Impact of FFR-CT before coronary angiography on the management of non-culprit lesions among high-risk NSTE-ACS patients

Recent data suggest that fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography (FFR-CT) can help select patients with high-risk non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) requiring invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Multiple stenoses are often observed in this population, and while a clear culprit is frequently identified, the management of intermediate lesions remains challenging. The information provided by FFR-CT prior to the ICA could theoretically assist in the management of these lesions. A prespecified post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, single-arm, double-blinded, core-laboratory adjudicated study was conducted to evaluate the potential of FFR-CT to assess the non-culprit lesions among patients with an identified culprit lesion on ICA and one additional vessel with a stenosis ≥30 %. The primary endpoint was the performance of FFR-CT in ruling out hemodynamically significant lesions in non-culprit vessels, with invasive FFR as gold standard. A total of 49 patients with 67 non-culprit lesions were included. FFR-CT classified 33 lesions (49 %) as non-significant and 34 (51 %) as significant. Among the 33 lesions deemed negative by FFR-CT, 31 were confirmed negative by invasive FFR, resulting in a negative predictive value of 94 %. Similarly, among the 34 lesions classified as significant by FFR-CT, 26 were confirmed as positive by invasive FFR, resulting in a positive predictive value of 93 %. In patients with high-risk NSTE-ACS, FFR-CT has the potential to not only reduce the number of unnecessary ICAs, but also to support early decision-making regarding the management of non-culprit lesions.

Nomogram for predicting myocardial injury in pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Myocardial injury is common during liver transplantation and is associated with poor outcomes. The development of a reliable prediction system for this type of injury is crucial for reducing the incidence of cardiac complications in children receiving living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, establishing a practical myocardial injury prediction system for children with biliary atresia remains a considerable challenge.

AIM

To create and validate a nomogram model for predicting myocardial injury in children with biliary atresia who received LDLT.

METHODS

Clinical data from pediatric patients who received LDLT for biliary atresia between November, 2019 and January, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The complete dataset was randomly partitioned into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to preliminarily screen out the predictors of myocardial injury. The prediction model was established via multivariable logistic regression and presented in the form of a nomogram.

RESULTS

This study included 321 patients, 150 (46.7%) of whom had myocardial injury. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: A training group consisting of 225 patients and a validation group comprising 96 patients. The predictors in this nomogram included the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high sensitivity C-reactive protein level, pediatric end-stage liver disease score and postreperfusion syndrome. The area under the curve for predicting myocardial injury was 0.865 in the training set and 0.856 in the validation set. The calibration curve revealed that the predicted values were very close to the actual values in the two sets. Decision curve analysis revealed that the prediction model offered a favorable net benefit.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram developed in this study effectively predicts myocardial injury in pediatric LDLT patients, showing good accuracy and potential for clinical application.

Non-Dipping Pattern Is Associated with Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Hypertensive Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background and Objectives: Non-dipping blood pressure (BP) patterns are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but their role in periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains insufficiently clarified. The objective was to investigate whether a non-dipping BP profile independently predicts PMI in hypertensive patients undergoing elective PCI. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 462 hypertensive patients undergoing elective PCI, categorized as dipping or non-dipping based on 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Clinical, laboratory, and angiographic data were compared. PMI was defined according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Independent predictors of PMI were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 462 patients, 243 (52.6%) exhibited a non-dipping BP pattern. Non-dipping status was significantly associated with higher incidence of PMI (32.5% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001) and a worse metabolic profile, including elevated blood glucose (p = 0.001), Hemoglobin A1c (p = 0.002), and white blood cell count (p = 0.001), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.047). These patients more frequently underwent complex PCI (25.1% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the non-dipping BP pattern emerged as the strongest independent predictor of PMI (odds ratio 25.99, 95% confidence interval 3.16-213.92, p = 0.002), followed by complex PCI, number of stents, stent length, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Non-dipping BP pattern is a powerful and independent predictor of PMI in hypertensive patients undergoing PCI. Incorporating ABPM into routine cardiovascular risk assessment may improve the identification of high-risk patients and allow for tailored preventive strategies.

Definitions and standardized endpoints for the use of drug-coated balloon in coronary artery disease: consensus document of the Drug Coated Balloon Academic Research Consortium

The Drug Coated Balloon Academic Research Consortium project originated from the lack of standardization and comparability between studies using drug-coated balloons in the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease. This document is a collaborative effort between academic research organizations and percutaneous coronary intervention societies in Europe, the USA, and Asia. This consensus sought to standardize study designs and endpoints for clinical trials involving drug-coated balloons, including defining angiographic, intravascular, and non-invasive imaging methods for lesion assessment, alongside considerations for post-revascularization pharmaco-therapy. The concept of 'blended therapy', which advocates for combining device strategies, is also discussed. This paper delineates study types, endpoint definitions, follow-up protocols, and analytical approaches, aiming to provide consistency and guidance for interventional cardiologists and trialists.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Novel Biomarkers Compared to ESC 0/1 h and 0/3 h Algorithms in Patients with Suspected Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

(1) Background: Prompt acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recognition remains challenging. This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic performance of novel biomarkers for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). (2) Methods: Patients with suspected ACS presenting to Heidelberg University Hospital's Emergency Department between August 2014 and February 2023 were analyzed. The biomarker panel included high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), total N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (t-NtproBNP), Angiotensin II (Ang2), Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10), Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1), fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3), Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and Copeptin. Negative predictive values (NPVs), sensitivities, and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for NSTEMI discrimination. Effectiveness and prognostic performance were assessed based on cardiovascular events at 30 days and 1 year. (3) Results: Of 1765 patients, 212 (12%) were diagnosed with NSTEMI. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1 h and 0/3 h algorithms achieved sensitivities of 100% and 96.8%, NPVs of 100% and 99.3%, and effectiveness values of 54.8% and 66.0%. Hs-cTnT (AUC: 0.922) and cMyBP-C (AUC: 0.917) exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy, followed by FABP3 (AUC: 0.759) and Copeptin (AUC: 0.624). Other biomarkers had lower performance (AUC: 0.516-0.617). At 1 year, event rates ranged from 0.0% to 3.4%, with the ESC algorithms demonstrating superior prognostic performance (0.8%, 2.4%). (4) Conclusions: The ESC 0/1 h and 0/3 h algorithms remain the most effective NSTEMI diagnostic strategies, balancing high sensitivity, prognostic reliability, and effectiveness. Among novel biomarkers, only cMyBP-C demonstrated comparable accuracy to hs-cTnT, supporting its potential as an adjunct to troponin assays.

Free-breathing, non-contrast, three-dimensional whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance imaging for the identification of culprit and vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque

BACKGROUND

Detection of vulnerable coronary plaque can predict future myocardial infarctions. We have developed a novel, non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance sequence (iT2prep-BOOST), enabling simultaneous, co-registered coronary angiography and plaque detection.

OBJECTIVES

To validate iT2prep-BOOST in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

41 patients with suspected NSTEMI were recruited. Invasive coronary angiography ± intravascular imaging was used to classify coronary segments into the following categories: normal, non-culprit and culprit segments; stenosed segments as well as segments with vulnerable plaque features (lipid, calcium, fibroatheroma, thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), plaque-rupture and thrombus). The plaque/myocardial signal intensity ratio (PMR) in each coronary segment was analyzed on iT2prep-BOOST.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation PMR of culprit segments was significantly higher than non-culprit segments and normal segments (1.01±0.14 vs. 0.67±0.18 vs. 0.35±0.24, P<0.001, respectively). Coronary segments with lipid, calcium, and fibroatheroma had a significantly higher PMR compared to normal coronary segments (P<0.001), but significantly lower than segments with plaque-rupture and intraluminal thrombus (P<0.05). There was a progressive increase in PMR with increasing coronary segment stenosis (P<0.001). There was a significant association on multivariable analysis between HbA1c as well as family history of coronary artery disease and mean PMR (P=0.05 and P=0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSION

iT2prep-BOOST has the potential to simultaneously visualize coronary artery lumen and plaque and differentiate normal segments from non-culprit and culprit plaque segments non-invasively and without contrast. The prognostic value of PMR needs to be investigated in a prospective multicenter study.

Myocardial infarction in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence rate (IR) and predictors of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) as well as to estimate the IR ratio (IRR) of MI in AAV versus the background population.

METHODS

325 patients diagnosed with AAV 1997-2016 in Skåne, Sweden were included. Data were collected from the time of AAV diagnosis, and each patient was grouped with 10 age-matched and sex-matched reference subjects from the background population. MI after AAV diagnosis was identified using Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies and the Skåne Healthcare Register, and IR of first MI calculated. The IRR was computed by dividing the IR for 282 AAV patients by the corresponding rate in the 2763 reference subjects. Predictors of MI were analysed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

37 patients (11%) with AAV suffered an initial MI, yielding an IR of 1.6/100 person-years of follow-up (95% CI 1.2 to 2.2). The highest rate was recorded in the 3 months following AAV diagnosis, at 11.8/100 person-years (95% CI 6.2 to 22.7). The IRR of MI in AAV/reference was 1.9 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.8), highest in patients with myeloperoxidase-ANCA+disease (IRR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.3) and those with high disease activity at diagnosis (2.1, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.3). Age at AAV diagnosis independently predicted MI.

CONCLUSIONS

The MI IR is greater in individuals diagnosed with AAV compared with background population, especially those with more severe disease, and highest in the 3 months following diagnosis. Age at diagnosis is the single independent predictor of MI in AAV in this study.

Cardiac Troponins and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction: An Individual-Participant-Data Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The extent to which high-sensitivity cardiac troponin can predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to quantify the potential advantage of adding information on cardiac troponins to conventional risk factors in the prevention of CVD.

METHODS

We meta-analyzed individual-participant data from 15 cohorts, comprising 62,150 participants without prior CVD. We calculated HRs, measures of risk discrimination, and reclassification after adding cardiac troponin T (cTnT) or I (cTnI) to conventional risk factors. The primary outcome was first-onset CVD (ie, coronary heart disease or stroke). We then modeled the implications of initiating statin therapy using incidence rates from 2.1 million individuals from the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

Among participants with cTnT or cTnI measurements, 8,133 and 3,749 incident CVD events occurred during a median follow-up of 11.8 and 9.8 years, respectively. HRs for CVD per 1-SD higher concentration were 1.31 (95% CI: 1.25-1.37) for cTnT and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.19-1.33) for cTnI. Addition of cTnT or cTnI to conventional risk factors was associated with C-index increases of 0.015 (95% CI: 0.012-0.018) and 0.012 (95% CI: 0.009-0.015) and continuous net reclassification improvements of 6% and 5% in cases and 22% and 17% in noncases. One additional CVD event would be prevented for every 408 and 473 individuals screened based on statin therapy in those whose CVD risk is reclassified from intermediate to high risk after cTnT or cTnI measurement, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of cardiac troponin results in a modest improvement in the prediction of first-onset CVD that may translate into population health benefits if used at scale.

Investigation of Myocardial Substrate for Sudden Arrhythmic Death in Coronary Artery Disease Without Acute Coronary Thrombosis or Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

This cohort study aimed to evaluate the potential myocardial arrhythmic substrate in people with coronary artery disease who died from sudden arrhythmic death (SAD) without acute coronary thrombosis or myocardial infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed histological analysis of the left ventricular free wall obtained at autopsy from decedents with ≥1 coronary artery and ≥75% area stenosis who died suddenly from either noncardiac causes (25 men, 23 women) or SAD (25 men, 25 women), matched for age and sex. Decedents with acute coronary thrombosis, myocardial infarction, or other myocardial abnormality were excluded. Decedents with either noncardiac death or SAD had similar height, weight, and heart weight. Decedents with SAD had higher cumulative area stenosis of coronary arteries (mean, 162% versus 134%; mean difference, 29% [95% CI, 1%-56%], P=0.042) and a higher proportion of decedents with SAD had diabetes (mean, 10% versus 0%; mean difference, 10% [95% CI, 2%-18%], P=0.025) and chronic, nonocclusive, organized coronary artery thrombus (mean, 16% versus 0%; mean difference, 16% [95% CI, 6%-26%], P=0.0040). Moreover, decedents with SAD had lower cardiomyocyte width (mean, 18.6 μm versus 19.6 μm; mean difference, 1.0 μm [95% CI, 0.2-1.8], P=0.014) and higher capillary length density (mean, 3618 mm/mm3 versus 3164 mm/mm3; mean difference, 453 mm/mm3 [95% CI, 210-697], P=0.0003) than decedents with noncardiac death.

CONCLUSIONS

SAD in people with coronary artery disease without acute coronary thrombosis or myocardial infarction was associated with greater coronary artery plaque burden and cardiomyocyte atrophy that may have contributed to myocardial substrate for arrhythmia.

Prognostic Value of Strain by Tissue Tracking Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

BACKGROUND

Strain assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a key prognostic indicator in myocardial infarction. However, the strain characteristics and prognostic value in myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) with different causes are unclear. This study aims to describe left atrial (LA) and left ventricular strain in patients with MINOCA and evaluate their predictive value for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in "true MINOCA" cases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This single-center retrospective study included patients suspected of myocardial infarction who completed CMR during hospitalization. CMR images were used to obtain LA and left ventricular strain via CMR feature tracking. True MINOCA was defined by evidence of ischemia or infarction on CMR. MACEs included all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and angina pectoris. This study included 386 patients, with a median time from admission to CMR of 4 days. LA and left ventricular strains varied by pathogenesis, with the lowest strain in patients with cardiomyopathy. For patients with true MINOCA, Cox regression showed that global longitudinal strain (hazard ratio [HR], 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82-0.99]; P=0.022) and LA reservoir strain (HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.91-0.99]; P=0.014) were independently associated with MACEs. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with LA reservoir strain ≤21.25% or global longitudinal strain ≤16.4% had a significantly higher MACE risk (P<0.001). Integrating global longitudinal strain and LA reservoir strain improved MACE prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

LA and left ventricular strains vary among MINOCA pathogeneses. In true MINOCA patients, global longitudinal strain and LA reservoir strains independently predict MACE risk. Integrating these strains enhances MACE prediction.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT06502899.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms, Defense Mechanisms, and Mentalized Affectivity in Individuals with Myocardial Infarction: An Empirical Investigation

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. Defense mechanisms and mentalized affectivity play key roles in affective regulation; however, their roles in individuals with MI remain underexplored. This study examined the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms, defensive functioning, and mentalized affectivity in MI patients. Sixty-seven patients with MI and 80 healthy controls completed the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 2 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measures-Depression and Anxiety-Adult, the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales-Self-Report-30, and the Brief-Mentalized Affectivity Scale. Multivariate analyses were used to compare the MI and healthy groups, while correlations and mediation models were used to evaluate associations between variables within the MI group. Compared to controls, patients with MI exhibited more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, maladaptive defenses, and lower levels of mentalized affectivity. Within the MI group, the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms was associated with immature defensive functioning and poorer abilities to regulate affects. Notably, the relationship between worse defensive functioning and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms was mediated by the capacity to process emotions. The mediating role of this specific dimension of mentalized affectivity emphasizes the potential of affect regulation as a target for tailored psychosocial interventions aimed at improving clinical outcomes.

Cardiac troponin complexes and fragments: potential targets for improved clinical performance

High-sensitivity assays for cardiac troponin (cTn) have improved rule-out algorithms for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, reduced specificity specifically to AMI posed new clinical challenges. Studies involving the composition of troponin released into the circulation after injury may provide insights to improve specificity. In MI patients, cTnI primarily exists of cTnIC and truncated cTnTIC complexes. Larger-sized cTnT forms, as part of the cTnTIC complex, predominate with shorter ischemic time windows. Over time, mildly and heavily truncated cTnT forms increase, whereas for cTnI this is less certain. Targeting the central part of cTnT, the current high-sensitivity assay also identifies heavily truncated forms as seen in end-stage renal disease and after exercise. This review on composition of circulating troponin covers different populations and outlines first initiatives toward more specific assays by targeting larger-sized troponin forms.

Prognostic Time Frame of Plaque and Hemodynamic Characteristics and Integrative Risk Prediction for Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The relevant time frame for predicting future acute coronary syndrome (ACS) based on coronary lesion characteristics remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of lesion characteristics with test-to-event time and their prognostic impact on ACS.

METHODS

The EMERALD II (Exploring the Mechanism of Plaque Rupture in Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Coronary CT Angiography and Computational Fluid Dynamics II) study analyzed 351 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and experienced ACS between 1 month and 3 years of follow-up. Lesions identified on coronary CTA were classified as culprit (n = 363) or nonculprit (n = 2,088) on the basis of invasive coronary angiography findings at the time of ACS. Core laboratory coronary CTA analyses assessed 4 domains: degree of stenosis, plaque burden, number of adverse plaque characteristics (APC) (low-attenuation plaque, positive remodeling, spotty calcification, and napkin-ring sign), and changes in coronary CTA-derived fractional flow reserve across the lesion (ΔFFRCT). Patients were categorized into short (<1 year), mid (1-2 years), and long (2-3 years) test-to-event time groups.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics, including cardiovascular risk factors, did not differ across short, mid, and long test-to-event groups (P > 0.05 for all), and the proportion of ACS culprit lesions was similar (P = 0.552). Among culprit lesions, shorter test-to-event time was associated with higher luminal stenosis, plaque burden, and ΔFFRCT (P for trend < 0.001 for all). The predictability for ACS culprit lesions based on the combined 4 characteristics tended to decrease over time and significantly reduced beyond 2 years (AUC: 0.851 vs 0.741; P = 0.006). In predicting ACS risk within test-to-event time <2 years using obstructive lesions (stenosis ≥ 50%), APC ≥2, plaque burden ≥70%, and ΔFFRCT ≥0.10, the risk was elevated compared to the average proportion of lesions becoming ACS culprit (12.1%) in the following subsets: lesions with 4 characteristics (proportion of lesions becoming ACS culprit: 49.3%; P < 0.001), lesions with 3 characteristics (obstructive lesions with plaque burden ≥70% and either ΔFFRCT ≥0.10 [proportion of lesions becoming ACS culprit: 33.0%; P < 0.001] or APC ≥2 [proportion of lesions becoming ACS culprit: 31.2%; P < 0.001]), and lesions with 2 characteristics (plaque burden ≥70% and ΔFFRCT ≥0.10; proportion of lesions becoming ACS culprit: 21.5%; P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased luminal stenosis, plaque burden, and ΔFFRCT were associated with shorter test-to-ACS event time. The prognostic impact of lumen, plaque, and local hemodynamic characteristics was most relevant to ACS risk within a 2-year period, with higher risk observed when specific combinations of them were present. (Exploring the Mechanism of Plaque Rupture in Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Coronary CT Angiography and Computational Fluid Dynamics II [EMERALD II] Study; NCT03591328).

Increased monocytes and their derived indicators are associated with clinical severity of acute heart failure following acute myocardial infarction

Objective

Monocytes play a significant role in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The relationship between monocytes, their derived indicators, and the severity of acute heart failure following AMI remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association of monocytes and their derived indicators with clinical severity of acute heart failure in the patients with AMI.

Methods

In total of 173 patients with AMI were enrolled in this retrospective study. The demographic data and relevant medical histories were obtained. Monocytes and lipid levels were measured. All patients were divided into two groups based on killip classification. Killip class III-IV was defined as acute severe heart failure, while killip class I-II was defined as acute non-severe heart failure.

Results

Monocyte count, monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in patients with acute severe heart failure compared to those with acute non-severe heart failure (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that monocyte count, monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio were independently associated with acute severe heart failure (P < 0.05). Moreover, monocyte count, monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio were linked to NT-proBNP concentrations (P < 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that monocyte count, monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio could identify acute severe heart failure in patients following AMI to some extent (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The elevation of monocyte count, monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated with clinical severity of acute heart failure following AMI, and offered potential discriminating value for cardiogenic pulmonary edema and shock following AMI.

Study protocol: diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in postoperative thoracic surgery using a smartwatch, an open-label randomised controlled study (THOFAWATCH trial)

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) affects approximately 20% of patients undergoing thoracic surgery and is associated with severe complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and increased mortality. Early diagnosis is critical to mitigate these risks, but conventional monitoring is limited in detecting asymptomatic episodes. Smartwatches equipped with single-lead ECG and atrial fibrillation (AF) detection algorithms offer a novel approach for early POAF detection. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of smartwatch-based monitoring compared with standard care in identifying POAF following thoracic surgery.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The THOFAWATCH trial is a randomised, bicentric open-label study enrolling 302 adult patients undergoing major thoracic surgery (pneumonectomy or lobectomy) with one-lung ventilation. Eligible patients will be randomised into two groups: (1) the 'Smartwatch Monitoring' group, where participants will undergo rhythm monitoring using a smartwatch and (2) the 'Conventional Monitoring' group, receiving standard care without smartwatch monitoring. In the intervention group, any smartwatch-detected POAF episodes will be confirmed by 12-lead ECG. The primary outcome is the incidence of POAF within 7-day postsurgery. Secondary outcomes include the rate of asymptomatic POAF, cardiovascular prognosis evaluated at 2 and 6 months (composite major adverse cardiovascular events outcome), feasibility of smartwatch usage (device usage time and success rate of single-lead ECGs) and recurrence or management of AF at follow-up. Inclusion criteria include adults (>18 years) undergoing scheduled thoracic surgery and able to use the smartwatch device. Exclusion criteria encompass patients with prior AF, those requiring telemetry, or undergoing reoperations. Statistical analysis will assess the primary outcome using χ2 or Fisher's exact test (α=5%), while secondary outcomes will include descriptive and inferential statistics, with analysis conducted using SAS V.9.4.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this bicentric study has been granted by the institutional review board (IRB) of the University Hospital of Amiens (Comité de Protection des Personnes sud-ouest et outre-mer 1, 21050 Toulouse, France, registration number ID RDB: 2022-A02028-27 in November 2024). The trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: (NCT06724718)). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences to inform clinical practice regarding POAF detection and management following thoracic surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT06724718; clinical trial.

Machine Learning-Based Algorithm to Predict Procedural Success in a Large European Cohort of Hybrid Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

CTOs are frequently encountered in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography. Even though technical progress in CTO-PCI and enhanced skills of dedicated operators have led to substantial procedural improvement, the success of the intervention is still lower than in non-CTO PCI. Moreover, the scores developed to appraise lesion complexity and predict procedural outcomes have shown suboptimal discriminatory performance when applied to unselected cohorts. Accordingly, we sought to develop a machine learning (ML)-based model integrating clinical and angiographic characteristics to predict procedural success of chronic total occlusion (CTO)-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Different ML-models were trained on a European multicenter cohort of 8904 patients undergoing attempted CTO-PCI according to the hybrid algorithm (randomly divided into a training set [75%] and a test set [25%]). Sixteen clinical and 16 angiographic variables routinely assessed were used to inform the models; procedural volume of each center was also considered together with 3 angiographic complexity scores (namely, J-CTO, PROGRESS-CTO and RECHARGE scores). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was employed, as metric score. The performance of the model was also compared with that of 3 existing complexity scores. The best selected ML-model (Light Gradient Boosting Machine [LightGBM]) for procedural success prediction showed an AUC of 0.82 and 0.73 in the training and test set, respectively. The accuracy of the ML-based model outperformed those of the conventional scores (J-CTO AUC 0.66, PROGRESS-CTO AUC 0.62, RECHARGE AUC 0.64, p-value <0.01 for all the pairwise comparisons). In conclusion, the implementation of a ML-based model to predict procedural success in CTO-PCIs showed good prediction accuracy, thus potentially providing new elements for a tailored management. Prospective validation studies should be conducted in real-world settings, integrating ML-based model into operator decision-making processes in order to validate this new approach.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) represents a clinical challenge due to its diverse etiologies and uncertain prognosis. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention in traditional myocardial infarction, but its role in MINOCA remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to systematically search the literature and perform a meta-analysis on the effect of DAPT for secondary prevention in patients with MINOCA. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to June 2024. Cohort studies involving MINOCA patients treated with DAPT and reporting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow-up were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Seven studies with 12,307 MINOCA patients were included. Meta-analysis showed a trend toward a lower risk of MACE in patients receiving DAPT (pooled hazard ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.66-1.03); however, the results were not statistically significant. DAPT may reduce the risk of MACE in MINOCA patients, but the evidence is not conclusive. Further trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal antithrombotic therapy strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulants (OAC) among patients with AF and AMI.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception till 5 February 2025. The primary outcome was any stroke.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with 83 549 patients were included. OAC therapy was associated with lower risks of any stroke (odds ratio [OR]: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.77; P < .001), ischemic stroke (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.57-0.73; P < .001), and all-cause mortality (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.89; P < .001). Additionally, OAC therapy was associated with a higher risk of any bleeding (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06-1.46; P = .009), but not for major bleeding (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.87-1.90; P = .21).

CONCLUSIONS

OAC therapy is effective for patients with AF and AMI, but should be administered cautiously in those at high bleeding risk.

Echocardiographic and clinical patterns in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning without cardiovascular and other chronic diseases

INTRODUCTION

Severe carbon monoxide may impact the circulatory system, potentially leading to myocardial injury. This study aimed to assess left ventricular function via echocardiography in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning who were otherwise healthy.

METHODS

We conducted an observational, single-centre study involving consecutive patients hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning.

RESULTS

In a study of 112 consecutive patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning, we identified a subset of 46 patients with moderate to severe poisoning. Among them, myocardial injury (defined by a peak high-sensitivity troponin T concentration >14.0 ng/L) was observed in 17 of 46 (36.9%) patients, forming the myocardial injury group. The remaining 29 patients formed the non-myocardial injury group. The echocardiographic assessment revealed no significant difference (P = 0.06) between the mean (±SD) left ventricular ejection fraction in the myocardial injury group (59.8 ± 5.4%), compared to the mean (±SD) in the non-myocardial injury group (62.9 ± 5.5%). However, the mean (±SD) left ventricular global longitudinal strain was significantly higher (P = 0.008) in the myocardial injury group (-20.1 ± 1.8%) compared to the non-myocardial injury group (-22.1 ± 2.4%). Patients in the myocardial injury group also exhibited significantly higher (P <0.001) mean heart rates (108.9 beats/min) compared to the non-myocardial injury group (87.6 beats/min). In addition, the mean plasma lactate concentration was significantly higher (P <0.001) in the myocardial injury group (1.95 mmol/L) compared to the non-myocardial injury group (1.2 mmol/L). There were no fatalities in either group.

DISCUSSION

Healthy patients with carbon monoxide poisoning who have myocardial injury may show minor changes in echocardiography in contrast to patients with co-morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with moderate to severe carbon monoxide poisoning, without concurrent chronic diseases, left ventricular global longitudinal strain was significantly lower in those with myocardial injury. However, these findings are based on a small cohort, necessitating further research.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest 30-Day-Outcomes: The Importance of the First Electrocardiogram After Successful Resuscitation

BACKGROUND

While there is substantial evidence on the impact of prehospital resuscitation efforts on survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), the importance of the first electrocardiogram after return of spontaneous circulation has been much less studied.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify prognostically relevant electrocardiographic findings in patients after OHCA due to myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

A total of 119 patients admitted to hospital after suffering an OHCA due to MI were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and the first 12-lead electrocardiogram after return of spontaneous circulation were collected. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A number of electrocardiographic findings were significantly associated with 30-day mortality: atrial fibrillation/flutter (HR 2.29 [95% CI 1.17-4.49, p = 0.015]), right bundle branch block (HR 2.23 [95% CI 1.14-4.56, p = 0.020]), bifascicular block (HR 2.51 [95% CI 1.04-6.059, p = 0.040]), T inversion (HR 2.01 [95% CI 1.02-3.99, p = 0.043]), QTc duration ≥500 ms (HR 2.21 [95% CI 1.10-4.42, p = 0.025]) and QT dispersion ≥ 100 ms (HR 2.11 [95% CI 1.02-4.37, p = 0.045]).

CONCLUSION

Several different electrocardiographic findings are associated with increased mortality in patients with OHCA due to MI.

Association between cardiometabolic index and myocardial Infarction: based on NHANES database

BACKGROUND

The cardiometabolic index (CMI) combines abdominal obesity and abnormal blood lipid indices, representing a good predictive indicator of risk in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the association between CMI and myocardial infarction (MI) is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

The present project was designed to explore the linkage between CMI and MI.

METHODS

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018 were employed in this project, with CMI as the independent variable and MI as the dependent variable. Weighted logistic regression was applied in the association analysis between CMI and MI. Restricted cubic spline (RCS), subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were employed to elucidate the non-linear relationship and stability of CMI and MI's link. Moreover, to verify the robustness of the results, sensitivity analysis was conducted, with the MI status of subjects taking lipid-lowering drugs as the outcome variable.

RESULTS

A total of 13,923 participants were gathered in this project, with 605 cases of MI, accounting for 3.5%. In the weighted logistic regression model, a positive linkage was observed between CMI and the risk of MI (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.68, p < 0.001). The RCS curves indicated a linear relationship between CMI and MI (P-non-linear = 0.146). Subgroup analysis manifested that CMI was positively linked with MI risk in males, individuals with BMI > 30kg/m2, and alcohol drinkers (p < 0.05). In addition, the interaction results demonstrated that there was no heterogeneity in the association between CMI and MI risk in the subgroups (p > 0.05). The sensitivity analysis showed that after adjusting for all confounding factors in the model, there was still a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between CMI and MI in the population taking lipid-lowering drugs.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant positive linkage of CMI with MI risk, which is particularly significant in males, those with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2, and those who have drinking habits. Even after considering the impact of lipid-lowering drug therapy, the positive correlation between CMI and MI remains robust, supporting CMI as a promising tool for assessing MI risk and guiding clinical prevention. Further research is required to probe into the application of CMI in different populations and its role in the prevention of CVDs.

Association of Intramyocardial Hemorrhage With Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury patterns detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have important prognostic implications and trigger inflammatory processes that can further enhance myocardial tissue damage.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to investigate the association of circulating inflammatory markers and I/R injury patterns in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

This observational study included 456 STEMI patients. Peripheral venous blood samples were drawn 48 hours after PCI for analysis of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell count (WBCc), and interleukin (IL)-6. The presence of I/R injury was defined by the detection of intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) according to cardiac magnetic resonance T2∗. Clinical endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events, defined as composite of all-cause death, nonfatal reinfarction, and new congestive heart failure.

RESULTS

IMH was present in 150 (33%) patients. Hs-CRP (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.96-4.26; P < 0.001), WBCc (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04-1.67; P = 0.021), and IL-6 (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.38-2.51; P < 0.001) were associated with presence of IMH. Only hs-CRP was independently associated with IMH (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.30-2.93; P = 0.001) after adjustment for other clinical parameters. Furthermore, patients with hs-CRP levels above the median (>26.4 mg/L) were more likely to experience major adverse cardiac events (12% vs 4%, P = 0.002) during a median follow-up of 12 (Q1-Q3: 12-13) months.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI, inflammatory parameters including hs-CRP, WBCc, and IL-6 were significantly associated with I/R injury as defined by IMH. After adjustment for other factors, hs-CRP was the only independent inflammatory biomarker associated with IMH.

The Value of Troponin Measurement in Carotid Revascularization: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) are at substantially increased risk of short-term and long-term cardiac complications. Still, the role of perioperative troponin in predicting cardiac events remains unclear. The objective was to systematically summarize the existing evidence on the topic and provide directions for further research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies that examined perioperative troponin values and its association with myocardial injury, and/or myocardial infarction (MI), and/or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and postoperative mortality in exclusively CEA/CAS patients, published in English until March 15, 2022, were retrieved through a systematic search of MEDLINE and Web of Science. The study selection process was independently performed by 2 authors, while the third researcher resolved disagreements.

RESULTS

Four studies with 885 participants met the inclusion criteria. Age, chronic kidney disease, presentation of carotid disease, type of closure (primary closure/venous patch/Dacron/polytetrafluoroethylene patch), coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and the long-term use of calcium channel blockers represent risk factors for troponin elevation, which occurred in 11% to 15.3%. Myocardial infarction and MACE occurred in 23.5% to 40%, that is, 26.5% of patients with troponin elevation, respectively, during the first 30 postoperative days. Elevated postoperative troponin levels were significantly associated with adverse cardiac events during the long-term surveillance period. The rates of cardiac-related and all-cause mortality were higher in patients with postoperative troponin elevation.

CONCLUSION

Troponin measurement could be helpful in the prediction of adverse cardiac events. The predictive role of preoperative troponin, the patient population in whom routine troponin sampling should be used, and a comparison of different treatment methods/anesthesia techniques in carotid patients should be further examined.Clinical ImpactThe present scoping review critically appraises the extent and nature of the existing literature data on the predictive value of troponin on the occurrence of cardiac complications in patients undergoing CEA and CAS. In particular, it provides clinicians with essential insights by systematically summarizing the core evidence and identifying knowledge gaps that may direct future research. This, in turn, may significantly alter the current clinical practice and perhaps even reduce the incidence of cardiac complications in patients undergoing CEA/CAS.

Ethnic variations in neutrophil count as predictors of prognosis following acute myocardial infarction

AIMS

Elevated neutrophils are associated with a poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but it is not known if ethnicity influences the association between neutrophil count and outcome. We aimed to describe the temporal dynamics of neutrophils after AMI, and assess the interaction between ethnicity, neutrophil count, and outcomes after AMI.

METHODS

Consecutive patients presenting with AMI between 2016 and 2023 were divided into two groups according to their median neutrophil count. Ethnicity was dichotomised as white and other ethnic groups combined (referred to as 'ethnic minorities'). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, with a secondary outcome of 60-day mortality.

RESULTS

In our study of 3062 AMI patients (76 % white, 24 % from ethnic minority groups), we found that neutrophil counts rose early post AMI, which coincided with a nadir of the other cell groups. We identified a relative baseline neutropenia in ethnic minority individuals, compared to white individuals (6.85 vs 8.42 × 109/L). We observed a significant, independent association between elevated neutrophils at baseline and the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality (OR 2.06, p < 0.001) and secondary outcome of 60-day all-cause mortality (HR 1.08, p = 0.002). Sub-group analysis revealed a significant interaction between ethnicity and elevated neutrophils (p = 0.004), indicating that a comparable neutrophil count conferred an increased risk for ethnic minority patients for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We report ethnicity-specific leucocyte dynamics after AMI. Furthermore, neutrophil count is associated with a disproportionate risk in ethnic minority compared with white individuals. Understanding post-AMI inflammation and its interaction with ethnicity is essential in providing personalised prognostication and patient management.

Clinical and subclinical acute brain injury caused by invasive cardiovascular procedures

Over the past 50 years, the number and invasiveness of percutaneous cardiovascular procedures globally have increased substantially. However, cardiovascular interventions are inherently associated with a risk of acute brain injury, both periprocedurally and postprocedurally, which impairs medical outcomes and increases health-care costs. Current international clinical guidelines generally do not cover the area of acute brain injury related to cardiovascular invasive procedures. In this international Consensus Statement, we compile the available knowledge (including data on prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and management) to formulate consensus recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of acute brain injury caused by cardiovascular interventions. We also identify knowledge gaps and possible future directions in clinical research into acute brain injury related to cardiovascular interventions.

Repeated heart rate variability monitoring after myocardial infraction - Cohort profile of the MI-ECG study

The purpose of this study was to monitor heart rate variability (HRV) parameters after myocardial infarction (MI), addressing the ongoing controversy regarding their prognostic value. HRV was measured via Holter monitoring during the acute phase around the time of discharge and again two weeks later during recovery. Our findings show that HRV parameters remained stable during the initial weeks post-MI, indicating that the timing of Holter monitoring in this period is not critical. Several HRV parameters were significantly correlated with MI type, Killip class, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), with reduced HRV observed in STEMI patients and those with decompensated heart failure. However, after adjusting for GRACE score and LVEF, the prognostic value of most HRV measures for predicting future cardiac events diminished. Notably, detrended fluctuation analysis DFA1 α2 yielded a significant hazard ratio (HR) of 0.79 when adjusted for the GRACE score. However, this significance diminished after adjusting for LVEF (HR = 0.84). In conclusion, HRV parameters reflect MI severity and correlate with clinical characteristics, but their independent predictive value for future cardiac events is limited when adjusted for established risk factors such as LVEF and GRACE score.

Prognostic utility of high-sensitivity troponins according to atherosclerotic vascular disease severity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) affecting two or more different vascular beds, so called Polyvascular disease (PolyVD), are at an increased risk for adverse outcomes. In those patients, the prognostic utility of high-sensitivity troponin T and I (hsTnT/I) is under-investigated. We therefore aimed to explore the association between hsTnT/I with the extent of ASVD and outcomes in a contemporary cohort.

METHODS

Patients undergoing coronary angiography with available hsTnT/I concentrations from the cohort study INTERCATH were included. Subgroups of patients without ASVD, monovascular disease (MVD), and PolyVD were created. Cox regression analyses were computed to investigate the associations of hsTnT/I with the extent of ASVD and clinical outcomes (all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events; MACE).

RESULTS

In 2273 included patients, a stepwise increase of both hsTnT and hsTnI was observed according to the extent of ASVD. However, this association was statistically not significant after adjustment. hsTnT and hsTnI were independently associated with all-cause mortality for PolyVD (adjusted hazard ratio per standard deviation for hsTnT: 1.42 [95 %-CI: 1.16, 1.73]; p < 0.001 and hsTnI: 1.38 [1.14, 1.68]; p = 0.0013) and MVD (hsTnT: 1.32 [1.15, 1.51]; p < 0.001 and hsTnI: 1.35 [1.17, 1.56]; p < 0.001), whereas no association of hsTn with MACE was seen across the burden of ASVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a greater extent of ASVD had higher concentrations of hsTnT/I and an increased incidence of all-cause mortality as well as MACE. hsTnT/I concentrations were reliably linked to all-cause mortality in patients with ASVD, underscoring the role of biomarkers in risk prediction.

2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes" incorporates new evidence since the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction" and the corresponding "2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes" and the "2015 ACC/AHA/SCAI Focused Update on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction." The "2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes" and the "2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization" retire and replace, respectively, the "2016 ACC/AHA Guideline Focused Update on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from July 2023 to April 2024. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

Impact of coronary flow restoration just before stent deployment in primary percutaneous coronary intervention

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the restoration of coronary flow just before stent deployment and the final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) whose initial TIMI flow grade ≤ 1. In primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), initial TMI flow grade ≤ 1 is closely associated with suboptimal final TIMI flow grade. We included 466 STEMI patients with initial TIMI flow grade ≤ 1 and divided into a restored flow group or an unrestored flow group according to the TIMI flow grade just before stent deployment. The primary endpoint was the achievement of final TIMI flow grade 3. We compared clinical characteristics between the two groups and performed a multivariate logistic analysis to investigate the association between the coronary flow restoration and the final TIMI flow grade. The prevalence of final TIMI flow grade 3 was significantly higher in the restored flow group than the unrestored flow group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the restoration of coronary flow just before stent deployment was significantly associated with final TIMI flow grade 3 (OR 7.771, 95% CI 3.412-17.699, p < 0.001). The restoration of coronary flow just before stent deployment was significantly associated with the achievement of final TIMI flow grade 3 in STEMI patients with initial TIMI flow grade ≤ 1. Interventional cardiologist may pay more attention to the coronary flow restoration just before stent deployment when the initial TIMI flow grade is ≤ 1.

Preparation of recombinant myoglobin and investigation of the liquid antigen stability for quality control materials

Myoglobin (Mb) has been used as a biomarker for acute myocardial infarction. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of liquid Mb as quality control materials for Mb determination. Mb protein was expressed in Escherichia coli system and purified using Ni2+ chelate affinity chromatography. The purity of purified recombinant Mb reached to 95 %. The immunoreactivity of Mb was investigated using Mb assay kits. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the curve fitted with dilution ratio and Mb concentration as variables was greater than 0.95, which indicated that Mb had good immunoreactivity. The concentrations per gradient measured using different kits had no significant difference (p-value>0.05), which indicated that the reactivity between the Mb antigen and Mb antibodies with different epitopes was good. The effects of different storage buffer, storage temperature and storage times on the stability of liquid Mb were investigated by detecting the concentration changes. At 2-8 °C for two months, Mb concentration in buffer B (Tris-HCl, pH 7.8, containing 1 % BSA and 0.05 % NaN3) decreased within 10 % compared with the initial concentration. The long-term storage stability was investigated by the thermal acceleration experiment. At 37 °C for one week, Mb concentration decreased by less than 15 %, indicating that the Mb had good long-term storage stability. The prepared liquid Mb had good immunoreactivity and stability, avoiding storage in freeze-dried powder. It was a promising alternative as the quality control material for Mb detection.

Myocardial injury and its association with venom-induced coagulopathy following Bothrops atrox snakebite envenomation

BACKGOUND

In Brazil, the highest incidences of snakebite envenomation (SBE) occur in the Amazon region, caused mostly by Bothrops atrox. Among the effects of envenomation, cardiac alterations are not a frequent outcome but are highly linked to severe cases.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the serum profile of cardiac injury markers (fatty acid binding protein 3 - H-FABP3, N-terminal type B natriuretic peptide - NTproBNP, creatine kinase-MB - CPK-MB, and troponin I) following Bothrops SBEs and their association with venom-induced coagulopathy.

METHODS

Plasma markers were evaluated from blood collected at admission (before antivenom - T0) and 48h after antivenom (T48) from 80 B. atrox SBE patients treated at a tertiary hospital in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon, and 20 healthy donors.

RESULTS

Markers were found increased, above reference range or compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls, including FABP3 in at least 98.7% of patients, Troponin I 12.5%, and CK-MB in 8.8%. Regarding correlations to coagulation markers, alpha 2-antiplasmin concentrations were negatively correlated with FABP3 levels (T0), whereas FDP, tissue factor, and plasma factor VII levels were positively correlated with troponin I concentrations. Moreover, the group of patients with increased troponin I levels presented significantly higher FDP concentrations, factor VII levels, and risk for systemic bleeding at T0, whereas higher D-dimer concentrations at T48.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that Bothrops SBE is responsible for myocardial injury, although not associated with severe outcomes, and its directly associated to venom-induced coagulopathy, indicating troponin-I and FABP3 as possible markers to screen patients for more detailed cardiac alterations.

Stepwise dual antiplatelet therapy de-escalation in patients after drug coated balloon angioplasty (REC-CAGEFREE II): multicentre, randomised, open label, assessor blind, non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether a less intense antiplatelet regimen could be used for people receiving drug coated balloons.

DESIGN

Multicentre, randomised, open label, assessor blind, non-inferiority trial (REC-CAGEFREE II).

SETTING

41 hospitals in China between 27 November 2021 and 21 January 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

1948 adults (18-80 years) with acute coronary syndrome who received treatment exclusively with paclitaxel-coated balloons according to the international drug coated balloon consensus.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the stepwise dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) de-escalation group (n=975) consisting of aspirin plus ticagrelor for one month, followed by five months of ticagrelor monotherapy, and then six months of aspirin monotherapy, or to the standard DAPT group (n=973) consisting of aspirin plus ticagrelor for 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (all cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, revascularisation, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3 or 5 bleeding) at 12 months in the intention-to-treat population. Non-inferiority was established if the upper limit of the one sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for the absolute risk difference was smaller than 3.2%.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 59.2 years, 74.9% were men, 30.5% had diabetes, and 20.6% were at high bleeding risk. 60.9% of treated lesions were in small vessels, and 17.8% were in-stent restenosis. The mean drug coated balloon diameter was 2.72 mm (standard deviation 0.49). At 12 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 87 (8.9%) participants in the stepwise de-escalation group and 84 (8.6%) in the standard group (difference 0.36%; upper boundary of the one sided 95% CI 2.47%; Pnon-inferiority=0.013). In the stepwise de-escalation versus standard groups, BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding occurred in four versus 16 participants (0.4% v 1.6%, difference -1.19% (95% CI -2.07% to -0.31%), P=0.008), and all cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and revascularisation occurred in 84 versus 74 participants (8.6% v 7.6%, difference 1.05% (95% CI -1.37% to 3.47%), P=0.396). Treated as having hierarchical clinical importance by the win ratio method, more wins were noted with the stepwise de-escalation group (14.4% wins) compared with the standard group (10.1% wins) for the predefined hierarchical composite endpoint of all cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, BARC type 3 bleeding, revascularisation, and BARC type 2 bleeding (win ratio 1.43 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.83), P=0.004). Results from the per-protocol and the intention-to-treat analysis were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Among participants with acute coronary syndrome who could be treated by drug coated balloons exclusively, a stepwise DAPT de-escalation was non-inferior to 12 month DAPT for net adverse clinical events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04971356.

Resolving the observe zone: validation of the ESC 0/3-hour and the APACE criteria for NSTEMI triage

BACKGROUND

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin tests have enhanced early myocardial infarction diagnosis, yet many patients still land in the observe zone (OZ). Guidelines suggest a 3-hour troponin measurement for those in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1 hour-algorithm's OZ, but evidence on extended troponin testing times and their impact on diagnostic accuracy and outcomes remains sparse.

METHODS

Patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome were consecutively enrolled in a single-centre observational study. The triage protocol allowed an optional third troponin measurement at 3 hours or later to evaluate the performance and safety of two validated triage algorithms used to resolve the OZ.

RESULTS

Of the 4605 patients, 948 were triaged to the OZ (20.6%). The prevalence of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) within the OZ was 7.2%. 212 patients (22.3% of OZ patients) had a third troponin measurement and were included in the comparative analysis. For diagnosing NSTEMI, the ESC 0/3-hour criteria showed lower sensitivity (69.4%) than the criteria defined in the Advantageous Predictors of Acute Coronary Syndromes Evaluation (APACE) study (86.1%, p=0.053), with both having high negative predictive value (93.5% vs 87.5%, p=0.339). By definition, the ESC 0/3-hour algorithm categorises all patients into rule-in or rule-out, eliminating the need for an OZ, whereas 55.6% of patients remained in the OZ with the APACE criteria. Mortality rates in the OZ were similar across different timing protocols, with 30-day rates of 0.78% for third blood draws within 210 min (n=128) and 1.19% for those over 210 min (n=84); 3-year rates were 5.51% and 4.82%, confirming the safety of extended sampling.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the ESC 0/3-hour criteria have a lower sensitivity than the APACE criteria, it is by definition more effective because it does not leave patients in the OZ. Extending the timing for the third troponin measurement beyond 3 hours proves to be effective and safe, supporting its implementation in clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03111862.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter retrospective cohort study in Northern China

BACKGROUND

The impacts of COVID-19 on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care were heterogeneous. The study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of AMI patients in China during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study in Shanxi Province of northern China. Patients diagnosed with AMI during the zero-case, lockdown, and outbreak periods were included. Characteristics and outcomes were analyzed according to time periods and COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Additional outcomes included reperfusion times, coronary angiographic measures, procedure or AMI-associated complications, arrhythmia, other adverse events, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).

RESULTS

The study included 1021 AMI patients, with 393, 250, and 378 from the zero-case, lockdown, and outbreak periods. No differences in in-hospital mortality or other adverse events were found by time periods. By infection status, 264 patients were COVID-positive, and 706 were COVID-negative. The COVID-positive ST-elevation myocardial infarction population had longer symptom-to-first medical contact (3.07 vs. 2.31, p = 0.026), pre-hospital time (4.58 vs. 3.67, p = 0.032), door-to-balloon (1.20 vs. 1.08, p = 0.046), and total ischemic time (5.80 vs. 4.70, p = 0.011). No differences in other in-hospital outcomes were found, except that multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated COVID-19 infection was correlated with increased risks of LVSD (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.11-2.69, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital mortality did not differ by time period or COVID-19 infection status. The COVID-positive AMI patients had longer reperfusion times and higher risks of LVSD. AMI treatments were impacted during the pandemic, and measures are warranted to minimize the reperfusion time.

Analytical characteristics and performance of a new hs-cTnI method: a multicenter-study

OBJECTIVES

The present multicenter study was designed to evaluate the analytical performance and the 99th percentile value of the reference healthy population i.e., 99th percentile upper reference limit of the MAGLUMI® CLIA high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) method.

METHODS

Analytical performances and the 99th percentile URL value of the chemi-luminescent-immuno-assay (CLIA) method were evaluated using validated and standardized experimental protocols. Two cohorts including healthy adult individuals were enrolled. The first one included 989 blood donor volunteers (489 women and 500 men) aged 18-70 years (mean age 43 years, interquartile range 31-54 years). The second population included 47 healthy individuals (31 women and 16 men, mean age 78 years, interquartile range 73-81 years) aged≥71 years.

RESULTS

The distributions of hs-cTnI levels in both sexes are highly right-skewed, and men show significantly (p=0.0028) higher biomarker values than women. Moreover, in both sexes the hs-cTnI levels progressively increase after the 55 years. In the multivariate analysis (n=958), hs-cTnI was found to be significantly associated to NT-proBNP (p<0.0001), sex (p<0.0001) and BMI (p=0.0424). The 99th percentile URL values, calculated using the bootstrap method in the total reference heathy population (age≥18 years), were: Females (n=521): 5.93 ng/L (CI 95 % 5.29-8.48), Males (n=516): 9.79 ng/L (CI 95 % 6.37-17.41 ng/L), Total Population (n=1,037): 7.18 ng/L (CI 6.08-12.20 ng/L).

CONCLUSIONS

The MAGLUMI CLIA method met all the criteria for an hs-cTnI assay recommended by international guidelines. The hs-cTnI values measured with the CLIA method are higher in men compared to women at the same age, and also progressively increase after the age>55 years.

Enhancing lateral flow immunoassay performance for cardiac troponin I detection with pore-size tailored silica nanoparticles and smartphone-based "AdaptiScan" analysis

The accurate and rapid detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at the point of care is crucial for the timely diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). This study introduces an advanced lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform for cTnI detection. We employed small-sized, large-pore dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSN-2) to encapsulate quantum dots (QDs), achieving an enhanced QD loading capacity of 1.427 g QD/g silica, compared to 0.881 g QD/g silica for smaller pore counterparts (DMSN-1). This nano-LFIA was further integrated with "AdaptiScan", a smartphone-based detection system that uses adaptive detection algorithms to automatically extract and analyze fluorescence signals from LFIA strips. This integration of pore-size tailored DMSNs and "AdaptiScan" resulted in a limit of detection for cTnI of 42.6 ng/L, which meets clinical diagnostic requirements. The platform offers a sensitive, cost-effective, and portable solution for rapid detection of MI, potentially transforming point-of-care testing in resource-limited settings.

Distal radial access to prevent radial artery occlusion for STEMI patients (RAPID III): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Compared with conventional transradial access (TRA), distal radial access (DRA) is rarely used for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and may be beneficial to prevent radial artery occlusion (RAO). We aimed to evaluate the incidence of RAO between DRA and TRA 24 h after primary PCI in patients with STEMI.

METHODS

This is a single-center, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at Beijing Luhe Hospital, China, between January 2022 and July 2023. Five hundred and twenty patients (mean age: 61.3 ± 13.0 years; 81% male) with STEMI were randomly assigned to the DRA (n = 260) or TRA (n = 260) group. Primary PCI was performed using the radial artery access assigned study group. The primary endpoint was the rate of RAO assessed using Doppler ultrasound 24 h after primary PCI. Secondary outcomes included time taken for sheath insertion, access success rate, hemostasis time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dosage, and access-related complications.

RESULTS

The incidence of RAO was significantly lower in the DRA group than that in the TRA group (1.9% vs. 8.5%, P = 0.001). Access was successful in 94.6% of patients, and the crossover rate was 5.4% in both groups. The median time taken for sheath insertion was significantly longer (133 s vs. 114 s, P = 0.009), whereas the mean hemostasis time was shorter (209 ± 71 min vs. 372 ± 70 min, P < 0.001) in the DRA group. The incidence of modified Early Discharge After Transradial Stenting of Coronary Arteries (mEASY) ≥ II hematoma was lower in the DRA group (0.8% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.033). However, there was no significant difference in fluoroscopy time, radiation dosage, or access-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, compared with TRA, DRA prevented RAO 24 h postoperatively and was associated with shorter hemostasis time and a lower incidence of mEASY ≥ II hematoma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT05461781.

Evidence-based medicine and the cardiac troponin 99th percentile for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction

The 99th percentile of cardiac troponin assays for determining the presence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was set when assay analytical performance was much less precise than currently and was chosen, in part, to reduce the frequency of 'false-positive' results. A result greater than 99th percentile criterion has been a requirement of each version of the universal definition of MI. It also became used as a dichotomous decision-making threshold in diagnostic strategies for investigating AMI in acute care settings. There are numerous difficulties in deriving the 99th percentile which undermine its reliability as a standalone test threshold. It is important for patient safety that all users are aware of the challenges and pitfalls of using the 99th percentile for decision-making. We present a focused review of the 99th percentile, highlighting some difficulties with its use as a decision threshold as well as possible adjunctive strategies and alternative approaches.

The Role of Dietary Education in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally; however, most cases could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors, such as unhealthy lifestyle factors, including diet. These aspects are also crucial in secondary prevention. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are vital in improving cardiovascular outcomes, and apart from recommended pharmacotherapy, they focus on lifestyle modifications, including exercise, a healthy diet, and smoking cessation. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the role of dietary education in cardiac rehabilitation programs. The available data show that nutritional recommendations play an important role in cardiac rehabilitation programs, with the Mediterranean diet being widely recommended for its cardiovascular benefits. Adherence to dietary recommendations in the course of cardiac rehabilitation has been linked to improved metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes; however, further studies with long-term follow-up are needed. Moreover, while challenges in following dietary recommendations exist, individualized care and support are essential for successful outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Including dietary education is an important part of cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction; however, more studies are needed to investigate the role of individualized dietary support and personalized education in cardiac rehabilitation.

Survival after myocardial infarction according to left ventricular function and heart failure symptoms

AIMS

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is common even in the absence of signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF). Recent trials of patients with LV dysfunction post-AMI have demonstrated low event rates during follow-up. We aimed to assess the real-world prevalence and outcomes post-AMI, stratified by LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and the presence or absence of HF symptoms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cohort study of patients with AMI registered in the Norwegian Myocardial Infarction Registry 2013-2022. Outcomes were short- and long-term all-cause mortality. Mortality was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Life Table and multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Among 70 809 AMI patients (mean age 68.1 ± 12.9 years, 31% female), preserved (≥50%), mildly reduced (41%-49%) and reduced (≤40%) LVEF were present in 63.5%, 23.2% and 13.3%, respectively. Symptomatic HF was present in 3.3%, 28.1% and 63.2% of patients with preserved, mildly reduced and reduced LVEF. For each LVEF category, 1-year cumulative mortality rate from discharge was 3.9%, 7.8% and 17.8% for asymptomatic, and 16.2%, 13.7% and 20.2% for symptomatic patients, respectively. Symptomatic patients discharged alive had higher risk of mortality than asymptomatic: adjusted hazard ratio 1.85 (1.70-2.02) for preserved LVEF, 1.33 (1.25-1.41) for mildly reduced LVEF and 1.15 (1.06-1.24) for reduced LVEF.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced LVEF in the acute phase of AMI was associated with up to 20% 1-year mortality after discharge, substantially higher than in recent post-MI trials. Symptoms of HF during the index hospitalization were associated with worse outcomes in patients with preserved LVEF but contributed little additive risk for patients with reduced LVEF.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a specific class of drugs originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subsequently, studies demonstrated that their action was not limited to glycemic control but could also have positive effects on other specific outcomes, particularly at the cardiovascular level. Indeed, due to their diuretic effect, SGLT2i improve the clinical control of chronic heart failure and reduce the risk of rehospitalization. In addition, other studies reported a protective effect on major cardiovascular events and mortality. More recently, it has been suggested that the prescription of SGLT2i after an acute myocardial infarction may have positive effects due to their possible effect on inflammation, arrhythmias, and ventricular remodeling. Here, we reviewed studies focused on SGLT2i after an acute myocardial infarction in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

Markers of inflammation predicts long-term mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome - a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a well-known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and future cardiovascular events. Anti-inflammatory therapy can reduce the risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD) events following myocardial infarction (MI). However, it remains unknown to what extent inflammation at the time of an acute event predicts long-term outcomes. We explored whether routine blood measurements of inflammatory markers during an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are predictive of long-term mortality.

METHODS

In a cohort of 5292 consecutive patients admitted to a coronary intensive care unit with suspected ACS over a four-year period in the Carlscrona Heart Attack Prognosis Study (CHAPS), 908 patients aged 30-74 years (644 men, 264 women) were diagnosed with MI (527) or unstable angina (UA) (381). A 10-year follow-up study was conducted using Swedish national registries, with total mortality and cardiac mortality as primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Long-term total and cardiac mortality were significantly associated with higher leukocyte counts (e.g., neutrophils, monocytes, p ≤ 0.001), higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive protein, Serum Amyloid A, fibrinogen, p ≤ 0.001), and elevated neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p < 0.001) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (p = 0.002), all measured at ACS admission. These associations were independent of ACS diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that level of inflammation at ACS presentation-beyond its established role as a major CHD risk factor-also predicts long-term mortality following ACS. Notably, inflammation at the time of the event was a stronger predictor of long-term mortality than the acute event outcome itself. However, limitations include the observational study design, moderate sample size, and absence of modern high-sensitivity cardiac biomarkers and contemporary ACS management strategies in this cohort. The results should therefore be interpreted in the context of historical clinical practice. While our model-wise complete-case approach ensured consistency, missing data remains a potential source of bias. Future studies in larger, more contemporary cohorts are needed to validate these findings and refine risk stratification strategies.

Short-term recurrent coronary artery thrombosis with acute myocardial infarction in a patient with aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria syndrome: a case report

Background

Acute myocardial infarction commonly occurs in patients with coronary artery disease, but rarely, it can develop under a hypercoagulable state. Aplastic anemia can be accompanied by paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clones or transform into paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with a significantly elevated prothrombotic state. These thrombotic complications predominantly arise in veins rather than in arteries. Coronary artery thrombosis in these patients, especially with short-term recurrent arterial thrombosis after initial successful treatment, is exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old man with a history of aplastic anemia with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clones for 8 years presented with chest pain, and was diagnosed with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction on November 21, 2022. Despite standardized coronary intervention and anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, the patient reported intermittent chest discomfort with persistently elevated cardiac troponin and d-dimer levels 20 days after initial treatment. Repeat coronary angiography confirmed recurrent thrombosis in the right coronary artery. He underwent repeated balloon dilation and thrombus aspiration with intensified anticoagulation, which alleviated his clinical symptoms and normalized his cardiac troponin and d-dimer levels. The patient was finally confirmed to have aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria syndrome.

Conclusion

Patients with aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria syndrome can have thrombosis in arteries, such as coronary arteries, leading to acute myocardial infarction. Recurrent coronary artery thrombosis can occur after initial successful revascularization and anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. Close monitoring of clinical symptoms, repeated electrocardiogram and laboratory tests, coronary angiography, strengthened anticoagulation, and precautions for bleeding risks should be considered in patients with aplastic anemia-paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria syndrome.

Meta-analysis of heat-induced changes in cardiac function from over 400 laboratory-based heat exposure studies

Heat waves are associated with increased fatalities from adverse cardiovascular events attributed to the negative effects of heat on cardiac function. However, scientific understanding of acute cardiac adjustments to heat has come primarily from laboratory experiments employing insulated and encapsulated heating modalities, most commonly water-perfused suits. We evaluated whether findings from those studies reflect cardiac responses during more natural exposures to hot ambient conditions simulated in climate-controlled chambers by synthesizing the findings from over 400 laboratory-based heat exposure studies (6858 participant-exposures) published between 1961-2024. Among all included studies, median (interquartile range) elevations in core temperature and heart rate from baseline to end-exposure were 0.9 (0.5-1.3)°C and 27 (15-40) beats/min. Multilevel mixed-effects meta-analyses revealed exacerbated elevations in heart rate, cardiac output, and rate pressure product (estimate of cardiac workload) and blunted falls in systolic pressure in participants heated via encapsulated modalities. Leveraging the large dataset, we also provide empirical estimates of body temperature and cardiovascular responses to a wide range of conditions experienced during heat waves. With rising global temperatures, ecologically-minded physiological research is needed to improve understanding of the effects of heat stress on cardiac responses and further the development of robust climate health models and evidence-based heat-health guidance.

Absence of chest discomfort in type 1 NSTEMI patients: predictors and impact on outcome

BACKGROUND

The absence of chest discomfort has been hypothesized to delay treatment and consequently result in worse outcomes in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

In 888 consecutive patients with type 1 NSTEMI, symptoms were systematically classified as chest discomfort defined as chest pain or pressure, dyspnea or other symptoms, e.g. epigastric pain. Patient characteristics predictive for the absence of chest discomfort and the impact of the symptom type on adverse in-hospital events (all-cause mortality, cardiogenic shock, and mechanical ventilation) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Chest discomfort was reported in 81.0%, dyspnea without chest discomfort in 12.2%, and only other symptoms in the remaining 6.9% of patients. In a multivariable regression analysis, female sex (p = 0.035), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003), the absence of any family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (p = 0.002), anemia (p < 0.001), and atrial fibrillation or flutter at presentation (p = 0.017) were independent predictors for the absence of chest discomfort. The absence of chest discomfort was associated with a higher rate of in-hospital adverse events (10.6% for chest discomfort vs. 29.6% for dyspnea and 27.9% for other symptoms, p < 0.001), which appeared partially mediated (p = 0.044) by longer times from diagnosis to invasive management (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In type 1 NSTEMI, the absence of chest discomfort is associated with a higher rate of adverse in-hospital events. Women, diabetics, patients without a family history of CAD, patients with anemia, and patients with atrial fibrillation are more likely to present without chest discomfort and special attention may be required to avoid delayed invasive management in these patients.

Insights From m6A RNA Methylation: Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Purpose

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major contributor to death. The purpose of this study is to explore circulating biomarkers for AMI diagnosis from the perspectives of immunological microenvironment and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation regulation.

Patients and Methods

The GSE59867 dataset was used to download platform and probe data for conducting differential analysis of m6A regulators. A diagnostic nomogram was created utilizing the random-forest method and evaluated for predictive power. m6A-related gene patterns were identified, and their immune microenvironment characteristics were analyzed. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for validation in patient-based investigations using RT-qPCR. The association between m6A regulators and clinical parameters was examined via Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

With a predictive nomogram model developed using key m6A regulators, two distinct m6A subtypes were identified, showing significant variations in infiltrating immunocyte abundance. In confirmation of the model prediction, examination of patient blood identified METTL3, WTAP, RBM15, ALKBH5, FTO, and FMR1 as novel circulating biomarkers for AMI diagnosis. METTL3 and FTO were identified as promising biomarkers for AMI given that they showed a positive correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusion

The study identified six m6A regulators as circulating biomarkers for AMI diagnosis and suggested a potential role for m6A-mediated immune cell infiltration in the pathogenesis of AMI.

High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Versus Cardiac Troponin I on Prediction of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Hospitalized Due to Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation

Background/Objectives: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often have symptoms and risk factors similar to those of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the clinical criteria for identifying AF patients who would benefit from coronary angiography (CA) remain vague. We evaluated the predictive value of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and various clinical parameters for detecting significant coronary artery stenosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed symptomatic AF patients admitted to the University Hospital Bonn emergency department between 2015 and 2019 undergoing CA. Out of 183 AF patients, 93 were screened with cTnI and 90 with hs-cTnT. Results: A total of 47 out of 183 (26%) AF patients were diagnosed with significant coronary artery stenosis. The sensitivity for detecting CAD requiring intervention was 62.5% [95% CI, 40.6-81.2%] for cTnI and 100% [95% CI, 85.2-100%] for hs-cTnT. Median hs-cTnT concentrations were significantly higher in the "Revascularization-group" than in the "Non-Revascularization-group" (30.05 ng/L [95% CI, 26.5-54.8 ng/L], 23 patients vs. 15.3 ng/L [95% CI, 12.7-22.5 ng/L], 67 patients, p < 0.001). The calculated regression model that includes age, history of CAD, and hs-cTnT showed the best pretest performance with an AUC of 0.83, p = 0.008. Poor performance was observed for cTnI (AUC of 0.63, p = 0.098). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the hs-cTnT assay is superior to the contemporary cTnI assay in predicting significant CAD requiring revascularization in patients hospitalized with AF. Older age, pre-existing CAD, impaired renal function, and a higher hs-cTnT cut-off showed the highest pretest probability of relevant CAD in patients hospitalized for AF.

Unselected cardiac troponin testing and the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in the emergency department

BACKGROUND

This research examines the role of systematic cardiac troponin evaluation in identifying type 1 myocardial infarction among patients presenting to the emergency department with collected blood samples.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of consecutive adult patients presenting to the emergency department of a university hospital between October 22, 2020, and January 11, 2021. Cardiac troponin I levels were measured in all patients, including those with suspected acute coronary syndrome (clinical testing) and a control group undergoing routine blood tests (non-clinical testing). The primary outcomes were the prevalence of type 1 myocardial infarction and the positive predictive value of cardiac troponin I, which were assessed using established statistical methods.

RESULTS

Elevated cardiac troponin levels were identified in 13.4% of the study population (382/2,853). This included 19.5% of patients with clinically guided tests and 10.1% of those with non-clinical testing. The overall prevalence of type 1 myocardial infarction was 2%, with a positive predictive value of 14.9% (95% CI: 13.6-16.2). Among clinically guided tests, type 1 myocardial infarction prevalence was 5.8%, yielding a positive predictive value of 29.5% (95% CI: 26.7-32.4). Cases from non-clinically guided tests were primarily attributed to type 2 myocardial infarction or non-ischemic myocardial injury.

CONCLUSION

Using a generalized approach to cardiac troponin testing in emergency department patients significantly lowers the diagnostic accuracy for type 1 myocardial infarction, reducing the positive predictive value and frequently indicating non-ischemic myocardial injury.

The burden and trends of heart failure caused by ischaemic heart disease at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2021

BACKGROUND

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of heart failure (HF), a condition expected to increasingly affect global health and economics. This study evaluates the global burden, trends, and disparities of HF linked to IHD, aiming to inform health policy development.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD2021) are analysed using joinpoint regression, decomposition analysis, and Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis (BAPC). Health disparities are assessed through the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) via the Slope Index of Inequality and the Concentration Index, with future trends projected from 2022 to 2045. In 2021, global HF cases due to IHD were over 19.16 million, with an age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of 228.31 per 100 000 [95% Uncertainty Interval (UI), 188.18-279.55] and age-standardized years lived with disability (ASYLDs) rate of 20.43 per 100 000 [95% UI, 13.55-28.7]. In 2021, there was a 2.87% increase in ASPR and ASYLDs compared with 1990, primarily driven by population growth and aging. Significant reductions in global ASPR and ASYLDs disparities are observed, though the disease burden has intensified in countries with lower SDI levels. Projections indicate that by 2045, while the prevalence and years lived with disability for HF caused by IHD will increase, the ASPR and ASYLDs are expected to decrease.

CONCLUSION

The global burden of HF due to IHD remains a significant concern. Urgent improvements in the allocation of medical resources and the implementation of effective prevention and management strategies are necessary to address this issue.