Predictor Of Major Adverse Cardiac Events In Patients Research Articles

Myocardial contrast echocardiography evaluation of coronary microvascular dysfunction to Predict MACEs in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction follow-up

BackgroundCMD refers to the abnormalities of the tiny arteries and capillaries within the coronary artery system, which result in restricted or abnormal blood flow. CMD is an important mechanism involved in ischemic heart disease and secondary heart failure. CMD can explain left ventricular dysfunction and poor prognosis.The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommends the use of MCE for the assessment of myocardial perfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is used to evaluate the accuracy of Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) at follow-up.MethodsThe clinical data of 142 patients diagnosed with HFpEF in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively summarized and stratified into 77 cases (> 1) in the CMD group and 65 cases (= 1) in the non-CMD group based on the perfusion score index (PSI) of the 17 segments of the left ventricle examined by the admission MCE, and the perfusion parameters were measured at the same time, including the peak plateau intensity (A value), the curve slope of the curve rise (βvalue) and A × β values. At a median follow-up of 27 months till October 2023, MACEs were recorded mainly including heart failure exacerbation, revascularization, cardiac death, etc.ResultsIncreasing age, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease in the CMD group resulted in decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), increased plasma NT-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), decreased A-values and A × β-values, and an increased incidence of MACEs (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that LVGLS (HR = 1.714, 95% CI = 1.289–2.279, P < 0.001) and A × β values (HR = 0.636, 95% CI = 0.417 to 0.969, P = 0.035) were independent predictors of MACEs in patients with HFpEF. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of LVGLS combined with A × β value for diagnosis of MACEs was 0.861 (95% CI = 0.761 ~ 0.961, P < 0.001), which was significantly higher than that of LVGLS or A × β value (P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the cumulative survival rate in CMD group was significantly lower than non-CMD group (logrank χ2 = 6.626, P = 0.010), with the most significant difference at 20 months of follow-up.ConclusionMCE can evaluate CMD semi-quantitatively and quantitatively, LVGLS combined with A × β value has good performance in predicting the risk of developing MACEs in patients with HFpEF at 3 years of follow-up, and CMD can be used as an important non-invasive indicator for assessing clinical prognosis.

Predictive value of changes in basal myocardial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake for cardiotoxicity in locally advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving definitive radiotherapy

To investigate the predictive value of changes in segmental myocardial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer undergoing definitive radiation therapy (RT). Between August 2012 and January 2019, 482 patients with stages II and III esophageal cancer from 2 institutions were enrolled and divided into the training (n = 285) and external validation (n = 197) cohorts. All patients underwent 18F-FDG positron emission tomography within 1 week before treatment and within 3 months of treatment. Myocardial delineation was performed using the Carimas software based on the American Heart Association 17-segment model and was automatically divided into basal, middle, and apical regions. The main endpoint was the occurrence of MACEs, including unstable angina, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, hospitalization for heart failure or urgent visits, and cardiac death. Analyses included competing risk and Cox regression. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and Brier score. Thirty-four patients (11.9%) developed MACEs at a median follow-up of 78 months. The basal region (median, 19.44 Gy) of the myocardium received the highest radiation dose, followed by the middle (median, 13.02 Gy) and apical regions (median, 9.32 Gy). Multivariate analysis showed that the change ratio in pretreatment and posttreatment basal myocardial mean standardized uptake value (SUV) remained significant after adjusting for age, pre-existing cardiac disease, and dosimetric parameters. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and Brier scores demonstrated favorable predictive accuracies of models integrating variables with significant differences in the multivariate analysis when predicting MACEs in the training and validation cohorts. The basal change ratio of mean SUV was an independent predictor of MACEs in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer receiving definitive RT. Changes in basal myocardial FDG uptake are promising biomarkers for predicting radiation-induced cardiotoxicity.

Abstract 14398: Predictors of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Individuals With Left Bundle Branch Block and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Analysis From the Derivate Registry

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) plays an important role in managing patients with advanced heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction and interventricular conduction block, as it reestablishes synchrony and cardiac function while reducing the risks of HF-related hospitalizations and mortality. Despite the well-described advantages of CRT, approximately 30% to 40% of patients fail to respond to therapy. Therefore, our study aimed to define patient characteristics associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in individuals with left bundle branch block (LBBB) who received CRT. Methods: The study cohort included patients enrolled in the CarDiac MagnEtic Resonance for Primary Prevention Implantable CardioVerter DefibrillAtor ThErapy (DERIVATE) registry who had LBBB and had previously undergone CRT. We defined MACE as a composite outcome including cardiac death, hospitalization for heart failure, or major adverse arhythmic events. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between MACE and CRT therapy. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to explore the association between CRT and cardiac death. Results: Out of 300 individuals, 144 (48%) experienced MACE. The cohort had a mean age of 63.9 ± 10.9, with 29% being male. The median follow-up period was 1285 days. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was identified as an independent predictor of MACE (HR = 3.54; 95% CI [2.31-5.41]; P&lt;0.01) and cardiac death (HR = 24.10; 95% CI [10.71-54.21]; P&lt;0.01) in patients with LBBB and CRT. Amiodarone therapy was associated with a 1.91-fold (95% CI [1.20-3.05]; P=0.01) increased risk of MACE. Notably, multivariate analysis did not reveal a significant association between gender, hypertension, renal function, diabetes mellitus, or NYHA class III/IV and the occurrence of MACE. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that ischemic cardiomyopathy and the use of amiodarone therapy are independent predictors of MACE in patients with LBBB who previously underwent CRT. These findings suggest that patient-level characteristics are important predictors of MACE; however, further research is needed to better understand the interplay between ejection fraction, conduction disease, and patient characteristics post-CRT therapy.

Left ventricular entropy is a novel predictor of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with coronary atherosclerosis: a multi-center study.

To investigate the incremental prognostic value of left ventricular (LV) entropy in a large multi-center population with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD). Current risk stratification of patients with CAD is imprecise and not accurate enough. A total of 314 CAD patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at two medical centers in China between October 2015 and July 2022 were included in this study. Additionally, the 193 patients under 3.0-T field also underwent CMR T1 mapping. LV entropy and extracellular volume (ECV) were calculated from the LGE image of LV myocardium, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were analyzed. Among 314 patients, 110 experienced MACE during a median follow-up of 13months. The risk of MACE was significantly increased in the high entropy group (log-rank p < 0.001). Entropy maintained an independent association with MACE in a multivariable model including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LGE (HR = 1.78; p = 0.001). In addition, the primary endpoint events prognostic value was significantly improved by adding LV entropy to the baseline multivariable model (C-statistic improvement: 0.785-0.818, Delong test: p = 0.001). Similarly, among 193 3.0-T field patients, adding LV entropy to the multivariable baseline model significantly improved the prognostic value of the model for MACE (C-statistic improvement: 0.820-0.898, Delong test: p = 0.004). CMR-assessed LV entropy is a powerful independent predictor of MACE in patients with CAD, incremental to common clinical and CMR risk factors, including LVEF, LGE, Native T1, and ECV. Left ventricular entropy is a powerful independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, incremental to common clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance risk factors. • Left ventricular entropy, a novel cardiac magnetic resonance parameter of myocardial heterogeneity, demonstrated a robust prognostic association with major adverse cardiac events beyond guideline-based, clinical risk markers. • Entropy can have an important role in the primary prevention of major adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. • Compared with late gadolinium enhancement, extracellular volume, and native T1, entropy could be used to more comprehensively characterize the heterogeneity of left ventricular myocardium.

Clinical outcomes of drug-coated balloon for treatment of de novo coronary artery disease with and without diabetes

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) in patients with de novo coronary artery disease with and without diabetes. Patients with de novo coronary artery and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DCB were enrolled from March 2018 and March 2020, including 312 patients being divided into the diabetes group (n=110), pre-diabetes group (n=48) and non-diabetes group (n=154). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (MACE; cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and target vessel revascularization) at 24 months. In diabetes group, the incidence of MACE at 24 months (19.1%) was higher than in the non-diabetes group (12.5%) and pre-diabetes group (10.4%) (p<0.05). Cox regression revealed that diabetes (HR [hazard ratios] 2.049, 95% CI 1.056-4.284), bifurcation lesion (HR 5.255, 95% CI 2.765-9.986), Syntax score (HR 1.098, 95% CI 1.040-1.559) and hemoglobin A1c (HR 1.084, 95% CI 1.160-1.741) were independent predictors of MACE in patients performing PCI with DCB (all p<0.05). However, pre-diabetes did not increase the risk of MACE (HR 1.560, 95% CI 0.542-4.490, p>0.05). Diabetes increased the risk of MACE in patients performing PCI with DCB.

Predictors of the Development of Major Adverse Cardiac Events following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Coronary artery disease remains the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the growing access to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data regarding the factors predicting the development of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing PCI are, however, lacking in the gulf region. In this study, we analyze demographics and risk profile of all patients undergoing PCI in a tertiary cardiovascular center located in Dubai – UAE. In our study, we aimed to analyze the risk profile of all patients undergoing PCI and determine the independent predictors of MACE. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on all patients who underwent PCI in our hospital between September 2017 and September 2018. Patients aged 18 years and above were included in the study and there were no exclusion criteria. The definition of MACE was a composite of death, in-hospital recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), in-hospital target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke. The patients’ characteristics, risk factor, and demographics were analyzed to identify the predictors of MACE using logistic regression model which is presented in odds ratio. Results: Data were available for 789 patients. Of these, 741 (94%) were male. The mean age was 52 ± 11 years. Twenty-two (3%) patients died, 7 (1%) had an in-hospital recurrent MI, 6 (1%) had in-hospital TVR, and 1 (0.1%) had a stroke. Of the patients who died, 16 (73%) patients presented with cardiogenic shock. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 29 (3.7%) patients. In the multivariable regression model, only cardiogenic shock (odds ratio [OR] = 32.43) and the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.36) were predictors of MACE. Conclusion: Our study showed that cardiogenic shock and diabetes mellitus are the independent predictors of MACE in patients undergoing PCI.

Prognostic role of global longitudinal strain by feature tracking in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The STRAIN-HCM study

BackgroundThe assessment of myocardial fiber deformation with cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) has shown to be promising in terms of prognostic information in several structural heart diseases. However, little is known about its role in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Aims of the present study were: 1) to assess the prognostic role of CMR-FT derived strain parameters in patients with HCM. MethodsCMR was performed in 130 consecutive HCM patients (93 males, mean age (54 ± 17 years) with an estimated 5-year risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) <6% according to the HCM Risk-SCD calculator. 2D- and 3D-Global Radial (GRS), Longitudinal (GLS) and Circumferential (GCS) Strain was evaluated by FT analysis. The primary outcome of the study was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including SCD, resuscitated cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT), and hospitalization for heart failure. ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 51.7 (37.1–68.8) months, 4 (3%) patients died (all of them suffered from SCD) and 36 (28%) were hospitalized for heart failure. After multivariable adjustment for clinical and imaging covariates, among all strain parameters, only GLS remained a significant independent predictor of outcome events in both the model including 2D strain (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.23, p = 0.01) and the model including 3D strain (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.30, p = 0.04). The addition of 2D-GLS into the model with clinical and imaging predictors resulted in a significant increase in the C-statistic (from 0.48 to 0.65, p = 0.03). ConclusionCMR-FT derived GLS is a powerful independent predictor of MACE in patients with HCM, incremental to common clinical and CMR risk factors including left ventricular ejection fraction and late gadolinium enhancement.

Obesity paradox in pulmonary hypertension due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (PH-HFrEF) is acommon heart disease with poor prognosis. In this study, we explored the risk factors for PH-HFrEF and investigated the related factors affecting the prognosis of PH-HFrEF patients. The study recruited consecutive patients with PH-HFrEF and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of more than 40 mm Hg with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 45% on echocardiography. Patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (HFrEF) but without PH (sPAP < 30 mmHg and LVEF < 45%) were chosen as the control group. Patients were followed up for 18months, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded. In total, 93 patients with PH-HFrEF formed the study group and 93LVEF-matched patients with HFrEF were enrolled as controls. Body mass index (BMI) in PH-HFrEF patients was significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low BMI was an independent predictor of the presence of PH in patients with HFrEF (p < 0.05). There were 23 (24.7%) MACE in the PH-HFrEF group and 18 (19.4%) MACE in the control group. Cox regression analysis showed that low BMI was an independent predictor of MACE occurrence in the PH-HFrEF group (p < 0.05). Low BMI appear to be significantly associated with PH occurrence in patients with HFrEF, and is an independent predictor of MACE in patients with PH-HFrEF.

Prognostic implication of CT-FFR based functional SYNTAX score in patients with de novo three-vessel disease.

This study was aimed at investigating whether a machine learning (ML)-based coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) SYNTAX score (SS), 'Functional SYNTAX score' (FSSCTA), would predict clinical outcome in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). The SS based on CCTA (SSCTA) and ICA (SSICA) were retrospectively collected in 227 consecutive patients with three-vessel CAD. FSSCTA was calculated by combining the anatomical data with functional data derived from a ML-based CT-FFR assessment. The ability of each score system to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was compared. The difference between revascularization strategies directed by the anatomical SS and FSSCTA was also assessed. Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were divided into two groups according to the SSCTA cut-off value of 22. After determining FSSCTA for each patient, 22.9% of patients (52/227) were reclassified to a low-risk group (FSSCTA ≤ 22). In the low- vs. intermediate-to-high (>22) FSSCTA group, MACE occurred in 3.2% (4/125) vs. 34.3% (35/102), respectively (P < 0.001). The independent predictors of MACE were FSSCTA (OR = 1.21, P = 0.001) and diabetes (OR = 2.35, P = 0.048). FSSCTA demonstrated a better predictive accuracy for MACE compared with SSCTA (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.75, P = 0.01) and SSICA (0.81 vs. 0.75, P < 0.001). After FSSCTA was revealed, 52 patients initially referred for CABG based on SSCTA would have been changed to PCI. Recalculating SS by incorporating lesion-specific ischaemia as determined by ML-based CT-FFR is a better predictor of MACE in patients with three-vessel CAD. Additionally, the use of FSSCTA may alter selected revascularization strategies in these patients.

Red blood cell distribution width in addition to N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide concentration improves assessment of risk of cardiovascular events in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with heart disease. To establish predictors of high RDW values in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), and their relationship with cardiovascular events. Overall, 561 patients with stable CHD who attended a single outpatient clinic and a matched control population of 2128 patients were studied. Exclusion criteria were renal failure, anaemia, receiving iron therapy and cyanosis. Blood tests included glucose, creatinine, iron, apoferritin, liver enzymes and a complete blood count. C-reactive protein and N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) concentrations were also measured in patients with CHD. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as cardiovascular/total mortality, arterial thrombotic events, arrhythmias, major bleedings, pulmonary embolism or heart failure needing hospital admission. The median age in patients with CHD was 23 (17-36) years and the median follow-up time was 5.8 (3.2-8.7) years; 103 (4.8%) controls and 40 (7.1%) patients with CHD had an RDW>15% (P=0.032). During follow-up, MACE were reported in 48 patients. CHD of great complexity, cardiovascular risk factors, low haemoglobin concentration and high NT-pro-BNP concentration were risk factors for an RDW>15%. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly worse cardiovascular outcome in patients with CHD with an RDW>15% (P<0.001). The multivariable survival analysis determined that age, CHD of great complexity, high NT-pro-BNP concentration and an RDW>15% were independent predictive factors for MACE. RDW and NT-pro-BNP concentration are independent analytical predictors of MACE in patients with CHD.

Prognostic Implications of Blunted Feature-Tracking Global Longitudinal Strain During Vasodilator Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Stress Imaging

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of feature-tracking global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured during vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. BackgroundPrior studies have suggested that blunted myocardial strain during dobutamine stress echocardiography may be associated with adverse prognosis. Recent developments in CMR feature-tracking techniques now allow assessment of strain in clinical practice using standard cine images without specialized pulse sequences or complex post-processing. Whether feature-tracking GLS measured during vasodilator stress provides independent and incremental prognostic data is unclear. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing stress perfusion CMR were prospectively enrolled (n = 535). Feature-tracking stress GLS was measured immediately after regadenoson perfusion. Patients were followed for major adverse cardiac events (MACE): death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, sustained ventricular tachycardia, and late revascularization. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to examine the association between stress GLS and MACE. The incremental prognostic value of stress GLS was assessed in nested models. ResultsOver a median follow-up of 1.5 years, 82 patients experienced MACE. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with stress GLS ≥ median (–19%) had significantly reduced event-free survival compared with those with stress GLS < median (log-rank p < 0.001). Stress GLS was significantly associated with risk of MACE after adjustment for clinical and imaging risk factors including ischemia, ejection fraction, and late gadolinium enhancement (hazard ratio: 1.267; p < 0.001). Addition of stress GLS into a model with clinical and imaging predictors resulted in significant increase in the C-index (from 0.80 to 0.85; p = 0.031) and a continuous net reclassification improvement of 0.898 (95% confidence interval: 0.565 to 1.124). ConclusionsFeature-tracking stress GLS measured during vasodilator stress CMR is an independent predictor of MACE in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, incremental to common clinical and imaging risk factors. These findings suggest a role for feature-tracking derived stress GLS in identifying patients at highest risk of adverse events following stress CMR.

Global Coronary Flow Reserve Measured During Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Cardiovascular Events

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the incremental prognostic value of global coronary flow reserve (CFR) in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease who were undergoing stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. BackgroundCoronary microvascular dysfunction results in impaired global CFR and is implicated in the development of both atherosclerosis and heart failure. Although noninvasive assessment of CFR with positron emission tomography provides independent prognostic information, the incremental prognostic value of CMR-derived CFR remains unclear. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing stress perfusion CMR were prospectively enrolled (n = 507). Coronary sinus flow was measured using phase-contrast imaging at baseline (pre) and immediately after stress (peak) perfusion. CFR was calculated as the ratio of peak to pre-flow. Patients were followed for major adverse cardiac events (MACE): death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, sustained ventricular tachycardia, and late revascularization. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to examine the association between CFR and MACE. The incremental prognostic value of CFR was assessed in nested models. ResultsOver a median follow-up of 2.1 years, 80 patients experienced MACE. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, the risk of MACE was significantly higher in patients with CFR lower than the median (2.2) (log-rank p < 0.001); this remained significant after adjustment for the presence of ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (log-rank p < 0.001). CFR was significantly associated with the risk of MACE after adjustment for clinical and imaging risk factors, including ischemia extent, ejection fraction, and LGE size (hazard ratio: 1.238; p = 0.018). Addition of CFR in this model resulted in significant improvement in the C-index (from 0.70 to 0.75; p = 0.0087) and a continuous net reclassification improvement of 0.198 (95% confidence interval: 0.120 to 0.288). ConclusionsCMR-derived CFR is an independent predictor of MACE in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, incremental to common clinical and CMR risk factors. These findings suggest a role for CMR-derived CFR in identifying patients at risk of adverse events following stress CMR, even in the absence of ischemia and LGE.

Prognostic Value of Ventricular Wall Motion Score and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events Score in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic values of ventricular wall motion score (WMS) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a 12-month single-center prospective cohort. Materials and MethodsConsecutive inpatients diagnosed with AMI in the Department of Cardiology of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2012 through March 2015 were enrolled in this study. Echocardiography was issued to all subjects to calculate WMS within 24 hours after admission, and GRACE score of each patient was obtained simultaneously. During a 12-month follow-up period, all major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded. ResultsAfter 12 months of observation, 124 of 635 patients with AMI developed MACE. The WMS (23.70 ± 3.80 versus 20.47 ± 3.25) and GRACE score (185.59 ± 45.16 versus 152.19 ± 36.51) were significantly higher in patients with MACE than those without MACE (P < 0.05). Survival analysis using Cox regression revealed that both WMS (95% CI: 1.082-1.184, P < 0.05) and GRACE score (95% CI: 1.010-1.021, P < 0.05) independently predicted MACE. The receiver operating curve curve analysis showed that the area under curve of WMS, GRACE score and the combination of WMS and GRACE score were 0.768 (P < 0.05), 0.718 (P < 0.05) and 0.812 (P < 0.05), respectively. ConclusionsWMS and GRACE score were independent predictors of MACE in patients with AMI in 12-month follow-up, and the combined application of WMS and GRACE score can significantly improve the predictive value.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring in Addition to Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomographic Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Symptomatic Patients.

The prognostic value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring on top of myocardial perfusion imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients suspected for coronary artery disease is not well established. Four thousand eight hundred ninety-seven symptomatic patients without a history of coronary artery disease referred for SPECT and CAC scoring were included. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as late revascularization (>90 days after scanning), nonfatal myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. The frequency of abnormal SPECT increased with higher CAC scores, from 12% in patients with CAC scores of 0 to 19%, 32%, 37%, and 50% among those with CAC scores 1 to 99, 100 to 399, 400 to 999, and ≥1000, respectively (P<0.001). During a median follow-up of 940 days (25th to 75th percentile, 581-1377), a total of 278 MACEs were observed. Overall incidence of MACE was 2.3% per year. A stepwise increase of MACE was present with increasing CAC scores, both in patients with normal SPECT (annual event rate CAC score 0: 0.6%; CAC score ≥1000: 5.5%) and abnormal SPECT (annual event rate CAC score 0: 0.4%; CAC score ≥1000: 7.6%). After multivariate analysis, both SPECT and CAC score were independent predictors of MACE (CAC score ≥1000: hazard ratio, 7.7; P<0.001 and large perfusion defect on SPECT: hazard ratio, 3.7; P<0.001). CAC score and SPECT are independent predictors of MACE in patients suspected for coronary artery disease. Our findings strongly support performing a CAC score in addition to SPECT in symptomatic patients to better define the risk of events during follow-up.

Abstract 15856: Left Ventricular Longitudinal Contractility Measured During Routine Cine-cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Cardiac Events

Background: Left ventricular systole involves coordinated contraction of longitudinal, circumferential, and radial myocardial fibers. Longitudinal fiber dysfunction appears to be an early marker for a number of pathological states. We hypothesized that reduced mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) measured during cine-Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging reflects changes in longitudinal fiber function and may be an early marker for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: 400 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing CMR were prospectively enrolled. Lateral MAPSE was measured in the 4-chamber cine view by two independent observers. Patients were prospectively followed for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) - death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure or chest pain, and late revascularization. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to identify factors independently associated with MACE. Results: The mean age of the study population was 58(±15) years, with a mean ejection fraction of 59(±14%). 31% of the individuals had known coronary artery disease and 33% were diabetic. 72 MACE occurred during a median follow-up of 14.5 months. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with lateral MAPSE ≤1.11cm (median) experienced significantly higher incidence of MACE than patients with a MAPSE &gt;1.11cm (p = 0.0270) (Figure). After adjustment for established predictors (ejection fraction, age, sex, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, hypertension, late gadolinium enhancement) lateral MAPSE remained a significant independent predictor of MACE (HR=2.43 per cm decrease; p=0.037). Conclusions: Reduced longitudinal fiber function assessed with lateral MAPSE during cine-CMR is an independent predictor of MACE in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Figure: Kaplan-Meier curves for MACE in patients with MAPSE above and below the median.

Prediction of adverse cardiac events in dilated cardiomyopathy using cardiac T2* MRI and MIBG scintigraphy.

Iron deficiency and cardiac sympathetic impairment play a role in the worsening of heart failure, and these two conditions may be linked. The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between myocardial iron deficiency, cardiac sympathetic activity, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Cardiac T2* MRI for iron deficiency and (123)I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging for cardiac sympathetic activity were performed in 46 patients with DCM. Myocardial T2* value (M-T2*) was calculated by fitting signal intensity data for mid-left ventricular septum to a decay curve using 3-Tesla scanner. (123)I-MIBG washout rate (MIBG-WR) was calculated using a polar-map technique with tomographic data. We analyze the ability of M-T2* and MIBG-WR to predict MACE. MIBG-WR and M-T2* were significantly greater in DCM patients with MACE than in patients without MACE. Receiver-operating-characteristics curve analysis showed that the optimal MIBG-WR and M-T2* thresholds of 35 % and 28.1 ms, and the two combination predict MACE with C-statics of 0.69, 0.73, and 0.82, respectively. Patients with MIBG-WR <35 % and M-T2* <28.1 ms had significantly lower event-free rates than those with MIBG-WR ≥35 % or M-T2* ≥28.1 ms (log-rank value = 4.35, p < 0.05). Cox hazard regression analysis showed that χ(2) and the hazard ratio were 3.99 and 2.15 for development of MACE in patients with MIBG-WR ≥35 % or M-T2* ≥28.1 ms (p < 0.05). Iron deficiency, expressed by a high M-T2*, and MIBG-WR were both independent predictors of MACE in patients with DCM. The two combination was a more powerful predictor of MACE than either parameter alone.

Role of Pre-procedural C-reactive Protein Level in the Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: a Meta-analysisof Longitudinal Studies

Numerous studies have reported the relation between pre-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the results across the studies were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive effect of pre-procedural CRP levels and the risk of MACEs in patients undergoing PCI. Longitudinal studies on the association between pre-procedural CRP levels and MACEs were identified by electronic and manual searches. Summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated employing an inverse variance random-effects model irrespective of between-study heterogeneity. Thirty-three studies involving 34,367 patients with 4119 MACEs were included in this study. High CRP level was associated with increased incidences of MACEs, all-cause death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and clinical restenosis, with pooled RRs of 1.97 (95 % CI, 1.65, 2.35), 2.88 (95 % CI, 2.15, 3.86), 1.81 (95 % CI, 1.48, 2.21), 1.31 (95 % CI, 1.11, 1.56), and 1.45 (95 % CI, 1.07, 1.96), respectively. Dose-response analysis showed that every 1 mg/L increment in pre-procedural serum CRP level was associated with a significant 12 % increase in the risk of MACEs. In spite of heterogeneity across the included studies, this meta-analysis suggests that pre-procedural serum CRP level is a valuable predictor of MACEs in patients undergoing PCI.

The prognostic significance of a fragmented QRS complex after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Fragmented QRS (fQRS) may occur due to non-homogeneous activation of ischemic ventricles. We want to investigate the prognostic significance of a fQRS complex in a patient who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Eighty-five patients with no history of coronary artery disease who underwent primary PCI were included in the study. Of these patients, 34 who were found to have a fQRS at the 48th hour after primary PCI were defined as group 1, and 51 who were found not to have a fQRS were defined as group 2. Both groups were monitored for adverse cardiac events. At 6.6 ± 2.3 months of follow-up, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was found significantly higher in the fQRS group [group 1:10 (29.4%) vs. group 2:3 (5.9%); p:0.003]. In multivariate Cox regression analysis; the duration of chest pain (HR:1.02, CI:1.004-1.05; p = 0.03) and fQRS at 48th hour (HR 7.16, CI 3.17-20.11; p = 0.006) were predictors of MACE. In the group 2, event-free survival rate was found significantly higher; however, Q wave and QRS distortion were found to be insignificant with regard to demonstrating event-free survival. Compared to both Q wave and QRS distortion, fQRS showed high sensitivity and specificity in demonstrating MACE (sensitivity 0.77; specificity 0.67; AUC 0.71 (0.57-0.86); p 0.01). fQRS had 73% sensitivity and 49% specificity and Q wave had 58% sensitivity and 85% specificity for demonstrating the presence of scar on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy with ROC curve analysis. The presence of a fQRS at the 48th hour is a significant predictor of MACE in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction who have undergone primary PCI. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01136837).

Prognostic value of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity evaluated by [123I]m-iodobenzylguanidine imaging in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BackgroundMany studies have shown that cardiac sympathetic nerve activity evaluated by [123I]m-iodobenzylguanidine ([123I]MIBG) scintigraphic study during a stable period is useful for determining the prognosis of patients with chronic heart...

Abstract 4487: Clopidogrel Resistance in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: One Year Outcome

Background: Clopidogrel therapy is critical in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data are lacking on long term outcomes of clopidogrel resistance (CR) and its definition. Methods: We identified 389 patients who underwent PCI during a 6 month period. Using the VerifyNow Point-of-care assay, P2Y12 platelet reaction units (PRU) and percent inhibition of platelet activation (IPA) were measured 16 –24 hours after the loading dose of clopidogrel (600mg for patients not on clopidogrel daily, and 300mg for patients on clopidogrel 75mg daily) but before the next day clopidogrel dose. CR was defined as PRU &gt;200, %IPA&lt;10% or IPA&lt;20%. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included death, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and unplanned repeat coronary revascularization. Results: Mean age of patients was 65±11 years, 24% females and 31% diabetics. PRU mean value is 173±93, IPA mean value=47.5±42, CR is found in PRU&gt;200 =36%(140), IPA&lt;10% =8%(31), IPA &lt;20% = 16.4%(64) patients. Presence of myocardial infarction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal disease, smoking history, stable or unstable angina at admission were similar between the PRU groups and between IPA groups. Diabetes and older age were more prevalent in clopidogrel resistance patients. 1-year MACE rates are shown below. Conclusion: Clopidogrel resistance is an important predictor of long-term MACE in patients undergoing PCI, particularly when defined as Platelet Reaction Units &gt;200.