Minimal Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

Impact of DM on clinical outcomes in patients with CAD diagnosed by CCTA

Abstract Background/Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and prognosis. The DM patients with normal coronary artery on coronary CT angiography had good prognosis, however the prognosis of mild and moderate CAD was not fully elucidated. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of DM on clinical outcomes in patients with mild and moderate CAD diagnosed by coronary CT angiography. Methods A total of 6014 patients underwent CCTA were prospectively enrolled and the 1126 patients with minimal and intermediate CAD were analyzed. Patients were categorized according to maximal severity of coronary artery stenosis: minimal CAD (31 to 50%) and intermediate CAD (51 to 70%). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, or cardiac hospitalization. Results Nine hundred eighty-five patients had minimal CAD and 141 patients had intermediate CAD. The DM patients were 307 (31.2%) in the minimal CAD group and 52 (36.9%) in the intermediate CAD group. During the follow-up period (median 18.9 months [interquartile range: 7.8 to 34.6 months]), there is no significant difference of the risk of MACE between the non-DM and DM patients in the minimal CAD group (26.9% vs. 32.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.49; p=0.79). However, compared with the non-DM patients, the DM patients significantly increased the risk of MACE in the intermediate CAD group (36.5% vs. 63.2%; adjusted HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.18-4.77; p=0.02). Conclusion The prognosis of the DM patients was similar with the non-DM patients in the minimal CAD group. However, the DM patients had worse clinical outcomes compared with the non-DM patients in the intermediate CAD group.Study design and clinical outcomeKaplan-Meier curves of event rate for MA

Abstract 12299: Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Minimal and Intermediate Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosed by Coronary Ct Angiography

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and prognosis. The DM patients with normal coronary artery on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) had good prognosis, however the prognosis of minimal and intermediate CAD was not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of DM on clinical outcomes in patients with minimal and intermediate CAD diagnosed by CCTA. Methods: A total of 6014 patients underwent CCTA were prospectively enrolled and the 1126 patients with minimal and intermediate CAD were analyzed. Patients were categorized according to maximal severity of coronary artery stenosis: minimal CAD (31 to 50%) and intermediate CAD (51 to 70%). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, or cardiac hospitalization. Results: Nine hundred eighty-five patients had minimal CAD and 141 patients had intermediate CAD. The DM patients were 307 (31.2%) in the minimal CAD group and 52 (36.9%) in the intermediate CAD group. During the follow-up period (median 18.9 months [interquartile range: 7.8 to 34.6 months]), there is no significant difference of the risk of MACE between the non-DM and DM patients in the minimal CAD group (26.9% vs. 32.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.49; p =0.79). However, compared with the non-DM patients, the DM patients significantly increased the risk of MACE in the intermediate CAD group (36.5% vs. 63.2%; adjusted HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.18-4.77; p =0.02). Conclusions: The prognosis of the DM patients was similar with the non-DM patients in the minimal CAD group. However, the DM patients had worse clinical outcomes compared with the non-DM patients in the intermediate CAD group.

Abstract 10542: The Utility of Repeat Coronary Angiography in Patients With Non Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Up to 20% of angiograms reveal no coronary artery disease (CAD). Repeat studies are often done for chest pain, dyspnea, or reduction in ejection fraction (EF), but little is known about the diagnostic yield of this practice. Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with no or minimal CAD on their first angiography (<30% stenosis) and a repeat angiography in the last 5 years were included in the study. Results: There were 17 patients with no CAD and 26 patients with mild CAD on initial angiography, with 58 incidences of repeat angiography over an average follow-up of 5.4 years. The average time between procedures was 3.07 ± 1.83 years. Of these, 13 (30.2%) patients had demonstratable progression of CAD, and 8 (18.6%) patients ultimately required PCI. Findings on initial angiogram were associated with CAD progression (p=0.01) but not with intervention requirement (p=0.18), with the odds of new CAD in those with normal coronaries on first angiogram 0.07 (95% C.I. 0.008-0.634, p=0.005). Neither a low EF (<50%) (n=21) nor a drop in EF by >10% (n=17) was associated with CAD progression or PCI. The 8 patients that required PCI presented with STEMI (n=3), NSTEMI (n=3), and unstable angina (n=2). Only one patient with normal coronaries on initial angiography required PCI, after presenting with a STEMI 4 years later and found to have distal LAD thrombotic occlusion with otherwise no coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Repeat angiography had a low yield in our patient population. A drop in EF by >10% was not associated with new findings on repeat angiography or revascularization. Larger studies are needed to investigate if a drop in EF requires invasive testing.

Effect of Post-Transplant Cardiac Angiographic Procedures on Post-Transplant Renal Function

Cardiac interventions often are performed before and after renal transplant for coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether post-transplant cardiac coronary procedures affect post-transplant renal function. We retrospectively included renal transplant recipients who underwent renal transplant procedures at Baskent University between April 28, 1997 and January 20, 2020. We analyzed the effect of cardiac catheterization in renal transplant recipients between 6 and 12 months post-transplant with post-transplant renal function assessed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We compared the effect of the type of coronary intervention on GFR change in group 1, whereby group 1 was divided into 2 subgroups (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] and stenting). Group 1 included patients who underwent cardiac intervention, whereas group 2 included those who had not undergone cardiac intervention. In all, 108 patients underwent coronary angiography; 45 (41.7%) had normal coronaries or minimal coronary artery disease (CAD); 37 (34.3%) underwent stent implantation; 26 (24.1%) underwent CABG. The mean post- transplantation GFR of all patients after cardiac catheterization was 84.26+25.91 (mL/min/1.73 m2). The final, after 12 months mean GFR of all patients was 69.55+27.05. The final GFR was significantly lower than the initial post-renal GFR value in patients who underwent cardiac intervention but not in non-intervened patients. Invasive cardiac revascularization procedures showed a negative effect on post-transplant renal function in renal transplant recipients. All renal transplant recipients who underwent cardiac intervention survived the intervention, and there was no mortality. The reason for this outcome was assumed to be because of the short follow-up period.

Lipoprotein(a) as predictor of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in a multi-ethnic Asian population

Background and aimsThe role of Lp(a) in multi-ethnic Asian populations with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been well established. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate whether Lp(a) is a predictor of CAD, and (ii) amongst patients with CAD, to ascertain whether Lp(a) is a predictor of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and severity of CAD. MethodsWe compared three cardiovascular phenotypes from patients recruited at coronary angiography. CAD was defined as ≥50% coronary artery stenosis and subdivided into a group with AMI history (CAD+AMI+) and a group without (CAD+AMI-). Minimal CAD group (CAD-) was defined as normal or <30% coronary artery stenosis and no AMI. The severity of CAD was defined using the modified Gensini score. ResultsWe studied 2025 patients comprising 94.5% men and 61.4% of Chinese ethnicity. The median Lp(a) level was highest in CAD+AMI+, followed by CAD+AMI- and CAD- (26.2, 20.1, and 15.8 nmol/L respectively). Similarly, the frequency of patients with Lp(a) ≥120 nmol/L were in the same order (11.8%, 9.1% and 2.4%). Lp(a) levels were highest among Asian Indians, followed by Malays and Chinese patients (p < 0.001). Lp(a) levels and Lp(a) ≥120 nmol/L were significant predictors of CAD (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.12 per 10 nmol/L increment, p < 0.001, and OR = 5.41 p = 0.004 respectively). Among patients with CAD, higher Lp(a) levels were associated with increased AMI risk (OR = 1.02 per 10 nmol/L increment, p = 0.024). Lp(a) ≥120 nmol/L was positively associated with CAD severity (p = 0.020). ConclusionsPlasma Lp(a) concentration is a positive predictor of CAD and AMI in a mostly male South East Asian population.

Abstract 11711: Quantification of Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease in the Pre/Peri-Menopausal Female Using Cardiac CTA

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs equally in males and females and is the most common cause of death in both genders worldwide. The pre/peri-menopausal female is believed to have minimal coronary atherosclerosis based primarily on non-invasive techniques, with limited coronary angiography data. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a more sensitive, non-invasive anatomical diagnostic tool for quantifying coronary atherosclerosis, but pre/peri-menopausal women have been underrepresented and underdiagnosed. The goal of this study was to quantify coronary atherosclerosis in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review on 510 females aged 35-60 presenting with atypical chest pain and shortness of breath. These were consecutive admissions in which CCTA was performed from January 2014 to December 2019. The degree of coronary atherosclerosis was quantified using the CAD-RADS scoring system. Results: Analysis showed 68.82% of patients had no evidence of coronary atherosclerosis. 4.31% had minimal CAD, 18.24% had mild CAD, 6.47% had moderate CAD and 2.16% were found to have severe CAD. Each category of stenosis typically had multiple vessels involved. Over 65% of patients were Non-Hispanic White, 27% Hispanic, 8% African American and 4% Asian. Less than 5% of patients were discharged with statin therapy. Conclusions: This is the first study to quantify coronary atherosclerosis in the pre/peri-menopausal female. Quantification was based on coronary angiograms obtained by CCTA, currently the most sensitive diagnostic imaging technique. Despite the perceived protective nature of the premenopausal state in women, 30% of patients had detectable CAD by CCTA. 10% had greater than 50% stenosis (moderate to severe CAD), suggesting the potential for future ischemic heart disease. So few patients were discharged on statin therapy, showing the paucity of guideline therapy used in this population. These results suggest targeting preventative therapy, even late in the pre or peri-menopausal stage, such as favorable lifestyle changes and reducing known modifiable cardiac risk factors, should significantly prevent the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and its subsequent sequelae in menopause.

Case Series: Is Minimal Coronary Artery Disease a Prognostic Indicator in Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Background The aim of this study was to study the prognostic implications of minimal coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) in terms of mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure. Methods One-hundred sixty-three patients with DCMP were recruited for this study. Out of these, 61.9% (n = 101; 62.4% men) patients were without associated minimal CAD and 38% (n = 62; 66.1% men) with associated minimal CAD (stenosis &lt; 50%), and their risk factor profile was noted. These patients were followed for 30 months, with mortality being the primary endpoint, and hospitalization secondary to cardiac decompensation in the form of heart failure was denoted as the secondary endpoint. Results In our study, independent significant predictors of CAD were age (p = 0.002), hypertension (p = 0.001), diabetes (p &lt; 0.001), and smoking (p = 0.023). The presence of minimal CAD in DCMP patients as a predictor of mortality was not significant (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–4.62, p = 0.303); however, it was a significant predictor of hospitalization secondary to cardiac decompensation (OR: 6.78, 95% CI: 2.28–20.13, p = 0.001). Conclusions Minimal CAD was observed in 38% of DCMP patients. The risk factor profile predicting CAD in DCMP patients was the same as that of the general population. The presence of minimal CAD in DCMP patients was not associated with mortality. However, it was associated with hospitalization secondary to cardiac decompensation in the form of heart failure.

Takotsubo Syndrome Associated with Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Case Report

Since the 1960s, benzodiazepines have been a clinical mainstay, utilized for sedation, anxiety, and withdrawal states. Between 1996 and 2013 alone, benzodiazepine prescriptions increased annually by 2.5%. Rather than risk symptoms of withdrawal such as muscle pain and severe cardiomyopathy, patients must be properly informed about how to taper their medications. A 75-year-old female with a history of anxiety, hypertension, lupus, and degenerative disc disease presented with palpitations, mid-sternal chest pain, diaphoresis, and progressive shortness of breath. The patient was found to have elevated troponins (peak troponin of 1.45) and EKG showed sinus rhythm and ST segment abnormalities. The patient stated that her chest pain started 24 hours ago, 48 hours after she had stopped taking lorazepam which she had been taking for the past 50 years for anxiety. Her PCP gave her a plan to taper down the dose of lorazepam safely, but the patient opted to stop “cold turkey.” Due to the patient’s typical chest pain and elevating troponin level, ACS protocol was initiated. Initial echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 35-40% with hypokinesis of the anterioseptal wall with impaired left ventricular diastolic filling. The cardiology team performed a catheterization which showed minimal coronary artery disease and no significant stenosis in the left anterior descending artery. Within the next few days, the patient’s chest pain resolved and her troponins were negative. The medical team concluded that the physical stress from withdrawing from benzodiazepine caused the patient to go into Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. This case illustrates the risks involved with benzodiazepine in an era of polypharmacy. More importantly, this case illustrates the strong need to taper benzodiazepines properly. Because this patient had taken a benzodiazepine for 50 years, the tapering should have been as slow as possible. The result was Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Fragmented QRS as a marker of coronary atherosclerosis severity evaluated by the Gensini score

BackgroundQRS fragmentation (fQRS) represents a marker of local myocardial fibrosis, especially in patients with CAD (coronary artery disease). However, little is known about the association between fQRS and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis as defined by the Gensini score. ObjectiveTo identify the angiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with suspected CAD depending on the location and extent of fQRS. MethodsA total of 178 patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in the study. fQRS was defined as the presence of RSR’ and/or notching of the R/S wave (if QRS<120ms) or≥2 notches of the R/S wave (if QRS≥120ms). All patients were divided into three groups: non-fQRS; fQRS in 1-2 and≥3 leads. ResultsStatistically significant differences in the LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction, P=0.009) and the degree of coronary atherosclerosis severity (P=0.008) were found among 3 groups. The median Gensini score was 7 in non-fQRS group (minimal CAD) and >20 in other groups (severe CAD). Both the anterior and lateral fQRS groups had a lower LVEF compared to no fQRS (P=0.039 and P=0.01, respectively). The median Gensini score was significantly higher in case of the lateral fQRS (P=0.037). fQRS in≥1 lead was associated with coronary occlusion (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.1, P=0.038). ConclusionsThe presence of fQRS, particularly in lateral leads, can be a useful noninvasive marker of severe coronary atherosclerosis. Patients with≥1 fragmented lead have a lower LVEF, a higher Gensini score and a two-fold increased risk of occlusion.

Impact of Coronary CT angiography in combination with CAD-RADS on the management of coronary artery disease patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Siemens Healthineers Introduction Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) plays an increasing role in the detection and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The Coronary Artery Disease – Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) allows for standardized classification of CCTA results and, thus, may improve patient management. Purpose Aim of this study was to assess the impact of CCTA in combination with CAD-RADS on patient management and to identify the impact of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) on CAD severity. Methods CCTA was performed on a third-generation dual-source CT scanner in patients, who were referred to a radiology centre by their attending physicians. In a total of 4801 patients, CVRF were derived from medical reports and anamnesis. Results The study population consisted of 4770 patients (62.0 (54.0-69.0) years, 2841 males) with CAD (CAD-RADS 1-5), while 31 patients showed no CAD and were excluded from further analyses. Age, male gender and the number of CVRF were associated with more severe CAD stages (all p &amp;lt; 0.001). 3040 patients (63.7 %) showed minimal or mild CAD requiring optimization of CVRF i.e. medical therapy but no further assessment at his time. A group of 266 patients (5.6 %) had a severe CAD defined as CAD-RADS 4B/5. In the multivariate regression analysis, age, male gender, history of smoking, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia were significant predictors for severe CAD, whereas arterial hypertension and family history of CAD did not reach significance. Of note, a subgroup of 28 patients (10.5 %) with a severe CAD (68.5 (65.5-70.0) years, 26 males, both p = n.s.) had no CVRF. Conclusions CCTA in combination with the CAD-RADS allowed for effective risk stratification of CAD patients. The majority of the patients showed non-obstructive CAD and, thus, could be treated conservatively without the need for further CAD assessment. CVRF out of arterial hypertension and family history had an impact on CAD severity reflected in higher CAD-RADs gradings. Of note, a relevant fraction of patients with CAD did not have any CVRF and, thus, may not be covered by risk stratification models. CAD-RADS n Age (years) Males (%) 1 1453 56.0 (50.0-62.0) 623 (42.9 %) 2 1587 62.0 (55.0-69.0) 918 (57.8 %) 3 1067 66.0 (59.0-71.0) 749 (70.2 %) 4A 397 66.0 (59.0-72.0) 317 (79.8 %) 4B 162 67.0 (61.0-74.0) 139 (85.8 %) 5 104 66.0 (58.5.0-77.0) 95 (91.3 %)

Combining minimal risk stratification and prediction of obstructive CAD – clinical utility of a dual pre-test probability model

Abstract Background The recently updated pre-test probability (PTP) model for diagnosing chronic coronary syndrome suggested by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) was designed to predict the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition to this model, identification of non-obstructive CAD and utilization of preventive interventions may also lower rates of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction. Opposite to the ESC PTP, the minimal risk tool (MRT) is a new model developed to identify individuals without CAD but symptoms suggestive of CAD. We explored a combined use of the 2 models to predict the absence or presence of obstructive CAD. Methods This was a sub-study of the Danish study of Non-Invasive testing in Coronary Artery Disease (Dan-NICAD) which included patients with low-intermediate PTP of CAD. Minimal risk was defined as having a coronary calcium score of 0, no evidence of coronary atherosclerosis at coronary computed tomography angiography, and no cardiovascular (CV) events defined as myocardial infarction, death or revascularization in the mean observation period of 3.1 [2.7–3.4] years. Obstructive CAD was defined as a fractional flow reserve &amp;lt;0.80 in a major vessel during invasive coronary angiography (ICA) or a high-grade stenosis by visual assessment (&amp;gt;90% lumen reduction). The risk factors included in the MRT were age, sex, smoking history, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, family history of premature CAD, hypertension, symptoms related to stress, and high-density lipoprotein concentration. Based on a point-system ranging from 0–5, the MRT and the ESC PTP were combined (dual-PTP) (figure 1). A dual-PTP ≤1 indicated very low risk. Using both minimal risk and obstructive CAD as references, the dual PTP was compared to the MRT and the ESC PTP through tests of model discrimination. Results Of the 1544 eligible patients, 710 (46%) had normal coronary arteries and no CV events. Obstructive CAD was diagnosed in 152 (10%). Equivalent to a dual-PTP &amp;lt;1 point, 209 patients with ESC PTP&amp;lt;5% and MRT&amp;gt;50% or ESC PTP 5–15% and MRT &amp;gt;75% were classified as very low risk. Of these patients, 84% were at true minimal risk (red area figure 1). Furthermore, only 6 patients would have been diagnosed with obstructive CAD at ICA, and 0 events would be missed. The dual-PTP was non-inferior to the MRT and the ESC PTP in identifying patients having minimal risk and obstructive CAD, respectively (minimal risk: c-statistics 0.74 (0.72–0.77) vs. 0.76 (0.73–0.78); obstructive CAD: c-statistics 0.66 (0.62–0.70) vs. (0.67 (0.63–0.72)). The dual-PTP was superior to the ESC PTP in discriminating patients at minimal risk (c-statistics 0.74 (0.72–0.77) vs. 0.69 (0.67–0.71). Conclusions Combining the ESC PTP and the MRT, the dual-PTP seems to enable accurate prediction of both patients with minimal risk and patients with obstructive CAD. Based on the dual-PTP, patients can safely be deferred from or referred for diagnostic testing Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Aarhus University, Health Research Fund of Central Denmark Region

Is minimal coronary artery disease a prognostic indicator in dilated cardiomyopathy

Is minimal coronary artery disease a prognostic indicator in dilated cardiomyopathy

Coronary Artery Disease Screening Using CT Coronary Angiography.

BACKGROUND: The increased utility of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) in cardiovascular screenings of aircrew has led to the increased detection of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). A systematic review of studies relevant to the interpretation of CTCA for the occupational fitness assessment of high-risk vocations was performed, with findings used to describe the development of a pathway for the aeromedical disposition of military aviators with asymptomatic CAD.METHODS: Medline was searched using the terms CT coronary angiogram and screening and prognosis. The inclusion criteria were restricted to study populations ages > 18 yr, were asymptomatic, were not known to have CAD, had undergone CTCA, and with their associations with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and other relevant cardiac outcomes reported.RESULTS: Included in this systematic review were 10 studies. When compared to subjects with no or nonobstructive CAD, those with obstructive CAD on CTCA had hazard ratios (HR) for cardiac events ranging from 1.42 to 105.48. Comparing subjects with nonobstructive CAD and those without CAD on CTCA, a lower HR of 1.19 for cardiac events was found. The annual event rates of subjects with no CAD on CTCA were extremely low, ranging from 0 to 0.5%.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, we suggest that CTCA should only be performed in aircrew with higher cardiac risk profiles. Those found to have no CAD or minimal CAD (i.e., 25% stenosis) in a non-left main coronary artery on CTCA can be returned to flying duties. All other results should be further evaluated with an invasive angiogram.Cheong RWL, See B, Tan BBC, Koh CH. Coronary artery disease screening using CT coronary angiography. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(10):812817.

75-Year-Old Woman With Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath

75-Year-Old Woman With Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath

P873Plasma PCSK9 levels and atherosclerosis burden in the coronary arteries of patients undergoing coronary angiography

Abstract Background Plasma PCSK9 levels, a novel and effective therapeutic target for CVD prevention, have been associated with CVD events irrespective of traditional risk factors. Whether PCSK9 levels predict coronary artery disease (CAD) burden and severity is a matter of dispute. Purpose To investigate the association between plasma PCSK9 levels and CAD characteristics, including number of major diseased vessels, severity of coronary stenosis, and the burden of coronary calcifications. Methods One hundred and one patients undergoing coronary angiography were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The number of major coronary diseased vessels was defined as the presence of ≥1 stenoses ≥50% in diameter of at least one major coronary artery. CAD severity was defined as either the absence of coronary stenosis (no-CAD), CAD&lt;50% or CAD≥50% in one or more coronary arteries. The burden of coronary calcifications was estimated by angiography visual inspection and classified as absent, mild, moderate or severe. Results Coronary angiography showed single, double and triple vessel disease in 26 (25.7%), 23 (22.8%) and 21 (20.8%) patients, respectively; 20 (19.8%) and 11 (10.9%) pts had either minimal CAD (&lt;50%) or normal angiographic findings. Also, calcifications were absent in 65 patients (64.4%), and mild, moderate and severe in 23 (22.8%), 11 (10.9%) and 2 (2%) patients, respectively. Plasma PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with age (rho=0.22, p=0.025) and SBP (rho=0.21, p=0.034), and were almost doubled in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as compared to those without CKD [164.6 ng/mL (104.6–187.0) vs 94.8 ng/mL (86.8–114.9), p=0.006]. Among patients without CKD, those with CAD≥50% had higher plasma PCSK9 levels than those without [97.1 ng/mL (87.8–143.0) vs 83.2 ng/mL (73.4–102.6), p=0.04]. In the overall population, higher plasma PCSK9 levels were found in pts with triple vessel disease [165.7 ng/mL (121.3–180.5)] than in those with double/single vessel involvement [97.9 ng/mL (87.6–99.8) and 88.4 ng/mL (87.3–97.4), p&lt;0.001 for both comparisons] or without CAD [87.5 ng/mL (74.3–114.9), p&lt;0.001]. Also, a trend toward an increase of plasma PCSK9 levels was found with higher CAD severity [no-CAD: 87.5 ng/mL (74.3–114.9), CAD&lt;50%: 89.1 ng/mL (78.9–105.3), CAD≥50%: 97.6 ng/mL (87.9–155.3), p=0.051], which turned significant after exclusion of CKD patients (p=0.042). Adjustment for age, sex, plasma LDL-cholesterol levels, statin use and CKD abolished the association between PCSK9 and CAD severity but not with the number of significantly diseased vessels and the burden of coronary calcifications. Conclusions Circulating PCSK9, whose plasma levels are significantly influenced by the presence of CKD, discriminates patients with significant coronary artery stenosis from those without CAD. In addition, both the number of diseased coronary vessels and total coronary calcifications are independently predicted by an elevated plasma PCSK9 level. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Optimal Blood Pressure Thresholds for Minimal Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Type 1 Diabetes.

We aimed to determine optimal blood pressure (BP) thresholds for minimizing coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in people with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) Study participants without known CAD at baseline (n = 605) were included and followed for 25 years. The associations of time-weighted BP measures (systolic BP [SBP], diastolic BP [DBP], and mean arterial pressure) with incident CAD were examined by using Cox models. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were summarized by different cut points of time-weighted BPs. Risk stratification analyses were then performed on the basis of BP (<120/80 vs. ≥120/80 mmHg) and HbA1c (<8% vs. ≥8%). Baseline mean age was 27 years. Half of the cohort were women and 98% were white. A dose-gradient association was observed for categorized time-weighted BPs and CAD. According to AUC, the optimal cut point for SBP was 120 mmHg and for DBP was 80 mmHg. BP ≥120/80 mmHg was associated with a 1.9 times (95% CI 1.4, 2.6) greater risk of developing CAD than that for BP <120/80 mmHg. Participants with good control of both BP and HbA1c had BP <120/80 mmHg and HbA1c <8%. Those with only high BP (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0 [95% CI 1.1, 3.9]) carried a similar risk of developing CAD as those with only high HbA1c (HR 1.6 [95% CI 0.97, 2.8]). The optimal BP threshold associated with minimal CAD risk is 120/80 mmHg in young adults with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.

Index of microvascular resistance to assess the effect of rosuvastatin on microvascular function in women with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease: A double-blind randomized study.

Many women undergoing coronary angiography for chest pain have no or only minimal coronary artery disease (CAD). However, despite the lack of obstructive CAD, they still have an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Pleiotropic effects of statins may influence microvascular function, but if statins improve microvascular function in unselected chest pain patients is not well studied. This study assessed microvascular function by using the thermodilution-derived test "the index of microvascular resistance" (IMR) with the aim of determining the (i) IMR level in women with chest pain and non-obstructive CAD and if (ii) IMR is modified by high-dose statin treatment in these patients. Additional objectives were to identify the influence of statins on the health status as assessed with generic health questionnaires and on biomarkers of endothelial activation. The study was a randomized, double-blind, single-center trial comparing 6 months of rosuvastatin treatment with placebo. In total, 66 women without obstructive CAD were included. Mean age was 52.7 years and 55.5 years in the placebo and rosuvastatin group, respectively. Microvascular function was assessed using the IMR, health status was assessed using the SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires, and biochemical values were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. In the placebo group IMR was 14.6 (SD 5.7) at baseline and 14.4 (SD 6.5) at follow-up. In the rosuvastatin group IMR was 16.5 (SD 7.5) at baseline and 14.2 (SD 5.8) at follow-up. IMR did not differ significantly between the two study groups at follow-up controlled for preintervention values. C-reactive protein (CRP) was comparable between the groups at baseline, while at follow-up CRP was significantly lower in the rosuvastatin group compared to placebo [0.6 (±0.5) mg/L vs. 2.6 (±3.0) mg/L; p = 0.002]. Whereas rosuvastatin treatment for 6 months attenuated CRP levels, it did not improve microvascular function as assessed by IMR (Clinical Trials.gov NCT01582165, EUDRACT 2011-002630-39.3tcAZ).

Wasp sting induced STEMI with complete coronary artery occlusion: a case of Kounis syndrome

A 45-year-old previously healthy man with minimal coronary artery disease on imaging presented with an acute MI after sustaining a wasp sting following previous non-eventful exposures throughout his life. This...

Visible Thrombus and Ruptured Plaque in Right Coronary Artery

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis are major pathophysiological mechanisms as cause of acute coronary syndromes. Patients with stable obstructive coronary artery disease may live for many years without any cardiovascular events through only risk factor modification and prompt medical treatment. However patients with minimal coronary artery disease may experience premature cardiovascular events moreover death. Thus, plaque stabilization may be much important rather than struggle with stenosis. We report a case of NSETMI with ruptured atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombosis as a culprit lesion in right coronary artery.

Antioxidant Activity of Heracleum persicum Fruit Extract: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTOxidative stress is a unifying feature of several cardiometabolic risk factors, and has been suggested to be implicated in atherogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of supplementation with Heracleum persicum fruit—a common dietary spice—in modulating systemic biomarkers of oxidative stress in subjects undergoing coronary angiography. Twenty-seven subjects with minimal coronary artery disease (CAD; defined as < 50% obstruction in the coronary arteries) were selected for this trial and were randomly allocated to Heracleum persicum hydroalcoholic fruit extract (n = 15; 300 mg/day) or placebo (n = 12) for a period of six months. Patients were visited monthly and asked to report the adverse events during the treatment period. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were determined at baseline and at the end of trial. Comparison of changes in the evaluated biomarkers of oxidative stress indicated a significantly greater effect of H. persicum extract versus placebo in reducing serum MDA (p = .001), and elevating GSH (p = .001), and TAC (p = .001) concentrations, as well as activities of GPx (p = .001) and CAT (p = .001). The groups were comparable with respect to changes in serum SOD activities during the course of trial (p = .255). The findings of the present randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial clearly support the efficacy of H. persicum fruit extract as a safe antioxidant supplement in subjects with minimal CAD.