Predictor Of Major Cardiac Events Research Articles

Effects of Respiratory and Cardiac Motion on Dose to the Left Anterior Descending Artery in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Radiation dose to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) appears to be an independent predictor of major cardiac events and all-cause mortality following radiation therapy (RT) for lung cancer. In this study, we characterize the dosimetric effects of respiratory (RM) and cardiac (CM) motion on LAD. Ten patients with stage IIIA-IVA lung cancer received cine MRIs (25 phases) at expiration which were used to evaluate the CM, and 4D CT scans for the evaluation of RM. Following registration of the expiration images of 4D CTs with MRIs, RT dose was transferred from planning CT datasets to all phases of 4D CTs and cine MRIs. LAD was manually contoured on all scans. The contours from each 4D phase represent LADs over multiple cardiac cycles, thus they are referred to as cLAD from here on. Displacements and dose variations of cLAD between exhale/inhale on 4D CTs and of LAD between systolic and diastolic phases on cine MRIs were analyzed, and paired t-tests were performed to assess the significance of the differences observed. The following metrics are reported averaged over all patients. Clinical treatment planning CT metrics and doses: Mean dose, max dose, V5 Gy and V15 Gy were 15.0 (±11.3) Gy, 31.1 (±22.1) Gy, 53 (±33)%, 35 (±30)%. The cLAD metrics and dose variations due to respiratory motion (between exhale and inhale): RM amplitude was 0.3±0.2cm (RL 0.3 ± 0.1 cm, AP 0.2 ± 0.2 cm, SI 0.3 ± 0.2 cm). The variations in mean dose, max dose, V5 and V15 were 4.0 (±4.0) Gy, 1.6 (±1.5) Gy, 4.4 (±3.4)%, 4.0 (±3.4)%. Mean, max, V5 Gy and V15 Gy increased or remained unchanged with expiration in 8, 9, 5 and 5 patients, respectively. LAD metrics and dose variations due to cardiac motion (between systole and diastole): CM amplitude was 0.2 ± 0.1 cm (RL 0.2 ± 0.1 cm, AP 0.2 ± 0.1 cm, SI 0.3 ± 0.1 cm). The variations in mean dose, max dose, V5 and V15 were 1.7 (±1.4) Gy, 1.2 (±0.9) Gy, 5.2 (± 6.7)%, 4.6 (± 4.0)%. Mean, max, V5 Gy and V15 Gy increased or remained unchanged with diastole in 7, 7, 8 and 8 patients respectively. Statistical significance: The differences in displacement and dose between respiration and cardiac motion were not statistically significant. Respiratory and cardiac-induced physiological variations of the LAD position have dosimetric consequences comparable in magnitude. Expiration and diastole lead to increased LAD doses. This underscores the importance of considering both the respiratory and the cardiac motion when motion management techniques are considered. 4D CTs inherently include the cardiac motion. However, if breath-hold is used for respiratory motion mitigation, CM might not be captured appropriately due to short tube rotation times. In this case, understanding CM characteristics is important for more accurate assessment of LAD dose.

NT-proBNP as predictor of major cardiac events after renal transplantation in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

BackgroundFor the improvement of outcome after renal transplantation it is important to predict future risk of major adverse cardiac events as well as all-cause mortality. We aimed to determine the relationship of pre-transplant NT-proBNP with major adverse cardiac events and all-cause mortality after transplant in patients on the waiting-list with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.Patients and methodsWe included 176 patients with end-stage renal disease and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who received a kidney transplant. MACE was defined as myocardial infarction (ST-segment elevation [STEMI] or non-ST-segment elevation [NSTEMI]), stroke or transient ischemic attack), coronary artery disease requiring intervention or bypass or death from cardiovascular causes.ResultsMACE occurred in 28/176 patients. Patients with NT-proBNP levels above 4350 pg/ml had 1- and 5-year survival rates of 90.67% and 68.20%, whereas patients with NT-proBNP levels below 4350 pg/ml had 1- and 5-year survival rates of 100% and 90.48% (p < 0.01). 1- and 5-year MACE-free survival rates were calculated as 78.82% and 74.68% for patients with NT-proBNP > 4350 pg/ml and 93.33% and 91.21% for patients with NT-proBNP < 4350 pg/ml (p < 0.01).ConclusionsPre-transplant NT-proBNP might identify renal transplant candidates at risk for MACE after transplant.

Right heart catheterization in advanced systolic heart failure. What are the most useful haemodynamic parameters for risk stratification?

Previous studies have shown that pulmonary hypertension is a predictor of mortality in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF). Persistent pulmonary hypertension after a reactivity test is associated with a worse outcome after transplantation. Recent studies have shown the utility of different haemodynamic parameters. To define best haemodynamic parameters for risk stratification in patients with advanced systolic heart failure. We included 425 consecutive patients who underwent a right heart catheterization with an inotropic challenge if indicated. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 1.67 (0.49-4.49) years, there were 151 major cardiac events (126 cardiovascular deaths and 25 postoperative deaths after ventricular assist device implantation or heart transplantation). The most powerful independent predictors of major cardiac events were baseline right atrial pressure (RAP) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.12; P<0.0001) and baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.17; P=0.002). After inotropic challenge, the only independent predictor was mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.09; P<0.0001). The combination of PVR (≤or>3 Wood units), RAP (<or≥9mmHg) and mPAP after the inotropic challenge (≤or>30mmHg) was the best predictor of major events. We suggest using a simple algorithm based on baseline PVR, baseline RAP and mPAP after the inotropic challenge for the risk stratification of stable patients with advanced systolic heart failure.

Predicting mortality for patients with heart failure beyond oxygen consumption: a prognostic risk score.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a crucial tool for the functional evaluation of cardiac patients. We hypothesized that maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) and ventilatory efficiency-minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production (V̇e/V̇co2) slope are not the only parameters of CPET able to predict major cardiac events (mortality or cardiac transplantation urgently or elective). We aimed to identify the best CPET predictors of major cardiac events in patients with severe chronic heart failure and to propose an integrated score that could be applied for their prognostic evaluation. We evaluated 140 patients with chronic heart failure who underwent CPET between 2011 and 2019. Major cardiac events were evaluated during follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to study the predictive value of different clinical, echocardiographic, and CPET parameters in relation to the major cardiac events. A score was generated, and c-statistic was used for the comparisons. Thirty-nine patients (27.9%) died or underwent cardiac transplantation over a median follow-up of 48 mo. Five parameters (maximal workload, breathing reserve, left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction, and nonidiopathic cardiomyopathy) were used to generate a risk score that had better risk discrimination than the New York Heart Association dyspnea scale, V̇o2max, V̇e/V̇co2 slope > 35 alone, and combined V̇o2max and V̇e/V̇co2 slope (P = 0.009, 0.004, <0.001, and 0.005, respectively) in predicting major cardiac events. A composite score of CPET and clinical/echocardiographic data is more reliable than the single use of V̇o2max or combined with V̇e/V̇co2 slope to predict major cardiac events.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is a cohort study with a follow-up of maximum of 8 years of patients with chronic heart failure that demonstrates a simple integrated score consisting of CPET (breathing reserve, workload at maximal exercise), echocardiographic (LVEF, diastolic dysfunction), and clinical (etiology of cardiac disease) data. The generated score was a better predictor of major cardiac events (mortality or cardiac transplantation) than Weber classification (V̇o2max classification) or NYHA functional class as single factors.

Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Assessed with Nuclear Cardiology for the Prediction of Major Cardiac Events after Revascularization.

Objective This retrospective study was aimed at determining whether or not stress phase bandwidth (SPBW), a left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony index, predicts major cardiac events (MCEs) and stratifies the risk of those in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who undergo revascularization. Methods Patients were followed up to confirm the prognosis for at least one year. The SPBW was calculated by a phase analysis using the Heart Risk View-F software program. The composite endpoint was the onset of MCEs, consisting of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, and severe heart failure requiring hospitalization. Patients The study subjects were 332 patients with CAD who underwent coronary angiography and revascularization after confirming ≥5% ischemia detected by rest 201Tl and stress 99mTc-tetrofosmin electrocardiogram-gated single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging. Results During the follow-up, 35 patients experienced MCEs of cardiac death (n=5), non-fatal myocardial infarction (n=3), unstable angina pectoris (n=11), and severe heart failure requiring hospitalization (n=16). A receiver operating characteristics analysis indicated that the optimal cut-off value of the SPBW was 52° for predicting MCEs, and the MCE rate was significantly higher in the patients with an SPBW >52° than in those with an SPBW ≤52°. Results of the multivariate analysis showed the SPBW and estimated glomerular filtration rate to be independent predictors for MCEs. In addition, the cut-off value of the SPBW significantly stratified the risk of MCEs according to the results of the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion Evaluating the SPBW before revascularization may help predict future MCEs in patients with CAD who intended to undergo treatment.

Left ventricular end-systolic contractile entropy can predict cardiac prognosis in patients with complete left bundle branch block

BackgroundSeveral patients with complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) show left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and poor cardiac prognosis. However, the prognostic value of LV end-systolic contractile entropy which was measured by single-photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) has not been elucidated in patients with CLBBB. Methods and ResultsWe recruited consecutive 115 sinus-rhythm patients with CLBBB who underwent ECG-gated 201TlCl-SPECT. After 30 days of observation, finally 102 patients (75.2 ± 9.5 years, 62 male) were enrolled and observed retrospectively for a median of 671 days. Twenty-five patients fell into major cardiac events. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 39.35 mL/min and entropy ≥ 79% were significant and independent predictors for major cardiac events (hazard ratio: 4.256 and 7.587, P value = 0.006 and < 0.001, respectively). Machine learning (Random Forest method) revealed eGFR and entropy had higher feature importance than other predictors (0.140 and 0.138, respectively). Kaplan-Meyer curve analysis demonstrated that the group with entropy ≥ 79% and eGFR ≤ 39.36 mL/min had the worst cardiac prognosis (Logrank: P = 0.002). ConclusionsLeft ventricular end-systolic contractile entropy predicts poor cardiac prognosis in patients with CLBBB, which may be more valuable than the other parameters of SPECT.

Prognostic Role of Left Ventricular Intramyocardial Fatty Metaplasia in Patients With Previous Myocarditis (MYOFAT Study)

Left ventricular intramyocardial fat (LV-IMF) is often found in patients with previous irreversible myocardial damage and may be detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). No data are currently available about the prevalence of LV-IMF in patients with previous myocarditis. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of LV-IMF in patients with previous myocarditis by repeating after >3 years a follow-up CMR examination and to evaluate its clinical and prognostic role. Patients with clinical suspected myocarditis who underwent CMR within the first week from the onset of their symptoms and underwent repeated CMR were enrolled. LV-IMF was detected as areas of left ventricular intramyocardial "India ink" black boundary with or without a hyperintense core. Overall, in 235 patients with a definitive diagnosis of acute myocarditis, CMR was repeated after a median of 4 (3 to 6) years from symptom onset. LV-IMF positive patients (n = 35, 15%) presented greater ventricular volumes and more frequently a mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement than those without LV-IMF (both p < 0.05). Patients presenting major cardiac events (sudden cardiac deaths, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-firing) at follow-up had a greater prevalence of LV-IMF than those without (55% vs 11%, p < 0.001). Patients with LV-IMF had a higher incidence myocarditis relapse (27% vs 9%, p = 0.003) and a greater risk of major cardiac events (p < 0.0001) than those without. At logistic regression analysis, LV-IMF was an independent predictor of major cardiac events. In conclusion, LV-IMF is not an uncommon finding in patients with previous myocarditis and is associated with worse ventricular remodeling and prognosis.

Prognostic Significance of the Residual SYNTAX Score and Ischemic Reduction Detected with Nuclear Cardiology for Prediction of Major Cardiac Events after Revascularization.

Objective There is no report on the risk stratification of major cardiac events (MCEs) with a combination of the Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score and ischemic reduction detected with rest 201Tl and stress 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) after revascularization in Japanese patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods This was a retrospective study. The patients were followed up to confirm their prognosis for at least one year. Ischemia was evaluated based on the summed difference scores converted to the percentage of the total myocardium Safety Data Sheet (SDS%). The SYNTAX score and SDS% were calculated before and after revascularization. The endpoint was the occurrence of MCEs. Patients Study subjects were 293 patients who had a ≥75% stenotic lesion detected with coronary angiography following confirmation of ≥5% ischemia with SPECT, underwent revascularization, and thereafter received a re-evaluation with SPECT and coronary angiography. Results During the follow-up, 25 patients experienced MCEs of cardiac death (n=2), non-fatal myocardial infarction (n=3), and unstable angina pectoris (n=20). A receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the best cut-off values of the residual SYNTAX score and ΔSDS% were 12 and 5%, respectively, for the prediction of MCEs. The patients with a low residual SYNTAX score (<12) and high ΔSDS% (≥5%) had the best prognosis, while those with a high residual SYNTAX score (≥12) and low ΔSDS% (<5%) had the worst prognosis. Conclusion The combination of the residual SYNTAX score and ischemic reduction detected with nuclear cardiology is useful for predicting MCEs after revascularization.

P4571PFA-100, a test of platelet adhesion/aggregation, predicts cardiovascular events after an acute coronary syndrome and can help in the decision-making for dual antiplatelet extension

Abstract Background The dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration is a matter of great interest among cardiologists. Because of the conflicting evidences and the necessity to balance the reduction in major cardiac events (MACE) occurrence and the risk of major bleedings after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), there is a general consensus on prolonging DAPT on an individual basis. There is less consensus on which parameters are to be evaluated. Nowadays tests of platelet reactivity are not included in the decision-making. Few data are available on the prognostic value of aspirin response tests that are sensitive to other mediators of platelet adhesion and aggregation in vivo under flow conditions. Purpose To demonstrate the role of the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100) Collagen/Epinephrine (CEPI) cartridge, which is very sensitive to von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels, an emerging vascular risk factor, in risk stratification in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We measured platelet reactivity by PFA-100 CEPI cartridges in a prospective cohort of 928 patients admitted for ACS between January 2006 to December 2009 and urgently treated by PCI at day 6±1 after admission. All the patients were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel according to current standard of that time. Results High platelet reactivity (HPR) defined as PFA-100 values &lt;190”was found in 307 (33%) patients. No significant differences were found in demographic, angiographic and biochemical characteristics of both populations (PFA-100 &lt;190” and PFA-100&gt;190”). At a mean follow up of 5±1 years patients with HPR had a significant increase in cardiac death: 12.3% vs 2.6% (hazard ratio 6.05; 95% confidence interval: 3.34–10.95; p&lt;0.0001) and recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI): 49% vs 17% (hazard ratio 4,29; 95% confidence interval: 3,27–5,64; p&lt;0.0001). The trend in events incidence in our cohort of patients, in line with recent evidences, was maintained beyond the first year of follow-up Conclusions Using a multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model, HPR was found to be an independent predictor of MACE. These results indicate that PFA-100 CEPI cartridge, which correlates well with VWF levels, may be a useful point-of-care test to stratify the cardiovascular risk after an ACS. This also underlines the additional value of this test in the decision-making about the correct extension of DAPT.

Family screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Is it time to change practice guidelines?

AimsCurrent guidelines recommend initiating family screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after age 10 or 12 years unless early screening criteria are met. The aim was to evaluate if current screening guidelines miss early onset disease.Methods and resultsChildren who underwent family screening for HCM before age 18 years were analysed. Major cardiac events (MaCEs) were defined as death, sudden cardiac death (SCD), or need for major cardiac interventions (myectomy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion, transplantation). Of 524 children screened, 331 were under 10 years of age, 9.9% had echocardiographic evidence of HCM, and 1.1% were symptomatic at first screening. The median (interquartile range) age at HCM onset was 8.9 (4.7–13.4) years, and at MaCE was 10.9 (8.5–14.3) years with a median time to MaCE from HCM onset of 1.5 (0.5–4.1) years. About 52.5% phenotype-positive children and 41% with MaCEs were <10 years old. Only 69% children with early HCM met early screening criteria. Cox regression identified male gender, family history of SCD, and pathogenic variants in MYH7/MYBPC3 as a predictor of early onset HCM and MaCEs.ConclusionA third of children not eligible for early screening by current guidelines had phenotype-positive HCM. MYH7 and MYBC3 mutation-positive patients were at highest risk for developing early HCM and experiencing an event or requiring a major intervention. Our findings suggest that younger family members should be considered for early clinical and genetic screening to identify the subset in need of closer monitoring and interventions.

Prognostic value of longitudinal strain compared to conventional parameters of right ventricular function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is an important predictor of poor outcomes in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF), usually evaluated by conventional parameters. RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) is recently proposed to be more sensitive tool to evaluate RV function. The purpose of this study was to compare the prognostic value of strain and conventional parameters of RV function in HF with reduced EF. Echocardiography was performed in all patients discharged after decompensated HF with EF < 40% between January and June 2017. We measured TAPSE, S velocity, fractional area change(FAC). RVLS was assessed by averaging all segments in apical view. RV dysfunction was defined if at least one of the following parameters was impaired:TAPSE < 17 mm, FAC < 35%, Svelocity < 9.5 cm/s or Strain of free wall RV < 20%. Our patients have been followed for 1year. The end point was all major cardiac events (mortality, readmission). During a mean follow-up of 283 ± 67 days, major cardiac events rate were 28.7% after 3 months and 38.3% in 1year. RV dysfunction was associated with major cardiac events both in 3 months ( P = 0.01) and in 1 year ( P = 0.04). In patients with RV dysfunction, the survival rate decreased by 38,4% in 1year and by 60% when all parameters were impaired. The overall performance for the prediction of cardiac events was greatest for RVLS (area under the curve: 0.76; TAPSE: 0,68; FAC: 0.67). The cut-off value of RVLS was − 11,5% to predict cardiac events in 3 months (se = 65%, s P = 80) and in 1 year (se = 68%, s P = 75). In multivariate analyses, RVLS remained an independent predictor of major cardiac events in 3months (OR = 21,6; 95%CI:1,5-309; P = 0.02) and in 1 year (OR = 8,4; 95%CI: 1,3–52; P = 0,02). In HF with reduced EF, RVLS is a stronger predictor of outcome than RV conventional parameters, providing a stronger prognostic stratification.

A strong and reliable indicator for early postoperative major cardiac events after elective orthopedic surgery: Aortic arch calcification

BackgroundCardiovascular events after orthopedic surgery may result in mortality. Therefore, predictors of early cardiovascular events after elective orthopedic surgery are required. AimThe aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification and 30-day major adverse cardiac events following elective orthopedic surgery. MethodsPatients who had undergone orthopedic surgery were screened. Preoperative detailed anamnesis was taken. Echocardiography and standard chest x-ray were performed.Patients were followed in terms of perioperative 30-days major cardiac events and were classified into two groups according to development of perioperative major adverse cardiac events.Aortic arch calcification was evaluated by two cardiologists, blinded to study findings and was graded as 0 to 3 on chest x-ray. ResultsA total of 1060 patients were approached for the study participation. Of these 714 were included in the study (mean age: 70.43, 65% female). Cardiovascular events occurred in 33 patients. As compared to the patients without cardiac events, the prevalence of aortic arch calcification, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and smoking were higher in patients with cardiac events. In addition, Lee index, left ventricular end-systolic, end-diastolic and left atrial diameter were significantly higher, GFR values were significantly lower in the group with cardiac events.Multivariate regression analysis showed that smoking (OR 5.031, 95% CI 1.602 to 15.794), presence of hypertension (OR 5.133, 95% CI 1.297 to 20.308) and aortic arch calcification (OR 6.920, 95% CI 3.890 to 12.310) are independent predictors of major cardiac events within 30-day of elective orthopedic surgery. ConclusionsPresence of aortic arch calcification is associated with development of major cardiac events within 30-days after elective orthopedic surgery.

PR deviation as a risk marker for cardiac events in patients with Takotsubo syndrome

PR segment deviation (PRD: defined as PR elevation in aVR and PR depression in lead II/III) on electrocardiography is frequently observed in patients with acute pericarditis; however, there have been few studies that explore the occurrence of PRD in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The clinical significance of PRD in TTS is not clearly elucidated. A total of 52 consecutive patients with TTS in sinus rhythm (73.9 ± 13.8 years, nine males) were enrolled in the study. The major cardiac events were defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, Killip class 4 heart failure, and cardiac death within 30 days. PRD in the hyperacute phase (within 48 h from the onset of TTS) was observed in 15 patients (29%), and all PRDs disappeared or diminished at 1 week later. The PRD (+) group had a higher value of C-reactive protein level (median: 1.80mg/dL [0.31-3.26] vs 0.20mg/dL [0.06-0.81], P=0.013) and creatine kinase-muscle/brain isoenzyme (median: 60IU/L [28-75] vs 17IU/L [13-26], P<0.001) and a lower level of left ventricular ejection fraction (42.7 ± 7.2% vs 48.8 ± 9.4%, P=0.041) than the PRD (-) group. Multivariate analysis showed that PRD was a significant and independent predictor for major cardiac events (odds ratio=21.0, 95% confidence interval=1.18-273). TTS patients with PRD in the hyperacute phase showed a high incidence of major cardiac events. Therefore, PRD may help to identify TTS patients at high risk for cardiac event.

Inter- and intra-ventricular dyssynchrony in the systemic right ventricle is a surrogate marker of major cardiac events in mildly symptomatic patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate systemic right ventricular (RV) dyssynchrony in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA FC)<III. We used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to evaluate the dyssynchrony and assessed whether RV dyssynchrony can be predictive of major cardiac events in their early stages in these patients. We enrolled 71 consecutive, NYHA FC<III patients with systemic RV who underwent CMR between April 1995 and December 2016. We measured intra- and inter-ventricular dyssynchrony using a feature-tracking method of cine magnetic resonance imaging. The predictors of major cardiac events were analyzed using the Cox hazard analysis. The data from 36 patients with CCTGA and 35 patients with TGA after an atrial switch were analyzed. Seven (19.4%) patients with CCTGA and 6 (17.1%) patients with TGA showed a QRS duration of≥130ms. There were significant intra- and inter-dyssynchrony in the systemic RV groups, compared to healthy controls. The average follow-up period was 5.1±3.9years. From among patients with CCTGA, 9 (25.0%) had major cardiac events. The parameters including NYHA FC, indexed RV volume, longitudinal early diastolic strain rate, and intra- and inter-ventricular dyssynchrony were predictive of major cardiac events. From among patients with TGA, 12 (34.3%) had major cardiac events. Age, NYHA FC, QRS duration, RV volume, RV mass index, LV volume, global longitudinal/circumferential strain and intraventricular dyssynchrony, were all predictive of major cardiac events. Systemic RV in NYHA FC<III patients with CCTGA and TGA, have obvious intra- and inter-dyssynchrony, suggesting ineffective wall motion and potential RV dysfunction. Intraventricular dyssynchrony can be an adjunct predictor of major cardiac events in mildly symptomatic patients with both CCTGA and TGA.

Exercise Echocardiography for the Prediction of Major Cardiac Events and Overall Mortality after Coronary Artery By-Pass Surgery

Exercise Echocardiography for the Prediction of Major Cardiac Events and Overall Mortality after Coronary Artery By-Pass Surgery

Prediction of major cardiac events after vascular surgery

ObjectivePredicting cardiac events is essential to provide patients with the best medical care and to assess the risk-benefit ratio of surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (Lee) and the Vascular Study Group of New England Cardiac Risk Index (VSG) scores for the prediction of major cardiac events in unselected patients undergoing arterial surgery and to determine whether the inclusion of additional risk factors improved their accuracy. MethodsThe study prospectively enrolled 954 consecutive patients undergoing arterial vascular surgery, and the Lee and VSG scores were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves for each cardiac risk score were constructed and the areas under the curve (AUCs) compared. Two logistic regression models were done to determine new variables related to the occurrence of major cardiac events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest). ResultsCardiac events occurred in 120 (12.6%) patients. Both scores underestimated the rate of cardiac events across all risk strata. The VSG score had AUC of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.68), which was higher than the AUC of the Lee score (0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.63; P = .03). Addition of preoperative anemia significantly improved the accuracy of the Lee score to an AUC of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.58-0.67; P = .002) but not that of the VSG score. ConclusionsThe Lee and VSG scores have low accuracy and underestimate the risk of major perioperative cardiac events in unselected patients undergoing vascular surgery. The Lee score's accuracy can be increased by adding preoperative anemia. Underestimation of major cardiac complications may lead to incorrect risk-benefit assessments regarding the planned operation.

P896Non-severe aortic stenosis as a predictor of major cardiac events in patients referred for exercise echocardiography

P896Non-severe aortic stenosis as a predictor of major cardiac events in patients referred for exercise echocardiography

Drug-Eluting vs. Bare-Metal Stents: Is it a Matter of Vessel Size?

Background: Although drug-eluting stents (DES) for percutaneous coronary intervention have dramatically reduced the incidence of in-stent restenosis, their deployment for large-size coronary lesions is still controversial because of problems such as prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy, late in-stent thrombosis and costs. Aim: This study sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) compared to baremetal stents (BMS) for patients with large coronary vessels ≥ 3.5 mm. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control comparative study conducted in the cardiology A department of the university hospital Fattouma Bourguiba in Monastir. A total of 77 consecutive patients (80 lesions) who underwent, between October 2003 and March 2014, successfully DES implantation were compared to 73 consecutive patients (84 lesions) who were treated with BMS in large coronary vessels ≥ 3.5 mm. Results: The average age in our population was 59.7 ± 11.3 years with a male majority without any significant difference between the two groups. The DES group contained significantly more patients with diabetes (67.5% vs. 38.1%; p<0.0001) and a history of coronary heart disease (40% vs. 16.7%; p=0.001). The BMS group had significantly more procedures in the aftermath of MI (18.8% vs. 40.5%; p=0.002) including more primary angioplasty (6.7% against 47.1%; p=0.006). About two-thirds of the study patients had multi-vessel disease with equal distribution in both groups. The average duration of dual antiplatelet therapy was significantly prolonged in the DES group: 13.01 ± 8.31 months vs. 7.59 ± 8.19 months; p<0.0001. A mean follow of 27.87 ± 14.82 months was obtained. At 12 months, DES led to a significant reduction in the combined rate of major cardiac events by about 70% (OR=0.32; 95% CI: 0.119 to 0.858; p=0.019) without allowing a significant reduction in the rates of in-stent restenosis, in-stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization or non-combined major cardiac events. During longterm follow-up, the benefit of DES in terms of MACE was maintained by allowing a 60% reduction in the combined rate of major cardiac events (OR=0.406; 95% CI: 0.172 to 0.955; p=0.035). Multivariate analysis identified the BMS as an independent predictor of major cardiac events and death. However, the type of stent does not appear as a factor influencing the ISR and target lesion revascularization rates. Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of drug-eluting stents during angioplasty of large coronary arteries in reducing major cardiac events and death without having any effect on in-stent restenosis, in-stent thrombosis nor target lesion revascularization.

Major Cardiac Events After Non-cardiac Surgery.

Postoperative cardiovascular complications might be difficult to assess and are known to be associated with longer hospital stay and increased costs as well as higher morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors for major cardiac events (MCE) after non-cardiac surgery. The study included 4398 patients who were admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit between January 1, 2006 and July 19, 2013. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) were calculated, and all variables entered as parameters were evaluated independently. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent factors for MCE. A total of 107 people experienced MCE. The independent predictors for postoperative MCE were higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (odds ratio [OR] 38.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.81-140.36), history of ischemic heart disease (OR 3.38; 95% CI 2.12-5.39), history of congestive heart disease (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.49-3.85), history of insulin therapy for diabetes (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.66-5.19), and increased SAPS II (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05). Having a MCE was associated with a longer length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01). FiO2, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart disease, insulin therapy for diabetes, SAPS II, and length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit were independent predictors for MCE.

Interventional Cardiology 2015: A Selection of Topical Issues

cyclosporine (2.5 mg/kg body weight) or placebo prior to reperfu- sion of the vessel. The aim was to test the hypothesis that cyclosporine can improve the clinical course and prevent ventricular remodeling in STEMI. The events of the primary end point (a composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure, rehospital- ization, or left ventricular remodeling with an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume 15% at 1 year) were recorded in 59.0% and 58.1% of the patients in the cyclosporine and control groups, respectively (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0.78-1.39; P = .77). Moreover, treatment with cyclosporine did not reduce the incidence of any of the separate components of the primary end point. The TOTAL trial 4 randomized 10 732 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI to a strategy involving systematic aspiration throm- bectomy vs conventional PCI, to test the hypothesis that manual thromboaspiration could reduce distal embolization and improve microvascular perfusion. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or severe heart failure at 180 days, and the safety outcome was stroke at 30 days. Primary outcome events were recorded in 6.9% of the patients in the thrombectomy group vs 7.0% of the conventional PCI group (OR = 0.99; 95%CI, 0.85-1.15; P = .86). The rates of cardiac death (thrombectomy vs PCI, 3.1% vs 3.5%; OR = 0.90; 95%CI, 0.73- 1.12; P = .34) and of the primary outcome plus stent thrombosis or revascularization of the target vessel (9.9% vs 9.8%; OR = 1.00; 95%CI, 0.89-1.14; P = .95) were also similar. The rate of stroke within the first 30 days was higher in the aspiration thrombectomy group (0.7% vs 0.3%; OR = 1.13-3.75; P = .02), although the reason for this finding is not clear. Because the same results were obtained in a 1-year follow-up, the investigators in the TOTAL trial do not recommend the systematic use of thrombus aspiration in STEMI, 5 although its role in the cases of certain patients and lesions remains to be defined (Figure 1). The ESTROFA-MI registry, 6 involving patients over 75 years of age, collected retrospective data on the antithrombotic therapy administered to STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. This registry included 2131 patients: 221 (10.3%) treated with bivalir- udin, 1374 (64.5%) treated with unfractionated heparin only, and 536 (25.2%) treated with abciximab; the mean ages were 81 5, 81.3 4.8, and 79.8 4.0 years, respectively (P 2 according to the BARC (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium) criteria 7 was 0.7%, 1.4%, and 1.0% (P = .8), respectively. On multivariate analysis, none of the strategies proved to be an independent predictor of major cardiac events, although the use of bivalirudin was associated with a lower incidence of cardiac death, without significantly increasing the rate of stent thrombosis. The influence of thrombus aspiration was also analyzed in 2 groups matched for a baseline Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade of 0-1 (560 patients who underwent thrombectomy and 490 who did not), but no significant differences were found in terms of cardiac death, reinfarction, need for repeat revascularization, or stent thrombosis. 6