Elevated levels of Lp(a) are associated with coronary lesion complexity in patients hospitalized for an acute myocardial infarction: data from the French RICO Survey

Background

Although patients with elevated Lp(a) are at high risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease (CAD) burden associated with Lp(a) remains poorly investigated.

Methods

Single center study including all consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI in Coronary Care Unit from the RICO database (2019–2021) who underwent coronary angiography and blood sample for Lp(a) assessment on admission. Coronary lesion complexity was retrospectively assessed by SYNTAX score and pre-specified angiographic criteria. Patients were compared according to their Lp(a) levels: <50 mg/dL (normal), ≥50 mg/dL and ≤100 mg/dL (high) and >100 mg/dL (very high).

Results

921 patients were included, of whom 177 (19.2%) had elevated Lp(a) >50 mg/dL, including 121 (13.1%) with high and 56 (6.1%) with very high Lp(a). Median (IQR) age was similar across the 3 groups (normal: 68 (58–78)y; high: 70 (60–80)y; very high: 69 (61–78)y, p=0.381). When compared with patients with normal Lp(a), patients with high and very high Lp(a) levels had increased prevalence of personal history of CAD (19%, 28% and 29%, respectively, p=0.026) and family history of CAD (19%, 26% and 29%, p=0.032, respectively). The rate of women was more common in very high Lp(a) level than in high and normal groups (46%, 33%, and 29%, respectively, p=0.016). Rate of ST-segment elevation MI was similar for the 3 groups (p=0.961). At coronary angiography, CAD burden, as assessed by SYNTAX score was much higher in elevated Lp(a) groups (11 (6–19), 15 (8–24), 17 (7–25), p=0.001, respectively). Moreover, patients with elevated Lp(a) had more complex coronary lesions (p=0.034), characterized by left main (p=0.021), and calcified lesions (p=0.002) (figure). In-hospital mortality gradually increased across the 3 groups (2.8%, 6.6%, 8.9%, p=0.010, respectively).

Conclusions

This retrospective study in patients with acute MI shows that elevated Lp(a) were common, associated with high risk for in-hospital mortality. Patients with high Lp(a) were characterized by severe CAD burden, with complex anatomy features including left main and calcified lesions. The long-term prognostic impact of Lp(a)-associated CAD burden needs to be explored.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): ARS Bourgogne Franche ComtéCHU Dijon BourgogneAssociation de Cardiologie de Bourgogne

Prognostic and diagnostic impact of new pathophysiology-based categorization of type 1 and type 2 myocardial infarction: data from the French RICO survey

Background

A new classification of type 1 and 2 myocardial infarction (MI) derived from the fourth universal definition of MI (UDMI) has been recently proposed, based on pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD),. We assessed the impact of this new MI categorization on epidemiology and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective study including all consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI in a multicenter database (RICO). MI was defined according to current UDMI. Rates and outcomes of T1MI and T2MI were addressed according to the new classification.

Results

Among the 4573 patients included on our study, 3710 patients (81.1%) were initially diagnosed with T1M1 and 863 (18.9%) with T2MI. After reclassification, 96 T2MI patients were moved into the T1MI category. Out of the remaining 767 patients with T2MI, 567 underwent coronary angiography, and were adjudicated as type 2A MI (68.6%) with obstructive CAD, and type 2B MI (31.4%) without obstructive CAD.

When compared with T1MI and T2BMI, T2AMI patients had worse in-hospital outcomes, including heart failure (p<0.001), recurrent infarction (p<0.048) and mechanical complications such as mitral insufficiency (p=0.001). The 3 groups (T1AMI, T2AMI and T2BMI) had similar all-cause and cardiovascular death rates, with a trend for a higher all-cause mortality in T2AMI patients.

Kaplan-Meier one-year survival curves showed higher all-cause and cardiovascular causes mortality in T2AMI patients compared to T1MI and T2BMI (p<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression, type of MI was independent predictor of death.

Conclusion

Our large observational multicenter study shows major disparities in mortality according to type of MI and support the relevance of the new MI classification to improve risk classification. Our findings may will help identifying specific phenotypes and considering personalized diagnostic and management strategies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) de Bourgogne Franche-ComtéRegional Council of Bourgogne Franche-Comté.

Sex-specific disparities in predictive factors of smoking cessation among smokers at high cardiovascular risk. Findings from a nationwide smoking cessation services cohort

Background

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but smoking cessation (SC) reduces or even cancels the risk of CVD for both sex. Using data from the French national “Consultations de Dépendance Tabagique” (CDTnet) cohort, we aimed to determine the predictive factors of SC in men and women smokers at high cardiovascular (CV) risk (i.e. with a CV disease or risk factor).

Material and methods

Retrospective study from the French SC services CDT-net database. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, and ≥1 CV risk factor (BMI ≥25 kg/m2, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, arterial hypertension) or CVD (history of stroke, myocardial infarction or angina pectoris, peripheral arterial disease (PAD)). Smoking abstinence (≥28 consecutive days) was self-reported and confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide <10 ppm. Logistic regression assessed the association between SC and sociodemographic factors, medical characteristics and patients' smoking profile.

Results

Among the 246,364 subjects in the database, 15% (36,864) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One month-abstinence was lower in women (52.6% (n=8,102) vs 55% (n=11,848) in men, p<0.001). For both sex, smokers with the lowest abstinence rates were those with respiratory diseases (47% among women vs. 50% among men respectively), depression history (48% vs. 48%), anxiety or depression symptoms (49% vs 50%) use of anxiolytics/antidepressants, use of opioid substitution treatment, use of cannabis (42% vs 41%) and benefit less than 3 follow-up visits (36% vs 41%). Factors positively associated with SC in both sex were age >65 years, having a degree, being employed, coming by self-initiation or by one's relatives, being overweight, having previous quit attempts, presenting with low nicotine dependence and being confident in achieving abstinence. Factors negatively associated with abstinence only in women but not in men was alcohol disorder. Finally, factors negatively associated with abstinence only in men but not in women were PAD, and tobacco-related cancers.

Conclusion

Our results from a large nationwide database suggest the relevance of differentiated management according to sex in smokers at high CV risk, given the major sex-specific disparities in factors associated with abstinence rates.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by IReSP and INCa through a call for doctoral grants launched in 2019.

Identification of factors associated with smoking cessation in patients with coronary artery diseases. Findings from a large nationwide cohort of smoking cessation services

 

In patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD) (i.e. prior myocardial infarction (MI) or angina), smoking cessation (SC) is a major prevention goal. From a large French national database of SC services, we aimed to describe social, medical and smoking characteristics, as well as predictive factors of SC in men and women with CAD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of smokers with CAD who visited a SC service and were included in the nationwide database of SC services (CDTnet). Endpoint was the abstinence rate, defined as SC maintained for at least 28 consecutive days, confirmed by an exhaled carbon monoxide <10 ppm.

Results

Among the 4,532 smokers with CAD (myocardial infarction and angina), 21% (948) were women. The mean age was 55 years in both sexes. Two-thirds had consulted after a hospital contact and nearly half (45%) smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day. Compared to men, women presented more often with anxio-depression symptoms (57% vs 41%) and respiratory diseases (38% vs 28%), were less educated (65% vs 73% had at least one degree), suffered less often from other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or peripheral arterial disease (16% vs 21%) and much lower rate of alcohol misuse (9% vs 25%). Finally, 82% of smokers received Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at the first consultation. The abstinence rate achieved was similar in women and men (54%). Factors positively associated with SC in women were: having more than one previous quit attempt, having a level of education ≥ first secondary school diploma) (OR=1.42; CI95% [1.04–1.95]) and using an electronic cigarette at the first consultation (OR=2.74; CI95% [1.22–6.58]). In men, these factors were: being employed (OR=1.25; CI95% [1.08–1.45]), declaring high confidence in quitting (OR=1.24; CI95% [1.07–1.44]) and using NRT (OR=1.41; CI95% [1.13–1.74]). Psychiatric or respiratory diseases were negatively associated with SC in both men and women. In men, the factors negatively associated with SC were: smoking at home, having diabetes, using cannabis and presenting with high nicotine dependence. Among women, living with a smoker hampered SC.

Conclusion

Our findings on a large nationwide cohort from SC services showed that in smokers with prior MI or angina, it is important to take into account comorbidities, particularly psychiatric and respiratory disorders, in order to improve smoking cessation rates.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by IReSP and INCa through a call for doctoral grants launched in 2019

Temporal trends over 20 years of smoking prevalence in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Data from the RICO survey

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté

Background

Over the last 2 decades, tobacco smoking, a major cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, has decreased in France, but remains among the highest in European countries.

Aim

From a large database of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), we aimed to investigate the evolution of smoker’s prevalence and characteristics over a 20-y period.

Methods

From the RICO survey, 18,769 patients hospitalized from 2001 to 2020 for an acute MI in one region of France were included. Current smokers were compared with ex-smokers or non-smokers and according to gender.

Results

Temporal trends showed that smoking rate did not decrease in men and dramatically increased in women by 50% (figure). Rate of smoking was higher in men than in women (34% vs 18%, p<0.001). Median age increased across the year groups whatever the smoking status. When compared with ex or non-smokers, smokers were much younger (54 vs 71 y for men and 56 vs 79 y for women, p<0.001), had more frequent family history of CAD but less modifiable risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. ST-segment elevation MI was more common in smokers, for both sex. Although in-hospital adjusted mortality was similar for both groups, smokers had more common ventricular arrhythmias (VF/VT).

Conclusions

Over the last 2 decades, tobacco use remains common in patients with acute MI and is associated with a younger age of occurrence and severe acute complications. Our findings also reveal an alarming increasing prevalence of smoking in women. More effective prevention strategies are necessary to reduce tobacco use, in particular in women.

High prevalence of complex coronary artery lesions in sport-related myocardial infarction. Contemporary data from the RICO survey

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Agence régionale de santé de Bourgogne Franche-Comté

Background

Underlying mechanisms for sport-related acute myocardial infarction (SR-AMI) are only poorly understood. Moreover, their coronary artery disease (CAD) characteristics and lesion complexity are poorly described.

Purpose

To characterize coronary angiographic feature of patients with SR-AMI

Methods

From the RICO database, a large regional acute MI survey, all consecutive patients hospitalized in our University Hospital from 2010 to 2021 who underwent coronary angiography for SR-MI were retrospectively analysed. SR-MI was defined as MI occurring during sport activity or within the first hour of recovery.

Results

Among the 174 patients included, most were male (n=157(91%)). Median (IQR) age was 59 y (48-66), and had ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) (n= 112 (64%)). The SR-MI often occurred while cycling (41%), jogging (23%), hiking (9%) or playing soccer (9%). Patients commonly experienced pre-hospital (PH) sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) (17%). Atherothrombotic risk factors were dyslipidaemia (32%), current smoking (31%) or hypertension (28%). A history of CAD was documented in 31 (18%) patients. Most (n=156(91%)) had significant lesions, of whom 140 (81%) were considered as culprit. Culprit lesions were located on left anterior descending (39%), circumflex (14%) and right coronary artery (33%). Median (IQR) Syntax score was 10.5 (6-15). The vast majority of patients (n=152 (87%)) had at least one complex lesion; 114 of them had several characteristics of complex lesion. Lesions were eccentric in 68 (39%) patients; an intraluminal thrombus was documented in 85 patients (49%), in 55% of STEMI and 37% of non-STEMI (p =0.027). However, 18 subjects (10%) had optically normal coronary angiogram or non-significant lesions, suggesting alternative mechanism such as type 2 MI. Treatment of the lesions was mainly achieved by PCI and/or stenting (n=132(77%)) or coronary artery bypass grafting (n=11(6%)). In-hospital death occurred in 11 patients (6%), of whom 10 experienced a PH-SCA and one was admitted with a cardiogenic shock during the Covid-19 pandemics lockdown. Among the 5 patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenator, only one survived.

Conclusion

In our large retrospective study, SR-MI was commonly associated with complex coronary lesions, often characterized by intraluminal thrombus. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms of these events could be mainly related to type 1 MI patterns Moreover, PH-SCA was frequent, thus justifying mass-education to basic life support and deployment of automated external defibrillators, especially in the sport settings.

Psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of still smokers at 6 months after acute cerebro or cardiovascular events: preliminary findings from INEV@L, a prospective pilot study

Introduction

Considering the benefits of smoking cessation, and evolving new tobacco-product consumption, such as e-cigarettes (e-cig), contemporary behavioral and psychosocial factors (PSF) associated with smoking after acute stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) remain to be investigated.

Methods

From INEV@L, a prospective pilot study in 128 workers hospitalized for MI or stroke (MI/stroke: 199/57) <65 y, between 2016 and 2017 in CHU Dijon. Among them, 67 (52%) current smokers were analyzed. PSF (education level (EL), socioeconomic status (SES), perceived disease severity (PDS), anxiety/depression), and health behavior (adhesion to Mediterranean diet (AMD), BMI, physical activity (PA), smoking) were collected at the acute phase and at 6 Months Follow-Up. Patients who quit smoking were compared with non-quitting patients.

Results

Still smokers at 6-M FU were frequent (30 (45%)) and had similar risk factors including age (51±7 y) than quitters. Rate of overweight/obese patients and AMD were similar (52 vs 65%, p=0.281 and 29±6 vs 26±7, p=0.207). SES and EL were slightly higher in still smokers group. The level of anxiety or depression was as high in the 2 groups (63 vs 68%, and 19 vs 20%, p=0.717 and 0.911). Although similar at the acute phase (p=0.867), PDS at 6-M FU, trended to be lower in non-quitters (57 vs 78%, p=0.057). At FU, only few returned to work (57% for both groups). Overweight/obese who reduced their weight were more common in non-quitters (60 vs 38%, p=0.170). Patients who improved AMD or PA level were similar (62 vs 78%, p=0.166, and 67 vs 92%, p=0.317). The vast majority of non-quitters introduced the use of e-cig (80% vs 0%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our pilot study in young workers highlights the low rate of smoking cessation, and generalized dual use of electronic+conventional cigarette at mid-term after acute MI or stroke. Our findings further suggest specific PSF pattern of non-quitters, associated with loss of perceived disease severity.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Conseil Régional de Bourgogne Franche Comté et CHU Dijon Bourgogne

High levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with the severity of coronary disease in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Data from the RICO survey

Background

High level of lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is a well-recognized independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) including acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, limited data are available on the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) burden and Lp(a) levels in patients with acute MI.

Methods

CAD burden was addressed in 1213 consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI in 2019–2020 who underwent coronary angiography from the RICO survey. Patients were compared according to Lp(a) levels (Lp(a) <50 mg/dL (normal), ≥50 mg/dL and ≤100 mg/dL (high) and >100 mg/dL (very high)).

Results

The prevalence of high and very high Lp(a) was elevated (13% and 6%, respectively). Median (IQR) age (normal: 68 (58–79)y; high: 70 (61–80)y; very high: 69 (60–78)y, p=0.502) and rate of diabetes (p=0.448) were similar across the 3 groups. When compared with normal Lp(a), patients with very high Lp(a) had more frequently hypertension, were more often under chronic statin therapy and their corrected LDL-cholesterol was lower. There was a gradual increase in prior ASCVD rates across the 3 Lp(a) groups (p=0.001). When compared with patients with high or normal Lp(a), patients with very high Lp(a) levels had elevated SYNTAX score at coronary angiography, (17 (6–25) vs 12 (6–19) and 10 (5–18), p=0.006, respectively), and had more frequently multivessel disease (74% vs 64% and 56%, p=0.003). By multivariate analysis, very high Lp(a) (OR(95% CI): 1.879 (1.065–3.312)) remained associated with high CAD burden, beyond confounding including age, diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

Among real world patients hospitalized for an acute MI, high Lp(a) levels are common (≈20%) and independently associated with a severe CAD burden, beyond traditional risk factors, identifying a subset of patients with features of high ASCVD risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): CHU Dijon Bourgogne ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté

Specific risk factors profile and abstinence rate of female smokers at high cardiovascular risk from the nationwide smoking cessation services cohort CDT-net

Background

In women, smoking is particularly harmful to the cardiovascular (CV) system, and smoking cessation (SC) is a key issue for CV prevention.

Objectives

From a large nationwide database on subjects who visited SC services between 2001 and 2018, we aimed to describe the profile and abstinence rate among female smokers at high CV risk.

Methods

Observational study from the French CS services cohort CDT-net. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, and ≥1 CV risk factor (i.e. body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, history of stroke, myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. Abstinence (≥28 consecutive days) was self-reported, and confirmed by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide <10 ppm.

Results

Among 37,949 smokers, 16,492 (43.5%) were women. Compared to men, women were 3-y younger (48 vs 51 y, p<0.001) and more educated (≥ Bachelor degree: 55 vs 45%, p<0.001). The burden of CV risk factors was high in women and men: hypercholesterolemia (30% vs 33% p<0.001), hypertension (23% vs 26%, p<0.001) and diabetes (10 vs 13%, p<0.001). Compared to men, women suffered more often from obesity (27 vs 20%, p<0.001), respiratory diseases (COPD: 24% vs 21%, p<0.001; asthma: 16 vs 9%, p<0.001) and anxio-depressive symptoms (37.5 vs 26.5%, p<0.001). Although women were less nicotine dependent than men, their abstinence rate was lower (52 vs 55%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Female smokers who visited SC services not only presented very high CV risk profile, but also elevated rates of lung diseases and anxio-depressive symptoms. Our findings highlight the need to strengthen CV prevention strategies, through comprehensive gender-tailored SC interventions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): IReSP and INCa through a call for doctoral grants launched in 2019

Sport-related acute myocardial infarction. Contemporary data from IMACS survey

Background

Sport-related (SR) acute cardiovascular (CV) events are the main cause of sudden cardiac death in the setting of sport activities. However, data are very scarce regarding onset and follow-up of SR acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

From the prospective study IMACS (Infarctus du Myocarde et Arret Cardiaque au cours du Sport) patients admitted for a SR-AMI in our university hospital from April 2018 to March 2020 were included. A 12 months follow-up (FU) was achieved through telephone interview to address CV outcomes and sport practice information. Information was obtained from relatives in case of out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest (OH-SCA).

Results

Among the 55 patients included, all were male, with median (IQR) age at 62 (55–69) y. Most common sports were cycling (n=21), fitness (n=7), swimming (n=5) and hiking (n=5). The SR-AMI occurred during effort for 39 subjects and during recovery for 16. Most SR-AMI occurred in public area (n=24), at home (n=16), or in a specific sport location (n=14). An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was available in the SR-AMI location in only 10, but was missing in 43 (unknown for 2). In 1 subject with OH-SCA, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), initiated by witnesses, using a public AED, was unsuccessful. The 4 other patients with OH-SCA underwent successful CPR. Among the 55 subjects, 4 were vapers, of whom 1 was a dual user, 17 were current tobacco smokers, 18 were ex-smokers and 2 experienced cannabis and cocaine use. Among the smokers, most smoked (n=10) or consumed cannabis (n=1) <2h before the event. Strikingly, CV history and/or recent symptoms were present in almost half (n=25). Only 10 felt symptoms exclusively during the sport session. Moreover, a medical advice for recent symptoms was found only for 3 subjects. Three patients who experienced prior AMI have neglected symptoms during the index event. Most were ST segment elevated MI (n=35). Only one patient (with OH-SCA) died <3 days after hospital admission. During hospitalization, most underwent revascularization with coronary stenting (n=44) (drug eluting stent in 43 patients), or coronary artery bypass graft (n=6) and no death nor significant CV event occurred. At 1-FU, most attended a rehabilitation program (n=41) and the majority of smokers quitted (14/17), with 3 persistent smokers starting to vape. Almost half patients (n=23) decreased their physical activity, and 21 increased it. A significant rate of patient (n=9) added fitness in their usual activity, and as a main sport for 4 of them.

Conclusions

In this on-going monocentric prospective survey in SR-AMI, a high proportion of subjects had prodromal symptoms, of whom only few led to sport cessation and medical advices, when requested, failed to prevent the AMI. Our findings highlight that public and medical education are urgently warranted for SR-AMI prevention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): CHU Dijon Bourgogne Franche Comté et ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté

Tobacco-related risk behaviors among amateur rugby players, coaches and referees: targets for prevention

Background

High prevalence of smoking has been documented in France and new patterns of tobacco and nicotine consumption are emerging, especially in some sports. In amateur rugby population, such attitudes could be harmful, but data are scarce as well as their knowledge of the risk.

Purpose

We analyzed tobacco consumption in French amateur players, coaches and referees.

Methods

Each amateur players [>12-y/o], coaches and referees licensed in the French Rugby Federation and participating in the Burgundy amateur championship was invited to answer to an electronic anonymous questionnaire during the 2017–2018 sport season.

Results

683 [sex ratio M/F = 0.9] answers were obtained and fit for analysis. Among them, 559 (81.8%) were players, 167 (24,5%) were coaches and 74 (10.8%) were referees. 176 subjects (25.8%) were current smokers, 126 (18.4%) daily smokers, 54 (37% of usual smokers) smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day and 97 (14.2%) were ex-smokers. Moreover, 24 referees (32.4%) and 47 coaches (28.2%) were current smokers. Most smoked 2 hours before or after a rugby session (86.4% of smokers), including coaches (89.4%) and referees (89%). Although 109 smokers (61.9%) considered quitting, only 27 (24.8%) considered vaping to aid them. Only 28 subjects (4.1%) usually vaped, of whom 15 daily (1.9%); 21 of them (75%) vaped in the 2 hours before or after a rugby session. Number of cigarettes in the 19 dual users was not different compared with non-vaping smokers. Among the 28 vapers, motivation to vape included lower risk than smoking (13), consider to quit (12), cheaper than smoking (8), festive and socializing (6), avoid to smoke (3), respect the performance (2). Other tobacco or nicotine products were infrequent: waterpipe (7), dry snuff (1) and none used snus. The knowledge about risk was incomplete: 35 (5.1%) subjects do not know that smoking is dangerous for their health and 12 (1.8%) think it is not. 246 (36%) and 195 (28.6%) do not know if smoking is more dangerous in the 2 hours before or after sport; 45 (6.6%) and 18 (2.6%) think it is not. Moreover, 27.5% of coaches were unaware on the risk of smoking before a sport session and 19.2% on the risk after. 244 subjects (35.7%) do not know if vaping is less dangerous than smoking; 272 (39.8%) are not informed of the potential risk of nicotine when vaping.

Conclusion

Despite information, prevalence of smoking remains high in the French amateur rugby players, coaches and referees. Smokers usually smoke in the 2 hours before or after the sport session. This is dangerous for them and for their peers. The low knowledge about the CV risk is of great concern, especially when considering the coaches and referees considering both their symbolic position and their educational role. Vaping and other patterns of nicotine exposure are infrequent; none of them use snus. Targeted education programs are urgently needed to reduce acute and chronic risk of tobacco consumption in this population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): CHU Dijon Bourgogne ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté

Characteristics and prognosis of patients with elevated triglycerides in acute myocardial infarction: observational data from a large database over a 17 years period

Background and aim

From a large database of a regional registry, we aimed to address the prevalence, characteristics and prognosis of patients with elevated triglycerides (TG) in patients hospitalized for an acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

From the multicenter database (RICO survey), all consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI (2001–2017) and alive at discharge were included. Patients with TG >500 mg/dL, lost to follow-up (FU), or under chronic fibrate treatment were excluded. Patients with high TG (>200 mg/dL) on admission were compared to those with TG ≤200 mg/dL. Endpoints were recurrent ischemic events (i.e. recurrent MI, angina, unstable angina, stroke or urgent revascularization (PCI or CABG)) at 1-year FU.

Results

Among the 10667 patients included, 1886 (17.7%) had elevated TG. When compared with patients with TG ≤200 mg/dL, patients with high TG were younger (59 vs 69 y, p<0.001), had a higher BMI (28 vs 26 kg/m2, p<0.001), were more frequently men (77 vs 68%, p<0.001), diabetic (27 vs 21%, p<0.001), and smokers (42 vs 28%, p<0.001). The rate of statin therapy at discharge was similar for the 2 groups (79 vs 77%, p=0.285), as well as SYNTAX score and rate of multivessel disease (p=0.368 and p=0.791). In high TG group, LDL cholesterol was higher (130 vs 120 mg/dL, p<0.001) and HDL-cholesterol was lower (37 vs 46 mg/dL). At 1-Y FU, recurrent ischemic events were more frequent in elevated TG patients (11.2 vs 9.1%, p=0.004). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, high TG (OR (95% CI): 1.356 (1.095–1.679)) remains an independent estimate for recurrent ischemic event, even after adjustment for confounding (GRACE score, diabetes, obesity).

Conclusions

In our large population-based cohort, elevated TG are common in acute MI, and associated with residual risk of recurrent ischemic events, beyond traditional prognostic markers. Our data may help to identify candidates for targeted therapies to reduce recurrent ischemic risk after MI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amarin

Beta-receptor desensitization after a multistage ultralong distance exercise in the desert?

Background

Although cardiac function has been largely investigated during ultra-endurance exercise, few studies addressed to multi-stage endurance race.

Methods

Serial echocardiographic assessment of cardiac function was performed in male healthy subjects during the 2014 Marathon des Sables before the race (T1), at the second (T2) and fifth (T3) arrival (236 km) then after 48h recovery. Analysis were performed by 2 sonographers blind for the results of the other and the time of measure.

Results

Among the 20 athletes, 18 completed the study (mean age 42.4, median 42). RR intervals and (Left ventricular End Diastolic Volume (Simpson) (LVEDV) changed during the race and were correlated (r2 = 0.539, p<0.001); afterload approched by Left Ventricular Meridional Wall Stress (LVMWS) did not change. LV Global Longitudinal Peak Strain (PS) and subepicardial (Epi) PS did not vary. Subendocardial (Endo) LV.PS was lower at T2 /T1, concomitant to a (non-significant) drop in LVEDV; LV strain rate (SR) was lower at T4. RR and LVEDV were higher at T3 than at T2, and higher at T4 compared to T1 and T2. As preload conditions changed during the race, we studied the response of PS and SR to the change in preload (Starling mechanism). EndoPS/LVEDV, LVPS/LVEDV and SR/LVEDV did not change during the race but were lower after recovery.

Conclusions

48h after a multistage ultralong duration exercise, we observed a drop in heart rate and contractility response to preload. The evolution of these parameters could be explained by a beta-receptors desensitization. These data need to be confirmed by other studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): CHU Dijon Bourgogne ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté Evolution of parameters

Smoking and associated unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in patients with chronic cardiac diseases during COVID-19 related lockdown

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Dijon University Hospital France

OnBehalf

CLEO-CD

Background

  Lockdown can affect tobacco smoking (TS) behaviours. 

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of lockdown on (TS) and associated lifestyle behaviours in patients with Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and congestive heart failure (CHF)

Methods

CCS and CHF patients were invited to answer to a phone-call questionnaire during the 1st COVID-19 lockdown start 

Results

(Table) 343 questionnaires were fit for analysis, 43 (12.5%) were current smokers (CS). CS were younger (p < 0.001), none stopped and 13 increased their consumption (main reasons were stress and boredom). CS felt more often cramped (p = 0.023). CS who increased their TS consumption showed a trend toward a higher rate of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours

Conclusions

During the lockdown, more than ¼ of CS with CCS or CHF increased their TS consumption and none quitted. Moreover, TS was often associated with other deleterious behaviours increasing their risk for short and long term

Impact of lockdown in patients with congestive heart failure during the Covid-19 pandemic

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Dijon Football Côte d"Or

OnBehalf

CLEO-CD

Background

Congestive heart failure (CHF) can be destabilized by Covid-19 (C19) lockdown.

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of lockdown in CHF patients.

Methods

150 out-patients from the HF Clinic of our hospital were invited to answer to a phone-call interview during the 7th week of first C19 lockdown .

Results

From 124 questionnaires, more than 1/5 felt worse and almost 1/4 declared a psychologic distress. CHF medications were modified in 10%. Decrease in physical activity was observed in 2/5. Almost 1/2 declared increased screen time;  smokers often increased consumption. Adherence to dietary counselling was reduced by 1/6, increase in weight and HF symptoms were common. Some patients benefitted from a teleconsultation.

Conclusions

Our patients exhibited well-being impairment and unhealthy behaviours. Medication adherence was not diminished and the reduction in care access was counterbalanced by a switch toward telehealth.

Main results

	124 patients	75 Male (M)	49 Female (F)	p value between M and F
Age, years	71.0 ± 14.0	68.9 ± 13.7	74.3 ± 14.0	0.03
Urban/Rural	82/42	49/26	33/16	0.84
HFrEF*	87	62	25	<0.001
Dilated cardiomyopathy	50	37	13	0.02
Ischemic	23	18	5	0.06
Other	51	20	31	<0.0001
Current NYHA class I/II/III/IV	39/48/28/9	29/29/14/3	10/19/14/6	0.66
History of NYHA III-IV class	94	62	32	0.03
Electronic device/Telemonitoring	77/28	54/18	23/10	<0.001/0.66
Increase in dyspnea or edema or fatigue	27	13	14	0.07
Decrease in well-being	27	12	15	0.07
Psychological distress (#)	23	15 (20.0)	8	0.64
Weight gain > 2 kg	34	22 (29.3)	12	0.68
Switch for teleconsultation (##)	16	11 (34.4)	5	1
Teleconsultation (total)	23	14	9	1
Decrease in physical activity	52	25 (33.3)	27	0.02
Increase in screen time	57	31 (41.3)	26	0.27
Increase in cigarette consumption (9 smokers)	4	3	1	1
Decrease in dietary adherence (###)	22 (17.7)	15 (20.0)	7 (14.3)	0.47

*HFrEF; # Kessler-6 score ≥ 5; ## from planned physical examination; ### salt, water, alcohol

During the Covid-19 lockdown, rural residence is associated to healthier lifestyle behaviours in patients with chronic coronary syndrom

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Dijon Football Côte d"Or

OnBehalf

CLEO-CD

Background

Lifestyle behaviours (LB) are keystones of coronary prevention and might be impacted during Covid-19 (C19) lockdown.

Purpose

To compare the LB in urban and rural patients suffering from chronic coronary syndrom (CCS)

Methods

250 outpatients suffering from CCS were invited during the 6th week of the 1st C19 lockdown to answer to a phone-call questionnaire.

Results

220 questionnaires were fit for analysis, of whom about 1/4 declared a psychologic impairment; people staying at home in urban zones trended to be more impacted. Unhealthier behaviours including cigarette smoking, decrease in physical activity and increase in screentime were common, especially in patients from urban zones. Telehealth partially counterbalanced limitation in care access and none declared discontinuation of medications.

Conclusion

The lockdown impacted wellbeing of CCS patients; living in rural zone was associated with a healthier LB.

Main results

	TOTAL	URBAN	RURAL
N (%)	220	107	113	p *
Age (years, SD)	66.4+/-12.0	64.5+/-14.0	68.2+/-9.5	0.02
Male/Female	154/66	76/31	78/35	0.77
Alone at home	47(21.7)	28(26.2)	19(17.3)	0.13
Feeling cramped	16(7.6)	13(12.5)	3(2.8)	0.008
Feeling less well	50(22.9)	29(27.1)	21(18.9)	0.19
Kessler-6 score ≥ 5	57(26.8)	33(32.0)	24(21.8))	0.12
Sleep impairment	53(24.5)	30(28.6)	23(20.7)	0.20
Angina pectorisdestabilization	13(6.6)	8(7.9)	5(5.3)	0.57
Cancelled physical examination**	67(63.8)	40(65.6)	27(61.4)	0.68
Switched to Telehealth***	16(17.0)	7(17.5)	9(16.7)	1
Coronavirus testing	7(3.2)	3(2.8)	4(3.6)	1
Lifestyle behaviours
Cigarette smoking	36(16.4)	26(23.3)	10(9.3)	0.006
Cigarette smoking increase	11(30.6)	8(40.0)	3(18.8)	0.27
Decreased physical activity	96(44.2)	56(53.3)	40(35.7)	0.009
Screentime increase	98(45.0)	59(55.1)	39(35.1)	0.004
Alcohol intake increase	10(5.2)	5(5.3)	5(5.2)	1
Weight increase ≥ 2 kg	52(24.5)	28(26.9)	24(22.2)	0.52

* between Urban and Rural

**from scheduled physical examination

***from cancelled scheduled physical examination

Coronary lesion complexity in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia hospitalized for an acute myocardial infarction: data from the French RICO Survey

Background

Although patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (FH) are at high risk of early myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease (CAD) burden of FH patients with acute MI remains to be investigated.

Methods

All consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI in a multicenter database (RICO) from 2012–2017 who underwent coronary angiography were considered. FH (n=86) was diagnosed using Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria (score ≥6). The angiographic features of FH patients were compared with patients without FH (score 0–2) (n=166), after matching for age, sex and diabetes (1:2).

Results

When compared with patients without FH, patients with FH had higher prevalence of personal and familial history of CAD (17 vs 5%, and 74 vs 5%, p=0.002 and p&lt;0.001, respectively), and hypertension (54 vs 36%, p=0.006). Chronic statin treatment was used in only 45% of FH patients. At coronary angiography, FH had increased extent of CAD (SYNTAX score 11 (4–21) vs 8 (3–16), p=0.049) and multivessel disease (58% vs 43%, p=0.021). Significant stenosis was more frequent in left and right marginal coronary arteries. FH patients showed a trend toward more complex lesions, with less thrombus (28 vs 39%, p=0.076), but a 2 times higher rate of bifurcation lesions and calcifications (23 vs 12% and 20 vs 10%, p=0.021 and p=0.036).

Conclusions

This study addressing the coronary lesions features of FH patients with acute MI shows that FH patients had more severe CAD burden, and were characterized by complex anatomy features.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté, CHU Dijon Bourgogne

High levels of lipoprotein(a) are associated with the severity of coronary disease in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Data from the RICO survey

Background

High level of Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is a well-recognised independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, limited data are available on the prevalence of high Lp(a) levels and on the threshold associated to coronary artery disease (CAD) burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

We aim at assessing CAD burden in 651 consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI from January 2019 to September 2019 who underwent coronary angiography. Patients characteristics and angiographic features were compared for patients with Lp(a) &lt;50 mg/dL (normal), ≥50 mg/dL (high) and &gt;80 mg/dL (i.e &gt;90th percentile) (very high).

Results

The prevalence of Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL was elevated (19.0%) and 65 patients (10.0%) were in the &gt;90th percentile. Median (IQR) age was similar across the 3 groups (normal: 68 (59–79)y; high: 74 (63–80)y; very high: 71 (57–82)y, p=0.239). When compared with patients with normal Lp(a), patients with very high levels (≥80 mg/dL) had higher prevalence of personal history of ASCVD (29 vs 16%, p=0.021) and family history of CAD (37 vs 19%, p=0.005), and were more frequently women (43 vs 29%, p=0.009). At coronary angiography, patients with very high Lp(a) levels had increased extent of CAD (Median SYNTAX score 17 (5–25) vs 10 (5–17), p=0.002) and more frequent multivessel disease (69 vs 54%, p=0.02).

Conclusion

Among real world patients hospitalized for an acute MI, Lp(a) levels &gt;80 mg/dL are associated with an increased CAD burden and this threshold identifies a subset of patients with features of high ASCVD risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): ARS Bourgogne Franche Comté; CHU Dijon Bourgogne

Post-infectious myocardial infarction: does percutaneous coronary intervention improves outcomes?

Introduction and objectives

Acute infections are frequent triggers for myocardial infarction (MI), and associated with poor prognosis. However, whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves post-infectious MI prognosis remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of PCI at the acute phase of post-infectious MI in patients with significant coronary stenosis.

Methods

Observational study in 4573 consecutive MI patients of the RICO Survey in coronary units, of whom 476 patients (10%) had a concurrent diagnosis of acute infection at admission. Among them, 321 patients with a significant stenosis (&gt;50%) at coronary angiography were analysed. After propensity score matching based on clinical and angiography data, in-hospital and one-year outcomes were compared between patients with and without PCI.

Results

Among the 321 patients (mean age 74y), most (n=195 (61%)) underwent PCI. Acute atherothrombotic event (type 1 MI) and STEMI were much more frequent in the PCI group (53 vs 19%, p&lt;0.001, and 51% vs 32%, p=0.001, respectively). As expected, Troponin Ic peak was almost 3 times higher in the PCI group (17 [4–72] vs 6 [1–20] ng/mL, p&lt;0.001). Coronary lesions were less severe in the PCI group (3-vessels disease: 36% vs 52%, p&lt;0.004; SYNTAX score: 11 [6–19] vs 19 [11–28], p&lt;0.001). At one year follow up, recurrence rate (5% for both groups, p=0.8), and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (15% vs 13%, p=0.6) were similar for both groups. After propensity score matching, in-hospital (OR = 1.45 (0.43–4.85), p=0.5) and 1-year CV mortality: OR = 1.73 (0.66–4.54), p=0.3) were similar in patients with and without PCI.

Conclusion

In this first observational work investigating treatment strategy in post-infectious MI, PCI might not improve short and long-term prognosis. These findings do not support the use of systematic invasive procedures after post-infectious MI. Interventional studies are urgently needed to confirm these findings.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Agence Régionale de Santé Bourgogne Franche Comté, CHU Dijon Bourgogne

P4570Prognostic interest of HbA1c and plasma glucose assessment on one-year mortality in non-diabetic patients after acute myocardial infarction

Background

The usefulness of the combined assessment of HbA1c and plasma glucose (PG) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in nondiabetic patients remains unclear.

Purpose

In a large observational study, we aimed to identify the prognostic values of these biomarkers regarding one-year all-cause mortality in nondiabetic patients after AMI.

Methods

From the “obseRvatoire des Infarctus de Côte d'Or” (RICO) survey database, we included all consecutive nondiabetic patients with AMI (n=6617) from May 2001 to December 2016. Exclusion criteria were: admission known or unknown diabetes, in-hospital death. The primary endpoint was all-cause one-year mortality. The secondary endpoints were: MACE, infarct size, LVEF<40% and GRACE risk score. Cut off levels (high/low) were determined by ROC curve analysis for the prediction of one-year death (HbA1c 5.9% and PG 7.3mmol/L) to set up 4 groups: low HbA1c/low glucose (n=3158), low HbA1c/high glucose (n=1264), high HbA1c/low glucose (n=1378) and high HbA1c/high glucose (n=817).

Results

Elevation of PG was associated with elevated rate of LVEF<40%, STEMI, anterior wall location, DFG<60mL/min/m2 and higher troponin Ic pic (all p<0.001); HbA1c>5.9% was associated with elevated rate of CRP>3mg/L (p<0.001); High HbA1C and high PG together were associated with higher rate of MACE (p<0.001). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, elevated admission PG remained a strong predictor of one-year all-cause (OR (95% CI): 1.64 (1.31–2.05)) mortality and cardiovascular mortality (OR (95% CI): 1.75 (1.33–2.31)), beyond GRACE score (OR (95% CI): 1.03 (1.03–1.04)), as well as elevated HbA1c (OR (95% CI): 1.43 (1.15–1.78) and OR (95% CI): 1.83 (1.39–2.41) respectively).

Conclusions

Admission PG and HbA1c had strong independent predictive value regarding one-year all-cause mortality in our nondiabetic patients with AMI. These biomarkers could be useful to identify the most-at-risk patients after AMI in order to reduce residual risk in this target population.

Acknowledgement/Funding

University Hospital Center Dijon Bourgogne, France

2214Prevalence and severity of coronary disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia hospitalized for an acute myocardial infarction: data from the RICO survey

Aim

Individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are at high risk of early myocardial infarction (MI). However, coronary artery disease (CAD) burden of FH remains not well described. From a large database of a regional registry of acute MI, we aimed to address prevalence of FH and severity of CAD.

Methods

Consecutive patients hospitalized with MI in a multicentre database from 2001–2017 were considered. An algorithm, adapted from Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria, was built upon 4 variables (LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipid lowering agents, premature and family history of CAD) to identify FH probabilities.

Results

Among the 11624 patients included in the survey, 249 (2.1%) had probable/definite FH (score ≥6), and 2405 (20.7%) had possible FH (score 3–5). When compared with patients without FH (score 0–2), FH patients (score ≥6) were 20y younger (51 (46–57) vs 71 (61–80) y, p<0.001), with a lower rate of hypertension (47 vs 59%, p<0.001), diabetes (17 vs 25%, p<0.001) and prior stroke (4 vs 8%, p=0.016), but a higher prevalence of smokers (56 vs 23%, p<0.001), personal (20 vs 15%, p=0.02) or familial history of CAD (78 vs 18%, p<0.001). Chronic statin treatment was only used in 48% of FH patients and ezetimibe in 8%. After adjustment for age, sex and diabetes, FH patients were characterized by increased extent of CAD (syntax score 11 (4–19) vs 7 (1–13), p<0.001) and multivessel disease (55 vs 40%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

In this large real world population of acute MI, a high prevalence of FH was found. FH patients were characterized by their young age associated with the severity of CAD burden and limited use of preventive lipid lowering therapy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

University Hospital Center Dijon Bourgogne, Agence Régionale de Santé Bourgogne Franche Comté, France

P4550Growth differentiation factor 15 as an integrative biomarker of heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a stress-responsive cytokine member of the transforming growth factor-β family, is an emerging biomarker in cardiovascular (CV) diseases. GDF15 is weakly expressed in normal condition but increased in pathological situations such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and left ventricular remodeling. Recent data suggest GDF15 as a marker in heart failure (HF).

Purpose

We aimed to identify the determinants of GDF15 circulating levels in patients admitted for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

In our prospective study, all consecutive patients admitted from June 2016 to February 2018 for type 1 AMI in the Coronary Care unit from our University Hospital were included. Chronic HF patients were excluded. In-hospital severe HF was defined as killip class>2. Blood samples were taken on admission and serum levels of GDF15 were measured using a commercially available ELISA kit.

Results

Among the 284 AMI patients, median age was at 67 (57–78) y, 27% were women, 23% had diabetes and 59% were hypertensive. GDF15 levels (median = 1,144 (775–1,891) ng/L were strongly correlated with age (r=0.493, p<0.001), and elevated with most CV risk factors (i.e. hypertension, diabetes), prior CAD, chronic kidney disease (p<0.001 for all) and in patients with CRP >3 mg/L (p<0.001). When compared with patients who didn't develop severe HF (274/284), patients experiencing HF (10/284), GDF15 was more than twice higher (figure). By Receiving Operating Curve analysis, GDF15 was associated with HF (AUC (95% CI) = 0.716 (0.52–0.91), p=0.021). Moreover, GDF15 levels were negatively correlated with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) (r=−0.193, p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GDF15 >5,000 ng/L [OR: 8.43; 95% CI (1.57–45.32)] is as independent estimate of HF, beyond age and other confounding (i.e. admission systolic blood pressure, LVEF and Log N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide).

GDF15 levels according to HF development

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that GDF15 could be an integrative biomarker of severe HF in patient with AMI. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking the cytokine with the development of HF.

[Aortic insufficiency under weak doses of cabergoline for non-tumoral hyperprolactinemia]

Used in its neurological indication, cabergoline is known to induce cardiac valve regurgitations, essentially mitral and aortic valvular diseases, by its action on the 5HT2b receptors. Until now, it was assumed that the dose and the duration of exposure were the major factors of appearance. We describe a case of aortic insufficiency which developed in a patient given low doses of cabergoline (0.5 mg weekly) for non-tumoral hyperprolactinemia. Because of previous use of appetite suppressants and of bromocriptine, the exclusive responsibility of cabergoline remained uncertain. The potential gravity of these valvular heart diseases emphasizes the importance of careful cardiologic examination before and during treatment.

Clinical characteristics affecting success or failure of PTCA in patients with multiple vessel disease and poor candidates for surgery

A special form of complex coronary angioplasty is represented by the extension of indications for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to patients with multivessel disease (MVD) for whom surgery is not indicated, and thus for whom surgical standby is not available. Over a two-year period, 254 consecutive coronary patients with multivessel disease underwent PTCA under such conditions. These patients could not benefit from surgery for various reasons. Of the 612 arteries involved, 155 were occluded, 47 had been previously bypassed. A distal nonbypassable lesion in one of the three major arteries was found in 244 patients, 61 had suffered from a previous infarct, 24 demonstrated an ejection fraction below 0.40, and in 19 a single patent vessel was found. Fifteen patients were in cardiogenic shock and 69 procedures were undertaken for unstable angina. Of this latter group, 25 emergency PTCA were attempted for refractory unstable angina, and 44 additional emergency procedures were directed to the treatment of acute infarct. A total of 40 intra-aortic counterpulsations were needed. As far as possible the procedure aimed at full revascularization. Immediate outcome is strongly affected by the clinical context, and despite a rather constant initial success rate (88-95%), the procedural mortality (directly related or not) can change dramatically with clinical factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Refractory unstable angina. Emergency treatment by coronary artery angioplasty under aortic counterpulsion]

We report our experience of 15 transluminal coronary angioplasties performed in an emergency in 13 patients (mean age 67 +/- 8 years) with refractory unstable angina. The procedures were conducted under diastolic counterpulsation effected by means of an intra-aortic balloon. The angina was of the threatening infarction type on 11 occasions and of the threatening extended infarction on 4 occasions. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were recorded in the anterior (11 cases) or in the inferior (4 cases) territory. Three patients had a very alarming haemodynamic status, with acute pulmonary oedema in two and cardiogenic shock in one. After intra-aortic counterpulsation was installed and the clinical signs were stabilized, coronaro-ventriculography was performed, leading to a decision of immediate angioplasty since age, underlying diseases, myocardial function and diffused lesions made most of the patients unsuitable for surgery. In multiple vessel patients electric and angiographic data were used to locate the tight stenosis (92% in all cases) responsible for the acute coronary ischaemia. The stenosis was found to affect the anterior interventricular artery in 9 cases, the circumflex artery in 2 cases, the right coronary artery in 2 cases and a saphenous shunt on the anterior interventricular artery in 2 cases. Immediate arteriographic and clinical success was obtained in 12 out of 15 cases (80%); there were 3 failures with 2 transmural infarctions. Later on, 2 patients underwent aorto-coronary bypass and 1 died of myocardial failure and pulmonary superinfection 3 weeks after the procedure. Ten of our 13 patients were stabilized and were discharged under medical treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Ischemic cerebrovascular accident and sport activity. 6 cases]

Six cases of ischaemic stroke which occurred during sporting activities are reported. The authors insist on the unusual features of the ischaemic events which had the same characteristics as other ischaemic strokes in young subjects: frequent involvement of the main cerebral arteries, good vital and functional prognosis in short--and mid-term. They consider that three factors might have concurred in precipitating the ischaemic accident, viz.: fibromuscular dysplasia (observed in 3 patients), warm summer weather encouraging haemoconcentration and poor physical training in 5 out of 6 cases.

[Aneurysms of the atrial septum. From diagnosis to treatment. Apropos of 33 consecutive cases]

Although rare, aneurysms of the atrial septum are the object of a renewed interest, for they are found with an ever increasing frequency due to technical advances in echocardiography and they have been blamed for a number of disorders, including arrhythmias and embolic accidents. We report here a series of 33 consecutive cases of atrial septal aneurysm discovered by two-dimensional echocardiography over a 5-year period. There were 21 children and 12 adults. In children, the aneurysm was usually associated with a congenital heart disease (17/21 cases). Spontaneous closure was observed in 3 cases where that disease was an isolated septal defect. In adults the aneurysm was usually isolated, but it was complicated by repeated transient ischaemic accidents in 3 patients. No arrhythmia ascribable to the aneurysm was observed.

[Primary pulmonary arterial hypertension]

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) currently remains an entity of which the precise mechanism, most likely vasospastic, is not completely explained. The diagnosis of PPH remains an exclusion diagnosis; it will be considered only after ruling out a secondary pulmonary hypertension. Non-invasive techniques such as sonography, cardiac Doppler should permit an earlier diagnosis and an easier monitoring of these patients whose prognosis remains poor in spite of the sporadic efficacy of a treatment with vasodilators. Heart-Lung transplant could be a future prospect; however, if the first reports seem encouraging, the follow-up is currently insufficient to appreciate the possible long-term advantage.

[Interruption of the aortic arch without patent ductus arteriosus. Apropos of a case associated with partial atrioventricular canal]

The authors report a case of type A interruption of the aortic arch with the subclavian arteries arising from the descending aorta which was of special interest because of the absence of a patent ductus arteriosus. Therefore, the systemic circulation was assured from the carotid arteries which perfused the vertebral arteries retrogradely via the circle of Willis. The association of a partial endocardial cushion defect and hypoplasia of the ventricle explained the surgical failure. A review of the literature of interruption of the aortic arch without a ductus confirmed that this was a rare condition and, paradoxically, well tolerated in the absence of associated malformations. On the other hand, the left ventricular lesions, usually present in the classical forms with patent ductus arteriosus, operated in the neonatal period, increase the operative risk.