Setting Of Acute Coronary Syndrome Research Articles

Determinants and Prognostic Impact of Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Acute Coronary Syndrome Settings

Introduction and objectivesContemporary data on the incidence and prognosis of heart failure (HF) and the influence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are scant. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between LVEF and HF with long-term prognosis in a cohort of patients with ACS. MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study of 6208 patients consecutively admitted for ACS to 2 different Spanish hospitals. Baseline characteristics were examined and a follow-up period was established for registration of death and HF rehospitalization as the primary endpoint. ResultsAmong the study participants, 5064 had ACS without HF during hospitalization: 290 (5.8%) had LVEF<40%, 540 (10.6%) LVEF 40% to 49%, and 4234 (83.6%) LVEF ≥ 50%. The remaining 1144 patients developed HF in the acute phase: 395 (34.6%) had LVEF<40%, 251 (21.9%) LVEF 40% to 49%, and 498 (43.5%) LVEF ≥ 50%. Patients with LVEF 40% to 49% had a demographic and clinical profile with intermediate features between the LVEF <40% and LVEF ≥ 50% groups. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that mortality and HF readmissions were statistically different depending on LVEF in the non-HF group but not in the HF group. Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% was an independent prognostic factor in the non-HF group only. ConclusionsIn ACS, long-term prognosis is considerably worse in patients who develop HF during hospitalization than in patients without HF, irrespective of LVEF. This parameter is a strong prognostic predictor only in patients without HF.

In-hospital outcomes in invasively managed acute myocardial infarction patients who receive morphine.

We aimed to analyze the association between morphine and in-hospital outcomes in invasively managed ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients. Morphine is commonly used for analgesia in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS); however, recently its utility in ACS has come under closer scrutiny. We identified all STEMI and NSTE-ACS patients undergoing coronary angiogram +/- percutaneous intervention between January 2009 and July 2016 in our center and recorded patient characteristics and inpatient outcomes. Overall, 3027 patients were examined. Overall, STEMI patients who received morphine had no difference in in-hospital mortality [4.18% vs. 7.54%, odds ratio (OR): 0.36, P = 0.19], infarct size (mean troponin level 0.75 ng/mL vs. 1.29 ng/mL, P = 0.32) or length of hospital stay (P = 0.61). The NSTE-ACS patients who received morphine had a longer hospital stay (mean 6.58 days vs. 4.78 days, P < 0.0001) and larger infarct size (mean troponin 1.16 ng/mL vs. 0.90 ng/mL, P = 0.02). Comparing matched patients, the use of morphine was associated with larger infarct size (mean troponin 1.14 ± 1.92 ng/mL vs. 0.83 ± 1.49 ng/mL, P = 0.01), longer hospital stay (6.5 ± 6.82 days vs. 4.89 ± 5.36 days, P = 0.004) and a trend towards increased mortality (5% vs. 2%, OR: 2.55, P = 0.06) in NSTE-ACS patients but morphine did not affect outcomes in the propensity matched STEMI patients. In a large retrospective study, morphine was associated with larger infarct size, a longer hospital stay and a trend towards increased mortality in invasively managed NSTE-ACS patients even after adjustment for clinical characteristics.

White Blood Cell Count and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Contemporary Era: Insights From the PARIS Study (Patterns of Non-Adherence to Anti-Platelet Regimens in Stented Patients Registry).

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is associated with increased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the setting of acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether similar associations persist in an all-comers population of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the contemporary era. In the multicenter, prospective, observational PARIS study (Patterns of Non-Adherence to Anti-Platelet Regimens in Stented Patients Registry), 4222 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the United States and Europe between July 1, 2009, and December 2, 2010, were evaluated. The associations between baseline WBC and MACE (composite of cardiac death, stent thrombosis, spontaneous myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization) at 24-month follow-up were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression. Patients with higher WBC were more often younger, smokers, and with less comorbid risk factors compared with those with lower WBC. After adjustment for baseline and procedural characteristics, WBC remained independently associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR] per 103 cells/μL increase, 1.05 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.02-1.09]; P=0.001), cardiac death (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.05-1.17]; P<0.001), and clinically indicated target revascularization (HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.09]; P=0.03) but not stent thrombosis (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.99-1.16]; P=0.10) or spontaneous myocardial infarction (HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.97-1.09]; P=0.29). The association between WBC and MACE was consistent in acute coronary syndrome and non-acute coronary syndrome presentations (interaction P=0.15). Increased WBC is an independent predictor of MACE after percutaneous coronary intervention in a contemporary all-comers cohort. Further studies to delineate the underlying pathophysiologic role of elevated WBC across a spectrum of coronary artery disease presentations are warranted. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00998127.

P4697Prognosis impact of frailty assessed by the Edmonton Frail Scale in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in the elderly

P4697Prognosis impact of frailty assessed by the Edmonton Frail Scale in the setting of acute coronary syndrome in the elderly

Outcomes After PCI in Patients with LV Dysfunction

AbstractBackground: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of left ventricular dysfunction. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patient with LV dysfunction is a high risk procedure and may be associated with adverse outcomes. We observed for outcomes after PCI in the elective and acute coronary syndrome setting in patient with LV dysfunction.Methods: A prospective single center study was performed in 836 patients with and without LV dysfunction who underwent PCI with a follow up period of 1 year for MACCE.Results: A total of 836 patients were studied. 329 (39.4%) patients have LV dysfunction (LVD) and 507 (60.6%) patients have good LV function (GLV). Among the patients with LVD, 160 (48.6%) has mild, 89 (27.1%) has moderate, 80 (24.3%) has severe LVD. Mean age was 56.5±12.5 years in patients with GLV and 58.8±10 years in LVD patients (p=0.003). Number of males were 259 (78.7%) in LVD and 364 (71.7%) in GLV group. Hypertension and diabetes were present in 237(72%) vs 368(72.5%), 168 (51%) vs 286 (56.4%) in LVD and GLV groups respectively (p=0.8, 0.1). There was no difference in the previous history of CABG (5.2% vs 3.4%, p=0.2) and PCI (19.5% vs 16.4%, p=0.3) in both groups. 174 (52.9%) patients with LVD and 409 (80.7%) patients with GLV has chronic stable angina. Multivessel PCI was done in 79 (24%) patients with LVD and 110 (21.7%) patients with GLV (p=0.4). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 3 patients with mild, 5 patients with moderate, 6 patients with severe LVD during the follow up of 1 year. There was no difference in outcomes between the LVD and GLV group at one year (p=0.2), but when a subgroup analysis was made among patients with LV dysfunction there was a significant occurrence of MACCE in patients with severe LV dysfunction when compared with mild LVD (p=0.05).Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the occurrence of MACCE in patients with LV dysfunction and without LV dysfunction who underwent PCI. But when a subgroup analysis was done there was a significant occurrence of MACCE in patients with severe LV dysfunction (p=0.05) when compared to mild LVD.

Progressive increase of the Tpeak-Tend interval is associated with ischaemia-induced ventricular fibrillation in a porcine myocardial infarction model.

Repolarization indices of ECG have been widely assessed as predictors of ventricular arrhythmias. However, little is known of the dynamic changes of these parameters during continuous monitoring in acute ischaemic episodes. The objective of the study was to evaluate repolarization-related predictors of ventricular fibrillation (VF) during progression of experimental myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was induced in 27 pigs by 40-min balloon inflation in the left anterior descending coronary artery, and 12-lead ECG was continuously recorded. Rate-corrected durations of the total Tpeak-Tend intervals measured from the earliest T-wave peak to the latest T-wave end in any lead were determined at baseline and at minute 1, 2, 5, and then every 5th minute of occlusion. There were 7 early (1-3 min) and 10 delayed (15-30 min) VFs in 16 pigs. Baseline Tpeak-Tend did not differ between animals with and without VF. Tpeak-Tend interval rapidly increased immediately after balloon inflation and was greater in VF-susceptible animals at 2-15 min compared with the animals that never developed VF (P < 0.05). Tpeak-Tend was tested as a predictor of delayed VFs. Median Tpeak-Tend at 10th min of occlusion was higher in delayed VF group (n = 10) than in animals without VF (n = 11): 138 [IQR 121-148] ms vs. 111 [IQR 106-127] ms, P = 0.02. Tpeak-Tend ≥123 ms (10th min) predicted delayed VF episodes with HR = 4.5 95% CI 1.1-17.8, P = 0.031. Tpeak-Tend prolongation during ischaemia progression predicts VF in the experimental porcine myocardial infarction model and warrants further testing in clinical settings of acute coronary syndromes.

Prognosis Impact of Frailty Assessed by the Edmonton Frail Scale in the Setting of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Elderly

BackgroundElderly patients represent a large proportion of patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Whether frailty—defined as a biological syndrome that reflects a state of decreased physiological reserve and vulnerability to stressors—may impact the clinical outcomes in this population remains unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty and its impact on mortality in patients aged ≥ 80 years admitted for ACS. MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted in patients aged 80 years or older admitted to a tertiary hospital for ACS. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), which provides a score ranging from 0 (not frail) to 17 (very frail). The population was divided into 3 classes: EFS score 0-3, EFS score 4-6; and EFS score >7. ResultsTwo hundred thirty-six patients were included, with a mean follow-up duration of 470 days. The mean age was 85.9 years. Seventy-five patients died during the follow-up period. One hundred nineteen patients (50.4%) had an EFS score of 0-3, 68 patients (28.8%) had an EFS score of 4-6, and 49 patients (20.8%) had an EFS score ≥ 7. The all-cause mortality rate was 17.7% in the EFS 0-3 group, 35.3% in the EFS 4-6 group, and 61.2% in the EFS ≥ 7 group (P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, frailty status remained associated with all-cause mortality: the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-3.16) in the EFS 4-6 group, and the HR was 3.60 (95% CI, 1.70-7.63) in the EFS ≥ 7 group. ConclusionsFrailty is a strong and independent prognostic factor for midterm all-cause mortality in elderly patients presenting with ACS.

One-Year Survival is Not Affected by Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been the main therapy in acute coronary syndromes, and early antithrombotic agents as well as 1-year dual antiplatelet therapy are required for adjuvant therapy. However, the development of post-PCI gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding may increase all-cause mortality. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with GI bleeding within 1 year after PCI to those who did not develop bleeding. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 384 PCI procedures performed between January 2011 and December 2013 at our hospital. End points were identified after 30 days, 90 days and 1 year postprocedure for evidence of GI bleeding or new onset anemia. Variables were compared between patients with and without GI bleeding using t test and Fisher exact test. Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed for estimating bleeding-free survival probability. ResultsIn a more than 1-year follow-up period, there were 39 cases (10.2%, 95% CI: 0.073-0.136) of documented GI bleeds. Females were found to have a significantly higher frequency of GI bleeding than males (16.8% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.018), and Hispanics more than non-Hispanics (11.7% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.017). All patients with GI bleeding survived at 1 year. ConclusionIn our study of a predominantly Hispanic population, a high incidence of GI bleeding after PCI occurred. However, there was no association between the incidence of GI bleeding and all-cause mortality, whether PCI was performed in the setting of acute coronary syndrome or as an elective procedure. There is a need to conduct a larger prospective study to validate the findings of our study.

Gut microbiota-dependent trimethylamine N-oxide in acute coronary syndromes: a prognostic marker for incident cardiovascular events beyond traditional risk factors

Systemic levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a pro-atherogenic and pro-thrombotic metabolite produced from gut microbiota metabolism of dietary trimethylamine (TMA)-containing nutrients such as choline or carnitine, predict incident cardiovascular event risks in stable primary and secondary prevention subjects. However, the prognostic value of TMAO in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains unknown. We investigated the relationship of TMAO levels with incident cardiovascular risks among sequential patients presenting with ACS in two independent cohorts. In the Cleveland Cohort, comprised of sequential subjects (n = 530) presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin, an elevated plasma TMAO level at presentation was independently associated with risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including myocardial infarction, stroke, need for revascularization, or death) over the ensuing 30-day (4th quartile (Q4) adjusted odds ratio (OR) 6.30, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.89-21.0, P < 0.01) and 6-month (Q4 adjusted OR 5.65, 95%CI, 1.91-16.7; P < 0.01) intervals. TMAO levels were also a significant predictor of the long term (7-year) mortality (Q4 adjusted HR 1.81, 95%CI, 1.04-3.15; P < 0.05). Interestingly, TMAO level at initial presentation predicted risk of incident MACE over the near-term (30 days and 6 months) even among subjects who were initially negative for troponin T (< 0.1 ng/mL) (30 days, Q4 adjusted OR 5.83, 95%CI, 1.79-19.03; P < 0.01). The prognostic value of TMAO was also assessed in an independent multicentre Swiss Cohort of ACS patients (n = 1683) who underwent coronary angiography. Trimethylamine N-oxide again predicted enhanced MACE risk (1-year) (adjusted Q4 hazard ratios: 1.57, 95% CI, 1.03-2.41; P <0.05). Plasma TMAO levels among patients presenting with chest pain predict both near- and long-term risks of incident cardiovascular events, and may thus provide clinical utility in risk stratification among subjects presenting with suspected ACS.

TCT-414 Two-year outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome versus stable coronary disease undergoing bioresorbable scaffold implantation

There is a scarcity of data evaluating everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffold BRS implantation in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We sought to evaluate clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with ACS undergoing BRS implantation, in comparison to patients with stable coronary

Prolonged vs Short Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With or Without Peripheral Arterial Disease

Patients with concomitant peripheral arterial disease (PAD) experience worse cardiovascular outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To assess the efficacy and safety of prolonged (24 months) vs short (≤6 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with PAD undergoing PCI. This subanalysis of the randomized Prolonging Dual Antiplatelet Treatment After Grading Stent-Induced Intimal Hyperplasia Study (PRODIGY) trial assessed unselected patients from tertiary care hospitals with stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes with or without concomitant PAD from December 2006 to December 2008. Data analysis was performed from January 7 to April 4, 2016. Percutaneous coronary intervention. Rates of the primary efficacy end point, composite of death, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accidents, and occurrence of the key safety end point, a composite of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5. This analysis comprised 246 and 1724 patients with and without PAD, respectively. In the patients with PAD, mean (SD) age was 73.2 (9.2) in the prolonged group and 75.7 (8.7) years in the short DAPT group, and 97 (82.2%) were male in the prolonged group and 92 (71.9%) were male in the short DAPT group. In the patients without PAD, mean (SD) age was 67.1 (11.2) years in the prolonged group and 66.8 (11.3) years in the short DAPT group, and 667 (76.8%) were male in the prolonged group and 655 (76.6%) were male in the short DAPT group. Status of PAD was associated with a higher risk of death and ischemic events (hazard ratio [HR], 2.80; 95% CI, 2.05-3.83; P < .001). Prolonged vs short DAPT conveyed a lower risk of the primary efficacy end point in patients with PAD (19 [16.1%] vs 35 [27.3%]; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31-0.95; P = .03) but not in patients without PAD (81 [9.3%] vs 63 [7.4%]; HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.92-1.77; P = .15), with positive interaction (P = .01). The risk of definite or probable stent thrombosis was significantly lower in patients with PAD treated with prolonged compared with short DAPT (HR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0-1.21; P = .01). Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding occurred in 6 patients with PAD (5.2%) receiving prolonged DAPT relative to 8 (6.9%) of those receiving short DAPT (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.27-2.21; P = .62), with a significant interaction (P = .04) compared with patients without PAD. Peripheral artery disease confers a poor prognosis in patients undergoing PCI in the setting of stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes. Prolonged DAPT lowers the risk of ischemic events with no apparent bleeding liability in this high-risk group. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00611286.

EVOLUTION OF A TERTIARY CARE CCU: THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG OF THE HEART FAILURE EPIDEMIC

The concept of a Coronary Care unit (CCU) was introduced in 1960, to monitor and intervene on malignant arrhythmias in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Over the last 2 decades, admissions to CCU have changed dramatically to encompass a broader range of patient profiles including advanced heart failure (HF) and its related complications. The objective was to identify trends in admissions over time and to provide insight and preparedness for the further evolution of a tertiary center CCU.

Short-term mechanical circulatory support with the Impella 5.0 device for cardiogenic shock at La Pitié-Salpêtrière.

Cardiogenic shock carries a high mortality rate despite aggressive medical treatment. The Impella® Recover® LP 5.0 Support System is a microaxial minimally invasive ventricular assist device designed for short-term mechanical circulatory support in low cardiac output states. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of the Impella 5.0 device, using the right axillary artery approach, in cardiogenic shock managed at La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. Since December 2010 and during a period of 14 months, 14 highly selected patients underwent surgical implantation of an Impella 5.0 device for cardiogenic shock. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively collected from La Pitié-Salpêtrière computerized medical charts. Responders to Impella support were defined as patients with rapid improvement in haemodynamic condition and biological profile. Patients who had no signs of cardiac recovery after two weeks of mechanical support were considered for heart transplantation or long-term left ventricular assist device implantation. Patients were predominantly male (78.5%) with a mean age of 64±15. Short-term circulatory support was indicated for cardiogenic shock in the setting of acute coronary syndromes ( n=7; 50%), postcardiotomy cardiac dysfunctions ( n=6; 43%) and anthracycline-induced dilated cardiomyopathy ( n=1; 7%). After a mean support time of 8.5 days, six patients (42.8%) were successfully weaned and four (28.5%) were switched to a long-term left ventricular assist device. No major bleeding, arm ischaemia, ventricular arrhythmia or severe haemolysis was noted. We report two cases (14%) of pump thrombosis, four cases of device displacement with the need of pump repositioning and one case (7%) of infection at the insertion site. Thirty-day mortality was 35.7%. Long-term overall mortality rate at six months, one year and two years was 42.8, 42.8 and 42.8%, respectively. The Impella 5.0 device surgically inserted through the axillary artery is a valuable minimally invasive short-term circulatory support in cardiogenic shock of various aetiologies.

Utility of high density lipoprotein particle concentration in predicting future major adverse cardiovascular events among patients undergoing angiography

BackgroundHDL-C is recognized to be inversely associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, attenuation of the association of HDL-C with CV risk may occur after adjustment for other lipoprotein parameters and in various disease states, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recently, the number of HDL particles (HDL-P) has been suggested to improve CV risk prediction. Methods and resultsPatients (n=2999) in the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study who underwent angiography and had lipoprotein particle measurements determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were studied. Multivariable Cox hazard regression was utilized to evaluate the association of HDL-C, HDL-P, and HDL-P subclasses with future major adverse CV events (MACE: death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke). Patients averaged 64±12years, 66% male, 26% diabetic, and 42% ACS. At angiography, 65% of patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). HDL-C and HDL-P averaged 41±13mg/dL and 28±8μmol/L, respectively. HDL-P (HR=0.903, p=0.001), but not HDL-C (HR=0.947, p=0.102) was significantly associated with MACE. In a model that included all HDL-P subclasses, both small (HR=0.862, p<0.0001) and medium (HR=0.922, p=0.020) were associated with CV risk, but not large HDL-P (HR=1.0042, p=0.185). Small HDL-P continued to be associated with all of the individual components of MACE, but not stroke. ConclusionIn this study of patients undergoing angiography, HDL-P was a strong, independent predictor of future MACE, with the smaller HDL-P accounting for this association.

Anti-Thrombotic Effects of Statins in Acute Coronary Syndromes: At the Intersection of Thrombosis, Inflammation, and Platelet-Leukocyte Interactions.

HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, are standard of care for preventing cardiovascular disease in at-risk populations. Statins are a well-established therapy proven to reduce long-term cardiovascular mortality and morbidity for prevention of secondary cardiovascular events and have become guideline-recommended therapy following acute myocardial infarction. Emerging data from clinical trials over the last decade indicates that statin therapy may provide broad beneficial effects beyond their primary lipid lowering mechanisms. In coronary heart disease, statins have demonstrated a unique ability to target several cellular pathways, which appear to play an underappreciated role in acute inflammation and subsequent thrombosis. Herein, we review the potential mechanisms where statins may act as antithrombotic agents in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and discuss the clinical implications of these findings.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Bleeding Complications

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most common form of revascularisation in patients with coronary artery disease in both the elective and acute coronary syndrome settings. Advances in pharmacotherapy have reduced ischaemic complications and improved outcomes in PCI, albeit at the expense of major bleeding. Major bleeding complications are amongst the most common to occur following PCI, with varying incident rates reported due to different definitions of what constitutes a ‘major bleeding event following PCI’, and the risk profile of the patients studied. Irrespective of the bleeding definition used, major bleeding events universally lead to a worse outcome. Major bleeds can occur at both the access site used for PCI and non-access site sources. Both access site and non-access site bleeding increase mortality following PCI. Patients who undergo PCI are at an increased risk of bleeding for several years following the procedure. Strategies to reduce the risk of bleeding should focus on pharmacotherapy, and importantly, use a radial rather than femoral approach to perform PCI.

Pathologic correlates in stable coronary plaques. Traditional and novel insights from pathology

AbstractCoronary artery disease (CAD) remains the most common cause of death overall and is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide . Although huge advances in medical therapy have been made within the last decades, the number of worldwide deaths due to CAD will further increase according to current forecasts . Based on the knowledge and understanding of CAD which cardiovascular research has provided over the last decades, patient care has made substantial progress in daily clinical practice. Although the implementation and further refinement of invasive treatment techniques have paved the way for revolutionary concepts especially in the setting of acute coronary syndromes, a true mortality benefit after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of stable lesions has not been shown to date, which may partly be explained by incomplete understanding of atherosclerotic lesion progression underlying the symptomatic presentation of patients with CAD. Therefore, the following review focuses on traditional knowledge and novel concepts of stable atherosclerotic coronary plaque progression from a pathological point of view, to provide a foundation for future technological refinements and novel therapeutic approaches.Answer questions and earn CME: https://wileyhealthlearning.com/Activity2/4279927/Activity.aspx

Determinants and Outcomes of Stroke Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention by Indication

Stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a serious complication, but its determinants and outcomes after PCI in different clinical settings are poorly documented. The British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database was used to study 560 439 patients who underwent PCI in England and Wales between 2006 and 2013. We examined procedural-type specific determinants of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and the likelihood of subsequent 30-day mortality and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction or reinfarction, and repeat revascularization). A total of 705 stroke cases were recorded (80% ischemic). Stroke after an elective PCI or PCI for acute coronary syndrome indications was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with those without stroke; 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events outcomes in fully adjusted model were odds ratios 37.90 (21.43-67.05) and 21.05 (13.25-33.44) for elective and 5.00 (3.96-6.31) and 6.25 (5.03-7.77) for acute coronary syndrome, respectively. Comparison of odds of these outcomes between these 2 settings showed no differences; corresponding odds ratios were 1.24 (0.64-2.43) and 0.63 (0.35-1.15), respectively. Hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke complications are uncommon, but serious complications can occur after PCI and are independently associated with worse mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events outcomes in both the elective and acute coronary syndrome setting irrespective of stroke type. Our study provides a better understanding of the risk factors and prognosis of stroke after PCI by procedure type, allowing physicians to provide more informed advice around stroke risk after PCI and counsel patients and their families around outcomes if such neurological complications occur.

COMPARISON OF BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOMES OF HISPANIC AND NON-HISPANIC WHITE PATIENTS IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES: A META-ANALYSIS OF REGISTRIES FROM THE UNITED STATES FROM 1982 TO 2007

Hispanics are a unique population with multiple barriers to healthcare. Studies show that Hispanics have more risk factors, are less likely to get revascularized, but have better outcomes when compared to Non-Hispanic Whites in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This meta-analysis aims to

Self-expanding stent for complex percutaneous coronary interventions: A real life experience.

Self-expanding stents represent a re-emerging option for percutaneous coronary interventions. Their application covers a wide spectrum of angiographic situations, i.e., coronary bifurcations, acute coronary syndromes with large thrombotic burden and stenosis of ectatic coronaries. We review our experience with self-expanding stents for different clinical and angiographic indications, with long clinical follow-up. From 2011 to 2013 we used self-expanding STENTYS® stents in 40 consecutive patients followed-up for death from any cause and from cardiovascular cause, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (mean 21±13months). We also revised rate of procedural outcomes, acute stent thrombosis and TLR in patients treated with conventional stents for similar clinical/angiographic situations, in the same period at our institution. We identified three anatomical settings of STENTYS® use: coronary bifurcations with proximal/distal main branch diameter discrepancy (55% of cases), massive thrombotic burden in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (35% of cases) and stenosis of ectatic coronaries (15%). We observed one death related to acute heart failure and 1 case (2.5%) of acute stent thrombosis (2.5% in the control group). During follow-up 2 cases of stent restenosis leading to TLR (5%) occurred (6.25% in the control group). According to our real life experience, self-expanding STENTYS® stents appear to be an effective tool for different angiographic situations in which they may be preferable to balloon-expandable stents, showing a low rate of complications and good results at long term follow-up.