Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Frame Count Research Articles

The effect of coronary slow flow on left atrial structure and function

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is common in coronary angiography, however its impact on left atrial (LA) function is still controversial. This study aims to evaluate the LA structure and function of patients with CSFP using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Consecutive patients scheduled for coronary angiography from January 2016 to September 2017 were enrolled in this study. Patients’ demographic data, clinical histories, laboratory and angiographic findings were collected and recorded. Diagnostic criteria for CSFP is based on Beltrame et al. proposed in 2012. Meanwhile 139 patients who have no significant stenosis (≤ 40%) and normal blood flow were selected as control. All patients received an echocardiographic examination 24 h before coronary angiography. LA structure and function were measured with echocardiography and 2D-STE. Our results showed that among the 1,954 patients who had received coronary angiography, 512 patients were included in the analysis after the exclusion criteria was implemented. Of those, 101 patients met the CSFP criteria (5.5%). CSFP is mainly seen in LAD (~ 70%). There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics between the CSFP group and control group, except for a higher proportion of smokers in the CSFP group (P = 0.001). The percentage of monocytes is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of CSFP (P = 0.036) after binary logistic regression analysis. The LA global longitudinal strain (LA-GLS, represents reservoir functions) decreased and LA strain rate at late diastole (LA-SRa, represents booster function) increased in patients with CSFP compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Correlation test of continuous variables by Pearson test suggested that LA-GLS was negatively correlated with TIMI frame count (TFC). We concluded that the percentage of monocytes is an independent risk factor for the CSFP; the LA reservoir and booster functions were impaired in patients with CSFP; LA-GLS is negatively correlated with TFC.

The relationship between coronary slow-flow and frontal QRS-T angle

ObjectiveIt is known that increased frontal QRS-T angle, which is a new ventricular repolarization marker is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. It has been observed that the coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon can cause arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between CSF in patients and the frontal QRS-T angle. Material and methodA total of 200 patients, 97 of who had CSF and 103 with the normal coronary flow (NCF), were included in our study. The CSF group was divided into two groups; single-vessel CSF and multi-vessel CSF. The TIMI-frame count was calculated from the coronary angiography images of each patient. 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) records were examined. The frontal QRS-T angle was obtained from the automated reports of the ECG device. ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 50.7 ± 9.5 and 102 (51%) of patients were female. The frontal QRS-T angle was significantly higher in patients with CSF compared to the NCF group [48(31-64) vs 37(25-46), p = 0.001]. A positive correlation was observed between the frontal QRS-T angle and TIMI-frame count in the correlation analysis performed separately for LAD, Cx, RCA patients with CSF (respectively; r = 0.340 and p < 0.001, r = 0.262 and p = 0.002, r = 0.247 and p = 0.003). The frontal QRS-T angle was higher in patients with multi-vessel CSF than in patients with single-vessel CSF [53.5(41.5-76.5) vs 43.0(23.5-60.5), p = 0.039]. ConclusionThere is a positive correlation between frontal QRS-T angle and TIMI-frame count. The frontal QRS-T angle is higher in patients with CSF. Also, frontal QRS-T angle was higher in the multi-vessel CSF group.

Influence of right coronary artery shape on TIMI frame count and lesion distribution

Influence of right coronary artery shape on TIMI frame count and lesion distribution

Relationship between frontal QRS-T angle and coronary slow flow phenomenon

Background/Aim: Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is termed as slow passage of contrast dye to distal portion of the coronary arteries, and can provoke angina pectoris, serious arrhythmias, or even sudden death. Previous reports suggested that frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa), measured by surface ECG may associate with ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac death. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between fQRSTa and CSFP. Methods: In this case-control study, we retrospectively included 76 patients with CSFP [85.5% male; mean age 58.4 (9.2) years] and 50 patients with normal coronary flow (control group) [86.6% male; mean age 56.5 (10.1) years] between July 2017 and March 2019. CSFP was identified by TIMI frame count (TFC) method. Demographic, clinical and ECG characteristics were obtained from hospital records. Results: The groups were similar concerning co-morbid cardiac conditions. Mean QTc interval and median fQRSTa were significantly greater in CSFP group compared with the controls [416.2 (34.5) vs 401 (36.3), P=0.020 and 51° (11° to 132°) vs 27° (4° to 92°), P<0.001; respectively]. Conclusion: The findings may suggest a possible distortion in cardiac electrical micropathways and indicate an increased likelihood of arrhythmia.

Aortic flow propagation velocity and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in coronary slow flow.

A useful tool for determining the presence of systemic inflammation is the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Chronic inflammation causes more microvascular resistance, which is known to be involved with coronary slow flow (CSF). Aortic flow propagation velocity (APV) can be used to evaluate the aorta's rigidity. We hypothesized that NLR and APV might be related to CSF. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the NLR and APV in CSF patients. Eighty-six CSF patients and 43 subjects with normal coronary flow were enrolled in this study. We utilized the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) method for determining each enrolled patient's coronary flow rate. APV values were determined via color M-mode Doppler echocardiography. Differences in NLR and APV values were determined in CSF and control groups. Patients with CSF had lower APV values and higher NLR values than the normal controls (39.9±11.4 vs 48.0±10.6, p<0.01; 3.3±2.8 vs 2.3±1.2, p=0.03). TFC was significantly higher in CSF patients compared to controls (29.8±5.0 vs 12.9±2.6; p<0.01). TFC and APV were negatively correlated in CSF patients (r=-0.338 p=0.001). APV was independently associated with CSF (OR: 1.164, CI: 1.078-1.257, p=0.001). APV was significantly associated with TFC, and it is independently associated with CSF (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 30). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: coronary slow flow, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, aortic flow propagation velocity, atherosclerosis, inflammation.

The No-reflow Phenomenon: Is it Predictable by Demographic factors and Routine Laboratory Data?

Background:The coronary no-reflow phenomenon is an adverse complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) which significantly worsens the outcome and survival. In this study, we have evaluated the correlation of no-reflow phenomenon with demographic, biochemical and anatomical factors.Methods:We included 306 patients (193 male) with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergone primary PCI in our center. Demographic factors, as well as biochemistry test results were obtained. Also, the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade and TIMI frame count (TFC) was measured. The correlation of no-reflow phenomenon with demographic, biochemical and anatomical factors was analyzed.Results:Patients with a mean age of 56.41 ± 11.8 years were divided into two groups depending on the TIMI score (Group 1 or Normal flow and Group 2 or No-reflow). Symptom-to-procedure time, door-to-procedure time, serum creatinine level, hs-CRP level, and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) were significantly higher among group 2. TFC had negative significant correlation with male gender, and positive significant correlation with age, diabetes mellitus, hs-CRP level, WBC count, and NLR. Age of more than 62.5 years and serum creatinine level of more than 0.89 mg/dL can optimally predict the no reflow phenomena.Conclusions:According to our results, it seems that female gender, older ages, DM, multi-vessel involvement, delayed reperfusion, and increased NLR can predict the risk of no-reflow after primary PCI in the setting of Acute Myocardial Infarction. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Eosinophil cationic protein: A new diagnostic biomarker in coronary slow flow phenomenon.

This study has investigated the role of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), released by eosinophils, in the coronary slow flow phenomenon. This study included sixty patients with coronary slow flow (CSF) and sixty patients with normal coronary flow. The coronary flow rate was evaluated with TIMI frame count (TFC). ECP level, blood count and biochemical parameters were assessed. The ECP levels (18.9±7.5 vs 13.1±6.4 ng/ml, p<0.001) and eosinophil counts (0.25±0.14 vs 0.18±0.09 10³/mm³, p=0.001) were higher in the CSF group. Multivariable regression analysis showed that ECP level and eosinophil counts were independent predictors the presence of CSF (p=0.003 and p=0.006). There was a weak but important correlation among the ECP level, eosinophil count and mean TFC (p=0.001, p=0.003, respectively). The ROC analysis showed a cut off value of 14.05 ng/ml for ECP level to diagnose CSF with 73.3 % sensitivity and 66.7 % specificity, and area under the ROC curve was 0.745 (95% CI: 0.657-0.833, p<0.001). ECP levels were increased in CSF patients and this increasing correlated with coronary artery flow rates. The ECP level was independent predictor for the presence of SCF and it may be use as suitable diagnostic biomarker for CSF (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 30).

A preliminary study of MMP-9 and sCD40L in patients with coronary slow flow.

To explore the relationship between coronary slow flow (CSF) and both matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (sCD40L). Between July 2016 and September 2019, 80 patients suspected of having coronary heart disease due to chest tightness or other symptoms of chest pain and discomfort were admitted to Nanjing Jiangbei People's Hospital and, following a coronary angiography, were diagnosed as having CSF. These patients were assigned to the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) group. The control group, or normal coronary flow (NCF) group, consisted of 80 patients with normal coronary angiography results. Following group assignment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure and compare the serum levels of sCD40L and MMP-9 between the two groups. Serum levels of sCD40L and MMP-9 in the CSFP group were significantly higher than those in the NCF group (PP<0.05). Additionally, serum levels of adhesion molecules and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the CSFP group were significantly higher than those in NCF group (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation observed between sCD40L levels and adhesion molecule levels in the CSFP group, however, there was no such correlation observed in the NCF group. The CSFP group also had a significantly higher corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) compared with the NCF group (PP<0.05). Serum MMP-9 levels were higher in patients with CSF, and MMP-9 levels were positively correlated with CTFC. This suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in CSF pathogenesis and that atherosclerotic plaques may be present in the coronary arteries of CSF patients. Additionally, serum levels of sCD40L, adhesion molecules, and CRP were higher in CSF patients, and CRP levels were positively correlated with CTFC. Adhesion molecule expression is promoted by sCD40L. Increased levels of sCD40L may therefore promote the development of CSF.

Predictors of recurrent angina in patients with no need for secondary revascularization.

Approximately 20% to 30% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) develop recurrent angina pectoris following successful and complete coronary revascularization utilizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aim to investigate predictors of recurrent angina pectoris in patients who have undergone successful coronary revascularization using PCI, but on repeat coronary angiography have no need for secondary revascularization. The study comprised 3,837 patients with CAD, who were enrolled from January 2007 to June 2019. They had undergone successful PCI; some of them redeveloped angina pectoris within one year after the procedure, but on repeat coronary angiography had no need for revascularization. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count was used to evaluate the velocity of coronary blood in the follow-up angiogram. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for recurrent angina pectoris. Similarly, predictors of recurrent angina according to the TIMI frame count were assessed using multivariate linear regression. In this retrospective study, 53.5% of patients experienced recurrent angina pectoris. By multivariate logistic regression, the following characteristics were statistically identified as risk factors for recurrent angina pectoris: female sex, older age, current smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥1.8 mmol/L, and an elevated TIMI frame count (P for all <0.05). Similarly, using multivariate linear regression, the statistical risk factors for TIMI frame count included: female sex, older age, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), post-procedural treatment without the inclusion of dual antiplatelet therapy. Patient characteristics of female sex, older age, diabetes, and elevated BMI are associated with an increased TIMI frame count, coronary microcirculation dysfunction, and recurrent angina pectoris after initially successful PCI. In addition, current smoking and LDL-C ≥1.8 mmol/L are risk factors for recurrent angina pectoris. In contrast, the treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy is negatively correlated with a higher TIMI frame count and the risk of recurrent angina pectoris.

Corrigendum to “Evaluation of the Correlation between Serum Concentrations of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Corrected TIMI Frame Count in Patients with Slow Coronary Flow”

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2020/4592190.].

Effectiveness of Different P2Y12 Inhibitors on Coronary Flow in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a clinical syndrome with high mortality. The main purpose of STEMI treatment is to achieve optimal revascularization for tissue perfusion. Besides the innovations in revascularization strategies, developments in antithrombotic therapy resulted in a significant reduction in STEMI-related mortality. Reperfusion can be demonstrated by resolution of ST-segment elevation (STR), TIMI frame count (TFC), and myocardial blush grade (MBG). Aim of the study: In our study, we investigated the effects of P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor on reperfusion parameters such as TFC, MBG, and STR, after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in STEMI. Material and Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of STEMI patients who underwent successful pPCI. A total of 120 patients were included in the study as 3 equal groups according to the type of P2Y12 inhibitor administered in loading dose in the acute phase, and reperfusion parameters were compared between the groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline demographic, clinical, and angiographic parameters. Evaluation of reperfusion parameters indicated that STR, MBG, angina relief after pPCI and corrected TFC (cTFC) were significantly different between the groups (p &lt;0.05). In post-hoc analysis, the percentage of change in STR, MBG, angina relief after pPCI, and cTFC was significantly higher in the prasugrel group (p &lt;0.017). Conclusion: In STEMI patients undergoing pPCI, the analysis of tissue level reperfusion parameters indicates a superior effect of prasugrel compared with other P2Y12 inhibitors used to achieve reperfusion.

Coronary slow flow in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance

BackgroundThe relationship between coronary slow flow (CSF) and insulin resistance (IR) is still a subject of debate with conflicting data. So the aim was to assess the relationship between IR as measured by IR index (HOMA-IR) and coronary slow flow as measured by the TIMI frame count in patients which (impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and IR.ResultsOut of 87 patients enrolled, 64 (73.6%) patients were assigned to the IGT group while 23 (26.4%) patients were assigned to the NGT group. There were significantly higher BMI (30.15 ± 2.29 vs 23.90 ± 2.5, P < 0.001), waist circumference (105.05 ± 9.0.06 vs 92.92 ± 16.5, P < 0.001), and frequency of hypertension (60.9% vs 34.8, P = 0.03). Also, there were significantly higher 2-h post-prandial (hPP) glucose (161 ± 30 vs 110 ± 20, P < 0.05), fasting serum insulin level (9.56 ± 2.5 vs 7.03 ± 2.1, P < 0.001), HDL (40 ± 6.5 vs 49 ± 5.6, P < 0.001), HOMA-IR index (2.84 ± 0.03 vs 1.6 ± 0.05, P < 0.05), and mean TIMI frame count (33 ± 5 vs 26 ± 4, P < 0.001) among the IGT group, while HDL was significantly lower in the IGT group (40 ± 6.5 vs 49 ± 5.6, P < 0.001). There was a highly significant positive correlation between TIMI frame count and HOMA-IR (r = 0.43, P < 0.001); predictors that add significance to the model were age > 50 years, hypertension, high waist circumference, HDL < 35, and HOMA-IR. For HOMA-IR (OR 95% CI = 1.9 (1.05–3.49), P = 0.02 demonstrating that HOMA-IR is a powerful independent predictor of high TIMI frame count (Table 4).ConclusionIR is an independent risk factor for slow coronary flow in patients with IGT. Those with evident coronary slow flow, IGT should be managed aggressively even before any evidence of frank diabetes. Also, IR workup should be recommended among the other standard workup for those patients; if documented, targeting IR in such patients should be a priority (whenever possible) while selecting medications for comorbid cardiac disease, as well as using interventions targeted against IR should be considered among the other standard management for slow flow.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN TROPONIN I LEVEL WITH CORRECTED THROMBOLYSIS IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION FRAME COUNT IN PATIENTS WHOSE UNDERWENT PRIMARY PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION: A SINGLE CENTER STUDY

Objective: There were studies reported about the correlation between troponin I with scale of myocardial infarction (MI) area. However, the effect of revascularization into the coronary flow has not been reported. We aim to determine the correlation between high sensitivity troponin I and the successfulness of revascularization primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in ST-elevation MI (STEMI) patients. The successfulness of revascularization was assessed by calculating Corrected thrombolysis in MI frame count (CTFC).&#x0D; Methods: This is a retrospective analysis including all consecutive patients undergoing PPCI over 1-year period from December 2018 to 2019 at the Integrated Heart Service Installation Dr. M. Djamil Padang Hospital, West Sumatra. Exclusion criteria included patients with incomplete medical record data, incomplete coronary angiography data, prior MI, and prior PCI and coronary artery bypass graft. Patients were put into two groups with normal (CTFC &lt;30) and high (CTFC ≥30) to define the baseline characteristics.&#x0D; Results: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing primary PCI. Ninety-six patients underwent PPCI between December 2018 and 2019 were enrolled. For the baseline characteristic, patient was divided into two groups with normal CTFC (&lt;30) and high (CTFC ≥30). There was negative weak correlation between troponin I level and CTFC with Spearman’s correlation value was 0.371 and correlation coefficient −0.092.&#x0D; Conclusion: Troponin I level at first presentation before revascularization did not have a significant correlation with coronary flow result after revascularization in STEMI patients.

Clinical outcome of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and angiographic evidence of coronary artery ectasia

Abstract Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a relatively frequent finding in patient with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo emergent coronary angiography. However, the long-term outcome of STEMI patients with CAE as compared to Non-CAE has been poorly investigated. Purpose To compare the baseline features and outcome of patients with and without CAE in the clinical setting of STEMI. Methods All patients with STEMI who underwent emergent coronary angiography from January 2012 to December 2017 at our Institution were retrospectively enrolled. Baseline demographic, clinical, instrumental, angiographic and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) findings were collected for patients with and without CAE. The study outcome measures were recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause death. The propensity score weighting (PSW) technique was used to take into account for potential selection bias in treatment assignment between CAE and Non-CAE groups. Results The study included 534 patients with STEMI (mean age 62.9±12.0 years), 154 were CAE and 380 Non-CAE. The two groups were significantly different in terms of sex (90.9% in CAE vs 72,6% in Non-CAE, p&amp;lt;0.001), diabetes (11.7% vs. 25.8%; p=0.009) and smoking status (72.1% vs. 62.4%; p=0.042). The right coronary artery was more commonly treated in CAE patients (41.6% vs. 30.8%, p=0.023) and, as expected, the stent diameter (p&amp;lt;0.001) and the TIMI frame count (p&amp;lt;0.001) were significantly higher in CAE group. The myocardial blush grade was higher in Non-CAE (p&amp;lt;0.001). The Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a comparable rate of all-cause death among the two groups (3.4/100 person/years in CAE vs. 3.5 per 100 person/years in Non-CAE, Log-Rank = 0.86). The survival free from recurrent MI was lower, although not statistically significant, in CAE vs. Non-CAE patients (3.1/100 person/years vs. 4.8/100 person/years; Log-Rank = 0.068). After PSW, an optimal balance was obtained as demonstrated by a standardized mean difference &amp;lt;0.1 for all the variables included in the model. The adjusted Cox regression analysis showed a significantly higher risk of recurrent MI in CAE vs. Non-CAE groups (HR = 1.93; p=0.009). No difference in the risk of all-cause death was observed (HR = 0.83, p=0.501). Conclusions Patient with STEMI and angiographic evidence of CAE have a different clinical profile compared to Non-CAE. In this analysis focused on STEMI patients, CAE was associated with a higher risk of recurrent MI at long-term follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Patterns of coronary vascular involvement in patients with heart failure due to cardiac amyloidosis

Abstract Background Amyloidosis is a group of protein-folding disorders characterised by organ deposits, derived from one of several amyloidogenic precursor proteins. The involvement of coronary arteries has been previously described in amyloidosis, however the pattern of the disease in the coronaries is still unknown. Purpose The aim of this study is to characterise the pattern and severity of coronary artery lesions in cardiac amyloidosis. Methods We retrospectively compared patients with heart failure who tested positive (i.e. biopsy or gene tests – HF/CA+) against those that tested negative (HF/CA−) for cardiac amyloidosis. Groups were compared demographically and angiographically for qualitative and quantitative variables to determine patterns of involvement in the major epicardial coronary vessels. Results In total, 110 heart failure patients were included in the study, of whom 55 were HF/CA+ patients (88 lesions) and 55 were HF/CA− patients (66 lesions). Despite the advanced age in the HF/CA+, (74.53±11.02 vs 54.11±15.08; p=0.05), severe calcification was reported in HF/CA− group (4.5% vs to 0.0%; p=0.018). The HF/CA+ group also had fewer ostial lesions (3.4% vs. 15.15%, p=0.0095), reduced TIMI flow grade (83% vs 76%; p=0.21) and a higher TIMI frame count (30±12 Vs 27±11 frames; p=0.06). In the HF/CA+ group, compared to women, men had a significant number of tandem lesions (14.55% vs 0.0%, p=0.02). Men trended to have more ulcerations in comparison to women (9.09% vs 0.0%; p=0.15). Conclusion Overall, patients with HF/CA+ were older but found to have lesser calcified lesions, ostial involvement and a reduced anterograde blood flow. This is the first report outlining the coronary lesions in patients with HF/CA+. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Intracoronary nitroglycerin injection through a homemade side-hole ballon for coronary slow/no-reflow phenomenon prevention

Abstract Objective The evaluate nitroglycerin-injection during the homemade side-hole ballon into the proximal segment of the target lesion by TIMI blood flow and the corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) during primary PCI for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods All patients were diagnosed with STEMI. A dual antiplatelet therapy was given; patients were able to receive pPCI. The basic TIMI blood flow and CTFC were recorded after angiography and randomized according to the random number table by group A (n=61, early nitroglycerin injection via side-hole ballon) andgroup B (n=59, Traditional protocol PCI). Side-hole ballon was made by the ballon that passed the target lesion and puncture it with holes with needle. The TIMI blood flow and CTFC status immediately after the pPCI and the related events during the hospitalization and 6 months discharged. Results There were no significant differences between the baseline and laboratory parameters of the two groups (P&amp;gt;0.05). Also no differences in TIMI blood flow and CTFC frame before the target vessel was opened (P&amp;gt;0.05), Further no difference in number of implanted stents, stent length and diameter. The immediate effect after pPCI showed, the early nitroglycerin injection via side-hole ballon have effect on the TIMI blood flow (P=0.027), the CTFC (P=0.007) and the proportion of slow/no-reflow (6.56% vs. 22.03%, P=0.015). There was no difference in the incidence of MACE between two groups during hospitalization and 30 days follow-up. The incidence of MACE at 6 months follow-up was significantly lower in group A (1.63% vs. 10.17%, P=0.046). Conclusion In pPCI process, the early upstream nitroglycerin injection via homemade side-hole ballon can significantly reduce the incidence of slow/no-reflow after pPCI while the guidewire/balloon passes through the lesion. After pretreatment by this manner, the patient's 6-month MACE rate can be significantly improved. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The basic research project of Anhui Medical University

Coronary blood flow in myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries

Abstract Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is mainly caused by atherosclerotic plaque thrombosis but several registries show that in 1–13% of cases MI occurs in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) utilizing the conventional cut-off of &amp;lt;50% stenosis. MINOCA is generally related to coronary arteries abnormalities (epicardial or microvascular dysfunction – MINOCA-co). However, non-coronary conditions may underlie MINOCA as a consequence of supply-demand mismatch (MINOCA-nco). The TIMI flow gradient (TFG) and the corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) are established methods able to respectively provide a qualitative and semiquantitative estimation of epicardial blood flow at rest. No studies have yet evaluated these indices in patients with MINOCA. Purpose To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with MINOCA and the angiographic indices in MINOCA-co versus MINOCA-nco. Methods Among all consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiogram at our Centre for MI based on the 4th Definition of Myocardial Infarction, the ones showing &amp;lt;50% coronary artery stenosis were retrospectively analyzed; patients with previous coronary stenting were excluded from the study. According to the presence or absence of pre-specified criteria of supply-demand mismatch (SAP &amp;gt;180 mmHg, DAP &amp;gt;110 mmHg, HR &amp;gt;110 bpm, Hb &amp;lt;6 gr/dl, SatO2 &amp;lt;91% or P/F ratio &amp;lt;300), the study cohort was divided into MINOCA-nco and MINOCA-co, respectively. We defined as slow flow phenomenon a TFG &amp;lt; = 2 and/or a CTFC &amp;gt;40 for the left anterior descending artery, &amp;gt;27 for the right coronary artery and &amp;gt;24 for the left circumflex. Results 453 patients were retrospectively evaluated and 112 (24.7%) met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 68±13.2 years and 41 (36.6%) were males. MINOCA-co was the more prevalent entity accounting for 73 (65.2%) patients while 39 (34.8%) were MINOCA-nco. The two subgroups presented similar baseline characteristics with regards to gender and classic cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and smoking habit. Peripheral vasculopathy was more prevalent in MINOCA-nco patients (MINOCA-nco=15.4% vs. MINOCAco= 4.2%; p=0.04). Regarding the angiographic indices, there was no statistically significant difference in TFG between subgroups; conversely, the number of patients with a slow flow phenomenon as defined by CTFC was significantly higher in the MINOCA-nco group (MINOCAnco= 25.7% vs. MINOCA-co=9.8%; p=0.039). Conclusions Our data suggest that among patients with MINOCA clinical characteristics were not useful in differentiating between the two disease entities (MINOCA-nco vs. MINOCA-co). However, MINOCA-nco patients had higher coronary flow impairment as evaluated by CTFC. The pathophysiological reason is still not clear; we hypothesized that, in this clinical setting, an increased heart rate, systemic arterial pressure or low oxygen supply might worsen unbalanced coronary perfusion. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Intracoronary Versus Intravenous Administration of Eptifibatide During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Platelet activation and aggregation play a major role in thrombosis formation of coronary arteries in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and is responsible for most ischemic complications during PCI. There is little information on the benefits and side effects of intracoronary and intravenous injection of Eptifibatide, a potent antiplatelet agent; therefore, this study was performed with the aim to compare coronary blood flow velocity by measurement of TIMI frame count. In intravenous versus intracoronary bolus administration of Eptifibatide during PCI in ACS patients. This non-randomized clinical trial study was performed on 103 patients with acute coronary syndromes who referred to the cardiac emergency ward of Ghaem hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and were candidates for urgent coronary angiography and PCI. Forty-eight cases received intracoronary bolus Eptifibatide and 55 intravenous Eptifibatide. TIMI Frame Count and Corrected TIMI Frame Count were used to comparing the effect of these two methods on coronary blood flow velocity. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22). To compare the quantitative variables in the two groups, according to the distribution of variables, the t-test was used if it was normal or the Mann-Whitney test was used if it was not normal. A Chi-square test was also used to compare qualitative variables into two groups. P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Mean of age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors were similar in the two groups. There was no significant difference in terms of serum Creatine Kinase MB (CKMB) level, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), coronary artery lesion length, coronary artery diameter, coronary thrombosis, and coronary artery thrombectomy in two groups. Based on Student's t-test, there was no significant difference between mean TIMI Frame Count in different coronary arteries in the intracoronary and intravenous injection groups (In LAD, P=0.518; For LCX, P=0.576; and in RCA, P=0.964). The complications were observed in 11 patients (22.9%) of the intracoronary injection group and 9 (16.4%) of the intravenous injection group; the difference was not significant (P=0.402). The effects and complications of Eptifibatide were not significantly different in Intracoronary and intravenous administration in ACS patients during PCI and at the time of patients' hospitalization.

Influence of right coronary artery shape on TIMI frame count and lesion distribution

The shape of the right coronary artery (RCA) may vary between individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the shape of RCA has any effect on TIMI frame count (TFC), TIMI flow score, and lesion distribution length in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by RCA. The angiograms of 163 patients who applied to our hospital with STEMI caused by the RCA were included in the study. TFC's were calculated. The patients were divided into two groups according to the geometric shape of the RCA as C (124 pts, 101 males, mean age 66.1 ± 12.3 years) or S (39 pts, 30 males, mean age 60.0 ± 10.8 years) based on the angiographic view from the left oblique position. Lesion location was significantly higher in the proximal and mid regions compared to the distal region in patients with C-RCA (p < 0.001). TFC was significantly higher in the S-RCA group (p = 0.0014). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age of p = 0.003. Lesion frequency was significantly higher in the proximal and mid regions in patients with C-RCA. TFC's were significantly higher in the S-RCA group. Longer S-RCA length compared to C-RCA and local shear stress characteristics may also explain these findings.

The coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with slow coronary flow: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Interestingly, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and coronary slow-flow (CSF) have similar pathogenic mechanisms, including increased sympathetic activity and endothelial dysfunction. However, the association between OSA and CSF is not known well. If undiagnosed, OSA is a cause of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We investigated the presence of OSA in the patients diagnosed CSF after coronary angiography. METHODS: The prospective cross-sectional study included 4515 patients admitted angiography laboratory from February 2018 to March December 2019. After coronary angiography of 4515 patients, 336 patients were diagnosed as slow coronary flow. These patients were examined by pulmonology and sleep specialist. Of the 336 patients, 276 patients were found high risk in terms of OSA by using Berlin questionnaire (BQ). Only 75 of 276 patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) testing. Control group patients (n=40) had normal coronary artery and no OSA. RESULTS: Of 4515 patients, 336 (7.4%) met the criteria for CSF. After BQ, 276 of 336 patients had high-score BQ (82.1%). The study group consisted of 276 patients (188 males, 88 females). The mean ages of the study group were 48.48 ±7.61 years. Body mass index (BMI) according to WHO criteria was 33.02±2.18 kg/m2. When 75 patients underwent PSG were divided on two groups as mild OSA and moderate/severe OSA according to respiratory disturbance index (RDI). We found a significant positive correlation between mean corrected TIMI Frame Count (CTFC) and RDI. While CTFC-Lad in mild OSA group was 32.73, CTFC-Lad in moderate/severe OSA group was 35.04 (p=0.022). While CTFC-Cx in mild OSA group was 31.67, CTFC-Cx in moderate/severe OSA group was 35.26 (p=0.001). While CTFC-Rca in mild OSA group was 32.57, CTFC-Rca in moderate/severe OSA group was 36.33 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed the coexistence between CSF and OSA. Moreover, we demonstrated a significant relationship between mean CTFC and RDI. To determine the clinical association of OSA and CSF may be help to understand pathophysiology of CSF.