Slow coronary flow: a distinct angiographic subgroup in syndrome X

Anti-Anginal Efficacy of Zibotentan in the Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon

BACKGROUND

Patients with coronary microvascular disorders often experience recurrent angina for which there are limited evidence-based therapies. These patients have been found to exhibit increased plasma levels of endothelin; thus, selective endothelin-A (Et-A) receptor blockers such as zibotentan may be an effective anti-anginal therapy in these patients. The study evaluated the impact of a 10 mg daily dose of zibotentan on spontaneous angina episodes in patients with the coronary slow-flow phenomenon who had refractory angina (i.e., experiencing angina at least three times/week despite current anti-anginal therapy).

METHODS

Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial design with 4-week treatment periods, 18 patients (63.2 ± 9.9 years, 33% females) were recruited. The primary endpoint was angina frequency as measured by an angina diary, with secondary endpoints including nitrate consumption, angina duration/severity and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) domains.

RESULTS

During the 4 weeks of therapy, angina frequency significantly improved with zibotentan therapy (placebo 41.4 (58.5) vs. zibotentan 29.2 (31.6), p < 0.05), and sublingual nitrate consumption significantly reduced (placebo 11.8 (15.2) vs. zibotentan 8.8 (12.9), p < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Zibotentan improved the frequency of spontaneous angina episodes and reduced sublingual nitrate consumption in patients unresponsive to standard anti-anginal therapy.

Triglyceride glucose-body mass index as a novel predictor of slow coronary flow phenomenon in patients with ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA)

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI index) has been suggested as a novel predictor of insulin resistance. However, its predictive value for slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCFP) in patients with ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) remains unclear.

METHODS

We consecutively recruited 1625 patients with INOCA from February 2019 to February 2023 and divided them into two groups based on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts (TFCs): the SCFP group (n = 79) and the control group. A 1:2 age-matched case-control study was then performed. The TyG-BMI index was calculated as ln [plasma triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2] × BMI.

RESULTS

TyG-BMI index in the SCFP group (218.3 ± 25.2 vs 201.0 ± 26.5, P < .001) was significantly higher than in the normal controls. TyG-BMI index also increased with the number of coronary arteries involved in the SCFP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TyG-BMI, BMI, and TG were independent predictors for SCFP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that when the TyG-BMI index was above 206.7, the sensitivity and specificity were 88.6% and 68.5%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.809 (95% CI: 0.756-0.863, P = .027). Combined BMI with TG, the TyG-BMI index had a better predictive value for SCFP than BMI and TG (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The TyG-BMI index was an independent predictor for SCFP in INOCA patients, and it had a better predictive value than BMI and TG.

Evaluation of the relationship between clinical and laboratory risk factors in atherosclerosis patients with coronary slow flow: a case-control analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is an angiographic entity distinguished by the delayed filling of the epicardial coronary arteries in the lack of significant obstructive artery disease. The pathological causes are still unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between clinical and laboratory-related risk factors in atherosclerosis patients diagnosed with CSF.

RESULTS

The research encompassed a study group of 142 individuals, with a mean age of 52.47 ± 10.62, and a male representation of 47.7%. A thorough statistical analysis was conducted, indicating that there were no noteworthy variations in age, gender, smoking history, hematocrit, blood sugar, and HDL levels between the groups of cases and controls (P > 0.05). Subsequent analysis of the data indicated that there were significant differences in history of hypertension, LDL, and BMI measurements between the groups of subjects who were designated as cases and those who were designated as controls. Our study revealed that male gender, a history of hypertension, and BMI were identified as independent predictors of CSF (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

After modeling regression, we were able to conclude that male gender, BMI, and history of hypertension are reliable predictors of slow coronary flow. These findings add to our growing understanding of the complex interplay between clinical and laboratory risk factors in the development and progression of CSF.

The relationship between triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and coronary microvascular disease

BACKGROUND

As a novel marker of insulin resistance, the ratio of triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) has been recently reported to be related to the occurrence of coronary artery diseases. However, no research has been conducted to probe whether the TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with the occurrence of coronary microvascular disease (CMVD).

AIM

This study investigates the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and the occurrence of CMVD.

METHODS

This study included 175 patients diagnosed with CMVD in the Department of Cardiology of our hospital from October 2017 to October 2021 as the study group and 175 patients with no chest pain, no history of cardiovascular disease and drug use, and negative results of exercise treadmill testing as the non-CMVD group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. In addition, the risk factors of CMVD were analyzed with logistic regression, and the efficacy of independent risk factors in predicting CMVD was analyzed with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Compared with those in the non-CMVD group, the proportion of females, the incidence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, the level of platelet count, TG, and C-reactive protein, and the ratio of TG/HDL-C were increased in the CMVD group, accompanied by decreased levels of albumin and HDL-C (P < 0.05). Logistic regression results revealed C-reactive protein (the area under the ROC curve [AUC] value: 0.754; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.681-0.827), sex (the AUC value: 0.651; 95%CI: 0.571-0.730), albumin (the AUC value: 0.722; 95%CI: 0.649-0.794), and TG/HDL-C ratio (the AUC value: 0.789; 95%CI: 0.718-0.859) as the independent risk factors of CMVD.

CONCLUSION

The TG/HDL-C ratio is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of CMVD.

Prognostic implication of coronary slow flow assessed by cTFC in patients with myocardial infarction with Non-obstructive coronary arteries

BACKGROUND

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is common and linked to worse cardiovascular events and life-threatening arrhythmias. However, the clinical implication of CSF among myocardial infarction with the non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) has never been studied. We aimed to evaluate the impact of CSF on the MINOCA population.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with MINOCA were consecutively selected. The corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) was used to evaluate the coronary flow. CSF was defined as cTFC greater than 27 frames per second (FPS) in any of the three coronary arteries. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are the primary endpoint. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between CSF and MACE.

RESULTS

A total of 158 patients with MINOCA were enrolled, of which 54 (34.2%) patients had CSF. Forty incidents of MACE occurred during the median 28 months of follow-up. The MACE incidence was higher among patients who presented with CSF than the normal coronary flow patients (35.2% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.040). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, CSF patients had significantly higher rates of MACE (log-rank P = 0.034). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CSF was an independent predictor linked to an increased hazard of MACE (adjusted HR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.34-5.67; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The presence of CSF is associated with a higher risk of adverse events and is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes among patients with MINOCA. This result suggests that CSF might serve as a robust tool to stratify MINOCA patients.

Coronary Slow Flow Is Not Diagnostic of Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Angina and Unobstructed Coronary Arteries

Background Guidelines recommend that coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP), defined as corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (CTFC) >$$ > $$27, can diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in patients with angina and nonobstructed coronary arteries. CSFP has also historically been regarded as a sign of coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED). We sought to validate the utility of CTFC, as a binary classifier of CSFP and as a continuous variable, to diagnose CMD and CED. Methods and Results Patients with angina and nonobstructed coronary arteries had simultaneous coronary pressure and flow velocity measured using a dual sensor-tipped guidewire during rest, adenosine-mediated hyperemia, and intracoronary acetylcholine infusion. CMD was defined as the inability to augment coronary blood flow in response to adenosine (coronary flow reserve <2.5) and CED in response to acetylcholine (acetylcholine flow reserve ≤1.5); 152 patients underwent assessment using adenosine, of whom 82 underwent further acetylcholine testing. Forty-six patients (30%) had CSFP, associated with lower flow velocity and higher microvascular resistance as compared with controls (16.5±$$ \pm $$6.9 versus 20.2±$$ \pm $$6.9 cm/s; P=0.001 and 6.26±$$ \pm $$1.83 versus 5.36±$$ \pm $$1.83 mm Hg/cm/s; P=0.009, respectively). However, as a diagnostic test, CSFP had poor sensitivity and specificity for both CMD (26.7% and 65.2%) and CED (21.1% and 56.0%). Furthermore, on receiver operating characteristics analyses, CTFC could not predict CMD or CED (area under the curve, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.32%-0.50%] and 0.36 [95% CI, 0.23%-0.49%], respectively). Conclusions In patients with angina and nonobstructed coronary arteries, CSFP and CTFC are not diagnostic of CMD or CED. Guidelines supporting the use of CTFC in the diagnosis of CMD should be revisited.

The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index May Predict the Coronary Slow Flow Better Than High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Angiography

Methods

A total of 197 patients (102 patients with CSF; 95 patients with normal coronary flow) were included in this retrospective study. Clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients were obtained from hospital records.

Results

Patients with CSF had higher SII, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels compared with the control group. Body mass index (p=0.022, OR 1.151, 95% CI 1.121–1.299), low-density lipoprotein (p=0.018, OR 1.028, 95% CI 1.005–1.052), hsCRP (p=0.044, OR 1.161, 95% CI 1.004–1.343), and SII (p < 0.001, OR 1.015, 95% CI 1.003–1.026) were independent predictors of CSF in the multivariable analysis. The optimal cutoff value of SII in predicting CSF was >877 in ROC curve analysis (p < 0.001, AUC = 0.892, 95% CI 0.848–0.936). This cutoff value of SII predicted the CSF with a sensitivity of 71.5% and specificity of 92.4%. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the mean TFC value and PLR, NLR, hsCRP, and SII.

Conclusions

SII may be used as a better indicator for the prediction of CSF than hsCRP.

Slow Coronary Blood Flow: Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications

Coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon, also known as cardiac syndrome Y, is defined as the delayed opacification of the coronary vasculature at the distal level. Different hypotheses and theories have been postulated about its substrate and mechanism, such as microvascular and endothelial dysfunction. Several studies have confirmed that CSF is a cause of ischaemia detected by non-invasive testing. Clinically, it can present as angina pectoris, acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death. It has an incidence of 1–5% in patients undergoing coronary angiography and has been most frequently found in young men who are smokers with metabolic syndrome. There are no established treatments for CSF and further studies are still necessary.

Evolution of Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon and Acute Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Diastolic function has been reported to be impaired in many patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). CSFP has broad spectrum of clinical presentations, including non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We sought to study the short-term evolution of diastolic function in CSFP patients presenting with NSTEMI.

METHODS

This study included 92 patients with CSFP and acute NSTEMI. Conventional echocardiography Doppler imaging and tissue Doppler echocardiography imaging were used to evaluate diastolic function during index NSTEMI and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Mean age of study patients was 45.7 ± 6.8 years. The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (DD) at baseline was 69 patients (75%) and 28 patients (30.4%) at 3 months, p < 0.001. Various diastolic function indices showed significant improvement from baseline to 3 months follow-up. E/Em was 17.32 ± 3.41 at baseline compared to 12.41 ± 5.58 at 3 months, p = 0.039. Septal e' velocity was 5.67 ± 4.56 cm/s at baseline compared to 7.78 ± 3.22 cm/s at 3 months, p = 0.023. Medications used were not significantly different between those with improved versus unimproved DD.

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic function seems to improve over short-term follow-up in patients with CSFP presenting with NSTEMI. This could reflect a transient worsening during acute NSTEMI.

Investigation of patients with coronary slow flow in terms of periodontal health status

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between periodontal health status and coronary slow flow phenomenon.

METHODS

One hundred and two patients who underwent coronary angiography with the diagnosis of stable angina pectoris were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with coronary slow flow (Test group) (n=51), and patients with normal coronary angiography (Control group) (n=51). Diagnosis of slow coronary flow was made according to Beltrame criteria by coronary angiography. Demographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. The periodontal health was assessed by clinical periodontal parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index, plaque index, and bleeding on probing.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups as regards the frequencies of hypertension, smoking (p>0.05). As for the periodontal parameters of the study groups, probing depth, gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level values were statistically higher in the test group compared to the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis might be accepted as one of the underlying causes of coronary slow flow. Patients with coronary slow flow should be evaluated for an underlying periodontal disease, and treatment of periodontal disease can protect against future cardiovascular events.

Incremental Value of Three-dimensional Speckle-tracking Echocardiography for Evaluating Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow

The purpose was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with coronary slow flow (CSF), and compared the incremental values of 3-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Seventy-three patients with CSF and 60 control subjects were enrolled. CSF was diagnosed during coronary angiography. Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D global strain were measured using STE. Sex, mitral E, 2D GLS, and all 3D strain parameters were independent predictors of CSF. Combination of sex, mitral E, and 3D GTS had the highest area under the curve (AUC) for identifying CSF (AUC, 0.81; P < 0.001). Integrated discrimination index (IDI) improved adding 3D GTS to the combined sex and mitral E model (IDI = 0.12, P = 0.01) or 2D GLS model (IDI = 0.14, P < 0.001). LV systolic function was impaired in CSF patients. 3D GTS had an independent and incremental value for predicting CSF compared with 2D echocardiography.

Slow Coronary Flow: Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications, and Therapeutic Management

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is an angiographic phenomenon with specific epidemiologic characteristics, associated clinical presentation, and prognosis. Although patients with CSF are diagnosed as having "normal coronary arteries," it seems appropriate to consider CSF as a distinct disease entity requiring specific treatment. The patient with CSF is usually male, smoker, obese, with a constellation of risk factors suggestive of metabolic syndrome. Unstable angina is the most common clinical presentation, with recurrent episodes of chest pain at rest associated with electrocardiographic changes often requiring readmission and reevaluation. Regarding definition and diagnosis, interventionists should first exclude possible "secondary" causes of CSF, use objective means for definition and then differentiate from other similar conditions such as microvascular angina. Although the phenomenon is generally benign, patients with CSF are severely symptomatic with recurrent episodes of chest pain and poor quality of life. Furthermore, acute presentation of the phenomenon is commonly life-threatening with ventricular tachyarrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, or cardiogenic shock. Acute treatment of CSF includes, but is not restricted to, intracoronary infusion of dipyridamole, adenosine, or atropine. Chronic management of patients with CSF encompasses dipyridamole, diltiazem, nebivolol, telmisartan, and/or atorvastatin associated with amelioration of angina symptoms, improved quality of life, and good prognosis.

Prevalence and predictors of slow coronary flow phenomenon in Kermanshah province

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate prevalence and predictors of slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCF) phenomenon. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Imam Ali Cardiovascular Hospital affiliated with the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah province, Iran. From March 2017 to March 2019, all the patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Data were obtained using a checklist developed based on the study's aims. Independent samples t tests and chi- square test (or Fisher exact test) were used to assess the differences between subgroups. Multiple logistic regression model was applied to evaluate independent predictors of SCF phenomenon. Results: In this study, 172 (1.43%) patients with SCF phenomenon were identified. Patients with SCF were more likely to be obese (27.58±3.28 vs. 24.12±3.26, P <0.001), hyperlipidemic (44.2 vs. 31.7, P <0.001), hypertensive (53.5 vs. 39.1, P <0.001), and smoker (37.2 vs. 27.2, P =0.006). Mean ejection fraction (EF) (51.91±6.33 vs. 55.15±9.64, P <0.001) was significantly lower in the patients with SCF compared to the healthy controls with normal epicardial coronary arteries. Mean level of serum triglycerides (162.26±45.94 vs. 145.29±35.62, P <0.001) was significantly higher in the patients with SCF. Left anterior descending artery was the most common involved coronary artery (n = 159, 92.4%), followed by left circumflex artery (n = 50, 29.1%) and right coronary artery (n = 47, 27.4%). Body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-2.15, P <0.001) and hypertension (OR 1.59, CI 1.30-5.67, P =0.003) were independent predictors of SCF phenomenon. Conclusion: The prevalence of SCF in our study was not different from the most other previous reports. BMI and hypertension independently predicted the presence of SCF phenomenon.

The relationship between coronary slow flow phenomenon and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity and aortic elastic properties

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between coronary slow flow (CSF) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV).

Methods

78 (27 women, mean age 43.95 ± 7.28) patients with CSF, and 70 (22 women, mean age 44.34 ± 7.08) healthy individuals were included in the study. Arterial stiffness measurement was performed to both groups via CFPWV, which is considered the gold standard. Aortic elastic properties (ASI-β and aortic distensibility) were evaluated in both groups.

Results

The CSF group had significantly higher CFPWV and aortic distensibility values and significantly lower ASI-β values compared to the control group. There was a positive correlation between TIMI frame count (TFC) obtained in all coronary arteries and CFPWV and aortic distensibility, and a negative correlation between TFC and ASI-β. It was determined that CFPWV predicted CSF with 97% specificity and 98% sensitivity at a 7.68 cut-off value (ROC area = 994, p < 0.001). ASI-β was determined to predict CSF with 64% specificity and 47% sensitivity at a 2.98 cut-off value (ROC area = 047, p < 0.001). Aortic distensibility was determined to predict CSF with 76% specificity and 79% sensitivity at a 3.94 cut-off value (ROC area = 706, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Arterial stiffness increases in CSF patients, suggesting that CSF is a systemic pathology rather than a local disease and that a systemic cause such as atherosclerosis plays a role in etiology.

Association between impaired cutaneous microvascular endothelial function and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in patients with coronary slow flow

OBJECTIVE

Although increasing studies indicate coronary slow flow (CSF) is a systemic microvascular disorder, whether there is impaired cutaneous microvascular endothelial function in CSF patients remains unclear. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the cutaneous microvascular endothelial function of CSF patients is impaired and correlates with lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1).

METHODS

39 patients with CSF and 45 controls with normal coronary flow were enrolled. Velocity of coronary flow was quantitatively identified by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) method. LSCI system was used to assess subjects' cutaneous blood flow at rest and during PORH. Serum soluble LOX-1(sLOX-1) level was measured in all study subjects.

RESULTS

PORH-induced vasodilation was significantly reduced in CSF group in comparison with control group (0.26 ± 0.10 vs 0.35 ± 0.07 APU/mmHg, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the mean TFC for three coronary arteries (r = -0.385, P = 0.016). Serum sLOX-1 level in CSF group was significantly increased (582.93 ± 74.89 vs 483.64 ± 51.38 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with mean TFC(r = 0.467, P = 0.003).PORH response amplitudes had a significantly negative relationship with serum sLOX-1 level in CSF patients (r = -0.588, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that cutaneous microvascular endothelial function is impaired in patients with CSF, which is closely associated with increased LOX-1 expression.

Suspected Brugada Phenocopy Secondary to Coronary Slow Flow

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a genetic condition that accentuates the risk of potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a structurally normal heart. The Brugada electrocardiographic pattern may manifest separately from the syndrome—this clinical scenario has been described as Brugada phenocopy (BrP). Many etiologies of BrP have been reported, but it has not yet been reported as a result of coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon. This case report highlights a suspected coronary slow flow-associated Brugada type 1 electrocardiographic pattern, which subsequently normalized following the institution of guideline-directed medical therapy for acute coronary syndrome.

Carotid artery blood velocity decreases in patients with coronary slow flow: A manifestation of systemic arteriosclerosis

OBJECTIVES

Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) could be a manifestation of systemic arteriosclerosis, as coronary and carotid arteries have similar intimal thickening. However, as an initial cause of arteriosclerosis, hemodynamic changes in carotid arteries have rarely been studied.

METHODS

Twenty patients with angiography-proven CSFP and 39 patients with normal coronary flow (NCF) were enrolled. TIMI frame counts (CTFC) were investigated. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured by ultrasonography, and shear rate (SR) and resistance index (RI) were calculated.

RESULTS

The results showed that PSV, EDV, SR, and RI were significantly lower in patients with CSFP (p＜0.01), but CIMT was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01). PSV, EDV, SR, and RI were negatively correlated with CTFC, while CIMT was positively correlated with CTFC. Logistic regression analysis revealed that PSV (OR = 0.95, P < 0.01) could be an independent protective factor against CSFP, but CIMT (OR = 1.10, P ＜ 0.05) and male gender (OR = 9.89, P ＜ 0.01) could be risk factors for CSFP.

CONCLUSIONS

The slow flow phenomenon was observed in both coronary and carotid arteries, which could be a characteristic manifestation of systemic arteriosclerosis in CSFP; the lower wall shear stress may be the underlying mechanism. Carotid ultrasound could be applied in the noninvasive diagnosis of CSFP in the future.

Evaluation of homocysteine in the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary slow flow syndrome

Aim: To identify the exact molecular markers related to coronary slow flow syndrome (CSFS) and its prognosis. Patients & methods: Data from 54 patients with CSFS diagnosed by coronary angiography and 101 normal control patients were collected and analyzed. Results: Logistic regression analysis confirmed that homocysteine (Hcy; odds ratio: 1.107; 95% CI: 1.018-1.205; p = 0.018) was associated with CSFS. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis identified an Hcy value of 17.1 μmol/l as an effective cut-off point for predicting CSFS. Cox survival analysis showed a relationship between high admission Hcy level (odds ratio: 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05-1.34; p = 0.005) and recurrent angina. Conclusion: Our results showed positive correlations of Hcy with CSFS and cardiac events.

Relationship of serum salusin beta levels with coronary slow flow

OBJECTIVE

The pathophysiology of coronary slow flow (CSF) has not been clarified. Salusin-β is released predominantly from the atheroma plaques and influences the pathophysiologic processes of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this study aimed to determine serum salusin-β levels in CSF and its correlation with CSF.

METHODS

The study included 39 patients with CSF, and the control group (n=42) consisted of consecutive subjects with normal coronary arteriogram. We measured salusin-β and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC).

RESULTS

Age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking rates were similar (p values>0.05) in both groups. High sensitive C-reactive protein (2.80±1.2 vs. 2.21±1.2 mg/dL, p=0.011), salusin-β [1205 (330-2092) vs. 162 (29-676), pg/ml, p<0.001], corrected TFC of left anterior descending coronary artery (29±9 vs. 19.7±3.7, p<0.001), circumflex artery TFC (25±10 vs. 15±3.2, p<0.001), right coronary artery TFC (28±7.1 vs. 13±3.3, p<0.001), and mean TFC (28±4.4 vs. 16±3.7, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the CSF group. In univariate and multivariate regression analysis, only BMI (unstandardized β±SE=0.178±0.08, p=0.036) and salusin-β levels (unstandardized β±SE=0.006±0.01, p<0.001) were determined as predictors of CSF. There was a good correlation between serum salusin-β and mean TFC values (r=0.564; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is an association between serum salusin-β levels and CSF.

Assessment of the relationship between coronary flow rates and myocardial perfusion abnormality in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease: an observational study in cardiac syndrome X and coronary slow flow

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we evaluated and compared the level of myocardial ischaemia caused by cardiac syndrome X (CSX) and coronary slow flow (CSF) with single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI), and determined if changes in the level of myocardial ischaemia exist in CSF and CSX cases according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 66 patients with CSF and 78 angiographically normal patients (36 of them with CSX and 42 of them healthy controls). The coronary flow rates of all patients were documented using TFC. Subsequently, all patients were evaluated with SPECT-MPI and categorized into the following groups according to their results: patients with CSF, patients with CSX, and patients with normal coronary arteries. Finally, we investigated whether a relationship existed between the SPECT-MPI and TFC results from these three groups.

RESULTS

All ischaemia scores for MPI were significantly higher in the CSF group than in the CSX and control groups (P < 0.05). TFC was significantly associated with the severity of ischaemia in the CSF patients. There was a significant positive correlation between the summon difference score (SDS) and mean TFC value (P < 0.05) as well as between the SDS and each individual coronary TFC value in the CSF patients (P < 0.05). The number of vessels involved in CSF was positively correlated with the SDS.

CONCLUSION

CSF is associated with more severe myocardial ischaemia than CSX. The level of myocardial ischaemia on SPECT-MPI was correlated with the TFC and the number of affected coronary vessels in patients with CSF. These results suggest that CSF is a more serious clinical entity than CSX, and that the clinical severity of CSF appears to increase as the coronary flow rate decreases.

Evaluation of homocystein and asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that homocysteine and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels were strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of plasma homocysteine and ADMA levels in the pathogenesis of coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with CSF and 25 controls with normal coronary flow were included in this study. The quantitative measurement of coronary blood flow was performed using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count method. Plasma homocysteine and ADMA levels were determined using enzymatic assays from venous blood samples.

Results

The patients with CSF had significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels than controls (16.2 ± 7.6 vs. 12.2 ± 2.2 μM/L; p = 0.023). The uric acid levels were significantly higher in CSF group than controls (5.4 ± 1.1 vs. 4.6 ± 0.9 mg/dl; p = 0.011). Plasma ADMA levels were also higher in the CSF group; however, this was not statistically significant (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 0.5 ± 0.2 μM/L; p = 0.475).

Conclusions

Increased homocysteine and uric acid levels may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CSF. Further large scale studies are required to determine the relationship between ADMA levels and CSF.

Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

The platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is an integrated reflection of 2 opposite thrombotic/inflammatory pathways that are easily calculated from a complete blood count. The PLR initially served as a systemic inflammatory biomarker to predict the prognosis of neoplastic diseases. In recent years, the PLR has been used as a prognostic marker in cardiovascular (CV) conditions. In this review, we consider the evidence regarding the association of the PLR with CV disease (CVD) and its possible use as a prognostic marker of CVD. The role of PLR has been investigated in CV conditions in several studies. We assessed clinical trials using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science (up to April 18, 2018) to evaluate the association between PLR and mortality/major adverse cardiac events in these conditions. Most of these studies reported significant relationships between a high PLR and diverse outcomes. In conclusion, we suggest that PLR is a cheap and easily available systemic inflammatory marker that can predict distinct outcomes in different types of CVD.

Circulating miRNA-155 as a Potential Biomarker for Coronary Slow Flow

Objective

Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNA-155 is involved in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, miRNA-155 has emerged as a new indirect marker for inflammation associated with adverse outcomes in oncology and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the correlation between the levels of miRNA-155 and coronary slow flow (CSF).

Methods

A total of 66 patients with CSF and 66 patients with normal coronary flow were enrolled in this study. Coronary flow velocity was determined using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) method. The plasma levels of miRNA-155 were quantified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The plasma levels of miRNA-155 were significantly higher in the CSF group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, miRNA-155 levels were positively correlated with TFC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (P < 0.05 for both parameters). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that plasma miRNA-155 (OR = 2.384, 95% confidence interval 1.847–3.273, P = 0.032) and hs-CRP (OR = 1.273, 95% confidence interval 1.036–2.253, P = 0.013) were independent predictors for CSF. Using plasma miRNA-155 levels as the test variable, ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve was 0.782 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with CSF have higher plasma levels of miRNA-155, and this may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CSF, and an elevated plasma miRNA-155 level may be a predictor for CSF. A large-scale and multicenter study is required to elucidate the role of miRNA-155 as a potential biomarker for patients with CSF.

Clinical, demographic, risk factor and angiographic profile of coronary slow flow phenomenon: A single centre experience

Background

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic finding characterized by delayed distal vessel opacification in the absence of significant epicardial coronary stenosis. Although it is well-known to interventional cardiologists for approximately four decades, the etiopathogenesis still remains unclear.

Aims and objectives

In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical, demographic, risk factor and angiographic profile of patients with CSFP.

Methods

Clinical, demographic, risk factor and angiographic profile were recorded in all consecutive patients who had undergone coronary angiography between September 2016 and March 2017 and showed features of CSFP and a control group who showed normal coronary flow (NCF). The CSFP was diagnosed on the basis of the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count.

Results

CSFP was significantly more prevalent in male patients. Among the traditional risk factors, there was significantly more prevalence of hypertension (31.25% versus 6.67%, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (40% versus 7.5%, p < 0.001) and history of tobacco use (47.5% versus 10.0%, p < 0.001) in CSFP patients as compared to NCF patients. On multivariable regression analysis hypertension, dyslipidemia, history of smoking and tobacco chewing were found to have independent association with CSFP. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the most common mode of presentation in CSFP patients.

Conclusion

CSFP was relatively common among patients who presented with ACS. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and tobacco chewing can be considered independent risk factors for this phenomenon. Therefore, CSFP should be considered as a pathological entity and not an entirely benign condition.

The role of urotensin II and atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with slow coronary flow

BACKGROUND

Slow coronary flow (SCF) is an angiographic finding characterized with delayed opacification of epicardial coronary arteries without obstructive coronary disease. Urotensin II (UII) is an important vascular peptide, which has an important role in hypertension, coronary artery disease, and vascular remodeling in addition to potent vasoconstrictor effect.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated UII levels, hypertension, and other atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with SCF, a variety of coronary artery disease.

METHODS

We enrolled 14 patients with SCF and 29 subjects with normal coronary arteries without SCF. We compared the UII levels and the atherosclerotic risk factors between patients with SCF and control subjects with normal coronary flow.

RESULTS

UII concentrations were significantly higher in patients with SCF compared to controls (711.0 ± 19.4 vs. 701.5 ± 27.2 ng/mL, p = 0.006). We detected a positive correlation between SCF and age (r = 0.476, p = 0.001), BMI (r = 0.404, p = .002), UII concentrations (r = 0.422, p = 0.006), and hypertension (r = 0.594, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We identified increased UII levels in patients with SCF. We think that UII concentrations may be informative on SCF pathogenesis due to relationship with inflammation, atherosclerosis, and vascular remodeling.

Effect of Slow Coronary Flow on P-Wave Duration and Dispersion

The slow coronary flow (SCF) phenomenon is often considered to be an incidental angiographic finding; however, several reports have shown it to be associated with cardiac events. In this study we aimed to assess P-wave duration and dispersion (PWD) in patients with SCF and to compare it with that of healthy subjects. Thus, 40 patients with angiographically proven SCF and otherwise normal coronary arteries (group 1) and 36 sex-age-matched healthy subjects (group 2) were included in this study. A 12-lead surface ECG, recorded at a paper speed of 50-mm/s and 2 mV/cm standardization, was obtained from each subject. P-wave duration was measured manually by use of a caliper. The difference between the maximum (Pmax) and minimum P (Pmin)-wave duration was calculated and defined as PWD. All subjects had undergone echocardiographic examination to exclude valvular disorders and wall motion abnormalities. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in demographies of age, sex, heart rate, or blood pressure. Maximum P-wave duration and PWD were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (120 ±7 vs 115 ±5, p = 0.003; 44 ±12 vs 38 ±9, p = 0.01, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in Pmin duration (75 ±9 vs 78 ±7, p = 0.4). In conclusion; SCF and otherwise normal epicardial coronary artery was found to be associated with prolonged P-wave duration and increased PWD. This may result from microvascular ischemia and/or altered autonomic control of cardiovascular system observed in this group of patients.

The Role of Adrenergic Activity in Slow Coronary Flow and Its Relationship to TIMI Frame Count

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of adrenergic activity in patients with slow coronary flow (SCF) and its relationship to TIMI frame count on the pathogenesis of SCF. Plasma noradrenalin and adrenalin concentrations at rest were compared in 51 patients diagnosed with SCF through coronary angiography and TIMI frame count; and 44 healthy controls with normal coronary flow (NCF). Furthermore, the relationship between TIMI frame count and noradrenalin and adrenalin levels was investigated. Plasma noradrenalin (127.9 ±9.2 and 79.3 ± 7.3 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) and adrenalin levels (63.9 ± 2.6 and 44.7 ± 2.8 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) were higher in patients with SCF when compared to patients with NCF. Noradrenalin and adrenalin levels were effected with SCF-dominant vessels with respect to TIMI frame count (p = 0.012 and p < 0.0001). Patients with SCF in 1, 2, or 3 vessels had different noradrenalin and adrenalin levels (p <0.003 and p < 0.0001). Patients with TIMI frame count above the 75th percentile had significantly higher noradrenalin and adrenalin levels when compared with those between the 25th—50th percentiles and below (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Correlation analysis established that both adrenalin and noradrenalin levels were correlated with TIMI frame counts of left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex (Cx) arteries. Exercise testing revealed ischemia in 6 patients. Their TIMI frame counts were above the 75th percentile, and they had higher noradrenalin and adrenalin levels when compared with those without ischemia (p = 0.029, p = 0.045). Higher noradrenalin and adrenalin levels and correlation between TIMI frame count and ischemia in patients with SCF suggest that increased adrenergic activity may be the manifestation of slow coronary flow.

Is activation in inflammatory bowel diseases associated with further impairment of coronary microcirculation?

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] includes a number of chronic relapsing diseases. In IBD intestinal microvascular endothelial cells are damaged by an abnormal immune response. Several studies have shown that IBD may cause increment in risk of developing atherosclerosis. IBD in activation was related to enhanced risks of worse cardiovascular [CV] outcome, on the other hand no risk increment was seen in remission comparing to control group in those studies. Coronary Flow Reserve [CFR] reflects coronary microvascular circulation. Coronary microvascular dysfunction may be defined as a predictor of CV outcome combined with previous described atherosclerotic risk factors. The present study was purposed to further evaluate whether or not CFR in the left anterior descending artery [LAD] is disturbed in IBD patients with activation in comparison to remission and healthy subjects.

METHODS

62 patients with IBD and 39 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Patients' demographics were recorded. CFR evaluation of patients with IBD in both activation and remission period and control group were performed with transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS

CFR was significantly lowest in the active period of the IBD [2.26 [2.08-2.55] vs. 2.55 [2.18-3.00] and 3.10 [2.85-3.29] p<0.001]. CFR is negatively correlated with disease activity scores of IBD.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that CFR is more prominently disturbed in patients with IBD in activation. The activation of disease may have a major role in the progression of coronary microcirculatory dysfunction and future cardiovascular events.

Stress cardiomyopathy: Is it limited to Takotsubo syndrome? Problems of definition

In 2006, Takotsubo syndrome (TTC) was described as a distinct type of stress-induced cardiomyopathy (stress cardiomyopathy). However, when thinking about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy from the viewpoints of the AHA and ESC classifications, 2 possible problems may arise. The first potential problem is that a forecast of disease outcome is lacking in the ESC classification, whereas the AHA only states that 'outcome is favorable with appropriate medical therapy'. However, based on the literature data, one can make a general conclusion that occurrence of myocardial lesions in TTC (i.e., myocardial fibrosis and contraction-band necrosis) causes the same effects as in other diseases with similar levels of myocardial damage and should not be considered to have a lesser impact on mortality. To summarise, TTC can cause not only severe complications such as pulmonary oedema, cardiogenic shock, and dangerous ventricular arrhythmias, but also damage to the myocardium, which can result in the development of potentially fatal conditions even after the disappearance of LV apical ballooning. The second potential problem arises from the definition of TTC as a stress cardiomyopathy in the AHA classification. In fact, the main factors leading to TTC are stress and microvascular anginas, since, as has been already discussed, coronary spasm can cause myocardium stunning, resulting in persistent apical ballooning. Thus, based on this review, 3 distinct types of stress cardiomyopathies exist (variant angina, microvascular angina, and TTC), with poor prognosis. Adding these diseases to the classification of cardiomyopathies will facilitate diagnosis and preventive prolonged treatment, which should include intensive anti-stress therapy.

Serum Salusin-β Levels Are Correlated with Slow Coronary Flow

CONTEXT

Slow coronary flow (SCF) is a special coronary microvascular disorder associated with recurrent chest pain. The pathogenesis of SCF remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess whether serum salusin-β levels are correlated with SCF.

METHODS

We enrolled 76 patients with angiographically confirmed SCF and 108 age- and gender-matched controls. We measured serum salusin-β levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and coronary flow rate was assessed using thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC).

RESULTS

Serum salusin-β levels were elevated in SCF patients compared with controls (4.33 [range 3.52-5.87] nmol/L vs. 3.76 [range 2.98-4.67] nmol/L). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that salusin-β in serum was the independent predictor of SCF (odds ratio = 1.814). Serum salusin-β levels were independently correlated with mean-TFC (r = 0.355, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum salusin-β levels were independently associated with SCF. Therefore, our findings implicate a potential role of salusin-β in the pathophysiology of SCF and provide insights on both risk stratification and modification in this patient population.

A novel marker of inflammation in patients with slow coronary flow: lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio

AIM

Recently, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has emerged as a new indirect marker of inflammation which is associated with adverse outcomes in oncology and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between LMR and slow coronary flow (SCF).

PATIENTS & METHODS

A total of 100 consecutive patients with SCF and 100 consecutive patients with normal coronary flow were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

LMR was significantly lower in patients with SCF than in patients with normal coronary flow (p < 0.001). Also, LMR was negatively correlated with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and CRP levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005). LMR was found to be significantly and independently associated with SCF (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

LMR was negatively correlated with serum C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels.

Effect of Coronary Slow Flow on the Longitudinal Left Ventricular Function Assessed by 2-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

The coronary slow flow phenomenon is defined as the slow progression of an angiographic contrast agent to the distal part of the coronary arteries on selective coronary angiography in the absence of stenosis. There are some studies with different results about the effect of this phenomenon on left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of our study was to evaluate the longitudinal LV function in the coronary slow flow phenomenon using 2-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography.

METHODS

In a study with a patient-to-patient matched design, 36 patients with the coronary slow flow phenomenon and 36 individuals with normal coronary flow matched for age (±5 years), sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were compared in terms of the longitudinal LV systolic and diastolic functions by pulsed wave tissue Doppler echocardiography and 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived indices.

RESULTS

Lateral s' and e' waves were lower in the patients with the coronary slow flow phenomenon, but there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the other tissue Doppler echocardiographic indices and longitudinal systolic strain and systolic and diastolic strain rates derived by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the coronary slow flow phenomenon could not impair the longitudinal LV systolic and diastolic functions.

Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon Clinical Findings and Predictors

Background:

In some patients with chest pain, selective coronary angiography reveals slow contrast agent passage through the epicardial coronary arteries in the absence of stenosis. This phenomenon has been designated the slow coronary flow (SCF) phenomenon.

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to describe the demographic and clinical findings and presence of common atherosclerosis risk factors in patients with the SCF phenomenon.

Patients and Methods:

Between October 2014 and March 2015, demographic data, clinical histories, atherosclerosis risk factors, and laboratory and angiographic findings were recorded for all consecutive patients scheduled for coronary angiography and diagnosed with the SCF phenomenon, as well as a control group (patients with normal epicardial coronary arteries; NECA). SCF was diagnosed based on the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC). A TFC > 27 indicated a diagnosis of SCF phenomenon.

Results:

Among the 3600 patients scheduled for selective coronary angiography, 75 (2%) met the SCF criteria. SCF and NECA patients did not exhibit statistically significant differences in traditional risk factors except for hypertension, which was more prevalent in SCF than NECA patients (52% versus 31%, P = 0.008). A multivariable analysis indicated a low body mass index, presence of hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level, and high hemoglobin level as independent predictors of the SCF phenomenon; of these, hypertension was the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 6.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.2 - 17.9, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The SCF phenomenon is relatively frequent, particularly among patients with acute coronary syndrome who are scheduled for coronary angiography. Hypertension, a low HDL-c level, and high hemoglobin level can be considered independent predictors of this phenomenon.

The Relationship Between Serum Endocan Levels With the Presence of Slow Coronary Flow: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between endocan levels with the presence of slow coronary flow (SCF).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 88 patients, who admitted to our hospital, were included in this study. Of these, 53 patients with SCF and 35 patients with normal coronary flow were included in the final analysis. Coronary flow rates of all patients were determined by the Timi Frame Count (TFC) method.

RESULTS

In correlation analysis, endocan levels revealed a significantly positive correlation with high sensitive C-reactive protein and corrected TFC. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the endocan levels were found as independently associated with the presence of SCF. Finally, using a cutoff level of 2.3, endocan level predicted the presence of SCF with a sensitivity of 77.2% and specificity of 75.2%.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study showed that higher endocan levels were significantly and independently related to the presence of SCF.

Evolution of Coronary Flow in an Experimental Slow Flow Model in Swines: Angiographic and Pathological Insights

Objective. Pathomechanism of coronary slow flow phenomenon remains largely unclear now. Present study observed the pathological and angiographic evolution in a pig model of coronary slow flow. Methods. Coronary slow flow was induced by repeat coronary injection of small doses of 40 µm microspheres in 18 male domestic pigs and angiographic and pathological changes were determined at 3 hours, 7 days, and 28 days after microspheres injection. Results. Compared to control group treated with coronary saline injection (n = 6) and baseline level, coronary flow was significantly reduced at 3 hours and 7 days but completely recovered at 28 days after coronary microsphere injection in slow flow group. Despite normal coronary flow at 28 days after microsphere injection, enhanced myocardial cytokine expression, left ventricular dysfunction, adverse remodelling, and ischemia/microembolism related pathological changes still persisted or even progressed from 3 hours to 28 days after coronary microsphere injection. Conclusions. Our results show that this large animal slow flow model could partly reflect the chronic angiographic, hemodynamic, and pathological changes of coronary slow flow and could be used to test new therapy strategies against the slow flow phenomenon.

Evaluation of serum prolidase activity in patients with slow coronary flow

INTRODUCTION

Slow coronary flow (SCF) is described as the slow passage of contrast to distal coronaries despite anatomically normal coronary arteries. It has been shown that increased serum prolidase activity (SPA) correlates with collagen turnover. Increased collagen turnover might be associated with the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between serum prolidase activity and slow coronary flow.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 40 SCF patients (mean age: 55.0 ±9.5 years, 20 females) and 40 controls (mean age: 53.9 ±8.2 years, 21 females) with normal coronary anatomy and normal coronary flow. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame-count (TFC) method was used for SCF diagnosis. Serum prolidase activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and the relevant parameters were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the SCF and control groups in terms of basic demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. However, the SPA was significantly higher in the SCF group compared to the control (702.7 ±13.8 and 683.9 ±13.2 respectively, p<0.001). Serum prolidase activity was significantly correlated with the mean TFC (r=0.463, p<0.001). The overall findings of this study support the predictive accuracy of the serum prolidase activity in our cohort, with a statistically significant ROC value of 681.3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that SPA was increased in SCF patients. The activity of this enzyme was significantly correlated with the mean TFC.

The relationship between eosinophilia and slow coronary flow

Aim

The pathophysiology of slow coronary flow (SCF) involves atherosclerosis, small vessel dysfunction, platelet function disorders, and inflammation. It has been known that eosinophils also play a significant role in inflammation, vasoconstriction, thrombosis, and endothelial dysfunction. We propose to evaluate the relationship between eosinophilia and SCF.

Methods

All patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2011 and December 2013 were screened retrospectively. Of 6,832 patients, 102 patients with SCF (66 males, mean age 52.2±11.7 years) and 77 control subjects with normal coronary angiography (50 males, mean age 50.7±8.1 years) were detected. Baseline characteristics, hematological test results, and biochemical test results were obtained from the hospital database.

Results

Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable between groups. There was no significant difference between groups regarding leukocyte count, paletelet count, and mean platelet volume. However, patients with SCF had a higher eosinophil count than the controls (0.24±0.17×10³/μL vs 0.16±0.15×10³/μL, P=0.002). In addition, eosinophil count was found to be correlated with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count in the SCF group (r=0.3, P<0.01). There was no significant correlation between eosinophil count and the number of coronary arteries showing slow flow.

Conclusion

Patients with SCF have higher blood eosinophil count, and this may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SCF. Elevated baseline eosinophil count may indicate the presence of SCF.

Association of Monocyte-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio with Slow Coronary Flow is Linked to Systemic Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Previous studies proposed that both inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired endothelial dysfunction have a significant role in occurrence of slow coronary flow (SCF). monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a recently emerged indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress, which have been studied only in patients with chronic kidney disease.

HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to assess the relationship between MHR and SCF.

METHODS

Patients who had angiographically normal coronary arteries were enrolled in this retrospective study (n = 253 as SCF group and n = 176 as control group). Patients who had corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame counts (cTFCs) above the normal cutoffs were defined as with SCF.

RESULTS

The MHR and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were significantly higher in the SCF group. In correlation analysis, MHR has a significantly positive correlation with cTFC and serum hsCRP levels (P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MHR was found as independently associated with the presence of SCF (odds ratio: 1.24, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Higher MHR which indicates an enhanced inflammation and oxidative stress was significantly and independently associated with the presence of SCF. Besides, MHR was positively correlated with serum hsCRP level as a conventional marker for systemic inflammation.

Microvascular angina: an update on diagnosis and treatment

ABSTRACT 

Many patients with chest pain who are relieved to learn that they have no obstructive stenoses at diagnostic angiography are misclassified as having noncardiac chest pain. Only recently have we developed the conceptual framework and diagnostic tools to understand that ischemic heart disease is not exclusively caused by obstructive coronary artery disease, but often has its origin in the microcirculation. This article will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of microvascular angina as a cause of myocardial ischemia in patients with abnormal but ‘normal appearing’ coronary arteries.

Increased Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio is Related to Slow Coronary Flow

Previous studies showed that both inflammation and platelets have a role in development of slow coronary flow (SCF). Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as an emerging inflammatory indicator was significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, we aimed to assess the relationship between PLR and SCF. Patients who had angiographically normal coronary arteries were enrolled in this retrospective study (n = 221 as SCF group and n = 293 as control group). Patients who had thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame counts (TFC) above the normal cutoffs were considered to have SCF. Both PLR and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in the SCF group. In correlation analysis, PLR has a significantly positive correlation with the left anterior descending artery TFC (P = .001), circumflex artery TFC (P < .001), right coronary artery TFC (P < .001), and serum CRP level (P < .001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, PLR was independently associated with presence of SCF (odds ratio: 1.014, P < .001). In conclusion, higher PLR levels were significantly and independently related to the presence of SCF. Besides, PLR was positively correlated with serum CRP level as a conventional marker for systemic inflammation.

Slow coronary flow phenomenon and increased platelet volume indices

Background and Objectives

We sought to determine the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet larger cell ratio (P-LCR) with slow coronary flow (SCF).

Subjects and Methods

Eighty participants who underwent coronary angiography were divided into two groups, 50 participants with SCF as case group, and 30 with normal coronary flow (NCF) as control group. Baseline characteristics and laboratory data were collected before angiography.

Results

Platelet volume indices MPV (10.8±1.2 fL), PDW (14.5±2.2 fL), and P-LCR (30.5±8.1%) in the SCF group were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those (10.1±0.9 fL, 13.2±1.8 fL, and 26.8±6.8%, respectively) in the NCF group. The patients with three SCF arteries had significantly higher platelet volume indices compared to those with NCF arteries; however, the patients with one SCF artery did not. Based on linear regression model, MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were independent predictors of mean infarction frame counting (TFC). In multivariate analysis, MPV {odds ratio (OR)=32.393, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.189-882.606, p=0.039} and P-LCR (OR=0.566, 95% CI=0.330-0.937, p=0.028) were independent predictors of SCF.

Conclusion

Platelet volume indices MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were associated with both the presence and extent of SCF.

New markers for ventricular repolarization in coronary slow flow: Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio

BACKGROUND

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by normal or near-normal coronary arteries with delayed opacification of the distal vasculature that it may cause angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, life-threatening arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio are also known as predictors of ventricular arrhythmogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess ventricular repolarization in patients with CSF by using Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio.

METHODS

This study included 50 patients with CSF and 51 control subjects. Coronary flow rates of all subjects were documented by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC). Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared between groups.

RESULTS

In electrocardiographic parameters analysis, QT, QTc, QTd, and QTcd were significantly increased in CSF patients compared with the control subjects (P < 0.001, P = 0.019, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio in the CSF patients were significantly higher than those in the control subjects (Tp-e: 117 ± 21 milliseconds [ms] vs 96 ± 16 ms, P < 0.001; Tp-e/QT: 0.30 ± 0.06 vs 0.27 ± 0.06, P = 0.005; Tp-e/QTc: 0.27 ± 0.06 vs 0.24 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, increased Tp-e and Tp-e/QT ratio were associated with CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that when compared to the control subjects, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc were significantly increased in the CSF patients.

Impaired coronary microvascular and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Increased incidence of coronary vascular events in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known. However, the association between coronary microvascular function and IBD has not been fully defined. We aimed to investigate whether coronary flow reserve (CFR) and left ventricular diastolic function were impaired in IBD patients.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with IBD (36 patients with ulcerative colitis [UC] and 36 Crohn's disease [CD]) were registered. Each subject was evaluated after a minimum 15-day attack-free period. For the control group, 36 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included into the study. IBD clinical disease activity in UC was assessed by the Truelove-Witts Index (TWAS) and in CD by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI). In each subject, CFR was measured through transthoracic Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTS

Compared to the controls, the CD group and UC group had significantly higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Baseline diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was significantly higher in the IBD group (24.1±3.9 vs. 22. 4±2.9, p<0.05), and hyperemic DPFV (56.1±12.5 vs. 70.6±15.3, p<0.05) and CFR (2.34±0.44 vs. 3.14±0.54, p<0.05) were significantly lower in the IBD group than in the control group. In stepwise linear regression analysis, hs-CRP and lateral Em/Am ratio were independently correlated with CFR.

CONCLUSION

CFR, reflecting coronary microvascular function, is impaired in patients with IBD. CFR and left ventricular diastolic function parameters are well correlated with hs-CRP.