Incidence and Clinical Impact of Stroke Complicating Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Timing of percutaneous coronary intervention and risk of new-onset acute ischemic stroke in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction: A retrospective cohort study insight into the National Inpatient Sample Database (2016-2019)

Background and Aims

For patients with high-risk non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), current guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy within 24 h. New-onset acute ischemic stroke (NAIS) is a rare but fatal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the effect of the timing of PCI and the risk of NAIS in NSTEMI is poorly defined.

Methods

Patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI were queried from the National Inpatient Sample Database (2016-2019) and stratified into three groups: early (<24 h), medium (24-72 h), and late (>72 h) PCI. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between timing of PCI and NAIS.

Results

Among 633,115 weighted hospitalizations, patients in the late PCI group had a higher incidence of NAIS (1.3%) than those in the early (0.67%) and medium (0.71%) PCI groups. Patients undergoing late PCI were older, more likely to be female, and had a greater incidence of comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary and renal illness, and atrial fibrillation) than those undergoing early or medium PCI. After adjustment, only late PCI was significantly associated with a 54% increased NAIS risk (adjusted odds ratio: 1.54 [95% confidence interval: 1.29-1.84]). Additionally, there was heterogeneity in the magnitude of risk by age and sex. Younger people (<65 years) (p for interaction <0.001) and men (interaction-value p = 0.040) were more likely to encounter NAIS.

Conclusion

Late PCI was associated with a higher risk of NAIS than early PCI, particularly among men and those aged <65 years.

Hemostatic Profiles of Patients Who Underwent Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Guidelines for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) antithrombotic prophylaxis are extrapolated predominantly from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) data. Here, we examined temporal coagulation changes occurring in the early perioperative period to determine the pathobiologic validity of this supposition. This was a prospective observational study of consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR (n = 27), PCI (n = 12), or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) requiring cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping (n = 12). Blood samples were taken at 4 time points: T1 (baseline), after general anesthesia or sedation; T2, after heparin administration; T3, at the end of the procedure; and T4, 6 hours after the procedure. The samples were assessed concurrently using standard laboratory coagulation tests and viscoelastic tests of whole blood clotting, including the latest generation thromboelastometry (ROTEM sigma) and thromboelastometry (TEG 6s). Patients in the TAVR cohort were older and a had lower baseline hemoglobin level than patients in the PCI and SAVR cohorts. The baseline platelet function was similar between the TAVR and PCI cohorts and impaired in the SAVR cohort Figure S1. The baseline hemostatic measures were comparable among cohorts. Regarding the per-patient change from baseline, the TAVR cohort showed an overall more prothrombotic state than the other cohorts, with the most marked differences from the SAVR cohort after intraoperative heparin administration and from the PCI cohorts 6 hours after the procedure. In addition, the ROTEM and TEG parameters were well correlated but not interchangeable. In conclusion, patients who underwent TAVR have a more prothrombotic hemostatic profile than PCI and SAVR patients. These findings question the current guidelines that extrapolate antithrombotic regimens from PCI to TAVR settings.

Computed Tomography Cardiac Angiography Before Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With Previous Bypass Surgery: The BYPASS-CTCA Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting often require invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, for these patients, the procedure is technically more challenging and has a higher risk of complications. Observational studies suggest that computed tomography cardiac angiography (CTCA) may facilitate ICA in this group, but this has not been tested in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

This study was a single-center, open-label randomized controlled trial assessing the benefit of adjunctive CTCA in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting referred for ICA. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo CTCA before ICA or ICA alone. The co-primary end points were procedural duration of the ICA (defined as the interval between local anesthesia administration for obtaining vascular access and removal of the last catheter), patient satisfaction after ICA using a validated questionnaire, and the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy. Linear regression was used for procedural duration and patient satisfaction score; contrast-induced nephropathy was analyzed using logistic regression. We applied the Bonferroni correction, with P<0.017 considered significant and 98.33% CIs presented. Secondary end points included incidence of procedural complications and 1-year major adverse cardiac events.

RESULTS

Over 3 years, 688 patients were randomized with a median follow-up of 1.0 years. The mean age was 69.8±10.4 years, 108 (15.7%) were women, 402 (58.4%) were White, and there was a high burden of comorbidity (85.3% hypertension and 53.8% diabetes). The median time from coronary artery bypass grafting to angiography was 12.0 years, and there were a median of 3 (interquartile range, 2 to 3) grafts per participant. Procedure duration of the ICA was significantly shorter in the CTCA+ICA group (CTCA+ICA, 18.6±9.5 minutes versus ICA alone, 39.5±16.9 minutes [98.33% CI, -23.5 to -18.4]; P<0.001), alongside improved mean ICA satisfaction scores (1=very good to 5=very poor; -1.1 difference [98.33% CI, -1.2 to -0.9]; P<0.001), and reduced incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (3.4% versus 27.9%; odds ratio, 0.09 [98.33% CI, 0.04-0.2]; P<0.001). Procedural complications (2.3% versus 10.8%; odds ratio, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.1-0.4]; P<0.001) and 1-year major adverse cardiac events (16.0% versus 29.4%; hazard ratio, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.3-0.6]; P<0.001) were also lower in the CTCA+ICA group.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting, CTCA before ICA leads to reductions in procedure time and contrast-induced nephropathy, with improved patient satisfaction. CTCA before ICA should be considered in this group of patients.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT03736018.

Intracranial Hemorrhage in Hospitalized Patients Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Large Cohort Analysis from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

There are several reports on the prevalence and characteristics of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which is a rare but severe complication with high mortality. However, the clinical landscapes of computed tomography (CT)-confirmed, symptomatic ICH in hospitalized patients are not fully characterized.

METHODS

Among 121,066 patients receiving PCI treatment in the Fu Wai Hospital between 2013 and 2022, there were 18 CT-defined, symptomatic patients with ICH occurring during post-PCI hospitalization. Symptomatic ICH was defined as clinical suspicion of hemorrhage and/or new focal neurological signs. We analyzed ICH timing, clinical and imaging features, and subsequent outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, in this retrospective analysis, the incidence of CT-defined, symptomatic ICH was 0.015% (18/121,066). More than half of the cases (55.6%) occurred within the first 12 h following PCI. The most common initial manifestation of ICH patients was disturbance of consciousness. Thirteen patients (72.2%) had a hematoma volume ≥ 30 cm³. Additionally, the ICH was observed in the cerebral lobe (66.7%), cerebellum (22.2%), and the basal ganglia and thalamus (11.1%). The 90-day mortality of ICH patients undergoing PCI was very high (72.2%). Consciousness disturbance (p = 0.036), intracerebral hemorrhage volume > 30 mm³ (p = 0.001), and intracerebral hemorrhage originating from the infratentorial origin (p = 0.044) were significantly higher in patients who died.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic ICH events occur with a rate of around 0.015%, with significantly higher short-term mortality risk in our cohort receiving PCI, which has not yet been demonstrated in other cohorts.

Transcatheter arterial embolization of the subclavian and axillary artery branches for hemorrhage control

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries for hemorrhage control.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and June 2022, 35 TAE procedures were performed for hemorrhage from the branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries in 34 patients (22 men, 12 women; 1 male underwent TAE twice; mean age = 76 years). Pre-TAE CT showed hematomas in the chest (n = 25) and abdominal walls (n = 3), shoulder (n = 2), and lower neck (n = 2). CT showed hemothorax in eight cases. Angiographic findings, embolization technique, and technical and clinical success of TAE were retrospectively assessed in all cases.

RESULTS

TAE was performed by transfemoral (n = 16), transradial (n = 12), and transbrachial (n = 7) approaches. Angiography revealed contrast media extravasation or pseudoaneurysms in 32 cases (91.4%). The most commonly embolized arteries were the internal thoracic (n = 12), lateral thoracic (n = 6), and thoracoacromial (n = 6) arteries. Technical and clinical success rates were 100 and 85.7%, respectively. A complication (skin necrosis after injection of the liquid embolic agent) developed in only one patient (2.9%) and was conservatively managed.

CONCLUSION

TAE is an effective and safe treatment for hemorrhage from the branches of the subclavian and axillary arteries.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Transfemoral approach has been used for TAE of the branches of the subclavian and axillary artery. Transradial and transbrachial approaches can also be considered.

Determinants and clinical outcomes of stroke following revascularization among patients with reduced ejection fraction

OBJECTIVE

Stoke after revascularization including both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an uncommon but devastating complication. Patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) had an increased risk of stroke after revascularization. However, little is known about the determinants and outcomes of stroke among patients with reduced EF following revascularization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort study of patients with preoperative reduced EF (≤40%) who received revascularization by either PCI or CABG between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014 was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates of stroke. Logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the association of stroke with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1937 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 111 (5.7%) patients suffered from stroke during the median 3.5-year follow-up. Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; p = .009), history of hypertension (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18-2.73; p = .007), and history of stroke (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.19-3.36; p = .008) were found to be independent predictors for stroke. Patients with and without stroke had similar risk of all-cause death (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.59-1.41; p = .670). However, stroke was associated with higher odds ratio of heart failure (HF) hospitalization (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.74-4.40; p < .001) and composite end point (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07-2.42; p = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

Further research appears warranted to minimize the complication of stroke and improve long-term outcomes among patients with reduced EF who underwent such high risk revascularization procedural.

Diagnostic and Management Strategies in Patients with Late Recurrent Angina after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will outline the current evidence on the anatomical, functional, and physiological tools that may be applied in the evaluation of patients with late recurrent angina after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Furthermore, we discuss management strategies and propose an algorithm to guide decision-making for this complex patient population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with prior CABG often present with late recurrent angina as a result of bypass graft failure and progression of native coronary artery disease (CAD). These patients are generally older, have a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and more complex atherosclerotic lesion morphology compared to CABG-naïve patients. In addition, guideline recommendations are based on studies in which post-CABG patients have been largely excluded. Several invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tools are currently available to assess graft patency, the hemodynamic significance of native CAD progression, left ventricular function, and myocardial viability. Such tools, in particular the latest generation coronary computed tomography angiography, are part of a systematic diagnostic work-up to guide optimal repeat revascularization strategy in patients presenting with late recurrent angina after CABG.

Adverse Impact of Peri-Procedural Stroke in Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Peri-procedural stroke (PPS) is an important complication in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The extent to which PPS impacts mortality and outcomes remains to be defined. Consecutive patients who underwent PCI enrolled in the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (2014 to 2018) were categorized into PPS and no PPS groups. The primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and unplanned revascularization). Of 50,300 patients, PPS occurred in 0.26% patients (n = 133) (71% ischemic, and 29% hemorrhagic etiology). Patients who developed PPS were older (69 vs 66 years) compared with patients with no PPS, and more likely to have pre-existing heart failure (59% vs 29%), chronic kidney disease (33% vs 20%), and previous cerebrovascular disease (13% vs 3.6%), p <0.01. Among those with PPS, there was a higher frequency of presentation with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (49% vs 18%) and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (14% vs 2.2%), PCI by way of femoral access (59% vs 46%), and adjunctive thrombus aspiration (12% vs 3.6%), all p = <0.001. PPS was associated with incident 30-day MACE (odds ratio [OR] 2.97, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.86 to 4.74, p <0.001) after multivariable adjustment. Utilizing inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, PPS remained predictive of 30-day MACE (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.80, p = 0.001) driven by higher 30-day mortality (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.96, p = 0.001). In conclusion, in this large, multi-center registry, the incidence of PPS was low; however, its clinical sequelae were significant, with a twofold increased risk of 30-day MACE and all-cause death.

Ischaemic stroke as a complication of cardiac catheterisation. Clinical and radiological characteristics, progression, and therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

Ischaemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of cardiac catheterisation. This study aims to analyse the clinical and prognostic differences between post-catheterisation stroke code (SC) and all other in-hospital and prehospital SC.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded SC activation at our centre between March 2011 and April 2016. Patients were grouped according to whether SC was activated post-catheterisation, in-hospital but not post-catheterisation, or before arrival at hospital; groups were compared in terms of clinical and radiological characteristics, therapeutic approach, functional status, and three-month mortality.

RESULTS

The sample included 2224 patients, of whom 31 presented stroke post-catheterisation. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was lower for post-catheterisation SC than for other in-hospital SC and pre-hospital SC (5, 10, and 7, respectively; P=.02), and SC was activated sooner (50, 100, and 125minutes, respectively; P<.001). Furthermore, post-catheterisation SC were more frequently due to transient ischaemic attack (38%, 8%, and 9%, respectively; P<.001) and less frequently to proximal artery occlusion (17.9%, 31.4%, and 39.2%, respectively; P=.023). The majority of patients with post-catheterisation strokes (89.7%) did not receive reperfusion therapy; 60% of the patients with proximal artery occlusion received endovascular treatment. The mortality rate was 12.95% for post-catheterisation strokes and 25% for all other in-hospital strokes. Although patients with post-catheterisation stroke had a better functional prognosis, the adjusted analysis showed that this effect was determined by their lower initial severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-catheterisation stroke is initially less severe, and presents more often as transient ischaemic attack and less frequently as proximal artery occlusion. Most post-catheterisation strokes are not treated with reperfusion; in case of artery occlusion, mechanical thrombectomy is the preferred treatment.

Ischaemic stroke as a complication of cardiac catheterisation. Clinical and radiological characteristics, progression, and therapeutic implications

INTRODUCTION

Ischaemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of cardiac catheterisation. This study aims to analyse the clinical and prognostic differences between post-catheterisation stroke code (SC) and all other in-hospital and prehospital SC.

METHODS

We prospectively recorded SC activation at our centre between March 2011 and April 2016. Patients were grouped according to whether SC was activated post-catheterisation, in-hospital but not post-catheterisation, or before arrival at hospital; groups were compared in terms of clinical and radiological characteristics, therapeutic approach, functional status, and three-month mortality.

RESULTS

The sample included 2224 patients, of whom 31 presented stroke post-catheterisation. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was lower for post-catheterisation SC than for other in-hospital SC and pre-hospital SC (5, 10, and 7, respectively; P=.02), and SC was activated sooner (50, 100, and 125minutes, respectively; P<.001). Furthermore, post-catheterisation SC were more frequently due to transient ischaemic attack (38%, 8%, and 9%, respectively; P<.001) and less frequently to proximal artery occlusion (17.9%, 31.4%, and 39.2%, respectively; P=.023). The majority of patients with post-catheterisation strokes (89.7%) did not receive reperfusion therapy; 60% of the patients with proximal artery occlusion received endovascular treatment. The mortality rate was 12.95% for post-catheterisation strokes and 25% for all other in-hospital strokes. Although patients with post-catheterisation stroke had a better functional prognosis, the adjusted analysis showed that this effect was determined by their lower initial severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-catheterisation stroke is initially less severe, and presents more often as transient ischaemic attack and less frequently as proximal artery occlusion. Most post-catheterisation strokes are not treated with reperfusion; in case of artery occlusion, mechanical thrombectomy is the preferred treatment.

Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients With Differing Haemoglobin Levels Undergoing Semi-Urgent and Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in an Asian Population

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the impact of anaemia on long-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent semi-urgent and elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in an Asian population. Although the effects of anaemia on outcomes in Asian patients are well studied for acute coronary syndrome, its impact on Asian patients undergoing semi-urgent and elective PCI is unclear.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent semi-urgent and elective PCI from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, at a tertiary academic centre. A total of 1,685 patients were included. They were stratified into three groups: normal (≥12 g/dL), intermediate (10–11.9 g/dL), and low (<10 g/dL) haemoglobin levels. Demographics, risk factors, and end-points including the 5-point major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (all-cause death, subsequent stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, and target lesion revascularisation), cardiovascular death, and bleeding events were analysed.

Results

Patients in intermediate and low haemoglobin level groups were older with more comorbidities. Compared to the normal haemoglobin level group, low haemoglobin level group patients were associated with an increased risk of composite endpoints of all-cause death, subsequent stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive cardiac failure, and target lesion revascularisation [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.22, 2.92; p = 0.004]. This was driven by the increased risk of target lesions revascularisation observed in the low haemoglobin level group compared to the normal haemoglobin level group (aHR 17.74, 95% CI: 1.74, 180.80; p = 0.015). The patients in the low haemoglobin level group were also associated with a higher risk of bleeding events compared to the normal haemoglobin level group (aHR 7.18, 95% CI: 1.13, 45.40; p = 0.036).

Conclusion

In our Asian cohort, patients with anaemia undergoing PCI were associated with a higher comorbid burden. Despite adjustments for comorbidities, these patients had higher mortality and worse cardiovascular outcomes following contemporary PCI.

The BYPASS-CTCA Study: the value of Computed Tomography Cardiac Angiography (CTCA) in improving patient-related outcomes in patients with previous bypass operation undergoing invasive coronary angiography: Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Background

Patients with ischaemic heart disease and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) often need coronary evaluation by means of invasive coronary angiography (ICA). ICA in such patients is technically more challenging and carries a higher risk of complications including kidney damage, myocardial infarction, stroke and death. Improvements in Computed Tomography Cardiac Angiography (CTCA) technology have ensured its emergence as a useful clinical tool in CABG assessment, allowing for its potential use in planning interventional procedures in this patient group.

Methods

The BYPASS-CTCA study is a prospective, single centre, randomised controlled trial assessing the value of upfront CTCA in patients with previous surgical revascularisation undergoing ICA procedures. A total of 688 patients with previous CABG, requiring ICA for standard indications, will be recruited and randomised to receive ICA alone, or CTCA prior to angiography. Subjects will be followed up over a 12-month period post procedure. The primary endpoints are ICA procedural duration, incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and patient satisfaction scores post ICA. Secondary endpoints include contrast dose (mL) and radiation dose (mSv) during ICA, number of catheters used, angiography-related complications and cost-effectiveness of CTCA (QALY) over 12 months.

Discussion

The study will investigate the hypothesis that CTCA prior to ICA in patients with previous CABG can reduce procedural duration, post-procedural kidney damage and improve patient satisfaction, therefore strengthening its role in this group of patients.

Trial Registration

The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov which is a resource maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Registration number NCT03736018.

Neurological Complications of Cardiac Procedures

Neurological complications after cardiac surgery and percutaneous cardiac interventions are not uncommon. These include periprocedural stroke, postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery, contrast-induced encephalopathy after percutaneous interventions, and seizures. In this article, we review the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of these complications. Improved understanding of these complications could lead to their prevention, faster detection, and facilitation of diagnostic workup and appropriate treatment.

Periprocedural Stroke After Coronary Revascularization (from the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-3)

There is a scarcity of data on incidence, risk factors, especially clinical severity, and long-term prognostic impact of periprocedural stroke after coronary revascularization in contemporary real-world practice. Among 14,867 consecutive patients undergoing first coronary revascularization between January 2011 and December 2013 (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]: N = 13258, and coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]: N = 1609) in the Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto PCI/CABG registry Cohort-3, we evaluated the details on periprocedural stroke. Periprocedural stroke was defined as stroke within 30 days after the index procedure. Incidence of periprocedural stroke was 0.96% after PCI and 2.13% after CABG (log-rank p <0.001). Proportions of major stroke defined by modified Rankin Scale ≥2 at hospital discharge were 68% after PCI, and 77% after CABG. Independent risk factors of periprocedural stroke were acute coronary syndrome (ACS), carotid artery disease, advanced age, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease after PCI, whereas they were ACS, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignancy, and frailty after CABG. There was excess long-term mortality risk of patients with periprocedural stroke relative to those without after both PCI and CABG (hazard ratio 1.71 [1.25 to 2.33], and hazard ratio 4.55 [2.79 to 7.43]). In conclusion, incidence of periprocedural stroke was not negligible not only after CABG, but also after PCI in contemporary real-world practice. Majority of patients with periprocedural stroke had at least mild disability at hospital discharge. ACS and carotid artery disease were independent strong risk factors of periprocedural stroke after both PCI and CABG. Periprocedural stroke was associated with significant long-term mortality risk after both PCI and CABG.

Cerebrovascular events complicating cardiac catheterization - A tertiary care cardiac centre experience

Background:

Cerebrovascular events (CVEs) are one of the rare complications of cardiac catheterization. This prospective single-center study was conducted to assess the incidence, presentations, and outcomes of CVEs in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Methods:

Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization who developed CVEs within 48 h of procedure were analyzed prospectively with clinical assessment and neuroimaging.

Results:

Out of 55,664 patients, 35 had periprocedural CVEs (0.063%). The incidence of periprocedural CVEs with balloon mitral valvotomy, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary angiography was 0.127%, 0.112%, and 0.043%, respectively. A larger proportion of periprocedural CVEs occurred in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, 77.1%) than in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The majority of CVEs were ischemic type (33 patients, 94.3%). It was most commonly seen in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. Hemorrhagic CVEs were very rare (2 patients, 5.7%). The majority of the CVEs manifested during or within 24 h of the procedure (31 patients, 88.6%). Neurodeficits persisted during the hospital stay in 20 patients (57.2%), who had longer duration of procedure compared to those with recovered deficits (P = 0.0125). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients (8.5%) and post-discharge mortality in another 3 (8.5%).

Conclusions:

Periprocedural CVEs are rare and have decreased over time. They occur in a greater proportion in patients with ACS than in patients with stable CAD, more with interventional than diagnostic procedures. Ischemic event in the left MCA territory is the most common manifestation, commonly seen within 24 h of the procedure. Longer duration of procedure was a risk factor for larger infarcts and hence persistent neurodeficit at discharge. Although a substantial number of patients recover the neurodeficits, periprocedural CVEs are associated with adverse outcomes.

Contrast-Induced Transient Neurological Symptoms Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Transient neurological symptoms after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not uncommon manifestations. In clinical practice, the development of these symptoms might be a warning sign for PCI-related ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. However, there is a reported risk of contrast-induced neurological injury (CINI) after PCI, which results in a broad spectrum of transient and benign neurological symptoms. Advanced age, renal disease, diabetes, hypertension, and brain parenchymal lesions are risk factors for CINI. CASE REPORT A 78-year-old man with diabetes and impaired renal function developed left-sided hemiparesis and dysarthria within one hour of PCI. Non-contrast CT head showed hyperdense lesions in both frontal lobes, while the susceptibility-weighted sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (SWI-MRI) excludes hemorrhage. Hemodialysis had to be started for fast contrast clearance, and he had recovered completely within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates that CINI is an important differential diagnosis that cardiologists and neurologists must be familiar with, especially for high-risk patients. The prognosis is good; whether an appropriate contrast's dose or type for PCI or a need for early hemodialysis to avoid CINI in those patients is unclear.

Active Duty Personnel With ST Elevation Myocardial Infarctions Are Deployment Ineligible Despite Receiving Standard Management

INTRODUCTION

ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a high acuity diagnosis that requires prompt recognition and developed system responses to reduce morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of literature describing active duty (AD) military personnel with STEMI syndromes at military treatment facilities (MTFs). This study aims to describe AD military members with STEMI diagnoses, military treatment facility management, and subsequent military dispositions observed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective review of all STEMI diagnoses at San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) from January 2008 to June 2018. Patients met inclusion in the analysis if they were (1) AD personnel in the United States Air Force (USAF) or United States Army (USA) and (2) presented with electrocardiogram findings and cardiac biomarkers diagnostic of a STEMI diagnosis. ASCVD and STEMI diagnoses were confirmed by board certified interventional cardiologists with coronary angiography. The 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC) STEMI clinical performance and quality measures were used as the standard of care metrics for our case reviews.

RESULTS

A total of 236 patients were treated for STEMI at SAMMC during the study period. Eight (3.4%) of these cases met inclusion criteria of being AD status at the time of diagnosis. Five (63%) of the AD STEMI diagnoses were USA members, three (37%) were USAF members, 50% were Caucasian, and 100% were male sex. The average age and body mass index were 46.3 ± 5.5 years old and 28.5 ± 3.1 kg/m 2, respectively. Preexisting cardiovascular risk factors were present in six (75%) of the individuals with hypertension being most common (63%). The eight patients had a baseline average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 110 ± 39 mg/dL, total cholesterol of 180 ± 49 mg/dL and calculated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 3.9 ± 1.6%. 100% of patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of presentation (average door-to-balloon time 59.3 ± 24 min). Single-vessel disease was found in all eight patients and seven of them underwent drug-eluting stent placement (average number of stents 2 ± 1.5). Performance and quality measures were met in all applicable categories including door-to-balloon times, discharge medical therapies, and cardiac rehabilitation enrollments for 100% AD personnel. Reported adverse events included two stent thromboses and two vascular complications. Three of eight individuals (37.5%) were diagnosed with behavioral health disorders secondary to their acute coronary syndrome. Medical retirement secondary to STEMI diagnosis occurred in 87.5% of subjects and all study personnel medically retired within 24 months (average 12.8 ± 7.9 months).

CONCLUSIONS

AD personnel represent a small minority of MTF STEMI diagnoses and present with lower risk cardiovascular profiles. AD personnel received standard STEMI management compared to national performance measures, and were deployment ineligible after STEMI diagnoses. Further studies are needed to definitively explore the appropriate military dispositions for members with STEMI diagnoses and acute coronary syndromes.

Stroke After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Era of Transradial Intervention

BACKGROUND

Periprocedural stroke is a rare but life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Transradial intervention (TRI) is more beneficial than transfemoral intervention for periprocedural bleeding and acute kidney injuries, but its effect on periprocedural stroke has not been fully investigated. Our study aimed to assess risk predictors of periprocedural stroke according to PCI access site.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2016, 17 966 patients undergoing PCI were registered in a prospective multicenter database. Periprocedural stroke was defined as loss of neurological function caused by an ischemic or hemorrhagic event with residual symptoms lasting at least 24 hours after onset. Periprocedural stroke was observed in 42 patients (0.3%). Stroke patients were older and had a higher incidence of chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, and acute coronary syndrome but were less likely to undergo TRI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed TRI (odds ratio; 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16-0.71; P=0.004) was significantly associated with a lower occurrence of periprocedural stroke. Finally, propensity score-matching analysis showed that TRI was associated with a reduced risk of periprocedural stroke compared with transfemoral intervention (0.1% versus 0.4%; P=0.014). According to our sensitivity analysis, this finding was robust to the presence of an unmeasured confounder in almost all plausible scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

TRI was associated with a reduced risk of periprocedural stroke compared with transfemoral intervention. Increased TRI use may reduce overall PCI complications and should be recommended as the optimal access site for both urgent/emergent and elective PCIs.

Sonolysis in risk reduction of symptomatic and silent brain infarctions during coronary stenting (SONOREDUCE): Randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Silent brain infarcts can be detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ~22% of patients after coronary angioplasty and stenting (CS). The effect of periprocedural sonolysis on the risk of new brain infarcts during CS was examined.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective CS were allocated randomly to a bilateral sonolysis group (70 patients, 58 men; mean age, 59.9 years) or a control group (74 patients, 45 men; mean age, 65.5 years). Neurologic examination, cognitive function tests, and brain MRI were performed prior to intervention and at 24 h after CS. Neurologic examination and cognitive function tests were repeated at 30 days after CS.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the number of patients with new infarcts (25.7 vs. 18.9%, P = 0.423), the number of lesions (1.3 ± 1.0 vs. 2.9 ± 5.3, P = 0.493), lesion volume (0.16 ± 0.34 vs. 0.28 ± 0.60 mL, P = 0.143), and the number of patients with new ischemic lesions in the insonated MCA territories (18.6vs. 17.6%, P = 0.958) between the sonolysis group and the control group. There were no cases of stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, or death in the two groups. Intracranial bleeding was reported only in 1 patient in the control group (0 vs. 1.4%, P = 0.888). Clock-drawing test scores at 30 days were significantly higher in the sonolysis group than in the control group (median 3.0 vs. 2.5, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

Sonolysis does not reduce the risk of new brain infarcts after CS. The effect of sonolysis on number and volume of ischemic lesions and cognitive function should be assessed in further studies.

Prospective Study on the Incidence of Cerebrovascular Disease After Coronary Angiography

AIM

Previous studies have reported a 10.2%-22% rate of silent cerebral infarction and a 0.1%-1% rate of symptomatic cerebral infarction after coronary angiography (CAG). However, the risk factors of cerebral infarction after CAG have not been fully elucidated. For this reason, we investigated the incidence and risk factors of CVD complications within 48 h after CAG using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Diffusion-weighted MRI) at Kagoshima University Hospital.

METHODS

From September 2013 to April 2015, we examined the incidence and risk factors, including procedural data and patients characteristics, of cerebrovascular disease after CAG in consecutive 61 patients who underwent CAG and MRI in our hospital.

RESULTS

Silent cerebral infarction after CAG was observed in 6 cases (9.8%), and they should not show any neurological symptoms of cerebral infarction. Only prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was more frequently found in the stroke group (n=6) than that in the non-stroke group (n=55); however, no significant difference was observed (P=0.07). After adjusting for confounders, prior CABG was a significant independent risk factor for the incidence of stroke after CAG (odds ratio: 11.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-129.8, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggested that the incidence of cerebral infarction after CAG was not related to the catheterization procedure per se but may be caused by atherosclerosis with CABG.

Impact of Cerebrovascular Events Older Than One Year on Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes With Cangrelor in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Cangrelor is a potent intravenous adenosine diphosphate-receptor antagonist that in the CHAMPION trials reduced the 48-hour and 30-day rates of ischemic events during percutaneous coronary intervention without an increase in severe bleeding.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CHAMPION PCI (A Clinical Trial to Demonstrate the Efficacy of Cangrelor), CHAMPION PLATFORM (Cangrelor Versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition), and CHAMPION PHOENIX (A Clinical Trial Comparing Cangrelor to Clopidogrel Standard Therapy in Subjects Who Require Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) were 3 randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trials in which cangrelor was compared with clopidogrel during percutaneous coronary intervention. The effect of cangrelor on ischemic events and bleeding was analyzed in the subgroup of patients with a history of cerebrovascular events at least 1 year prior to randomization; the Breslow-Day test was used to test for interaction of treatment effect in subgroups with and without such a history. The primary efficacy end point was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, or stent thrombosis at 48 hours. Among 24 910 randomized patients, 1270 patients (5.1%) had a cerebrovascular event >1 year old, including 650 assigned to cangrelor and 620 assigned to clopidogrel. Consistent with the overall trial results, the rate of the primary efficacy end point was 4.3% in the cangrelor group versus 5.3% in the clopidogrel group (odds ratio 0.80; 95% confidence interval 0.48-1.34; P=0.40; P for interaction =0.97), and the rate of GUSTO (Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries) severe bleeding was 0.3% in both groups (P=0.97; P for interaction =0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients in the CHAMPION trials with a prior cerebrovascular event at least 1 year before the percutaneous coronary intervention, the efficacy and bleeding profile of cangrelor compared with clopidogrel was similar to that in the overall trial.

Prognostic Value of Ankle-Brachial Index in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: In-Hospital and 1-Year Outcomes From the SHINANO Registry

Concomitant coronary and peripheral artery disease is associated with higher periprocedural and long-term percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complication rates. We evaluated in-hospital and 1-year clinical outcomes of patients with low or borderline ankle-brachial indexes (ABIs) undergoing PCIs in the drug-eluting stent era. We divided 1370 SHINANO registry patients into 3 groups-low (ABI ≤ 0.9), borderline (0.9 < ABI ≤ 1.0), and normal (1.0 ≤ ABI < 1.4). During the 1-year follow-up, more PCI-related complications occurred in the low and borderline ABI groups than in the normal ABI group (7.7% vs 8.8% vs 4.0%, respectively). Low ABI patients were more likely to experience adverse clinical events (6.3% vs 3.6% vs 3.0%, respectively; log-rank P = .020 for low vs normal ABI), with a hazard ratio of 2.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-4.61; P = .023), compared with patients with normal ABIs. Patients with abnormal ABIs had a significantly higher incidence of PCI-related complications and a less favorable 1-year prognosis. Routine ABI measurement before PCI may help predict PCI-related complication incidence and 1-year prognosis.

In-Hospital and One-Year Clinical Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Tertiary Hospital in Oman: Oman PCI Registry

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the in-hospital and one-year clinical outcome of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a tertiary hospital in Oman.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, single-center, observational study looking at patients > 18 years old who underwent a PCI from 1 January to 31 December 2013. The primary end point was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), defined as death, any myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) with either repeat PCI or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Secondary end-points included procedural success rate, angina status, stent thrombosis, and the rate of redo-PCI/CABG for in-stent restenosis.

RESULTS

A total of 1 045 consecutive patients were analyzed. The mean age of the cohort was 58.2±11.2 years. Hyperlipidemia (66.8%), hypertension (55.1%), and diabetes mellitus (45.9%) were the predominant risk factors. Stable angina, ST-elevation MI, non-ST-elevation MI, and post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were common indications (approximately 20.0% each). The angiographic and procedural success rate was 95.0%. Forty-six percent of patients had single-vessel disease, 34.4% had double vessel disease, and triple vessel disease was seen in 19.1% of patients. Ninety-eight percent had balloon angioplasty with stenting, and only 1.9% of patients had balloon angioplasty without stenting. The majority of patients had single-vessel stenting (81.3%). A drug-eluting stent was used in 88.4% of patients, and a bare-metal stent in 11.6%. In-hospital MACE was 3.6%. There were 19 in-hospital deaths (1.8%), and four patients (0.4%) had CVA/MI. Out of 1 026 patients discharged, 100 patients were lost to follow-up. Among the 926 patients followed-up, 673 patients (72.7%) were asymptomatic. One-year MACE was 17.0%, including 5.0% death and 6.0% MI. Repeat revascularization was performed in 53 patients (5.7%) for documented in-stent restenosis. Definite stent thrombosis was documented in 10 (1.1%) patients. At discharge, the majority of patients were on post-ACS evidence-based medications, aspirin (100%), clopidogrel (99.6%), statin (97.6%), beta-blocker (88.7%), and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (83.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Omani patients treated with PCI were much younger than Western patients with a high prevalence of risk factors. Successful PCI was achieved in a large percentage of patients with a low incidence of in-hospital complications and mortality. At one-year follow-up, the majority patients had a good clinical outcome.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention as a Trigger for Stroke

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a plausible triggering factor for stroke, yet the magnitude of this excess risk remains unclear. This study aimed to quantify the transient change in risk of stroke for up to 12 weeks after PCI. We applied the case-crossover method, using data from the Norwegian Patient Register on all hospitalizations in Norway in the period of 2008 to 2014. The relative risk (RR) of ischemic stroke was highest during the first 2 days after PCI (RR 17.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2 to 72.8) and decreased gradually during the following weeks. The corresponding RR was 2.0 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.3) 4 to 8 weeks after PCI. The RR for women was more than twice as high as for men during the first 4 postprocedural weeks, RR 10.5 (95% CI 3.8 to 29.3) and 4.4 (95% CI 2.7 to 7.2), respectively. Our results were compatible with an increased RR of hemorrhagic stroke 4 to 8 weeks after PCI, but the events were few and the estimates were very imprecise, RR 3.0 (95% CI 0.8 to 11.1). The present study offers new knowledge about PCI as a trigger for stroke. Our estimates indicated a substantially increased risk of ischemic stroke during the first 2 days after PCI. The RR then decreased gradually but stayed elevated for 8 weeks. Increased awareness of this vulnerable period after PCI in clinicians and patients could contribute to earlier detection and treatment for patients suffering a postprocedural stroke.

Risk of Stroke in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Optimal Medical Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a rare but serious adverse event associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relative risk of stroke between stable patients undergoing a direct PCI strategy and those undergoing an initial optimal medical therapy (OMT) strategy has not been established yet. This study sought to investigate if, in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD), an initial strategy PCI is associated with a higher risk of stroke than a strategy based on OMT alone.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of 6 contemporary randomized control trials in which 5673 patients with SCAD were randomized to initial PCI or OMT. Only trials with stent utilization more than 50% were included. Study endpoint was the rate of stroke during follow up.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients ranged from 60 to 65 years and stent utilization ranged from 72% to 100%. Rate of stroke was 2.0% at a weighted mean follow up of 55.3 months. On pooled analysis, the risk of stroke was similar between patients undergoing a PCI plus OMT and those receiving only OMT (2.2% vs. 1.8%, OR on fixed effect = 1.24 95%CI: 0.85-1.79). There was no heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.15). On sensitivity analysis after removing each individual study the pooled effect estimate remains unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with SCAD an initial strategy based on a direct PCI is not associated with an increased risk of stroke during long-term follow up compared to an initial strategy based on OMT alone.

Determinants and Outcomes of Stroke Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention by Indication

Background and Purpose—

Stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a serious complication, but its determinants and outcomes after PCI in different clinical settings are poorly documented.

Methods—

The British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database was used to study 560 439 patients who underwent PCI in England and Wales between 2006 and 2013. We examined procedural-type specific determinants of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and the likelihood of subsequent 30-day mortality and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction or reinfarction, and repeat revascularization).

Results—

A total of 705 stroke cases were recorded (80% ischemic). Stroke after an elective PCI or PCI for acute coronary syndrome indications was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with those without stroke; 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events outcomes in fully adjusted model were odds ratios 37.90 (21.43–67.05) and 21.05 (13.25–33.44) for elective and 5.00 (3.96–6.31) and 6.25 (5.03–7.77) for acute coronary syndrome, respectively. Comparison of odds of these outcomes between these 2 settings showed no differences; corresponding odds ratios were 1.24 (0.64–2.43) and 0.63 (0.35–1.15), respectively.

Conclusions—

Hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke complications are uncommon, but serious complications can occur after PCI and are independently associated with worse mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events outcomes in both the elective and acute coronary syndrome setting irrespective of stroke type. Our study provides a better understanding of the risk factors and prognosis of stroke after PCI by procedure type, allowing physicians to provide more informed advice around stroke risk after PCI and counsel patients and their families around outcomes if such neurological complications occur.

Clinical Impact of the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index for Predicting Cardiovascular Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized the cardio-ankle vascular stiffness index (CAVI) could predict future cardiovascular events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 288 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent CAVI measurement soon after the onset of ACS. Exclusion criteria were as follows: unable to detect significant stenosis by coronary angiography, severe aortic insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), informed consent was not given. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to the cutoff value of CAVI determined by receiver-operating characteristics curve for the prediction of cardiovascular events: low CAVI group, 135 patients with CAVI ≤8.325; high CAVI group, 153 patients with CAVI >8.325. Patients were followed up for a median period of 15 months. The primary and secondary endpoints were the incidence of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke), and nonfatal ischemic stroke. Of the 288 patients, cardiovascular events occurred in 19 patients (6.6%). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the event-free rate revealed cardiovascular events occurred more frequently in the high CAVI group than in the low CAVI group (log-rank, P<0.001). Multiple adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis, including age, indicated the high CAVI group was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR] 18.00, P=0.005), and nonfatal ischemic stroke (HR 9.371, P=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

High CAVI is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and nonfatal ischemic stroke in patients with ACS. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1420-1426).

Cerebrovascular accidents after percutaneous coronary interventions from 2002 to 2014: Incidence, outcomes, and associated variables

BACKGROUND

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) related to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are relatively rare complications, but they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given the evolution of both CVA risk and PCI techniques over time, this study was conducted to evaluate trends in CVA and TIA associated with PCI and to identify variables associated with neurologic events.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing PCI at the Washington Hospital Center between January 2002 and June 2015 were included. Prespecified data were prospectively collected, including baseline and procedural characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and 1-year mortality. The subjects who had a CVA or TIA during or immediately after PCI were compared with those without procedure-associated CVA or TIA.

RESULTS

Overall, 25,626 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 65.0 ± 12.4 years, 16,949 (65.2%) were male, and 7,436 (28.6%) were African American. From 2002 to 2015, 110 neurologic events post-PCI were diagnosed (0.43%); this included 86 CVAs (0.34%) and 24 TIAs (0.09%). The annual rate of postprocedural neurologic events was 0.42% ± 0.12%. There were significant changes in baseline risk factors over time, with increasing age, incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Patients with neurologic events were more often African American (43.6% vs 28.6%, P < .001) with prior history of CVA (24.5% vs 7.8%, P < .001), chronic renal insufficiency (26.6% vs 15.2%, P < .001), and insulin-dependent diabetes (19.1% vs 12.4%, P = .03). Acute myocardial infarction (56% vs 30.4%, P < .001) and cardiogenic shock (20.2% vs 3%, P < .001) were also more common among patients with neurologic events post-PCI. After multivariable adjustment, use of an intraaortic balloon pump was strongly associated with neurologic events (odds ratio [OR] 4.9, 95% CI 2.7-8.8, P < .001), as was prior CVA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.4, P = .002) and African American race (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-3.9, P < .001); there was a borderline association with the use of a thrombus extraction device (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9-3.2, P = .09). In-hospital mortality (20.0% vs 1.5%, P < .001) and 1-year mortality (45.0% vs 7.3%, P < .001) were also much higher in patients with neurologic events.

CONCLUSION

Neurologic events post-PCI are associated with markedly worse in-hospital outcomes. The incidence of CVA and TIA post-PCI, however, remained stable over the last 12 years despite an increase in risk factors for CVA.

Acute pontine infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention: a very rare but devastating complication

A 64-year-old man suffering from an acute posterior wall myocardial infarction underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. After several aspiration attempts, tirofiban infusion and pre- and post-dilatation, a bare-metal stent was successfully implanted in the culprit right coronary artery. While the patient did not show any neurological symptoms before or during the procedure, he exhibited hemiplegia and loss of spontaneous speech. Additional magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive brain stem infarction. This is the first report of a brain stem infarction as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Association of chronic renal insufficiency with in-hospital outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The association of chronic renal insufficiency with outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the current era of drug-eluting stents and modern antithrombotic therapy has not been well characterized.

Methods and Results

We queried the 2007–2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases to identify all patients aged ≥18 years who underwent PCI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare in-hospital outcomes among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and those without CKD or ESRD. Of 3 187 404 patients who underwent PCI, 89% had no CKD/ESRD; 8.6% had CKD; and 2.4% had ESRD. Compared to patients with no CKD/ESRD, patients with CKD and patients with ESRD had higher in-hospital mortality (1.4% versus 2.7% versus 4.4%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio for CKD 1.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.19, P<0.001; adjusted odds ratio for ESRD 2.29, 95% CI 2.19 to 2.40, P<0.001), higher incidence of postprocedure hemorrhage (3.5% versus 5.4% versus 6.0%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio for CKD 1.21, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.23, P<0.001; adjusted odds ratio for ESRD 1.27, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.32, P<0.001), longer average length of stay (2.9 days versus 5.0 days versus 6.4 days, respectively; P<0.001), and higher average total hospital charges ($60 526 versus $77 324 versus $97 102, respectively; P<0.001). Similar results were seen in subgroups of patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome or stable ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing PCI, chronic renal insufficiency is associated with higher in-hospital mortality, higher postprocedure hemorrhage, longer average length of stay, and higher average hospital charges.

Risk of stroke after catheter ablation versus cardioversion for atrial fibrillation: A propensity-matched study of 24,244 patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the major cause of morbidity and mortality related to atrial fibrillation (AF). Catheter ablation for AF is effective in reducing AF burden, but its impact on long-term stroke risk is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the periprocedural and long-term stroke risk after catheter ablation or cardioversion for AF.

METHODS

This retrospective, propensity-matched study using a national administrative claims database identified patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation and a comparison group (matched on age, sex, year of treatment, CHA2DS2-Vasc score, and Charlson index) who underwent cardioversion between 2005 and 2012. The primary end points were (1) time to first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and (2) time to first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke excluding TIA. We compared periprocedural incident stroke (within 30 days of ablation or cardioversion) as well as total strokes between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 24,244 patients (12,122 patients undergoing ablation and 12,122 patients undergoing cardioversion) were included in the analysis. Incident periprocedural stroke or TIA occurred in 0.5% of the ablation group and 0.3% of the cardioversion group (P = .04). There was a significant initial risk of stroke/TIA with ablation within the first 30 days (rate ratio 1.53; P = .05). After 30 days, this risk was significantly lower in the ablation group (rate ratio 0.78; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

In patients with AF, there is a small periprocedural stroke risk with ablation in comparison to cardioversion. However, over longer-term follow-up, ablation is associated with a slightly lower rate of stroke.

Late stroke: comparison of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with multivessel disease and unprotected left main disease: a meta-analysis and review of literature

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Studies have suggested that the early excess risk of stroke in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be compensated for by a slow but progressive catch-up phenomenon in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We therefore undertook this analysis to compare the temporal stroke risk between PCI and CABG in patients with unprotected left main stenosis and multivessel coronary artery disease.

METHODS

Studies of PCI versus CABG for unprotected left main stenosis and multivessel disease published between January 1994 (stent era) and July 2013 were identified using an electronic search and reviewed using meta-analytic techniques.

RESULTS

We selected 57 reports for the meta-analysis by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis was performed on 80,314 patient records. There was a significantly lower risk of cumulative stroke in patients undergoing PCI with stenting at 1 year (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.71), 2 years (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.92), 3 years (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.92), 4 years (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.97), and 5 years (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69-0.91). There was no significant difference in the incidence of stroke because of the small sample size (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.46-1.08) at >5 years between PCI and CABG. Similar results were observed on subgroup analysis (multi-vessel coronary artery disease, unprotected left main, diabetics, and randomized trials) and for stroke within 30 days. Late stroke (stroke>30 days) was similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significantly lower risk of stroke within 30 days and cumulative stroke with PCI as compared with CABG up to year 5. There is no late catch up of stroke in the PCI arm. The risk of stroke should be weighed in deciding between revascularization strategies.