Prognostic Significance of Coronary Thrombus in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndromes

Impact of triglyceride-glucose index on intracoronary thrombus burden in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to investigate the relationship between triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 468 consecutive patients who were admitted with STEMI and underwent primary PCI were included in the study. TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. According to the angiographic reclassified thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grade, patients were divided into two groups as small thrombus burden (STB) with TIMI thrombus grade 0-3, and large thrombus burden (LTB) with TIMI thrombus grade 4-5. TyG index was significantly higher in the LTB group than in the STB group (9.11 ± 0.86 vs 8.89 ± 0.62; p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, TyG index was found to be an independent predictor of LTB in STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI [OR (95 % CI): 1.470 (1.090-1.982), p = 0.012]. The area under the curve (AUC) of TyG index predicting LTB was 0.568 (95 % CI 0.506-0.631; p = 0.023), with the best cut-off value of 8.87. In the classification according to TyG index cut-off value, the frequency of LTB was found to be significantly higher in the high TyG index group than in the low TyG index group (33.6 % vs 21.2 %; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

TyG index, a valid surrogate marker of insulin resistance, is an independent predictor of LTB in STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI and can be used as an indicator of increased intracoronary thrombus burden.

The predictive value of MAPH score for determining thrombus burden in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

A high thrombus burden has been connected with poor clinical events in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In patients with STEMI, a high MAPH score has been associated with a large thrombus burden. However, the predictive value of the MAPH score in determining the thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI is unclear. The present report aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the MAPH score in the estimating coronary thrombus burden in NSTEMI patients. The study patients were split into two groups according to their thrombus grade. The low shear rate (LSR) and high shear rate (HSR) were estimated by haematocrit levels and serum total protein levels. The MAPH score was calculated by adding mean platelet volume (MPV) levels and age, in addition to total protein and haematocrit.

Results

The patients with a high thrombus burden (HTB) had a higher LSR, higher HSR and higher MAPH score compared to patients with low thrombus burden. MAPH score was found to be an independent predictors of HTB in Model 1 (OR: 1.124, 95% CI: 1.011–1.536; p = 0.039) and Model 2 (OR: 1.236; 95% CI: 1.002–1.525; p = 0.047). The cut-off value of the MAPH score for predicting HTB was 2 based on the Youden index.

Conclusions

The MAPH score, which calculated by adding MPV levels and age, in addition to total protein and haematocrit, is a novel, easily accessible score. The MAPH score at both LSR and HSR was an independent predictor of HTB.

The association of PRECISE-DAPT score with thrombus burden in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The presence of intracoronary thrombus is associated with adverse events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). PRECISE-DAPT score is used to detect the bleeding risk in STEMI patients who are on dual antiplatelet therapy. Recently, the PRECISE-DAPT score was shown to be related to cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate the association of PRECISE-DAPT score with thrombus burden in patients with STEMI.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis with 204 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention was conducted in this study. Thrombus burden grade and PRECISE-DAPT score were calculated for each subject. Patients were divided into two groups as high thrombus burden (HTB) (grade 4, 5) and low thrombus burden (LTB) (grade 1, 2 and 3) based on thrombus burden grade. The PRECISE-DAPT scores were compared between thrombus burden groups.

RESULTS

The mean age in HTB (N = 136) was 63.7 (11.3), and 64.7% were male. HTB had a higher PRECISE-DAPT score than LTB (p < .0001). PRECISE-DAPT score, baseline troponin I levels, ejection fraction, and pain to balloon time were independent predictors of HTB.

CONCLUSIONS

PRECISE-DAPT score was an independent predictor of HTB in patients with STEMI.

Predictive accuracy of CHA2DS2-VASc score in determining the high thrombus burden in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The presence of intracoronary thrombus is associated with increased ischaemic complications in patients with NSTEMI. High thrombus burden is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events, stent thrombosis and no reflow in patients with STEMI. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score predicts thrombus burden in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the association between CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and high thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score for a high pre-procedural intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 251 patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI during their hospitalisation at our tertiary referral centre.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 251 patients was 57.7 ± 10.9 years. Our patients were predominantly male (79%). There were 57 patients (22.7%) in the high-thrombus burden group, and 194 patients (77.2%) in the low-thrombus burden group. Higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, increased baseline serum CRP level, lower serum albumin level and decreased lymphocyte counts were found to be independently correlated with the high intracoronary thrombus burden in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed the cut-off value of CHA2DS2-VASc score >2 as a predictor of high thrombus burden with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 61%.

CONCLUSIONS

CHA₂DS₂-VASc score can be used as a simple and reliable tool to predict high thrombus burden in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI.

Association of stress hyperglycemia ratio with intracoronary thrombus burden in diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Large intracoronary thrombus burden is not rare during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Stress hyperglycemia is independently associated with poor prognosis. However, the underlying relationship between stress hyperglycemia and thrombus burden remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the association of stress hyperglycemia, evaluated by the combination of acute and chronic glycemic levels, with intracoronary thrombus burden in diabetic patients with STEMI.

Methods

We enrolled 227 consecutive diabetic patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI within 12 hours after symptom onset. Stress hyperglycemia was estimated using the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), which was calculated as admission glycemia divided by estimated average glucose derived from glycosylated hemoglobin. Based on reclassified angiographic thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grades, patients were divided into small thrombus burden (STB) group (TIMI thrombus grades <4) and large thrombus burden (LTB) group (TIMI thrombus grades 4 or 5).

Results

Of the entire study population, 77 (33.9%) patients were categorized as LTB group, whereas 150 (66.1%) patients presented with STB. The mean age was 64.1 years, and 80.6% of the patients were male. The SHR levels were significantly higher in patients with LTB than in those with STB [1.31; interquartile range (IQR): 1.13–1.48 versus 1.11; IQR: 0.96–1.32; P<0.001]. The predictive performance of SHR for LTB was moderate (area under the curve: 0.669; 95% confidence interval: 0.604–0.730; P<0.001), with the best cut-off value 1.19 (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 64.7%). The incidence of LTB with SHR ≥1.19 was significantly higher compared with SHR <1.19 (50.9% versus 18.5%; P<0.001). Based on the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the high SHR (≥1.19) was found to be an independent predictor of LTB following adjustment for baseline clinical confounders.

Conclusions

A high SHR value was independently associated with large thrombus burden and has a better predictive value than glycemia at admission in diabetic patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Stress hyperglycemia may play an important role on the intracoronary thrombus formation.

Cholesterol Subfraction Analysis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

There is a close relationship between lipid metabolism disorders and atherosclerosis. Guidelines focus on lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. However, it should be kept in mind that LDL and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) consist of subfractions which can affect the progression of atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the concentration of LDL and HDL subfractions in patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). The influence of the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus on LDL and HDL subfractions was also analyzed.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 127 patients (62 men, 65 women) with ACS. All patients had coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty and stenting when necessary. Medical history was collected during 12 months of follow-up. HDL and LDL subfraction distribution was measured using Lipoprint (Quantimetrix).

RESULTS

No differences in LDL nor HDL subfractions were observed between ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) patients. However, those with restenosis and the necessity of repeated revascularization had higher levels of intermediate-density lipoprotein C (IDL-C) (p=0.055) and LDL3 (p=0.048) as compared with the patients without, while the level of IDL A (IDLA) was lower than in the latter group (p=0.036). In diabetic patients, the percentage share of HDL10 and small-dense HDL was significantly higher while the share of HDL1 (small-dense) (p=0.028), HDL4 (intermediate density) (p=0.052) and HDL5 (intermediate density) (p=0.060) were lower than in patients without DM.

CONCLUSION

Patients with multi-vessel CAD disease had higher levels of LDL3 subfraction and IDL-C and a lower proportion of IDLA.

Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Thrombus Burden in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Increased coronary thrombus burden is known to be a strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) can be used as a surrogate marker of pro-inflammation which is closely related to prothrombotic state. We aimed to evaluate the association between CAR and coronary thrombus burden in patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients who presented with ACS and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups as high thrombus burden and low thrombus burden. The study population included 347 patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (169 [48.7%]) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (178 [51.3%]). The CAR was significantly higher in patients with higher thrombus burden (24.4 [1.2-30.2] vs 31.9 [2.2-31.3], P < .001). Independent predictors for increased thrombus burden were higher CRP level (odds ratio [OR]: 0.047; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.004-0.486; P = .010), lower serum albumin level (OR: 0.057; 95% CI: 0.033-0.990; P = .049), higher CAR (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03-1.23; P = .008), higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.05-1.31; P = .004), and baseline troponin I level (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.13; P = .017). Novel CAR can be used as a reliable marker for increased coronary thrombus burden that is associated with adverse CV outcomes.

Stentless strategy in primary PCI setting: An alternative strategy in some clinical scenarios?

We described a case of successful stentless percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow in the right coronary artery (RCA) with diffuse large thrombus, and an algorithm of PCI strategy for the cases with similar clinical scenarios in the current PCI era. Theoretically, stentless PCI might be superior to PCI using a stent since it may prevent long-term issues of dual antiplatelet therapy, stent fracture, and stent thrombosis. In particular acute coronary syndrome with diffuse large thrombus in the RCA will make multiple stenting necessary which may be associated with worse outcomes due to distal coronary flow disorder. We present a case that illustrates that stentless PCI is successful in this scenario. Further research in this field is warranted.

Thrombus aspiration in acute coronary syndromes: prevalence, procedural success, change in serial troponin T levels and clinical outcomes in a contemporary Swiss cohort

Background:

Randomised controlled trials have provided conflicting results regarding procedural and clinical outcomes of thrombus aspiration combined with percutaneous coronary intervention, when compared with primary percutaneous coronary intervention alone in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Methods:

Acute coronary syndrome patients referred for coronary angiography to four Swiss university hospitals between 2009 and 2012 were enrolled in the SPUM–ACS cohort. At the discretion of the interventional cardiologist, patients underwent thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention or percutaneous coronary intervention alone. Procedural success was defined as post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III flow in the infarct-related artery. Serial changes in high-sensitivity troponin T (ΔhsTnT) and adjudicated 30 days (1 year) clinical events defined as the composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction or clinically indicated coronary revascularisation were assessed.

Results:

Among 1641 patients, 777 (47.4%) had angiographic evidence of coronary thrombus. Patients were categorised into thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention ( n=663) or percutaneous coronary intervention alone ( n=114). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients more often received thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention (87.8%) than non-STEMI patients (73.5%), P<0.001. Procedural success was not different in thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention compared with percutaneous coronary intervention alone (93.8% vs. 90.7%, P=0.243). ΔhsTnT was similar in STEMI patients (3.09±4.52 vs. 2.19±4.92 µg/l, P=0.086) as was clinical outcome in the entire cohort at 30 days (2.9% vs. 3.6%, P=0.76) and 1 year (7.2% vs. 5.3%, P=0.55) regardless of whether thrombus aspiration was used during primary percutaneous coronary intervention or not.

Conclusions:

In this real-world acute coronary syndrome cohort, patients treated by thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention showed no difference in the restoration of coronary blood flow compared with percutaneous coronary intervention alone immediately after the procedure. Furthermore, ΔhsTnT and clinical outcomes at either 30 days or 1 year were similar between thrombus aspiration with percutaneous coronary intervention or percutaneous coronary intervention alone.

Clinical Trials Registration:

SPUM–ACS cohort NCT01000701

Predictors of No-Reflow Phenomenon in Young Patients With Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

No-reflow is of prognostic value in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but has not been extensively investigated in young patients. Young patients with STEMI admitted within 12 hours from symptom onset and treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were recruited. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on postintervention thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade; no-reflow: TIMI flow grade 0, 1 or 2 (group 1; n = 27; 21 men, mean age: 42 ± 4 years); and angiographic success: TIMI flow grade 3 (group 2; n = 118; 110 men, mean age: 43 ± 4 years). Adjusted odds ratios were 13.79 for female gender ( P < .001; confidence interval [CI] = 1.88-101.26), 2.09 for pain to balloon time ( P < .017; CI = 1.14-3.812), 12.29 for high TIMI thrombus grade ( P = .012; CI = 1.74-86.94), 0.04 for tirofiban use ( P < .001; CI = 0.01-0.22), 5.19 for mean platelet volume (MPV; P < .001; CI = 2.44-11.01), and 1.008 for platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR; P = .034; CI = 1.001-1.016). In conclusion, female gender, pain to balloon time, high TIMI thrombus grade, tirofiban, MPV, and PLR were independent predictors of no-reflow in young patients with STEMI after pPCI.

The Relation Between No-Reflow Phenomenon and Complete Blood Count Parameters

The no-reflow (NR) phenomenon represents an acute reduction in coronary blood flow without coronary vessel obstruction, coronary vessel dissection, spasm, or thrombosis. No reflow is an important complication among patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most frequently ordered laboratory tests in clinical practice. Various studies have evaluated the performance of CBC parameters to predict disease severity and mortality risk. Automated cell counters are routinely available in many clinical laboratories and can be used to determine red blood cell distrubiton width (RDW), platetecrit, platelet count, and and some ratios like the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and RDW-platelet ratio. These hematological markers have been reported to be independent predictors of impaired angiographic reperfusion and long-term mortality among patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI. In this context, we reviewed the role of admission CBC parameters for the prediction of NR in patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI.

Effect of Smoking Status on Clinical Outcome and Efficacy of Clopidogrel in Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The "smoker's paradox" is an otherwise unexplained phenomenon in which the mortality of smokers after acute myocardial infarction is reduced, contrary to expectations. It has been suggested that an association with antiplatelet agents exists, but the true mechanism remains largely unidentified.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The analysis included 6,195 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome, registered in the Japanese multicenter PCI registry. Smokers were significantly younger and had less comorbidity than non-smokers. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality rate, general complication rate, and bleeding complication rate were lower in smokers than in non-smokers. After adjustment, the trend persisted and smoking was not associated with overall mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-1.34; P=0.62), and was associated with lower overall (P=0.032) and bleeding complication events (P=0.040). Clopidogrel effectively reduced the occurrence of in-hospital complications and major adverse cardiac events in smokers compared with non-smokers (OR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.53-0.98 vs. OR, 1.20; 95% CI: 0.87-1.67; and OR, 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20-0.70 vs. OR, 1.48; 95% CI: 0.90-2.43, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The smoker's paradox was largely explained by confounding factors related to the lower risk profile of smokers, and they benefited from a positive modification of the efficacy of clopidogrel. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1590-1599).

Angiographic characteristics of definite stent thrombosis: role of thrombus grade, collaterals, epicardial coronary flow, and myocardial perfusion

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the prevalence of thrombus burden, collateral vessels to the infarct-related artery, epicardial coronary artery flow, and myocardial perfusion in patients with angiographically confirmed definite stent thrombosis (ST), and to define their relationship with associated treatments and outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Angiographic characteristics of ST are not well defined.

METHODS

All cases of angiographically determined ST at five academic hospitals from 2005 to 2012 were reviewed. Demographic, procedural, and angiographic characteristics were recorded. In-hospital and 1-year follow-up data were obtained.

RESULTS

Among 205 cases of angiographic definite ST (60 ± 8 years; 87% male), the majority presented with late/very late ST (69%) and STEMI (66%). High-risk angiographic findings at presentation included thrombus grade 4-5 (87%), absence of collateral vessels (76%), and reduced initial TIMI 3 flow (90%). Final TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 90% of patients and was associated with greater use of aspiration thrombectomy (60% vs. 25%; P = 0.003), glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (80% vs. 30%, P < 0.001), and repeat stenting (67% vs. 10%, P < 0.001). A final myocardial perfusion grade of 2-3 was achieved in 79% of patients and was associated with greater use of aspiration thrombectomy (61% vs. 36%, P = 0.003). After multivariable logistic regression, aspiration thrombectomy (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.2) and implantation of a new stent (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.3) were associated with optimal combined epicardial flow and myocardial perfusion. At 1-year follow-up, significantly lower risk of repeat ST (HR 0.1; 95% CI 0.1,0.2; P < 0.001) among patients with initial TIMI 3 flow at index ST was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of ST patients present with late/very late ST with high thrombus burden and STEMI. Presence of collateral vessels and low thrombus burden is cardioprotective, while reduced initial TIMI flow is associated with larger infarct size and recurrent ST. Aspiration thrombectomy and repeat stenting are associated with improved epicardial coronary artery flow and myocardial perfusion among patients treated for ST. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.