compared with patients in T1 (p for trend = 0.001). When regarding TyG as a continuous variable, 1-SD increase elevated 49% (OR (95%CI), 1.49 (1.30–1.74)) risk of obstructive CAD (p = 0.007). This positive effect was still consistent across the subgroups (p for interaction > 0.05).ConclusionTyG index was associated with the incidence of obstructive CAD in hypertensive patients.

A Comprehensive Review of Left Ventricular Summit Ventricular Arrhythmias.

The catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias is accepted as a first-line treatment as it successfully eliminates about 90.0% of such arrhythmias. One of the most challenging ventricular arrhythmias originates from the left ventricular summit (LVS), a triangular epicardial space with the left main bifurcation as its apex. This area accounts for about 14.0% of LV arrhythmias. The complex anatomy of this region, accompanied by proximity to the major epicardial coronary arteries and the presence of a thick fat pad in this region, renders it a challenging area for catheter ablation. This article presents a review of the anatomy of the LVS and relevant regions and discusses novel mapping and ablation techniques for eliminating LVS ventricular arrhythmias. Additionally, we elaborate on the electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestations of arrhythmias from the LVS and their successful ablation via the direct approach and the adjacent structures.

Assessment of the Relationship Between the Adropin Levels and the Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients wıth Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

ResumoFundamento A circulação colateral coronária (CCC) proporciona um fluxo sanguíneo alternativo a tecido miocárdico exposto a isquemia e ajuda a preservar as funções miocárdicas. A produção endotelial de óxido nítrico (NO) e o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) foram apontados como os fatores mais importantes no desenvolvimento da CCC. A adropina é um hormônio peptídeo responsável pela hemostasia energética, e é conhecida por seus efeitos positivos no endotélio por NO e VEGF.Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a associação entre adropina e a presença de CCC em pacientes com síndrome coronariana crônica (SCC)Métodos Um total de 102 pacientes com SCC, que tinham oclusão total de pelo menos 1 artéria coronária epicárdica importante, foram incluídos no estudo e foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo de pacientes (n: 50) com CCC ruim (Rentrop 0-1) e o grupo de pacientes (n: 52) com CCC boa (Rentrop 2-3). O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 5%.Resultados Os níveis médios de adropina identificados foram 210,83±17,76 pg/mL e 268,25±28,94 pg/mL nos grupos com CCC ruim e boa, respectivamente (p<0,001). Detectou-se que os níveis de adropina têm correlação com as razões neutrófilo-linfócito (r: 0,17, p: 0,04) e com os escores de Rentrop (r: 0,76, p<0,001), e correlação negativa com idade (r: -0,23, p: 0,01) e com os escores Gensini (r: -0,19, p: 0,02). O nível de adropina é um preditor independente da boa evolução da CCC (RC: 1.12, IC 95%: (1,06–1,18), p<0,001).Conclusão Este estudo sugere que os níveis de adropina podem ser um fator associado à de CCC em pacientes com SCC.

Missing the Goal With the 2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization

On December 9, 2021, the updated American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (ACC/AHA/SCAI) Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization was released.1 A notable surprise was a downgrade in the class of recommendation for the use of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD), normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and significant stenoses in 3 major epicardial coronary arteries.

Marked variation in atherosclerotic plaque progression between the major epicardial coronary arteries.

Atherosclerosis develops progressively and worsens over time, yet event risk patterns vary in the left circumflex (LCx), right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending (LAD). The aim of this analysis was to examine varying progressive disease alterations between the three major coronary arteries. Patients were included from a prospective, international registry of consecutive patients who underwent serial CCTA at a median interval of 3.3 years. Annual progression of quantitative total and compositional plaque volume were compared between the three coronary arteries (LCx, LAD, and RCA). Other analyses compared stenosis ≥50% and new high-risk plaque (HRP; ≥2 of the following: spotty calcification, positive remodelling, napkin-ring sign, and low-attenuation plaque) on follow-up. Generalized estimating equations and marginal Cox regression models were used to compare progression, with covariate adjustment by the baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, statin use, and plaque burden. Quantitative plaque measurements were calculated in 1344 patients (age 60 ± 9 years, 57% men). Plaque progression occurred less often in the LCx (41.0%) as compared to the RCA (52.7%) and LAD (77.4%, P &lt; 0.001). Odds for annual plaque burden increase ≥population mean were 1.98- and 1.43-fold as high in the LAD (P &lt; 0.001) and RCA (P &lt; 0.001) as compared to the LCx. Similarly, the LAD was associated with a 2.45 higher risk of progression to obstructive CAD (P &lt; 0.001), as compared to the LCx; with no differences between the RCA and LCx (P = 0.13). New HRP lesions formed least often in the LCx (3.4%), followed by the RCA (8.1%) and most often in the LAD (10.1%; P &lt; 0.001). Our findings reveal novel insights into varied patterns of atherosclerotic plaque progression within the LCx as compared to the other epicardial coronary arteries. These varied patterns reflect differing stages in the disease process or differing pathogenic milieu across the coronary arteries.