Occlusion Of Left Main Coronary Artery Research Articles

Twelve-year trends in unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion: insights from a real-world multicentre study.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) resulting from unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion and subtotal occlusion is a life-threatening condition. Although AMI management has improved in the past two decades, there is limited information on recent trends in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes for acute unprotected LMCA-related AMI. This study aims to assess such trends over a 12year period. This retrospective multicentre study includes patients with unprotected LMCA occlusion/subtotal occlusion admitted to three tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2020. The patients were divided into two groups based on the chronology of presentation: a 'past group' (January 2008 to December 2014) and a 'contemporary group' (January 2015 to December 2020). The study compares clinical characteristics, management approaches, and outcomes between the two groups. The study includes 128 patients, with 51 (40%) in the 'past group' and 77 (60%) in the 'contemporary group'. Baseline risk factors did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups, except for hypertension (49% vs. 74%; P=0.005). Chest pain was more frequent in the 'past group' (98% vs. 89%; P=0.014), and a trend towards more cardiac arrests was observed in the 'contemporary group' (18% vs. 31%; P=0.087). Revascularization type did not differ significantly (P=0.419), but manual thrombectomy was less frequently used (41% vs. 23%; P=0.032) and stent implantation showed a trend towards higher rates (66% vs. 78%; P=0.150) in the 'contemporary cohort'. There was a gradual shift from bare-metal to drug-eluting stents, with a significantly higher percentage of ticagrelor/prasugrel loading in the 'contemporary cohort' (5% vs. 79%; P<0.001). The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), although not statistically significant, was higher among patients in the 'past group' (67% vs. 51%; P=0.073). The type of MCS differed significantly between groups, with a decrease in intra-aortic balloon pump use (67% vs. 42%; P=0.005) and an increase in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (4% vs. 22%; P=0.005) and Impella system (0% vs. 3%) over time. Survival analysis showed no significant differences (P=0.599; log-rank test) in all-cause mortality between the different time groups, with the long-term survival rate being approximately 30%. In our real-world population, despite the progressive use of newer drugs and more advanced devices over time, patients with unprotected LMCA occlusion/subtotal occlusion remain a subpopulation with poor prognosis.

Acute Occlusion of a “Protected” Left Main Coronary Artery Manifesting as an Acute Coronary Syndrome with Heart Failure: How much Protected it is?

Despite the progress made in technological advancements, the utilization of stenting for both protected and unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease remains associated with elevated rates of long-term mortality and significant adverse clinical events, sometimes manifesting as cardiogenic shock. A considerable number of individuals retain the opportunity to receive catheter-based interventional therapy as a viable substitute for re-operative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Despite the changed appearance, patients with acute blockage of the protected LMCA still have major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at a similar rate. Acute occlusion of the unprotected LMCA as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is uncommon, but that of the protected LMCA is relatively rare. We present a case of a post-CABG patient who developed ACS as a posterior wall myocardial infarction and acute left ventricular failure due to obstruction of a protected LMCA with substantial stenosis across its distal segment extending to the left circumflex (LCx) artery. The pharmaco-invasive management of the protected LMCA thrombotic occlusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in significant patient improvement. These lesions are amenable to complex and high-risk coronary intervention with current technology, and the results have been quite encouraging in terms of long-term survival.

Single stent versus two stent strategy in primary PCI for unprotected LM occlusion

Abstract Background Acute MI due to left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion carry the highest anatomical risk for morbidity and mortality during primary PCI. Although several clinical trials compared different PCI techniques and strategies for LMCA, still special populations and different clinical scenarios have lack of evidence about ideal approaches. Purpose We aim to compare provisional stenting versus two stent upfront technique in acute MI due to LMCA occlusion regarding short term clinical outcomes. Methods This was a prospective observational study from three large centers within the period from February 2019 to Feb 2023. Patients with acute STEMI due to LMCA occlusion who are candidates for primary PCI were included and was assigned to two groups according to operator discretion. Group I (provisional stenting) versus group II (upfront two stent strategy). Our primary outcome was MACE within 30 days and secondary Outcomes were angiographic outcomes after intervention including TIMI flow, CTFC and myocardial blush. Results A total of 62 patients met our inclusion criteria, mean age (62.64±8.61), 24.6% women. Thirty-eight patients in group I undergone provisional stenting and twenty-four patients in group II undergone two stent strategy. MACE was significantly higher in the two-stent strategy group (61.62% vs 40.34%, P&amp;lt;0.001] compared with provisional stenting group. the IV epinephrine group. Angiographic outcomes were significantly better in provisional stenting group by the end of the procedure. There was marked increase in patients who achieved postprocedural TIMI III and TMPG III in group I by 22% and 18% respectively in comparison with two stent strategy group. Conclusion Our observational study concluded that provisional stenting carries better short-term outcomes in acute MI intervention due to unprotected LMCA occlusion. Clinical studies are needy in this specific population.Study flow chartFigure I

A SURVIVAL STORY OF 47 YEARS OLD MALE WITH ACUTE TOTAL OCCLUSION OF LEFT MAIN AND COEXISTING OSTIAL RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY LESION

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombus occlusion causing acute coronary syndrome is an uncommon event and associated with severe life-threatening presentations. The clinical outcome depends on the age of the patients, presence of cardiogenic shock and the presence of dominant Right Coronary Artery (RCA) Early reperfusion is associated with improved outcomes. A 47-years man presented with sudden substernal burning sensation and dry cough for 1 hour. Coronary angiography revealed an acute totally occlusion of ostial left main (LM) with TIMI flow grade 0 and dominant RCA with ostial 80% stenosis having TIMI flow grade 3 and Grade 1 contralateral collaterals from RCA to left system. Emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed to ostial LMCA toward the proximal LAD to cover the whole LMCA and stage PCI was performed to ostial RCA. Patient was discharge on 7th day with good general condition. An electrocardiographic pattern is associated with collateral filling territories in unprotected left main (ULM) occlusion. In our case diagnosis was completely made after diagnostic coronary angiogram. Acute total occlusion of LMCA is associated with arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock and sudden death. However, Patient was hemodynamically stable that showed indubitably the importance of dominant RCA with TIMI 3 flow and Grade 1 contralateral collaterals to left coronary circulation. We perform successful primary PCI of acute total occluded LMCA which shortened the ischemic time to salvage the ischemic myocardium.

Complicated catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions from the left sinus of Valsalva in a young female. Case presentation.

Idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are usually benign and are often treated conservatively. Data regarding radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of PVCs from the aortic sinus of Valsalva are spare. Furthermore, there are limited data regarding complications and their solutions during RFA of PVCs from the aortic sinus of Valsalva. Here we describe a clinical case of symptomatic PVCs in a 27yrold young woman with reduced exercise tolerance and dyspnea. The patient had taken anti-arrhythmic group Ic, II, and III drugs with no significant effect. Successful catheter ablation of PVCs from the left sinus of Valsalva was complicated by acute occlusion of the left main coronary artery (LCA) followed by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Cardioversion and intravenous antiarrhythmic administration restored the sinus rhythm. The LCA was stented with a bioresorbable Magmaris stent with the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation that was required due to severe hypotension and ineffectiveness of vasopressors. After the procedure, a favorable angiographic effect was noted. The result of stenting was monitored with IVUS intravascular navigation. The patient was discharged in a satisfactory condition on the 10th day after the procedure. Special attention should be applied to prevent complications and to careful patient selection for RFA in the left sinus of Valsalva, and care must be taken to avoid injury to the LCA. Timely and correct procedures can result in patient survival even after acute LCA injury and occlusion.

Patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected left main stem occlusion: insights from a real-world multicentre registry over a 12-year period

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion is a potentially life-threatening disease. AMI management has evolved over the past two decades, and mortality has decreased considerably. Though, little information on patient characteristics, management, and mortality trends in the most recent years is available regarding acute unprotected LMCA occlusion. Purpose We aimed to assess trends in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes for acute myocardial infarction due to LMCA occlusion between 2008 and 2020. Methods We conducted a retrospective multicentre registry of patients with AMI with unprotected LMCA occlusion admitted in three tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2020. Patients were divided according to timeline of presentation, and we sought to compare clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes between a past group (from January 2008 to December 2012) and a contemporary group (from January 2017 to December 2020). Results Of 128 patients with AMI from unprotected LMCA occlusion, 28 were included in the past group [from January 2008 to December 2012 (group 1)] and 48 were included in the contemporary group [from January 2017 to December 2020 (group 2)]. No statistically significant differences in baseline risk factors were found between the two groups, except for hypertension (50.0% in group 1 vs 75.0% in group 2, p=0.027). There was no difference regarding presentation with cardiogenic shock (57.1% vs 64.6%, p=0.520). Median symptom-to-balloon time was high but similar in both groups [180 min (120-300) vs 210 min (120-420), p=0.640]. Radial access was more frequent used in the contemporary group (33.0% vs 10.7%, p=0.028), as well as the administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (14.6% vs 12.0%, p=0.004) and the implantation of drug-eluting stents (100% vs 63.2%, p=0.010). The use of mechanical circulatory support device was surprisingly higher in group 1 (82% vs 46%, p=0.002), but the intra-aortic pump balloon (IABP) was the only device available in that group. In the contemporary group, the use of IABP, Impella device, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 37.5%, 20.8%, and 2.1%, respectively. The second antiplatelet agent was also different between groups, with a higher percentage of ticagrelor loading in the contemporary group. In-hospital mortality (46.4% in group 1 vs. 54.2% in group 2, p=0.520) and 1-year cumulative mortality (60.7% vs 60.4%, p=0.741) were high in both groups, but no statistically significant difference was found in survival analysis (p=0.794; log-rank test). Conclusion In our real-world population, despite the use of newer drugs and more advanced devices being more common in the contemporary group, patients with AMI due to LMCA occlusion are still a subpopulation with poor prognosis. Innovative strategies are needed to make a difference.

Cardiac arrest in patients with acute left main coronary artery occlusion: a real-world multicenter registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction and objective Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion are at increased risk of mortality. Most studies have shown an association between LMCA occlusion and cardiac arrest. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the prognosis of patients with ACS due to LMCA occlusion with cardiac arrest at presentation. Methods We performed a retrospective multicenter study of 128 consecutive patients with ACS due to LMCA occlusion admitted in three Portuguese tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2020. Patients were divided according to the presentation with cardiac arrest. Results Among this cohort, 26% patients presented with cardiac arrest. Regarding baseline characteristics, they were younger (58 vs 65 years; p=0.001) but no other significant differences were found. Cardiac arrest was associated to shorter symptoms-to-balloon time (150 vs 195 minutes; p=0.042) and higher recourse to fibrinolysis (12.1% vs 0%, p=0.004). They also had higher prevalence of cardiogenic shock (88% vs 51%; p&amp;lt;0.001) and need for aminergic support (91% vs 64%; p=0.004). Furthermore, in-hospital (79% vs 45%; p=0.001) and 5-year (97% vs 73%; p=0.008) mortality were significantly higher, as predicted by Kaplan-Meier survival curves (p=0.002; log-rank test). Finally, in multivariable analysis, younger age [odds ratio (OR),1.12;95% CI,1.04-1.20] and lower median symptoms-to-balloon time (OR, 1.35;95% CI,1.02-1.82) were independently associated to cardiac arrest at presentation. Conclusion In our real-world cohort, more than one quarter of patients with ACS due to LMCA occlusion presented with cardiac arrest, which correlates to a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock, as well as higher short- and long-term mortality. Only younger age and lower symptoms-to-balloon time were independently associated to cardiac arrest. Despite cardiac care improvements, technological evolution, and better patient/system-delay times, this is still a subpopulation with poor prognosis. Further studies are needed to find innovative strategies that can make a difference in this subgroup of patients.

Electrocardiographic QRS Findings Upon Admission Can Predict Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Caused by Occlusion of Left Main Coronary Artery.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) caused by left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion is associated with a severe clinical course and catastrophic consequences. We sought to clarify ECG predictors of prognosis in AMI caused by LMCA occlusion. We examined 20 consecutive patients with AMI caused by LMCA occlusion that was treated by primary stenting. The patients were assigned to either a group that survived (S) and was discharged from hospital, or a group that did not survive (NS) and died in hospital. We compared ECG findings upon admission, angiographic findings, laboratory data and clinical outcomes. The rate of having Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade > 2 coronary flow before PCI and of achieving TIMI grade 3 after PCI was significantly lower in the NS than the S group (14.3% vs. 83.3%, p = 0.003 and 35.7% vs. 100%, p = 0.008). The ECG findings showed longer QRS interval in the NS than in the S group (150.5 ± 37.9 vs. 105.2 ± 15.4, p = 0.022). A QRS interval ≥ 120 msec predicted in-hospital mortality with sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 78.5%, 100%, 100% and 66.7%, respectively, in this population. The QRS duration upon admission was a good predictor of in-hospital mortality among patients with AMI caused by LMCA occlusion. This ECG sign could be useful in the emergency clinical setting.

Unprotected left main occlusion: Rare but deadly.

Key Points A retrospective analysis from four centers in Switzerland and France found unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion (TIMI 0 and 1 Flow) was rare (0.1%) but carried a high in‐hospital mortality rate (42%). The long‐term survival of discharged patients was relatively good. Due to the acuity and infrequency of the condition, observational studies remain the primary source of clinical guidance, acknowledging the presence of survival biases and confounding factors. Successful timely revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention continues to be the preferred management.

Clinical and electrocardiographic features in acute total left main coronary artery occlusion without collateral circulation

BackgroundsStudy concerning the clinical features, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and outcomes in patients presenting with acute total occlusion of left main coronary artery (LM) without collateral circulation is limited. Methods25 patients with acute total LM occlusion without collateral circulation by emergency coronary angiography, from muti-center registry, were retrospectively studied. The clinical and angiographic characteristics, ECG and in-hospital mortality were reviewed. ResultsNineteen patients (76%) presented with cardiogenic shock. Twelve (60%, 12/20) patients had coronary slow flow or no reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The in-hospital mortality rate was 88% (n = 22). All the patients presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial ischemia (STEMI) pattern, mostly involving leads I, aVL, V2, V3, V4, V5 and ST-segment depression in leads II, III and aVF. ConclusionsAcute total LM occlusion without collateral circulation portends high in-hospital mortality. Anterior ST elevation in the precordial leads from V2 to V4 through V6, and ST elevation in leads I and aVL, accompanying with ST depression in the inferior leads is associated with acute total LM occlusion without collateral circulation.

Myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery total occlusion: A unique electrocardiographic presentation

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) total occlusion typically presents as anterolateral ST-segment myocardial infarction with or without right bundle branch block with left anterior fascicular block, and ST-segment elevation in aVR. On the contrary to the previously described electrocardiographic pattern we describe a distinct electrocardiographic presentation in a patient with total LMCA occlusion characterized by the presence of complete LBBB co-existing with upsloping ST-segment depression in precordial leads leading to symmetrical, tall, positive T waves, the so called de Winter's sign.

When Positive Ischemic Response on Treadmill Test Implies Otherwise: One Overlooked Pitfall on TMT

When Positive Ischemic Response on Treadmill Test Implies Otherwise: One Overlooked Pitfall on TMT&#x0D; &#x0D; Background:&#x0D; Particular ischemic process that portrayed in Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes bear similar depiction to different conditions, one of them is hypokalemia. On the other hand, Treadmill Test (TMT) has been used for decades for risk stratifying and diagnosing coronary artery disease as a non-invasive, safe and affordable screening test. However, using ECG changes as interpretation, TMT could have incidence of false positive results reported in various conditions, one of which is hypokalemia. The aim is to report a case of positive ischemic response resemblance in TMT of patient with severe hypokalemia.&#x0D; &#x0D; Case Illustration:&#x0D; A-43-years-old female with history of unstable angina pectoris with risk factors of diabetes mellitus and hypertension underwent several examinations. Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) showed a 60% stenosis lesion in Left Anterior Descending (LAD) coronary artery. Within 3 minutes of TMT the ECG showed ST-segment depression in lead II, III, aVF, V1-V6 and prominent elevation in lead aVR. Fear of left main coronary artery occlusion, the test was terminated and the patient was immediately planned for urgent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). The result indicated non-significant coronary lesion. Potassium concentration of 1.87 mmol per liter and troponin levels were normal. Unbeknownst before, the patient had multiple episodes of vomiting for a whole day and felt dehydrated prior to the TMT. Patient then treated for potassium implementation and discharged uneventfully.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Hypokalemia could induce widespread ST-Segment depression or ST-Segment elevation in right limb lead. Peculiarly in context of stress testing or accompanied with chest pain, it is difficult to differentiate ECG changes in hypokalemia with true myocardial ischemia. Hypokalemia should be considered when TMT result is not concordance with true myocardial ischemia.&#x0D;

Use of the SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve in High-Risk Scenarios.

The transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure is used in patients with aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices are quite versatile; thus, they are increasingly being used for nonaortic applications, such as tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation. This case series describes a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure in 4 patients with anatomic challenges (eg, aortic tortuosity, high valvular calcium burden, highly calcified bicuspid valve, low coronary artery takeoff, left main coronary artery occlusion, and large aortic annulus) and a fifth patient who had a failed tricuspid bioprosthesis and underwent a tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve (Edwards Lifesciences). All procedures required adjustments to the standard protocol, and each procedure was successful. The critical, technical adjustments in the deployment technique and preprocedural planning of the procedures are detailed to provide a road map for other cardiologists who encounter similar challenges.

Combining electrocardiographic criteria for predicting acute total left main coronary artery occlusion.

BackgroundPrediction of left main artery (LM) occlusion may contribute to the administration of early reperfusion. We sought to identify electrocardiographic (ECG) features associated with acute total LM occlusion and explore the relationship between ECG features and collateral circulation.MethodsWe retrospectively studied ECGs in 84 consecutive patients with LM occlusion between January 2001 and April 2022. The ECG findings in these patients were compared with those in 468 consecutive patients with LM subtotal occlusion and non-LM occlusion.ResultsThree main ECG patterns were described according to the characteristics of ST elevation (STE) in LM occlusion: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), STE in aVR with diffuse ST depression, and STE in both aVR and aVL. These ECG patterns were associated with different collateral filling territories. One-third STEMI in LM occlusion showed STE in the precordial leads including V1, while 2/3 STEMI showed STE in the precordial leads from V2 to V5 without STE in V1. The following ECG characteristics predicted LM occlusion: STE in both aVR and aVL; STE in I, aVL, and V2–V5 without V1; left anterior fascicular block (LAFB); right bundle branch block (RBBB) + LAFB; and prolongation of the QRS interval. The incidences of STE in aVR and STE in aVR and V1 were higher in LM subtotal occlusion than in LM occlusion. The combination of two different STE criteria (STE in aVR and aVL and STE in I, aVL, V2-V5 without V1) predicted LM occlusion with 62% sensitivity and 95% specificity. The combination of the STE criteria and fascicular block criteria (LAFB and LAFB + RBBB) further improved the specificity to 99% but reduced the sensitivity to 39%.ConclusionThe combination of STE criteria predicted LM occlusion with high specificity and moderate sensitivity, and the addition of fascicular block criteria further improved the specificity with some loss of sensitivity.

Thrombotic Left Main Coronary Artery Occlusion Treated With Bioresorbable Scaffold.

A 56-year-old man with a history of smoking presented with an extensive anterolateral ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (Killip class III) and moderate left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Emergency coronary angiograms revealed acute thrombotic occlusion of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) (Fig. 1A) and a dominant right coronary artery contributing to Rentrop grade 2 collateral circulation (Fig. 1B). We directed a guidewire into the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and then, under optical coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging guidance, deployed a 3.5 × 28-mm Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular; no longer commercially available) in the unprotected LMCA and LAD. Next, we dilated the vessels with a 3.5 × 20-mm noncompliant balloon. The good angiographic result indicated that patency had been achieved (Fig. 1C). With use of OCT, we confirmed the correct apposition of the scaffold (Fig. 2A), but also identified a small distal edge dissection in the LAD unsuitable for stenting, leaving the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery caged by struts (Fig. 2B). At the patient's 40-month follow-up visit, his LV function had recovered, and a coronary angiogram confirmed that the treated unprotected LMCA-LAD remained patent (Fig. 1D). Optical coherence tomograms showed most of the struts to be adequately covered with neointima and in the process of being reabsorbed (Fig. 2C); they also showed no remaining scaffold struts or neointimal bridges at the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery and other branches (Fig. 2D).To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of catastrophic acute thrombosis of an unprotected LMCA being treated with a bioresorbable scaffold. Acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected LMCA disease is rare, but it is also clinically catastrophic and associated with a high mortality rate even after successful revascularization.1 Despite the withdrawal of the Absorb bioresorbable scaffold from commercial sale,2 bioresorbable scaffolds in general are still an attractive therapeutic option for de novo lesions or spontaneous coronary artery dissections during percutaneous coronary interventions, particularly in young patients with less complex lesions.

Ischemic limb preconditioning-induced anti-arrhythmic effect in reperfusion-induced myocardial injury: is it mediated by the RISK or SAFE pathway?

The mechanism for limb ischemic precondition (RLIPC)-induced suppression of reperfusion arrhythmia remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of the pro-survival reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) and survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) pathways in this RLIPC-mediated antiarrhythmic activity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to sham-operated, control, or RLIPC groups. All rats except for the sham rats had 5min of left main coronary artery occlusion with another 20min of reperfusion. RLIPC was initiated by four cycles of limb ischemia (5min) and reperfusion (5min) on the bilateral femoral arteries. Hearts in every group were taken for protein phosphorylation analysis. RLIPC ameliorated reperfusion-induced arrhythmogenesis and reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac death during the entire 20-min reperfusion period (66.7% of control rats had SCD vs. only 16.7% of RLIPC-treated rats). RLIPC enhances ventricular ERK1/2 phosphorylation after reperfusion. RLIPC-induced antiarrhythmic action and ERK1/2 phosphorylation are abolished in the presence of the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Limb ischemic preconditioning protects the heart against myocardial reperfusion injury-induced lethal arrhythmia. These beneficial effects may involve the activation of ERK1/2 in the RISK signaling pathway.

Upgrade to Central Extracorporeal Life Support for Salvage of Left Main Occlusion-Induced Cardiogenic Shock

<h3>Purpose</h3> Acute myocardial infarction (MI) due to left main coronary artery occlusion leads to poor outcomes, despite intensive treatments using extracorporeal life support (ECLS). We hypothesized that morbidity and mortality related to this pathology may be reduced by upgrade from peripheral to central ECLS, in which inflow directly from the cardiac chamber is connected to the ascending aorta through the blood pump with or without oxygenator. <h3>Methods</h3> This study enrolled a consecutive institutional series of 61 cases who were treated with peripheral ECLS for acute MI induced by left main coronary artery occlusion between April 2013 and October 2020. The average age was 64±14-year-old, and male patients consist of 77%. Modes of peripheral ECLS, such as IABP, Impella devices or veno-arterial ECMO were optimized according to the hemodynamics. While 39 cases received continued peripheral ECLS, the remaining 22 cases (36%) whose peripheral ECLS was suboptimum were upgraded to central ECLS following 2.9 days of peripheral ECLS. <h3>Endpoints</h3> There was 22 in-hospital death (56%) in the peripheral group and 11 in the central group (50%, p=0.79). The major cause of mortality in the peripheral group was low output syndrome in 9 (53%), cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in 4 (24%). In contrast, in the central group, 3 (23%) died of CVA and 3 (23%) died of septicemia. Of 11 surviving cases in the central group, eight cases were further upgraded to the durable LVAD for bridge to transplantation. In the remaining 3 cases in the central group, ESLS was discontinued for palliative care. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis detected that high CK-MB (over 570 IU/ml) but not central ECLS was an independent risk factor of death. In conclusion, upgrade to central ECLS avoided mortality associated with suboptimum peripheral ECLS for left main occlusion-induced cardiogenic shock. Life-long mechanical circulatory support is inevitable in cases who need upgrade to central ECLS.

Changes and predictors of secondary mild mitral regurgitation after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) has been related to left ventricular (LV) remodeling and geometric deformation of the mitral apparatus after myocardial infarction (MI), and proved to be associated with adverse cardiac events. We assessed the proportion of mild SMR before and after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, and further study to evaluate dynamic changes of MR and the determinants of such process on 1 year follow-up. From 2019 to 2021, cohort study of 171 consecutive hospitalized patients who underwent selective isolated CABG surgery were included and divided into the control group and mild MR group according to whether mild MR occurred at baseline. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to test the associations of changes in MR after CABG, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of the cohort was 61.31 ± 8.71 years and 78.95% were male at baseline, divided into the control group (74.85%) and mild MR group (25.15%), respectively. The LV volumetric and size parameters were higher in the mild MR group, with decline in LV and left atrial (LA) strain measurements. About half participants with mild MR at baseline persisted in that category and the rest reverted to none MR on follow-up, while preoperative left main coronary artery occlusion may impede the improvement (p < 0.05). The control group at baseline tended to maintain none MR and one-eighth progressed to mild MR on follow-up, moreover older age and lower LVEF emerged as key correlation of this development. LA volume index (LAVi) was associated with an increased risk of developing mild MR (p < 0.05). Patients with secondary mild MR had LA dysfunction and CABG surgery promoted regression of MR. LAV has an incremental role for early detection of change in MR over time after surgery.

Abstract 12972: Acute Left Main Coronary Artery Thrombosis During Exercise Testing

Background: Exercise stress testing (EST) is safe and effective in evaluating suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Serious complications are rare. We present a unique case of acute left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombosis during EST. Case presentation: A 58-year old man with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with two episodes of substernal chest pressure within 2 weeks. He had no known CAD, led an active lifestyle and did not smoke, drink, or use drugs. Initial vital signs, routine labs, troponin, ECG, and echocardiogram (TTE) were normal. EST (Bruce Protocol) was terminated at 3’ 54” due to chest pain, hypotension and down-sloping ST segment depressions in inferolateral leads followed by ST segment elevation in leads V1, V2, aVL and aVR. TTE showed severe hypokinesis of apex and anterior, anteroseptal, and anterolateral walls. Emergent coronary angiography (Figure) revealed complete thrombotic occlusion of LMCA. LMCA was wired and ballooned restoring antegrade flow and resolving ST segment elevation. Minutes later, recurrent ST elevations were noted due to LMCA reocclusion. Flow was restored and patient underwent emergent coronary artery bypass surgery. TTE two days later showed preserved LV systolic function with mild hypokinesis of the LV apex and apical septal wall. Conclusions: Pathophysiology of AMI triggered by exercise is only partially understood. Vigorous exercise is shown to increase relative risk of AMI particularly within first hour following exertion. In such a scenario, exercise likely acts as a trigger for plaque rupture in presence of an underlying vulnerable atherosclerotic lesion. Compared to other forms of AMI, those triggered by exercise occur more commonly in men and are more often characterized by total thrombotic occlusion of culprit coronary artery. To our knowledge, acute thrombosis of LMCA has not previously been reported as a complication of EST.

Cardiogenic shock in patients presenting with acute left main coronary artery occlusion

Abstract Background and purpose Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion is a rare event, often catastrophic. Limited data are available about management and outcomes of patients with acute LMCA occlusion, including those presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) at hospital admission. This study sought to describe patients with AMI due unprotected LMCA occlusion presenting with CS and to evaluate their in-hospital outcomes and 1-year mortality. Methods In this retrospective 2-center study, we identified 7630 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or hight risk non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent to emergent coronary angiography between January 2008 and December 2020. Among this cohort, we analysed 94 patients who presented with unprotected LMCA occlusion (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction – TIMI ≤2) and divided them in 2 groups according to presence of signs of cardiogenic shock at admission: CS and no-CS. Results Of 94 patients with AMI due LMCA occlusion, 52 patients presented with CS (53.3%). Mean age was 62.8±11.5 years in CS and 62.0±15.9 years in no-CS patients, p=0.766. In both groups, most patients were male. STEMI presentation was more frequent in CS group (80.4% vs. 52.4%, p=0.004). Severe systolic dysfunction of left ventricle was more frequent in CS patients (81.1% vs. 33.3%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Compared to no-CS patients, CS group shown more often TIMI=0 (67.3% vs. 26.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001), collateral coronary circulation Rentrop 0–1 (95.3% vs. 75.0%, p=0.008), and slow-reflow/no-reflow phenomena (30.6% vs 3.8%, p=0.019) in emergent coronary angiography. The need of invasive mechanical ventilation (68.9% vs. 21.4%, p&amp;lt;0.001), and haemodialysis (20.5% vs. 2.4%, p=0.010) were more prevalent in CS patients. Likewise, mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was more frequently used in patients presented with CS (52.9% vs. 26.2%, p=0.009). In subgroup analysis, MCS implantation was not a survival predictor in CS patients (Odds ratio: 3.9 [95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 36.3], p=0.229). Ultimately, in-hospital mortality (78.8% vs. 16.7%, p&amp;lt;0.001) was higher in CS patients. On the other hand, in hospital survivors, there was no significant differences in 1-year mortality (11.1% vs. 23.5%, p=0.42) between both groups. Conclusions Nearly half of patients with AMI due LMCA occlusion presented with CS signs at first medical evaluation. This subgroup of patients had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without CS, despite MCS implantation. Whether the use of a specific MCS device or whether early use of MCS can change the outcome remains to be elucidated. CS patients who survive to index-hospitalization, had similar long-term outcomes compared to no-CS patients. Further studies are imperative in this population to refine initial medical treatment in order to improve their prognosis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.