Societal costs of non-cardiac chest pain compared with ischemic heart disease--a longitudinal study

Long-term effects and predictors of change of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy on cardiac anxiety in patients with non-cardiac chest pain: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of patients who seek care at Emergency Departments due to chest pain are diagnosed with Non-Cardiac Chest Pain (NCCP). Concerns for heart disease and misinterpretation of the symptoms increase cardiac anxiety and have a negative impact on patients' lives. Psychological interventions such as internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) are effective in treating psychological conditions such as anxiety, by helping patients to learn how to manage chest pain.

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of a nurse-led iCBT program on cardiac anxiety and secondary outcomes, as bodily sensations, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life and chest pain frequency in patients with NCCP at 6- and 12-month follow-up, and to explore predictors that can have impact on the effects of the iCBT program on psychological distress.

METHODS

A longitudinal study of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating the long-term effects of an iCBT program (n = 54) in patients with NCCP, compared to psychoeducation (n = 55). The primary outcome, cardiac anxiety was measured using the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ), and the secondary outcomes were measured with The Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), The EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) and a self-developed question to measure chest pain frequency. All measurements were performed before and after the intervention, and 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Linear mixed model was used to test between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes and multiple regression analysis was used to explore factors that may have an impact on the treatment effect of iCBT on cardiac anxiety.

RESULTS

A total of 85% (n = 93/109) participants completed the 12-month follow-up. Mixed model analysis showed no statistically significant interaction effect of time and group between the iCBT and psychoeducation groups regarding cardiac anxiety over the 12-month follow-up. However, there was a statistically significant interaction effect of time and group (p = .009) regarding chest pain frequency favouring the iCBT group. In addition, we found a group effect in health-related quality of life (p = .03) favouring the iCBT group. The regression analysis showed that higher avoidance scores at baseline were associated with improvement in cardiac anxiety at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac anxiety was reduced in patients with NCCP, but iCBT was not more effective than psychoeducation. Patients with a high tendency to avoid activities or situations that they believe could trigger cardiac symptoms may benefit more from psychological interventions targeting cardiac anxiety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03336112 on 08/11/2017.

Frequency of extracardiac findings on "negative" CT coronary angiography studies

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence and nature of extracardiac findings identified on computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography (CTCA) in patients with chest pain but without evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CTCA studies in patients referred to the hospital between January 2017 to February 2021 with chest pain and a suspected diagnosis of CAD were reviewed retrospectively for the presence of extracardiac findings. Consensus review of CTCA studies was performed by two experienced thoracic radiologists. The presence and severity of extracardiac findings, together with the likelihood that chest pain might be attributed to these, was recorded. Patient records were reviewed to ascertain the recording of extracardiac findings on initial CTCA reports and, where applicable, the nature of the follow-up.

RESULTS

Extracardiac findings (n=210) were present in 110/180 patients (61%) with a mean of 1.9 findings per patient. Extracardiac findings were more prevalent in patients aged ≥65 years compared to those <65 years (p<0.001). At least one extracardiac finding with the potential to cause chest pain was present in 40 patients (22%): degenerative disc disease (n=23 [13%]) and hiatus hernia (n=6 [3.3%]) were the most common extracardiac findings. Only 37.6% (79) of all retrospectively identified findings had been initially reported and, of these, 12.7% (10) required further follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Extracardiac findings are common in patients with no evidence of CAD on CTCA. The entire dataset should be evaluated for the presence of extracardiac findings that could explain chest pain symptoms on wide field of view reconstructions.

Patients with depression symptoms are more likely to experience improvements of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy: a secondary analysis of effect modifiers in patients with non-cardiac chest pain in a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Non-cardiac chest pain is common and associated with increased anxiety and reduced health-related quality of life. Randomized controlled trials on psychological interventions for patients with non-cardiac chest pain have reported mixed results. Patients with non-cardiac chest pain are a heterogeneous group. Identifying sub-groups that could potentially benefit more (or less) from an intervention would be valuable knowledge. We have conducted a randomized controlled trial where internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) had effect on reducing cardiac anxiety and increasing health-related quality of life at 12-month follow-up. The aim of the present study was to explore potential effect modifiers of iCBT in patients with non-cardiac chest pain on cardiac anxiety and/or health related quality of life at 12-month follow-up.

METHODS

We analysed data from our randomized, controlled trial where 161 patients with non-cardiac chest pain were included and randomized to either iCBT or a treatment as usual (control). Cardiac anxiety measured by the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire and health-related quality of life measured by the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale at 12 month follow-up were the primary outcomes. Four potential baseline characteristics where identified as potential effect modifiers by a theory-based approach: (1) depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire; (2) anxiety measured by the Body Sensations Questionnaire; (3) prior healthcare contacts measured by a self-developed question; and (4) chest pain frequency measured by a self-developed question. Each potential effect modifier was analysed in a linear regression model where cardiac anxiety and EQ-VAS scores at 12-month follow-up, separately, were used as dependent variables. The potential differential treatment effect for each effect modifier was assessed by the interaction term: effect modifier x treatment group.

RESULTS

Depression symptoms at baseline predicted a differential treatment effect at 12-month follow-up on health-related quality of life in favor of the iCBT group (regression coefficient of the interaction term: -1.85 (CI -3.28 to -0.41), p = 0.01), but not on cardiac anxiety at 12-month follow-up. Fear of bodily symptoms, chest pain frequency and prior health care contacts at baseline did not predict a treatment effect on either health-related quality of life or cardiac anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression symptoms at baseline predicted a positive treatment effect of iCBT on health-related quality of life in patients suffering from non-cardiac chest pain. This indicates that it is important to identify patients with non-cardiac chest pain and co-occurring depression symptoms given that they are particularly likely to benefit from iCBT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03096925 .

There is little association between prehospital delay, persistent symptoms, and post-discharge healthcare utilization in patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome

AIMS

Test for an association between prehospital delay for symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), persistent symptoms, and healthcare utilization (HCU) 30-days and 6-months post hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND

Delayed treatment for ACS increases patient morbidity and mortality. Prehospital delay is the largest factor in delayed treatment for ACS.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of data collected from a multi-center prospective study. Included were 722 patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with symptoms that triggered a cardiac evaluation. Symptoms and HCU were measured using the 13-item ACS Symptom Checklist and the Froelicher's Health Services Utilization Questionnaire-Revised instrument. Logistic regression models were used to examine hypothesized associations.

RESULTS

For patients with ACS (n = 325), longer prehospital delay was associated with fewer MD/NP visits (OR, 0.986) at 30 days. Longer prehospital delay was associated with higher odds of calling 911 for any reason (OR, 1.015), and calling 911 for chest related symptoms (OR, 1.016) 6 months following discharge. For non-ACS patients (n = 397), longer prehospital delay was associated with higher odds of experiencing chest pressure (OR, 1.009) and chest discomfort (OR, 1.008) at 30 days. At 6 months, longer prehospital delay was associated with higher odds of upper back pain (OR, 1.013), palpitations (OR 1.014), indigestion (OR, 1.010), and calls to the MD/NP for chest symptoms (OR, 1.014).

CONCLUSIONS

There were few associations between prehospital delay and HCU for patients evaluated for ACS in the ED. Associations between prolonged delay and persistent symptoms may lead to increased HCU for those without ACS.

A Care Management Intervention for Noncardiac Chest Pain: Treatment Development and Feasibility Assessment

ABSTRACT.

Objective: Noncardiac chest pain is common and can cause distress, impair quality of life, and lead to recurrent evaluation. It is often multifactorial in etiology and influenced by psychological factors. The objective of this study was to describe the development, implementation, and preliminary feasibility of an 8-week multicomponent care management intervention.

Methods: Participants with noncardiac chest pain were recruited from primary care clinics, ambulatory cardiac stress testing, and the emergency department (ED) at an urban academic hospital from March 2019 to November 2019. The care management team consisted of a nurse, cardiologist, and psychiatrist. Following a 1-time consultation visit with the cardiologist and nurse, evaluation and treatment recommendations were conveyed to the participant's primary care physician. The nurse completed 8 weekly phone calls with the participant to provide support, introduce therapeutic principles, and assist with care coordination under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Intervention feasibility was assessed on 7 domains. To examine preliminary efficacy, the number of ED visits was recorded, and participants completed pre-post measures of psychological health and health-related quality of life and Likert scales of chest pain symptom severity, frequency, and impact.

Results: The intervention was developed and implemented in 3 patients who completed 100% of the consultation visits and a mean of 95.8% of study phone calls. There were no adverse events or ED visits. Mean scores for chest pain severity, chest pain frequency, chest pain impact, depression, anxiety, and somatization all improved. No other trends were observed.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that a care management intervention may be feasible with potential to improve chest pain symptoms and psychological outcomes. A larger, randomized trial is needed to explore the efficacy of this intervention.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04904198.

How is type D personality associated with the major psychological outcomes in noncardiac chest pain patients?

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) may lead many problems on the health-care system. Having type D personality has been shown to adversely affect NCCP patients. This study aimed to determine the psychological comorbidities that type D personality is associated with, in patients with NCCP. The participants of this cross-sectional study were 360 patients diagnosed with NCCP. Patients filled out questionnaires about sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors (severity of pain, somatization, cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, depression, and type D personality). Type D personality was more prevalent among female (p < 0.005), and those people having this personality showed lower sleep quality (p = 0.001) and sexual life satisfaction (p < 0.001) and more likely to be smoker (p < 0.001). Type D personality is strongly associated with fear of body sensations (β = 5.92, SE = 1.95, p = 0.003), pain intensity (β = 3.53, SE = 0.98, p < 0.001), depression (β = 2.91, SE = 0.62, p < 0.001), and somatization (β = 1.75, SE = 0.55, p < 0.001). Type D personality and major psychological comorbidities were strongly associated. Physicians should consider that having type D personality can be linked to NCCP in an effort to help patients receive effective psychological consultations.

The Effect of Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Psychoeducation Only on Psychological Distress in Patients With Noncardiac Chest Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Patients with recurrent episodes of noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) experience cardiac anxiety as they misinterpret the pain to be cardiac related and avoid physical activity that they think could threaten their lives. Psychological interventions, such as internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), targeting anxiety can be a feasible solution by supporting patients to learn how to perceive and handle their chest pain.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a nurse-led iCBT program on cardiac anxiety and other patient-reported outcomes in patients with NCCP.

Methods

Patients with at least two health care consultations because of NCCP during the past 6 months, and who were experiencing cardiac anxiety (Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire score ≥24), were randomized into 5 weeks of iCBT (n=54) or psychoeducation (n=55). Patients were aged 54 (SD 17) years versus 57 (SD 16) years and were mainly women (32/54, 59% vs 35/55, 64%). The iCBT program comprised psychoeducation, mindfulness, and exposure to physical activity, with weekly homework assignments. The primary outcome was cardiac anxiety. The secondary outcomes were fear of bodily sensations, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, and chest pain frequency. Intention-to-treat analysis was applied, and the patients were followed up for 3 months. Mixed model analysis was used to determine between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

No significant differences were found between the iCBT and psychoeducation groups regarding cardiac anxiety or any of the secondary outcomes in terms of the interaction effect of time and group over the 3-month follow-up. iCBT demonstrated a small effect size on cardiac anxiety (Cohen d=0.31). In the iCBT group, 36% (16/44) of patients reported a positive reliable change score (≥11 points on the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire), and thus an improvement in cardiac anxiety, compared with 27% of (13/48) patients in the psychoeducation group. Within-group analysis showed further significant improvement in cardiac anxiety (P=.04) at the 3-month follow-up compared with the 5-week follow-up in the iCBT group but not in the psychoeducation group.

Conclusions

iCBT was not superior to psychoeducation in decreasing cardiac anxiety in patients with NCCP. However, iCBT tends to have better long-term effects on psychological distress, including cardiac anxiety, health-related quality of life, and NCCP frequency than psychoeducation. The effects need to be followed up to draw more reliable conclusions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03336112; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03336112

Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Telephone Support for Noncardiac Chest Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Noncardiac chest pain has a high prevalence and is associated with reduced quality of life, anxiety, avoidance of physical activity, and high societal costs. There is a lack of an effective, low-cost, easy to distribute intervention to assist patients with noncardiac chest pain.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy with telephone support for noncardiac chest pain.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial, with a 12-month follow-up period, to compare internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy to a control condition (treatment as usual). A total of 162 participants aged 18 to 70 years with a diagnosis of noncardiac chest pain were randomized to either internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (n=81) or treatment as usual (n=81). The participants in the experimental condition received 6 weekly sessions of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy. The sessions covered different topics related to coping with noncardiac chest pain (education about the heart, physical activity, interpretations/attention, physical reactions to stress, optional panic treatment, and maintaining change). Between sessions, the participants also engaged in individually tailored physical exercises with increasing intensity. In addition to internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, participants received a brief weekly call from a clinician to provide support, encourage adherence, and provide access to the next session. Participants in the treatment-as-usual group received standard care for their noncardiac chest pain without any restrictions. Primary outcomes were cardiac anxiety, measured with the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, and fear of bodily sensations, measured with the Body Sensations Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were depression, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire; health-related quality of life, measured using the EuroQol visual analog scale; and level of physical activity, assessed with self-report question. Additionally, a subgroup analysis of participants with depressive symptoms at baseline (PHQ-9 score ≥5) was conducted. Assessments were conducted at baseline, posttreatment, and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate treatment effects. Cohen d was used to calculate effect sizes.

Results

In the main intention-to-treat analysis at the 12-month follow-up time point, participants in the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group had significant improvements in cardiac anxiety (–3.4 points, 95% CI –5.7 to –1.1; P=.004, d=0.38) and a nonsignificant improvement in fear of bodily sensations (–2.7 points, 95% CI –5.6 to 0.3; P=.07) compared with the treatment-as-usual group. Health-related quality of life at the 12-month follow-up improved with statistical and clinical significance in the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group (8.8 points, 95% CI 2.8 to 14.8; P=.004, d=0.48) compared with the treatment-as-usual group. Physical activity had significantly (P<.001) increased during the 6-week intervention period for the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group. Depression significantly improved posttreatment (P=.003) and at the 3-month follow-up (P=.03), but not at the 12-month follow-up (P=.35). Participants with depressive symptoms at baseline seemed to have increased effect of the intervention on cardiac anxiety (d=0.55) and health-related quality of life (d=0.71) at the 12-month follow-up. In the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group, 84% of the participants (68/81) completed at least 5 of the 6 sessions.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy with minimal therapist contact and a focus on physical activity is effective in reducing cardiac anxiety and increasing health related quality of life in patients with noncardiac chest pain.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03096925; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03096925

Functional Chest Pain and Esophageal Hypersensitivity: A Clinical Approach

Functional chest pain, functional heartburn, and reflux hypersensitivity are 3 functional esophageal disorders defined by the Rome IV criteria. Specific criteria, combining symptoms and the results of objective testing, allow for an accurate diagnosis of these conditions. Management may include medications targeted at optimizing acid suppression or neuromodulation, as well as a host of complementary or alternative treatment options. Psychological and behavioral interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy, have displayed substantial benefits in the treatment of functional chest pain and functional heartburn. Acid suppression and focused neuromodulation are key evidence-based treatment options for reflux hypersensitivity.

Diagnostic Value of Bone SPECT/CT Using 99mTc-Methylene Diphosphonate in Patients with Unspecified Chest Wall Pain

PURPOSE

We investigated the diagnostic performance of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) as a combination of functional and anatomic imaging, in patients with unspecified chest wall pain.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with unspecified chest wall pain and no history of recent major traumatic events or cardiac disease were included. The number and location of radioactive chest wall lesions were evaluated on both planar images and SPECT/CT. The clinical diagnosis was made based on all of the clinical and imaging data and follow-up information.

RESULTS

Chest wall diseases were diagnosed in 42 patients (80.8 %). SPECT/CT showed abnormal findings in 35 (67.3 %) patients with positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.1 %. SPECT/CT revealed 56 % more lesions than planar bone scan (P = 0.002) and most of the abnormal radioactive lesions (94.6 %) showed combined morphological changes on the matched CT component. When comparing between age subgroups (< 60 y vs. ≥ 60 y), the prevalence of chest wall disease and diagnosis rate of fracture was significantly higher in the older age group. On SPECT/CT, the older age group showed higher frequency of having abnormal finding (95.8 % vs. 42.9 %, P < 0.001) and significantly more lesions were detected (a total of 189 vs. 32, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

SPECT/CT showed good diagnostic performance and proved to have higher sensitivity, detecting 56 % more lesions than planar bone scan. A negative result could be helpful for excluding pathologic chest wall disease. SPECT/CT might be recommended for integration in to the diagnostic workup in patients with unspecified chest wall pain, especially in patients ≥ 60 y of age, considering the high disease prevalence and the high frequency of positive results.

Determinants of depression in non-cardiac chest pain patients: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common patient complaint imposing great costs on the healthcare system. It is associated with psychological factors such as depression. The aim of the present study is determining depression predictors in NCCP patients.

METHODS

The participants of this cross-sectional study were 361 NCCP patients. Patients filled out questionnaires concerning their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors (severity of pain, type D personality, somatization, cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, and depression).

RESULTS

Based on multiple ordinal logistic regression, lack of physical activity (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-2.87), sleep quality (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.15-7.69), being a smoker (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 2.41-4.03), present pain intensity (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.11), type D personality (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.47- 4.03), and somatization (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.3) were significant predictors of depression in NCCP patients. Additionally, multiple linear regression showed that being unmarried (β = 1.51, P = 0.008), lack of physical activity (β = 1.22, P = 0.015), sleep quality (β = 2.26, P = 0.022), present pain intensity (β = 0.07, P = 0.045), type D personality (β = 1.87, P < 0.001), somatization (β = 0.45, P < 0.001), and fear of bodily sensation (β = 0.04, P = 0.032) increased significantly depression scores in NCCP patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should consider the predictors of depression in NCCP patients which can lead to receiving effective psychological consultations and reducing the costs and ineffectual referrals to medical centers.

Internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy for non-cardiac chest pain: a pilot and feasibility study

Nearly half of patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) experience significant complaints after a negative cardiac evaluation, at considerable costs for society. Due to the lack of treatment capacity and low interest for psychological treatment among patients with somatic complaints, only a minority receive effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT), including encouragement of physical activity for this condition. Ten patients with NCCP received a six-session I-CBT intervention with minimal support from a therapist. Questionnaires assessing cardiac anxiety, fear of bodily sensations, depression, interpretation of symptoms, frequency of chest pain and impact of chest pain symptoms were collected at baseline, post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Semi-structured interviews employing a phenomenological hermeneutic approach assessed the participants’ experience of the intervention. Quantitative results showed clear improvements in several measures both at end of treatment and at 3-month follow-up. The retention rate was 100% and client satisfaction was high. The intervention was feasible to implement in a cardiac setting. This setting made it easier for patients to accept a psychological approach. Qualitative interviews revealed that the participants felt respected and taken care of, and they obtained a better understanding of their chest pain and how to cope with it. This pilot study yielded promising results regarding feasibility, clinical effect and patient satisfaction from a brief I-CBT intervention for NCCP in a cardiac setting. These results indicate that a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is warranted.

Key learning aims

(1)

Changes in quality of life, depression, general anxiety, and heart-focused anxiety after defibrillator implantation

Aims

The Anxiety‐CHF (Anxiety in patients with Chronic Heart Failure) study investigated heart‐focused anxiety (HFA, with the dimensions fear, attention, and avoidance of physical activity), general anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure. Psychological measures were assessed before and up to 2 years after the implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D).

Methods and results

One hundred thirty‐two patients were enrolled in this monocentric prospective study (44/88 CRT‐D/ICD, mean age 61 ± 14 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 31 ± 9%, and 29% women). Psychological assessment was performed before device implantation as well as after 5, 12, and 24 months. After device implantation, mean total HFA, HFA‐fear, HFA‐attention, general anxiety, and QoL improved significantly. Depression and HFA‐related avoidance of physical activity did not change. CRT‐D patients compared with ICD recipients and women compared with men reported worse QoL at baseline. Younger patients (<median of 63 years) had higher levels of general anxiety and lower levels of HFA‐avoidance at baseline than older patients. After 24 months, groups no longer differed from each other on these scores. Patients with a history of shock or anti‐tachycardia pacing (shock/ATP; N = 19) reported no improvements in psychological measures and had significantly higher total HFA and HFA‐avoidance levels after 2 years than participants without shock/ATP.

Conclusions

Anxiety and QoL improved after device implantation, and depression and HFA‐avoidance remained unchanged. HFA may be more pronounced after shock/ATP. Psychological counselling in these patients to reduce HFA and increase physical activity should be considered.

Cervical Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Cervical Angina: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cervical angina is an often-overlooked etiology of noncardiac chest pain that may mimic true angina pectoris but is due to cervical spine disease. Diagnosis can be difficult, and treatment ranges from conservative therapy to surgical management. However, of patient’s refractory to conservative therapy, approximately ninety percent experience postoperative relief of angina symptoms. Here, we present a case report on cervical angina and performed a systematic review of the literature. A 34-year-old male with prior surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome presented with persistent anterior neck and chest pain as well as posterior left scapular and upper lateral arm pain. The pain was refractory to 12 months of conservative therapy. Cardiac workup was negative and cervical spine imaging revealed a C6–7 herniation with neuroforaminal stenosis. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from database inception to April 2020. Studies reporting cervical level, average symptom duration, location of pain, and postoperative pain improvement were included. The patient's atypical symptoms were completely resolved after C6–7 anterior cervical discectomy and arthroplasty. To our knowledge, this is the first study which reports on the use of arthroplasty in the treatment of cervical angina. The systematic review included 11 articles from 1989–2020 consisting of 1,186 total patients and 109 patients (age range, 36–84 years; 60.7% male) meeting inclusion criteria. Symptom duration range was 2 days to 90 months, with the most common location of pain being localized to the anterior chest wall (66.7% of patients). All patients (100%) had postoperative resolution of their pain symptoms. The most common herniation level was C6–7 (87.3% of patients). We conclude that a broad and multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the diagnosis and management of noncardiac chest pain. When cervical disease is identified as the underlying cause for the angina-like pain, conservative therapy should be sought. Refractory cases should be treated surgically depending on the cervical pathology.

Spinal pathologies and management strategies associated with cervical angina (pseudoangina): a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Cervical angina, or pseudoangina pectoris, is a noncardiac syndrome of chest pain that often mimics angina pectoris but is a disease of the spine. Diagnosis of cervical angina can be difficult and is often overlooked, although once identified, it can be successfully managed through conservative therapies and/or a variety of surgical interventions. Ultimately, cervical angina is an important component of the list of differential diagnoses in noncardiac chest pain. In the present study, the authors report the first comprehensive systematic review of the range of cervical and thoracic pathologies associated with cervical angina, as well as the different treatment methods used to manage this condition.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from database inception to April 29, 2020, to identify studies describing spinal pathologies related to cervical angina. The following Boolean search was performed: ("cervical" OR "thoracic") AND ("angina" OR "chest pain") AND ("herniation" OR "OPLL"). Variables extracted included patient demographics, cervical angina pain location, pathology and duration of symptoms, treatment and/or management method, and posttreatment pain relief.

RESULTS

Upon careful screening, 22 articles published between 1976 and 2020 met the study's inclusion/exclusion criteria, including 5 case series, 12 case reports, and 5 retrospective cohort studies. These studies featured a total of 1100 patients, of which 95 met inclusion criteria (mean patient age 51.7 years, age range 24-86 years; 53.6% male). Collectively, symptom durations ranged from 1.5 days to 90 months. Cervical herniation (72.6%) accounted for the majority of cervical angina cases, and surgical interventions (84.4%) predominated over physical therapy (13.0%) and medical management strategies (9.1%). Every patient assessed at follow-up reported relief from symptoms related to cervical angina.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical angina is a noncardiac syndrome of chest pain associated with a broad range of cervical and thoracic spinal pathologies, the most common of which is cervical disc herniation. Although difficult to diagnose, it can be successfully treated when identified through first-line conservative management or surgical interventions in refractory cases.

Utilization of diagnostic resources and costs in patients with suspected cardiac chest pain

AIMS

Non-acute chest pain is a common complaint and can be caused by various conditions. With the rising healthcare expenditures of today, it is necessary to use our healthcare resources effectively. This study aims to give insight into the diagnostic effort and costs for patients with non-acute chest pain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Financial data of patients without a cardiac history from 4 hospitals (January 2012-October 2018), who were registered with the national diagnostic code 'No cardiac pathology' (ICD-10 Z13.6), 'Chest wall syndrome' (ICD-10 R07.4) or 'stable angina pectoris' (ICD-10 I20.9) were extracted. In total, 74.091 patients were included for analysis and divided into the following final diagnosis groups: No cardiac pathology: N = 19.688 (age 53±18), 46% male), Chest wall syndrome: N = 40.858 (age 56±15), 45% male), and stable angina pectoris: N = 13.545 (age 67±11), 61% male). A total of approximately €142,7 million was spent during diagnostic work-up. The total expenditure during diagnostic effort was €1.97, €8.13, and €10.7 million respectively for no cardiac pathology, chest wall syndrome, and stable AP per year. After 8 years follow up ≥ 95% of the patients diagnosed with no cardiac pathology or chest wall syndrome had an (cardiac) ischemic free survival.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic expenditure and clinical effort to ascertain non-cardiac chest pain is high. We should define what we as society find acceptable as 'assurance costs' with an increasing pressure on the healthcare system and costs.

Efficacy of a Psychological Single-Session Intervention in Non-Cardiac Chest Pain

Abstract. Despite medical reassurance, non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) frequently persists. Psychological interventions seem promising, but single-session interventions (SSI) are under-studied. To analyze the efficacy of a SSI focusing on chest pain perceptions in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and to identify predictors of pain persistence. Individuals presenting with NCCP to a cardiology unit were randomly assigned to SSI ( N = 54) or treatment as usual ( N = 59). Follow-up assessments were 1 month (FU1) and 6 months (FU2) later. Primary outcome measures were chest pain (German Pain Questionnaire) and chest pain perceptions (IPQ-B, Reassurance Scale). Two by Three ANOVAs revealed significant improvements over time, but against expectation no significant interaction with group. Health concern and cardiac attribution following cardiac testing predicted FU2 chest pain ( p’s ≤ .018). These predictors could serve as markers to identify individuals with a risk for persisting complaints, a group that may benefit from interventions addressing dysfunctional illness perceptions.

Non-cardiac Chest Pain and Anxiety: A Possible Link to Vitamin D and Calcium

This study was performed to check the hypothesis that low serum vitamin D and reduced calcium intake may contribute to the comorbidity of psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression) and non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). The design was a case-control study that involved 40 subjects with NCCP and 40 age and gender-matched healthy controls. Serum vitamin D was assessed using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay; anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and dietary calcium intake was assessed by self-reporting. Subjects with NCCP had higher anxiety and depression scores and lower vitamin D and dietary calcium intake compared to healthy controls (p < .05). NCCP was associated with anxiety score (odds ratio = 1.40, p < .01). Prevalence of abnormal anxiety score was much higher in subjects with NCCP (47.5%) compared to healthy controls (7.5%). Anxiety score was inversely correlated with vitamin D level and dietary calcium intake (p < .01). Anxiety score was inversely associated with vitamin D level (R² = .32, p < .05). In conclusion, development of NCCP can be predicted from increased anxiety score which in turn can be predicted from low vitamin D levels. This suggests physicians to consider anxiety and vitamin D deficiency as possible causes for NCCP.

The associations between psychological distress and health-related quality of life in patients with non-cardiac chest pain

Background

Recurrent chest pain episodes with no clear explanation may affect patients’ psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) negatively. Despite the fact that a significant amount of patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) might have a history of Cardiac Disease (CD), there is today a lack of knowledge on how CD influences the association between psychological wellbeing and HRQoL in patients with NCCP. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe HRQoL in patients with NCCP, with or without history of CD, and to explore the association between HRQoL and cardiac anxiety, depressive symptoms, fear of body sensations and somatization.

Methods

Five hundred fifty-two patients discharged with NCCP from four hospitals in Southeast Sweden completed the EQ-5D, Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Body Sensations Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15.

Results

Fifty precent reported at least moderate problems regarding pain/discomfort and 25% reported at least moderate problems in the HRQoL dimensions mobility, usual activities, and anxiety/depression. Patients with NCCP and history of CD reported significantly lower HRQoL (p ≤ 0.05) compared to patients with NCCP without CD. In the total study population, cardiac anxiety, depressive symptoms, and somatization had weak significant negative associations (beta = 0.187–0.284, p < 0.001) with HRQoL. In patients with history of CD, the association between depressive symptoms and HRQoL was moderate (beta = − 0.339, p < 0.001), compared to weak association in patients without CD (beta = − 0.193, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the association between cardiac anxiety and HRQoL was weak in both patients with history of CD (beta = − 0.156, p = 0.05), and in those without (beta = − 0.229, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with NCCP, in particular those with history of CD, reported low levels of HRQoL, which was associated with psychological distress. This should be considered when developing psychological interventions aiming to improve HRQoL in patients with NCCP.

Non-Cardiac Chest Pain: A Review of Environmental Exposure-Associated Comorbidities and Biomarkers

The prevalence of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) ranges from 13-33%. A majority of those presenting with a chief complaint of chest pain are found to have a diagnosis of NCCP. Aerodigestive diseases are a cause of NCCP, and billions of dollars are spent annually on the treatment of NCCP. Furthermore, NCCP can cause significant psychological stress. NCCP is commonly diagnosed when patients have chest pain despite a normal cardiac evaluation. The leading cause of NCCP is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD should be suspected in patients who report a history of acid regurgitation, cough, dysphagia, and bloating. Another common cause of NCCP is obstructive airway disease (OAD). A thorough history and review of the symptoms should be performed for those with suspected NCCP, especially because of the contributing end organs. It is known that environmental exposures can commonly cause GORD and OAD; however, NCCP has not been fully explored in the context of environmental exposure. Patients with a history of exposure to particulate matter can develop environmental-exposure-associated GORD and coexisting OAD. This narrative review aims to provide a practical overview of NCCP, its causes, their relation to environmental exposure, and associated biomarkers. The authors used a PubMed search that spanned 2003-2018 to accomplish this. Additionally, this review provides a broad overview of biomarkers of GORD-associated NCCP and OAD-associated NCCP due to environmental exposure.

Non-cardiac chest pain: prognosis and secondary healthcare utilisation

Objective

Presentations of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) to the emergency department (ED) are increasing. More knowledge of prognosis and healthcare utilisation of patients with NCCP is necessary to optimise their management.

Methods

This study is a prospective, observational, prevalence-based cohort study conducted from September 2015 to February 2016 with 1-year follow-up including all patients 18 years and older referred to the ED with chest pain. Discharge diagnoses, mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), re-presentations to the ED, hospitalisations, cardiac interventions and outpatient monitoring were assessed.

Results

More than 60% of the 1239 patients presenting with chest pain were discharged with NCCP. The all-cause 1-year mortality rate of patients with NCCP was 2.3% compared with 7.2% in patients with cardiac chest pain (CCP) (p<0.001) and the occurrence of MACE was 5.1% vs 8.3%, respectively (p=0.026). Previous history of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with NCCP was identified as a predictive factor for MACE (OR 4.30 (95% CI 1.24 to 14.89), p=0.021). Patients with NCCP had more non-invasive interventions than patients with CCP (proportion of 0.225 vs 0.165 per patient, p<0.001) and 13.7% of patients with NCCP re-presented at the ED within 1  year.

Conclusion

The majority of patients referred to the ED with chest pain are discharged with NCCP. The prognosis of patients with NCCP is better than patients with CCP; however, they are at risk for MACE due to a history of CAD. Patients with NCCP moreover use a substantial amount of medical resources, stressing the importance of good triage to minimise unnecessary healthcare utilisation while still preventing MACE.

The associations between psychological distress and healthcare use in patients with non-cardiac chest pain: does a history of cardiac disease matter?

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress such as somatization, fear of body sensations, cardiac anxiety and depressive symptoms is common among patients with non-cardiac chest pain, and this may lead to increased healthcare use. However, the relationships between the psychological distress variables and healthcare use, and the differences in relation to history of cardiac disease in these patients has not been studied earlier. Therefore, our aim was to explore and model the associations between different variables of psychological distress (i.e. somatization, fear of body sensations, cardiac anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and healthcare use in patients with non-cardiac chest pain in relation to history of cardiac disease.

METHODS

In total, 552 patients with non-cardiac chest pain (mean age 64 years, 51% women) responded to the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Body Sensations Questionnaire, Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and one question regarding number of healthcare visits. The relationships between the psychological distress variables and healthcare visits were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling in two models representing patients with or without history of cardiac disease.

RESULTS

A total of 34% of the patients had previous cardiac disease. These patients were older, more males, and reported more comorbidities, psychological distress and healthcare visits. In both models, no direct association between depressive symptoms and healthcare use was found. However, depressive symptoms had an indirect effect on healthcare use, which was mediated by somatization, fear of body sensations, and cardiac anxiety, and this effect was significantly stronger in patients with history of cardiac disease. Additionally, all the direct and indirect effects between depressive symptoms, somatization, fear of body sensations, cardiac anxiety, and healthcare use were significantly stronger in patients with history of cardiac disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-cardiac chest pain, in particular those with history of cardiac disease, psychological mechanisms play an important role for seeking healthcare. Development of interventions targeting psychological distress in these patients is warranted. Furthermore, there is also a need of more research to clarify as to whether such interventions should be tailored with regard to history of cardiac disease or not.

Excess costs of non-infectious comorbidities among people living with HIV - estimates from Denmark and Sweden

People living with HIV have an increased risk of comorbidities with non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and osteoporotic fractures, compared to the general population. The burden of these comorbidities is expected to rise as the HIV-infected population ages. This development may require additional health care resources and it is relevant to ascertain the costs associated with these comorbidities. The population attributed risk approach was applied to estimate excess costs associated with the higher rates of comorbidities among HIV patients in Denmark and Sweden compared to their respective general populations. Excess direct and indirect costs for one year were calculated for myocardial infarction, stroke, osteoporotic fractures and chronic kidney disease. Cost estimates were presented in age and sex subgroups. In the course of one year the excess costs for myocardial infarction, stroke, osteoporotic fractures and chronic kidney disease attributable to HIV was estimated to €3.4 million for Denmark and €2.6 million for Sweden. Chronic kidney disease accounted for the majority of the total excess costs, followed by osteoporotic fractures, myocardial infarction and stroke. The high prevalence of comorbidities in the HIV-infected population is associated with substantial excess costs. Focus on primary and secondary prophylactic interventions is warranted. Additional studies, preferably large-scale case-control studies, may give further insights on the extent and the predictors of these excess costs.

Chest Pain, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk, and Cardiology Referral in Primary Care

Background: The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 10-year risk estimate is recommended by cardiologists for determining risk of a cardiac event. However, the majority of patients presenting to primary care with chest pain have noncardiac etiologies. Therefore, we determined if high versus low ASCVD risk was associated with primary care physicians’ referral to cardiology in patients with and without chest pain. Methods: Deidentified electronic health record (EHR) data was obtained from 5795 patients treated in academic primary care clinics from 2008 to 2015. Referral to cardiology was defined by an EHR code, chest pain was defined by ICD-9-CM code (786.5) and ASCVD was modeled as high versus low risk. Separate logistic regression models were computed to estimate the association between chest pain and referral to cardiology, ASCVD risk and referral, and both chest pain and ASCVD risk and referral with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Results: More patients with (n = 95, 7.8%) versus without (n = 75, 2.0%) chest pain were referred to cardiology (P < .0001). Separate unadjusted models revealed chest pain and high versus low ASCVD risk were significantly associated with referral (odds ratio [OR] = 4.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.07-5.73 and OR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.04-1.91, respectively). After adjusting for ASCVD risk and confounders, chest pain but not high ASCVD risk remained significantly associated with referral (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.24-2.47 and OR = 1.15; 95% CI 0.72-1.82, respectively). Conclusions: In primary care patients presenting with chest pain, ASCVD risk scores are not associated with referral to cardiology. Overall, less than 8% of patients with chest pain were referred. While there is no evidence to indicate excessive referral to cardiology, we posit that implementing ASCVD risk tools in decision aids could contribute to referring those most in need of cardiology care.

Heart-focused anxiety and health care seeking in patients with non-cardiac chest pain: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of medical consultations six months after an emergency department (ED) consultation for non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). It also investigated the role of heart-focused anxiety (HFA) and other factors in predicting an increased healthcare utilization in these patients.

METHOD

This was a prospective study of 428 patients who came to an ED with NCCP. Patients completed an interview and questionnaires assessing HFA, psychological distress, the characteristics of NCCP, and comorbidities. Their medical consultations were assessed by telephone interview six months later. The contribution of each factor was assessed using a binomial negative regression.

RESULTS

Eighty-three percent of patients reported at least one medical consultation (mean=3.1, standard deviation=3.9). HFA (incident rate ratio 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), the presence of a medical condition (2.14; 1.51-3.03), NCCP frequency (1.49; 1.16-1.91) and NCCP-related interference (1.08; 1.04-1.13) were predictive of further medical consultations.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of patients with NCCP are at risk of multiple medical consultations following discharge from the ED. HFA appears as a determinant of medical consultations after controlling for multiple confounding factors.

Early health technology assessment of future clinical decision rule aided triage of patients presenting with acute chest pain in primary care

The objective of the paper is to estimate the number of patients presenting with chest pain suspected of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in primary care and to calculate possible cost effects of a future clinical decision rule (CDR) incorporating a point-of-care test (PoCT) as compared with current practice. The annual incidence of chest pain, referrals and ACS in primary care was estimated based on a literature review and on a Dutch and Belgian registration study. A health economic model was developed to calculate the potential impact of a future CDR on costs and effects (ie, correct referral decisions), in several scenarios with varying correct referral decisions. One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test robustness of the model outcome to changes in input parameters. Annually, over one million patient contacts in primary care in the Netherlands concern chest pain. Currently, referral of eventual ACS negative patients (false positives, FPs) is estimated to cost €1,448 per FP patient, with total annual cost exceeding 165 million Euros in the Netherlands. Based on 'international data', at least a 29% reduction in FPs is required for the addition of a PoCT as part of a CDR to become cost-saving, and an additional €16 per chest pain patient (ie, 16.4 million Euros annually in the Netherlands) is saved for every further 10% relative decrease in FPs. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the model outcome was robust to changes in model inputs, with costs outcomes mainly driven by costs of FPs and costs of PoCT. If PoCT-aided triage of patients with chest pain in primary care could improve exclusion of ACS, this CDR could lead to a considerable reduction in annual healthcare costs as compared with current practice.

The prevalence of non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) using emergency department (ED) data: a Northern Ireland based study

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of chest pain presentations and the subsequent non-cardiac chest pain diagnoses in an emergency department (ED) over a 3 year period.

Methods

Administrative data on ED attendances to an urban general hospital in Northern Ireland between March 2013 and March 2016 were used. Data were coded and analysed to estimate frequencies of ‘chest pain’ presentation and the subsequent diagnoses for each year.

Results

Both chest pain presentations and chest pain presentations with a subsequent diagnosis of unknown cause increased each year. In total, 58.7% of all chest presentations across 3 years resulted in a non-cardiac diagnosis of either ‘anxiety’, ‘panic’ or ‘chest pain of unknown cause’.

Discussion

There is a significant amount of patients in the ED leaving with a non-cardiac diagnosis, following an initial presentation with chest pain.

Conclusion

Given the link between non-cardiac chest pain and frequent use of services, the degree of repeat attendance should be investigated.

The cost-utility of point-of-care troponin testing to diagnose acute coronary syndrome in primary care

Background

The added value of using a point-of-care (POC) troponin test in primary care to rule out acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is debated because test sensitivity is inadequate early after symptom onset. This study investigates the potential cost-utility of diagnosing ACS by a general practitioner (GP) when a POC troponin test is available versus GP assessment only.

Methods

A patient-level simulation model was developed, representing a hypothetical cohort of the Dutch population (>35 years) consulting the GP with chest complaints. All health related consequences as well as cost consequences were included. Both symptom duration, selection of patients in whom the POC troponin test is performed, and test performance at different time points were incorporated. Health outcomes were expressed as Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). The main outcome parameters involve the effect of POC troponin testing on (in)correct hospital referrals, QALYs, and costs.

Results

The POC troponin strategy decreases the referral rate in non-ACS patients from 38.46% to 31.85%. Despite a small increase in non-referral among ACS patients from 0.22% to 0.27%, the overall health effect is negligible. Costs will decrease with €77.25/patient (95% CI €-126.81 to €-33.37).

Conclusions

The POC troponin strategy is likely cost-saving, by reducing hospital referrals. The small increase in missed ACS patients can be partly explained by conservative assumptions used in the analysis. Besides, current developments in POC troponin tests will likely further improve their diagnostic performance. Therefore, future prospective studies are warranted to investigate whether those developments make the POC troponin test to a safe and cost-effective diagnostic tool for diagnosing ACS in general practices.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-017-0647-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Non-cardiac Chest Pain: A Review for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting with chest pain to general practice or emergency providers represent a unique challenge, as the differential is broad and varies widely in acuity. Importantly, most cases of chest pain in both acute and general practice settings are ultimately found to be non-cardiac in origin, and a substantial proportion of patients experiencing non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) suffer significant disability. In light of emerging evidence that mental health providers can serve a key role in the care of patients with NCCP, knowledge of the differential diagnosis, psychiatric co-morbidities, and therapeutic techniques for NCCP would be of great use to both consultation-liaison (C-L) psychiatrists and other mental health providers.

METHODS

We reviewed prior published work on (1) the appropriate medical workup of the acute presentation of chest pain, (2) the relevant medical and psychiatric differential diagnosis for chest pain determined to be non-cardiac in origin, (3) the management of related conditions in psychosomatic medicine, and (4) management strategies for patients with NCCP.

RESULTS

We identified key differential diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for psychosomatic medicine providers in 3 different clinical contexts: acute care in the emergency department, inpatient C-L psychiatry, and outpatient C-L psychiatry. We also identified several gaps in the literature surrounding the short-term and long-term management of NCCP in patients with psychiatric etiologies or co-morbid psychiatric conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Though some approaches to the care of patients with NCCP have been developed, more work is needed to determine the most effective management techniques for this unique and high-morbidity population.

Dronabinol increases pain threshold in patients with functional chest pain: a pilot double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Noncardiac chest pain is associated with poor quality of life and high care expenditure. The majority of noncardiac chest pain is either gastresophageal reflux disease related or due to esophageal motility disorders, and the rest are considered functional chest pain (FCP) due to central and peripheral hypersensitivity. Current treatment of FCP improves 40-50% of patients. Cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) modulate release of neurotransmitters; CB1 is located in the esophageal epithelium and reduces excitatory enteric transmission and potentially could reduce esophageal hypersensitivity. We performed a prospective study to evaluate its effects on pain threshold, frequency, and intensity in FCP. Subjects with FCP received dronabinol (5 mg, twice daily; n = 7; average age, 44 years; mean body mass index, 26.7) or placebo (n = 6; average age, 42 years; mean body mass index, 25.9) for 28 days (4 weeks). Chest pain, general health, and anxiety/depression questionnaires were assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks. Subjects underwent an esophageal balloon distention test prior to treatment and on last day of the study. Dronabinol increased pain thresholds significantly (3.0 vs. 1.0; P = 0.03) and reduced pain intensity and odynophagia compared to placebo (0.18 vs. 0.01 and 0.12 vs. 0.01, respectively, P = 0.04). Depression and anxiety scores did not differ between the groups at baseline or after treatment. No significant adverse effects were observed. In this novel study, dronabinol increased pain threshold and reduced frequency and intensity of pain in FCP. Further, large scale studies are needed to substantiate these findings.

Cost-Effectiveness of Introducing Point-of-Care Test for Detection of Level of Glycogen Phosphorylase in Early Diagnostic Algorithm of Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The detection of specific biomarkers in the early phase of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is important for the early diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with ACS.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of introducing a diagnostic point-of-care (POC) test for determining the levels of glycogen phosphorylase BB isoform (GPBB) in a standard diagnostic algorithm for the early diagnosis of ACS within the health system of the Republic of Serbia.

METHODS

The probabilistic decision-tree model was constructed for patients with nontraumatic chest pain comparing the use of standard diagnostic procedure, physical examination, and electrocardiogram monitoring with the use of a diagnostic test for the detection of the levels of specific biomarkers. The perspective of the health care services purchaser (the Republic Institute for Health Insurance, Serbia) was used in the model, and only direct costs were taken into account. The time horizon was set at one treatment episode of ACS, and the discount rate was not included because of the short length of the time horizon.

RESULTS

Using the GPBB POC test in comparison with not using it in the early diagnosis of ACS results in a significant reduction in the cost per treatment episode (10,034.48 ± 7,283.80 Serbian dinar [RSD]), increase in the number of survivors per 1000 treatment episodes (16 ± 18), decrease in the number of hospitalizations per 1000 treatment episodes (104 ± 44), and decrease in the number of performed coronarographies per 1000 treatment episodes (22 ± 19). The costs per hospitalization avoided (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) were -145,887.57 ± 5,271.54 RSD, and the costs per coronarography avoided were -137,295.68 ± 4,681.05 RSD.

CONCLUSIONS

In the circumstances of limited health resources, reducing hospitalizations and decreasing unnecessary treatments and invasive diagnostic procedures by a GPBB POC test could be an effective way to improve the economic status of other Balkan countries with limited health care budgets.

Guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with non-cardiac chest pain - a pilot randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Patients with recurrent episodes of non-cardiac chest pain may experience cardiac anxiety and avoidance behavior, leading to increased healthcare utilization. These patients might benefit from help and support to evaluate the perception and management of their chest pain. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a short guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program and explore the effects on cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, depressive symptoms, and chest pain in patients with non-cardiac chest pain, compared with usual care.

METHODS

A pilot randomized controlled study was conducted. Fifteen patients with non-cardiac chest pain with cardiac anxiety or fear of body sensations, aged 22-76 years, were randomized to intervention (n = 7) or control (n = 8) groups. The four-session CBT program contained psychoeducation, physical activity, and relaxation. The control group received usual care. Data were collected before and after intervention.

RESULTS

Five of seven patients in the intervention group completed the program, which was perceived as user-friendly with comprehensible language, adequate and varied content, and manageable homework assignments. Being guided and supported, patients were empowered and motivated to be active and complete the program. Patients in both intervention and control groups improved with regard to cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, and depressive symptoms, but no significant differences were found between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The Internet-delivered CBT program seems feasible for patients with non-cardiac chest pain, but needs to be evaluated in larger groups and with a longer follow-up period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02336880 . Registered on 8 January 2015.

Cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care versus self-management in patients with musculoskeletal chest pain

Aims

To assess whether primary sector healthcare in the form of chiropractic care is cost-effective compared with self-management in patients with musculoskeletal chest pain, that is, a subgroup of patients with non-specific chest pain.

Methods and results

115 adults aged 18–75 years with acute, non-specific chest pain of musculoskeletal origin were recruited from a cardiology department in Denmark. After ruling out acute coronary syndrome and receiving usual care, patients with musculoskeletal chest pain were randomised to 4 weeks of community-based chiropractic care (n=59) or to a single information session aimed at encouraging self-management as complementary to usual care (n=56). Data on resource use were obtained from Danish national registries and valued from a societal perspective. Patient cost and health-related quality-adjusted life years (QALYs; based on EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36)) were compared in cost-effectiveness analyses over 12 months from baseline. Mean costs were €2183 lower for the group with chiropractic care, but not statistically significant (95% CI −4410.5 to 43.0). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio suggested that chiropractic care was cost-effective with a probability of 97%, given a threshold value of €30 000 per QALY gained. In both groups, there was an increase in the health-related quality of life, and the mean increases were similar over the 12-month evaluation period. The mean differences in QALYs between the groups were negligible.

Conclusions

Chiropractic care was more cost-effective than self-management. Therefore, chiropractic care can be seen as a good example of a targeted primary care approach for a subgroup of patients with non-specific chest pain.

Trial registration number

NCT00462241.

Heart-focused anxiety in patients with chronic heart failure before implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: baseline findings of the Anxiety-CHF Study

AIMS

We analysed heart-focused anxiety (HFA) and its predictors in patients with heart failure before implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Herein, we report the baseline data of the Anxiety-CHF Study which investigates HFA before and after ICD implantation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HFA, general anxiety and depression, perceived quality of life (QoL) and type D personality were measured with validated psychological instruments. Clinical parameters such as severity of heart failure measured by NYHA class and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) were determined. One hundred and ten patients were interrogated before ICD implantation (70 % male, mean age = 60.5 ± 14.9 years, mean EF = 31 % ± 9 %, 91 % NYHA II-III, 92 % primary prevention). HFA was present in 53 patients (48.6 %); 37 participants (33.9 %) showed increased levels of general anxiety and 33 patients (30.3 %) showed increased levels of depression with clinical significant levels in 16 subjects (14.7 %) for general anxiety and 13 subjects (11.9 %) for depression. Poor QoL was reported in 30 patients (27.5 %). HFA was correlated with QoL, general anxiety, depression, type D personality, myocardial infarction (MI), and systolic blood pressure. QoL, general anxiety and former MI were significant predictors of HFA (R (2) = 0.453).

CONCLUSION

Heart-focused anxiety is highly prevalent in heart failure patients prior to ICD implantation. Measures of disease severity such as EF or NYHA class do not predict HFA, neither does Type D personality. HFA is predicted by a history of MI and psychological parameters such as general anxiety and impaired QoL. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02226770.

Cervical angina: an overlooked source of noncardiac chest pain

Cervical angina has been widely reported as a cause of chest pain but remains underrecognized. This series demonstrates the varied clinical presentation of patients with cervical angina, the delay in diagnosis, and the extensive cardiac examinations patients with this condition typically undergo prior to a definitive diagnosis. Recognition of this condition in patients with acute chest pain requires a high index of suspicion and an awareness of the common presenting features and clinical findings of cervical angina.