Non-acute myocardial infarction-related causes of elevated high-sensitive troponin T in the emergency room: a cross-sectional analysis

Troponin Test, Not Only a Number: An Unusual Case of False Positive

Heterophile antibodies, which can arise from infections, autoimmune disorders, or exposure to animal antigens, can interfere with immunoassays. These antibodies can cross-react with the test reagents used in troponin assays, causing a false elevation in troponin levels. The paper describes a case of a 37-year-old male drug abuser admitted to the emergency room with chest pain. A series of troponin measurements performed using different assays gave discrepant results. Only thanks to the use of Scantibodies HBT tubes, which remove heterophile antibodies, was it possible to make a correct diagnosis of troponin negativity. In conclusion, a correct laboratory/clinical approach to the identification of heterophile antibody interference is essential for accurate troponin testing in order to avoid false positive results. Implementing neutralizing tests can significantly improve the reliability of these diagnostic assays, ensuring better patient outcome.

Low D-dimer in acute coronary syndrome and heart failure: Screening for large vessel diseases in patients with chest symptoms

Background

Distinguishing between large-vessel diseases such as acute aortic syndrome (AAS) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and non-large-vessel diseases, such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure (HF), and neurogenic diseases, in patients presenting with chest symptoms remains a challenge, which can result in a significant number of misdiagnoses. Simultaneously distinguishing both AAS and PE is essential because large-vessel diseases require angio-computed tomography (CT) during initial presentation whereas, non-large-vessel diseases do not. This study aimed to determine the optimal method for differentiating between large-vessel and non-large-vessel diseases using D-dimer, troponin I, and pretest probability scores.

Methods

From the 11683 patients who presented with chest symptoms including chest pain, discomfort, or dyspnea, this retrospective observational study included 1817 patients who had complete data for essential biomarkers; 105 with AAS, 139 with PE, 1093 with ACS, 451 with HF, and 83 with neurogenic diseases.

Results

D-dimer, D-dimer/troponin I ratio (DT ratio), and troponin I results distinguished the 2 groups: D-dimer (>2.38 μg/mL), AUC 0.935; DT ratio, AUC 0.827; and troponin I, AUC 0.653. For predicting AAS, the performances of D-dimer level and aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) were AUCs of 0.915 (p < 0.0001) and 0.67 (p = 0.0004), respectively; for predicting PE, the AUCs of D-dimer level and modified Wells score were 0.95 (p = 0.0001) and 0.857 (p < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

The D-dimer levels proved to be a crucial discriminator for identifying AAS and PE, even when compared with the ADD-RS and modified Wells scores. Moderately elevated D-dimer levels suggest the need to consider AAS and PE diagnoses via angio-CT for patients with chest symptoms.

Cardiospecific Troponins as Laboratory Biomarkers of Myocardial Cell Injury in Hypertension: A Mini-Review

To date, it is well known that a significant number of diseases of cardiovascular genesis (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo syndrome, heart failure, etc.) and extra-cardiac genesis (renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sepsis, diabetes mellitus, etc.) cause injury to contractile cells of the heart muscle (myocardial cells). The most sensitive and specific criteria for proving myocardial cell injury are cardiospecific troponins (CSTns) - CSTnI and CSTnT. According to the current clinical recommendations of the European, American, and Russian Cardiological Communities, CSTnI and CSTnT are the main biomarkers for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Hypertension is one of the most dangerous and common risk factors for the development of cardiovascular pathologies and is associated with a high risk of dangerous cardiovascular complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for new biomarkers for the timely assessment of the prognosis of patients with hypertension. This mini-review aims to substantiate the possibilities of using the cardiomarkers (CSTnI and CSTnT) to assess the prognosis of patients suffering from hypertension and to discuss potential mechanisms that cause injury to myocardial cells and increase serum levels of CSTnI and CSTnT. This is a narrative mini-review, which was prepared using the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The following keywords were used in the literature search: "myocardial cells", "injury", "damage", and "hypertension" in combination with the terms "mechanisms of injury" "predictive significance", "cardiac troponins", or "cardiospecific troponins".

New Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease are crucial for patient survival and long-term health. Despite advances in cardiovascular disease biomarkers, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease continues to increase worldwide as the global population ages. To address this problem, novel biomarkers that are more sensitive and specific to cardiovascular diseases must be developed and incorporated into clinical practice. Exosomes are promising biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. These small vesicles are produced and released into body fluids by all cells and carry specific information that can be correlated with disease progression. This article reviews the advantages and limitations of existing biomarkers for cardiovascular disease, such as cardiac troponin and cytokines, and discusses recent evidence suggesting the promise of exosomes as cardiovascular disease biomarkers.

Case report: The presence of third-degree atrioventricular block caused by pulmonary embolism masquerading as acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) typically presents with chest pain, tachypnea, hemoptysis, syncope, and increased markers of myocardial injury. On an electrocardiogram (ECG), sinus tachycardia, right bundle branch block (RBBB), S1Q3T3 pattern, and/or precordial T-wave inversion may be observed. Despite being one of the common causes of chest pain, a third-degree atrioventricular block (III° AVB) is rare in cases of PE, which can lead to difficulties in diagnosis or even overlooking this condition.

Case summary

In this case report, we present a patient who was transferred to our hospital with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The patient's ECG showed ST-segment elevation in the inferior wall and a III° AVB, combined with significantly increased markers of myocardial injury. Interestingly, the patient also had a history of cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) for 7 days prior to being transferred to our hospital. After undergoing a systematic examination and evaluation, the final diagnosis for the patient was PE.

Conclusions

In addition to considering common symptoms, it is important not to overlook rare symptoms when diagnosing a disease. This case serves as an example of how the misdiagnosis rate for PE can be reduced by conducting a comprehensive clinical evaluation and paying attention to all clinical clues and examination results.

The D-Dimer to Troponin Ratio Is a Novel Marker for the Differential Diagnosis of Thoracic Acute Aortic Syndrome from Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Thoracic acute aortic syndrome (AAS) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have similar clinical presentations, making them difficult to differentiate. This study aimed to identify useful biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of thoracic AAS and NSTEMI.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

consecutive adult patients who visited the emergency department for acute chest pain between January 2015 and December 2021 diagnosed with thoracic AAS or NSTEMI. Clinical variables, including D-dimer (μg/mL) and high-sensitivity troponin T (ng/mL, hs-TnT) levels, were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 52 (30.1%) and 121 (69.9%) patients were enrolled in the thoracic AAS and NSTEMI groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the D-dimer to hs-TnT (D/T) ratio (odds ratio (OR), 1.038; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.020-1.056; p < 0.001) and the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) score (OR, 0.184; 95% CI, 0.054-0.621; p = 0.006) were associated with thoracic AAS. The D/T ratio had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.973 (95% CI, 0.930-0.998), and the optimal cutoff value was 81.3 with 91.4% sensitivity and 96.2% specificity. The TIMI score had an AUC of 0.769 (95% CI, 0.644-0.812), and the optimal cutoff value was 1.5 with 96.7% sensitivity and 38.5% specificity.

CONCLUSION

the D/T ratio may be a simple and useful parameter for differentiating thoracic AAS from NSTEMI.

Shark Sighting in an Electrocardiogram

This case report describes a patient in their late 50s with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin and a medical history of poorly controlled diabetes and cocaine, cannabis, and tobacco use.

Associations between elevated high-sensitive cardiac troponin t and outcomes in patients with acute abdominal pain

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes in patients presenting to emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain and suspected occult myocardial injury [OMI (high-sensitive cardiac troponin T, hs-cTnT level > 14 ng/L)] without clinical signs of myocardial ischaemia. We hypothesized that OMI is a common entity associated with poor outcomes.

METHODS

After institutional research ethics committee approval, a retrospective review was performed on patients subjected to extended use of hs-cTnT measurements during two months period in patients admitted to ED with a chief complaint of abdominal pain, aged 30 years or older and triaged to red, orange, or yellow categories. Primary outcomes were 30-day, six-month, and one-year mortality, respectively. Adjusted mortality rates were compared using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

Overall, 1000 consecutive patients were screened. A total of 375 patients were subjected to hs-cTnT measurement and 156 of them (41.6%) experienced OMI. None of the patients had acute myocardial infarction diagnosed in the ED. Patients with OMI had a significantly higher 30-day, six-month and one-year mortality compared to the normal hs-cTnT level group [12.8% (20/156) vs. 3.7% (8/219), p = 0.001, 34.0% (53/156) vs. 6.9% (15/219), p < 0.001 and 39.1% (61/156) vs. 9.1 (20/219), p < 0.001, respectively]. OMI was an independent risk factor for mortality at every time point analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation noted OMI in older patients with co-morbidities and in higher triage category presenting with abdominal pain to ED, respectively. OMI is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes that warrants appropriate screening and management strategy. Our results support the use of hs-cTnT as a prognostication tool in this subgroup of ED patients.

Hypertension as One of the Main Non-Myocardial Infarction-Related Causes of Increased Cardiospecific Troponins: From Mechanisms to Significance in Current Medical Practice

It is well known that many pathological conditions of both cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, etc.) and non-cardiac (sepsis, anemia, kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, etc.) origin in the course of their development cause injury to contractile cardiac muscle cells - myocardial cells (MCs). One of the most sensitive and specific criteria for detecting MC injury are cardiospecific troponins (CTs), which are regulatory protein molecules that are released into the blood serum from MC upon their death or injury. Current methods for determining CTs are called high-sensitive ones, and their main advantage is a very low minimum detectable concentration (limit of detection) (average 1 - 10 ng/L or less), which allows early detection of minor MC injury at the earliest stages of CVDs, and therefore they can change the understanding of disease development mechanisms and open up new diagnostic possibilities. One of the most common and dangerous early diseases of the cardiovascular system is hypertension (HT). The novelty of this article lies in the discussion of a new diagnostic direction - predicting the risk of developing CVDs and their dangerous complications in patients with HT by determining the concentration of CTs. In addition, pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MC injury and the release of CTs into the bloodstream and the elimination of CTs into the urine are proposed. This information will contribute to additional fundamental and clinical research to verify the new diagnostic possibility of using CTs in clinical practice (for the management of patients with HT).

Cardiac Troponins as Biomarkers of Cardiac Myocytes Damage in Case of Arterial Hypertension: From Pathological Mechanisms to Predictive Significance

BACKGROUND

Many pathological conditions of both cardiovascular and non-cardiac origin in the course of their development cause damage to contractile cardiac muscle cells-cardiac myocytes (CMCs). One of the most sensitive and specific criteria for detecting CMCs are cardiac troponins (CTs), which are regulatory protein molecules that are released into the blood serum from CMCs upon their death or damage. New (high-sensitive) methods for detecting CTs allow the detection of minor CMCs damages at the earliest stages of cardiovascular diseases and can therefore change the understanding of disease development mechanisms and open up new diagnostic possibilities. One of the most common and dangerous early diseases of the cardiovascular system is arterial hypertension. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CMCs damage and CTs release into the bloodstream in the case of arterial hypertension and to state the clinical significance of increased CTs levels in patients with arterial hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a descriptive review, which was prepared using the following databases: Embase, Pubmed/Medline and Web of Science. The following key words were used in the literature search: "myocardial injury" and "arterial hypertension" in combination with the terms "cardiac troponins" and "mechanisms of increase".

CONCLUSIONS

According to a literature analysis, CMCs damage and CTs release in the case of arterial hypertension occur according to the following pathophysiological mechanisms: myocardial hypertrophy, CMCs apoptosis, damage to the CMC cell membrane and increase in its permeability for CTs molecules, as well as changes in the glomerular filtration rate. Most often, increased CTs serum levels in case of arterial hypertension indicate an unfavorable prognosis. Data on the CTs predictive significance in case of arterial hypertension open the prospects for the use of these biomarkers in the choice of patient management plans.

Interpreting High-Sensitive Troponins in Patients with Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) becomes more broadly used, physicians must understand the strengths and limitations of using the hs-cTn in the hypertensive population.

RECENT FINDINGS

The most common cause of hs-cTn elevation is cardiac myocyte injury and death; alternate mechanisms for hs-cTn elevation in the absence of cardiac myocyte death are not clearly understood. Hs-cTn elevation has been found in significant proportions of patients with asymptomatic hypertension, in patients with acute hypertensive crisis, and has even been used to predict patients who will go on to develop hypertension. While the mechanisms remain undefined, there is evidence that elevations in hs-cTn are associated with both short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. While ongoing research further defines the relationship between hypertension and hs-cTn, the emergency medicine physician must make clinical decisions today regarding the utility of this increasingly used biomarker. Given the current evidence, clinical context must be utilized including a complete clinical picture, EKGs findings, and importantly serial hs-cTn when needed to establish whether myocardial injury or myocardial infarction is occurring.

Associations between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and cardiomyocyte injury in myocardial infarction survivors in North Carolina

Objective

Short-term ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is associated with adverse cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction (MI). However, few studies have examined associations between PM_2.5 and subclinical cardiomyocyte damage outside of overt cardiovascular events. Here we evaluate the impact of daily PM_2.5 on cardiac troponin I, a cardiomyocyte specific biomarker of cellular damage.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2924 patients identified using electronic health records from the University of North Carolina Healthcare System who had a recorded MI between 2004 and 2016. Troponin I measurements were available from 2014 to 2016, and were required to be at least 1 week away from a clinically diagnosed MI. Daily ambient PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated at 1 km resolution and assigned to patient residence. Associations between log-transformed troponin I and daily PM_2.5 were evaluated using distributed lag linear mixed effects models adjusted for patient demographics, socioeconomic status and meteorology.

Results

A 10 µg/m³ elevation in PM_2.5 3 days before troponin I measurement was associated with 0.06 ng/mL higher troponin I (95% CI=0.004 to 0.12). In stratified models, this association was strongest in patients that were men, white and living in less urban areas. Similar associations were observed when using 2-day rolling averages and were consistently strongest when using the average exposure over the 5 days prior to troponin I measurement.

Conclusions

Daily elevations in PM_2.5 were associated with damage to cardiomyocytes, outside of the occurrence of an MI. Poor air quality may cause persistent damage to the cardiovascular system leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse cardiovascular events.

Metabolic Pathway of Cardiospecific Troponins: From Fundamental Aspects to Diagnostic Role (Comprehensive Review)

Many molecules of the human body perform key regulatory functions and are widely used as targets for the development of therapeutic drugs or as specific diagnostic markers. These molecules undergo a significant metabolic pathway, during which they are influenced by a number of factors (biological characteristics, hormones, enzymes, etc.) that can affect molecular metabolism and, as a consequence, the serum concentration or activity of these molecules. Among the most important molecules in the field of cardiology are the molecules of cardiospecific troponins (Tns), which regulate the processes of myocardial contraction/relaxation and are used as markers for the early diagnosis of ischemic necrosis of cardiomyocytes (CMC) in myocardial infarction (MI). The diagnostic value and diagnostic capabilities of cardiospecific Tns have changed significantly after the advent of new (highly sensitive (HS)) detection methods. Thus, early diagnostic algorithms of MI were approved for clinical practice, thanks to which the possibility of rapid diagnosis and determination of optimal tactics for managing patients with MI was opened. Relatively recently, promising directions have also been opened for the use of cardiospecific Tns as prognostic markers both at the early stages of the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (arterial hypertension (AH), heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD), etc.), and in non-ischemic extra-cardiac pathologies that can negatively affect CMC (for example, sepsis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.). Recent studies have also shown that cardiospecific Tns are present not only in blood serum, but also in other biological fluids (urine, oral fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid). Thus, cardiospecific Tns have additional diagnostic capabilities. However, the fundamental aspects of the metabolic pathway of cardiospecific Tns are definitively unknown, in particular, specific mechanisms of release of Tns from CMC in non-ischemic extra-cardiac pathologies, mechanisms of circulation and elimination of Tns from the human body, mechanisms of transport of Tns to other biological fluids and factors that may affect these processes have not been established. In this comprehensive manuscript, all stages of the metabolic pathway are consistently and in detail considered, starting from release from CMC and ending with excretion (removal) from the human body. In addition, the possible diagnostic role of individual stages and mechanisms, influencing factors is analyzed and directions for further research in this area are noted.

The Importance of Cardiac Troponin Metabolism in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction (Comprehensive Review)

The study of the metabolism of endogenous molecules is not only of great fundamental significance but also of high practical importance, since many molecules serve as drug targets and/or biomarkers for laboratory diagnostics of diseases. Thus, cardiac troponin molecules have long been used as the main biomarkers for confirmation of diagnosis of myocardial infarction, and with the introduction of high-sensitivity test methods, many of our ideas about metabolism of these cardiac markers have changed significantly. In clinical practice, there are opening new promising diagnostic capabilities of cardiac troponins, the understanding and justification of which are closely connected with the fundamental principles of the metabolism of these molecules. Our current knowledge about the metabolism of cardiac troponins is insufficient and extremely disconnected from various literary sources. Thus, many researchers do not sufficiently understand the potential importance of cardiac troponin metabolism in the laboratory diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to systematize information about the metabolism of cardiac troponins and during the discussion to focus on the potential impact of cTns metabolism on the laboratory diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The format of this comprehensive review includes a sequential consideration and analysis of the stages of the metabolic pathway, starting from possible release mechanisms and ending with elimination mechanisms. This will allow doctors and researchers to understand the significant importance of cTns metabolism and its impact on the laboratory diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

Features of the Metabolisms of Cardiac Troponin Molecules-Part 1: The Main Stages of Metabolism, Release Stage

Cardiac troponins (cTns) have long been the most valuable and specific biomarkers for detecting ischemic myocardial cells (MCs) injury, which is one of the key signs of myocardial infarction (MI). Modern methods (highly sensitive and ultra-sensitive immunoassays (hs-cTns)) of detection are an important and indispensable tool for the early diagnosis of MI and the choice of patient management protocols. Timely diagnosis of MI can significantly improve the prognosis of patients. However, in real clinical practice, doctors often face a significant problem when using cTns-the difficulty of differential diagnosis due to frequent and unexplained increases in the concentration of cTns in blood serum. In addition, there is conflicting information that may potentially affect the diagnostic capabilities and value of cTns: the influence of certain biological factors (diurnal rhythm, gender and age) on serum cTns levels; extra-cardiac expression of cTns; the possibilities of non-invasive diagnosis of MI; and other pathological conditions that cause non-ischemic injury to MCs. To solve these problems, it is necessary to concentrate on studying the metabolism of cTns. The review of our current knowledge about cTns metabolism consists of two parts. In this (first) part of the manuscript, the main stages of cTns metabolism are briefly described and the mechanisms of cTns release from MCs are considered in detail.

Biology of Cardiac Troponins: Emphasis on Metabolism

Understanding of the biology of endo- and exogenous molecules, in particular their metabolism, is not only of great theoretical importance, but also of high practical significance, since many molecules serve as drug targets or markers for the laboratory diagnostics of many human diseases. Thus, cardiac troponin (cTns) molecules have long been used as key markers for the confirmation of diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI), and with the introduction of contemporary (high sensitivity) test methods, many of our concepts related to the biology of these cardiac markers have changed significantly. In current clinical practice, there are opening new promising diagnostic capabilities of cTns, the understanding and justification of which is closely connected with the theoretical principles of the metabolism of these molecules. However, today, the biology and metabolism of cTns have not been properly investigated; in particular, we do not know the precise mechanisms of release of these molecules from the myocardial cells (MCs) of healthy people and the mechanisms of circulation, and the elimination of cTns from the bloodstream. The main purpose of this manuscript is to systematize information about the biology of cTns, with an emphasis on the metabolism of cTns. The format of this paper, starting with the release of cTns in the blood and concluding with the metabolism/filtration of troponins, provides a comprehensive yet logically easy way for the readers to approach our current knowledge in the framework of understanding the basic mechanisms by which cTns are produced and processed. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the current literature, the important role of biology and all stages of metabolism (release, circulation, removal) of cTns in laboratory diagnostics should be noted. It is necessary to continue studying the biology and metabolism of cTns, because this will improve the differential diagnosis of MI and i a new application of cTns immunoassays in current clinical practice.

Interpretation of Cardiac and Non-Cardiac Causes of Elevated Troponin T Levels in Non-Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients in the Emergency Department

The definition of myocardial infarction was updated in 2000 to include an elevation of cardiac troponin T or I (cTnT or xTnI) alongside clinical evidence of myocardial infarction. The redefinition was jointly done by the American College of Cardiology Committee and the European Society of Cardiology. Since then, cardiac troponin T and I have assumed the position as the primary biochemical markers for diagnosing myocardial infarction. The high sensitivity of cardiac troponin for myocardial necrosis influenced the decision to include cardiac troponins (cTn) in the diagnostic pathway. An elevated cTn level indicates the presence of myocardial injury. However, it does not give the underlying reason for the damage. Apart from acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a range of potential diseases feature troponin release, including heart failure, acute pulmonary embolism, end-stage renal disease, and myocarditis. However, regardless of the mechanism that triggers the release from cardiac myocytes, elevated cTnI and cTnT typically implies a poor prognosis. This review attempts to explain both the cardiac and non-cardiac causes of increased cTnT in emergency department patients.

Some Common Causes of False Positive Increases in Serum Levels of Cardiac Troponins

Cardiac troponin molecules (cTnI and cTnT) are the most valuable and in-demand biomarkers for detecting various types of myocardial damage (reversible and irreversible, ischemic, inflammatory, toxic, etc.) in current clinical practice. These biomarkers are widely used for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and risk stratification of patients suffering from a number of cardiac (such as myocarditis, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, etc.) and extra-cardiac diseases (such as sepsis, renal failure, pulmonary embolism, neurological pathologies, etc.) that negatively affect the cells of cardiac muscle tissue. However, in daily routine clinical activities, internists and cardiologists often encounter cases of false increases in the concentrations of cardiospecific troponins. A false increase in the concentration of troponins contributes to an incorrect diagnosis and incorrect therapy, which can harm the patient. A false increase in the concentration of troponins contributes to an incorrect diagnosis and incorrect therapy, which can harm the patient, therefore, internists and cardiologists should be well aware of the main reasons and mechanisms for false-positive results cTnI and cTnT. This review article mainly focuses on the causes of falsepositive increases in serum levels of cTnI and cTnT, which provide helpful clues for the accurate diagnosis of AMI and evidence for the differential diagnosis.

[Mechanisms of increase and diagnostic role of highly sensitive troponins in arterial hypertension]

Improvement in immunochemical methods for the determination of key biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction has led not only to an improvement in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, but also to a change in many of our ideas about the biology and diagnostic role of cardiac troponins. Modern (highly and ultrasensitive) laboratory methods for the determination of cardiac troponin molecules in human biological fluids are highly sensitive, which makes it possible to detect even the smallest damage to cardiomyocytes that occur at the early stages of many pathologies of cardiac (coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, etc.) and extracardiac etiology (renal failure, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and others), as well as under the influence of a number of physiological conditions, including the influence of physical exercises, psychoemotional stress, gender characteristics (higher levels of cardiac troponins in men, compared with women), age characteristics (an increase in the concentration of cardiac troponins with age) and circadian characterisics (prevalence of morning values of cardiac troponins concentration over evening ones). In this regard, the diagnostic capabilities of the use of highly sensitive cardiac troponins have been significantly expanded. One of the promising areas for the use of highly sensitive cardiac troponins includes the assessment of the risk of adverse cardiovascular events both in healthy patients and in patients with various risk factors for their development, one of which can be considered arterial hypertension. This article systematizes the results of clinical studies evaluating the diagnostic role of highly sensitive cardiac troponins in biological fluids (blood serum and urine) in hypertension and discusses in detail the mechanisms of increasing the levels of highly sensitive troponins in this pathological condition.

Elevation Mechanisms and Diagnostic Consideration of Cardiac Troponins under Conditions Not Associated with Myocardial Infarction. Part 2

This article proceeds with a discussion of the causes and mechanisms of an elevation in cardiac troponins in pathological conditions not associated with acute myocardial infarction. The second part of the article discusses the causes and mechanisms of cardiac troponins elevation in diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hereditary cardiomyopathies, cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia), acute aortic dissection, and diseases of the central nervous system (strokes, subarachnoidal hemorrhage). The final chapter of this article discusses in detail the false-positive causes and mechanisms of elevated cardiac troponins.

Cardiac Troponins Metabolism: From Biochemical Mechanisms to Clinical Practice (Literature Review)

The metabolic processes of endo- and exogenous compounds play an important role in diagnosing and treating patients since many metabolites are laboratory biomarkers and/or targets for therapeutic agents. Cardiac troponins are one of the most critical biomarkers to diagnose cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction. The study of troponin metabolism is of great interest as it opens up new possibilities for optimizing laboratory diagnostics. This article discusses in detail the key stages of the cardiac troponins metabolism, in particular the mechanisms of release from a healthy myocardium, mechanisms of circulation in the bloodstream, possible mechanisms of troponin penetration into other biological fluids (oral fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, pericardial and amniotic fluids), mechanisms of elimination of cardiac troponins from the blood, and daily changes in the levels of troponins in the blood. Considering these aspects of cardiac troponin metabolism, attention is focused on the potential value for clinical practice.

The Importance of Measuring Troponin in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Systematic Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many patients with acute exacerbations need intensive care. There are many cardiovascular risk factors and comorbid conditions linked with COPD. Troponin elevation is used for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. However, it is commonly elevated in patients with COPD. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and Scopus were searched for relevant articles. A total of 383 papers were identified. Out of the 383 papers, only 30 papers remained for final synthesis after removing duplicates, screening for relevant articles, and assessing eligibility criteria. After the quality appraisal, 11 papers were chosen for inclusion in this study. COPD is characterized by obstruction and inflammation of the airways. It is caused mainly by smoking, by causing harmful changes in the structure of the airways. It usually presents with dyspnea, cough, and/or production of sputum. Troponins are regulatory proteins found in the myocardium and skeletal muscles. The cause of its elevation in COPD and acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) remains unclear. However, several reasons and factors have been suggested. The most intriguing fact is that high troponin in COPD, especially in exacerbations, has been linked in many articles to a higher risk of death. Furthermore, it could serve as a tool for better assessment and management of COPD patients. We found that troponin predicts death and poor outcomes in COPD and AECOPD. The exact mechanism of its elevations is not clear. We believe it can be a valuable tool for clinicians in better managing COPD and assessing the severity of the exacerbations.

The Main Causes and Mechanisms of Increase in Cardiac Troponin Concentrations Other Than Acute Myocardial Infarction (Part 1): Physical Exertion, Inflammatory Heart Disease, Pulmonary Embolism, Renal Failure, Sepsis

The causes and mechanisms of increased cardiac troponin T and I (cTnT and cTnI) concentrations are numerous and are not limited to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (ischemic necrosis of cardiac myocytes). Any type of reversible or irreversible cardiomyocyte injury can result in elevated serum cTnT and cTnI levels. Researchers and practitioners involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including AMI, should know the key causes and mechanisms of elevated serum cTnT and cTnI levels. This will allow to reduce or completely avoid diagnostic errors and help to choose the most correct tactics for further patient management. The purpose of this article is to discuss the main causes and mechanisms of increase in cardiac troponins concentrations in frequently occurring physiological (physical exertion, psycho-emotional stress) and pathological conditions (inflammatory heart disease, pulmonary embolism, chronic renal failure and sepsis (systemic inflammatory response)) not related to myocardial infarction.

Clinical and Diagnostic Value of Highly Sensitive Cardiac Troponins in Arterial Hypertension

In modern laboratory diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), there is a clear tendency toward an increase in the sensitivity of methods for determining key CVD biomarkers, among which highly sensitive cardiac troponins (hs-Tn) deserve special attention. The introduction of the latter into clinical practice made it possible not only to improve the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction but also to open up a number of additional valuable opportunities for the use of hs-Tn, including the assessment of the risk of developing CVD in a healthy population, detection and monitoring of early myocardial injuries in the early stages of CVD development (for example, with ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension), with noncardiac pathologies (for example, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, stroke, cancer, etc), and diagnostics of CVD by using biological fluids that can be obtained by noninvasive methods. This article discusses in detail the diagnostic value of hs-Tn in serum and urine in cases of arterial hypertension. Also, the paper pays considerable attention to the consideration of the mechanisms underlying the increase in hs-Tn in serum and urine in cases of arterial hypertension.

Accuracy of high-sensitive troponin depending on renal function for clinical outcome prediction in patients with acute heart failure

High-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) is increasingly used for clinical outcome prediction in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the potential impact of renal function on the prognostic accuracy of hs-TnT in this setting. The aim of the present study was to assess the prognostic value of hs-TnT within 6 h of admission for the prediction of 30-day mortality depending on renal function in patients with AHF. Patients admitted to our institution due to AHF were retrospectively included. Clinical information was gathered from electronic and paper-based patient charts. Patients with myocardial infarction were excluded. A total of 971 patients were enrolled in the present study. A negative correlation between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hsTnT was identified (Pearson r = - 0.16; p < 0.001) and eGFR was the only variable to be independently associated with hsTnT. The area under the curve (AUC) of hs-TnT for the prediction of 30-mortality was significantly higher in patients with an eGFR ≥ 45 ml/min (AUC 0.74) compared to those with an eGFR < 45 ml/min (AUC 0.63; p = 0.049). Sensitivity and specificity of the Youden Index derived optimal cut-off for hs-TnT was higher in patients with an eGFR ≥ 45 ml/min (40 ng/l: sensitivity 73%, specificity 71%) compared to patients with an eGFR < 45 ml/min (55 ng/l: sensitivity 63%, specificity 62%). Prognostic accuracy of hs-TnT in patients hospitalized for AHF regarding 30-day mortality is significantly lower in patients with reduced renal function.

Past, Present, and Future of Blood Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction-Promises and Challenges

Despite important advancements in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management, it continues to represent a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Fast and reliable AMI diagnosis can significantly reduce mortality in this high-risk population. Diagnosis of AMI has relied on biomarker evaluation for more than 50 years. The upturn of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin testing provided extremely sensitive means to detect cardiac myocyte necrosis, but this increased sensitivity came at the cost of a decrease in diagnostic specificity. In addition, although cardiac troponins increase relatively early after the onset of AMI, they still leave a time gap between the onset of myocardial ischemia and our ability to detect it, thus precluding very early management of AMI. Newer biomarkers detected in processes such as inflammation, neurohormonal activation, or myocardial stress occur much earlier than myocyte necrosis and the diagnostic rise of cardiac troponins, allowing us to expand biomarker research in these areas. Increased understanding of the complex AMI pathophysiology has spurred the search of new biomarkers that could overcome these shortcomings, whereas multi-omic and multi-biomarker approaches promise to be game changers in AMI biomarker assessment. In this review, we discuss the evolution, current application, and emerging blood biomarkers for the diagnosis of AMI; we address their advantages and promises to improve patient care, as well as their challenges, limitations, and technical and diagnostic pitfalls. Questions that remain to be answered and hotspots for future research are also emphasized.

Causes of Death in Patients With Acute and Chronic Myocardial Injury

BACKGROUND

Information about causes of death in patients with myocardial injury is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore causes of death in patients with myocardial injury.

METHODS

In a cohort of 22,589 patients, 3853 patients with myocardial injury were identified and categorized into: type 1 myocardial infarction, type 2 myocardial infarction, and nonischemic acute and chronic myocardial injury. We included all 1466/3853 (38%) patients who died during follow-up (3.9 ± 2 years). We estimated rates and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for causes of death in the 4 categories of myocardial injury using patients without myocardial injury 819/17,932 (4.6%) who died as reference.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 2285 patients. The proportion of cardiovascular deaths was higher in patients with type 1 myocardial infarction (48%), acute (43%), and chronic (45%) myocardial injury and type 2 myocardial infarction (39%) compared with patients without myocardial injury (25%). Adjusted rates for cardiovascular death were similar in patients with myocardial injury. Type 1 myocardial infarction, acute, and chronic myocardial injury was associated with a 77% (OR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.29-2.41), 40% (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07-1.84), and 36% (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.76) higher risk of cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 1 myocardial infarction and acute or chronic myocardial injury have similar proportions and high risks for cardiovascular death. We believe that these findings stress the need for investigating patients without known heart diseases who present with nonischemic myocardial injury, or type 2 myocardial infarction.

The role of elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin on outcomes following severe blunt chest trauma

BACKGROUND

Blunt cardiac injuries (BCI) result in poor outcomes following chest trauma. Admission ECG and troponin levels are frequently obtained in patients with suspected BCI, nevertheless, the prognostic value of cardiac troponins remains controversial. The purpose of the current study was to review the prognostic value of elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in patients with severe blunt chest injuries. We hypothesized that elevated hs-cTnT result in poor outcomes in this subgroup of severe trauma patients.

METHODS

After IRB approval, all consecutive patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15 and chest Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≥3 admitted to the major trauma centers between 1/2015 and 6/2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes were in-hospital and one-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventilator days and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Overall, 147 patients were included. Mean age was 49.0 (19.1) years and 75% were male. Serum troponin levels on admission were accrued in 82 (56%) patients with elevated and normal hs-cTnT levels found in 54 (66%) and in 28 (34%) patients, respectively. Elevated hs-cTnT group had significantly higher ISS and lactate level, and lower systolic blood pressure on admission. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with elevated hs-cTnT levels compared to patients with normal hs-cTnT levels (26% vs. 4%, p = 0.02). Hs-cTnT level > 14 ng/L was significantly associated with extended ventilator days and lower GOS score at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

Blunt chest trauma victims with elevated hs-cTnT levels experience significantly poorer adjusted outcomes compared to patients with normal levels. Compliance with EAST practice management guidelines following severe blunt chest trauma was not fully complied in our study cohort that warrants prospective performance improvement measures.

Acute versus chronic myocardial injury and long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVE

There is a paucity of data regarding prognosis in patients with acute versus chronic myocardial injury for long-term outcomes. We hypothesised that patients with chronic myocardial injury have a similar long-term prognosis as patients with acute myocardial injury.

METHODS

In an observational cohort study of 22 589 patients who had high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) measured in the emergency department during 2011-2014, we identified all patients with level >14 ng/L and categorised them as acute myocardial injury, type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI), type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) or chronic myocardial injury through adjudication. We estimated adjusted HRs with 95% CIs for the primary outcome all-cause mortality and secondary outcomes MI, and heart failure in patients with acute myocardial injury, T1MI and T2MI compared with chronic myocardial injury.

RESULTS

In total, 3853 patients were included. During 3.9 (±2) years of follow-up, 48%, 24%, 44% and 49% of patients with acute myocardial injury, T1MI, T2MI and chronic myocardial injury died, respectively. Patients with acute myocardial injury had higher adjusted risks of death (1.21, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.36) and heart failure (1.24, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.43), but a similar risk for myocardial infarction (MI) compared with the reference group. Patients with T1MI had a lower adjusted risk of death (0.86, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.00) and higher risk of MI (2.09, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.68), but a similar risk of heart failure. Patients with T2MI had a higher adjusted risk of death (1.46, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.80) and heart failure (1.30, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.69) compared with patients with chronic myocardial injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Absolute long-term risks for death are similar, and adjusted risks are slightly higher, among patients with acute myocardial injury and T2MI, respectively, compared with chronic myocardial injury. The lowest risk of long-term mortality was found in patients with T1MI. Both acute and chronic myocardial injury are associated with very high risks of adverse outcomes.

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Zusammenfassung. Verbessertes Verständnis der menschlichen Physiologie und technische Fortschritte haben zu einer breiten Verwendung von Labordiagnostik in der klinischen Aufarbeitung eines Patienten geführt. Diese Entwicklungen gingen jedoch mit der Verbreitung von falschen Mythen und Missverständnissen einher, die humane und ökonomische Ressourcen konsumieren sowie das klinische Denken und – nicht zuletzt – den Patienten gefährden. Das Ziel dieses Artikels ist es daher, eine Übersicht über typische Beispiele von falschen Dogmen über in der Notfallmedizin häufig verwendete Laborwerte zu geben.

Acute kidney injury induces high-sensitivity troponin measurement changes after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The value of cardiac troponin as a risk assessment tool for cardiac disease in the setting of end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) is not equivalent to its value in those with normal renal function. This consideration had not been studied in settings of acute kidney injury (AKI). We aim to explore the diagnostic value of high sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) in the settings of cardiac surgery-induced AKI.

METHODS

Single center observational retrospective study. Based on the AKI Network, patients divided into 2 groups, group I without AKI (259 patients) and group II with AKI (100 patients) where serial testing of hsTnT and creatine kinase (CK)-MB were followed in both groups. Patients with (ESRD) were excluded.

RESULTS

The mean age in our study was 55.1 ± 10.2 years. High association of AKI (27.8%) was found in our patients. Both groups were matched regarding the age, gender, body mass index, the association of diabetes or hypertension, and Euro score. AKI group had significantly higher mortality 5% vs group I 1.1% (p = 0.03). The hsTnt showed a significant sustained rise in the AKI group as compared to the non-AKI group, however CK-MB changes were significant initially but not sustained. The AKI group was more associated with heart failure 17.9% vs 4.9% (p = 0.001); and post-operative atrial fibrillation, 12.4% vs 2.9% (p = 0.005). Lengths of ventilation, stays in ICU and in hospital were significantly higher in the AKI group.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike the CK-MB profile, the hsTnT showed significant changes between both groups all over the course denoting possible delayed clearance in patients with AKI.

Cardiac Troponin I is Increased in Patients with Polytrauma and Chest or Head Trauma. Results of A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Background

We performed a retrospective case-control study to assess the values of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a large number of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with different types of trauma.

Methods

The study population consisted of all patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the local ED with all types of traumas over a 1-year period. Results of cTnI were compared with those of 125 consecutive blood donors and 25 non-cardiac chest pain ED patients.

Results

The final study population consisted of 380 trauma patients, 10 with isolated abdominal trauma, 99 with isolated trauma of the limbs, 49 with isolated chest trauma, 145 with isolated head trauma and 77 with polytrauma. The concentration of cTnI did not differ among the three study populations, but the frequency of measurable values was substantially higher in patients with trauma (63%) than in blood donors and non-cardiac chest pain ED patients (both 20%). The frequency of cTnI values above the 99^th percentile of the reference range was significantly higher in trauma patients (20%) than in blood donors (0%) and noncardiac chest pain ED patients (8%). Increased cTnI values were more frequent after head trauma (21%), chest trauma (27%) and polytrauma (29%) compared to patients with abdominal (0%) or limbs trauma (8%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the measurement of cardiac troponin may be advisable to identify potential cardiac involvement in trauma patients, especially in those with polytrauma and head or chest trauma.

Prognostic Impact of Myocardial Injury Related to Various Cardiac and Noncardiac Conditions

BACKGROUND

Elevated cardiac troponins in clinical conditions other than myocardial infarction are well known. For such occurrences, the term "myocardial injury" has been proposed. The long-term outcome in patients with myocardial injury related to various cardiac and noncardiac clinical disorders is unknown.

METHODS

During January 2010 to January 2011, we prospectively studied hospitalized patients who had cardiac troponin I measured on clinical indication. Patients with cardiac troponin I values >30 ng/L and no evidence of myocardial ischemia were diagnosed as having myocardial injury. Patients were classified into 5 categories of plausible related conditions: cardiac ischemic, cardiac nonischemic, noncardiac, multifactorial, or indeterminate. Follow-up was a minimum of 3 years, with all-cause mortality as the single end-point.

RESULTS

A total of 3762 patients were considered, of whom 1089 (29%) had myocardial injury. The most common associated conditions were noncardiac (n = 346) or multifactorial (n = 359). Cardiac ischemic (n = 183) and cardiac nonischemic (n = 134) conditions occurred less frequently. After a median of 3.2 years, 645 patients (59%) had died. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed no difference in mortality between patients with cardiac ischemic and cardiac nonischemic conditions (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-1.13; P = .2). Patients with noncardiac or multifactorial disorders, however, had significantly higher mortality than those with associated cardiac ischemic conditions (HR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06-1.80; P = .02, and HR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.50-2.51; P <.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with myocardial injury, the most common associated conditions were noncardiac or multifactorial. Of notice, these patients had significantly higher long-term mortality when compared with those with associated cardiac conditions.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Myocardial Infarction, Myocardial Injury, and Nonelevated Troponins

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponins have emerged as the preferred biomarkers for detecting myocardial necrosis and diagnosing myocardial infarction. However, current cardiac troponin assays do not discriminate between ischemic and nonischemic causes of myocardial cell death. Thus, when an increased troponin value is encountered in the absence of obvious myocardial ischemia, a careful search for other clinical conditions is crucial.

METHODS

In 2010 to 2011, we prospectively studied hospitalized patients who had cardiac troponin I measured on clinical indication. An acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed in cases of a cardiac troponin I increase or decrease pattern with at least 1 value >30 ng/L (99th percentile) together with myocardial ischemia. Myocardial injury was defined as cardiac troponin I values >30 ng/L, but without signs or symptoms indicating overt cardiac ischemia. Patients with peak values ≤30 ng/L were classified as nonelevated cardiac troponin I. Follow-up was at least 3 years with all-cause mortality as the sole clinical end point.

RESULTS

A total of 3762 patients were included. Of these, 488 (13%) had acute myocardial infarction, 1089 (29%) had myocardial injury, and 2185 (58%) had nonelevated cardiac troponin I values. Patients with myocardial injury frequently presented with dyspnea, were older, and had more comorbidity than patients in the 2 other groups. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, 1342 patients died. Mortality differed significantly between groups: 39% in those with myocardial infarction, 59% in those with myocardial injury, and 23% in those with nonelevated cardiac troponin I (log-rank test; P < .0001). No significant difference in mortality between patients with type 2 myocardial infarction and patients with myocardial injury was observed (63% and 59%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with myocardial injury are older and have more comorbidity than those with acute myocardial infarction. Both groups exhibit a poorer prognosis than patients with nonelevated cardiac troponin I values. Of note, a very high long-term mortality is observed in patients with type 2 myocardial infarction and patients with myocardial injury.

Elevated high-sensitive troponin T on admission is an indicator of poor long-term outcome in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) frequently develop cardiac complications in the acute phase after the bleeding. Although a number of studies have shown that increased levels of cardiac biomarkers after SAH are associated with a worse short-term prognosis, no prospective, consecutive study has assessed the association between biomarker release and long-term outcome. We aimed to evaluate whether the cardiac biomarkers, high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), were associated with poor 1-year neurological outcome and cerebral infarction due to delayed cerebral ischaemia (CI-DCI).

METHODS

In this single-centre prospective observational study, all consecutive patients admitted to our neurointensive care unit from January 2012 to December 2013 with suspected/verified SAH with an onset of symptoms <72 hours were enrolled. Blood samples for hsTnT and NTproBNP were collected during three consecutive days following admission. Patients were followed-up after 1 year using the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE). Poor neurological outcome was defined as GOSE ≤ 4.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy seven patients with suspected SAH were admitted during the study period; 143 fulfilled inclusion criteria and 126 fulfilled follow-up. Forty-one patients had poor 1-year outcome and 18 had CI-DCI. Levels of hsTnT and NTproBNP were higher in patients with poor outcome and CI-DCI. In multivariable logistic regression modelling age, poor neurological admission status, cerebral infarction of any cause and peak hsTnT were independently associated with poor late outcome. Both peak hsTnT and peak NTproBNP were independently associated with CI-DCI.

CONCLUSION

Increased serum levels of the myocardial damage biomarker hsTnT, when measured early after onset of SAH, are independently associated with poor 1-year outcome. Furthermore, release of both hsTnT and NTproBNP are independently associated with CI-DCI. These findings render further support to the notion that troponin release after SAH is an ominous finding. Future studies should evaluate whether there is a causal relationship between early release of biomarkers of myocardial injury after SAH and neurological sequelae.

Mortality at 30 and 90 days in elderly patients with pulmonary embolism: a retrospective cohort study

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) incidence increases with age. Data on mortality and prognosis in elderly patients with suspected PE are lacking. (1) To assess 30- and 90-day mortality in subjects with PE from an elderly population seen in the emergency department (ED); (2) to test the prognostic accuracy of a simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) coupled to a highly sensitive cardiac Troponin T (hs-cTnT) level. A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients evaluated in the ED of Vimercate Hospital for clinically suspected PE from 2010 to 2012. Study population: n = 470, 63.4% women, mean age ± SD 73.06 ± 16.0 years, 40% aged ≥80 and 77.7% ≥65 years old, confirmed PE: 22.6% (106 cases). Within 30 and 90 days, mortality among patients with confirmed PE was 14.2% (8.8-22.0) and 20.8% (16.5-41.7). In subjects aged ≥80 years, 30-day mortality was 18.9% among patients with confirmed PE, and 12.6% among those with PE excluded (p = 0.317). Ninety-day mortality rates were 29.7 and 19.9%, respectively (p = 0.193). In patients with confirmed PE, Negative Predictive Value of sPESI was 94.1% (80.3-99.3) for 30 days and 88.2% (72.3-96.7) for 90-day mortality. Adding the hs-cTnT level to sPESI did not improve its performance. (1) In an elderly population referring to the ED with clinically suspected PE, mortality was high both in subjects with and without confirmed PE; (2) the ability of sPESI and hs-cTnT to predict PE mortality seems to be lower than reported in studies based on data from younger populations. Better risk stratification tools will be necessary to improve clinical management in this setting.

C-reactive protein, not cardiac troponin T, improves risk prediction in hypertensives with type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate prognostic role of inflammatory biomarkers, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and D-dimer in type A acute aortic dissection (AAD) and to examine whether they might help in risk stratification beyond values of International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) score.

METHODS

Baseline biomarkers were determined in 54 consecutive predominantly hypertensive patients with type A AAD and evaluated for in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

After multivariable adjustment, the independent predictors of outcome were age (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.18), treatment strategy (OR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02-0.06) and C-reactive protein (CRP) either as binary (OR = 7.06; 95% CI 1.34-37.36) or continuous variable (OR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.21). cTnT did not independently influence mortality. Receiver- operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed significant link between CRP and outcome (area under the ROC curve, AUC = 0.79; p < 0.01). Values of CRP > 9.8 mg/l had 83% sensitivity and 80% specificity for predicting in-hospital mortality. Addition of CRP to IRAD score improved prediction of short-term outcome, AUC increased from 0.74 to 0.89 (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Admission CRP has independent prognostic value in type A AAD and the addition of CRP to IRAD score improved discriminative capacity of in-hospital mortality irrespective of symptom duration and treatment strategy.