Severe Left Main Coronary Artery Research Articles

Severe Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis and Aortic Regurgitation in a Patient Presenting with Takayasu Arteritis.

We herein report the case of a 46-year-old woman with Takayasu arteritis (TA), severe stenosis in the left main coronary artery (LMCA), and severe aortic regurgitation. Prednisolone and tacrolimus were initiated as TA treatments. Two months after initiating medical therapy, the aortic regurgitation severity improved to a moderate grade, although there was no obvious improvement in LMCA stenosis. Thus, after confirming the resolution of inflammation, we performed coronary artery bypass grafting alone without any aortic valve intervention. In TA patients with severe LMCA stenosis, surgical management of the coronary artery should therefore be considered only after successfully administering anti-inflammatory therapy.

Determination of Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis Through Noninvasive Testing to Guide Revascularization in Ischemic Heart Disease

Anatomically severe left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis (>50%) remains one of the few groups to benefit from early revascularization in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Identification of these patients through widely available noninvasive testing would decrease the need for additional upfront anatomic testing, lowering the overall cost of healthcare. Patients with SIHD who underwent either percutaneous or surgical revascularization over a 7-year period at our institution were retrospectively analyzed and categorized as having LMCA stenosis versus non-LM stenosis. All preceding noninvasive testing, including resting electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and functional testing was evaluated and compared between groups using chi-square and t test. In total, 806 patients were evaluated. Of those, 121 were identified as having significant LMCA stenosis with 685 patients in the non-LM cohort. Between LMCA versus non-LM cohorts, there were similar rates of electrocardiogram abnormalities (68.9% vs 70.8%, p >0.05), abnormal echocardiograms (72.7% vs 69.7%, p >0.05), abnormal functional testing (83.3% vs 77.4%, p >0.05), and high-risk imaging findings (5.6% vs 4.8%, p >0.05). More importantly, of those with a complete workup, there were similar rates of normal results between the LMCA (3 of 18, 16.7%) and non-LM stenosis (9 of 189, 4.8%) groups. A comprehensive noninvasive profile of patients with IHD failed to identify or exclude patients with anatomically severe LMCA stenosis, necessitating anatomic assessment.

Restenosis after excimer laser coronary atherectomy and drug-coated balloon dilation in Takayasu’s arteritis: a case report and review of the literature

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a rare chronic granulomatous arteritis that mainly affects the aorta and its major branches. Coronary artery (CA) involvement can be observed in 10–25% of TAK patients. We report a 21-year-old young female who was previously diagnosed with TAK and severe left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis and underwent numerous percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in our hospital due to in-stent restenosis (ISR). This time, an excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) and drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilation was taken at the LMCA for the ISR. The blood flow was smooth after the operation, and she was symptom-free after discharge. Unfortunately, 5 months later, severe intimal hyperplasia was still seen in the stent of LMCA and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. A coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) was performed, and she has been symptom-free ever since. ELCA plus DCB is one of the novel ways we first reported. However, ensuring long-term inflammation control is equally important to restore blood flow. The combination of revascularization and anti-inflammation/immunosuppression is recommended to improve the outcomes of TAK patients with CA involvements.

One year follow-up of unprotected left main coronary artery disease, a prospective cohort study of 139 patients

Objectives: Coronary artery revascularization is the standard treatment for patients with severe left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). In cases where the patient refuses surgical revascularization or PCI, medical treatment will be the only option. The purpose of this study was to compare the one-year outcomes of patients with (LMCAD) in terms of surgical or medical treatment.
 Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 139 patients (91 men and 48 women) with severe left main coronary artery disease who were diagnosed by coronary angiography from 1st Mar 2014 to 28th Feb 2014. Patients were followed up for one year as to major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) including death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization.
 Results: From total of 2661 coronary angiographies, 139 patients (5.2%) with a mean age of 63.2±7.2 years had LMCAD. The mortality rate in the medical treatment group and the surgical group appeared to be 16.7% (6 cases) and 8.7% (9 cases) respectively (p =.156). The rate of stroke in the medical group turned out to be 5.6% (n=2) and in the surgery group 2% (n=2) (p =.27). The rehospitalization rate was 19.4% in the medical treatment group but 4.9% in the surgical group (p =.013). During one year, the survival rate was significantly lower in the medical group than the group undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (58.3% vs. 84.5%) (p =.002).
 Conclusions: In the short term, the optimal medical treatment of patients with LMCAD was not significantly different from that of CABG patients in terms of fatal cardiac and cerebral events. However, rehospitalization was more common due to recurrent angina pectoris.

Incidence, Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Preincision Cardiac Arrest in Cardiac Surgery Patients.

We examined the incidence, postoperative outcomes, and patient-related factors associated with preincision cardiac arrest in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We retrospectively examined adult patients undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery at the Cleveland Clinic between 2008 and 2019. The incidence of preincision cardiac arrest, defined as arrest between induction of general anesthesia and surgical incision, was reported. In a secondary analysis, we assessed the association between preincision cardiac arrest and major postoperative outcomes. In a tertiary analysis, we used adjusted linear regression models to explore the association between preincision cardiac arrest and prespecified patient risk factors, including severe left main coronary artery stenosis, left ventricular ejection fraction, moderate/severe right ventricular dysfunction, low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis, and moderate/severe pulmonary hypertension. Preincision cardiac arrests occurred in 75 of 41,238 (incidence of 0.18%; 95% CI, 0.17-0.26) patients who had elective or urgent cardiac surgery. Successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation with return of spontaneous circulation or bridge to cardiopulmonary bypass occurred in 74 of 75 (98.6%) patients. Patients who experienced preincision cardiac arrest had significantly higher in-hospital mortality than those who did not (11% vs 2%; odds ratio [OR] (95% CI), 4.14 (1.94-8.84); P < .001). They were also more likely to suffer postoperative respiratory failure (46% vs 13%; OR [95% CI], 3.94 [2.40-6.47]; P < .001), requirement for renal replacement therapy (11% vs 2%; OR [95% CI], 3.90 [1.82-8.35]; P < .001), neurologic deficit (7% vs 2%; OR [95% CI], 2.49 (1.00-6.21); P = .05), and longer median hospital stay (15 vs 8 days; hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI], 0.68 [0.55-0.85]; P < .001). Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (per 5% decrease) (OR [95% CI], 1.13 [1.03-1.22]; P = .006) and moderate/severe pulmonary hypertension (OR [95% CI], 3.40 [1.95-5.90]; P < .001) were identified as independent risk factors for cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest after anesthetic induction is rare in cardiac surgical patients in our investigation. Though most patients are rescued, morbidity and mortality remain higher. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and moderate/severe pulmonary hypertension are associated with greater risk for preincision cardiac arrest.

Electrocardiographic signs of the left main coronary artery disease in acute coronary syndrome

Myocardial infarction (MI) due to the left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is a life-threatening condition. Evaluation of ECG signs of LMCA occlusion is important because of revascularization emergency. There is no single ECG pattern for LMCA occlusion. The purpose of the present literature review is to reveal ECG potential in diagnosing LMCA occlusion in acute coronary syndrome. Variability of ECG abnormalities was noted depending on the degree of LMCA occlusion, collateral blood flow from the right coronary artery, and concomitant stenosis. ST elevation in aVR is an evident predictor of LMCA lesion. Electrophysiological mechanisms of its formation were described. Diagnostic significance of additional ECG signs of LMCA disease was presented. Diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with ECG signs of severe LMCA disease were summarized.

An unusual presentation requiring an unusual intervention

Stanford type A aortic dissection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Acute myocardial infarction is a rare complication and can occur in 3% of patients due to retrograde extension of the dissection leading to coronary malperfusion. Involvement of the right coronary artery is more common. On the other hand, Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) occlusion is unusual and if unrecognised, can result in rapid hemodynamic deterioration with cardiogenic shock and eventually death. Emergent surgical repair is the definitive treatment. Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) is frequently used in the setting of cardiogenic shock due to LMCA stenosis. In this case it was inserted before the diagnosis of type A aortic dissection was made. This represents a unique case of type A aortic dissection resulting in severe ostial left main coronary artery stenosis in which the IABP was successfully used as a bridge therapy to definitive surgical repair.

Long-term outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention to an unprotected left main coronary artery in cardiogenic shock

BackgroundIn cardiogenic shock with severe left main coronary artery stenosis (LM), limited information exists on short and longer-term outcomes. We sought to determine the outcomes of unprotected LM PCI in cardiogenic shock. MethodsExcluding patients with previous CABG, consecutive patients undergoing PCI in cardiogenic shock from the Melbourne Intervention Group registry between 2005 and 2013 were analysed. Those post LM PCI were compared to those post non-LM PCI. Patient and procedural data were collected with 30-day and 12-month follow-up. Australian National Death Index linkage was performed for long-term mortality analysis. ResultsAfter excluding previous CABG, 18,069 procedures were performed during 1st January 2005 to 30th November 2013, 601 procedures in the setting of cardiogenic shock. Of these, 45 were performed to an isolated LM and 556 to a non-LM. Those with LM PCI were older and more likely to have a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <45%. The in-hospital, 30-day, 12-month and long-term mortality to 9 years in cardiogenic shock after LM PCI was 64.4%, 66.7%, 73.3% and 80.0% compared to 36.5%, 36.9%, 40.5% and 46.0%, after non-LM PCI (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, LM PCI was a significant independent predictor of long-term mortality (HR1.59, 95%CI 1.00–2.53, p = 0.048). Landmark analysis of survivors to discharge found the long-term mortality of LM PCI approaches 60% compared to 27% for those with non-LM PCI (p = 0.003). ConclusionLong-term outcomes after PCI to LM in cardiogenic shock are poor, with much of the excess in mortality occurring early. However, reasonable long-term survival was found beyond the initial high-risk period.

David's procedure for pulmonary artery aneurysm

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare entity with fatal complications. Its silent course contributes to large aneurysms with compression symptoms. We present a 39-year-old female idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patient with a giant PAA causing severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and symptomatic left main coronary artery compression (LMCA). Since she had a failed LMCA stenting attempt, she underwent surgery. A valve-sparing David-like pulmonary trunk reconstruction and coronary artery bypass were performed. This case illustrates that David-like reconstruction procedure can be applied to the PAA with severe PR.

A case of severe left main coronary artery stenosis diagnosed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography: coronary blood flow recordings by subcostal approach

A case of severe left main coronary artery stenosis diagnosed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography: coronary blood flow recordings by subcostal approach

671 Myocardial Infarction Due to Left Main Coronary Artery Compression in Eisenmenger’s Syndrome

Compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is increasingly recognised as a cause of angina, myocardial infarction and sudden death in patients with pulmonary hypertension [[1]Gailé N. Saia F. Pallazini M. et al.Left Main Coronary Artery Compression in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Angina.JACC. 2017; 69: 2808-28017Crossref Scopus (70) Google Scholar,[2]Demerouti E.A. Manginas A.N. Athanassoupoulos G.D. et al.Complications leading to sudden cardiac death in pulmonary artery hypertension.Resp Care. 2013; 58: 1246-1254Crossref PubMed Scopus (50) Google Scholar]. Here we report a case of myocardial infarction with severe left ventricular dysfunction due to LMCA compression in a patient with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome. A 63-year-old female with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome due to a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) presented with increasing dyspnoea over several weeks. Echocardiography illustrated severe global left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF 17%), an unrestricted 12mm VSD, dilated and hypertrophied right ventricle with moderate tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation. Estimated RV systolic pressure was 112mmHg. An ECG was revealed ST-elevation in aVR with widespread ST depression, with an elevated serum troponin of 6.7ug/L (<0.04). The patient had normal coronary angiography 2 years prior. Repeat coronary angiography revealed severe ostial LMCA stenosis due to extrinsic pulmonary artery compression, with the remaining vessels disease free. Percutaneous intervention to the LMCA was performed with a zotarolimus drug eluting stent with excellent angiographic result. Anti-platelets and up-titration of heart failure therapy was initiated. 2 years after discharge, she remains stable with a LVEF of 40% and NHYA Class II symptoms at home with her husband. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, progressive symptoms are often attributed to worsening pulmonary resistance or right heart dysfunction/ischaemia [[1]Gailé N. Saia F. Pallazini M. et al.Left Main Coronary Artery Compression in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Angina.JACC. 2017; 69: 2808-28017Crossref Scopus (70) Google Scholar,[3]Gómez A. Bialostozky D. Zajarias A. et al.Right ventricular ischaemia in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.JACC. 2001; 38: 1137-1142Crossref Scopus (179) Google Scholar]. LMCA compression represents an important and treatable cause of myocardial infarction and LV dysfunction with excellent medium-term outcomes.

TCT-654 Feasibility and Safety of Intravascular Lithotripsy in Severely Calcified Left Main Coronary Stenoses

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of intravascular lithotripsy in treating severe calcified left main coronary artery (LM) stenoses. Between May 2018 and February 2019, 24 patients with severe calcified LM stenosis were treated with intravascular lithotripsy at 6

Diffuse ST-segment depression despite prior coronary bypass grafting: An electrocardiographic-angiographic correlation

The standard 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has become a mainstay diagnostic tool in patients suspected to have myocardial ischemia. The identification of hallmark electrocardiographic abnormalities, such as ST-segment deviation or serial T wave changes, not only helps identify the presence of myocardial ischemia but also may help localize myocardial territories with an ongoing injury. Widespread ST-segment depression is commonly attributed to diffuse subendocardial ischemia precipitated by severe multivessel or left main coronary artery disease. However, among patients with prior coronary revascularization, clear electrocardiographic-angiographic relationships responsible for widespread ST-segment depressions have not been well defined. We report a case in which diffuse ST-segment depression emerged from a patient with prior coronary artery bypass grafting. In this report, we examine the patient's presenting ECG pattern as to (1) establish causal inferences which align with the distribution of myocardial ischemia supported by angiography and (2) provide an accompanying analysis of the relevant scientific literature.

Intravascular Ultrasound Findings of the Left Main Coronary Artery Compressed by Primary Lung Carcinoma

A 58-year-old man with a history of lung cancer presented with increasing effort angina. Exercise electrocardiography produced ST-segment elevation in precordial leads ([Figure 1][1]); he underwent emergent coronary angiography, which revealed severe left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis ([

Six-Month Outcomes After High-Risk Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Preoperative Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Use: An Inception Cohort Study

To inform the design of a pivotal randomized controlled trial of prophylactic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at high risk of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS). Inception cohort study. A total of 13 established cardiac centers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Adult patients were eligible for inclusion if they were listed for CABG surgery and had 2 or more LCOS risk factors (low ejection fraction, severe left main coronary artery disease, redo sternotomy, unstable angina). Outcomes of interest were a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality, postoperative acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), or stroke as well as 6-month vital status and quality of life using the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ5D). The study included 136 participants over a 29-month period. Overall, in-hospital and 6-month mortality occurred in 7 (5%) and 11 (8%) participants, respectively. The composite outcome occurred in 60 (44%). The mean increase in EQ5D summary index at 6 months was 0.10 (standard deviation 0.24, p = 0.01). Perioperative AMI, AKI, or stroke significantly decreased the odds of a clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life (odds ratio 0.32; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.79; p = 0.014). Preoperative IABC was used in 39 participants and did not predict postoperative outcomes. The study identified a group of patients at risk of LCOS in whom CABG surgery was associated with a substantial burden of perioperative morbidity. Preoperative IABC use was variable, supporting the need for further research.

Brachial Artery Left Main Coronary Rota: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty

Case: An 81-year-old man was referred to this institution with New York Heart Association Class III dyspnoea. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic stenosis with normal left ventricular function. Coronary angiography revealed a heavily calcified, severe distal left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis, which did not extend into the left anterior descending (LAD) or left circumflex artery (LCx). Femoral access was contraindicated, due to the presence of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty and coronary intervention were subsequently performed via 9-Fr sheath in the right brachial artery accessed through surgical cutdown.

Revascularization for Left Main and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Current Status and Future Prospects after the EXCEL and NOBLE Trials.

Revascularization of severe left main and multivessel coronary artery disease has been shown to improve survival in both stable ischemic heart disease and acute coronary syndrome. While revascularization with coronary artery bypass surgery for these disease entities carries class I recommendation in most current guidelines, recent trials has shown potential comparable survival and cardiovascular outcomes between percutaneous and surgical interventions in patients with less complex coronary anatomy. Despite the conflicting results observed in the most recent left main revascularization trials, Everolimus-Eluting Stents or Bypass Surgery for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease (EXCEL) and Nordic-Baltic-British left main revascularization (NOBLE), both treatment strategies remain important for the management of left main disease (LMD) and multivessel disease (MVD) reflecting on the importance of heart team discussion. This review is focused on revascularization of LMD and MVD in patients who are not presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, encompassing the evidence from historic and contemporary trials which shaped up current practices. This review discusses the heart team approach to guide decision making, including special populations that are not represented in clinical trials.

1175Complete regression of severe left main coronary artery stenosis after pulse steroid therapy in a patient with takayasu arteritis

1175Complete regression of severe left main coronary artery stenosis after pulse steroid therapy in a patient with takayasu arteritis

Efficacy of early protective pulmonary ventilation and intra-aortic balloon pump combined with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in treating patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock and hypoxemia

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognosis of early protective pulmonary ventilation and intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)combined with percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in treating patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)complicated with cardiogenic shock(CS)and hypoxemia. Methods The 49 patients diagnosed as AMI complicated with CS and hypoxemia and treated with early protective pulmonary ventilation and IABP combined with PCI in Tianjin Chest Hospital from January 2015 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.Major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)including sudden cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure and development of target vessel revascularization were recorded during one year of follow-up visits.Survival rate was analyzed and Cox regression analysis was used to explore risk factors for occurrence of MACE after the treatment. Results The revascularization of target vessel was successfully operated on all of the 49 patients.The mean time from attack to hospitalization was(6.2±1.5)hours, while the mean time from emergency room to balloon dilatation was(118.55±28.28)minutes.In these patients, 30(61.2%)cases were diagnosed as STEMI, among which 23(76.6%)cases as anterior wall myocardial infarction and 5(16.7%)cases as inferior wall myocardial infarction.While the other 19(38.8%)cases were diagnosed as non-STEMI.Using coronary arteriography, 46(93.9%)cases had multi-vessel coronary artery disease, among which 13(26.5%)cases were complicated with severe left main coronary artery disease and 27(55.1%)cases had severe vascular calcification.44(89.8%)cases had TIMI perfusion grade 3 blood flow after PCI, while 5(10.2%)cases did not achieve TIMI grade 3 blood flow.One(2.0%)case had serious complications and 12(24.5%)patients died in hospital.31(63.3%)patients survived 1 year during follow-up visits.Total number of MACE was 32(65.3%). Among these events, 18(36.7%)died, 4 cases(8.2%)had recurrent myocardial infarction, 13 cases(26.5%)had heart failure(HF)and 5 cases(10.2%)had target vessel revascularization(TVR). The total event-free survival rate was 34.7%.Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that severe vascular calcification〔HR(95%CI): 2.677(1.184-6.054), P=0.018〕, TIMI grade blood flow less than level 3 after PCI〔HR(95%CI): 26.289(6.314-109.470), P=0.000〕and more than 120 minutes from emergency room to balloon dilatation〔HR(95%CI): 2.923(1.325-6.446), P=0.008〕were risk factors for MACE. Conclusions Early protective pulmonary ventilation and IABP combined with emergency PCI are safe and effective for treatment of patients with AMI complicated with CS and hypoxemia.The pattern of treatment can significantly decrease death rate and increase 1-year survival rate. Key words: Myocardial infarction; Shock cardiogenic; Pulmonary ventilation; Angioplasty, transluminal, percutaneous coronary

Successful hybrid coronary artery revascularisation in a patient with severe cerebrovascular disease: a new treatment option to minimise the risk of stroke

Here we present a case involving a patient with severe distal left main coronary artery stenosis with extensive coexisting extracranial cerebrovascular disease where hybrid coronary artery revascularisation was successfully performed....