Recurrent Ischemic Events Research Articles

Abstract 4136210: Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety in DAPT De-escalation: Transitioning from Ticagrelor to Clopidogrel in Acute Myocardial Infarction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention at twelve-Month Follow-Up

Background: In the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) plays a crucial role in preventing recurrent ischemic events. Recent studies have explored the feasibility and safety of de-escalating DAPT from ticagrelor to clopidogrel. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching several databases, including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE (including MEDLINE InProcess) (OvidSP), Web of Science, Embase (OvidSP), and Scopus. We assessed the risk of bias using the ROB2 Cochrane tools for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The analysis was performed using RevMan Cochrane software. Results: A total of ten studies including observational and clinical studies involving N=18,001patients (11,458 de-escalated from ticagrelor to clopidogrel after 12 months and 6,543 remained on ticagrelor after 12 months post-PCI) were included. There was no difference in the risk of all-cause death (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.38; p=0.90), cardiovascular death (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.74; p=0.73), myocardial infarction (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.14; p=0.37) and stroke (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.50 to 1.32; p=0.41) between the two groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, transitioning from ticagrelor to clopidogrel in acute myocardial infarction following percutaneous coronary intervention appears to be a feasible strategy for de-escalating dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). While maintaining efficacy in preventing adverse cardiovascular events, such as stent thrombosis, this approach may mitigate bleeding risks associated with prolonged ticagrelor use.

Long-term prognostic value of microvascular obstruction by cardiac magnetic resonance in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Microvascular obstruction (MVO) has been associated with a higher risk of cardiac remodelling and adverse events following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, long-term prognostic implications of MVO in STEMI beyond five years of follow-up have not been assessed to date. Purpose To investigate the relation of MVO with all-cause mortality and recurrent ischemic events at long-term follow-up after STEMI. Methods This is a pooled analysis of three observational studies including 876 prospectively enrolled reperfused first STEMI patients, who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement, between 2003-2019, from four university medical centers in the Netherlands and Spain. Median follow-up duration was 6.3 (IQR 3.6-9.3) years. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and recurrent ischemic events (i.e. myocardial infarction or stroke). We performed Cox regression analyses with a time-dependent covariate. Model 1 included correction for clinical covariates only, i.e. age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and LAD culprit artery. Model 2 included imaging characteristics, i.e. infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction, in addition to the clinical covariates. Results The study population consisted of 876 patients, mean age 59 years ± 12, 720 men (82%). MVO was present in 499 patients (58%). The presence of MVO was significantly associated with all-cause mortality up to six years post-STEMI, independent from clinical characteristics (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.23, 95% CI 1.09-4.57, p=0.029), but not after six years post-STEMI (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.45-2.12, p=0.958). Presence of MVO was not significantly associated with a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and recurrent ischemic events before or after six years of follow-up (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.81-1.99, p=0.294 and HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.35-1.31, p=0.244, respectively). All other traditional prognosticators, except age, also lacked predictive value at long-term follow-up beyond six years. Conclusions In STEMI patients, the presence of MVO by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is associated with a more than two-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality up to six years after the index event. This relation seems to dissipate beyond this time period. Furthermore, presence of MVO was not associated with recurrent ischemic events at long-term follow-up post-STEMI.

The association of steatotic liver disease with recurrent ischemic events in patients with chronic coronary syndrome: a multicenter cohort study

Abstract Background/introduction A panel of multi-society experts has proposed new subcategories under the term steatotic liver disease (SLD), replacing the exclusive term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with the new nomenclature metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the prognostic impact of SLD subtypes in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) remains unknown. Purpose We aimed to investigate the associations between SLD subtypes and recurrent event risks in CCS patients. Methods Our analysis included a total of 9,448 patients with CCS from a large multicenter nationwide cohort. Hepatic steatosis was defined as hepatic steatosis index ≥36 and ultrasound evidence. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the evidence of steatosis, cardiometabolic risk factors and alcohol intake: 1) no SLD; 2) MASLD; 3) MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD) and 4) SLD with other causes. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and unplanned revascularization. Results The prevalence of no SLD, MASLD, MetALD and SLD with other causes in our population was 37.3%, 47.7%, 14.7% and 0.3%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 2.0 years, 759 (8.0%) MACCE events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, MASLD (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.06-1.48), MetALD (HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.04-1.65) and SLD with other causes (HR 2.81, 95%CI 1.04-7.57) were all significantly associated with higher MACCE risks compared to no SLD. Conclusions A significant proportion of SLD was observed in CCS patients. Patients with various SLD subcategories all had higher risks of recurrent events.

High-Sensitivity Troponin-T and heart failure risk in individuals with suspected acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background In individuals with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), serial assessments of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hsTnT) levels demonstrate associations with both short- and long-term mortality and recurrent ischemic events. Nonetheless, the relationship with subsequent heart failure remains inadequately characterized. Purpose We investigated the association between single and serial hsTnT levels and subsequent hospitalization or outpatient medical encounters related to heart failure in individuals presenting with suspected ACS. Methods Utilizing Danish national registries from 2012 to 2019, we identified individuals without known heart failure who underwent dual hsTnT assessments ( 99th percentile upper reference limit: 13.5 ng/l), spaced 1-7 hours apart during hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, observation for suspected MI, or chest pain. Participants were categorized based on their hsTnT concentration patterns from the first to the second measurement (primary groups: normal, rising, persistently elevated, or falling) and the extent of hsTnT concentration alterations (secondary groups: <20%, >20 to 50%, or >50% in either direction). Additionally, they were grouped into quartiles based on the initial hsTnT measurement (<=9 ng/l, 10-15 ng/l, 16-66 ng/l, >=67 ng/l) to assess whether heightened hsTnT concentrations correlated with an increased risk of heart failure. Standardized risks of hospitalization or outpatient contacts for heart failure were computed using multivariable logistic regression with average treatment effect modeling. Results The study encompassed 26,835 individuals, of whom 38.9% received discharge diagnoses of MI, 5.1% were diagnosed with unstable angina, and 56.1% with observation for suspected MI or chest pain. Median age was 64.2 years, with 59.5% males. Prevalence of known cardiovascular disease included coronary disease in 18.1% of cases, prior revascularization in 7.2%, atrial fibrillation or flutter in 7.9%, and a history of stroke in 6.3%. Within the initial 30 days, 628 persons received a heart failure diagnosis, with an additional 960 diagnosed between days 31-365. Subjects displaying two normal hsTnT values exhibited the lowest standardized absolute risk (0.39% in days 0-30; 0.58% in days 31-365), while those with persistently elevated concentrations demonstrated the highest risk (6.45% in days 0-30; 7.05% in days 31-365) (Figure). Notably, the magnitude of hsTnT within each primary group did not affect heart failure risk. Conversely, heart failure risk exhibited a positive association with hsTnT concentrations measured in the initial sample. Conclusions In individuals presenting with suspected ACS, subjects with a sustained elevation in hsTnT levels showed the highest risk of subsequent heart failure events. Moreover, a dose-response association was observed between hsTnT concentrations and heart failure risk.Figure

Routine HbA1c screening identifies de novo (pre)diabetes mellitus in 37% of ACS patients which comes with an even higher ischemic risk compared to known diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Diabetes is a prominent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). By exacerbating the progression of CAD, it puts these patients at increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and recurrent ischemic events. It is therefore important to identify hyperglycaemic individuals and to treat them accordingly. However, in daily practice it is seen that a subsequent proportion of people with diabetes is undiagnosed. Purpose The aim of this research is to gain insight in the prevalence of patients with de novo (pre)diabetes, the treatment, and the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) compared to patients with known diabetes in an ACS cohort treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods The Southeast Netherlands Heart Registry (ZON-HR) is an ongoing, multicentre registry collecting data of patients who underwent a PCI procedure. Of this cohort, patients presenting with ACS and measured HbA1c concentrations (on admission) were selected (N=1507). Patients with diagnosed diabetes are considered well-regulated when HbA1c <53 mmol/mol. Patients undiagnosed with diabetes were divided into three groups: HbA1c concentration <42 mmol/mol (normal), HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol (pre-diabetes) and HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (diabetes). The rates of 30-day repeated myocardial infarction (MI), unplanned revascularisation, ischemic CVA, stent thrombosis, and cardiovascular mortality were determined, separately and combined as MACCE in patients with known diabetes compared to prediabetes and diabetes de novo. Results In the selected population, 28.5% of the patients were previously diagnosed with diabetes, which was well-regulated in only 30.2% of these patients. Of the patients not previously diagnosed, 23.1% and 14.4% had pre-diabetic and diabetic HbA1c concentrations, respectively. In 56.1% of patients with de novo diabetes, no glucose-lowering medication was prescribed at discharge (Table 1). At 30-day follow-up, de novo diabetes patients had increased rates of MACCE compared to patients with known diabetes (HR: 3.51, 95%CI 1.48-8.52) after multivariate analysis which corrected for differences at baseline (Figure 1). In addition, a significant increase in unplanned revascularisation (p=.014) and MI (p=.037) was found between de novo diabetes and known diabetes patients. Conclusions Almost half of the ACS patients in this cohort had either poorly regulated diabetes (305 patients) or was undiagnosed with (pre)diabetes while having an increased HbA1c concentration on admission (401 patients). Despite routine HbA1c screening, a subsequent part of these patients is not adequately treated for (pre)diabetes, especially the de novo diabetes patients. By this group, an even larger rate of MACCE was found, compared to the already established risk of diabetes in ACS. Therefore, active screening and treatment (as recommended in the guidelines) should get more attention to improve outcomes in these high-risk patients.Table 1:ACS population based on HbA1cFigure 1:Survival curves of 30D MACCE

High-sensitivity troponin T and risk of stroke in persons with suspected acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Serial high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) concentrations are associated with the risk of recurrent ischemic events and death from any cause. Higher hsTn levels may suggest greater infarct size and possibly, a more pronounced risk of non-coronary atherosclerotic events. Purpose To examine the association between single and serial hsTnT levels and the risk of incident stroke in individuals presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Methods In this Danish nationwide registry-based study, we identified individuals without a history of stroke who presented for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, suspected myocardial infarction, or chest pain from 2013 through 2019, and who underwent serial hsTnT (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland; 99th percentile upper reference limit: 13.5 ng/l) measurements 1-7 hours apart. Subjects were stratified according to their hsTnT level pattern from first to second measurement (main groups: normal, rising, persistently elevated, or falling) and the magnitude of hsTnT level change (secondary groups: <20%, >20 to 50%, or >50% in either direction). Additionally, they were grouped into quartiles based on the initial hsTnT measurement (<=9 ng/l, 10-16 ng/l, 17-68 ng/l, >=69 ng/l). The standardized risk of stroke was computed using multivariable logistic regression with average treatment effect modeling. Results The final study sample consisted of 26867 persons, of whom 10407 (38.7%) were diagnosed with myocardial infarction, 1404 (5.2%) with unstable angina, and 15056 (56.0%) with suspected myocardial infarction or chest pain. Median age was 64.3 years, and 40.1% were women. The prevalences of known cardiovascular disease were as follows: coronary artery disease, 20.2%; prior coronary revascularization, 8.4%; heart failure, 6.4%; and atrial fibrillation, 8.9%. At 30 days, 69 individuals had been diagnosed with a stroke, and an additional 185 individuals were diagnosed from days 31 through 365. The standardized risk of stroke at 30 days was <=0.31% in all main groups and did not meaningfully differ from each other. The risk remained low between days 31-365 (<=0,79%), with no significant between-group difference. The magnitude of hsTnT change within each group did not affect stroke risk, nor did hsTnT quartile based on the first measurement. Conclusions Persons with suspected acute coronary syndrome had a very low overall risk of incident stroke. Single or serial hsTnT levels at presentation did not seem helpful in identifying individuals at an increased risk of stroke.

Risk of recurrent ischaemic events in ACS patients with baseline LDL-C below guideline-recommended thresholds: insights from the prospective SPUM-ACS study

Abstract Introduction The 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines recommend intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), adding ezetimibe and/or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) to achieve recommended target goals (LDL-C<55 mg/dL). Purpose This population-based, real-world study aimed to examine cardiovascular (CV) events in ACS patients with baseline LDL-C levels below current guideline thresholds. Methods ACS patients admitted to four Swiss University Hospitals and enrolled in the multicenter SPUM registry (NCT 01000701) between 2009 and 2017 were followed prospectively until 1 year. The composite primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE); i.e., non-fatal stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and death) at 1 year. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were fit to estimate ischaemic risk among those with LDL-C<55 mg/dL. Results Out of 4’787 ACS patients, 226 patients (4.7%) had baseline LDL-C<55 mg/dL. These patients were older (69.7±11.3 vs 63.4±12.4, p<0.001), more frequently male (20.8%vs 15.9%, p<0.001), had more often traditional CV risk factors (all p<0.001) and were more likely to have a complex history of CV disease, such as previous MI (37.2% vs 10.9%, p<0.001), prior percutaneous (47.8% vs 13.2%, p<0.001) or surgical (15.0% vs 3.5%, p<0.001) coronary revascularization. Inflammatory biomarkers were also higher (hs-CRP, 30.1±63.6 vs 10.7±25.8 mg/L), with most patients being on high-dose statin therapy (82.4% vs 38.7%, p<0.001). At 1 year, patients with LDL-C<55 mg/dL had a higher rate of MACCE (16.4% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), with individual components of the primary endpoint occurring more frequently among these patients (all p<0.001), except for a numerical increase in CE (2.7% vs 1.7%, p=n.s.), as shown in the figure (Panel A). The enhanced MACCE risk persisted after adjustment for potential differences in baseline characteristics, with a 51% (adj. HR 1.51, CI95% 1.05-2.17, p=0.026) increase in MACCE (Panel B). Diabetes, low eGFR and high hs-CRP levels remained independent predictors of MACCE in patients with low baseline LDL-C (all p<0.001). Conclusions Our real-world data confirm that even ACS-patients reaching currently recommended LDL-C thresholds have a substantial incidence of recurrent CV events. These findings reinforce the opportunity for lipid-lowering therapy intensification in high-risk patients to levels below guideline-recommended threshold in order to further reduce CV risk.Event-risk according to baseline LDL-C

Study protocol for LOMCAD Trial: Effect of lomerizine hydrochloride to prevent recurrence of cerebral ischemic events in CADASIL patients

ObjectivesCerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is one of the most common monogenic cerebral small vessel diseases. Our previous observational study suggested that lomerizine hydrochloride, a calcium channel blocker approved in Japan in 1999 for the prevention of migraine headaches, is also effective for preventing recurrent ischemic stroke in CADASIL patients. The aim of this study (LOMCAD trial) is to verify the efficacy of lomerizine hydrochloride. Materials and MethodsThis is a multicenter, prospective, single-arm trial, using a historical control for comparison. CADASIL patients with a history of two or more cerebral ischemic events within the last two years will be administered lomerizine hydrochloride (5-mg tablet twice daily) for 24 months. The primary endpoint is symptomatic cerebral ischemic events during the 24-month period. Using our historical data and Bayesian sample size calculation based on a prior predictive distribution, the planned sample size was determined as 20 subjects. ConclusionWe have planned a clinical trial to verify the effectiveness of lomerizine hydrochloride as prophylaxis to prevent recurrent cerebral ischemic events in CADASIL patients. RegistrationThe LOMCAD trial has been registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs051220072, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs051220072).

Impact of ticagrelor with or without aspirin on total and recurrent bleeding and ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention: A sub-study of the TWILIGHT trial.

In standard time-to-first event analysis, early aspirin discontinuation followed by ticagrelor monotherapy has been shown to reduce bleeding without increasing ischemic complications compared with ticagrelor plus aspirin after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated whether these treatment effects are preserved when recurrent events are considered. In this TWILIGHT trial post hoc analysis, we assessed the effects of ticagrelor monotherapy on the total number of events that occurred over the 12-month follow-up among 7 119 high-risk patients randomized to aspirin or placebo in addition to ticagrelor at 3 months post-PCI if event-free and adherent to treatment. There were 391 patients with at least one Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding (primary endpoint). Of those, 28 (7.2%) had a recurrent event. The total number of BARC 2, 3, or 5 bleeding events were 148 in the ticagrelor monotherapy arm compared with 278 with ticagrelor plus aspirin arm (p<0.001). Among 272 patients with at least one key secondary ischemic endpoint (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke), 37 (13.6%) sustained a recurrent event. Total ischemic events were similar (155vs 159) in the two groups. Among selected high-risk patients who underwent PCI and completed 3 months of dual antiplatelet therapy followed by ticagrelor with or without aspirin, recurrent bleeding was less common than recurrent ischemic events over 12 months. Analysis of total events indicates that ticagrelor monotherapy continues to be more effective than ticagrelor plus aspirin in reducing bleeding without a signal of ischemic harm.

Results of Carotid Endarterectomy Performed at Different Times During the Acute Period of Ischemic Stroke

AIM OF STUDY. To compare the results of carotid endarterectomy performed at different times (1st, 2nd and 3rd week) of the acute period of ischemic stroke.MATERIAL AND METHODS. In the acute period of ischemic stroke (1–21 days), 92 patients with symptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery of 50% or more were operated on using carotid endarterectomy . There were 66 men and 26 women. The average age was 65.7±8.4 years. All patients were divided into three groups depending on the timing of the operation: Group 1, where the operation was performed on the 1st week of stroke (n=48); Group 2, where the operation was performed on the 2nd week after stroke (n=28); Group 3, where carotid endarterectomy was performed on the 3rd week after stroke (n=16). In-hospital endpoints of the study in each group were ipsilateral ischemic stroke, any other stroke (contralateral ischemic or hemorrhagic), myocardial infarction, wound hemorrhagic complications requiring repeated operation and surgical hemostasis, death, and major adverse cardiovascular events (stroke + myocardial infarction + fatal outcome).RESULTS. There were no postoperative ipsilateral ischemic strokes, myocardial infarctions, or deaths in the study group (92 patients). In the overall group of patients (n = 92), the incidence of any postoperative stroke was 2.2% (2 patients): one hemorrhagic stroke on the side of carotid endarterectomy (group 3) and one contralateral ischemic stroke on the first postoperative day in a patient with bilateral critical stenosis of the internal carotid artery (group 1). Postoperative wound hematoma, which required revision and bleeding arrest in the early postoperative period, developed in one (1.1%) patient in Group 1. The overall incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was 2.2% or 2 patients. In all three groups, a statistically significant and positive effect in regression of the initial neurological deficit was obtained at discharge. In patients operated in the first week after stroke, the neurological deficit at discharge according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin scale was the lowest. In general, 31.3%, 17.9% and 12.5% of patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 were discharged without neurological deficit (0 points according to the NIHSS scale), respectively.CONCLUSIONS. Carotid endarterectomy performed in the acute period of ischemic stroke is a safe surgical intervention in the prevention of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic events. The most positive neurological dynamics and the least neurological deficit at discharge were achieved after operations performed in the first week of ischemic stroke.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Cerebral Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease With Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cerebral revascularization for Moyamoya disease (MMD) with extra-cranial internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO). MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 37 patients diagnosed with MMD with extra-cranial ICAO who underwent cerebral revascularization surgery. We conducted propensity score matching for MMD patients without extra-cranial ICAO from database of 932 MMD patients. Outcome data, recurrent strokes and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were collected during follow-up. ResultsA total of 37 MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO were included in the study. The average follow-up time of MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO included in the study was 74 months. During the follow-up period, there were 15 hemispheres recurred stroke events. All hemispheres underwent surgery, and the follow-up mRS score was significantly reduced (P <0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant statistical difference in stroke events between the indirect bypass (IB), direct bypass (DB), and combined bypass (CB) groups (P = 0.131). After propensity matching, 48 hemispheres of MMD patients without extra-cranial ICAO were identified from a review of 932 MMD patients. There was no significant statistical difference in stroke events between the MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO group and the MMD group (P = 0.271). ConclusionsCerebral revascularization can prevent recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke events for MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO. There was no difference on long-term clinical outcomes after CB, DB, and IB surgery. The cerebral revascularization has similar effect on the MMD patients with extra-cranial ICAO and MMD patients without.

Transcarotid arterial revascularization for symptomatic carotid web

ObjectivesSymptomatic carotid web is an increasingly recognized cause of acute ischemic stroke with a high risk of recurrent ischemic events despite aggressive medical interventions. Surgical interventions including transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TFCAS) and carotid endarterectomy have been described to reduce this risk, but transcarotid arterial revascularization (TCAR) has not been evaluated for this purpose. Materials and MethodsPatients with cerebral ischemia from carotid web underwent TCAR with flow reversal. Patients were monitored for periprocedural complications and assessed at follow-up for clinical evidence of recurrent ischemia. ResultsSix cases over the course of 21 months were identified, 2 males and 4 females with a median age of 59.5 (interquartile range of 39). All underwent technically successful TCAR without periprocedural complications no post-procedural cerebral ischemia over a median follow-up time of 21 months. ConclusionsIn this small series of patients, TCAR provided a safe and effective treatment of carotid webs that had previously caused cerebral ischemia.

Body temperature, systemic inflammation and risk of adverse events in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Inflammatory processes can trigger acute coronary syndromes (ACS) which may increase core body temperature (BT), a widely available low-cost marker of systemic inflammation. Herein, we aimed to delineate baseline characteristics of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) patients stratified by initial BT and to assess its predictive utility towards major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after the index ACS. From 2012 until 2017, a total of 1044 ACS patients, 517 with STEMI and 527 with NSTE-ACS, were prospectively recruited at the University Hospital Zurich. BT was measured by digital tympanic thermometer along with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT) levels prior to coronary angiography. Patients were stratified according to initial BT and uni- and multivariable regression models were fit to assess associations of BT with future MACE risk. Among patients with STEMI, BT was not predictive of 1-year MACE, but a U-shaped relationship between BT and MACE risk was noted in those with NSTE-ACS (p = .029), translating into a 2.4-fold (HR, 2.44, 95% CI, 1.16-5.16) increased 1-year MACE risk in those with BT >36.8°C (reference: 36.6-36.8°C). Results remained robust in multivariable-adjusted analyses accounting for sex, age, diabetes, renal function and hs-cTnT. However, when introducing hs-CRP, the BT-MACE association did not prevail. In prospectively recruited patients with ACS, initial BT shows a U-shaped relationship with 1-year MACE risk among those with NSTE-ACS, but not in those with STEMI. BT is a broadly available low-cost marker to identify ACS patients with high inflammatory burden, at high risk for recurrent ischaemic events, and thus potentially suitable for an anti-inflammatory intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01000701.

Perfusion deficit and vessel wall characteristics to predict recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.

To investigate the association between perfusion deficit, vessel wall characteristics, and risk of recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. We retrospectively reviewed chronic symptomatic patients due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in our center. All patients received multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (including perfusion-weighted imaging and high-resolution vessel wall imaging) within 4 weeks to 3 months after symptom onset. The association between baseline clinical or imaging variables and recurrent ischemic events was assessed in bivariate models and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of recurrence. Among 71 enrolled patients, 21.1% (15/71) patients had recurrent ischemic events (nine ischemic strokes and six transient ischemic attacks) during a 2-year follow-up. In bivariate models, hypertension, occlusion with hyperintense signals, the presence of intraluminal thrombus, Tmax >4 s volume, Tmax >6 s volume, Tmax >8 s volume, and Tmax >10 s volume were associated with recurrence (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, hypertension (p = 0.039, OR 10.057 (95% CI, 1.123-90.048)), higher deficit volume of Tmax >4 s (p = 0.011, OR 1.012 (95% CI, 1.003-1.021)) and occlusion with hyperintense signal (p = 0.030, OR 6.732 (95% CI, 1.200-37.772)) were still independent predictors of recurrent ischemic events. Besides hypertension history, higher deficit volume of Tmax >4 s and occlusion with hyperintense signal determined using multiparametric MRI are strongly associated with risk for recurrent ischemic events in medically treated patients with chronic symptomatic anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Future studies are needed to determine the utility of revascularization strategies in such high-risk patients.

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

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

Registry of Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale in the Secondary Prevention of Stroke.

The foramen ovale remains patent in about 25% of the adult population. In adult life, thrombi form in the venous circulation and can cross the interatrial septum and trigger an ischemic stroke - called paradoxical embolism. The treatment can be performed through percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO), but still rarely performed in Brazil because it is not available in the public health care. To evaluate the reproducibility of clinical trial results in real-life studies due to the low number of records published about the topic. This study is a retrospective cohort study including 121 patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure for secondary prophylaxis of ischemic stroke between January 2012 and June 2022. We observed a mean age of 50.3 years and most females . Severe interatrial shunt was observed in 82.6% and the presence of atrial septal aneurysm in 84.2%. After 6 months of the procedure, no patient still had a residual shunt. There were no serious bleeding or vascular complications. Recurrence of a new cerebrovascular event occurred in 1.6% of patients. We observed a low recurrence of new ischemic neurological events and lack major complications related to the procedure.

Novel Targets and Strategies Addressing Residual Cardiovascular Risk in Post-acute Coronary Syndromes Patients.

Despite the advancement in secondary cardiovascular prevention strategies for post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, the development of new drugs addressing dyslipidemia and the personalization of dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPT), these patients continue to suffer a significant incidence of recurrent ischemic events. Therefore, novel targets that can be tackled to reduce cardiovascular risk are needed to improve the outcome of this very high-risk population. The role of chronic inflammation and inflammasome in the development and progression of atherosclerosis has been broadly investigated in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) and recent randomized trials have highlighted the possibility to manage these targets with specific drugs such as colchicine and monocolonal antibodies with a significant improvement of cardiovascular outcomes in post-ACS patients. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is the most promising non-traditional risk factor and has shown to predict worse outcome in post-ACS patients. Lowering Lp(a) through PCSK9 inhibitors and specific targeted therapies has shown positive results in reducing adverse cardiovascular events in patients with established CAD. The effect of microbiome and its alteration in gut dysbiosis seems to actively participate in residual cardiovascular risk of CAD patients; however, the risk-modifying effect of targeted-microbiome therapies hasn't been yet investigated in large population-based studies. Long-term outcome of post-ACS patients is a complex puzzle of multiple factors. In this minireview, we summarize the emerging risk factors that may interplay in the residual risk of post-ACS patients and their possible prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Association Between Coronary Artery Spasm and Atherosclerotic Disease.

In at least one-half of the patients with angina or ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries undergoing coronary function testing, coronary artery spasm (CAS) is detected. CAS is associated with an adverse prognosis regarding recurrent complaints and ischemic events. Current treatment options are mainly focused on the complaints, not on the underlying pathophysiological process. In this review we discuss available evidence regarding the presence, amount, and morphology of atherosclerosis in CAS patients. The reviewed evidence confirmed that atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque characteristics are often detected in patients with CAS. The amount of atherosclerosis is higher in patients with focal CAS compared with patients with diffuse CAS. Severity of atherosclerosis is associated with the presence of CAS and the prognosis in CAS patients with atherosclerotic stenosis is worse. Therefore, CAS patients with atherosclerosis might benefit from targeted atherosclerotic treatment. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the exact relation between atherosclerosis and CAS.

Pharmacogenomic Polygenic Model of Clopidogrel Predicts Recurrent Ischemic Events in Chinese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) need to take antiplatelet drugs regularly in order to prevent thrombosis; however, there is existing inter-individual variability in drug response. Pharmacogenomic studies indicate that drug response may also be influenced by genetic variants, and multiple genetic variants may work together. We assumed that patients carrying more risk alleles might have a worse clopidogrel drug response and that a polygenic model integrated different single variants might have the potential to explain clopidogrel drug response variability better. We aimed to investigate whether the polygenic model could be used to predict clopidogrel drug response. A total of 935 CAD patients were enrolled in the study. We investigated the association between 19 clopidogrel-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the incidence of recurrent ischemic events. Additionally, a polygenic model was constructed to assess the risk of ischemic events. There were only 2 SNPs of CYP2C8 gene (rs1934980 and rs17110453) that were nominally associated with incidence of recurrent ischemic events. We constructed a polygenic model integrated with 6 clopidogrel-related SNPs. When compared with patients carrying 6 or fewer risk alleles, patients with 7 or more risk alleles had a higher risk of ischemic events (hazard ratio = 1.87; P = 0.04). The polygenetic model may be useful for clopidogrel drug response prediction in patients with CAD.

Current Insight on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a cornerstone in the management of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), offering significant improvements in patient outcomes. Risk stratification is critical in guiding the urgency and timing of PCI, with invasive strategies recommended for high-risk patients identified by clinical, electrocardiographic, biomarker assessments, or validated scores. Multivessel coronary artery disease is frequently observed in patients with NSTE-ACS and is correlated with an increased likelihood of recurrent myocardial infarction and mortality. Preferably during the index procedure, complete revascularization should be considered in patients with stable hemodynamics. Functional invasive evaluation, including fractional flow reserve, may help assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary lesions and decide whether a non-culprit stenosed vessel prompts revascularization. Intravascular imaging techniques with optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound are essential for evaluating lesion characteristics, optimizing stent deployment, and enhancing the precision of PCI. Overall, a personalized interventional approach in NSTE-ACS incorporating risk stratification, timely intervention, careful consideration of multivessel disease, and advanced diagnostic modalities is paramount in enhancing patient prognosis and minimizing recurrent ischemic events. Keyword: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Multivessel Disease; Intravascular Imaging; Coronary Physiology; Complete Revascularization.