Segment Of Right Coronary Artery Research Articles

Distinct Challenges of Eruptive and Non-Eruptive Calcified Nodules in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

To provide a summary of prevalence, pathogenesis, and treatment of coronary calcified nodules (CNs). CNs are most frequently detected at the sites of hinge motion of severely calcified lesions such as in the middle segment of right coronary artery and left main coronary bifurcation. On histopathology, CNs exhibit two distinctive morphologies: eruptive and non-eruptive. Eruptive CNs, which have a disrupted fibrous cap with adherent thrombi, are biologically active. Non-eruptive CNs, which have an intact fibrous cap without thrombi, are biologically inactive, representing either healed eruptive CNs or protrusion of calcium due to plaque progression. Recent studies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) have shown a difference in the mechanism of stent failure in the two subtypes, demonstrating early reappearance of eruptive CNs in the stent (at ~ 6months) as a unique mechanism of stent failure that does not seem to be preventable by simply achieving adequate stent expansion. The cause of CN reappearance in stent is not known and could be due to acute or subacute intrusion or continued growth of the CN. Whether modification of CN is needed, the most effective calcium modification modality and effectiveness of stent implantation in eruptive CNs has not been elucidated. In this review, we discuss pathogenesis of CNs and how intravascular imaging can help diagnose and manage patients with CNs. We also discuss medical and transcatheter therapies beyond conventional stent implantation for effective treatment of eruptive CNs that warrant testing in prospective studies.

Lipoprotein (a) as a cause of premature coronary artery disease; a case report of a 34-year-old male patient presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Background
 Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is considered when coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs in the younger population, less than 45 years old in males. Modifiable risk factors are present in about 80% of patients with PCAD such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. High serum lipoprotein (a) level has recently emerged as a risk factor for PCAD. However, it is not routinely investigated in young patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes.
 Case Presentation
 A 34-year-old African man presented to our hospital with 2 hours of worsening left sided chest pain. He gave a history of long-standing chest pain in the past that was being managed as peptic ulcer disease. He also complained of a slow heart rate. He had no traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The only significant history was a recent recovery from COVID-19 infection two months prior. His physical examination was only significant for a bradycardia, ECG revealed a hyper acute inferior STEMI without right ventricular involvement. Echo showed a normal left ventricle with reduced ejection fraction (EF: 50%), wall motion abnormalities consistent of an inferior MI. He immediately received streptokinase with good clinical and ECG response. His coronary angiogram showed a severe lesion and plaque rupture in the mid-distal segment of a dominant right coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was successfully done, and one drug eluting stent was implanted. He was placed on guideline directed medical therapy for secondary prevention. The only significant possible aetiology found was an elevated Lipoprotein (a) (137mg/dl). Subsequent serum Lipoprotein (a) remained persistently elevated despite therapy with high dose niacin. He was recommended for a PCSK9 receptor blocker, but this medication is not available in the country and the patient could not meet the costs. He remains stable to current medications with no recurrence of chest pain, two years after the index event, the Lipoprotein (a) levels are still high.
 Conclusions:
 Lipoprotein (a) appears to be an important overlooked cardiovascular risk factor for premature coronary artery disease especially in the absence of traditional risk factors. It should always be considered in the screening of premature coronary cardiovascular disease. The acute presentation in this patient was probably triggered by SARS COV-2 infection.

Positron emission tomography rubidium-82 myocardial perfusion imaging in diagnosing uncommon paediatric acute coronary syndrome: a case report

BackgroundAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) is uncommon among the paediatric population with no guideline in the management in this age group up to this date. This case report aims to introduce the Positron Emission Tomography Rubidium-82 (PET Rb-82 MPI) as one of the non-invasive diagnostic tools in paediatric acute coronary syndrome.Case presentationPatient is an 11-year-old boy with underlying Nephrotic syndrome who was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of chest pain. This was associated with raised cardiac enzyme and S–T depression on the posterior leads of electrocardiogram. On his arrival, we noted raised lipid profile as well as proteinuria and hypoalbuminaemia. He had frequent relapse of Nephrotic syndrome with the latest episode was three months ago. He has a strong family history of ischaemic heart disease whom his father had an episode of myocardial infarction at the age of 40 as well as a strong family history of hypercholesterolaemia. His father and paternal uncle were diagnosed with hypercholesterolaemia at their early age. He was arranged for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography which subsequently followed by PET Rb-82 MPI. The PET Rb-82 MPI demonstrated a large area of stress induced ischaemia in the left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary artery territories. The left ventricular size is normal with good systolic function and normal wall motion. Global coronary flow reserve was still preserved at 2.07. Following the multi-disciplinary meeting, diagnosis of ACS was established. Patient was treated with dual anti-platelets, and he was then arranged for coronary angiography. The coronary angiography showed complete occlusion of the left circumflex artery from the proximal segment. There was a mild disease at mid segment of the diagonal artery with myocardial bridging. There was also a moderate disease from proximal segment of the dominant right coronary artery. Paclitaxel drug coated balloons were inserted into the diagonal and left circumflex arteries.ConclusionsThis rare case report on paediatric ACS highlights the diagnostic value of PET Rb-82 MPI as one of the non-invasive imaging tools in diagnosing paediatric acute coronary syndrome.

Pill or pump? Nitroglycerin 0.5 mg tablet vs 0.8 mg spray: Effect on proximal vessel diameters at Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)

IntroductionThe administration of sublingual Nitroglycerin (NTG) prior to CT coronary angiography (CCTA) can be perfomed using pump spray or tablets. Choice of method seems to be based on local preference, rather than published guidelines. This retrospective analysis tested whether proximal coronary diameters differed dependent on the sublingual administration of 0.5 mg Nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets or 0.8 mg NTG spray. Methods287 ECG-gated CCTA studies with optimal image quality and Agatston scores<400 were included in this retrospective analysis. 143 of the patients were dosed with NTG tablets at a dose of 0.5 mg prior to CCTA. 144 patients received 2 puffs of 0.4 mg NTG spray for a total dose of 8 mg.All were scanned on a second-generation Dual Source CT. Diameters of proximal segments of Left Main (LM), Right (RCA), Left Anterior (LAD) and circumflex (CX) coronary arteries were measured using semi-automatic electronic callipers by two blinded readers. Results were summarised as the mean of maximum and minimum diameters. Sex-specific analysis of diameters was carried out using repeated-measures ANOVA for each vessel. Agreement between readers was examined with Bland-Altman analysis and intra-class-correlation coefficient (ICC). ResultsNo significant differences in coronary diameters were found except in the RCA for women and LM for men. In both cases, diameters were smaller in the spray group (11 and 9%, respectively). Reader agreement was excellent, with ICC>0.96 for all vessels, and no significant bias, except in CX (0.03 mm). ConclusionsWe found no evidence for the systematic superiority of either administration method in proximal coronary vessels. Implications for practiceChoosing between tablet or spray NTG prior to CCTA can be guided by practical, economical and hygienic considerations alone.

279 LAYERED PLAQUES: NOT ALL ARE HEALED

Abstract Layered plaques are the effect of a previous plaque event. They are associated with coronary spasm and found in more than 50% of patients with stable angina and a quarter of those with an acute coronary syndrome. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether their presence is indicative of a healing process or rather is predictive of an increased risk of future events. A 71-year-old male, heavy smoker and hypertensive, presented with episodes of angina at rest that resolved spontaneously in less than 5 minutes, with evidence of ST-segment elevation (STE) in the lower leads during one of these episodes. Coronary angiography showed an intermediate stenosis at the end of the mid segment of the dominant right coronary artery (RCA) (Figure A). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed a layered plaque, consisting of high backscattering layers alternated with low reflection layers (Figures A1-3). Given the minimum luminal area of 3.65 mm2 and the absence of other criteria for plaque instability (erosion, thin-cap, etc.), we treated the patient conservatively with medical therapy alone, consisting of a single antiplatelet agent and a high-dose statin with ezetimibe. A non-dihydropyridine calcium antagonist and a long-acting nitrate were started given the suspicion of coronary spasm. Four months later the patient returned to the emergency department for persistent oppressive chest pain unresponsive to sublingual nitrates with evidence of STE in the lower leads. Emergency coronary angiography showed an acute occlusion of RCA with TIMI 0 flow in correspondence to the layered plaque highlighted 4 months earlier on OCT (Figure B). Antegrade flow was restored with manual thrombus aspiration (Figure C) and OCT showed lesion progression with many new layers, together with a cavity suggestive of plaque rupture (Figures C1-3). A 3.5×38 mm everolimus eluting stent was deployed – based on OCT sizing – and post-dilated with a 4.0×8 mm non-compliant balloon, obtaining an excellent angiographic result with TIMI 3 flow (Figure D). Low-reflecting layers within layered plaques are generally considered to be lipid deposits, but they could also represent intraplaque haemorrhages, generated by coronary spasm. The haematoma can be reorganised within the plaque to create a new layer, leading to lesion progression without necessarily requiring a loss of endothelial integrity. The progressive increase of the haematoma may lead to plaque rupture when the pressure exceeds the resistance of superficial layers. This case reveals a new possible mechanism of plaque progression in patients with coronary spasm and explains how layered plaques can be ambivalently considered to be either stable or vulnerable. Their treatment should be meticulously tailored not only based on classical criteria of plaque instability but also according to the underlying trigger mechanism.

Gender Specific Coronary Artery Diameters in CT Coronary Angiogram: A Comparative Study in Female and Male Population

Objectives: Women show significant in-hospital morbidity and mortality with greater extent of symptoms, poorer post-revascularization outcome with increased restenosis and repeat revascularization after angioplasty, than men. Smaller sized coronary arteries in females can be attributable for this differential outcome, which is also similar in case of Indians, compared to Caucasians. Our aim is to assess the gender-specific difference in coronary arteries using noninvasive Multidetector Computed-Tomography Coronary-Angiogram(CT-CAG) and comparing the same with other racial database. Materials and Methods: With Ethics committee approval, present retrospective comparative study conducted in 128CT-CAG scans in 18-45years aged 100 women and 89 men with no atherosclerotic burden excluding pathological coronaries and high calcium score&gt;100. Diameter measurements of proximal (≤10mm) segments of right coronary artery(RCA), left main coronary artery(LMCA), left anterior descending(LAD) and circumflex(LCx) arteries were taken, averaged and compared using 2-sample z-test. Considering the obtained mean diameters of total sample as South-Indian dataset which is then compared with Caucasians dataset taken from previous study. Results: Women showed smaller coronary artery diameters compared to men in all the arteries, with greater gender-specific age-adjusted difference in LMCA, followed by LAD, RCA and least in LCX. South-Indians showed statistically significant smaller diameters of all the coronary arteries compared to Caucasians. Conclusion: Gender-specific difference among the coronary arteries does exist, with females having smaller dimensions; South-Indians also show smaller diameters. This warrants a clinician for gender-specific approaches during the interventions because of technical difficulties.

A segment-to-segment agreement between findings of Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography and invasive coronary artery angiography

Abstract Introduction Increasing prevalence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) requires reliable, convenient, and non-invasive screening methods for detection of IHD in early phases. Currently cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for evaluation for anatomy and in some cases, physiology using non-invasive methods are the method of choice low to moderate IHD patients. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems, that results of CCTA disagree with invasive coronary artery angiography (ICA) results. There was no systemic analysis of segment-to-segment stenosis significance comparison between these two methods (CCTA vs ICA). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate segment-to-segment coronary artery stenosis significance agreement between CCTA, and ICA was performed. Methods In total, 100 patients who underwent CCTA and a diagnostic ICA between June 2021 and December 2021 were prospectively included into this single centre study. For all patients CCTA were performed and for who's with indication for treatment by CCTA, ICA was performed. For all included patients both CCTA and ICA were performed. For coronary artery evaluation 15-segment scheme were chosen in both CCTA and ICA. Coronary arteries were evaluated as follows: right coronary artery (RCA) was divided into 4 segments (S1-S4), left main (S5), left anterior descending (LAD) (S6, S7, S8), first and second diagonals (S9 and S10) and left circumflex (LCx) (S11, S13) and its marginal branches (S12, S14, S15). Segment-to-segment evaluation was performed. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0.1.0 statistical analyses package. The chosen level of significance was p&amp;lt;0.05. Results RCA showed following results: S1 (r=−0.02, p=0.87), S2 (r=0.38, p&amp;lt;0.001), S3 (r=0.09, p=0.38) S4 (r=0.30, p=0.002). In LM weak positive correlation was found S5 (r=0.21, p=0.04). In LAD and its diagonal branches following results were found: S6 (r=0.30, p=0.002), S7 (r=0,15, p=0.14), S8 (r=0.28, p=0.004), S9 (r=−0.05, p=0.66), S10 (r=−0.04, p=0.64). Analysis of LCx and its marginal branches revealed S11 (r=0.23, p=0.02), S12 (r=0.22, p=0.03), S13 (r=0.19, p=0.06), S14 (r=0.06, p=0.57), and S15 (r=0.27, p=0.008). Negative non-significant correlations were found in proximal RCA and diagonal branches. That means that in those segments CCTA found more significant lesions, than it was found during ICA. Other segments showed weak positive correlations. The greatest correlations were found in very proximal parts of LAD and LCx. Conclusions The greatest correlations were found in very proximal parts of LAD and LCx in addition to middle RCA segment. Nevertheless, all these correlations were weak. This study failed to show relaible agreement between CCTA and ICA. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

P424 SMALL HEART AND SINGLE CORONARY ARTERY IN A YOUNG PATIENT WITH CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Introduction Chronic fatigue syndrome/Myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a clinically defined condition reported mostly in adults, characterized by severe and disabling fatigue limiting normal daily activities for at least 6 months accompanied by multiple unexplained symptoms including self–reported impairments in concentration and short–term memory, sleep disturbances, and musculoskeletal pain. Although rarely considered to have cardiac dysfunction, CFS/ME patients frequently have reduced stroke volume with a significant inverse relation between cardiac output and post–exertional malaise severity. We describe a case of a young man affected by CFS/ME and small heart with incidental findings of anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). Case Presentation A 19–year–old Caucasian male presented to our clinic complaining weakness, lack of concentration and excessive daytime sleepiness. Medical history included CFS/ME, D hypovitaminosis, inflammatory bowel disease associated with pancreatic insufficiency. Physical examination including cardiovascular auscultation was unremarkable, with normal blood pressure and heart rate. Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm at 75 bpm without any repolarization abnormalities. Echocardiogram revealed reduced diameters of left ventricle (LV) (end–diastolic diameter 36 mm), normal aortic root dimensions and, in a five–chamber apical view, a binary structure that seemed to cross the aorta perpendicularly to its long axis. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) found significantly reduced LV stroke volume (34 ml/m2; normal values 44–68 ml/m2) and end–diastolic volume (57 ml/m2; normal values 68–103 ml/m2) together with reduced end–diastolic wall mass (51 g/m2; normal values 59–93 g/m2). Also, right ventricle (RV) volumes were reduced: stroke volume (32 ml/m2; normal values 40–72 ml/m2), end–diastolic volume (62 ml/m2; normal values 68–114 ml/m2). In addition, the exam confirmed the anomalous origin of LMCA stemming from the proximal segment of right coronary artery and following a retro–aortic course. Conclusions Not sufficient consideration was given to cardiovascular involvement in patients with CFS/ME, although many of signs and symptoms are suggestive of cardiovascular dysfunction. This case highlights that CFS/ME together with small heart is a condition possible also in young people. More studies and reports could be necessary to better define the association with cardiac congenital anomalies and CFS/ME.

Comparison of cardiac CT angiography coronary artery dimensions and ethnicity in Trinidad: the CADET pilot study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine if there were any significant differences in coronary artery (CA) dimensions at prespecified segments during cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) compared with ethnicity at an academic tertiary medical centre in Trinidad and Tobago.MethodsPatients (n=170) who underwent CCTA from July 2016 to June 2021 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex were selected based on predefined selection criteria. The size of the left main and proximal, mid and distal diameters of the left anterior descending, left circumflex and right coronary artery (RCA) were measured using quantitative coronary angiography, syngo.CT Coronary Analysis (Siemens Healthineers AG, Erlangen, Germany). Routine medical history, cardiovascular medications and anthropometric data were also recorded. Comparisons were performed using an independent sample t-test and analysis of variance for continuous variables.ResultsOne hundred and seventy participants were enrolled in this study. There were no statistically significant associations between gender and CA dimensions; however, there were significant associations between South Asian and Caribbean black ethnicities for almost all CA dimensions except for the distal RCA segment. These findings were replicated when the analysis was adjusted for body surface area with the addition of the mid-RCA segment, which was bordering near-significance (p value 0.051).ConclusionsSignificantly smaller CA dimensions were observed in South Asian patients compared with Caribbean black patients undergoing CCTA. This pilot study could be clinically significant for Trinidadian patients at risk of developing coronary artery disease.Trial registration numberNCT04774861.

Measurement of the length of coronary arteries in aborted human fetal hearts and its correlation with the gestational age

Background: Human heart is supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) and left coronary artery (LCA). Both these arteries vary in their origin, number, area of distribution, diameter, as well as in their length. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to measure the segmental as well as total lengths of LCA and RCA in the aborted human fetal hearts to find any correlation between the advancement of the gestational age (GA) and change in the length of coronary arteries and to find any statistically significant difference among various parameters between the male and female fetus. Materials and Methods: Fetal hearts were dissected out from 30 formalin-fixed aborted human fetuses after obtaining due permission from the Institutional Ethical Committee. In each heart, both the coronary arteries were cleared from its commencement from the corresponding coronary sinus to its termination at the crux of heart. Each coronary artery was divided into three segments using 4 points over their course and length of each segment was measured. Results: Mean lengths of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd segment of RCA were 3.58 mm, 11.73 mm, and 15.54 mm, respectively. Mean total length of RCA was 30.85 mm. Mean lengths of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd segment of LCA were 14.56 mm, 16.9 mm, and 23.2 mm, respectively. Mean total length of LCA was 54.66 mm. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between fetal GA and length of 3rd segment of RCA in male fetus, total length of RCA in male fetus, length of 1st segment of LCA in male fetus, total length of LCA in male fetus, as well as length of 1st segment of LCA in female fetus. Statistically significant association was found between male and female fetus in regard to length of 2nd segment of RCA as well as total length of RCA. Conclusion: Statistically significant positive correlation between fetal GA and various segments of RCA and LCA is suggestive of continuous growth of coronary vasculature as the fetal GA advances.

Coexistence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is one reversible heart disease, which presents as an acute myocardial infarction with ST-elevation in ECG. This Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is one of the Cath laboratory diagnosis, that means, if the apical ballooning along with absence of obstruction of the corresponding coronary artery, then only the Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is diagnosed. But however there may be some exceptions. We describe a case of 80yr old male presenting the Emergency department with typical anginal symptoms for 3hours suggestive of acute myocardial infarction. The initial ECG demonstarted lateralwall Infarction. Serology revealed elevated cardiac Enzymes. As per the guidelines one emergency coronaryangiography was performed and revealed occluded Ramus diagonalis-2 and Plaque Rupture in mid segment of Right coronary artery, the ventriculography confirmed apical ballooning consistent with takotsubo cardiomyopathy and not in the vascular territory supplied by the occluded epicardial vessel. Traditionally, the Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is labelled as a diagnosis only in absence of the obstruction of the corresponding coronary artery. This case however reflects the coexistence of the obstructed coronary artery and the takotsubo cardiomyopathy and moreover in a male, so the diagnostic criteria for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy my need a prompt review and this case definitely adds to the number of coexistence.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Revealing Coronary Artery Ectasia: Case Report

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a dilation of the coronary artery lumen. The term "ectasia" differs from "coronary aneurysm". The first one refers to diffuse dilation of a coronary artery, while the second designate a focal coronary dilation. In most of cases, it is associated with atherosclerotic disease. CAE predispose to acute coronary events because it disturbs coronary flow and increases blood viscosity. Conventionally, CAE was treated by oral anticoagulants and it has been considered as a valid treatment option. The usual treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is widely employed in CAE patients presenting with ACS.We report the case of a 71year-old man who suffered from angina chest pain revealing a myocardial infraction with inferior ST-elevation. Coronary angiography demonstrated diffused coronary artery ectasia with thrombotic occlusion in the distal segment of right coronary artery. It was managed with medical treatment including DAPT and oral anticoagulation.

770 Small heart and single coronary artery in a young patient with chronic fatigue syndrome: a case report

Abstract Aims Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a clinically defined condition reported mostly in adults, characterized by fatigue and unexplained aspecifical symptoms. Patients with CFS/ME frequently have reduced stroke volume with an inverse relation between cardiac output and post-exertional malaise severity. We describe a rare case of a young man affected by CFS/ME, small heart, and anomalous anatomy of left main coronary artery (LMCA). Methods and results A 19-year-old Caucasian male referred to our clinic complaining weakness, lack of concentration, and sleepiness. He suffered by CFS/ME, D hypovitaminosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and exocrine pancreas insufficiency. Blood tests revealed no pathological findings. Faecal exams documented intestinal dysbiosis and low pancreatic elastase. He was treated with oxygen-ozone rectal insufflations and probiotics. Physical examination was unremarkable. Electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm. Echocardiogram revealed reduced diameters of the left ventricle (LV), normal aortic root dimensions and, in a five-chamber apical view, a binary structure that seemed to cross the aorta perpendicularly. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) found reduced LV stroke volume (34 ml/m2) and end-diastolic volume (57 ml/m2) together with reduced end-diastolic wall mass (51 g/m2). Right ventricle volumes were reduced too. In addition, the exam confirmed the anomalous origin of LMCA stemming from the proximal segment of right coronary artery and following a retro-aortic course. Mechanism of CFS/ME remains unknown, although various factors have been implicated, including immune activation, chronic viral infection, and emotional disorders. A considerable number of patients affected by CFS has an anatomically small heart. Small heart syndrome, in fact, may contribute to the onset of CFS/ME. Previous studies hypothesized that clinical manifestations of CMS/ME were caused by reduced venous return, cardiac output, and heart mass, together with decreased arterial oxygen saturation. Single coronary artery is an uncommon congenital anatomic abnormality identified by a single coronary ostium giving rise to all arteries supplying the heart. Thus, we reported a rare case of a very young man affected by chronic fatigue syndrome and small heart, investigated not only with echocardiogram but also with CMR, not often used in this clinical setting. More, we found an anomalous origin of LMCA. From literature, it’s not reported any cases of a patient including these three rare conditions (CFS/ME, small heart, and single coronary artery). Conclusions This case highlights that CFS/ME together with small heart is a condition possible also in young people. More studies and reports could be necessary to better define the association between cardiac congenital anomalies and CFS/ME. 770 Figure

Abstract 13024: Excessive Slow Flow and Thick Boundary Layers Cause Non ST Segment Elevation in Patients With Patent Coronary Arteries

Introduction: Many patients arrived to emergency room with atypical chest pain, borderline ST segment elevation, troponin level significantly elevated however the coronary angiogram was normal. Why? Hypothesis: Based on damages by flow disturbances in pipes, our research is built on the hypothesis that flow abnormalities disrupt delivery of oxygenated blood to the myocardium. Our strategy is to use today’s practice of fluid mechanics to unlock the mechanism of non-ST Segment elevation myocardial infarction (non-NSTEMI) and patent coronary arteries. What coronary flow abnormalities were the culprit? Methods: Patients with non-STEMI were enrolled if the coronary arteries were patent. In our new dynamic angiographic protocol, contrast was injected until the index coronary artery was completely opacified. Once the manual injection stopped, the blood moved in, displacing the contrast. The movements and directions of the blood flow in “white” color on top of a “black contrast” background could be clearly analyzed. The main focuses were the types of flows and their duration, direction and length. Results: 12 patients with non-STEMI and patent coronary arteries were enrolled. 100% patients had severe slow flow with prolonged arterial phase (&gt;1.8secs) compared with historical control (0.72 secs) (p&lt;0.05). 83% patients had retention flow with thick stagnant boundary layers at the proximal and mid segment of right coronary artery. The retrograde flow was short (0.18secs). Two patients showed excessive contraction of left ventricle. 4 patients revealed history of intense emotional stress however no sign of adrenergic excess (elevated blood pressure, heart rate or extreme peripheral vasoconstriction). All patients recovered and remained asymptomatic after one year follow-up. Conclusions: In non-STEMI and patent coronary arteries, severe slow flow and prolonged retention of thick boundary layers were the culprits. Besides the ischemia caused by delayed delivery of new blood to myocardium, the prolonged retention of thick boundary layers could prevent the intima from absorbing new oxygenated blood and provoked local ischemia. These new discoveries open new management and preventive options for patients with non-STEMI and patent coronary arteries.

The usefulness of subcostal view for the detection of severe stenosis in the middle segment of right coronary artery using coronary artery Doppler echocardiography.

The usefulness of subcostal view for the detection of severe stenosis in the middle segment of right coronary artery using coronary artery Doppler echocardiography.

Middle and long-term follow-up of 101 children with giant coronary artery aneurysm of Kawasaki disease

Objective: To summarize the clinical features, middle-and long-term prognosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) with giant coronary artery aneurysm (GCAA). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 101 KD children with GCAA in the KD with GCAA database established by Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University in 2004. GCAA was diagnosed as coronary artery absolute lumen diameter ≥8.0 mm. All patients were followed up regularly. The endpoint was the time of last follow-up or the death time. T test or χ2 test was used for comparison between groups. Results: A total of 101 KD children with GCAA were enrolled, including 82 males (81.2%) and 19 females (18.8%). The age of disease onset was 2.5 (1.0, 4.5) years. The follow-up duration was 4.5 (2.7, 7.5) years, with a longest of 19 years. All children received routine treatment with aspirin and warfarin, and clopidogrel was added in severe cases. At the end of follow-up, 13 cases (12.9%) had cardiac enlargement, 11 cases (10.9%) developed heart failure, 13 cases (12.9%) experienced myocardial infarction, 2 cases (2.0%) underwent coronary artery bypass graft and 6 cases (5.9%) died. A total of 170 coronary arteries were involved, including 24 (14.1%) GCAAs on the main trunk of left coronary artery, 10 (5.9%) GCAAs on left circumflex, 57 (33.5%) GCAAs on left anterior descending, 78 (45.9%) GCAAs on the middle segments of right coronary artery, and 1 (0.6%) GCAA in the distal segments of right coronary artery. Eleven cases (10.9%) recovered with the coronary artery absolute lumen diameter of all GCAAs below 4.0 mm. Among 170 branches with GCAAs, 28 (16.5%) regressed below 4.0 mm. No significant difference was found in the regression rates between right and left GCAA (18.7% (17/91) vs. 13.9% (11/79), χ²=2.473, P=0.116). There was no statistically significant difference in retraction between unilateral GCAA and bilateral GCAA (16.1% (9/56) vs. 4.4% (2/45), χ2=2.381, P=0.123). Conclusions: GCAA of KD occurred more common in the middle segments of right and left anterior descending coronary arteries. The incidence of adverse cardiac events and the mortality rate in children with GCAA complicated with KD was high. Their long-term prognosis was poor.

Flow Dynamics in Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery in Children: Importance of the Intramural Segment

This study aims to assess the differences in pressure, fractional flow reserve (FFR) and coronary flow (with increasing pressure) of the proximal coronary artery in patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery with a confirmed ischemic event, without ischemic events, and before and after unroofing surgery, and compare to a patient with normal coronary arteries. Patient-specific flow models were 3D printed for 3 subjects with anomalous right coronary arteries with intramural course, 2 of them had documented ischemia, and compared with a patient with normal coronaries. The models were placed in the aortic position of a pulse duplicator and precise measurements to quantify FFR and coronary flow rate were performed from the aortic to the mediastinal segment of the anomalous right coronary artery. In an ischemic model, a gradual FFR drop (emulating that of pressure) was shown from the ostium location (∼1.0) to the distal intramural course (0.48). In nonischemic and normal patient models, FFR for all locations did not drop below 0.9. In a second ischemic model prior to repair, a drop to 0.44 was encountered at the intramural and mediastinal intersection, improving to 0.86 postrepair. There is a difference in instantaneous coronary flow rate with increasing aortic pressure in the ischemic models (slope 0.2846), compared to the postrepair and normal models (slope >0.53). These observations on patient models support a biomechanical basis for ischemia and potentially sudden cardiac death in aortic origin of a coronary artery, with a drop in pressure and FFR in the intramural segment, and a decrease in coronary flow rate with increasing aortic pressure, with both improving after corrective surgery.

Rheumatic valvular heart disease combined with woven coronary artery: a case report

BackgroundWoven coronary artery (WCA) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly in which a part of epicardial coronary artery is divided into thin channels, that twist along the axis of the coronary arteries and then merge again as the main coronary lumen. This anomaly is regarded as a benign condition because the blood flow is normal. Very few cases of WCA have been reported.Case presentationHerein we report a case of a 44-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital due to 20 years of repeated episodes of heart palpitations, 2 years of shortness of breath after activity, and the symptoms were aggravated for 1 month. He had history of inferior myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation. Color Doppler echocardiography revealed rheumatic heart disease, severe mitral regurgitation, mild-moderate tricuspid regurgitation, moderate pulmonary hypertension. Coronary angiography revealed 60–85% diffuse stenosis in the middle of left anterior descending artery, 60–90% diffuse stenosis in the middle of left circumflex artery, 30–40% diffuse stenosis in the proximal segment of right coronary artery, and WCA anomaly in the middle, and distal segments of right coronary artery.ConclusionThe patient successfully underwent prosthetic valve replacement and left anterior descending coronary artery bypass grafting, and had a good recovery after surgery. Further studies are needed to fully understand the disease and determine appropriate treatment options.

P1003New onset atrial fibrillation after stenting of the right coronary artery in patients with ischemic disease of the heart

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major heart rhythm disorder among population older age. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting of the right coronary artery may increase the new onset AF. Aim of the study was to estimate the new onset AF after stenting of the right coronary artery (RCA) in patients with stable ischemic disease of the heart and its effect on short-term prognosis. Methods 765 patients in whom performed PCI with stenting of the proximal and medial segment of RCA were enrolled in this study (aged 41-71 years; mean age 55.8 ± 12.0 years; male 51%). Short-term outcomes were analyzed in median 1.1-year follow-up due to the development of new onset AF. Results Among 765 patients, after PCI in RCA developed AF in 58 patients (7.5%) within follow-up. Among them, 40 patients (5.2%) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 37 patients (4.8%) hypertension, 34 patients (4.4%) older than 60 years old, 30 patients (3.9%) myocardial infarction in history. Restoration of sinus rhythm (cardioversion rate) was in 86%. Majority of the patients in whom sinus rhythm was not recovered were older (11.0%) and diabetic mellitus (8.0%). The propensity-matched model showed that new onset AF was associated with an increased risk of bleeding during the procedure (OR 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.74) and heart failure (OR 1.27; 95% confidential interval, 1.16-1.45). Conclusion: New onset AF is common within short-term period after PCI in proximal and distal segments of the RCA and it was independently associated with post procedural complications and heart failure.

Feasibility of Non-contrast-enhanced Coronary Magnetic Resonance Angiography at 3.0T

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE-MRA) on a 3.0T scanner. Methods Totally 36 volunteers and 24 patients with clinically suspected coronary artery disease underwent NCE-MRA. The quality of the NCE-MRA images was graded for each segment on a four-point scale. The subjects were divided into two groups according to image quality. The age,body mass index (BMI),heart rate,end-expiratory diaphragm displacement,and respiratory diaphragm motion amplitude were evaluated and compared. Results The average image quality score of every segment was above 2 points. The proximal and middle segments of left anterior descending artery had significantly higher quality scores than the distal segments (P=0.000) and the proximal segment of left circumflex coronary artery had significantly higher quality scores than the distal segments (P=0.000),the proximal segment of right coronary artery also had a significant higher quality score than its distal segment (P=0.001). The image quality was good in 38 subjects (64.4%). The heart rate [(66.35±9.39) beat/min vs. (75.32±11.67) beat/min] (P=0.002) and the body mass index [(24.72±3.33) kg/m 2 vs. (27.82±3.61) kg/m 2] (P=0.002) were significantly different between the good image quality group and the poor image quality group. The end-expiratory diaphragm displacement in good image quality group was (4.43±2.07)mm,which was significantly lower than that in poor image quality group [(9.26±7.62)mm](P=0.013). The respiratory diaphragm motion amplitude [(21.35±6.02) mm] in good image quality group was significantly lower than that in poor image quality group [(30.68±14.20)mm](P=0.012). Conclusion NCE-MRA on 3.0T is a feasible tool for visualization of the proximal and middle segments of coronary arteries,and the image quality can be optimized by controlling heart rate and respiration in the future.