Predictors of high-risk angiographic findings in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Importance of Risk Assessment in Timing of Invasive Coronary Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the VERDICT Trial

Background The optimal timing of invasive examination and treatment of high-risk patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome has not been established. We investigated the efficacy of early invasive coronary angiography compared with standard-care invasive coronary angiography on the risk of all-cause mortality according to the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score in a predefined subgroup analysis of the VERDICT (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography) trial. Methods and Results Patients with clinical suspicion of non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome with ECG changes indicating new ischemia and/or elevated troponin, in whom invasive coronary angiography was clinically indicated and deemed logistically feasible within 12 hours, were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized 1:1 to an early (≤12 hours) or standard (48-72 hours) invasive strategy. The primary outcome of the present study was all-cause mortality. Of 2147 patients randomized in the VERDICT trial, 2092 patients had an available GRACE risk score. Of these, 1021 (48.8%) patients had a GRACE score >140. During a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 192 (18.8%) and 54 (5.0%) patients died in the high and low GRACE score groups, respectively. The risk of death with the early invasive strategy was increased in patients with a GRACE score ≤140 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04 [95% CI, 1.16-3.59]), whereas there was a trend toward a decreased risk of death with the early invasive strategy in patients with a GRACE score >140 (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.63-1.10]) (P_interaction=0.006). Conclusions In patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome, we found a significant interaction between timing of invasive coronary angiography and GRACE score on the risk of death. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy and safety among high-risk and low-risk patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02061891.

Association of GRACE Risk Score with Coronary Artery Disease Complexity in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

The GRACE score constitutes a useful tool for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), while the SYNTAX score determines the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study sought to correlate these scores and assess the accuracy of the GRACE score in predicting the extent of CAD. A total of 539 patients with ACS undergoing coronary angiography were included in this analysis. The patients were classified into those with a SYNTAX score < 33 and a SYNTAX score ≥ 33. Spearman's correlation and receiver operator characteristic analysis were conducted to investigate the role of the GRACE score as a predictor of the SYNTAX score. There was a significantly positive correlation between the SYNTAX and the GRACE scores (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). The GRACE score predicted severe CAD (SYNTAX ≥ 33) moderately well (the area under the curve was 0.595 (0.522-0.667)). A GRACE score of 126 was documented as the optimal cut-off for the prediction of a SYNTAX score ≥ 33 (sensitivity = 53.5% and specificity = 66%). Therefore, our study reports a significantly positive correlation between the GRACE and the SYNTAX score in patients with ACS. Notably, NSTEMI patients with a high-risk coronary anatomy have higher calculated GRACE scores. A multidisciplinary approach by a heart team could possibly alter the therapeutic approach and management in patients presenting with ACS and a high calculated GRACE score.

Prognostic Value of Coronary CT Angiography in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

BACKGROUND

Severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) guide treatment and may predict clinical outcome in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS).

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the hypothesis that coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is equivalent to ICA for risk assessment in patients with NSTEACS.

METHODS

The VERDICT (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes) trial evaluated timing of treatment in relation to outcome in patients with NSTEACS and included a clinically blinded coronary CTA conducted prior to ICA. Severity of CAD was defined as obstructive (coronary stenosis ≥50%) or nonobstructive. Extent of CAD was defined as high risk (obstructive left main or proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis and/or multivessel disease) or non-high risk. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal recurrent myocardial infarction, hospital admission for refractory myocardial ischemia, or heart failure.

RESULTS

Coronary CTA and ICA were conducted in 978 patients. During a median follow-up time of 4.2 years (interquartile range: 2.7 to 5.5 years), the primary endpoint occurred in 208 patients (21.3%). The rate of the primary endpoint was up to 1.7-fold higher in patients with obstructive CAD compared with in patients with nonobstructive CAD as defined by coronary CTA (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22 to 2.49; p = 0.002) or ICA (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.11; p = 0.007). In patients with high-risk CAD, the rate of the primary endpoint was 1.5-fold higher compared with the rate in those with non-high-risk CAD as defined by coronary CTA (HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.07; p = 0.002). A similar trend was noted for ICA (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.69; p = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary CTA is equivalent to ICA for the assessment of long-term risk in patients with NSTEACS. (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes [VERDICT]; NCT02061891).

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes for Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with High-Risk Angiographic Findings Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVE

We aim to evaluate the long-term prognosis of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients with high-risk coronary anatomy (HRCA).

BACKGROUND

Coronary disease severity is important for therapeutic decision-making and prognostication among patients presenting with NSTE-ACS. However, long-term outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with HRCA is still unknown.

METHOD

NSTE-ACS patients undergoing PCI in Fuwai Hospital in 2013 were prospectively enrolled and subsequently divided into HRCA and low-risk coronary anatomy (LRCA) groups according to whether angiography complies with the HRCA definition. HRCA was defined as left main disease >50%, proximal LAD lesion >70%, or 2- to 3- vessel disease involving the LAD. Prognosis impact on 2-year and 5-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) is analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of 4,984 enrolled patients with NSTE-ACS, 3,752 patients belonged to the HRCA group, while 1,232 patients belonged to the LRCA group. Compared with the LRCA group, patients in the HRCA group had worse baseline characteristics including higher age, more comorbidities, and worse angiographic findings. Patients in the HRCA group had higher incidence of unplanned revascularization (2 years: 9.7% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001; 5 years: 15.4% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001), 2-year MACCE (13.1% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001), and 5-year death/MI/revascularization/stroke (23.0% vs. 18.4%, p = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed similar results. After adjusting for confounding factors, HRCA is independently associated with higher risk of revascularization (2 years: HR = 1.636, 95% CI: 1.225-2.186; 5 years: HR = 1.460, 95% CI: 1.186-1.798), 2-year MACCE (HR = 1.275, 95% CI = 1.019-1.596) and 5-year death/MI/revascularization/stroke (HR = 1.183, 95% CI: 1.010-1.385).

CONCLUSION

In our large cohort of Chinese patients, HRCA is an independent risk factor for long-term unplanned revascularization and MACCE.

The Value of the GRACE Score for Predicting the SYNTAX Score in Patients with Unstable Angina/Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

In patients with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), Global Registry for Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score is a valid tool for risk stratification. The Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is an angiographic scoring system to guide the decision-making between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of the GRACE score in predicting the severity and extent of coronary artery stenosis by SYNTAX score.

METHODS

A total of 330 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were enrolled in the study. For every patient, the GRACE score was calculated. All patients underwent coronary angiography within 2 days and the SYNTAX scoring system was used to evaluate the severity and extent of coronary stenotic lesions. Based on ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value of GRACE score that could predict SYNTAX score ≥ 23 was calculated.

RESULTS

GRACE score was 107.12 ± 34.4 in patients with SYNTAX SCORE < 23 and 134.80 ± 48.3 in patients with SYNTAX score ≥ 23 (p value = 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between the GRACE score and angiographic SYNTAX score (r = 0.34 p < 0.001). We found that a GRACE score of 109 is the optimal cut-off to predict SYNTAX score ≥ 23 with a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 60% (p < 0.001). Its negative predictive value was 94.0%.

CONCLUSION

GRACE score had significant but modest value to predict the severity and extent of coronary artery stenosis in patients with ACS.

Left main and/or three-vessel disease in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and low-risk GRACE score: Prevalence, clinical outcomes and predictors

INTRODUCTION

A low-risk GRACE score identifies patients with a lower incidence of major cardiac events, however it can erroneously classify patients with severe coronary artery disease as low-risk. We assessed the prevalence, clinical outcomes and predictors of left main and/or three-vessel disease (LM/3VD) in non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients with a GRACE score of ≤108 at admission.

METHODS

Using data from the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes, 1196 patients with NSTEMI and a GRACE score of ≤108 who underwent coronary angiography were studied. Independent predictors of LM/3VD and its impact on in-hospital complications and one-year mortality were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

LM/3VD was present in 18.2% of patients. Its prevalence was higher in males and associated with hypertension, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although there were no differences in in-hospital complications, these patients had higher mortality (0.9 vs. 0.0%) and more major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (4.1 vs. 2.5%, p=0.172), and higher one-year mortality (2.4 vs. 0.5%, p=0.005). Independent predictors of LM/3VD were age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.0, p=0.003), male gender (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.56-4.17, p<0.001), heart rate (1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p<0.001), PAD (OR 3.21; 95% CI 1.47-7.00, p<0.001) and heart failure (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.02-11.15, p=0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

LM/3VD was found in one in five patients. These patients had a tendency for higher in-hospital mortality and more MACCE, and higher one-year mortality. Simple clinical variables could help predict this severe coronary anatomy.

Early and long-term outcomes of complete revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease presenting with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Introduction

The clinical significance of complete revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (CR-PCI) in patients with non-ST-segment acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) remains uncertain.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of CR-PCI during index hospitalization on short and long-term incidence of death and composite endpoint among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting with NSTE-ACS.

Material and methods

We analyzed consecutive data of 1,592 patients with multivessel CAD from 2006 to 2014. Patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), cardiogenic shock, treated conservatively or with CABG and scheduled for planned CABG or PCI after discharge were excluded. The 30-day and 12-month composite endpoint was defined as all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or ACS-driven unplanned revascularization. Six hundred and ninety-five patients were divided into 2 groups: CR-PCI (n = 137) (CR-PCI during index hospitalization) and IR-PCI (n = 558) (incomplete revascularization).

Results

Incidence of composite endpoint (3.6% vs. 10.2%; HR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.12–0.87; p = 0.025) and death (0.7% vs. 5.7%, HR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02–0.93; p = 0.043) at 30 days was lower in CR-PCI than in IR-PCI. At 12-month follow-up occurrence of composite endpoint was lower in CR-PCI (14.7%) than in IR-PCI (27.4%, p = 0.0037). Multivariate analysis confirmed that CR PCI was associated with a reduction in 12-month composite endpoint (HR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.31–0.99; p = 0.046). The 12-month mortality was lower in CR-PCI (7.4% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.031), but it was not confirmed in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In patients with multivessel CAD and NSTE-ACS, CR-PCI during index hospitalization was independently associated with improved early and long-term prognosis without significant differences in periprocedural outcomes in comparison to IR-PCI.

Accuracy of the TIMI and GRACE scores in predicting coronary disease in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The GRACE and TIMI scores have been well validated for assessment of prognosis in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). However, their value in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) has been little studied. We aimed to assess the relationship between these scores and the extent of coronary disease.

METHODS

We analyzed 238 consecutive patients admitted for NSTE-ACS and undergoing a coronary angiogram during hospitalization. The severity of CAD was assessed using the SYNTAX score. Obstructive CAD was defined as ≥50% stenosis in the left main or ≥70% stenosis in other vessels. Severe CAD was defined as a SYNTAX score >32. The Pearson test was used to assess the correlation between scores.

RESULTS

The SYNTAX score was higher in patients at high risk (GRACE score: p<0.001 and TIMI score: p=0.001). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the GRACE and SYNTAX scores (r=0.23, p<0.001) as well as between TIMI and SYNTAX (r=0.2, p=0.002). Both clinical scores can predict obstructive CAD moderately well (area under the curve [AUC] for GRACE score: 0.599, p=0.015; TIMI score: AUC 0.639, p=0.001) but not severe disease. A GRACE score of 120 and a TIMI score of 2 were predictive of obstructive CAD with, respectively, a sensitivity of 57% and 75.7% and a specificity of 61.8% and 47.9%.

CONCLUSION

The GRACE and TIMI scores correlate moderately with the extent of coronary disease assessed by the SYNTAX score. They can predict obstructive CAD but not severe disease.

Long-term outcomes of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease presenting non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

There is paucity of data concerning the optimal revascularization in patients with mul- tivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). The aim was to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients with multivessel CAD presenting NSTE-ACS depending on the management after coronary angiography.

METHODS

3,166 patients with NSTE-ACS hospitalized between 2006 and 2014 were screened. After ex- clusions, 1,342 patients were enrolled with multivessel CAD and were divided depending on their man- agement after coronary angiography; the medical-only therapy group (n = 91), the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) group (n = 1,122), the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) group (n = 129). Propensity scores matching was used to adjust for differences in patient baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

After propensity score analysis, 273 well-matched patients were chosen. Both before and after matching, patients treated with a medical-only therapy were burdened with the highest percentage of 24-month all-cause death and non-fatal MI in comparison to PCI and CABG groups, respectively. In the CABG group, ACS-driven revascularization rate was lowest. In the overall population, PCI (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.20-0.53; p < 0.0001) and CABG (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.93; p = 0.028) were independent factors associated with favorable 24-month prognosis. However, in a matched population only PCI was an independent predictor of long-term prognosis with a 63% decrease of 24-month mortal- ity (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19-0.69; p = 0.0020).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with multivessel CAD presenting with NSTE-ACS, medical-only man- agement is related with adverse long-term prognosis in contrast to revascularization, which reduces 24-month mortality, especially among patients undergoing percutaneous intervention. Performance of PCI is an independent factor for improving long-term prognosis.

Coronary Angiographic Findings in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Elevated Cardiac Troponin: The Troponin Elevation in Acute Ischemic Stroke (TRELAS) Study

BACKGROUND

A relevant proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have elevated levels of cardiac troponins (cTn). However, the frequency of coronary ischemia as the cause of elevated cTn is unknown. The aim of our study was to analyze coronary vessel status in AIS patients with elevated cTn compared with patients presenting with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 2123 consecutive patients with AIS prospectively screened at 2 tertiary hospitals, 13.7% had cTn elevation (>50 ng/L). According to a prespecified sample size estimation, 29 patients with AIS (median age, 76 years [first-third quartiles, 70-82 years]; 52% male) underwent conventional coronary angiography and were compared with age- and sex-matched patients with NSTE-ACS. The primary end point was presence of coronary culprit lesions on coronary angiograms as analyzed by independent interventional cardiologists blinded for clinical data. Median cTn on presentation did not differ between patients with AIS or NSTE-ACS (95 versus 94 ng/L; P=0.70). Compared with patients with NSTE-ACS, patients with AIS were less likely to have coronary culprit lesions (7 of 29 versus 23 of 29; P<0.001) or any obstructive coronary artery disease (15 of 29 versus 25 of 29; P=0.02; median number of vessels with >50% stenosis, 1 [first-third quartiles, 0-2] versus 2 [first-third quartiles, 1-3]; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary culprit lesions are significantly less frequent in AIS patients compared with age- and sex-matched patients with NSTE-ACS despite similar baseline cTn levels. Half of all AIS patients had no angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease. Further studies are needed to clinically identify the minority of patients with AIS and angiographic evidence of a culprit lesion.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01263964.