Vasodilatation stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance: feasibility and safety in a monocentric prospective study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has emerged as an accurate technique that can assess ventricular function, stress myocardial perfusion, and viability, without radiation. Recent studies have shown that stress CMR would be the best test to predict obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with a good safety.

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and incidence of immediate complications of stress CMR in a tertiary Cardiovascular Center with CMR Laboratory dedicated.

METHODS

Prospective registry of vasodilator stress CMR in a French center with CMR expertise included all consecutive patients referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR to detect an obstructive CAD between 2008 and 2020. Stress CMR was performed at 1.5 T using dipyridamole. The clinical and demographic data, quality of test, CMR findings, haemodynamic data, and complications were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

Stress CMR was performed in 35,157 patients (98.2% of requested). The study could not be performed due to claustrophobia in 0.3%. Quality was optimal in 93.1%, suboptimal in 6.4%, and poor in 0.5% of studies. Images were diagnostic in 97.9% of patients. No patient died or had acute myocardial infarction during the test. Moreover, 56 patients (0.16%) had severe immediate complications, and one anaphylactic shock post-gadolinium. The only factor significantly associated with higher incidence of serious complications was the detection of inducible ischaemia (p < 0.001). Incidence of non-severe complications was low (1.5%), severe controlled chest pain being the most frequent. Minor symptoms occurred frequently (35.5%).

CONCLUSION

Performance of stress CMR is safe with very high image rate of satisfactory quality to perform the diagnosis in a referral population. Inducible ischaemia was the only factor identified which was associated with serious complications.

Abstract Table. Final results after stress CMR

Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Covid-19 in Women

Background

While women account for 40-50 % of patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), no specific data have been reported in this population.

Purpose

Assess the burden of cardiovascular comorbidities on outcomes in women hospitalized for Covid-19.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study from February 26 to April 20, 2020 in 24 French hospitals including all adults admitted for Covid-19. Primary composite outcome included transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) or in-hospital death.

Results

Among 2878 patients hospitalized for Covid-19, 1212 (42.1 %) were women. Women were significantly older (68.3 ± 18.0 vs. 65.4 ± 16.0 years, P < 0.001) but had less prevalent cardiovascular comorbidities than men. Among women, 276 (22.8 %) experienced the primary outcome, including 161 (13.3 %) transfer to ICU and 115 (9.5 %) deaths without transfer to ICU. The survival free from death or transfer to ICU was higher in women (HR 0.63, 95 %CI 0.53-0.73, P < 0.001), whereas the observed difference in in-hospital deaths did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.18). The proportion of women that experienced the primary outcome were 37.8 % in women with heart failure (n = 112), 30.9 % in women with coronary artery disease (n = 81), 29.1 % in women with diabetes (n = 254), 26.1 % in women with dyslipidemia (n = 315), and 26.0 % in women with hypertension (n = 632). Age (HR 1.05, 5 years increments, 95 %CI 1.01-1.10), body mass index (HR 1.06, 2 units increments, 95 %CI 1.02-1.10), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.57, 95 %CI 1.11-2.22), and heart failure (HR 1.52, 95 %CI 1.04-2.22) were independently associated with the primary outcome (Fig. 1).

Conclusions

Women hospitalized for Covid-19 were older and had less prevalent cardiovascular comorbidities than men. While female sex was associated with a lower risk of transfer to ICU or in-hospital death, Covid-19 remains associated with considerable morbi-mortality in women, especially in those with cardiovascular diseases.

Pulmonary Embolism in Covid-19 patients: A French Multicentre Cohort Study

Background

While pulmonary embolism (PE) appears to be a major issue in Covid-19, data remain sparse.

Purpose

We aimed to describe the risk factors and baseline characteristics of patients with PE in a large cohort of Covid-19 patients.

Methods

In a retrospective multicentric observational study, we included consecutive hospitalised patients for Covid-19. Patients without computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)-proven PE diagnosis, those who were directly admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), and those still hospitalised without PE experience were excluded.

Results

Among 1240 patients (58.1% men, mean age 64 ± 17 years), 103 (8.3%) patients had PE confirmed by CTPA. The ICU transfer requirement and mechanical ventilation requirement were significantly higher in the PE group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In an univariable analysis, traditional venous thromboembolic risk factors were not associated with PE (P > 0.05), while patients under therapeutic-dose anticoagulation before hospitalisation or prophylaxis-dose anticoagulation introduced during hospitalisation had lower PE occurrence (OR 0.40, 95%CI(0.14-0.91); P = 0.04 and OR 0.11, 95%CI(0.06-0.18); P < 0.001, respectively). In a multivariable analysis, the following variables (also statistically significant in univariable analysis) were associated with PE: male gender (OR 1.03, 95%CI(1.003-1.069); P = 0.04), anticoagulation with prophylaxis-dose (OR 0.83, 95%CI(0.79-0.85), P < 0.001) or therapeutic-dose (OR 0.87, 95%CI(0.82-0.92), P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (OR 1.03, 95%CI(1.01-1.04), P = 0.001) and time from symptom onset to hospitalisation (OR 1.02, 95%CI(1.006-1.038), P = 0.002) (Table 1).

Conclusion

Pulmonary embolism risk factors in Covid-19 context do not include traditional thromboembolic risk factors but rather independent clinical and biological findings at admission, including a major contribution to inflammation.

Additional prognostic value of vasodilator stress CMR in patients with inconclusive stress test to detect coronary artery disease

Background

Guidelines recommend performing a non-invasive testing for ischemia to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD). However, these tests are frequently inconclusive (25%). This population has been poorly studied because of its heterogeneity. In such cases, stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may be useful to improve diagnostic certainty. To date, no study has evaluated the prognostic value of stress CMR in these patients presenting with prior inconclusive test.

Purpose

To assess the additional prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with a first inconclusive stress test to detect CAD.

Material

Between 2008 and 2018, consecutive patients with inconclusive stress test prospectively referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR with dipyridamole were followed for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiac death or myocardial infarction. Inconclusive stress test was defined by echocardiography or nuclear stress testing with uncertain conclusion about the diagnosis of CAD. To characterize this population, an unsupervised clustering analysis was performed using 18 variables. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were performed to determine the prognostic value of inducible ischemia by stress CMR in each cluster.

Results

Of 1502 patients with inconclusive stress test (62±12 years, 59% men), 1441 (96%) completed the CMR protocol and 1397 (93%) completed the follow-up (median 5.5±2.3 years). Stress CMR was well tolerated without occurrence of death or severe adverse event. The clustering analysis identified 3 clusters:

Cluster 1 (n=524, 35%) had the highest prevalence of previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the highest presence of myocardial scar on CMR, the lowest LVEF (35±7%) and the highest degree of LV dilatation.

Cluster 2 (n=406, 27%) had the highest prevalence of previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), preserved LVEF (54±10%), absence of LV dilatation and rate of male (89%).

Cluster 3 (n=572, 38%) had the lowest rate of previous PCI/CABG and of myocardial scar. This cluster gathered the oldest patients (73±11 years), predominantly female (60%), with the highest rate of atrial fibrillation and body mass index.

Survival analysis found significant differences across clusters for the occurrence of MACE (p=0.02). Moreover, inducible ischemia was significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE in each cluster (cluster 1, HR 2.28; [95% CI: 1.31–3.99]; p=0.0028; cluster 2, HR 3.37; [95% CI, 1.97–5.75]; p&lt;0.0001; cluster 3, HR 2.73; [95% CI, 1.67–4.46]; p&lt;0.0001). In multivariable Cox regression, inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE in each cluster (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Cluster analysis identified 3 different phenotypes of patients with inconclusive stress test that were associated with distinct clinical and prognostic profiles. Within these clusters, CMR stress has an additional prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE.

Kaplan-Meier for MACE in each cluster

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Feasibility and prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Several studies have demonstrated the consistently high diagnostic and prognostic value of stress perfusion imaging with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The feasibility and the prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown, because most studies have excluded arrhythmic patients from analysis.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to assess the technical feasibility and the prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with AF.

Material

Between 2008 and 2018, we prospectively included consecutive patients with AF referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR with dipyridamole. They were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiac death or non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. The diagnosis of AF was confirmed on 12-lead ECG before and after CMR, and patients with sinus rhythm during CMR were excluded. In the CMR protocol, to limit AF-related artifacts on cine images, an arrhythmia rejection algorithm, or real-time sequences were used. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions for MACE were performed to determine the prognostic value of inducible ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR.

Results

Of 639 patients with AF and suspected or stable chronic CAD (72±9 years, 77% men), 602 (94%) completed the CMR protocol, and among those 538 (89%) completed the follow-up (median follow-up 5.1 (3.3–7.1) years). Reasons for failure to complete CMR included AF-related ECG-gating problems (n=17), intolerance to stress agent (n=7), renal failure (n=6), declining participation (n=4) and claustrophobia (n=3).

Stress CMR was well tolerated without occurrence of death or severe disabling adverse event. Patients without inducible ischemia or LGE experienced a substantially lower annual event rate of MACE (1.2%) than those with ischemia and without LGE (8.9%), or those with both ischemia and LGE (9.8%; p&lt;0.001 for all). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of myocardial ischemia identified the occurrence of MACE (hazard ratio HR 7.56; 95% confidence interval CI: 4.86–11.80; p&lt;0.001) (Figure).

In a multivariable stepwise Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR indexes, the presence of inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE (HR 5.88; 95% CI: 3.70–10.07; p&lt;0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.47–4.17; p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

Stress CMR is technically feasible and has a good discriminative prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE and all-cause mortality in patients with AF.

Kaplan-Meier curves for MACE

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

Background

The accuracy and prognostic value of stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are well established in patients with suspected or proven coronary artery disease (CAD). Because myocardial contrast kinetics may be altered in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), most studies have excluded those patients in whom prognostic data are missing.

Purpose

To assess the safety and prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with previous CABG.

Material

Between 2008 and 2018, we prospectively included consecutive patients with CABG referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR with dipyridamole. They were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined by cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or late coronary revascularization (&gt;90 days after CMR). The safety of the stress perfusion CMR was assessed by clinical monitoring for 1 hour after the end of the CMR. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were performed to determine the prognostic association of inducible ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR.

Results

Of 866 CABG patients (70±9 years, 89% men), 852 (98%) completed the CMR protocol and 771 (89%) completed the follow-up (median 4.2±2.7 years). Reasons for failure to complete CMR included renal failure (n=4), intolerance to stress agent (n=4), claustrophobia (n=2), poor gating (n=2) and declining participation (n=2).

Stress CMR was well tolerated without occurrence of death or severe adverse event. In this cohort, 531 (61%) patients had a myocardial infarction defined by the presence of LGE with ischemic patterns in CMR. Patients without inducible ischemia or LGE experienced a substantially lower annual event rate of MACE (12.8%) than those with ischemia and without LGE (27.6%), or those with both ischemia and LGE (28.2%; p&lt;0.001 for all). Using Kaplan-Meier analyses, the presence of myocardial ischemia was correlated with the occurrence of MACE and cardiac mortality (both p&lt;0.0001) (Figure). In multivariable stepwise Cox regression, the absence of inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a lower incidence of MACE (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.56–3.13; p&lt;0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.38; 95% CI 1.39 0.25–4.03; p=0.001).

Conclusions

Stress CMR is feasible, safe and has a good discriminative prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CABG.

Kaplan-Meier: MACE (A) – CV Mortality (B)

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Stress perfusion CMR provides strong long-term prognostic value to cardiac events irrespective of patient sex

Background

Compelling evidence indicates that women with coronary artery disease (CAD) experience worse outcomes than men due to a lack of early diagnosis and management. Numerous clinical studies have shown that stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) detects evidence of myocardial ischemia and infarction at high accuracy. However, long-term prognosis data are limited.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that stress perfusion CMR imaging can provide robust prognostic value in women presenting with suspected ischemia, to the same extent as in men.

Material

Consecutive patients referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR with dipyridamole were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). The secondary endpoint was cardiovascular death. The safety of the CMR was assessed by clinical monitoring for 1 hour after the end of the CMR. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions for MACE were performed to determine the prognostic value of inducible ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR in each sex.

Results

Of 3436 patients referred for stress CMR in a single French center, 3322 (97%) completed the CMR protocol (59.9±11.8 years, 57% men), and among those 3033 (91%) completed the follow-up (median follow-up 5.4±0.2 years). Reasons for failure to complete CMR included renal failure (n=29), claustrophobia (n=26), poor gating (n=22), intolerance to stress agent (n=19) and declining participation (n=18).

Stress CMR was well tolerated without occurrence of death or severe disabling adverse event. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of inducible myocardial ischemia identified the occurrence of MACE for both women (hazard ratio HR 2.36; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.54–3.62; p&lt;0.001) and men (HR 3.57; 95% confidence interval CI: 2.75–4.64; p&lt;0.001) (Figure). Moreover, inducible ischemia was associated with cardiovascular death for both women (hazard ratio HR 1.92; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.12–2.74; p=0.04) and men (HR 2.71; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.98–4.41; p&lt;0.001).

In a multivariable stepwise Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR, presence of inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE for both women (hazard ratio HR 1.85; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.18–2.92; p=0.008) and men (HR 3.55; 95% confidence interval CI: 2.73–4.63; p&lt;0.001). Moreover, inducible ischemia was associated with cardiovascular death for men (HR 1.99; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.65–3.01; p&lt;0.01) but not for women (p=0.11).

Conclusion

Stress CMR is feasible, safe and has a good discriminative prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE in patients of either sex presenting with inducible ischemia. However, inducible ischemia is an independent predictor of a higher incidence of CV mortality only in men.

Kaplan-Meier curves for MACE in each sex

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Safety and prognostic value of vasodilator stress CMR in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Background

Recent data suggest that patients with HFrEF (heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt;40%) referred for stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) may have a less optimal haemodynamic response to intravenous vasodilator. The prognostic value of stress CMR has been poorly investigated in this population.

Purpose

To assess the safety and the prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with HFrEF.

Material

Between 2008 and 2018, we prospectively included consecutive patients with HFrEF referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR with dipyridamole. HFrEF was defined by a previous history of HF and known LVEF &lt;40%. All patients with LVEF ≥40% measured by CMR were excluded.

They were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined by cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). The secondary endpoint was a composite outcome of cardiovascular death or rehospitalization for acute HF defined by the use of intravenous diuretics. The safety of the stress perfusion CMR was assessed by clinical monitoring for 1 hour after the end of the CMR.

Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were performed to determine the prognostic association of inducible ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR.

Results

Of 1084 patients with HFrEF (65±11 years, median LVEF 34.6±4.9%), 1049 (97%) completed the CMR protocol and among those 952 (91%) completed the follow-up (median 5.6±2.4 years). Reasons for failure to complete CMR included declining participation (n=11), renal failure (n=9), intolerance to stress agent (n=8), claustrophobia (n=4) and poor gating (n=3).

Stress CMR was well tolerated without occurrence of death or severe disabling adverse event. Among patients who underwent CMR, 600 (57%) were diagnosed with MI defined by LGE. Patients without inducible ischemia or LGE experienced a substantially lower annual event rate of MACE (1.8%) than those with ischemia and without LGE (9.4%), or those with both ischemia and LGE (12.0%; p&lt;0.001 for all). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of inducible ischemia and LGE were significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE (hazard ratio [HR], 2.46 [95% CI, 1.69–3.59]; p&lt;0.001) (Figure). In multivariable stepwise Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR, the inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE at follow-up (adjusted HR, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.52–3.35]; p&lt;0.001). However, there was no significant difference between patients with or without ischemia for the secondary outcome (p=0.28).

Conclusions

Stress CMR is safe and has a good discriminative prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE in patients with HFrEF.

Kaplan-Meier curves for MACE

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Cardiac troponin I and BNP for predicting zero Agatston score in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background

Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) scoring assessed by the Agatston score has shown an excellent prognostic value in large studies, particularly in diabetic patients, with a very low rate of cardiovascular events in patients with a zero Agatston score. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be useful for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis, especially in diabetic patients. However, the link between hs-cTnI/BNP and the Agatston score has not been investigated in this population.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate if hs-cTnI and BNP can bring additional value to predict zero Agatston score in patients with diabetes mellitus in addition to usual risk factors.

Material

Between 2015 and 2019, CAC score was prospectively performed in consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus with high cardiovascular risk. Patients with symptoms or known coronary artery disease were excluded. Within 24h from CT exam, peripheral blood samples were taken to measure hs-cTnI and BNP. The relationship between serum hs-cTnI/BNP concentrations and zero Agatston score was evaluated using univariate and multivariate binomial models. 77 variables have been used to build the model. The implication of hs-cTnI and BNP in this multivariate model was evaluated using nested models associated with Chi-squared test of independence.

Results

A total of 844 patients with diabetes were enrolled (61±7 years, 57% men, mean diabetes duration 18 years). In this population, 294 (35%) had a zero Agatston score, 253 (30%) an Agatston score from 1 to 100, 161 (19%) from 101 to 400, and 136 (16%) higher than 400. In univariate analysis, hs-cTnI and BNP concentrations were associated with a zero Agatston score (respectively OR, 2.63 [95% CI, 1.51–5.01]; p&lt;0.001 and OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.01–1.22]; p=0.03). In multivariate analysis, hs-cTnI and BNP concentrations were associated with a zero Agatston score (respectively OR, 2.38 [95% CI, 1.51–4.76]; p=0.009 and OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.07–1.32]; p=0.001). Among the 77 variables, the multivariate model including age, gender, smoking, dyslipidaemia, duration of the diabetes, arterial hypertension, presence of diabetic neuropathy, hs-cTnI and BNP concentrations, significantly discriminated the zero Agatston score (AUC = 0.81; p&lt;0.001). The most discriminant threshold was ≤3ng/l for hs-cTnI and &lt;17ng/l for BNP. In nested models, both hs-cTnI and BNP brought information to this multivariate model to predict a zero Agatston score (respectively p=0.003 and p&lt;0.001 to the Chi-squared test). Moreover, removing hs-cTnI and BNP from the model results in a significant reduction in model performance (AUC = 0.79; p=0.004).

Conclusions

Cardiac biomarkers hs-cTnI and BNP are associated with a zero Agatston score, which is correlated with a very low risk of cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus.

ROC curve to predict zero Agatston score

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P6321Therapeutic optimization and inclusion in rehabilitation and education programs depend on age in chronic heart failure. A report of the French survey OFICSel

Background

Heart Failure (HF) is a major public health problem resulting in high rates of hospitalization and mortality. Frequency of HF increase due to the aging of population and improvement of treatments. Therefore, we hypothetized that elderly is a factor that might limit access to appropriate HF Care.

Purpose and methods

Our aim was to analyzed the optimization therapy and participation in rehabilitation and education programs depending according to classes of age (<40 years, 40–50; 50–60; 60–70; 70–80 and >80) in a large French HF population (out and in-patients, de novo/chronique/acute; consultation/hospitalization/rehabilitation; all LVEF classes and any type of cardiologist practice). Data were analized according to age groups

Results

A total of 2729 HF patients from 79 French departments were included of whom 36% were out patients, 53% were in-patients and 11% were in rehabilitation center. 16% were de novo Chronic HF and 31% were in Acute HF. Elderly patients were more frequently included in acute HF. Main data according on classes of age are presented in the table. Ischemic etiology and valvular diseases increased with age (p<0.0001). Cardiovascular risk factors (HTA, hypercholesterolemia) and atrial fibrillation were more frequent with ageing (p<0.0001).

Beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and anti-aldosterone, were less prescribed after 60 years old (p<0.0001) as therapeutic education or rehabilitation programs (p<0.0001). Modern means of communication (e-mail, smartphone and internet) were less used by elderly patients.(p<0.0001).

Main data according on classes of age Characteristics All (n=2729) <40 (n=91) 40–50 (n=197) 50–60 (n=447) 60–70 (n=706) 70–80 (n=715) >80 (n=573) p SBP 120±21 107±15 117±21 117±21 118±21 122±20 126±22 <0.0001 NYHA Class <0.0001   I 339 (13.8) 16 (19.3) 42 (23.5) 87 (21.4) 103 (16.1) 57 (8.8) 34 (6.7)   II 1187 (48.2) 45 (54.2) 95 (53.1) 213 (52.3) 311 (48.5) 314 (48.4) 209 (41.3)   III 763 (31.0) 20 (24.1) 34 (19.0) 97 (23.8) 199 (31.0) 206 (31.7) 207 (40.9)   IV 176 (7.1) 2 (2.4) 8 (4.5) 10 (2.5) 28 (4.4) 72 (11.1) 56 (11.1) LVEF 36 (29–50) 33 (26–44) 35 (25–45) 35 (25–42) 35 (25–45) 40 (30–50) 44 (32–55) <0.0001 NTproBNP 1808 (690–4323) 1176 (569–2434) 737 (294–1945) 1072 (346–2611) 1480 (619–3597) 2287 (1015–5689) 3275 (1500–6240) <0.0001 Plus-minus values are means ± SD, n (%) median (IQR).

Origin of patients according on classes

Conclusion

Elderly patients receive less Chronic HF treatment, and are less included in patient education and rehabilitation program despite having more comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, to improve outcome, the health care system needs to be adapt to the patients'age.

Acknowledgement/Funding

SFC, CNCF, CNCH, FFC, Alliance du coeur, GERS, SNSMCV

101Characterization of the calcium component of vulnerable coronary plaque in patients with NSTEMI: prospective comparison between coronary CT and optical coherence tomography

Background

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide with a high risk of recurrence. Apart culprit plaques, the presence of vulnerable plaques could be associated with the occurrence of future cardiac events and need to adapt treatments. Several studies have demonstrated a role for Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA) to predict the vulnerability of the plaque but with limited analysis of its calcium component. Recent works suggest a role for calcification in this vulnerability.

To our knowledge, no studies have been performed to assess if the study of the calcium component of plaques with CCTA can help to predict vulnerability in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Purpose

To assess if the CCTA study of the calcium component of plaques can help to predict plaque vulnerability defined by intracoronary OCT analysis in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

Monocentric prospective study of consecutive patients referred for NSTEMI with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I level (hs-TnI>50 ng/ml) from January to October 2018. CCTA was systematically performed before coronary angiography to assess the presence of CAD. When CCTA demonstrated significant lesions, coronary angiography was performed within 24 hours associated with systematic OCT study of three coronary arteries. Apart culprit plaques, vulnerable plaques were defined in OCT by a fibrous screed thickness <65 microns. Calcified plaques were analysed with CT and then classified into 3 groups: vulnerable culprit plaque (VCP), vulnerable non-culprit plaque (VNCP) and stable plaque (SP).

Results

Of 1478 patients with chest pain, 257 (17%) had NSTEMI with high level of hs-TnI. From this 257 NSTEMI patients, 44 (17%) were without known CAD and among these, 33 (75%) had received coronary angiography with 29 (66% - mean age 59±13 years, 73% men) having coronary anatomy compatible with OCT assessment. A total of 123 calcified plaques were identified. Among them, OCT allowed to identify 77 (63%) SP and 47 calcified vulnerable plaques; 28 (23%) VNCP and 19 (15%) VCP. After CCTA analysis of the calcium component, predictive factors of plaque vulnerability were identified: longer calcification length (p<0.001), larger calcification volume (p<0.001), lower calcium mass (p=0.003), higher single plaque Agatston score (p<0.001), lower sphericity index (p=0.001), more spotty calcifications (p=0.001), as well as more intimal position in the wall (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed comparing VNCP and VCP (Figure).

OCT and “Virtual Histology” CT

Conclusion

CCTA study of the calcium component of plaque allows to identify predictors of plaque vulnerability defined by OCT in patients with NSTEMI.

P5256Vasodilator stress perfusion CMR is feasible and has prognostic value in morbid obese patients without known CAD

Background

Obesity is a growing public health problem. Given the impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease, methods to effectively risk stratify obese patients are needed. Current methods for the detection of myocardial ischemia by single photon emission computed tomography or stress echocardiography remain limited in obese patients. Stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may be a powerful alternative, but its feasibility and prognostic value in the obese population has not been specifically evaluated.

Objectives

This study sought to determine feasibility and prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in morbid obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2.

Methods

Consecutive patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 and without known coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for vasodilating stress CMR were followed for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions for MACE were performed to determine the prognostic association of inducible ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR.

Results

Of 452 obese patients, 444 (98%) completed the CMR protocol with good diagnostic imaging quality; among those, 404 (91%) completed the follow-up (mean 5.6±2.2 years). Participants averaged 59±11 years in age with 44% of men (mean BMI 43.9±3.8 kg/m2, maximum weight 210 kg and maximum BMI 67.1 kg/m2). Stress CMR was well tolerated without severe adverse event. Reasons for failure to complete CMR included claustrophobia (n=3), declining participation (n=4) and intolerance to stress agent (n=1). Patients without inducible ischemia or LGE experienced a substantially lower annual rate of MACE (3.3% vs. 12.4% for those with ischemia and vs. 11.2% for those with ischemia and LGE). In a multivariable stepwise Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR indexes, the absence of inducible ischemia was independently associated with a lower incidence of MACE at follow-up (hazard ratio 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.11 to 0.36; p<0.001) (Figure) and cardiac death (hazard ratio 0,11 95% confidence interval: 0.02 to 0.63; p=0,013); cardiac death was reduced in the group with no late gadolinium enhancement (hazard ratio 0,12 95% confidence interval: 0.02 to 0.66; p<0.015).

When patients with early coronary revascularization (within 30 days of CMR) were censored on the day of revascularization, both presence of inducible ischemia and ischemia extent per segment maintained a strong association with MACE. Using

Kaplan-Meier analyses, myocardial ischemia identified future CV events/survival (p<0.001), and this finding was similar in men and women (p=0.16).

Conclusion

Stress CMR is feasible and of high prognostic value in morbid obese patients, with a very low negative event rate at 5 years in patients without ischemia or infarction as opposed to patients with inducible ischemia and/or presence of myocardial infarct.