Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

Does the ESC chronic coronary syndrome pre-test probability score assist coronary artery disease diagnosis in an advanced nurse practitioner led integrated community chest pain clinic?

Abstract Background The Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) led integrated community chest pain clinic provides an alternative avenue to which GPs can refer patients with non-acute chest pain providing emergency dept. avoidance. The role of the ANP is to differentiate between a non-anginal versus anginal cause. In addition to taking a clinical history, physical assessment and ECG the ANP utilises the 2019 ESC guidelines for chronic coronary syndromes pre-test-probability (PTP) score, to judge if invasive investigation is required. Purpose ANP assessment of chest pain in a community clinic is unique in the Irish healthcare setting. The aim was to assess if angina characteristics & allocated ESC PTP were predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis in a community chest pain cohort. Method A retrospective audit of 144 patients assessed by the ANP in the ICCPC and subsequently referred for coronary angiography was performed. Final diagnosis of was analysed by i. anginal characteristic, ii. ESC PTP, iii. age and sex. Approval was given by the department of quality, safety and risk management. Results The average combined age was 61 years in n=92 Male, and n=51 Female patients. Coronary Artery Disease was diagnosed in 92% (n= 132) of those referred for angiography; obstructive CAD in 38% (n=55) and non-obstructive CAD (NOCAD) in 54% (n=77). The ANP allocated the angina characteristic ‘typical’ in 31% (n=45) cases and 58% (n=26) were diagnosed with obstructive CAD, average PTP of 20%, and 38% (n=17) were diagnoses with NOCAD. In those with ‘typical’ symptoms only two cases resulted in normal coronary arteries. Conversely 34% (n=49) were allocated ‘non-anginal’ symptoms, in whom 28% (n=14) obstructive CAD was detected; 12 cases had an intermediate to high PTP due to age and clinical likelihood. The majority of referrals (57%) were ‘high’ PTP of CAD (≤16%-52%), average 22%. The average PTP was 27% (High) in those diagnosed with CAD versus a PTP of 11% (Intermediate) in those with normal coronaries (n=12). The new category of ‘dyspnoea’ was allocated to 14% (n=20) and resulted in diagnosis of NOCAD (n=12) and (n=5) CAD. Those with dyspnoea as a presenting symptom of CAD were all male with high PTP. Conclusion Pre-test-probability and age are highly correlated, rising with age and defined by sex. The main variable is the ‘angina’ characteristic allocated by the ANP. In this community-based cohort, ‘typical’ symptom allocation by the ANP resulted in a higher PTP and subsequent CAD diagnosis. Clinical suspicion in the ‘low-intermediate risk’ can be further adjusted using the clinical likelihood ratio. The value of the PTP score in predicting CAD is as useful as the ‘angina’ characteristic and clinical likelihood allocated, requiring expert health history taking. This retrospective analysis of coronary angiogram results in this community cohort evidences that the ANP is skilled in utilising the ESC PTP score to assist in the diagnosis of CAD.

Distinct circulating cytokine levels in patients with angiography-proven coronary artery disease compared to disease-free controls

BackgroundSystemic inflammation has a critical role in the development of symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). Identification of inflammatory pathways may provide a platform for novel therapeutic approaches. We sought to determine whether there are differences in circulating cytokine profiles between patients with CAD and disease-free controls as well as according to the severity of the disease. MethodsCase-control study's population consisted of 452 patients who underwent diagnostic invasive coronary angiography due to clinical indications. We measured the serum concentrations of 48 circulating cytokines. Extent of CAD was assessed using the SYNTAX Score in 116 patients. Cytokine differences between groups were tested using Mann-Whitney U test and associations with CAD were explored using a logistic regression model. ResultsOverall, 310 patients had angiographically verified CAD whereas 142 had no angiographically-detected coronary atherosclerosis. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, history of smoking and treatment for diabetes and hyperlipidemia, increased levels of interleukin 9 (OR 1.359, 95%CI 1.046–1.766, p = 0.022), IL-17 (1.491, 95%CI 1.115–1.994, p = 0.007) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (OR 1.440, 95%CI 1.089–1.904, p = 0.011) were independently associated with CAD. Patients with SYNTAX Score>22 had increased levels of stromal cell-derived factor 1 alfa (SDF-1α), beta-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), IL-3 and decreased level of IL-17 compared to those with score ≤22 when adjusted for smoking and use of beta-blockers. ConclusionsPatients with CAD have distinct circulating cytokine profiles compared to disease-free controls. Distinct cytokines may have pivotal roles at different stages of coronary atherosclerosis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03444259 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03444259).

Early effect of different bifurcation techniques on left ventricular mechanics in elective percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundBifurcation lesions are prevalent amongst patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent consensus commends a conservative (provisional) approach when managing the side branch. Here, the aim was to explore the immediate impact of different bifurcation techniques (one stent and two stent strategies) on left ventricular LV) myocardial functions using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients subjected to elective PCI. Sixty two consecutive patients diagnosed with coronary bifurcation lesion (CBL) were enrolled. Patients were categorized into: one-stent strategy (Provisional group, n = 44) and a two-stent strategy (TAP, DK crush, or Culotte technique, n = 18), based on the coronary bifurcation site, angle, side branch diameter and Medina classification. LVEF%, regional and global longitudinal strain (GLS), and E/E' were measured before and within 24 h post PCI.ResultsIn both provisional and 2- stent technique, the mitral inflow velocities and mitral annular velocities showed improvement with significant reduction in E/e' (P < 0.03 and P < 0.001) respectively while LVEF% did not change. There were no significant changes in any other echo parameters post PCI. In provisional group, there were significant improvements in LAD (P < 0.001), RCA (P < 0.01) territories and GLS (P < 0.01). Δ LAD was expressively higher (34.5%) compared with Δ LCX (9.6%) and ΔRCA (25.4%), P < 0.001, P < 0.01 respectively. In the 2-stent technique group, there were significant improvements in peak longitudinal strain of LAD territory (P < 0.01), RCA territory (P < 0.01) and GLS (P < 0.01) respectively. Δ LAD territory was significantly higher in provisional group in comparison with the 2- stent technique group. Δ GLS was correlated inversely to Gensini score in provisional group and to the number of vessel diseased in 2-stent technique group.ConclusionPCI of the bifurcation lesion positively impact myocardial function. Both bifurcation techniques improve LV mechanical properties using 2D strain imaging while LV EF% remains unchanged.

Distinct circulating cytokine levels in patients with angiography-proven coronary artery disease compared to disease-free controls

BackgroundSystemic inflammation has a critical role in the development of symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). Identification of inflammatory pathways may provide a platform for novel therapeutic approaches. We sought to determine whether there are differences in circulating cytokine profiles between patients with CAD and disease-free controls as well as according to the severity of the disease. MethodsCase-control study’s population consisted of 452 patients who underwent diagnostic invasive coronary angiography due to clinical indications. We measured the serum concentrations of 48 circulating cytokines. Extent of CAD was assessed using the SYNTAX Score in 116 patients. Cytokine differences between groups were tested using Mann-Whitney U-test and associations with CAD were explored using a logistic regression model. ResultsOverall, 310 patients had angiographically verified CAD whereas 142 had no angiographically-detected coronary atherosclerosis. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, history of smoking and treatment for diabetes and hyperlipidemia, increased levels of interleukin 9 (OR 1.359, 95%CI 1.046-1.766, p=0.022), IL-17 (1.491, 95%CI 1.115-1.994, p=0.007) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (OR 1.440, 95%CI 1.089-1.904, p=0.011) were independently associated with CAD. Patients with SYNTAX Score>22 had increased levels of stromal cell-derived factor 1 alfa (SDF-1α), beta-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), IL-3 and decreased level of IL-17 compared to those with score ≤22 when adjusted for smoking and use of beta-blockers. ConclusionsPatients with CAD have distinct circulating cytokine profiles compared to disease-free controls. Distinct cytokines may have pivotal roles at different stages of coronary atherosclerosis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03444259 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03444259).

Impact of the Coexisting Coronary Artery Disease on Five-Year Outcomes in Lower Extremity Artery Disease Patients Without Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is often noted in patients with lower-extremity artery disease (LEAD). However, the effects of CAD on patients with LEAD have not been clearly investigated. In this study, to investigate the effect of CAD on patients with LEAD without chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), we compared the five-year clinical outcomes of patients with and without CAD. Between 2014 and 2017, 246 patients with symptomatic LEAD without CLTI underwent endovascular treatment. Patients with a history of CAD revascularization or CAD defined by CAD studies were divided into CAD groups, and others were non-CAD groups. After excluding ineligible patients, propensity matching produced 40 patients in each group, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Using five years of Kaplan-Meier analysis between the CAD and non-CAD groups, no significant differences were observed in survival (90.0% vs 92.5%, p=0.693), freedom from cardiovascular events (42.5% vs 57.5%, p=0.110), freedom from LEAD revascularization (67.5% vs 67.5%, p=0.940), and freedom from CLTI (100% vs. 95.0%, p=0.148). However, significant differences were observed in freedom from CAD revascularization (67.5% vs 97.5%, p<0.001) and freedom from symptomatic CAD (85.0% vs 97.5%, p=0.048). Our results suggest that in patients with LEAD without CLTI, CAD caused increased CAD revascularization and symptomatic CAD. However, CAD did not affect survival, cardiovascular events, LEAD revascularization, or CLTI in such patients. When CAD was observed in patients with LEAD without CLTI, more frequent follow-up of CAD may improve the long-term clinical outcomes of such patients.

Early-Onset or Premature Coronary Artery Disease.

The aim of this review was to examine the literature regarding younger individuals without classical risk factors for atherosclerosis who develop coronary artery disease (CAD) prematurely at an early age. An extensive literature review was undertaken in Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar regarding early-onset or premature atherosclerosis, CAD, its diagnosis, management, and prophylaxis. There are individuals of both genders, particularly in the younger age group of 20-40 years of age, who lack the traditional/ classical risk factors and still develop CAD and other manifestations of atherosclerosis. Even the 10-year age gap in manifesting CAD that is noted between women and men ascribable to a cardioprotective effect of sex hormones may not be noted under these circumstances. This indicates that the risk profile differs in young patients with non-- classical atherosclerotic risk factors, and factors such as genetics, inflammation, thrombosis, psychosocial, environmental, and other parameters play an important role in atherosclerosis and other mechanisms that lead to CAD in younger individuals. These patients are at risk of major adverse cardiac events, which determine their prognosis. Unfortunately, current major guidelines do not acknowledge that many patients who manifest premature CAD are at high risk, and as a consequence, many of these patients may not be receiving guideline-directed hypolipidemic and other therapies before they present with symptoms of CAD. Caretakers need to be more vigilant in offering efficacious screening and strategies of prevention for early-onset or premature CAD to younger individuals.

CONTRAST STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FINDINGS IN MYOCARDIAL BRIDGING COMPARED TO NORMAL CORONARY COURSE, WITH AND WITHOUT CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Abstract Background Myocardial bridging (MB) correlation with ischemia remains a diagnostic challenge. There is a lack of studies that have assessed MB using contrast stress echo and compared the findings with those in patients demonstrating a normal coronary course, with or without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We evaluated all consecutive patients who underwent contrast stress echocardiography and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) due to suspected symptoms of CAD within 3 months in Parma Hospital. Coronary computed tomography angiography served as the reference standard for detecting MB and obstructive CAD. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) MB and no evidence of obstructive CAD (MB group, N = 64), (2) no evidence of obstructive CAD or MB (NoCAD group, N = 135), (3) obstructive CAD without MB (CAD group, N = 68). Results The coronary flow velocity reserve in the LAD (CFVR–LAD) was reduced in the MB and CAD groups, measuring 1.91 ± 0.21 and 1.82 ± 0.28, respectively, whereas it was 2.27 ± 0.34 in the NoCAD group (P &amp;lt; .001). The MB and CAD groups exhibited a higher prevalence of reversible myocardial perfusion defects (rMPDs) compared to the NoCAD group (57.8% vs 64.7% vs 3.7%, P &amp;lt; .001). Reversible wall motion abnormalities were frequently observed in the CAD group and rarely found in the MB and NoCAD groups (47.1% vs 18.8% vs 4.4%, P &amp;lt; .001). In multivariable analyses, the presence of MB was independently associated with reduced CFVR–LAD (odds ratio = 14.55; 95% CI, 6.84–30.93; P &amp;lt; .001) and the presence of rMPD (odds ratio = 37.96; 95% CI, 13.49–106.84; P &amp;lt; .001). Patients with deep MB (&amp;gt;2 mm depth) and very deep MB (≥5 mm depth) exhibited significantly greater CFVR–LAD reduction and rMPD than those with superficial MB. Conclusions Myocardial bridging is capable of inducing rMPD and reducing CFVR–LAD similar to obstructive CAD. The depth of the MB correlates with the abnormalities found in the stress echo evaluation. Contrast stress echo may serve as a valuable noninvasive tool for evaluating patients with MB.

Cardiology: What You May Have Missed in 2023.

Cardiology and all its subspecialties continue to push the envelope in developing new treatment strategies for a wide variety of diseases. After screening more than 1300 articles, we highlight a selection of important cardiology articles published in 2023. Starting with prevention, we note articles that look at the effect of semaglutide in patients with obesity as well as a first-in-class drug, bempedoic acid, on cardiovascular outcomes. We have also examined new evidence comparing conservative management with invasive management of frail, older patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In patients with cardiac arrest secondary to NSTEMI, another article examines the rationale for expedited transfer to a cardiac arrest center. The STREAM-2 (Strategic Reperfusion in Elderly Patients Early After Myocardial Infarction) trial builds on looking at half-dose thrombolysis in older populations with STEMI. Emphasis is placed on guideline-directed medical therapy before hospital discharge in those with heart failure. In addition, in patients with stable symptomatic coronary artery disease, initial noninvasive testing using coronary computed tomography angiography may be a viable option compared with invasive strategies. More details have emerged on anticoagulation strategies in those with device-detected atrial fibrillation. Finally, transcatheter approaches to treat both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation have also been included.

Assessment of atherosclerotic plaque morphology using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and its impact on primary cardiovascular events following simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting.

The incidence of stroke after on-pump cardiac surgery during the perioperative period can affect up to 2% of patients, and is frequently linked to carotid artery disease. Notably, in patients with significant unilateral carotid artery stenosis of 80%-99%, the risk of stroke reaches 4%. Among individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 3% to 10% exhibit significant carotid artery stenosis. To mitigate the risk of stroke and mortality, patients can undergo either simultaneous or staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG. The aim of this study was to assess whether early postoperative complications, including stroke, following simultaneous CABG/CAE procedures, correlate with morphological attributes of carotid plaque, assessed via contrast-enhanced ultrasound. A single centre retrospective analysis was performed including 62 patients who underwent simultaneous CABG/CEA between 2019 and 2022. Our study excluded patients who underwent staged carotid endarterectomy and CABG procedures, off-pump CABG, or those necessitating urgent CABG. Our analysis focused on patients meeting elective CABG criteria, diagnosed with symptomatic triple-vessel or left main trunk coronary artery disease (CAD), alongside asymptomatic carotid stenosis (a. carotis internae) exceeding 70% or symptomatic ipsilateral carotid stenosis surpassing 50%. The extent of contralateral carotid artery stenosis was not taken into account. Prior to the CEA/CABG procedure, each patient underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess atherosclerotic lesions, which were classified using Nakamura et al.'s classification. Among the patients, 37.1% exhibited no neovascularisation within the atherosclerotic plaque, 56.5% showed insignificant neovascularisation, and 6.5% displayed notable neovascularization within the plaque. Our study aimed to establish a connection between the degree of plaque vascularisation identified through contrast-enhanced ultrasound and subsequent postoperative complications. Upon evaluating postoperative complications occurring within 30 days after the surgery and the plaque morphology identified through contrast-enhanced ultrasound, a statistically significant correlation was observed between a higher grade of plaque vascularisation and the occurrence of ischaemic stroke (r = 0.329, p = .008). Monte Carlo calculations of the Chi-square test indicated a significant association between a higher grade of plaque vascularisation and the presence of peripheral artery disease (χ2 = 15.175, lls = 2, p = .003). Within 30 days of surgery, a significant correlation exists between the occurrence of ischaemic stroke following carotid endarterectomy subsequent to CABG and the presence of a higher grade plaque vascularisation as identified by contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Synchronous Carotid Endarterectomy and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single-Center Experience.

Patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can be managed with staged (CEA before CABG), reverse staged (CABG before CEA) or synchronous treatment. This single-center retrospective study evaluated the outcomes in patients undergoing planned synchronous CEA and CABG. Between 2000 and 2020 a total of 185 patients with symptomatic triple-vessel or left main coronary artery disease associated with 70-99% asymptomatic or 50-99% symptomatic uni- or bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis underwent synchronous CEA and CABG at our institution. Study endpoints were defined as mortality, stroke and myocardial infarction at 30days. Additionally, the composite endpoint of these events was investigated. At 30days, mortality, stroke and myocardial infarction rates were 5.9%, 8.1% (permanent [unresolved deficit at discharge] 5.4%) and 3.8%, respectively, and the composite endpoint was reached in 13.0% of patients. Patientssuffering from a stroke more frequently had a contralateral 70-99% ICA stenosis (60.0% vs. 17.3%; p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (73.3% vs. 38.9%; p = 0.013) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (mean 119 ± 62min vs. 84 ± 29min; p = 0.012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio [OR] 1.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-1.046; p = 0.034), a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 5.097; 95% CI 1.161-22.367; p = 0.031) and peripheral artery disease (OR 5.814; 95% CI 1.231-27.457; p = 0.026) as independent risk factors for reaching the composite endpoint. Patients undergoing synchronous CEA and CABG face an elevated risk of perioperative cardiovascular events, particularly an increased stroke risk in patients with symptomatic and bilateral ICA stenosis. Graphical Abstract available for this article.

The importance of nonobstructive plaque characteristics in symptomatic and asymptomatic coronary artery disease

BackgroundWe examined obstructive and nonobstructive plaque volumes in populations with subclinical and clinically manifested coronary artery disease (CAD) using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Methods855 participants with CAD (274 asymptomatic individuals, 254 acute chest pain patients without acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and 327 patients with ACS) underwent QCT of proximal coronary segments to assess participant-level plaque volumes of dense calcium, fibrous, fibrofatty, and necrotic core tissue. ResultsNonobstructive (<50% stenosis) plaque volumes were greater than obstructive plaque volumes, irrespective of population (all p<0.0001): Asymptomatic individuals (mean (95% CI)): 218 [190-250] vs. 16 [12-22] mm3; acute chest pain patients without ACS: 300 [263-341] vs. 51 [41-62] mm3; patients with ACS: 370 [332-412] vs. 159 [139-182] mm3. After multivariable adjustment, nonobstructive fibrous and fibrofatty tissue volumes were greater in acute chest pain patients without ACS compared to asymptomatic individuals (fibrous tissue: 122 [107-139] vs. 175 [155-197] mm3, p<0.01; fibrofatty tissue: 44 [38-50] vs. 71 [63-80] mm3, p<0.01. Necrotic core tissue was greater in ACS patients (29 [26-33] mm3) compared to both asymptomatic individuals (15 [13-18] mm3, p<0.0001) and acute chest pain patients without ACS (21 [18-24] mm3, p<0.05). Nonobstructive dense calcium volumes did not differ between the three populations: 29 [24-36], 29 [23-35], and 41 [34-48] mm3, p>0.3 respectively. ConclusionNonobstructive CAD was the predominant contributor to total atherosclerotic plaque volume in both subclinical and clinically manifested CAD. Nonobstructive fibrous, fibrofatty and necrotic core tissue volumes increased with worsening clinical presentation, while nonobstructive dense calcium tissue volumes did not.

Coronary Artery Disease Is Related to Methylation Disorders Caused by the c.1286A&gt;C MTHFR Polymorphism and to Low Serum 5-MTHF and Folic Acid Concentrations—Preliminary Results

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms in gene encoding is the key enzyme in the folates pathway, methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which causes methylation disorders associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated associations between methylation disorders caused by MTHFR gene polymorphisms and the blood folate concentrations (folic acid, 5-MTHF) in CAD patients. Methods: Study group: 34 patients with CAD confirmed by invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Controls: 14 patients without CAD symptoms or significant coronary artery stenosis, based on ICA or multislice computed tomography (MSCT) with coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring. Real-time PCR genotyping was assessed using TaqMan™ probes. Folic acid and 5-MTHF concentrations in blood serum were determined using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: The c.[1286A&gt;C];[1286A&gt;C] MTHFR polymorphism occurred significantly more often in (CAD+) patients compared to the (CAD−) cohort and to the selected general European “CEU_GENO_PANEL” population sample. The concentration of 5-MTHF and folic acid in subgroups of CAD+ patients with methylation disorders categorized by genotypes and CAD presence (CAD+) was always lower in CAD+ subgroups compared to non-CAD individuals (CAD−). Conclusions: Further studies on a larger scale are needed to implicate the homozygous c.1286A&gt;C MTHFR variant as CAD genetic marker and the 5-MTHF as CAD biomarker. Identification of high CAD risk using genetic and phenotypic tests can contribute to personalized therapy using an active (methylated) form of folic acid (5-MTHF) in CAD patients with MTHFR polymorphisms.

Intermediate monocytes are associated with the first major adverse cardiovascular event in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BackgroundTraditional risk stratification modestly predicts adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to investigate the association between monocyte subsets numbers and function, and the first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients with symptomatic stable CAD and angiographically documented coronary atherosclerosis. MethodsPatients with stable CAD were screened for inclusion. Using flow cytometry, we identified classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocyte subsets and we assessed cytokine production capacity after ex-vivo stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clinical follow-up was performed after four years. The endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. ResultsA cohort of 229 patients was recruited. The percentage of intermediate monocytes was positively associated with adverse cardiovascular events at follow-up (HR 1.09; 95%CI 1.02–1.16; p = 0.006), while the percentage of classical monocytes was identified as a protective factor for adverse outcomes (HR 0.96; 95%CI 0.94–0.99; p = 0.02). The percentage of intermediate monocytes remained independently associated with outcomes after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01–1.14; p = 0.04). Several correlations were identified between monocyte subsets and stimulated cytokine production, but cytokine production capacity was not associated with adverse outcomes. ConclusionsIn patients with stable CAD, intermediate monocytes were associated with MACE at follow-up. The association was not due to an increased cytokine production capacity. Novel biomarkers could improve risk stratification in patients with stable CAD and could represent new pharmacological targets against atherosclerosis progression.

Association between anti-Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G status and coronary artery disease among hypertensives: Myth or fact?

Abstract Background: Chronic persistent inflammation associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection accelerates vascular complications which are prone to cause atherogenesis and coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was undertaken to assess the significance of the association between H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) serostatus and the occurrence of CAD among hypertensives. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 hypertensive subjects without stroke and CAD symptoms were tested for serum H. pylori IgG. Their electrocardiogram and echocardiogram (ECHO) outcomes were analyzed after 3 months. Results: Among the 90 subjects, 52 (57.8%) were H. pylori IgG positive. The adjusted odds ratio for abnormal ECHO outcome and H. pylori IgG positivity was 2.494. There was a positive correlation between H. pylori IgG positivity, sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism, and elevated serum C-reactive protein and abnormal ECHO findings suggestive of CAD. Conclusions: This study found a positive correlation between H. pylori IgG seropositivity and abnormal ECHO outcomes. The prevention of CAD with antimicrobial therapy for H. pylori is simple and innovative. Lifestyle modification and hand hygiene can obviate the adverse circumstances of CAD to some extent.

Evaluation of Ultrathin Strut Biodegradable Polymer-Coated Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in an All-Comers Patient Population: 1-Year Results of the S-FLEX Slovakia Registry.

Supraflex (Sahajanand Medical Technologies Limited, Surat, India) is a new-generation, biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) designed on an ultrathin (60 µm) cobalt-chromium platform with a flexible 'S-link.' The S-FLEX Slovakia registry aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of Supraflex SES in an all-comers population, with a subgroup of diabetic patients. This was a prospective, observational, multi-center, post-market registry conducted between February 2018 and May 2019. All consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention with Supraflex SES were enrolled. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI), or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (CI-TLR) by percutaneous or surgical methods at 1-year follow-up. Stent thrombosis was a safety endpoint. A total of 413 patients was assessed (145 diabetics and 268 nondiabetics). At 1-year follow-up, the primary endpoint of TLF occurred in 5.1% patients, comprised of 3.9% cardiac deaths, 0.5% TV-MI, and 0.7% CI-TLR. Overall stent thrombosis occurred in 0.5% patients at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analysis, TLF occurred in 6.2% diabetics and 4.5% nondiabetics (P =.433) and comprised 4.8% and 3.4% cardiac deaths (P =.447), 0.7% and 0.4% TV-MI (P =.653), and 0.7%, and 0.7% CI-TLR (P =.952) in diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively. Overall stent thrombosis occurred in 0.7% diabetic and 0.4% non-diabetic patient (P =.659). This registry demonstrates favourable clinical outcomes after the implantation of the ultrathin biodegradable polymer coated Supraflex SES in an all-comers population, with event rates that were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ИНДЕКСА ТЯЖЕСТИ И ИНДЕКСА НЕОДНОРОДНОСТИ ПЕРФУЗИИ МИОКАРДА ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ ПЭТ-ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ С РУБИДИЕМ-82.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of mortality both in Russia and worldwide, which necessitates the development of diagnostic methods for detecting and localizing pathology in coronary vessels at the earliest stages. Among the non-invasive diagnostic methods, one of the most common and effective is myocardial perfusion imaging using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which, however, only allows for semi-quantitative assessment. Quantitative assessment is possible using positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), including the use of 82Rb-chloride as a tracer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying the SPECT technique proposed by Ansheles et al. in 2015, for the detection of early perfusion abnormalities, analyze the results obtained, and determine the differences in the use of the 15-segment and 17-segment myocardial division schemes in PET with rubidium-82 chloride. Materials and methods: PET studies with rubidium-82 chloride were conducted on 10 patients with symptoms of CAD but without coronary artery stenosis according to coronary angiography. Perfusion severity indices and perfusion heterogeneity indices were calculated for each patient using both the standard 17-segment model and the previously proposed 15-segment model. Results: Statistically significant differences between the 17-segment and 15-segment models were only observed when assessing the heterogeneity index at rest; in other cases, no statistically significant differences were found between the two models, indicating the possibility of using the 15-segment model for calculating quantitative parameters. Both models showed a lack of correlation between perfusion severity indices during rest and stress studies, which may allow for the use of this index in evaluating the presence of microvascular abnormalities. No statistically significant differences were found between men and women in the analysis of these indices...

Predictive role of monocyte count for significant coronary artery disease identification in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

The coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of morbidity that is characterized by broad spectrum of symptoms. Up to 30% of performed angiographies reveal normal coronary arteries. The aim of the study was to find simple predictor for significant epicardial artery stenosis among patients with chronic coronary syndrome. There were 187 patients (131 (709%) men and 56 (30%) women) in the median (Q1-Q3) age of 67 [58-72] presenting with stable CAD symptoms enrolled into the present retrospective analysis. The demographical, clinical and laboratory characteristics between patients with normal and significant coronary artery stenosis were compared. The multivariable analysis revealed coexistence of hypercholesterolemia as significant differentiation factor (odds ratio [OR]: 4.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.78-10.80, p = 0.001) for significant CAD and inverse relation to serum high density lipoprotein (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.72, p = 0.015) and relation to creatinine concentration (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05, p = 0.012). Among whole peripheral blood count analysis, the significant relation was noticed to be hemoglobin concentration (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.10-1.18, p = 0.022) and monocyte count (OR: 32.3, 95% CI: 1.09-653.6, p = 0.017). Receiver operator curve revealed (AUC: 0.641, p = 0.001) with the optimal cut-off value above 0.45 K/uL for monocyte, yelding sensitivity of 81.82% and specificity of 58.06%. The peripheral monocyte count above 0.45 k/uL may be considered as a predictor of significant coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients with chronic coronary syndrome.

Coronary Artery Perforation following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in an Elderly Patient: A case report

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. However, much like any other procedure, it has its risks; one such rare but lethal complication is coronary artery perforation (CAP) which requires immediate intervention. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment strategy are of utmost importance in reducing the mortality and morbidity. We herein report a case of Ellis Type III perforation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) during PCI who underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) refractory to conventional coronary stent placement and balloon tamponade. The patient recovered well despite excessive initial postoperative bleeding and was discharged from the hospital. Bangladesh Med J. 2022 May; 51(2): 54-58

Association between the triglyceride–glucose index and left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients with coronary heart disease in Jilin Province, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with coronary heart disease and to examine the role of left ventricular GLS in detecting early changes in cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease in the subclinical stage.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 178 participants with symptomatic coronary artery disease excluding myocardial infarction or left ventricular dysfunction was conducted in Jilin Province, China. Basic clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data were obtained from all participants. Myocardial strain parameters were compared between patients with higher TyG index and those with lower TyG index, and the association between the gradually elevated TyG index and on subclinical cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease was evaluated.ResultsThe GLS of left ventricle was lower in the higher TyG index group than in the lower TyG index group. As the TyG index increases, the GLS progressively decreases. The results remained stable after adjusting for confounding factors.ConclusionsA higher TyG index maybe independently associated with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease.

Impact of CYP2C19 genotype status on clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. Clopidogrel is widely used for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events in these patients. CYP2C19 plays a pivotal role in the conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite. Clopidogrel-treated carriers of a CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele (LOF) may have a higher risk of new atherothrombotic events. Previous studies on genotype-guided treatment were mainly performed in CAD and showed mixed results. Purpose To simultaneously investigate the impact of CYP2C19 genotype status on the rate of atherothrombotic events in the most common types of atherosclerotic disease (CAD, stroke, PAD). Methods A comprehensive search in Pubmed, EMBASE and MEDLINE from their inception to April 8th 2022 was performed. For CAD, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing genotype-guided and standard antithrombotic treatment were included. For stroke and PAD, cohort studies and post-hoc analyses of RCTs concerning the association between CYP2C19 genotype status and clinical outcomes in clopidogrel-treated patients were included. The primary efficacy endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and the safety end point major bleeding. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and ischemic stroke. Results Forty-two studies were identified: 11 studies on CAD, 27 studies on stroke, and 4 studies on PAD. In CAD, genotype-guided therapy significantly reduced the risk of MACE (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.43 – 0.83), myocardial infarction (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42 – 0.68), and stent thrombosis (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 – 0.94) compared to standard antithrombotic treatment. The rate of major bleeding did not differ significantly (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.70 – 1.23). Most RCTs were performed in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (9/11). In stroke, LOF carriers had a significantly higher risk of MACE (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.24 – 2.11) and recurrent ischemic stroke (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.49 – 2.67) compared to non-carriers. No significant differences were found in major bleeding (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.43 – 1.89). In the 6955 patients with symptomatic PAD treated with clopidogrel in the EUCLID trial, no differences in MACE or major bleeding were found between LOF carriers and non-carriers. In three smaller studies on patients with PAD treated with clopidogrel after endovascular therapy, CYP2C19 genotype status was significantly associated with atherothrombotic events. Conclusion The available evidence in PAD is too limited to draw meaningful conclusions. In stroke patients, LOF carriers treated with clopidogrel had a higher risk of MACE and recurrent stroke. Genotype-guided treatment significantly decreased the rate of atherothrombotic events in patients with CAD, especially after PCI.