NEXN Gene in Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Cardiac Deaths: Prevalence, Phenotypic Expression, and Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Few clinical data are available on NEXN mutation carriers, and the gene's involvement in cardiomyopathies or sudden death has not been fully established. Our objectives were to assess the prevalence of putative pathogenic variants in NEXN and to describe the phenotype and prognosis of patients carrying the variants.

METHODS

DNA samples from consecutive patients with cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death/sudden infant death syndrome/idiopathic ventricular fibrillation were sequenced with a custom panel of genes. Index cases carrying at least one putative pathogenic variant in the NEXN gene were selected.

RESULTS

Of the 9516 index patients sequenced, 31 were carriers of a putative pathogenic variant in NEXN only, including 2 with double variants and 29 with a single variant. Of the 29 unrelated probands with a single variant (16 males; median age at diagnosis, 32.0 [26.0-49.0] years), 21 presented with dilated cardiomyopathy (prevalence, 0.33%), and 3 presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (prevalence, 0.14%). Three patients had idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, and there were 2 cases of sudden infant death syndrome (prevalence, 0.46%). For patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, the median left ventricle ejection fraction was 37.5% (26.25-50.0) at diagnosis and improved with treatment in 13 (61.9%). Over a median follow-up period of 6.0 years, we recorded 3 severe arrhythmic events and 2 severe hemodynamic events.

CONCLUSIONS

Putative pathogenic NEXN variants were mainly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy; in these individuals, the prognosis appeared to be relatively good. However, severe and early onset phenotypes were also observed-especially in patients with double NEXN variants. We also detected NEXN variants in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sudden infant death syndrome/idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, although a causal link could not be established.

P2Y12 Inhibitor Loading Time Before Elective PCI and the Prevention of Myocardial Necrosis

BACKGROUND

There are dated and conflicting data about the optimal timing of initiation of P2Y12 inhibitors in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Peri-PCI myocardial necrosis is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to assess the impact of the P2Y12 inhibitor loading time on periprocedural myocardial necrosis in the population of the randomized Assessment of Loading With the P2Y12 Inhibitor Ticagrelor or Clopidogrel to Halt Ischemic Events in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Stenting (ALPHEUS) trial, which compared ticagrelor with clopidogrel in high-risk patients who received elective PCI.

METHODS

The ALPHEUS trial divided 1809 patients into quartiles of loading time. The ALPHEUS primary outcome was used (type 4 [a or b] myocardial infarction or major myocardial injury) as well as the main secondary outcome (type 4 [a or b] myocardial infarction or any type of myocardial injury).

RESULTS

Patients in the first quartile group (Q1) presented higher rates of the primary outcome (P = 0.01). When compared with Q1, incidences of the primary outcome decreased in patients with longer loading times (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 0.70 [0.52.-0.95]; P = 0.02 for Q2; adjOR 0.65 [0.48-0.88]; P < 0.01 for Q3; adjOR 0.66 [0.49-0.89]; P < 0.01 for Q4). Concordant results were found for the main secondary outcome. There was no interaction with the study drug allocated by randomization (clopidogrel or ticagrelor). Bleeding complications (any bleeding ranging between 4.9% and 7.3% and only 1 major bleeding at 48 hours) and clinical ischemic events were rare and did not differ among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In elective PCI, administration of the oral P2Y12 inhibitor at the time of PCI could be associated with more frequent periprocedural myocardial necrosis than an earlier administration. The long-term clinical consequences remain unknown.

[Introduction of treatments for heart failure and reduced ejection fraction under 50 % : In-hospital optimization using an algorithmic approach]

Recent international guidelines recommend rapid initiation and titration of basic treatments of heart failure but do not explain how to achieve this goal. Despite these recommendations, implementation of treatment in daily practice is poor. This may be partly explained by the profile of the patients (frailty, comorbidities), safety considerations and tolerability issues related to kydney function, low blood pressure or heart rate and hyperkalaemia. In this special article, we intended to help the physician, through an algorithmic approach, to quickly and safely introduce guideline-directed medical therapy in the field of heart failure with ejection fraction under 50%.

[Impact of Home Return Assistance Service in Heart Failure (PRADO-IC) on the one year re-hospitalisation and mortality in a heart failure hospitalized population of patients]

INTRODUCTION

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations; the prognosis remains poor. Since 2013, the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) has set up a support program PRADO-IC (support program for returning home after hospitalisation for heart failure). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PRADO-IC on the heart failure readmission rate and death rate at one year.

METHODS

From September 2016 to September 2018, all patients hospitalized for heart failure at Saint-Joseph Hospital were included in an observational study. The inclusion in PRADO-IC program was at physician's discretion. Two groups were compared according to the inclusion in PRADO-IC or not (T). The primary endpoints were the comparison of one-year mortality and heart failure readmission rate between the two groups.

RESULTS

Six hundred and thirty-three patients were included, 262 in the PRADO-IC group and 371 in the non-PRADO group. Patients in the PRADO-IC cohort more frequently present severity criteria (age, weight, BNP level, arrhythmia, anemia, renal failure). Mortality at one year (19.5% vs 16.2%, p = 0.28) are equivalent in both groups. There were no significant differences in one-year rehospitalization rate for heart failure (HF) (35.1% in PRADO cohort vs 28% in T group, p = 0.06), the time to first hospitalization (74.5 days in PRADO vs 54.5 days in T, p = 0.55) and the length of hospitalization (6.0 days in PRADO vs 7.0 days in T, p = 0.29) between the two groups. Age, hyponatremia, anemia, cancer, HF re-hospitalization were variables linked to a risk of mortality, in a multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the PRADO-IC program concerned to the most severe patients. Despite this, the one-year mortality and the HF readmission rate are similar between the two groups.

[Not Available]

INTRODUCTION

Congestiveheart failure (CHF) is associated with prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations, the prognosis remains poor. The aim of this study was to collect epidemiologic data at admission and at six month follow-up in a cohort of patients with CHF admitted to a single center between 2017 and 2019 (Saint Joseph Hospital, HSJ) and to compare these data with regional data (Ile-de-France, IdF).

METHODS

Local and regional data were provided by National Health Service, Regional Department of Ile de France(DRSM) using national data base. CHF in-hospital stay was defined by appropriate CIM 10 code reported on the final medical form.

RESULTS

From 2017 to 2019, 1967 CHF in-hospital stays were collected, mean age of the population was 81.4 (=mean) ± 11.7 yearsIC_95% [80.8; 81.9], mean length of stay was 8.6 ± 6.8 days IC_95% [8.3; 8.9], in-hospital mortality was 5.3 %, 9.6% at 2^nd month and 15.9% at 6^th month. Readmission rate was 23.7%, time to readmission was 59.5 ± 47.5 days IC_95% [57.4; 61.6]. IdF data collected 60973 CHF in-hospital stays at the same period. Compared to the IdF population, our population was older (81.4 ± 11.6 versus 80.4 ± 12.6 years, p = 0.001). Length of stay was shorter (8.6 ± 6.8 versus 11.3 ± 10.1 days p<0.001), in-hospital mortality was lower (5.3% versus 7.8% p < 0.001), 2nd month and 6^th month mortality was lower (respectively 9.6% versus 14.2% and 15.9% versus 21.3%, p <0.001), home discharge rate was higher (66.9% versus 60.8%, p < 0.001) in the HSJ population. The proportion of patients included in PRADO-IC program (Programme d'aide au retour à domicile-Insuffisance Cardiaque, Returning home support program) was higher in SJ population (22.6% versus 8.8% p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CHF admission involved elderly patients, the in-hospital and 6^th month mortality is high, with early and frequent readmissions. Differences between HSJ and IdF populations may be explained by the heterogeneity of health care facilities, management facilities and organization of transition of care.

Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes free of cardiovascular disease and its relationship with clinical characteristics: The DIACAR cohort study

AIMS

To assess the prevalence, type and clinical factors associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by performing a comprehensive echocardiographic Doppler assessment including speckle tracking.

METHODS

Two hundred T2DM patients without overt cardiovascular disease were prospectively enrolled in a single-centre cohort study between 2018 and 2019.

RESULTS

Left ventricular mass was increased in 24 patients (12%) and relative wall thickness (h/r) was increased in 46 patients (23%). Left atrial (LA) enlargement was observed in 27 patients (13.6%) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) was reduced in 38 patients (20.3%). In univariate analysis, LV hypertrophy (LVH) or increased h/r were associated with age, renal function, hypertension and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma level. LA dilation was associated with age, history of hypertension, diabetes duration and complications, insulin treatment, BNP level and renal function. GLS was associated with body mass index (BMI) and, in a borderline manner, with diabetes duration. In multivariate analysis, hypertension was associated with LVH and with h/r and a borderline relationship was observed for female gender (LVH), age and insulin treatment (h/r). Age, hypertension and, in a borderline manner, insulin treatment were associated with LA dilation. BMI and shorter diabetes duration were associated with reduced GLS.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction/structural abnormalities was observed in patients with T2DM without overt cardiac disease and was associated with either age, diabetes duration or treatment and with comorbidities including hypertension and obesity. Whether these preclinical abnormalities are associated with poor outcomes warrants further study.

[Evaluation about patient's knowledge on their direct oral anticoagulants treatment]

AIM OF THE STUDY

Patient's knowledge about their treatment is poor, generally speaking. New oral anticoagulants are easier to use compared to antivitamin K, and they are going to increase. This simplification can underestimate their high potential risk. We have assessed patient's knowledge about their direct oral anticoagulants.

METHODS

It was a quantitative, observational, multicentric, prospective study, on 50 patients on Direct Oral Anticoagulants. They have been included from November 2015 to February 2017, in Île-de-France. They were needed to be aged more than 18years old, whatever was: the reason of this treatment, the beginning of it, the molecule, the existence or not of antivitamin K before. Their knowledge was assessed by a survey, realised by a unique investigator. The primary outcome was to reach more than 80% good answers to the survey. Secondary outcomes were to identify factors than can influence knowledge.

RESULTS

Among fifty patients, nine (18%) reached a goal over or equal to 80%. They knew the name of their medicament in 58% of cases, and the indication in 72% of cases. They could identify hemorragic signs in more than 70% of cases. In case of hemorragic sign, 94% of them were going to see a doctor. Thrombosis signs were less knew. None of the factors, excepted their profession, was different in the two populations (P=0,01).

CONCLUSION

This study showed the few rate of patient knowing their oral anticoagulants treatment perfectly, and their need to improve it. It could make professional healthcare aware to this problematic.

Infective endocarditis: Clinical presentation, etiology, and early predictors of in-hospital case fatality

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the clinical presentation, microbial etiology and outcome of patients presenting with infective endocarditis (IE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a four-year retrospective study including all patients presenting with IE.

RESULTS

We included 121 patients in the study. The median age was 74.8years. Most patients had native valve IE (57%). Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 24.8% of all IE. Surgery was indicated for 70 patients (57.9%) but actually performed in only 55 (44.7%). Factors associated with surgery were younger age (P=0.002) and prosthetic valve IE (P=0.001). Risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were diabetes mellitus (OR=3.17), chronic renal insufficiency (OR=6.62), and surgical indication (OR=3.49). Mortality of patients who underwent surgery was one sixth of that of patients with surgical indication who did not have the surgery (P<0.001).

[Characteristics of the population hospitalized for advanced and terminal heart failure and experiences in palliative caring in the Intensive Care Unit of cardiology]

PURPOSE

Advanced heart failure incidence is in progression. Palliative care access remains difficult due to its unpredictable course. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients admitted in Cardiology Intensive Care Unit for advanced heart failure who received palliative care and compare them to the whole population of acute heart failure hospitalized in the same period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients hospitalized for acute heart failure were retrospectively included from 2009 to 2013. We identified among them those who received palliative care. Specific caring was decided in pluridisciplinary meeting.

RESULTS

On 940 patients included, 42 patients (4.5%) receive palliative care. Ischemic heart disease was the main etiology (n=19; 45.2%). Right ventricular dysfunction (n=34; 80.9%) was associated with supra-ventricular arrhythmia (n=28; 66.7%). Twenty-eight patients (57.1%) have died in hospital, 9 (21.4%) were referred to a palliative care unit and 8 (19.1%) was discharged or referred to a rehabilitation center. Time between inclusion and death was 6 days on average. Intra-hospital mortality in control group was 6.8%.

CONCLUSION

Palliative care in cardiology is uncommon and has often been too late because of its poor adaptability to advanced heart failure. It is, as consequence, necessary to identify the prognostic factors of these patients in order to propose a personalized care and to adjust the intensity of care ahead of the terminal evolution of heart failure.

An Unreported Congenital Anomaly: Aneurysm of the Lateral Half of the Mitral Valve

This case draws our attention to a new type of mitral valve anomaly, which seems to be congenital. A 42-year-old man with symptomatic primary severe mitral regurgitation was admitted to our hospital. Echocardiography revealed an aneurysm of the half of the valve, on the anterolateral commissure side, with significant excess tissue. The other half of the valve was normal. The two parts seemed to be separated by a continuous fibrous raphe. The anterolateral papillary muscle was hyperplasic and gave the main part of chordae tendinae.

[Planimetric measurement of the regurgitant orifice area using tridimensional transoesophageal echocardiography for aortic regurgitation, reproducibility and feasibility]

BACKGROUND

Aortic regurgitation is mainly evaluated by trans-thoracic echocardiography using multi-parametric qualitative and semi quantitative tools. All those parameters can fail to meet expectations, resulting in an imperfect diagnostic reliability and assessment of aortic regurgitation severity can be challenging.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate feasibility and intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of aortic regurgitant orifice area measured by planimetry with tridimensional trans-esophageal echocardiography on patients with at least grade 2/4 aortic regurgitation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with at least grade 2/4 aortic regurgitation measured by trans-thoracic echocardiography and referred for trans-esophageal echocardiography for any reason were included. Planimetric reconstructions of regurgitant orifice area were studied and reproducibility indexes between senior and junior observers were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were included in this study. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were excellent with an ICC of 0.95 [0.88-0.98], P<0.0001 and 0.91 [0.79-0.96], P<0.0001, respectively. Mean length of the measurement was 6.6±0.9min [CI95% 6.23-7.01].

CONCLUSION

Planimetric measurement of the aortic regurgitant orifice using tridimensional trans-esophageal echocardiography seems to be feasible and has great intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. Reconstruction durations were compatible with a daily use. There is a need now to investigate the reliability of this measurement as compared with the reference technique.

[The contribution of computed tomography coronary angiography in Kawasaki disease in adult patients. Report of two cases]

OBJECTIVES

During the past few years, multislice computed tomography coronary angiography has made great progress in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. Results on detection and quantification of stenoses are excellent. We found interesting reporting its achievements in aneurismal coronaropathies such as the Kawasaki disease.

METHODS

We searched for young adults with Kawasaki disease who had a multislice computed tomography coronary angiography available. Several hospitals in the Paris area have been contacted and only two observations have been kept.

RESULTS

Computed tomography provided higher performance than coronarography for the measurement of the real diameter of an aneurism taking into account the mural thrombus, evaluation of its links with the collateral branches and the other aneurisms, assessment of the development of recanalized vessels and the degree of development of collateral vessels, and visualization of non-circulating aneurisms which were not detected with coronary angiography. In addition, the evaluation of the location and the degree of the stenoses by the computed tomography matched the coronary angiography data. It was not possible to conclude with this observations that the computed tomography is better for the diagnostic of Kawasaki disease.

CONCLUSION

Multislice computed tomography coronary angiography will be likely more and more used to detect and follow coronary anomalies in case of Kawasaki disease among teenagers and young adults. It is recommended for monitoring medium or large aneurisms in order to evaluate their progression to stenosis.

[Treatment of stable angina. Coronary angioplasty versus medical treatment]

Stable angina is a common clinical condition in everyday practice. Several studies (ACME, MASS, RITA 2) compared the efficacy of angioplasty with medical management in this context with concordant results: significant reduction in the frequency of angina and improved exercise capacity, without reduction in the number of serious events (death, infarction). Even though developments in the field of angioplasty have provided better clinical results, especially with the use of stents, the indication of dilatation should be clearly defined by a series of clinical and angiographic parameters. Although resistance to well conducted medical treatment is an indication for revascularisation when possible, the indications should be reconsidered if persistent ischaemia with medical therapy has not been proved.

[Angioplasty with stent of the common trunk of the left coronary artery with abnormal origin at the level of the right anterior sinus and with a retro-aortic trajectory]

The authors report a case of angioplasty with implantation of a stent in an anomalous left main coronary artery arising from the right anterior sinus of Valsalva with a retro-aortic trajectory. The introduction of stenting has made angioplasty of anomalous coronary arteries a possible alternative to surgery with the reserve of a high risk of restenosis when the lesion is distal and situated at a bifurcation.

Acute hemodynamic interaction of aspirin and ticlopidine with enalapril: results of a double-blind, randomized comparative trial

BACKGROUND

Coprescription of aspirin and ACE inhibitors is frequent in heart failure caused by coronary artery disease. Negative interaction between aspirin and enalapril has been reported, presumably through inhibition by aspirin of ACE inhibitor-induced prostaglandin synthesis. Ticlopidine is a potent antiplatelet agent without interaction with prostaglandin synthesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The objective of this study was to compare the influence of a coadministration of ticlopidine or aspirin on the hemodynamic effects of an ACE inhibitor (enalapril) in patients with chronic heart failure. Twenty patients with severe heart failure were enrolled in a double-blind comparative trial and allocated to ticlopidine (500 mg daily, 12 patients) or aspirin (325 mg daily, 8 patients). Hemodynamic evaluation was performed after 7 days of treatment, every hour for 4 hours after an oral administration of 10 mg of enalapril. Significant reductions in systemic vascular resistance were observed in the ticlopidine group, in contrast to no significant decrease in the aspirin group. A significant (P=0.03) time-by-treatment interaction indicated significant aspirin-enalapril drug interaction. Total pulmonary resistance decreased significantly in both groups, with no difference between patients assigned to aspirin or ticlopidine.

CONCLUSIONS

Enalapril reduced systemic vascular resistance more effectively when given in combination with ticlopidine than with aspirin. In contrast, the reduction in total pulmonary resistance is similar when enalapril is administered in combination with aspirin or ticlopidine. Negative aspirin-enalapril interaction on prostaglandin synthesis presumably alters vasodilatation in systemic vessels, whereas prostaglandin-independent actions of ACE inhibition such as pulmonary arterial vasodilatation are maintained.

[Transluminal coronary angioplasty in the acute phase of myocardial infarction]

The objective of the treatment of myocardial infarction is to reestablish patency of the occluded artery as soon as possible. Two methods have been validated: intravenous thrombolysis which is easy to perform, and transluminal coronary angioplasty requiring expensive infrastructures and a skilled medical team but which has a higher success rate of restoring arterial patency. Angioplasty is indicated in cardiogenic shock and cases in which there is diagnostic uncertainty or a contraindication to thrombolysis. In addition, its superiority over thrombolysis has been clearly demonstrated in the following indications: 1) primary angioplasty if proper facilities with an experienced team are available in less than 45 minutes and 2) after failed thrombolysis (rescue angioplasty). The use of stents improves the results of primary angioplasty. Angioplasty and thrombolysis are not rival techniques: the choice depends on local conditions (proximity to a catheterization laboratory with a trained medical team) and the clinical context (presence of "high-risk" criteria). Their association (prehospital thrombolysis followed by immediate angioplasty) is the object of prospective clinical trials.

One-week and six-month angiographic controls of stent implantation after occlusive and nonocclusive dissection during primary balloon angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

We prospectively assessed in 124 consecutive patients by means of 1-week and 6-month follow-up angiograms the rate of reocclusion and restenosis of coronary stenting with Palmaz-Schatz stents after occlusive and nonocclusive dissection during primary balloon angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients were further evaluated clinically at 1 year. Stenting was performed on large (>3.2 mm) coronary arteries for suboptimal results (47%), occlusive (8%), or nonocclusive dissections (45%) after balloon angioplasty. Stents were delivered using the bare stent technique and high pressure inflations (>12 atm). All patients received ticlopidine 250 mg (500 mg if weight was >80 kg) and aspirin 100 mg for 1 month. No patient received warfarin. At 1 week, 6 patients died of cardiogenic shock and 2 of right ventricular infarction. One subacute occlusion occurred at day 14. At 6 months, in 95 patients, the angiographic restenosis rate (>50% diameter stenosis) was 19%. One-year clinical follow-up, available in 55 patients, indicated cardiac death in 5, and repeat revascularization in 3. Thus, coronary stenting on large (>3.2 mm) coronary arteries after occlusive and nonocclusive dissection during primary balloon angioplasty for AMI using bare Palmaz-Schatz stents, high pressures, ticlopidine, and aspirin is safe. Our reocclusion and restenosis rates are similar to those of trials on elective stenting in stable patients.

Changes in immediate outcome of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in multivessel coronary artery disease in 1990 to 1991 versus 1994 to 1995

Coronary angioplasty has undergone major technical changes since the period of inclusion in the randomized trials, comparing it with surgery, particularly with the increased use of coronary stents. This study shows improved in-hospital outcome in terms of primary success and complication rates in patients treated with coronary angioplasty for multivessel disease from 1994 to 1995, compared with the 1990 to 1991 period.

[Prescription of heparin in the acute phase of myocardial infarction: expected and observed benefits...]

Before the advent of thrombolysis, heparin was widely used in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Its prescription was based on trials, often of criticable methodology, some of which showed a reduction in hospital mortality and others a reduction in the incidence of reinfarction, left ventricular thrombi or venous thromboembolism. A better understanding of physiopathology and the development of emergency methods of myocardial reperfusion (pharmacological or mechanical) showed that the real objective of management of acute myocardial infarction should be reopening of the occluded artery and the maintenance of its patency. Reocclusion which occurs in 20% of cases in associated with increased hospital morbidity and mortality. Heparin, which limits the paradoxial increase of thrombin after thrombolysis significantly decreases this risk. Two reference trials on the benefits of heparin in association with thrombolysis, GISSI-2 and ISIS-3, demonstrated a significant reduction in the 7 day mortality but no significant reduction in the 35 day mortality. The poor quality of the anticoagulation protocol, especially in patients receiving rtPA, explains these disappointing results. Thus, it has now been clearly established that heparin, even though it increases the number of bleeding complications should be associated early and at an appropriate dosage with all thrombolytic regimes or mechanical reperfusion methods used during acute myocardial infarction. Apart from the embolic complications or ventricular thrombosis, this anticoagulation only seems to be justified during the first 48 hours.

Effect of late percutaneous angioplastic recanalization of total coronary artery occlusion on left ventricular remodeling, ejection fraction, and regional wall motion

The clinical benefit of late recanalization of complete coronary occlusion is debated. Left ventricular (LV) function and volumes are major prognostic determinants in patients with coronary artery disease. We sought to assess comprehensively the evolution of global and regional LV function and LV volumes after percutaneous recanalization of chronic complete coronary artery occlusions. A consecutive series of 55 patients who underwent successful percutaneous recanalization of a chronic (> or = 10 days), total (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trial flow grade 0) occlusion of the left anterior descending or dominant right coronary arteries, and in whom a complete angiographic evaluation was available before angioplasty and at follow-up was studied. At follow-up, 38 patients had a patent artery (group 1) and 17 had a reocclusion (group 2). Baseline parameters were similar in the 2 groups. In group 1, LV ejection fraction increased from 55 +/- 14% to 62 +/- 13% (p <0.001), with an increase in fractional shortening in the occluded artery territory (0.43 +/- 0.30 to 0.71 +/- 0.34, p <0.001), while LV end-diastolic volume remained unchanged. In group 2, ejection fraction and regional wall motion were unchanged, while LV end-diastolic volume index increased (86 +/- 22 ml/m2 to 99 +/- 34 ml/m2, p <0.02). The evolution in LV global and regional function was similar in patients with or without previous myocardial infarction; however, prevention of LV remodeling was observed only in patients with previous infarction. Maintained potency after successful recanalization of totally occluded coronary arteries improves global and regional LV function and, in patients with previous myocardial infarction, avoids LV remodeling.

[Physiopathology of unstable angina]

The majority of cases of unstable angina and myocardial infarction have a common origin: rupture of an atheromatous plaque complicated by intracoronary thrombosis. The nature of these "high risk" plaques is now well known: they are excentric, moderately severe lesions, the voluminous lipid centres of which are covered only by a thin unstable fibrous layer. The triggering factor of the rupture of an unstable plaque may be an increase in wall stress (spastic vasoconstriction, rise in blood pressure), and/or an inflammatory or haemorrhagic phenomenon within the plaque itself. Once the plaque has ruptured, the outcome to unstable angina or myocardial infarction is determined by two factors: the size and rapidity of constitution of the thrombus and the quality of the collateral circulation.