Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

TCT-800 Outcomes of Guideline-Recommended Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Women With Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

TCT-800 Outcomes of Guideline-Recommended Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Women With Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

TCT-681 Impact of Antiplatelet Therapy on 5-Year Outcomes After Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Deferral of Revascularization in Nonsignificant Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Substudy of the J-CONFIRM Registry

TCT-681 Impact of Antiplatelet Therapy on 5-Year Outcomes After Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Deferral of Revascularization in Nonsignificant Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Substudy of the J-CONFIRM Registry

Coronary Plaque Radiomic Phenotypes Predict Fatal or Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction: Analysis of the SCOT-HEART Trial

BackgroundCoronary computed tomography (CT) angiography–derived attenuation-based plaque burden assessments can identify patients at risk of myocardial infarction. ObjectivesThis study sought to assess whether more detailed plaque morphology assessment using patient-based radiomic characterization could further enhance the identification of patients at risk of myocardial infarction during long-term follow-up. MethodsPost hoc analysis of coronary CT angiography was performed within the SCOT-HEART (Scottish Computed Tomography of the HEART) clinical trial. Coronary plaque segmentations were used to calculate plaque burdens and eigen radiomic features that described plaque morphology. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between clinical and image-based features and fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, whereas Harrell’s C-statistic and cumulative/dynamic area under the curve (AUC) values with cross-validation were used to evaluate prognostic performance. ResultsScans from 1,750 patients (aged 58 ± 9 years; 56% male) were analyzed. Over a median of 8.6 years of follow-up, 82 patients had a fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Among the eigen radiomic features, 15 were associated with myocardial infarction in univariable analysis, and 8 features retained their association following adjustment for cardiovascular risk score and plaque burden metrics. Adding plaque burden metrics to a clinical model incorporating cardiovascular risk score, Agatston score and presence of obstructive coronary artery disease had similar prediction performance (C-statistic 0.70 vs 0.70), whereas further addition of eigen radiomic features improved model performance (C-statistic 0.74). In temporal analysis, the model including eigen radiomic features had higher cumulative/dynamic AUC values following the fifth year of follow-up. ConclusionsRadiomics-based precision phenotyping of coronary plaque morphology provided improvements to long-term prediction of myocardial infarction by CT angiography over and above clinical factors and plaque burden. (Scottish Computed Tomography of the HEART [SCOT-HEART]; NCT01149590)

Prognostic significance of global electrical heterogeneity (GEH) parameters between coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD): a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundBoth coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) cause myocardial ischemia, making accurate diagnosis of CMD an unmet challenge. AimWe investigate whether electrocardiogram (ECG)-constructed global electrical heterogeneity (GEH) can differentiate CMD and OCAD. MethodsThis retrospective study comprised 74 OCAD and 77 CMD patients with their clinical characteristics and ECGs. QRS onset and offset, R-peak, and T-wave offset were marked on vector-magnitude (VM) derived from ECG-constructed time-coherent global XYZ median beats. 22 GEH parameters (i.e., QT Interval, area and peak QRS-T angles, the area under curve of QT interval on VM (AUC_QT_VM), the direction (azimuth and elevation) and magnitudes of the spatial peak and area vectors for QRS, T, and spatial ventricular gradient (SVG) were calculated and tested using logistic regression analyses to identify significant predictors. ResultsSix GEH parameters (i.e., QT Interval, Peak QRS Azimuth, Area QRS Azimuth, Area T Elevation, Area T, and Area SVG Elevation) were identified as significant predictors. After multivariable adjustment, AUC_QT_VM (odds ratio (OR) = 0.979, [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.964–0.995], P = 0.009), Area SVG Elevation (OR = 0.978, [95 % CI 0.959–0.998], P = 0.031), and QT Interval (OR = 1.014, [95 % CI 1.000–1.024], P = 0.010) were selected, with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.717 ([95 % CI 0.636–0.798], P < 0.0001) and accuracy of 0.645 on the training dataset and accuracy of 0.608 on the validation dataset. ConclusionsArea SVG Elevation and QT Interval could differentiate CMD and OCAD, indicating that our proposed GEH-based method may offer a new possibility and pathway for non-invasive detection of CMD.

Myocardial ischaemic syndromes: a new nomenclature to harmonize evolving international clinical practice guidelines.

Since the 1960s, cardiologists have adopted several binary classification systems for acute myocardial infarction (MI) that facilitated improved patient management. Conversely, for chronic stable manifestations of myocardial ischaemia, various classifications have emerged over time, often with conflicting terminology-e.g. 'stable coronary artery disease' (CAD), 'stable ischaemic heart disease', and 'chronic coronary syndromes' (CCS). While the 2019 European guidelines introduced CCS to impart symmetry with 'acute coronary syndromes' (ACS), the 2023 American guidelines endorsed the alternative term 'chronic coronary disease'. An unintended consequence of these competing classifications is perpetuation of the restrictive terms 'coronary' and 'disease', often connoting only a singular obstructive CAD mechanism. It is now important to advance a more broadly inclusive terminology for both obstructive and non-obstructive causes of angina and myocardial ischaemia that fosters conceptual clarity and unifies dyssynchronous nomenclatures across guidelines. We, therefore, propose a new binary classification of 'acute myocardial ischaemic syndromes' and 'non-acute myocardial ischaemic syndromes', which comprises both obstructive epicardial and non-obstructive pathogenetic mechanisms, including microvascular dysfunction, vasospastic disorders, and non-coronary causes. We herein retain accepted categories of ACS, ST-segment elevation MI, and non-ST-segment elevation MI, as important subsets for which revascularization is of proven clinical benefit, as well as new terms like ischaemia and MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Overall, such a more encompassing nomenclature better aligns, unifies, and harmonizes different pathophysiologic causes of myocardial ischaemia and should result in more refined diagnostic and therapeutic approaches targeted to the multiple pathobiological precipitants of angina pectoris, ischaemia and infarction.

Cost-effectiveness of a novel AI technology to quantify coronary inflammation and cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing routine Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) is a first line investigation for chest pain in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many acute cardiac events occur in the absence of obstructive CAD. We assessed the lifetime cost-effectiveness of integrating a novel artificial intelligence-enhanced image analysis algorithm (AI-Risk) that stratifies the risk of cardiac events by quantifying coronary inflammation, combined with the extent of coronary artery plaque and clinical risk factors, by analysing images from routine CCTA. A hybrid decision-tree with population cohort Markov model was developed from 3,393 consecutive patients who underwent routine CCTA for suspected obstructive CAD and followed up for major adverse cardiac events over a median(IQR) of 7.7(6.4-9.1) years. In a prospective real-world evaluation survey of 744 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA for chest pain investigation, the availability of AI-Risk assessment led to treatment initiation or intensification in 45% of patients. In a further prospective study of 1,214 consecutive patients with extensive guideline recommended cardiovascular risk profiling, AI-Risk stratification led to treatment initiation or intensification in 39% of patients beyond the current clinical guideline recommendations. Treatment guided by AI-Risk modelled over a lifetime horizon could lead to fewer cardiac events (relative reductions of 4%, 4%, 11%, and 12% for myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, heart failure and cardiac death, respectively). Implementing AI-Risk classification in routine interpretation of CCTA is highly likely to be cost-effective (Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio £1,371-3,244), both in scenarios of current guideline compliance or when applied only to patients without obstructive CAD. Compared with standard care, the addition of AI-Risk assessment in routine CCTA interpretation is cost effective, by refining risk guided medical management.

The effects of myocardial bridging on two-dimensional myocardial strain during dobutamine stress echocardiography.

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a common anatomic variant in coronary arteries with unclear functional significance. We evaluated regional myocardial strain by speckle tracking during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in patients with MB in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). We studied 11 patients with MB in the LAD and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), 7 patients without MB, but obstructive CAD in the LAD, and 12 controls without MB or obstructive CAD. MB was defined as either > 1mm (superficial) or > 2mm (deep) intramyocardial course of the LAD in coronary CT angiography. Regional longitudinal, radial and circumferential strains and strain rates as well as post-systolic strain index (PSI) were measured at rest, peak stress, and early recovery (1min after stress). Strain parameters during DSE were similar in the myocardium distal to MB and other myocardial regions of the same patients as well as the LAD territory in controls. However, patients with obstructive CAD showed impaired LS and strain rate as well as increased PSI at peak stress. None of the MB was associated with systolic compression in invasive coronary angiography and strain parameters were similar between superficial and deep MB. Stress myocardial blood flow by positron emission tomography correlated with LS and RS at peak stress in the myocardium distal to MB (r = -0.73, p = 0.03, and r = 0.64, p = 0.04, respectively). Myocardial strain is not reduced during DSE in patients with MB in the LAD and no significant systolic compression.

Selective FFRCT testing in suspected stable angina in clinical practice - initial experiences

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is recommended for physiological assessment in intermediate coronary stenosis for guiding referral to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). In this study, we report real-world data on the feasibility of implementing a CTA/FFRCT test algorithm as a gatekeeper to ICA at referral hospitals. Retrospective all-comer study of patients with new onset stable symptoms and suspected coronary stenosis (30–89%) by CTA. Evaluation of CTA datasets, interpretation of FFRCT analysis, and decisions on downstream testing were performed by skilled CT-cardiologists. CTA was performed in 3974 patients, of whom 381 (10%) were referred directly to ICA, whereas 463 (12%) to non-invasive functional testing: FFRCT 375 (81%) and perfusion imaging 88 (19%). FFRCT analysis was rejected in 8 (2%) due to inadequate CTA image quality. Number of patients deferred from ICA after FFRCT was 267 (71%), while 100 (27%) were referred to ICA. Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was confirmed in 62 (62%) patients and revascularization performed in 53 (53%). Revascularization rates, n (%), were higher in patients undergoing FFRCT-guided versus CTA-guided referral to ICA: 30–69% stenosis, 28 (44%) versus 8 (21%); 70–89% stenosis, 39 (69%) versus 25 (46%), respectively, both p < 0.05. Implementation of FFRCT at referral hospitals was feasible, reduced the number of invasive procedures, and increased the revascularization rate.

The predictive value of coronary artery calcium score combined with traditional risk factors for obstructive coronary heart disease in young people

ObjectivesThis study attempts to compare the predictive effects of several prediction models on obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) in young patients (30–50 years old), with a view to providing a new evaluation tool for the prediction of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD).MethodsA total of 532 hospitalized patients aged 30–50 were included in the study.All of them underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for suspected symptoms of coronary heart disease.Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) combined with traditional risk factors and pre-test probability models are the prediction models to be compared in this study.The PTP model was selected from the upgraded Diamond-Forrester model (UDFM) and the Duke clinical score (DCS).ResultsAll patients included in the study were aged 30–50 years. Among them, women accounted for 24.4%, and 355 patients (66.7%) had a CACS of 0. OCAD was diagnosed in 43 patients (8.1%). The CACS combined with traditional risk factors to predict the OCAD area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) (AUC = 0.794,p < 0.001) was greater than the PTP models (AUCUDFM=0.6977,p < 0.001;AUCDCS=0.6214,p < 0.001). By calculating the net reclassification index (NRI) and the integrated discrimination index (IDI), the ability to predict the risk of OCAD using the CACS combined with traditional risk factors was improved compared with the PTP models (NRI&IDI > 0,p < 0.05).ConclusionThe predictive value of CACS combined with traditional risk factors for OCAD in young patients is better than the PTP models.

Regional wall motion abnormalities on focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients presenting with acute chest pain: a predefined post hoc analysis of the prospective single-centre observational EPIC-ACS study

ObjectivesWe evaluated the ability of the assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) detected via transthoracic echocardiography to predict the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting...

Prognostic value of transient ischemic dilatation by 13N-ammonia PET MPI for short-term outcomes in patients with non-obstructive CAD

Abstract Objective Transient ischaemic dilatation (TID) had incremental diagnostic and prognostic value in obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), but its clinical significance in patients with non-obstructive CAD remains unknown. We aimed to explore the prognostic value of TID in patients with non-obstructive CAD by 13N-ammonia PET imaging. Methods We retrospectively studied 131 consecutive patients with non-obstructive CAD undergoing one-day rest-stress 13N-ammonia PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). TID was automatically generated using CardIQ Physio software. The receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal threshold of TID. The follow-up outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of re-hospitalization for heart failure or unstable angina, late revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and cardiac death. Cardiac event-free survivals for normal and abnormal TID were compared using Kaplan–Meier plots and log-rank tests. Results During a median follow-up of 42.08 ± 17.67 months, 22 (16.7%) patients occurred MACE. The optimal cut-off value of TID was 1.03 based on MACE. Our preliminary outcome analysis suggests that TID-abnormal subjects had a lower overall survival probability. Furthermore, our multivariate analysis reveals abnormal TID was the only independent predictor for MACE in non-obstructive CAD. In the subgroup analysis, an abnormal TID was an independent predictor for MACE in patients with abnormal perfusion patterns. Conclusion Among patients with non-obstructive CAD, PET-derived TID ≥ 1.03 may identify those with a high risk of subsequent MACE independently. It was also an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with abnormal perfusion. Graphical abstract CAD coronary artery disease, PET positron emission tomography, MPI myocardial perfusion imaging, TID transient ischaemic dilatation, MACE major adverse cardiac events, ROC receiver operative characteristic.

Interrater Variability of ML-Based CT-FFR in Patients without Obstructive CAD before TAVR: Influence of Image Quality, Coronary Artery Calcifications, and Location of Measurement.

Objectives: CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) can improve the specificity of coronary CT-angiography (cCTA) for ruling out relevant coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, little is known about the reproducibility of CT-FFR and the influence of diffuse coronary artery calcifications or segment location. The objective was to assess the reliability of machine-learning (ML)-based CT-FFR prior to TAVR in patients without obstructive CAD and to assess the influence of image quality, coronary artery calcium score (CAC), and the location of measurement within the coronary tree. Methods: Patients assessed for TAVR, without obstructive CAD on cCTA were evaluated with ML-based CT-FFR by two observers with differing experience. Differences in absolute values and categorization into hemodynamically relevant CAD (CT-FFR ≤ 0.80) were compared. Results in regard to CAD were also compared against invasive coronary angiography. The influence of segment location, image quality, and CAC was evaluated. Results: Of the screened patients, 109/388 patients did not have obstructive CAD on cCTA and were included. The median (interquartile range) difference of CT-FFR values was -0.005 (-0.09 to 0.04) (p = 0.47). Differences were smaller with high values. Recategorizations were more frequent in distal segments. Diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR between both observers was comparable (proximal: Δ0.2%; distal: Δ0.5%) but was lower in distal segments (proximal: 98.9%/99.1%; distal: 81.1%/81.6%). Image quality and CAC had no clinically relevant influence on CT-FFR. Conclusions: ML-based CT-FFR evaluation of proximal segments was more reliable. Distal segments with CT-FFR values close to the given threshold were prone to recategorization, even if absolute differences between observers were minimal and independent of image quality or CAC.

Vascular Cytokines and Atherosclerosis: Differential Serum Levels of TRAIL, IL-18, and OPG in Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease.

The risk-factor-based prediction of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) remains suboptimal, particularly in the absence of any of the standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs), making the discovery of biomarkers that correlate with atherosclerosis burden critically important. We hypothesized that cytokines and receptors associated with inflammation in CAD-tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and osteoprotegerin (OPG)-would be independently associated with CAD. To determine this, we measured the serum biomarker levels of 993 participants from the BioHEART study who had CT coronary angiograms that were scored for severity of stenosis and plaque composition. We found that the quartiles of TRAIL, OPG, and IL-18 were significantly associated with disease scores, and that the IL-18/TRAIL and OPG/TRAIL ratios demonstrated significant differences between no CAD vs. STEMI whereas only the OPG/TRAIL ratio showed differences between no CAD and obstructive CAD (stenosis > 50%). However, these associations did not persist after adjustment for age, sex, SMuRFs, and a family history of CAD. In conclusion, TRAIL, IL-18, and OPG and the derived ratios of IL-18/TRAIL and OPG/TRAIL demonstrate significant associations with raw disease scores and risk factors, but these markers are not discriminatory biomarkers for the prediction of CAD when incorporated into multi-variable risk models.

Randomised Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial Evaluating the Anti-Anginal Efficacy of Ticagrelor in Patients with Angina with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries and Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon.

Background: The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic finding characterised by the delayed passage of contrast through the coronary arteries, despite the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (defined as less than 50% narrowing of the vessel lumen). Patients with the CSFP experience recurrent angina, for which there are limited evidence-based therapies. Ticagrelor may serve as an effective anti-anginal therapy for these patients by increasing adenosine levels, which could alleviate coronary microvascular dysfunction and its associated angina due to its vasodilatory properties. This study aimed to determine the anti-anginal efficacy of ticagrelor 90 mg taken twice daily on spontaneous angina episodes in patients with refractory angina (i.e., episodes ≥3/week despite two anti-anginals) and documented CSFP. Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial, the anti-anginal efficacy of a 4-week ticagrelor therapy regimen was evaluated in 20 patients with refractory angina (mean age 61.5 ± 10.5 years; 40% women) who had documented slow coronary flow. The primary endpoint was the frequency of angina episodes, recorded using an angina diary. Secondary endpoints included the duration and severity of angina episodes, consumption of short-acting nitrates, and health status evaluations using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) indices. Results: During the four weeks of therapy, ticagrelor did not significantly improve angina symptoms compared to the placebo (placebo 25.7 (16.7)) vs. ticagrelor 19.8 (18.1), p > 0.05). Furthermore, it did not impact other patient-related outcome measures, including angina severity, duration, frequency of prolonged angina episodes, nitrate consumption, or the SAQ/SF-36 health outcome indices. No serious adverse events related to the study drug were observed. Conclusions: In patients with documented CSFP who were unresponsive to standard anti-anginal therapy, ticagrelor did not reduce the frequency of spontaneous angina episodes or the consumption of nitrates. Further confirmation of the potential benefits of this therapy may be obtained through a larger clinical trial.

Contributors to high left ventricular ejection fraction in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease: Results from the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation—Coronary Vascular Dysfunction (WISE-CVD) Study

There are sex differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) relevant to prognosis where women experience greater mortality at relatively higher LVEF compared to men, yet mechanistic understanding of this adverse prognosis is limited. Women with suspected ischemia with no obstructive coronary disease (INOCA) develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), yet contributors to LVEF remain largely unknown. In 370 women with suspected ischemia with no obstructive coronary disease (INOCA) who prospectively underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), we investigated the contributions of LV morphology, function, and myocardial perfusion reserve on LVEF using univariate and multiple linear regression. A majority 71% of participants had high LVEF (>65%), followed by 24% having normal LVEF (55%-65%), and only 5% having low EF (<55%). Baseline characteristics were comparable among the 3 groups, with the exception of age which was 6 years higher in the high LVEF group (P < .01). Women in the high LVEF group also had the lowest LV cavity volume, greatest LV mass-volume ratio, and highest LV end-systolic elastance (all P < .05, adjusted for age, BMI, diabetes, and blood pressure). Myocardial perfusion reserve index was low in all groups (mean MPRI < 2.1) but was not significantly different across the spectrum of LVEF (P = .458). Taken together, these data demonstrate that the majority of women with suspected INOCA have elevated LVEF related to smaller, thicker ventricles with greater contractility. Future work is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms driving morphologic and functional changes in women with INOCA, and relations to longer-term HFpEF and mortality. NCT02582021.

Clinical and Coronary Angiographic Insights Into Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Young Patients: A Study From a Tertiary Care Cardiac ICU.

Background This investigation addresses the major effects of early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) on community health, noting its association with elevated incidences of recurrent ischemic events and mortality. The study specifically explores the contributing factors, clinical symptoms, angiographic findings, and management strategies for individuals aged 45 or younger who experience their initial ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methodology This observational study took place over a six-month period within the cardiology unit, involving 100 sequential patients diagnosed with STEMI. Results With a mean age of 42.5 years, the research had 100 patients, of which nine (9%) were under 25, 24 (24%) were between 26 and 35, and 67 (67%) were over 36. Of these, 89 (89%) were male. The following risk variables were found: obstructive CAD, smoking, being overweight, diabetes, hypertension, chest discomfort, and syncope. In 99 patients (99%), the most prevalent symptom was chest discomfort. Most often impacted was the left anterior descending (LAD) artery in 24 patients (24%), then the right coronary artery in 14 patients (14%). A total of 50 patients (50%) had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with 15 patients (15%) undergoing elective PCI, 10 patients (10%) with pharmaco-invasive PCI, and 20 patients (20%) receiving primary PCI. In eight cases (8%), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was required. Furthermore, 40 patients (40%) were under medical care, and 32 patients (32%) had recanalized and normal coronaries. No mortality was recorded in this study. Conclusions Acute myocardial infarction is most frequently seen in very young adult males, and the most common risk factor is smoking. The most common clinical manifestation, anterior wall myocardial infarction, was caused by the main source of involvement, the LAD artery.

Comparative Prognostic Value of Coronary Calcium Score and Perivascular Fat Attenuation Index in Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading global cause of mortality, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths. It is primarily characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Early detection of atherosclerotic plaques is crucial to prevent major adverse cardiac events. Notably, recent studies have shown that 15% of myocardial infarctions occur in patients with non-obstructive CAD, underscoring the importance of comprehensive plaque assessment beyond merely identifying obstructive lesions. Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a cost-effective and efficient technique for excluding obstructive CAD, particularly in patients with a low-to-intermediate clinical likelihood of the disease. Recent advancements in CCTA technology, such as improved resolution and reduced scan times, have mitigated many technical challenges, allowing for precise quantification and characterization of both calcified and non-calcified atherosclerotic plaques. This review focuses on two critical physiological aspects of atherosclerotic plaques: the burden of calcifications, assessed via the coronary artery calcium score (CACs), and perivascular fat attenuation index (pFAI), an emerging marker of vascular inflammation. The CACs, obtained through non-contrast CT scans, quantifies calcified plaque burden and is widely used to stratify cardiovascular risk, particularly in asymptomatic patients. Despite its prognostic value, the CACs does not provide information on non-calcified plaques or inflammatory status. In contrast, the pFAI, derived from CCTA, serves as an indirect marker of coronary inflammation and has shown potential in predicting adverse cardiac events. Combining both CACs and pFAI assessment could offer a comprehensive risk stratification approach, integrating the established calcification burden with novel inflammatory markers to enhance CAD prevention and management strategies.

Real-world evidence of BioMime sirolimus-eluting stent in obstructive coronary artery disease: the meriT-2 trial.

The efficacy and safety of the ultrathin BioMime sirolimus-eluting coronary stent (SES) system in treating single or multiple de novo native coronary lesions, in-stent restenosis, and bifurcation lesions have been evidenced at 1 year. We sought to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of the BioMime SES in a real-world population with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The prospective, single-arm, multicentre meriT-2 trial enrolled 250 patients from 11 sites across India. The safety endpoint was the cumulative frequency of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 5 years, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), emergent coronary artery bypass grafting or clinically indicated target lesion revascularisation (CI-TLR). Stent thrombosis (ST) was evaluated according to the Academic Research Consortium definitions. A total of 214 (85.6%) subjects completed the 5-year follow-up. The mean age of patients was 57.44±10.75 years, and 82.71% were males. A total of 308 lesions were treated with BioMime SES. Most of the lesions were localised in the left anterior descending artery (45.46%) and were type B2 lesions (44.81%). The cumulative MACE rate at 5 years was 8.9% (n=19), including 0.9% cardiac deaths, 1.9% MI and 6.1% CI-TLR. The rate of ST was only 0.5%. The Kaplan-Meier survivor analysis revealed actuarial survivorship of 95.6% for the intention-to-treat population (n=250) over 5 years. The long-term clinical outcomes of the meriT-2 trial established the safety and efficacy of the ultrathin-strut biodegradable-polymer-based BioMime SES with satisfactory clinical outcomes at 5 years.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography after positive CCTA: diagnostic performance using fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio as reference standards

AimsTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in symptomatic patients with a low to intermediate pretest probability of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and a positive coronary...

Stress Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Following Blunt Trauma: A Diagnostic Challenge in a Young Female

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome,” is a transient cardiac condition characterised by left ventricular apical ballooning1–3. It clinically mimics acute coronary syndrome (ACS), presenting with similar symptoms and electrocardiographic changes, yet without significant obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography4. While emotional stress is the predominant trigger, physical stressors, including trauma, can also precipitate TC, albeit in a minuscule proportion of cases - approximately 0.001%5. The condition is most frequently observed in elderly females, particularly in the context of emotional or physical stress, though trauma-induced TC in males often presents with more severe manifestations requiring intensive care, including mechanical ventilation5.