Stenosis Of Infarct-related Artery Research Articles

The Severity of Coronary Arterial Stenosis in Patients With Acute ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction: A Thrombolytic Therapy Study.

BackgroundIt is widely believed that ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) generally occurs at the site of mild to moderate coronary stenosis. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of stenosis of infarct-related artery (IRA) in STEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) after successful reperfusion with thrombolytic therapy (TT).MethodsA total of 463 consecutive patients between January 2008 and December 2013 with acute STEMI treated with TT were evaluated retrospectively. The patients in whom reperfusion failed (n = 120), death occurred before CAG (n = 12), IRA cannot be determined (n = 10), and CAG was not performed in index hospitalization (n = 54) were excluded from the study. To determine the severity of stenosis of IRA, two experienced cardiologists who were unaware of each other used quantitative CAG analysis. Significant stenosis was defined as a ≥ 50% stenosis in the coronary artery lumen. A total of 267 patients who were successfully reperfused with TT and in whom CAG was performed during hospitalization with median 8 (1 - 17) days after myocardial infarction were included in the study.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 55.7 ± 10.8 years (85.5% male). Most of the patients had a significant stenosis in IRA ( ≥ 50%, n = 236, group 1) after successful TT; whereas only 11.6% had stenosis < 50% (n = 31, group 2). In addition, majority of the patients had ≥ 70.4% (n = 188, 70.4%) stenosis in IRA. Average of stenosis in IRA was 74±16%.ConclusionsIn contrast to the general opinion, we detected that majority of STEMI patients had a significant stenosis in IRA.

Incresed inflammatory response in patients with the first myocardial infarction and nonsignificant stenosis of infarct-related artery

Atherosclerosis presents a serial of highly specific cellular and molecular responses, and could be described as inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, for development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), structure and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque are more important than the extent of stenosis of infarct-related artery. Consequently, inflammation and atherosclerosis and its complications are in good correlation. C-reactive protein (CRP) as nonspecific inflammatory marker, has prognostic significance in coronary artery diseases. The aim of this study was to establish the correlation between inflammatory response expressed as levels of CRP and fibrinogen in serum and extent of coronary artery stenosis. Study included 35 patients with acute myocardial infarction, as the first manifestation of coronary artery disease, which were treated with thrombolytic therapy according to the guidelines. All the patient had a reperfusion. The patients with acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, an increased value of sedimentation, fibrinogen, CK > or = 190 U/L, early and late complications of AMI were excluded. CRP was measured on admission, after 24, 48 and 72 hrs, and 21 days latter, while fibriogen only on admission. All the patients underwent coronary angiography, and were divided into two groups: the group 1 (23 patients), with significant stenosis of infarct-related artery (stenosis > or = 75%), and the group 2 (13 patients) without significant stenosis (< 75%). Mean value of CRP serum level on admission in the group 1 was 4.4 mg/L, and in the group 2 7.2 mg/L (p < 0.001). The mean value of fibrinogen on admission in the group 1 was 2.7 g/L, and in the group 2 3.0 g/L (p < 0.001). The mean CRP value after 48 hrs in the group 1 was 21.7 mg/L, and in the group 2 42.4 mg/L. (p < 0.001). After three weeks, the mean CRP value was 4 mg/L in the group 1 and 5.5 mg/L in the group 2 (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups 1 and 2 related to gender, age, localization of AMI, CK, EF value, and risk factors for coronary artery disease. The patients with nonsignificant stenosis of infarct-related artery had increased inflammtory responses according to the CRP value, as a result of inflammatory process in atherosclerotic plaque and/or enhanced individual reactivity.

The relationship between collateral blood flow and infarct zone regional wall motion in patients with recent acute myocardial infarction

After acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the most significant prognostic determinants of myocardial viability and function are deterioration degree of the distal myocardial microcirculation and collateral flow. Quantification of coronary collateral circulation is possible by using intracoronary pressure measurement techniques. We hypothesized that quantitatively determined coronary wedge pressure (CWP) and collateral flow index (CFI) may be useful in order to designate regional left ventricular function and indirectly viability after MI. In this study, we investigated the relationships between angiographically quantified wall motion scores and CWP and CFI in patients with recent AMI and treated with thrombolytic therapy. Forty patients early after myocardial infarction with ≥60% residual stenosis in infarct related artery (IRA) after thrombolysis, who underwent PTCA and/or stent implantation for this culprit lesion, were included in this study. None of the patients had significant stenosis in other coronary arteries. Angiographic ventricular wall motion scoring (WMS) was performed semi quantitatively according to coronary artery surgery study criteria. After angiography, fiberoptic pressure monitoring guide wire (pressure wire, Radi) was positioned distal to the stenosis to be dilated. During complete occlusion with balloon inflation distal pressure recorded as CWP. CFI was determined as the ratio of simultaneously measured CWP to aortic pressure. The mean values of CWP, CFI and mean WMS were 18.1 ± 7.9 mmHg, 0.18 ± 0.09 and 3.15 ± 0.8, respectively. The CWP (r: −0.86) and CFI (r: −0.84) values correlated well with WMS determined in the infarcted territory. We concluded that collateral circulation in the infarcted region is related to the left ventricular regional function. Presence of adequate and intact collateral network in the infarct related segments diminishes microvascular damage translating into preserved left ventricular regional functions.

Fractional flow reserve and myocardial viability as assessed by SPECT perfusion scintigraphy in patients with prior myocardial infarction

BackgroundIn patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI), assessment of myocardial viability and physiological significance of coronary artery stenoses are essential for appropriate guidance of revascularization. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between fractional flow reserve (FFR) and myocardial viability as assessed by gated SPECT MIBI perfusion scintigraphy in patients with previous MI undergoing elective PCI. MethodsThe study population consisted of 26 patients (mean age 55 ± 7 years; 21 male) with a previous MI and a significant coronary stenosis in a single infarct-related coronary vessel for which PCI was being performed. In all patients, FFR was evaluated before and immediately after PCI. SPECT imaging was done before and 3 ± 1 months after PCI. A region representing the MI was considered viable if MIBI uptake was ≥55% of the normal region. Improvement in perfusion after revascularization was considered achieved if perfusion abnormalities decreased by 5% or more and there was a decrease in segmental score of ≥1 in three segments in PCI-related vascular territory. ResultsExtent of perfusion abnormalities decreased from 32 ± 16% to 27 ± 19% after PCI (P < .001). In patients with myocardial viability in comparison to patients with no viability, there was significant difference in FFR before PCI (.57 ± .14 vs .76 ± .12, P = .002), despite almost the same values of diameter stenosis of infarct-related artery (63 ± 8% vs 64 ± 3%, respectively, P = .572). In addition, FFR prior to PCI was related to improvement in perfusion abnormalities after revascularization (P = .047), as well as with peak activity of creatine-kinase measured during previous MI (r = .56, P = .005). ConclusionLower values of FFR before angioplasty are associated with myocardial viability and functional improvement as assessed by SPECT perfusion scintigraphy.

Predictive Accuracy of Tissue Doppler Imaging for Assessment of Noninfarct Myocardial Region in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives: To investigate the value of pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in order to predict significant coronary artery stenosis supplying the noninfarct region in patients after acute anterior myocardial infarction. Subjects and Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography and coronary angiography were performed on 220 patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction. The TDI-derived variables of the mitral valve annulus in the noninfarct region, systolic velocity (Sm), early diastolic velocity (Em) and late diastolic velocity (Am), were estimated in centimeters per second, and the Em/Am ratio was calculated. Results: Predictive indices revealed that the impaired TDI-derived variables, Sm, Em, Am and the Em/Am ratio, were an indicator for predicting significant coronary stenosis in the noninfarct region. Multivariate analysis revealed that the impaired Sm and Em velocities were significantly associated with age of the patients, coronary collaterals and infarct-related artery stenosis (p < 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic curve data of TDI-derived variables for prediction of significant coronary stenosis revealed that the cut-off values of Sm, Em, Am and Em/Am ratio were 7.2 cm/s, 6.4 cm/s, 12.1 cm/s and 0.56, respectively. The ĸ coefficient value indicated that there was an agreement between coronary angiography and the TDI-derived variables Sm, Em, Am and Em/Am ratio in noninfarct regions (ĸ = 0.770, 0.731, 0.693 and 0.679, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the severity of coronary artery stenosis (independent variable) and impaired Sm and Em/Am ratio (dependent variables), y = 11.5 – 0.05x, r = –0.902, (p < 0.05), and y = – 0.14x + 1.87, r = –0.754, (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: TDI can be used to identify patients with significant stenosis of the coronary arteries supplying the noninfarct region and consequently may be helpful in considering patients for coronary angiography in the early postinfarction period.

Chronic infarct‐related artery occlusion is associated with a reduction in capillary density. Effects on infarct healing

To assess the relationship between infarct-related artery (IRA) stenosis and capillary density and to assess its effect on scar formation in the human heart. Morphometric evaluation was performed in 51 human hearts, as follows. Group I non-cardiac death (control), Group II post-Q-wave myocardial infarction (QMI) death and Group III patients who survived QMI and who underwent aneurysmectomy. Using morphometric parameters, the relationship between left ventricle (LV) mass, infarct size, IRA stenosis, cellular hypertrophy and changes in microcirculation were analyzed within the infarcted area and free LV wall. A significant reduction in capillary density within the infarcted area was noted in group II when compared to the control group (1525.6+/-378.5/mm(2) vs. 2968.7+/-457.3/mm(2); p<0.001). Reduction in capillary density was inversely related to infarct size (r=-0.616; p=0.006) and degree of IRA stenosis (r(S)=-0.512; p=0.03). The most significant reduction in capillary density was observed in patients with total IRA occlusion (1204.6+/-156.9/mm(2) vs. 1676.6+/-245.8/mm(2); p<0.001). Similarly, a reduction in capillary density of over 60% (1030.7+/-241.8/mm(2)) was observed within aneurysms resected surgically. The study demonstrated precise quantification of the capillary network in patients following QMI. The most significant reduction in capillary density was observed in patients with chronic total IRA occlusion.

Reevaluation of Routine Invasive Strategy versus Noninvasive Testing following Uncomplicated ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background and Aims: While current guidelines recommend a selective invasive approach after low-risk ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by thrombolysis, based on noninvasive identification of patients with residual or inducible myocardial ischemia, in many instances physicians employ a strategy of routine angiography. The present study was undertaken to reexamine the correlation between noninvasive testing and coronary angiography in patients recovering from uncomplicated STEMI with regard to detection and management of residual infarct artery stenosis and to identify patients with multivessel (MVD) or high-risk coronary disease. Methods: We prospectively performed predischarge exercise testing (ETT) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) prior to routine predischarge coronary angiography in 83/276 consecutive STEMI patients, who after treatment with initial and early thrombolysis, were defined as low risk by ACC/AHA risk classification. Results: ETT was positive for myocardial ischemia in 11/43 (26%) patients with single-vessel disease (SVD) and 11/22 (50%) patients with MVD, but normal or nondiagnostic in the remainder. MPS revealed significant reversible perfusion defects in 13/40 (32%) patients with SVD and 13/22 (59%) patients with MVD. A selective strategy of ETT followed by MPS for nondiagnostic ETT missed residual infarct-related artery stenosis and/or MVD in 31/81 (38%) of the cohort. Among patients who may not otherwise have been referred for angiography, severe (≧70%) residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery was present in 56% and MVD in 16%. Conclusions: Early predischarge ETT and/or MPS had limited sensitivity for the detection of coronary disease in low-risk post-STEMI patients. The study supports a simpler strategy of routine coronary angiography in most patients after low-risk STEMI.

Detection of Residual Infarct-related Coronary Artery Stenosis and Multivessel Disease After Thrombolysis: Comparison Between Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Detection of residual infarct-related artery (IRA) stenosis and multivessel disease (MVD) after thrombolysis has important therapeutic and prognostic implications. Technetium 99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used for detection of flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD). Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a new technique developed to assess CAD. We aimed to compare the relative accuracy of vasodilator stress MCE and SPECT for detection of IRA stenosis and MVD after acute myocardial infarction. Accordingly, 72 patients underwent simultaneous MCE and SPECT 7 +/- 2 days after thromobolysis. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients. Of the 72 patients, 60 demonstrated significant myocardial viability of which 55 (92%) showed significant IRA stenosis (> 50%). MVD was present in 30 (42%) of the 72 patients. MCE was more accurate than SPECT for detection of both IRA stenosis (85% vs 62%, P = .02) and MVD (85% and 64%, P = .004). MCE was comparable to SPECT for the detection of IRA stenosis and MVD after thrombolysis.

Safety and accuracy of multidetector row computed tomography for early assessment of residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery and the number of diseased vessels after acute myocardial infarction

Recent studies reveal that contrast-enhanced multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of coronary artery stenoses. We investigated the safety and accuracy of MDCT for early assessment of the severity of residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery (IRA) and the number of diseased vessels in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Of 146 AMI cases admitted, 72 fit with criteria and underwent 16-slice MDCT (4 +/- 2 days after AMI) with beta-blockers. There were no complications except 1 patient who had from complete atrioventricular block. Results were compared with conventional coronary angiography (CCA) within 3 days. In 55 (73.3%) of 72 patients, all arteries were assessable. In total, the number of assessable arteries was 253 (87.8%), and 35 (12.2%) vessels were nonassessable, mostly because of motion artifacts and extensive calcification. Overall, 84 of the 115 lesions (> or = 50% lumen reduction) were correctly detected by MDCT (sensitivity 73.0%). The accuracy in classifying patients with nonsignificant, single-, or multiple-vessel diseases was 79.1%. The accuracy for residual lesions with >50% stenosis of IRA was 87.5%. There was a good correlation regarding the severity of residual stenosis of the IRA (0%, 1%-49%, 50%-89%, 90%-99%, or occlusion) between MDCT and CCA (Spearman correlation 0.94, P < .001). Lesions with 90% to 99% or occlusion of the IRA were accurately detected or ruled out in 31 of 36 cases (86.1%). With appropriate protocol, MDCT is safe and accurate in assessing the severity of IRA and the number of diseased vessels during the first week after AMI. It has the potential to provide triage for early management of patients after AMI.

Accuracy of dipyridamole myocardial contrast echocardiography for the detection of residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery and multivessel disease early after acute myocardial infarction

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the ability of vasodilator myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to detect significant infarct-related artery (IRA) stenosis and multivessel disease (MVD) after thrombolysis. BackgroundThe detection of residual IRA stenosis subtending significant viable myocardium and the identification of MVD may help to triage patients who may benefit from mechanical revascularization after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and thrombolysis. MethodsPatients with AMI underwent low-power MCE at rest and after dipyridamole stress during SonoVue infusion seven to 10 days after thrombolysis. ResultsOf the 73 patients, 61 demonstrated significant myocardial viability, of whom 57 (93%) showed significant IRA stenosis. Sensitivities to detect >50% IRA stenosis and MVD were 88% and 72%, respectively. The accuracy of detecting significant coronary stenosis in the anterior (left anterior descending coronary artery) versus inferoposterior (right coronary artery/left circumflex artery) circulation was similar for both IRA (85% vs. 91%) and remote territories (91% vs. 81%). Quantitative peak contrast intensity (p = 0.02), microbubble velocity (p = 0.0001), and myocardial blood flow (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in patients with significant coronary stenosis during dipyridamole compared with rest. Only beta reserve discriminated various grades of coronary stenosis. ConclusionsUse of MCE accurately predicted significant IRA stenosis and MVD after thrombolysis. This information is valuable for identifying patients who may benefit from mechanical revascularization.

61 Relation between infarct-related artery stenosis and the left ventricle remodeling. A morphometric study in humans

61 Relation between infarct-related artery stenosis and the left ventricle remodeling. A morphometric study in humans

Electrocardiographic changes during dobutamine stress testing in patients with recent myocardial infarction: relation with residual infarct artery stenosis and contractile recovery

Objective — The identification of viable but jeopardized myocardium after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is of great importance for selecting patients who could benefit from a revascularization procedure.The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of the dobutamine stress electrocardiogram (ECG) 1) for detecting significant stenosis of the infarct-related artery and 2) for predicting the occurrence of contractile recovery.Methods and results — Ninety-four patients underwent dobutamine stress ECG and quantitative angiography within the first week after AMI. A follow-up resting echocardiogram was obtained in all patients at 1 month. Significant stenosis of the infarct-related artery was detected in 76 patients and functional recovery occurred in 56 patients. Dobutamine stress induced ST-segment elevation in 44 patients, ST-segment depression in 17 and T-wave normalization in 34. Increase in QT dispersion and dobutamine ST elevation were more sensitive than chest pain and ST-segment depression (79% and 53% vs. 24% and 17%, respectively; p<0.05) for detecting significant infarct-related artery stenosis. Four independent variables were selected for predicting contractile recovery: ≥20 ms increase in QT dispersion from baseline to low-dose dobutamine (p = 0.00016), dobutamine-induced ST-segment elevation (p = 0.0009), elective angioplasty of the infarct-related artery (p = 0.001) and T-wave normalization (p = 0.005).Conclusions — The analysis of predischarge dobutamine stress ECG is useful for predicting residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery and contractile recovery in the affected area. QT dispersion changes during the test are the most accurate parameter.

C-Reactive protein on admission and the success of thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase: is there any relation?

Background: Recent evidence has demonstrated that inflammation plays a major role in the initiation and progression of atheroma plaques. C-reactive protein (CRP) is shown to have prognostic significance in acute coronary syndromes. We investigated the influence of CRP levels before thrombolytic therapy on infarct-related artery (IRA) patency and the degree of residual stenosis. Methods: 45 consecutive patients with a first attack of acute myocardial infarction (MI) who underwent streptokinase therapy and subsequently coronary angiography were enrolled into the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the level of CRP on admission. Results: Serum CRP levels were ≥0.5 mg/dL in 26 patients (Group-I) and <0.5 mg/dL in 19 patients (Group-II). The patency of IRA (TIMI-2 and 3) evaluated at 90th minute after the initiation of thrombolytic therapy was similar between the two groups (62% vs. 68%, p>0.05). However, the presence of TIMI-3 flow was significantly lower and TIMI-2 flow was higher in Group-I as compared to Group-II (12% vs. 53%, p=0.003 and 50% vs. 16%, p=0.018 respectively). Additionally, among patients with patent IRA, the degree of residual stenosis was significantly higher in Group-I (80±14% vs. 68±15%, p=0.032). Conclusion: High serum CRP levels on admission in patients within 6 hours after the start of acute ST-segment elevation MI are associated with lower TIMI flow grades and higher residual stenosis of IRA after intravenous streptokinase. Our observations imply that patients with higher CRP levels on admission require closer follow-up during and after acute MI.

Detection and clinical usefulness of a biphasic response during exercise echocardiography early after myocardial infarction

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of exercise echocardiography (EE) for detecting infarct-related artery (IRA) stenosis and predicting functional recovery early after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BackgroundDobutamine stress echocardiography is widely used for identifying jeopardized myocardium. The clinical usefulness of a biphasic response detected during EE has never been investigated. MethodsA total of 114 consecutive patients with a first AMI and ≥2 dyssynergic segments in the infarct-related territory underwent semi-supine continuous EE 6 ± 2 days after AMI. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed in all patients after EE. A follow-up echocardiogram was obtained one month later. ResultsNinety-seven patients had significant (≥50%) IRA stenosis, and 26 had multivessel disease. Residual ischemia was identified in 77 patients (biphasic response in 62 and worsening response in 15). The sensitivity and specificity of ischemia during EE for predicting IRA stenosis were 75% and 76%, respectively. The sensitivity of a biphasic response was higher than the sensitivity of a worsening response (61% vs. 14%, p < 0.0001). Wall motion abnormalities induced in other vascular territories were specific (97%) and moderately sensitive (62%) for the detection of multivessel disease. Functional recovery was observed in 75 patients. Two independent variables predicted contractile recovery: contractile reserve during EE (p < 0.0001) and elective angioplasty of the IRA (p = 0.002). A biphasic response, but not sustained improvement, predicted reversible dysfunction (73% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). ConclusionsA biphasic response can be detected during exercise. Exercise echocardiography is an accurate tool for detecting IRA stenosis and predicting functional improvement early after AMI.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography and quantitative technetium-99m sestamibi-SPECT are equally accurate in detecting residual infarct-related artery stenosis after acute myocardial infarction

Dobutamine stress echocardiography and quantitative technetium-99m sestamibi-SPECT are equally accurate in detecting residual infarct-related artery stenosis after acute myocardial infarction

Relation among exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and viability late after acute myocardial infarction

This study assesses the relation between exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and scintigraphic markers of myocardial ischemia and viability in patients referred for exercise stress testing late after acute myocardial infarction. We studied 171 patients (144 men, age 57 ± 10 years) with resting wall motion abnormalities by exercise stress testing in conjunction with methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) single-photon emission computed tomography at a mean of 4.1 years after myocardial infarction. Ischemia was defined as reversible perfusion abnormalities. Myocardial viability was considered in myocardial segments with resting wall motion abnormalities in the presence of normal perfusion, a reversible defect or a fixed defect with regional MIBI uptake ≥50% of maximal uptake. Exercise-induced VA occurred in 46 patients (27%). Patients with VA had a higher prevalence of infarct-related artery stenosis (43 [93%] vs 93 [74%], p <0.01), peri-infarction ischemia (32 [70%] vs 54 [43%], p <0.005), and ischemia in ≥2 vascular regions (20 [43%] vs 27 [22%], p <0.01) than patients without VA. Reversible defects were detected in 39 of 97 dyssynergic segments (40%) in patients with versus 40 of 248 dyssynergic segments (16%) in patients without VA (p <0.0001). In dyssynergic segments without reversible perfusion abnormalities, the percent resting MIBI uptake was ≥50% in 39 of 58 segments (67%) in patients with versus 63% in 131 of 208 segments in patients without VA (p = NS). The percentage of viable segments was 80% and 69% in patients with and without VA, respectively (p <0.05). It is concluded that patients with exercise-induced VA late after myocardial infarction have a higher prevalence of ischemia in the peri-infarction zone and in multivessel distribution. Myocardial ischemia in the dyssynergic myocardium appears to be a major mechanism underlying the occurrence of VA in these patients.

Immediate Coronary Angiographic Findings in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background and Objectives:Most reports about coronary angiographic findings in acute myocardial infarction were done after thrombolytic therapy or several days after onset of symptom. The aim of this study is to evaluate coronary angiographic findings in patients with AMI within 24 hours after onset of symptoms and without thrombolytic therapy. Also we evaluated the correlation between the risk factors and severity of coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods:We studied 70 patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH) from November 1997 to January 1999, and evaluated the clincial and coronary angiographic findings. We analyzed risk factors of coronary artery disease; age, total cholesterol, tiglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes and family history of CAD. Coronary angiography was done immediately after the arrival at emergency room (door-toangiography time). Exclusion criteria were delayed arrival (more than 24 hours after symptom onset), previous history of anticoagulation or medication of antiplatelet agents. Results:1) Among 70 patients (M/F:53/17), 59 patients had Q wave myocardial infarction (QMI)(84%), 11 patients had non-Q wave-MI (NQMI)(16%). 2) The mean age was 61±12.2 years (range: 26 to 82 years). 3) The mean time from the onset of chest pain to angiography was 6.2±4.7 hours. 4) Twenty eight patients (40%) had one-vessel disease, 25 (36%) had two-vessel disease and 17 (24%) had three-vessel disease. 5) The location of infarct related arteries were as follows;LAD in 33 (47%), LCX in 13 (19%) and RCA in 24 (34%). 6) The mean diameter stenosis of infarct related artery (IRA) was 95±10.9%. According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) classification of IRA, type B lesion occurred most commonly in 56 patients (80%). 7) Thrombus was observed in 44 patients (63%) with QMI versus 3 patients (27%) with NQMI (p=0.006). 8) Calcifications of the wall of coronary arteries were observed in 28 patients (40%) and correlated with ages of patients. 9) History of cigarette smoking was present in 73%, hypertension in 31% and hypercholesterolemia in 15% of patients. The mean number of risk factor for each patient was 1.3. 10) Multivessel disease was significantly more frequent in patients who had two more risk factors. 11) The frequency of cigarette smoking was greater and the level of plasma triglyceride were higher in patients under 50 years of age. 12) One patient died during coronary angiography and another 논문접수일:1999년 10월 25일 심사완료일:2000년 4월 28일 교신저자:조용근, 700-721 대구광역시 중구 삼덕 2가 50 경북대학교 의과대학 내과학교실 전화:(053) 420-5528·전송:(053) 426-2046 E-mail:choyk@kyungpook.ac.kr

Age-Related Difference in Long-Term Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women

Background and Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the age-related differences in clinical features, coronary anatomy, risk factors, hospital courses, and long-term prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI in women. Materials and Methods:Total 513 female patients with AMI were divided into 3 groups; group 1 (n=43, 50 years old or less, group 2 (n=302, between 51 years and 70 years old, and group 3 (n= 168, older than 70 years. Clinical follow-up including cardiac events was performed for mean duration of 26 months (1-155 months. Cardiac events include cardiac death, reinfarction, CABG, PTCA, CHF, stroke, and recurrent angina. Results:Minimal lesion (<50% stenosis in infarct-related artery was more prevalent in group 1 than in group 3 (p<0.05. In group 2, the number of low high density lipoprotein (HDL was signific- antly more than in group 3 (p<0.01. During hospitalization, death and shock were more prevalently observed in group 3 than group 1 (p<0.005 and group 2 (p<0.001. Group 3 had more heart failures than group 1 (p<0. 001 and group 2 (p<0.001 and group 2 had more heart failures than group 1 (p<0.05. The younger age group showed a significantly higher survial rate (7 years:group 1;76.1%, group 2;60.6%, group 3;34.2%, p<0. 0001, Log Rank Stat=49.4 and cardiac event-free survival rate (7 years:group 1; 48.4%, group 2; 32. 3%, group 3;16.0%, p<0.0001, Log Rank Stat=37.5 for each 3 comparisons. In Cox proportional harzard analysis, LV systolic function influenced the group 2 survival (odds ratio 3.8, 95% CI 1.7 to 8.3, p<0.005 and the group 3 survival (odds ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.5, p<0.05. The cardiac event free survival was influenced by age (odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1, p<0.005 and LV systolic function (odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5, p<0.001. Conclusion:Younger female patients with AMI had a more favorable prognosis compared with older female patients. LV systolic fuction was important as a prognostic factor for long-term survival except younger female AMI patients. ( ( ( (Korean Circulation J 2000;30( ( ( (10 :1245-1256

Ultrasonic tissue characterization in predicting residual ischemia and myocardial viability for patients with acute myocardial infarction

The identification of viable myocardium and residual ischemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction has important prognostic implications. The ultrasonic tissue characterization with integrated backscatter and dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography were performed 8.3 ± 3 days after AMI in 30 patients. After coronary angioplasty for the residual stenosis of infarct-related artery, both modalities were repeated. The parameter obtained from ultrasonic tissue characterization, phase-weighted variation, could differentiate the myocardium with residual coronary stenosis or nonviable myocardium from the viable myocardium without residual coronary stenosis ( p < 0.001). Using the cutoff value of 5.8 dB, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for detecting viable myocardium without residual coronary stenosis were 75%, 100% and 90.2%, respectively. The phase-weighted variation of the viable infarction zone restored after the coronary stenosis was relieved. In contrast, the nonviable myocardium had a small phase-weighted variation that was irrelevant to the patency of the infarct-related artery. The ultrasonic tissue characterization may be used in identifying patients with acute myocardial infarction whose infarction zones are viable without residual ischemia.

Detection of significant residual stenosis of the infarct‐related artery after thrombolysis by high‐dose dipyridamole echocardiography test: Is it detected often enough?

It has been reported that high-dose dipyridamole echocardiography test (DET) can be successfully used for the detection of critical residual stenosis of the infarct-related artery (IRA). However, we have recently noticed low sensitivity of DET for the detection of residual IRA stenosis in patients with single-vessel disease. This study sought to determine the value of DET for the detection of significant residual stenosis of the IRA after thrombolysis. Dipyridamole echocardiography test was performed in 55 consecutive patients after a first acute myocardial infarction before hospital discharge. All patients underwent coronary angiography 23 +/- 6 days after infarction. Nine of 19 patients with positive DET revealed new adjacent asynergy and all of the patients had patient and significantly stenotic IRA. Sensitivity and specificity of DET in identifying significant residual stenosis of the IRA were 24 and 100%, respectively. Among 49 patients with significantly stenotic of occluded IRA, 40 patients without adjacent asynergy during DET had higher baseline wall motion score index (WMSI) compared with 9 patients who revealed adjacent asynergy during DET (1.45 +/- 0.30 vs. 1.24 +/- 0.18; p < 0.05). When all patients with positive DET (adjacent or remote asynergy) were compared with those with negative DET, no difference in baseline WMSI was found (1.37 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.44 +/- 0.24; p > 0.05). Our data indicate that sensitivity of DET in detecting significant residual stenosis of the IRA after thrombolysis is low. It seems that the extent of myocardial infarction affects the ability of DET to detect adjacent, but not remote asynergy.