P2688A novel risk factor of stent restenosis after drug-eluting stent implantation; Involvement of triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy, coronary atherosclerosis with triglyceride deposition

Background

Triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) is a novel disease concept characterized by the excessive accumulation of triglyceride in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and arrhythmia. However, it is rarely known whether TGCV contributes to the increased risk of vascular failure after drug eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular failure after 2nd generation DES implantation in patients with TGCV.

Methods

Among 637 consecutive patients suspected of having CAD who underwent both coronary angiography and iodine-123-β-methyliodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) scintigraphy between 2010 and 2018, we analyzed the data from 92 patients who met the inclusion criteria (shown in Table and Figure). Ninety-two patients were allocated to the presence (TGCV group, 11 patients) or absence (control group, 81 patients) of TGCV. All of 92 patients were implanted 2nd generation DES and underwent planned follow up coronary angiography. Control patients were diagnosed of diabetes mellitus. Binary restenosis (ISR), defined as angiographic luminal diameter ≥50% by quantitative coronary angiography, target lesion revascularization (TLR), In-stent late loss and restenosis morphology were assessed in 23 stents of TGCV group and 120 stents of control group.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups except for the prevalence of hypertension. In-stent late loss was greater in TGCV than in control (0.45 (−0.04 to 3.33) vs. 0.15 (−0.18 to 2.75), p=0.ehz748.10067), resulting in greater incidence of ISR and TLR in TGCV than in control (34.8% vs. 10.0%, p=0.0017; 21.7% vs. 6.7%, p=0.021, respectively). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, TGCV was found to be a significant and independent predictor for ISR after 2nd generation DES implantation. Regarding restenosis morphology, diffuse and occlusive pattern of ISR, were more frequently observed in TGCV than control (87.5% and 33.3%, Fisher's exact test p=0.028).

Table 1.The 4th edition diagnostic criteria for TGCV Items Clinical findings 2 points I) BMIPP scintigraphy Wash-Out Rare <10% II) Diffuse narrowng coronary arteries 1 point III) Jordans anomaly in peripheral blood smear IV) Diabetes Decision 4 points or more → Definite TGCV

Figure 1

Conclusion

Patients with TGCV showed the greater incidence of vascular failure even after 2nd generation DES implantation, contributing to the novel risk factor for coronary intervention even in the 2nd DES era.

P5628Resolution of incomplete stent apposition in the early phase after stent implantation: serial optical coherence tomography analyses at 2-week and 4-month

Background

Previous optical coherence tomography (OCT) study demonstrated that the incomplete stent apposition (ISA) distance <355 μm immediately after an index procedure was the corresponding cut-off point for predicting the resolution of ISA at 8–12 months follow-up in the second-generation DES. However, the natural course of acute ISA in the earlier phase remains unknown. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the natural course of acute ISA in the early phase after second-generation everolimus-eluting stent (EES) using serial OCT analyses at 2-week and 4-month.

Methods

From the population of the ACS-OCT trial, we identified a total of 45 patients who successfully underwent serial OCT examinations at post-stenting, 2-week follow-up, and 4-month follow-up. The presence of ISA was assessed in the OCT images, and ISA distance was measured within the stented segment. The target site for OCT analysis was the cross-section at the proximal edge of implanted stent. Serial OCT images at post-stenting, 2-week follow-up and 4-month follow-up were reviewed side by side on the screen, and maximum ISA distance and cross-sectional ISA area were measured.

Results

Incomplete stent apposition was observed in all EES at post-stenting, and it was persistent in 37.8% at 2-week follow-up and 11.1% at 4-month follow-up. Maximum ISA distance was significantly decreased over time (post-stenting, 144±150mm; 2-week follow-up, 88±146mm; 4-month follow-up, 34±111mm). Receiver-operating curve analysis identified that the best cut-off value of OCT-estimated ISA distance at post-stenting for predicting persistent ISA at 2-week follow-up and 4-month follow-up was >140μm and >215μm, respectively.

ROC curve analysis

Conclusion

ISA distance at post-stenting is an useful predictor for the resolution of ISA in the early phase after EES implantation.

P5633Diagnostic impact of resting full-cycle ratio as newly developed non-hyperemic indices for physiological lesion assessment

Background

Although fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a gold standard method to evaluate functional lesion severity in the catheterization laboratory, the need of hyperemic condition limits the widespread adoption of FFR. Recently, the resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) which was newly developed resting indices was launched. It is unclear whether RFR as resting condition could assess physiological lesion severity of coronary artery stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic impact of RFR compared to FFR in entire range of coronary artery stenosis.

Method

A total of 53 patients with 70 lesions were enrolled in this study. The RFR was measured after adequately waiting for stable condition, while FFR was measured after intravenous administration of ATP (180mcg/kg/min). Lesions with FFR ≤0.80 were considered functionally significant coronary artery stenosis.

Results

In all lesions, reference diameter, diameter stenosis, lesion length, RFR, and FFR were 3.3±0.8mm, 44±12%, 14.6±7.2mm, 0.90±0.11, and 0.83±0.11, respectively. Functional significance was observed in 24 lesions (34%) of all lesions. The RFR showed a significant correlation with FFR (y = 0.800x + 0.239, R = 0.817, p<0.001). The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a good agreement with a mean difference of 0.07 and a standard deviation of 0.06 between RFR and FFR across entire range of coronary artery stenosis. ROC curve analysis showed an excellent accuracy of RFR cut-off of ≤0.90 in predicting FFR ≤0.80 which had 78% sensitivity and 87% specificity (AUC 0.87, diagnostic accuracy 84%).

Conclusion

The RFR as newly resting indices is reliable to the assessment of functional lesion severity. This physiology-based approach may be a possible alternative method for FFR measurements in daily practice.

Quantitative Analysis Concerning Atrophy and Fat Infiltration of the Multifidus Muscle with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Chronic Low Back Pain

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables detailed analysis of the composition of muscular fat tissues such as intramyocellular lipids (IMCLs) and extramyocellular lipids (EMCLs). The aim of this study was to analyze the EMCL and IMCL of the multifidus muscle (Mm) using MRS in chronic low-back pain (CLBP) patients and identify their possible correlations with age, body mass index (BMI), low-back pain (LBP) visual analog scale (VAS) score, cross-sectional area (CSA), and fat infiltration of the Mm.

METHODS

Eighty patients (32 men and 48 women; mean age, 64.7 ± 1.3 years; range, 22-83 years) with VAS scores >30 mm for CLBP were included. We analyzed the gender difference and the possible correlations of age, BMI, LBP VAS, CSA, and fat infiltration of the Mm with the IMCL and EMCL of the Mm. The subjects were divided into five groups as per their age range: < 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. We also analyzed the EMCL and IMCL of the Mm as per the fat infiltration classification.

RESULTS

CSA was larger in the male group, EMCL was higher in the female group, and there was no significant difference in IMCL between the female and male groups. There was a significant positive correlation of EMCL with age (r = 0.33, p < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) and a significant negative correlation of EMCL with CSA (r = -0.61, p < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between IMCL and VAS (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). The EMCL and CSA of the Mm decreased with age, whereas fat infiltration increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that EMCL could indicate Mm degeneration associated with aging, and IMCL could be an effective objective indicator of CLBP. The EMCL and IMCL of the Mm may be useful prognostic markers in rehabilitation strategies.

Prevalence of Carnitine Deficiency and Decreased Carnitine Levels in Patients on Hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are known to be at risk of carnitine deficiency. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of carnitine deficiency in patients on dialysis and to compare the likelihood of a reduction in the serum carnitine level on HD with that on hemodiafiltration (HDF).

METHODS

The prevalence of carnitine deficiency, defined as a serum free carnitine level < 20 μmol/L, and that of carnitine insufficiency, defined as an acyl/free carnitine ratio > 0.4, was investigated in 150 patients on dialysis. The reduction rate of serum carnitine was then compared between HD and HDF.

RESULTS

The prevalence of carnitine deficiency and that of carnitine insufficiency was 25.3 and 86.7%, respectively. Patients at high risk of carnitine deficiency accounted for 64.7%. Multivariate regression identified an association of duration of dialysis with the free serum carnitine level. The reduction rates of serum free carnitine in HD and HDF were 64 ± 4 and 75 ± 7%, respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence rates of carnitine deficiency and carnitine insufficiency were high in patients on dialysis. The serum carnitine reduction rate was greater with HDF than with HD.

Multifidus Muscles Lipid Content Is Associated with Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Purpose

To determine the association between fatty degeneration of the multifidus muscle (Mm) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Overview of Literature

Few studies have reported on quantitative MRI analysis of the relation between the Mm and IVDD.

Methods

The subjects with chronic low back pain comprised 45 patients (19 males, 26 females; mean age, 63.8±2.0 years; range, 41-79 years). We analyzed the intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) of the Mm using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The T2 values of the anterior annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP), and posterior AF were evaluated using MRI T2 mapping. We compared the possible correlations of IMCL and EMCL of the Mm with the T2 values of anterior AF, NP, and posterior AF.

Results

There was a significant negative correlation between IMCL and T2 values of the anterior AF (r=-0.65, p<0.01). There were no significant correlations between the IMCL and T2 values of NP (r=-0.16, p=0.30) and posterior AF (r=0.07, p=0.62). There were no significant correlations between the EMCL and T2 values of the anterior AF (r=-0.11, p=0.46), NP (r=0.15, p=0.32), and posterior AF (r=0.07, p=0.66). After adjustment for age and sex using multiple linear regression analysis, there was a significant negative correlation between the IMCL and T2 values of anterior AF (standardized partial regression coefficient=-0.65, p<0.01).

Conclusions

The results indicated that IMCL of the Mm might be accompanied with anterior AF degeneration. Therapeutic exercises using IMCL of the Mm as evaluation index might have the potential to identify novel targets for the treatment and prevention of IVDD.

Analysis of Neuropathic Pain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2 Mapping of Intervertebral Disc in Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Design

Cross sectional study.

Purpose

The study aimed to analyze mechanisms underlying chronic low back pain (CLBP) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping of the intervertebral disc (IVD).

Overview of Literature

MRI T2 mapping utilizes the T2 values for quantifying moisture content and collagen sequence breakdown. We previously used MRI T2 mapping for quantifying the extent of IVD degeneration (IVDD) and showed a correlation between the degeneration of the posterior annulus fibrosus (AF) and CLBP.

Methods

We enrolled 40 patients with CLBP (17 males, 23 females; mean age, 50.8±1.6 years; range, 22–60 years). IVDs were categorized as the anterior AF, nucleus pulposus (NP), and posterior AF, and T2 value for each disc was measured. T2 values, assessed using the Japanese neuropathic pain (NeP) screening questionnaire, of the NeP and nociceptive pain (NocP) groups were compared.

Results

T2 values of the NocP and NeP groups were 64.7±5.6 ms and 58.1±2.3 ms for the anterior AF; 67.0±4.6 ms and 59.6±2.1 ms for NP; and 70.7±4.6 ms and 51.0±1.2 ms for the posterior AF, respectively. T2 values for IVDD were significantly lower in the NeP group than those in the NocP group (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The results indicate a correlation between the degeneration of posterior AF and NeP. MRI T2 mapping may be beneficial for detecting NeP caused by IVDD and can help formulate targeted analgesic therapies.

Genetic and phenotypic profile of 112 patients with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 (CMTX1), caused by mutations in gap junction protein beta 1 (GJB1), is characterized by various central nervous system symptoms and gender differences of clinical severity. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and mutation spectrum of CMTX1 patients in Japan and to demonstrate their phenotypic diversities.

METHODS

Using three high-throughput sequencing systems, targeted gene panel sequencing on 1483 unrelated index patients with suspected Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease was performed. The peripheral and central nervous system involvements of all patients with GJB1 variants were assessed retrospectively and a detailed gender comparison was conducted with the CMT examination score.

RESULTS

Twenty-three novel and 36 described GJB1 variants were identified from 88 pedigrees, in which 34 female and 78 male patients were enrolled. Mean age at onset of the male patients was much younger than the females, 21.56 ± 17.63 years vs. 35.53 ± 23.72 years (P = 0.007). Male patients presented with more severe phenotypes in every examination item, but statistical differences were observed only in motor dysfunctions of the lower extremities and vibration sensation. No significant sensory difference was identified between genders, either clinically or electrophysiologically. Central nervous system dysfunctions were found in 15 patients from 12 pedigrees. Therein, six patients developed stroke-like phenotypes, with dysarthria as the leading symptom.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively lower frequency of CMTX1 (5.9%) was demonstrated and a broad mutation spectrum of GJB1 was described. Detailed clinical differences between genders and various central nervous system symptoms were also illustrated, even in the same pedigree.

Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for improving lean body mass and physical function in patients on hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Carnitine deficiency is common in patients on hemodialysis. However, the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation for improving lean body mass (LBM) and physical function has not yet been evaluated.

METHODS

In this multicenter, prospective, parallel, randomized, controlled trial, 91 patients on hemodialysis who developed carnitine deficiency were randomly assigned to receive injections of 1,000 mg L-carnitine 3 times per week after each hemodialysis session (L-carnitine group) or no injections (control group) with monitoring for 12 months.

RESULTS

The data for 84 of the 91 patients were available for analysis (L-carnitine group, n = 42; control group, n = 42). Dry weight and body mass index did not significantly change in the L-carnitine group, but significantly decreased in the control group. Arm muscle area (AMA) did not change significantly in the L-carnitine group but decreased significantly in the control group; the difference in mean AMA between the groups was 6.22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90-10.5; P = 0.037). Hand grip strength did not change significantly in the L-carnitine group, but decreased significantly in the control group. The difference in change in hand grip strength between the groups was 4.27% (95% CI 0.42-8.12; P = 0.030). Furthermore, LBM did not change significantly in the L-carnitine group but decreased significantly in the control group; the difference in mean LBM between the groups was 2.92 % (95% CI 1.28-4.61; P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

L-carnitine supplementation is useful in patients who develop carnitine deficiency on hemodialysis because it maintains physical function and LBM.

Renoprotective effects of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized open-label prospective trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the renoprotective effects of canagliflozin, we assessed the albuminuria-lowering effect in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

In this prospective, open-label, parallel-group study, type 2 diabetes patients with CKD were randomized to receive either oral canagliflozin (100 mg/day) or usual care (control group) for 52 weeks. Endpoints included changes in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), other urinary biomarkers, laboratory parameters, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Both groups included 20 patients in the analysis. Mean changes in UACR was -83 (-266 to -31) mg/gCr and 27 (-11 to 131) mg/gCr, in the canagliflozin and control groups, respectively ( p = 0.004). Urinary liver-type free acid binding protein, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, and β₂-microglobulin levels were also significantly decreased in the canagliflozin group, but not in the control group. Mean change in estimated glomerular filtration rate at the end of the study was 0.7 and -3.4 mL/min/1.73 m² in the canagliflozin and control group, respectively ( p = 0.024). Canagliflozin treatment led to improvement of glycaemic control and reduction in body weight, blood pressure, and liver transaminase. There were no adverse events associated with canagliflozin.

CONCLUSION

Canagliflozin was associated with slower progression of kidney disease and reduction in albuminuria and tubulointerstitial markers in diabetes patients with CKD.

Differentiating spinal intradural-extramedullary schwannoma from meningioma using MRI T2 weighted images

OBJECTIVE:

Prior studies advocate the subjective visual differences between meningioma and schwannoma on T₂ weighted images, however objective measurement of signal intensity differences may be useful in certain cases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an objective evaluation of SIs on T₂ weighted images would be useful to differentiate spinal schwannomas from meningiomas.

METHODS:

The patients with spinal MRIs demonstrating path proven and subsequently treated intradural extramedullary spinal tumors were selected between April 2008 and May 2017. Regions of interest (ROIs) were measured in the tumor and subcutaneous fat on the same image, and we calculated the SI ratio between tumor and fat ROIs.

RESULTS:

Twenty patients each with meningioma and schwannoma were enrolled. The SI ratios of schwannomas were significantly higher than those of meningiomas (both researcher 1 and 2: p = 0.002). The areas under the curve by researchers 1 and 2 were 0.780. The cutoff value of SI ratio by both of researchers 1 and 2 to differentiate between schwannomas from meningiomas was 0.420 (sensitivity: 80.0%, specificity: 70.0-75.0%).

CONCLUSION:

The SI ratio, calculated from the SIs of the tumor and fat on T₂ weighted images, is useful for differentiating spinal schwannomas from meningiomas to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

Signal intensity ratio of the spinal tumor and fat on T₂ weighted images is useful for differentiating schwannomas from meningiomas to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

The Difference in Gender Affects the Pathogenesis of Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy

Introduction

Gender differences may play a role in the pathogenesis of lumbar spinal stenosis. However, few reports that discuss the effects of gender differences in ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy have been published, and no study has investigated the relationship between LF thickness and the quantitative value of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This study aimed to investigate the impact of gender on the pathomechanisms underlying LF hypertrophy, focusing on the relationship among LF thickness, IVD degeneration, and age.

Methods

The subjects include 100 patients with low back pain and leg numbness, tingling, or pain. We measured LF thickness and the T2 values of IVDs using MR imaging and analyzed the relationship among LF thickness, T2 values of IVDs, and age. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated as the inter-rater reliability between the LF thickness values measured by two investigators.

Results

ICC was calculated for the two measurements of LF thickness (r = 0.923, 95% CI: 0.907-0.936). No statistically significant difference in the T2 values of IVDs was observed between females and males from L2/3 to L5/S. There were significantly negative linear correlations between LF thickness and the T2 values of IVDs at all levels, but this correlation was not observed in females at L4/5. There were significantly negative linear correlations between age and the T2 values of IVDs from L2/3 to L5/S for all patients, females, and males (r = 0.422-0.756). In addition, there were significantly positive linear correlations between age and LF thickness from L2/3 to L4/5 for all patients (r = 0.329-0.361) and females (r = 0.411-0.481). Correlations were not observed for males at all levels or for all patients at L5/S.

Conclusions

The relationships identified among LF thickness, age, and IVD degeneration suggest that gender differences play a role in the pathogenesis of LF hypertrophy.

Analysis of intra and extramyocellular lipids in the multifidus muscle in patients with chronic low back pain using MR spectroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the intra- (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) concentration in the multifidus muscle (Mm) using MR spectroscopy (MRS) in patients with low back pain (LBP), and to evaluate the correlation between those lipid concentrations and age, obesity, atrophy of the Mm and LBP intensity.

METHODS

60 LBP patients underwent routine diagnostic MRI of the lumbar spine before undergoing imaging for the study. Body mass index, as an indicator of obesity and visual analogue scale, as an indicator of LBP were also measured. Proton MRS was acquired with a single-voxel point-resolved spectroscopy sequence. Furthermore, the MRS volume of interest for measuring the IMCL and EMCL concentration at L4/5 for the right Mm was determined, and we measured the cross-sectional area of Mm as an indicator of muscle atrophy.

RESULTS

Age showed correlation with EMCL concentration (r = 0.314, p = 0.008). The body mass index showed correlation with EMCL concentration (r = 0.358, p = 0.005). The cross-sectional area of Mm showed correlation with EMCL concentration (r = -0.543, p < 0.001). Moreover, the LBP visual analogue scale showed correlation with IMCL concentration (r = 0.367, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

There were correlations between age, obesity, muscle atrophy, and EMCL concentration in Mm. IMCL concentration in Mm showed a correlation with LBP intensity. This may suggest that IMCL concentration could become an effective objective indicator of chronic LBP intensity. Advances in knowledge: We investigated the characteristics of fat content in Mm with LBP patients. This study was demonstrated the association of the IMCL and EMCL concentration in Mm with various patient parameters.