Coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic coronary total occlusion; its relationship with cardiac risk markers and SYNTAX score

N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level and benefits of chronic total occlusion revascularization

BACKGROUND

The management of revascularization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) remains controversial. Whether specific patients gain survival benefit from CTO revascularization remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether (i) patients with CTO have higher N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) levels than patients without CTO, (ii) in patients with CTO, NT pro-BNP levels predict adverse events, and (iii) those with elevated levels benefit from revascularization.

METHODS

In 392 patients with stable, significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and CTO undergoing coronary angiography, rates of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and a composite (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and heart failure hospitalizations) were investigated. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional and Fine and Gray sub-distribution hazard models were performed to determine the association between NT pro-BNP levels and incident event rates in patients with CTO.

RESULTS

NT pro-BNP levels were higher in patients with, compared to those without CTO (median 230.0 vs. 177.7 pg/mL, p ≤0.001). Every doubling of NT pro-BNP level in patients with CTO was associated with a > 25% higher rate of adverse events. 111 (28.5%) patients underwent CTO revascularization. In patients with elevated NT pro-BNP levels (> 125 pg/mL), those who underwent CTO revascularization had substantially lower adverse event rates compared to patients without CTO revascularization (adjusted cardiovascular death hazard ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval (0.09-0.88). However, in patients with low NT pro-BNP levels (≤ 125 pg/mL), event rates were similar in those with and without CTO revascularization.

CONCLUSION

NT pro-BNP levels can help identify individuals who may benefit from CTO revascularization.

Circulating Progenitor Cells and Coronary Collaterals in Chronic Total Occlusion

BACKGROUND

The role of circulating progenitor cells (CPC) in collateral formation that occurs in the presence of chronic total occlusions (CTO) of a coronary artery is not well established. In stable patients with a CTO, we investigated whether CPC levels are associated with (a) collateral development and (b) ischemic burden, as measured by circulating high sensitivity troponin-I (hsTn-I) levels.

METHODS

CPCs were enumerated by flow cytometry as CD45med+ blood mononuclear cells expressing CD34 and both CD34 and CD133 epitopes. The association between CPC counts and both Rentrop collateral grade (0, 1, 2, or 3) and hsTn-I levels were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

In 89 patients (age 65.5, 72% male, 27% Black), a higher CPC count was positively associated with a higher Rentrop collateral grade; [CD34+ adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.49 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.95, 2.34) P = 0.082] and [CD34+/CD133+ OR 1.57 95% CI (1.05, 2.36) P = 0.028]. Every doubling of CPC counts was also associated with lower hsTn-I levels [CD34+ β -0.35 95% CI (-0.49, -0.15) P = 0.002] and [CD34+/CD133+ β -0.27 95% CI (-0.43, -0.08) P = 0.009] after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with higher CPC counts have greater collateral development and lower ischemic burden in the presence of a CTO.

High Sensitivity Troponin Level and Benefits of Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization

Background The survival benefit of revascularization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries remains a subject of controversy. We measured high sensitivity troponin-I (hsTn-I) levels as an estimate of myocardial ischemia in patients with stable coronary artery disease, with the hypothesis that (1) patients with CTO have higher levels of hsTn-I than patients without CTO, (2) hsTn-I levels will predict adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CTO, and (3) patients with elevated hsTn-I levels will have a survival benefit from CTO revascularization. Methods and Results In 428 patients with stable coronary artery disease and CTO undergoing coronary angiography, adverse event rates were investigated. Cox proportional hazards models and Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models were performed to determine the association between hsTn-I level and incident event rates in patients with CTO. HsTn-I levels were higher in patients with compared with those without CTO (median 6.7 versus 5.6 ng/L, P=0.002). An elevated hsTn-I level was associated with higher adverse event rates (adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.08-1.32]; P=0.030) for every doubling of hsTn-I level. CTO revascularization was performed in 28.3% of patients. In patients with a high (>median) hsTn-I level, CTO revascularization was associated with substantially lower all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.08-0.88]; P=0.030) compared with those who did not undergo revascularization. In patients with a low ( Collapse

Key Words

• chronic total occlusion
• coronary artery bypass graft
• high sensitivity troponin‐I
• percutaneous coronary intervention

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Coronary Artery Disease/complications
• Coronary Occlusion
• Risk Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/adverse effects
• Coronary Angiography/adverse effects
• Chronic Disease
• Troponin I

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Grants

• U54 AG062334 NIA NIH HHS
• P01 HL154996 NHLBI NIH HHS
• R33 HL138657 NHLBI NIH HHS
• P01 HL086773 NHLBI NIH HHS
• P30 DK111024 NIDDK NIH HHS
• R01 HL109413 NHLBI NIH HHS
• R01 HL166004 NHLBI NIH HHS
• R61 HL154116 NHLBI NIH HHS
• P20 HL113451 NHLBI NIH HHS
• P01 HL101398 NHLBI NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

Daniel A. Gold Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Pratik B. Sandesara Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Vardhmaan Jain Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Matthew E. Gold Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Nishant Vatsa Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Shivang R. Desai Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Malika Elhage Hassan Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Chenyang Yuan Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGA
Yi‐An Ko Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGA
Ayman Alkhoder Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Kiran Ejaz Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Zain Alvi Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Alireza Rahbar Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Gillian Murtagh Abbott Diagnostics, Abbott LaboratoriesAbbott ParkIL
Wissam A. Jaber Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
William J. Nicholson Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA
Arshed A. Quyyumi Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineEmory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute, Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGA

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Comparison of the effect of uric acid/albumin ratio on coronary colleteral circulation with other inflammation-based markers in stable coronary artery disease patients

BACKGROUND

The Uric acid/Albumin ratio (UAR) has recently been identified as a prominent marker in cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effect of UAR on coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients by comparing it with conventional inflammation-based markers.

METHODS

In this study, 415 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris and were found to have chronic total occlusion in at least one coronary artery were retrospectively included. The study population was divided into two groups as good CCC (Rentrop 2-3) and poor CCC (Rentrop 0-1) according to the Rentrop classification, and the groups were compared in terms of UAR and other traditional inflammation-based markers.

RESULTS

In the poor CCC group, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and UAR were found to be significantly high (p < .05, for all). UAR negatively correlated with rentrop classification (r = -0.383, p < .001). In multivariate regression analysis, MHR, NLR, SII and UAR were determined as independent predictors for poor CCC (p < .05, for all). The ability of UAR to predict poor CCC was superior to uric acid and albumin alone (p < .0001, for both). In addition, UAR was found to be superior to other inflammation-based markers in predicting poor CCC (p < .005, for all).

CONCLUSION

UAR was identified as a strong and independent predictor of CCC. In this context, UAR may be a useful biomarker in the risk prediction of patients with stable CAD.

The Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Biomarkers and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Total Coronary Artery Obstruction

Background

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is an angiographic picture of total occlusion without blood flow which is estimated to have lasted at least 3 months. This study attempted to provide an overview of the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble suppression tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) as remodeling, inflammatory, and atherosclerotic markers, as well as changes in the angina severity in patients with CTO who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to those without PCI.

Methods

This study is a preliminary report with quasi-experimental design study with a pre-test and post-test approach to compare PCI's effect in CTO patients towards changes in MMP-9, sST2, NT-pro-BNP levels, and changes in the angina severity. Twenty subjects underwent PCI and 20 subjects with optimal medical therapy, who were then assessed at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention.

Results

The results of this preliminary report showed that decreased MMP-9 (pre-test: 12.07 ± 1.27 ng/mL vs. post-test: 9.91 ± 5.19 ng/mL, P = 0.049), sST2 (pre-test: 37.65 ± 20.00 ng/mL vs. post-test: 29.74 ± 15.17 ng/mL, P = 0.026) and NT-pro-BNP (pre-test: 0.63 ± 0.23 ng/mL vs. post-test: 0.24 ± 0.10 ng/mL, P < 0.001) levels were found after 8 weeks of PCI compared to those without such intervention. The levels of NT-pro-BNP were lower in the PCI group (0.24 ± 0.10 ng/mL) than in the non-PCI group (0.56 ± 0.23 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Moreover, there was an improvement of angina severity in PCI group than without PCI (P < 0.039).

Conclusions

Although this preliminary report found a significant decrease in MMP-9, NT-pro-BNP, and sST2 levels in CTO patients who had undergone PCI compared to those without PCI, as well as improved angina severity in these patients, this study still has limitations. The number of samples was so small that similar studies with larger sample sizes or multicenter investigations are required to deliver more trustworthy and useful results. Nevertheless, we encourage this study as a preliminary baseline for further studies in the future.

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio serve as a predictor for coronary collateral circulation in chronic total occlusive patients

Objective

The present study investigated the potential correlation between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (non-HDL-C/HDL) and the formation of coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in coronary artery disease cases with chronic total occlusive (CTO) lesions.

Methods

Two experienced cardiologists identified and selected patients with CTO lesions for retrospective analysis. The 353 patients were divided into a CCC poor formation group (Rentrop 0–1 grade, n = 209) and a CCC good formation group (Rentrop 2–3 grade, n = 144) based on the Cohen-Rentrop standard. A comparison of non-HDL-C/HDL ratios between the two groups was performed. The Spearman test was used to obtain the correlation between the cholesterol ratio and Rentrop grade. Independent predictors of CCC were analyzed using logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performed to quantify the predictive value of research indicator.

Results

The non-HDL-C/HDL ratio in the CCC poor formation group was elevated markedly compared to the CCC good formation group [( 3.86 ± 1.40) vs ( 3.31 ± 1.22), P = 0.000]. The Spearman test results indicated that non-HDL-C/HDL negatively correlated with Rentrop grade (r = − 0.115, P = 0.030). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-HDL-C/HDL ratio was an independent predictor of CCC formation (OR = 1.195, 95%CI = 1.020–1.400, P = 0.027). The area under the curve of ROC for detecting CCC poor formation was 0.611 (95% CI: 0.551–0.671, P = 0.000) with an optimal cut-off value of 2.77.

Conclusion

Non-HDL-C/HDL negatively correlated with the formation of CCC and served as an independent predictor of CCC formation, which may be used as a biomarker for the evaluation of CCC.

Metabolic syndrome and its components reduce coronary collateralization in chronic total occlusion: An observational study

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an independent risk factor for the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether or to what extent MetS and its components was associated with coronary collateralization (CC) in chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Methods

This study involved 1653 inpatients with CTO. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected by cardiovascular doctors. The CC condition was defined by the Rentrop scoring system. Subgroup analysis, mixed model regression analysis, scoring systems and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed.

Results

Overall, 1653 inpatients were assigned to the poor CC group (n = 355) and good CC group (n = 1298) with or without MetS. Compared to the good CCs, the incidence of MetS was higher among the poor CCs for all patients. Poor collateralization was present in 7.6%, 14.2%, 19.3%, 18.2%, 35.6% and 51.1% of the six groups who met the diagnostic criteria of MetS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times, respectively. For multivariable logistic regression, quartiles of BMI remained the risk factors for CC growth in all subgroups (adjusted OR = 1.755, 95% CI 1.510–2.038, P < 0.001 all patients; adjusted OR = 1.897, 95% CI 1.458–2.467, P < 0.001 non-MetS; and adjusted OR = 1.814, 95% CI 1.482–2.220, P < 0.001 MetS). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, MetS was an independent risk factor for CC growth in several models. Assigning a score of one for each component, the AUCs were 0.629 (95% CI 0.595–0.662) in all patients, 0.656 (95% CI 0.614–0.699) in MetS patients and 0.569 (95% CI 0.517–0.621) in non-MetS patients by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusions

MetS, especially body mass index, confers a greater risk of CC formation in CTO. The value of scoring systems should be explored further for CTO.

Does the extent of collaterals influence the severity of the myocardial injury as assessed by elevation in biomarkers?

Introduction: Quantitative analysis of cardiac biomarkers, troponin I and CPK-MB, estimates the extent of myocardial injury while extent of benefit from coronary collateral circulation (CCC) to protect myocardium during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) needs validation. We analysed if the extent of collaterals had impact on baseline biomarkers at the time of coronary angiogram.

Methods: We analysed 3616 consecutive patients who presented with AMI and underwent invasive coronary angiography (CAG) with intent to revascularisation with biomarkers assessment at the time of CAG. CCC to Infarct related artery (IRA) were graded as per Rentrop grading viz. poorly-developed CCC (Grade 0/1 as Group A) and well-developed CCC (Grade 2/3 as Group B).

Results: Both groups (A and B) were matched for demographics, traditional risk factors, SYNTAX 1 Score, time to CAG from onset of angina and eGFR. 36.59% of patients had Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) as compared to 63.41% ST -segment elevation infarction (STEMI). Overall Troponin I (P =0.01, P =0.01) and CPK MB (P =0.00, P =0.002) values were lower in group B in both NSTEMI and STEMI groups respectively. Troponin I and CPK-MB were significantly lower in group B [with NSTEMI for SVD (Single vessel disease) (P =0.05) and DVD (Double vessel disease) (P =0.04),but not for TVD (Triple vessel disease) and with STEMI in SVD (P =0.01), DVD (P =0.01) and TVD (P =0.001)].

Conclusion: Patients with well-developed coronary collaterals had a lower rise in biomarkers in AMI as compared to those with poor collaterals amongst both NSTEMI and STEMI groups.

The Mean Platelet Volume in the Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Risk Stratification of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Introduction:

Platelets play a crucial role in thrombotic episodes. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is the primary indicator of platelet’s activation; its measurement is easy and time-effective.

Aim:

We tested the hypothesis that MPV is correlated with SYNTAX score in patients that suffered from an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

Material and Methods:

One hundred and four (104) patients (79 male–25 female, mean age 64.2±11.1 years), who were hospitalized for an ACS and underwent coronary angiography, were included in the study. Syntax score, as an indicator of the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), was calculated. We tried to investigate the correlation between the first measured MPV, CRP, Creatinine and high sensitivity Troponin with the Syntax score of the patient and the association of MPV and a possible Major Advanced Cardiac Event (MACE) during hospitalization.

Results:

The patients were divided into four groups according to the SYNTAX score: Group A (SYNTAX score: 0, n=12), group B: Mild CAD (SYNTAX score: 1–22, n=68), group C: Moderate CAD (SYNTAX score: 23–32, n=12), and group D: Severe CAD (SYNTAX score: ≥ 33, n=12). Four patients (3.8%) developed a MACE during their hospitalization. MPV was significantly correlated to Syntax score (r=0.658, p<0.001) and was found to be an independent predictor factor of MACE with HR=6.8 (95% Confidence Interval 1.46-33.36). The cut-off value of MPV was 7.5 with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 30.8%.

Conclusion:

We determined a positive correlation between MPV and Syntax score, transforming this simple test in a possible factor of risk stratification in ACS.

Decoy receptor-3 regulates inflammation and apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a disease characterized by coronary artery atherosclerosis lesions caused by vascular cavity stenosis, occlusion, myocardial ischemia, hypoxia or necrosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that decoy receptor-3 (DCR-3) can act as a pleiotropic immunomodulation for enhancing angiogenesis, which may be associated with the progression of coronary heart disease. In the present study, ELISA assay was used to investigate the plasma concentration level of DCR-3 in patients with coronary heart disease. The mRNA and protein level of DCR-3 in myocardial cells were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The role and molecular mechanism of DCR-3 was also evaluated in myocardial cells in mice with coronary heart disease. The role of small interfering RNA that targeted phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in DCR-3 mediated apoptosis was confirmed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling and immunofluorescence. C57BL/6 mice with coronary heart disease were used to evaluate the efficacy of DCR-3 on inflammation and apoptosis. The data indicated that plasma concentration level of DCR-3 was downregulated in mice with coronary heart disease and that DCR-3 administration improved symptoms of coronary heart disease and prolonged survival of mice with coronary heart disease. In addition, it was demonstrated that DCR-3 treatment suppressed the inflammatory response and apoptosis of myocardial cells. Circulating DCR-3 concentration levels may be identified as a predictor of coronary heart disease and prognosis of coronary heart disease. Notably, it was also demonstrated that DCR-3 inhibited inflammatory factor expression levels by regulation of the PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that increasing circulating DCR-3 plasma concentration is associated with degree of coronary heart disease, suggesting that DCR-3 may be a promising drug for the treatment of coronary heart disease via regulating inflammation and apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Reduced coronary collateralization in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic total occlusion

BACKGROUND

The extent of coronary collateral formation is a primary determinant of the severity of myocardial damage and mortality after coronary artery occlusion. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents an important risk factor for impaired collateral vessel growth. However, the mechanism of reduced coronary collateralization in type 2 diabetic patients remains unclear.

METHODS

With the reference to the recent researches, this review article describes the pathogenic effects of T2DM on collateral development and outlines possible clinical and biochemical markers associated with reduced coronary collateralization in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO).

RESULTS

Diffuse coronary atherosclerosis in T2DM reduces pressure gradient between collateral donor artery and collateral recipient one, limiting collateral vessel growth and function. An interaction between advanced glycation end-products and their receptor activates several intracellular signaling pathways, enhances oxidative stress and aggravates inflammatory process. Diabetic condition decreases pro-angiogenic factors especially vascular endothelial growth factor and other collateral vessel growth related parameters. Numerous clinical and biochemical factors that could possibly attenuate the development of coronary collaterals have been reported. Increased serum levels of glycated albumin, cystatin C, and adipokine C1q tumor necrosis factor related protein 1 were associated with poor coronary collateralization in type 2 diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease and CTO. Diastolic blood pressure and stenosis severity of the predominant collateral donor artery also play a role in coronary collateral formation.

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM impairs collateral vessel growth through multiple mechanisms involving arteriogenesis and angiogenesis, and coronary collateral formation in patients with T2DM and CTO is influenced by various clinical, biochemical and angiographic factors. This information provides insights into the understanding of coronary pathophysiology and searching for potential new therapeutic targets in T2DM.

The Association between Whole Blood Viscosity and Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion

Background and Objectives

Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) has been attributed as inborn bypass mechanisms supporting ischemic myocardium. Various factors have been postulated in CCC. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) has been an underappreciated entity despite close relationships between multiple cardiovascular diseases. WBV can be calculated with a validated equation from hematocrit and total plasma protein levels for a low and high shear rate. On the grounds, we aimed to evaluate the association between WBV and CCC in patients with chronic total occlusion.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 371 patients diagnosed as having at least one major, chronic total occluded coronary artery were included. 197 patients with good CCC (Rentrop 2 and 3) composed the patient group. The poor collateral group consisted of 174 patients (Rentrop grade 0 and 1).

Results

Patients with poor CCC had higher WBV values for a low-shear rate (LSR) (69.5±8.7 vs. 60.1±9.8, p<0.001) and high-shear rate (HSR) (17.0±2.0 vs. 16.4±1.8, p<0.001) than the good collateral group. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between the grade of CCC and WBV for LSR (β=0.597, p<0.001) and HSR (β=0.494, p<0.001). WBV for LSR (β=0.476, p<0.001) and HSR (β=0.407, p<0.001) had a significant correlation with the synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score. A multivariate analysis showed that the WBV for both shear rates were independent risk factors of poor CCC (WBV at LSR, OR: 1.362 CI 95%: 1.095-1.741 p<0.001 and WBV at HSR, 1.251 CI 95%: 1.180-1.347 p<0.001).

Conclusion

WBV has been demonstrated as the overlooked predictor of poor coronary collateralization. WBV seemed to be associated with microvascular perfusion and angiogenesis process impairing CCC development.

Influence of collaterals on the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion

Objective

Although numerous studies have shown the protective effects of the well-developed coronary collaterals on left ventricular functions, the relationship between collateral grade and left ventricular end diastolic pressure has not been studied in chronic total occlusion patients. Also, there are conflicting data on the effect of collaterals on NT-proBNP levels. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary collateral circulation and left ventricular end diastolic pressure and NT-proBNP levels in chronic total occlusion patients.

Methods

Study group was retrospectively selected from the patients who had undergone coronary angiography at our hospital between June 2011 and March 2013. Clinical, biochemical, angiographic and hemodynamic data of 199 consecutive patients having at least one totally occluded major epicardial coronary artery were evaluated. Coronary collateral circulation was graded according to Rentrop classification. While Rentrop grade 3 was defined as well-developed, all the remaining collateral grades were regarded as poor collaterals.

Results

Overall 87 patients were found to have good collaterals and 112 patients had poor collaterals. There was no significant difference between the patients with well- or poorly developed coronary collaterals with regard to left ventricular end diastolic pressure (16.84 ± 5.40 mmHg vs 16.10 ± 6.09, respectively, p = 0,632) and log NT-proBNP (2.46 ± 0.58 vs 2.59 ± 0.76, respectively, p = 0,335).

Conclusion

In patients with coronary chronic total occlusion even well-developed coronary collaterals are not capable of protecting the rise of left ventricular end diastolic pressure and NT-proBNP levels which are reliable markers of the left ventricular dysfunction.

A prospective study of patients with refractory angina: outcomes and the role of high-sensitivity troponin T

BACKGROUND

The predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic refractory angina are limited. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assays are biomarkers that may be used to determine the prognosis of patients with stable coronary artery disease.

HYPOTHESIS

Hs-cTnT is a predictor of death and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with refractory angina.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 117 consecutive patients in this study. A heart team ruled out myocardial revascularization feasibility after assessing recent coronary angiograms; evidence of myocardial ischemia served as an inclusion criterion. Optimal medical therapy was encouraged via outpatient visits every 6 months; plasma hs-cTnT levels were determined at baseline. The primary endpoint was the composite incidence of death and nonfatal MI.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 28.0 months (interquartile range, 18.0-47.5 months), an estimated 28.0-month cumulative event rate of 13.4% was determined via the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate predictors of the composite endpoint were hs-cTnT levels and LV dysfunction. Following a multivariate analysis, only hs-cTnT was independently associated with the events in question, either as a continuous variable (hazard ratio per unit increase in the natural logarithm: 2.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.62-4.92, P < 0.001) or as a categorical variable (hazard ratio for concentrations above the 99th percentile: 5.14, 95% confidence interval: 2.05-12.91, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with chronic refractory angina, plasma concentration of hs-cTnT is the strongest predictor of death and nonfatal MI. Notably, none of the outcomes in question occurred in patients with baseline plasma levels <5.0 ng/L.

Relation of platelet indices to severity of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

AIM

We investigated the association between platelet indices and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

METHODS

A total of 484 consecutive patients who were routinely referred to coronary angiography for STEMI and 81 age- and gender-matched patients with normal coronary arteries were included in the present study. We analyzed the relation between the platelet distribution width (PDW) and the angiographic severity of CAD. The SYNTAX score was used for assessing the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

The mean platelet volume (MPV), the plateletcrit (PCT) and the neutrophil levels were significantly higher in the STEMI group than in the control group. Patients with an elevated SYNTAX score (>32) had higher PDW values. The levels of plateletcrit and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were lower in the high SYNTAX score group compared to the moderate-to-low SYNTAX score group. The PDW was positively correlated with age (r = 0.128, p=0.004) and SYNTAX score (r = 0.209, p<0.001). There was a mild, significant inverse association between the PDW level and the eGFR (r = -0.101, p=0.049), the mean platelet volume (MPV) (r = -290, p<0.001) and the PCT (r = -345, p<001). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that age (OR = 1.046, 95% CI 1.013-1.079, p=0.005), diabetes (OR = 4.779, 95% CI 2.339-9.767, p<0.001) and PDW (OR = 1.229, 95% CI 1.072-1409, p=0.003) were independent correlates of high SYNTAX score.

CONCLUSION

Platelet distribution width, an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory variable, is independently associated with high SYNTAX score.