Transmural Ischemia Research Articles

Precision medicine in intestinal ischemia: the emerging role of biomarkers.

Intestinal ischemia (IIs) is a significant gastrointestinal condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the bowel, leading to inflammation and injury. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing severe complications. Under this point of view, circulating biomarkers can enhance patient stratification and guide therapeutic decisions. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), specifically I-FABP and L-FABP, are small cytosolic proteins released upon enterocyte membrane integrity loss, with elevated plasma levels indicating early intestinal ischemia. Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1) regulates stem cell function and shows significantly higher levels in patients with IIs and cardiovascular disease compared to controls. D-Lactate, a bacterial fermentation byproduct, is another significant marker, with higher serum levels observed in intestinal ischemia cases. Alpha-glutathione S-transferase combats intracellular oxidative stress, with significantly elevated levels in acute mesenteric ischemia patients. Additionally, SM22, a small smooth muscle protein, shows higher plasma levels in patients with transmural ischemia compared to those with mucosal ischemic lesions and healthy controls. These biomarkers are promising for their roles in early detection and differentiation of IIs from other gastrointestinal conditions. Therapeutic strategies, including anti-inflammatory therapies, have shown efficacy in managing IIs symptoms and preventing recurrence. This review aims to inform clinicians and researchers about the current advancements in biomarker research and therapeutic approaches for IIs, emphasizing the importance of integrating these biomarkers and treatments into clinical practice to improve the management and prognosis of the disease.

Abnormal ST-segment changes in anterior and inferior leads during acute inferior myocardial infarction

Anterior and inferior ST elevation on electrocardiography (ECG) in patients with acute myocardial infarction is uncommon. ST-segment elevation due to right ventricular infarction induced by right coronary occlusion may extend from V1 to V3/V4, resembling the pattern of transmural ischemia of the anterior wall of the left ventricle. In addition, a wraparound left anterior descending (LAD) artery can produce ischemia manifesting as ST-segment elevation in the anterior and inferior leads. Our case report reveals dynamic ST-segment changes in acute inferior myocardial infarction, including the appearance of the shark fin ECG pattern, unlike what has been reported before.

The Effect of Atorvastatin Plus Ezetimibe Therapy Versus Atorvastatin Monotherapy on Clinical Outcome in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infaction(STEMI)

Introduction: An acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an event in which transmural myocardial ischemia results in myocardial injury or necrosis. The current 2018 clinical definition of myocardial infarction (MI) requires the confirmation of the myocardial ischemic injury with abnormal cardiac biomarkers. Acute coronary syndrome is the leading cause of death in the world and this is a consequence of unstable plaque due to dyslipidemia, reviewing with elevated LDL cholesterol. Reduction in LDL-c repeated clinical outcomes in patients with the acute coronary syndrome. Objective: To assess the effect of atorvastatin plus ezetimibe therapy versus atorvastatin monotherapy on clinical outcome in acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infaction(STEMI). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at dept. of Cardiology, Parkview Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh from June to December 2022. A total of 50 patients were evaluated in the study, including 42 patients with acute coronary syndrome with LDL-c levels≥70mg/dL at Can Tho Central General Hospital, we divided randomly into 2 groups: group A: control LDL-c by atorvastatin 40mg and ezetimibe 10mg; group B: control LDL-c by atorvastatin 40mg monotherapy. Then we compared the effect of control LDL-c between two groups after 10 follow-up days. Results: 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome: 60.0% male and 40.0% female, the average age was 66.03 ± 12.06 years, 82.0% LDL- c levels ≥7 mg/dL. After 10 days of treatment, the target LDL-c concentration in the group treated with atorvastatin 40mg+ ezetimibe 10mg was 48.1%, in the group treated with atorvastatin 40mg was 29.9% (p<0.05). Conclusions: LDL-c ratio reaches the target in the treatment group by atorvastatin 40mg + ezetimibe 10mg was 48.1% in the treatment group with atorvastatin 40 mg was 29.9% (p<0.05). From the results of our study, we recommend the combination therapy of atorvastatin and ezetimibe control LDL-c in patients with acute coronary syndrome better than atorvastatin monotherapy, thus physicians to treat patients with the acute coronary syndrome should combine early atorvastatin with ezetimibe since hospitalization. Medicine Today 2023 Vol. 35(2): 99-104

Abstract 16703: ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Total Occlusion: Trends and In-Hospital Outcomes in the United States

Introduction: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurs due to sudden thrombotic complete occlusion of one or more coronary arteries resulting in transmural ischemia and eventually necrosis. Chronic total occlusions (CTO) are incidentally found in a minority of patients and have been implicated in poor outcomes in STEMI patients. There is a paucity of data analyzing the trends and outcomes of STEMI patients with a CTO (STEMI-CTO). Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample to identify elderly (>65 years) STEMI patients with vs. without CTO. We compared the prevalence trends of STEMI, baseline characteristics, in-hospital mortality, and complications, including cardiogenic shock, in these two groups from 2016 to 2019. Chi-square test was used to determine the statistical significance of these variables. Results: Of 317,105 STEMI hospitalizations, 21,115 had concomitant CTO. Patients with CTO were more likely to be young (median age 73 vs. 74, p <0.001), obese (13.8% vs. 12.8%), males (67.5% vs. 60.5%), with peripheral vascular disease (13.4% vs. 10.8%), hyperlipidemia (67.5% vs. 65.5%), and prior history of MI (15.2% vs. 12.3%), PCI (14.1% vs. 13.0%) and CABG (9.4% vs. 6.1%) (p<0.001). In-hospital mortality was more frequent in CTO-STEMI compared to non-CTO-STEMI patients (12.5% vs. 11.8%, p=0.003). From 2016-2019, the prevalence of CTO kept decreasing (10.7% vs. 6.5%, P<0.001); however, increasing mortality trends in CTO patients (14.4% vs. 12.2%) compared to decreasing mortality trends in non-CTO patients (11.2% vs. 12.5%) was concerning. [Fig. 1]. Also, the frequency of in-hospital deaths was on a uptrend and peaked in 2019 amongst all CTO patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of CTO in STEMI patients is decreasing, while in-hospital mortality, cardiogenic shock and hospital expenses continue to rise. Future prospective studies are necessary to understand the trends among CTO-STEMI patients to avoid poor outcomes.

Type 2 Myocardial Infarction on the Background of Coronary Vasospasm and Invasive Tactics of Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Currently, type 2 myocardial infarction is a rather significant problem, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery damage occurs in 5-10 % of patients with a myocardial infarction. Optimal strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with myocardial damage associated with non-thrombotic mechanisms have not yet been determined. The article describes a clinical observation of type 2 myocardial infarction on the background of vasospasm, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic tactics in this clinical situation. The main provisions: the patient was 22 years old in the cardiology department due to the pain syndrome behind the sternum for the first time in his life and an increase in body temperature to 37.5 C. From anamnesis: active bodybuilding, taking testosterone in injectable form. The electrocardiogram revealed changes in the type of transmural myocardial ischemia without the dynamics characteristic of myocardial infarction. Troponin I (quantitative test) — 2.1 ng/ml at laboratory reference values of 0.010-0.023 ng/ml. A diagnostic search was conducted for myocardial infarction and acute pericarditis. For the purpose of differential diagnosis, coronary angiography was performed, during which dynamic stenosis of the posterior descending artery was revealed. The decision to stent the vessel was not made. Echocardiography revealed areas of local contractility disorders. The data of the examination showed in favor of myocardial infarction without coronary artery obstruction (type 2). Taking into account the absence of occlusive-stenotic lesions of the coronary arteries, the presence of vasospasm, 1 platelet aggregation inhibitor, medium-dose statins, isosorbide dinitrate, calcium channel blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor was prescribed. Conclusion. Invasive tactics made it more likely to diagnose type 2 myocardial infarction and prescribe the most optimal drug therapy.

Diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers to detect acute mesenteric ischaemia in adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAcute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a disease with different pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to a life-threatening condition that is difficult to diagnose based solely on clinical signs. Despite widely acknowledged need for biomarkers in diagnosis of AMI, a broad systematic review on all studied biomarkers in different types of AMI is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of all potential biomarkers of AMI studied in humans.MethodsA systematic literature search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted in December 2022. Studies assessing potential biomarkers of AMI in (at least 10) adult patients and reporting their diagnostic accuracy were included. Meta-analyses of biomarkers’ sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were conducted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool.ResultsSeventy-five studies including a total of 9914 patients assessed 18 different biomarkers in serum/plasma and one in urine (each reported in at least two studies), which were included in meta-analyses. None of the biomarkers reached a conclusive level for accurate prediction. The best predictive value overall (all studies with any type and stage of AMI pooled) was observed for Ischaemia-modified albumin (2 studies, sensitivity 94.7 and specificity 90.5), interleukin-6 (n = 4, 96.3 and 82.6), procalcitonin (n = 6, 80.1 and 86.7), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) measured in serum (n = 16, 73.9 and 90.5) or in urine (n = 4, 87.9 and 78.9). In assessment of transmural mesenteric ischaemia, urinary I-FABP (n = 2, 92.3 and 85.2) and D-dimer (n = 3, 87.6 and 83.6) showed moderate predictive value. Overall risk of bias was high, mainly because of selected study populations and unclear timings of the biomarker measurements after onset of symptoms. Combinations of biomarkers were rarely studied, not allowing meta-analyses.ConclusionsNone of the studied biomarkers had sufficient sensitivity and specificity to diagnose AMI, although some biomarkers showed moderate predictive accuracy. Future studies should focus on timing of measurements of biomarkers, distinguishing between early stage and transmural necrosis, and between different types of AMI. Additionally, studies on combinations of biomarkers are warranted.PROSPERO registration: CRD42022379341.

Ultra-High-Resolution Electrocardiography Enables Earlier Detection of Transmural and Subendocardial Myocardial Ischemia Compared to Conventional Electrocardiography.

The sensitivity of exercise ECG is marginally sufficient for the detection of mild reduction of coronary blood flow in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis. Here, we describe the application of a new technique of ECG registration/analysis-ultra-high-resolution ECG (UHR ECG)-for early detection of myocardial ischemia (MIS). The utility of UHR ECG vs. conventional ECG (C ECG) was tested in anesthetized rats and pigs. Transmural MIS was induced in rats by the ligation of the left coronary artery (CA). In pigs, subendocardial ischemia of a variable extent was produced by stepwise inflation of a balloon within the right CA, causing a 25-100% reduction of its lumen. In rats, a reduction in power spectral density (PSD) in the high-frequency (HF) channel of UHR ECG was registered at 60 s after ischemia (power 0.81 ± 0.14 vs. 1.25 ± 0.12 mW at baseline, p < 0.01). This was not accompanied by any ST segment elevation on C ECG. In pigs, PSD in the HF channel of UHR ECG was significantly decreased at a 25% reduction of CA lumen, while the ST segment on C ECG remained unchanged. In conclusion, UHR ECG enabled earlier detection of transmural MIS compared to C ECG. PSD in the HF channel of UHR ECG demonstrated greater sensitivity in the settings of subendocardial ischemia.

Pseudo‐infarction electrocardiographic changes in delayed onset hypoparathyroidism: A case report

Key Clinical MessageThe high‐risk “Shark Fin” electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern has been associated with transmural ischemia but can also result from electrolyte anomalies. Therefore, the decision for invasive coronary catheterization requires a detailed history and dedicated biochemical tests.AbstractPseudo‐infarction ECG pattern resembling “Shark Fin” was demonstrated in a 76‐year‐old lady with a previous total thyroidectomy who presented with unspecific symptoms. An incidental finding of hypokalemia and hypocalcemia was thought to be related to delayed onset hypoparathyroidism. Potential etiologies like coronary vasospasm and catecholamine‐associated myocardial injury were suggested.

C13 AT THE ROOT OF HYPOXIA: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE CLINICAL

Abstract A 74–year–old woman arrived to the ER for syncope, reporting episodes of atypical chest pain for a few months. The initial ECG showed negative T waves in the lateral leads; an echocardiogram documented lower–limit systolic function due to akinesia of the antero–lateral segments and the presence of an ascending aorta aneurysm (AAA). The woman, with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, had previous transmural myocardial ischemia documented by MRI and never investigated with coronary angiography (ICA). Admitted to ICCU for suspected ischemic heart disease, she experienced a sudden clinical deterioration with onset of acute respiratory failure, initially stabilized with noninvasive ventilation. A chest angioCT excluded acute events (pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection) and confirmed the presence of AAA with bovine arch. Given the persistent need for oxygen therapy, closer clinical observation allowed objectification of platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) that presented with desaturation, dyspnea, and mental confusion in the orthostatic position that improved with supine position. A bubble test in the two positions documented worsening intracardiac shunt in the sitting position, and a transesophageal echocardiogram showed the presence of a tunnel–like patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient then underwent ICA that found a stenosis–free vascular tree, but a marked fusiform common trunk aneurysm (CTA) was appreciated. After exclusion of altered cardiopulmonary hemodynamic balance, percutaneous closure of the PFO was performed, which allowed progressive improvement of respiratory exchanges and subsequent complete weaning from oxygen. Typically, PFO occurs in the case of a pulmonary ventilo–perfusory mismatch or right–left shunt (rlS), associating mainly with atrial congenital defects and, to a lesser extent, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Sometimes, for POS to occur, the presence of a functional component facilitating rlS is necessary. In our case, it is conceivable that such a contribution was both ab–extrinsic compression of the right atrium by the AAA and compression of the pulmonary trunk at the level of the pulmonary valve by the CTA. This diagnostic hypothesis is compatible with the late presentation.

P320 AN UNUSUAL CASE SYNCOPE DUE TO SILENT CORONARY VASOSPASM

Abstract Background Variant angina is a condition due to a transient vasospasm of the epicardial coronary arteries, which usually causes chest pain episodes and may be associated with dangerous arrhythmias. A non–negligible subset of patients can also experience silent myocardial ischemia, defined as objective documentation of myocardial ischemia in the absence of angina or equivalents. This condition is associated with increased cardiac mortality and incidence of acute cardiac events. Description of the case. A 65–years–old man was admitted to our Emergency Department for syncope. He reported palpitations before the event without chest pain. ECG showed biphasic T waves in V2–V6 (Fig 1A), troponin values were normal. Immediately after admission in our coronary care unit for monitoring, he developed dynamic ST segment elevation with signs of inferior and posterior transmural ischemia (Fig 1B) and non–sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardias (Fig 2), being symptomatic only for palpitations. ECG abnormalities and symptoms quickly resolved after intra–venous nitrates administration. Coronary angiography was performed showing a critical non–occlusive (85%) fixed stenosis at the proximal right coronary artery (Fig 3 A). The lesion was treated by angioplasty and stenting (Fig 3 B) and the patients was discharged on dual anti–platelet therapy, statins and oral high–dose calcium–channel antagonist. Discussion This case underlines first the importance of searching for high–risk features in patients with syncope of non–obvious origin: our patient reported palpitations and ECG changes consistent with myocardial ischemia (even with normal troponin values and echocardiographic findings). A peculiarity of our case is that the patient did not complaint any chest pain despite the presence of ST elevation, a condition known as silent ischemia. The transient nature of ECG modification and ventricular arrhythmias, their dramatic response to nitrates and coronary angiography findings were suggestive of silent vasospasm. Coronary vasospasm induces transient myocardial ischemia and may cause ventricular arrhythmias which in turn can cause syncope due to transient cerebral hypoperfusion or, when sustained, even cardiac arrest and sudden death. We did not perform provocative test with acetylcholine or ergonovine due to the likely vasospastic origin of myocardial ischemia and to their potential risks, especially in the presence of non–sustained plymorphic ventricular tachycardias.

P138 ST–SEGMENT ELEVATION, QTC PROLONGATION AND BRUGADA LIKE PATTERN IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: A NEW ENTITY FOR US TO KNOW? CASE 1

Abstract Introduction ST elevation (STE) usually means acute transmural ischemia by epicardial coronary artery occlusion by a blood clot,so Guidelines recommend rapid reperfusion therapy, possibly within the first hour. Nevertheless,STE due to non–ischemic etiologies has been reported in up to 15% of the general population.We report a case of ‘likely STEMI’ presenting with marked STE,QTc prolongation and Brugada like pattern on ECG but no significant coronary obstruction on angiography.Case 1A 74y woman presented in the ER with syncope and chest pain.History of pulmonary emphysema and Crohn‘s disease previously operated on. On admission:apyretic,BP 80/40, HR130 bpm, SO2 98% on mask O2 12 l/min.WBC 20,000, 84% neut, high D–Dimer 36091 and HS–TnI 99. On transthoracic echo (TTE) akinesis in apical, apical lateral, anteroseptal, and anterior wall and EF 25%.On Chest CT bilateral emphysema,no pulmonary embolism.On ECG sinus tachycardia,frequent PVCs,diffuse deep negative waves and prolonged QTc.While in ER,a new she syncope occurred,and tachycardia with large complex,with spontaneous resolution,was observed.On ICU admission ECG diffuse STE with coved pattern in V1 and prolonged QTc 641 ms;treated with magnesium sulfate,calcium gluconate,metoprolol,ASA,heparin;on urgent coronary angiography subcritical stenosis of left anterior descending artery without blood clot:PCI with drug–eluting stent was performed. Nevertheless,ECG did not change while multiple ventricular fibrillations occurred later, requiring electric shock.Later on, after prolonged treatment with magnesium sulfate, Calcium gluconate, antibiotic, electrolytes correction,QTc,ECG and EF progressively normalized. Discussion The patient reported was labelled as a “TakoTsubo syndrome“ diagnosis,but in fact we think the ECGs (persistent STE, prolonged QTc and Brugada pattern), the TTEs and clinical features can be explained by different nosological entity due to the dysregulated INa, and in particular by increased late sodium current INa late : it leads to impaired cardiac energetics and contractile dysfunction as well as cardiac arrhythmias; acidosis and hypoxia can also increases IN late.As for our patient, unlike Takotsubo syndrome, she had no emotional trigger, no characteristic apical balloon on TTE, while severe physical trigger like hypoxia and acidosis stand out.Patients presenting with these ECG features should not be treated with thrombolysis but referred to a HUB center for coronary angiography.

P65 A STRANGE CASE OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME WITH VESSEL SQUEEZING AND INTRAMURAL HEMATOMA

Abstract A 53–year–old woman presented herself at our center for the appearance of oppressive chest pain radiating to the upper limbs associated with cold sweat, which arose in resting conditions. The patient had as cardiovascular risk factors tobacco habits and an important family history of cardiovascular diseases (father died of AMI at a young age) and had entered menopause for some months. The ECG showed signs of anterior transmural ischemia (Figure 1a) with corresponding echocardiographic kinetic abnormalities of the cardiac apex (EF 40%). The patient underwent an emergency coronary angiography documenting an intramyocardial bridge with evident systolic squeezing of the vessel in the proximal–middle section of the anterior descending artery and normal appearance of the remaining coronary tree (Figure 2). She was subjected to infusion of intracoronary nitrates with improvement of the instrumental picture and on that occasion it was opted for medical therapy alone with double antiplatelet therapy and low–dose calcium antagonist. On the second day after the diagnostic procedure, there was a recurrence of anginal symptoms with evidence on the ECG of anterolaterally reversed T waves (figure 1b). The patient underwent a new coronary angiography, IVUS–guided, with documentation of probable intramural hematoma in the absence of non–flow–limiting dissection image with an area of 7 mm² (Figure 3). During the subsequent hospitalization, the patient remained asymptomatic with stable ECG tracing, but telemetry revealed ventricular tachyarrhythmias for which beta–blocker therapy was optimized with improvement of the arrhythmic burden. The pre–discharge echocardiogram showed improvement of cardiac kinesis with resumption of systolic function (EF 48%). The patient was discharged stable and asymptomatic with follow–up at our dedicated ischemic heart disease clinic. This case report is an example of an infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome, of non–atherosclerotic origin, to be considered in clinical practice.

Serial ECG in suspected ACS

In the right clinical setting, ST segment elevation (STE) on electrocardiogram (ECG) is most concerning for acute injury due to transmural myocardial ischemia. This frequently points to significant epicardial coronary artery disease, mandating emergent cardiac intervention. In rare cases, cardiac metastases may cause transient STE. We present a case of a 28-year-old male patient with metastatic osteosarcoma with STE in three different ECG territories over ten months. Several transient, dynamic patterns of STE were noted: anteroseptal leads concerning for acute injury with reciprocal ST depressions in inferior leads, lateral leads, inferior leads with reciprocal ST depression in lateral leads, followed by STE again in lateral leads. Given the patient's young age, absence of cardiac history or symptoms, personal preference, bleeding risk, and cancer prognosis, cardiac catheterization was never pursued. We present this case to remind providers to include metastatic cancer in the differential diagnosis of STE on ECG, and that these changes can be dynamic.

Three, dynamic variants of ST segment elevations in a patient with osteosarcoma and cardiac metastasis

In the right clinical setting, ST segment elevation (STE) on electrocardiogram (ECG) is most concerning for acute injury due to transmural myocardial ischemia. This frequently points to significant epicardial coronary artery disease, mandating emergent cardiac intervention. In rare cases, cardiac metastases may cause transient STE. We present a case of a 28-year-old male patient with metastatic osteosarcoma with STE in three different ECG territories over ten months. Several transient, dynamic patterns of STE were noted: anteroseptal leads concerning for acute injury with reciprocal ST depressions in inferior leads, lateral leads, inferior leads with reciprocal ST depression in lateral leads, followed by STE again in lateral leads. Given the patient's young age, absence of cardiac history or symptoms, personal preference, bleeding risk, and cancer prognosis, cardiac catheterization was never pursued. We present this case to remind providers to include metastatic cancer in the differential diagnosis of STE on ECG, and that these changes can be dynamic.

Management of acute mesenteric ischaemia: Results of a worldwide survey

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a condition with high mortality. This survey assesses current attitudes and practices to manage AMI worldwide. A questionnaire survey about the practices of diagnosing and managing AMI, endorsed by several specialist societies, was sent to different medical specialists and hospitals worldwide. Data from individual health care professionals and from medical teams were collected. We collected 493 individual forms from 71 countries and 94 team forms from 34 countries. Almost half of respondents were surgeons, and most of the responding teams (70%) were led by surgeons. Most of the respondents indicated that diagnosis of AMI is often delayed but rarely missed. Emergency revascularisation is often considered for patients with AMI but rarely in cases of transmural ischaemia (intestinal infarction). Responses from team hospitals with a dedicated special unit (14 team forms) indicated more aggressive revascularisation. Abdominopelvic CT-scan with intravenous contrast was suggested as the most useful diagnostic test, indicated by approximately 90% of respondents. Medical history and risk factors were thought to be more important in diagnosis of AMI without transmural ischaemia, whereas for intestinal infarction, plasma lactate concentrations and surgical exploration were considered more useful. In elderly patients, a palliative approach is often chosen over extensive bowel resection. There was a large variability in anticoagulant treatment, as well as in timing of surgery to restore bowel continuity. Delayed diagnosis of AMI is common despite wide availability of an adequate imaging modality, i.e. CT-scan. Large variability in treatment approaches exists, indicating the need for updated guidelines. Increased awareness and knowledge of AMI may improve current practice until more robust evidence becomes available. Adherence to the existing guidelines may help in improving differences in treatment and outcomes.

Reperfusion Therapies in ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Equivalents

ABSTRACT Patients presenting with ST-elevation in myocardial infarction (STEMI) have transmural ischemia and require early reperfusion therapy. However, in about half of the patients with such ischemia, ST elevations are not seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Such STEMI equivalent ECGs need to be evaluated and reperfusion done at the earliest to salvage the jeopardized myocardium.

Comparison of Intracoronary and Intravenous Administration of High Dose Bolus Tirofiban in Patients of St Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a condition in which transmural myocardial ischemia causes myocardial necrosis and is the leading cause of death. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of tirofiban bolus administration via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and intravenous route (IV) in STEMI patients for restoration of myocardial perfusion. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Cardiology Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, during 2021-22. The study comprised 168 STEMI patients divided into Group A and B (n=84), treated with tirofiban PCI and IV route, respectively. Results: Incidence of STEMI was three folds higher in males than females, and the mean age of the patients was 55 years. Smoking and obesity were the potential risk factors. Patients in Group A had a better clinical outcome and prognosis than Group B. In comparison to the IV treatment group (91.66%), the ST-segment resolution time was considerably lower (P&lt;0.05) in the PCI group (48.80%). In both groups, the observational parameters for TIMI flow grade, TIMI major and minor bleeding, MBG, and MACE were not-significantly different (P≥0.05), comprising percentages 94, 3.57, 9.52, 71.42, 5.95%, and 84.52, 2.38, 13.09, 75, 15.47%, respectively. In comparison to IV therapy group, the LVEF percentage in PCI group was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) after 24 hours and 30 days (57, 63 and 52, 58%, respectively). Conclusions: It was concluded that STEMI patients treated with PCI tirofiban bolus had significantly greater (p&lt;0.05) recovery rates, left ventricular ejection fractions and better clinical outcomes than IV-treated group

308 THE BROKEN HEART: A LEFT VENTRICLE FREE WALL RUPTURE IN MINOCA

Abstract 86 years-old man was admitted to our ICCU for chest pain with an ECG diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and inferior STEMI. He had a history of hypertension and ascending aorta aneurysm (48 mm) with no other known cardiovascular risk factor. He reported few episodes of short-duration chest pain in the last days. A fast echocardiogram excluded ascending aorta dissection and pericardial effusion but showed hypokinesia of inferolateral left ventricle wall. Urgent angiography only revealed a moderate stenosis on mid left anterior descending artery associated with slow run-off. No lesions were found on the expected culprit artery. Due to persisting chest pain and patient's history of ascending aorta aneurysm, an urgent Angio CT was performed, but unexpectedly, during the exam, the patient lost consciousness with asistolia. RCP was practised with ROSC. CT scan showed mild pericardial effusion with blushing. A free wall heart rupture was suspected by radiologist. Urgent echocardiogram revealed moderate pericardial effusion with a suggestive colour doppler systolic flow originating from an apparent hole in apical inferolateral left ventricle wall. Rapid hemodynamic failure occurred so pericardiocentesis with amine support and blood transfusions were performed. Heart team excluded urgent surgery due to extremely high operative risk related to patient's age, hemodynamic impairment and poor expected repair durability consequent to acute phase of rupture. ICCU observation was made, with liable hemodynamic stability obtained with norepinephrine infusion. In accordance with patient's family other invasive measurements were not taken. Unfortunately, the patient died the day after. Only few cases of myocardial rupture in myocardial infarction-non obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) are reported in literature. Recurrent chest pain makes plaque complication/embolus resolution a reliable hypothesis. New onset atrial fibrillation might have caused an embolization in coronary artery determining transmural ischaemia, as well as coronary artery plaque rupture/ulceration might have done. Unfortunately, no further exams to exploit the underneath pathological process could be performed: Coronary intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, Cardiac Magnetic resonance would be a valid help in prognosis and future treatment.

Differential diagnosis of angina pectoris in the practice of the regional vascular center: a clinical observation

The leading cause of myocardial ischemia in case of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary vasospasm combination in one patient is difficult to establish. However, it is important to know for optimal treatment strategy: choosing between beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers as a preferred treatment, need for percutaneous coronary intervention. We present a case of a 56-yearold patient who was admitted with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation, low Killip class, and low GRACE score. Stress echocardiography revealed inducible transmural myocardial ischemia (regional wall motion abnormalities and ST segment elevation on the ECG) accompanied by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The coronary angiography showed single-vessel moderate stenosis in the left anterior descending artery. There were no changes in comparison with previous angiography. The patient was considered to have vasospastic angina. A probable mechanism is coronary artery spasm at the site of the atherosclerotic plaque. The article is discussed the difficulties in diagnosing vasospastic angina, especially in the presence of borderline stenosis in the coronary artery. We reviewed similar cases and discussed the difficulties of a vasospastic angina diagnosis especially in the presence of moderate coronary artery stenosis, the role of the provocative tests, and the pharmacological management. Demonstrating, discussing and analyzing cases of patients with a combined mechanism of myocardial ischemia is substantiated for further improving their diagnosis and treatment.

Rarer adverse effect of clozapine

Introduction: Clozapine is an atypical anti-psychotic drug widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It reduces suicidal ideations in schizophrenics and hence the mortality. Agranulocytosis is one among the most known serious complication of this drug. However, it can also cause life-threatening complications like necrotizing enterocolitis. Case Report: We report a case of a 31-year-old male with past history of schizophrenia and seizure disorder on 300 mg clozapine and phenytoin 300 mg daily for 10 years. He was admitted for the evaluation of altered sensorium. Blood routine investigations and radioimaging were normal. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed non-convulsive status epilepticus which was managed with anti-epileptic drugs. His sensorium did not improve. He started to develop fever and loose stools, later developed abdominal distension and pain. On evaluation it was found to have ischemic colitis with secondary bacterial peritonitis. Clozapine was stopped, managed conservatively. The patient recovered completely. Conclusion: Clozapine can cause seizures. The anti-cholinergic effect of this drug can induce focal intestinal necrosis, which when unrecognized progress to transmural ischemia and perforation. Such cases need surgical intervention and is associated with high mortality. A high index of suspicion for early diagnosis, prompt correction of risk factors and early intervention prevents mortality.