Fully automated artificial intelligence-based myocardial scar quantification for diagnostic and prognostic stratification in patients following acute myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background Myocardial infarct size (IS) remains one of the strongest predictors of adverse cardiac events following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can precisely quantify the extent of injury but requires manual post-processing. Whether novel user-independent artificial intelligence (AI) based fully-automated analyses may facilitate clinical workflow and deliver similar information for risk stratification is unknown.

Methods 913 AMI patients from two multi-center trials (AIDA-STEMI n = 704 with ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and TATORT-NSTEMI n = 245 with non-ST-elevation-infarction [NSTEMI]) were included in this sub-study. IS was quantified manually using conventional software (Medis, Leiden Netherlands) and fully automated AI-based software (NeoSoft). All automatically detected IS were evaluated visually and corrected if necessary. Analyzed data were tested for agreement and prediction of major adverse clinical events (MACE) within one year after AMI.

Results Automated and manual IS were similarly associated with outcome in cox regression analyses (HR 1.05 [95% CI 1-02-1.07] p < 0.001 for automated IS and HR 1.04 [95% CI 1.02-1.06]; p < 0.001 for manual IS). Comparison of C-statistics derived area under the curve (AUC) resulted in equivalent MACE prediction (AUC 0.65 for automated vs. AUC 0.66 for manual, p = 0.53). Manual correction of the automated scar detection did not lead to an improved risk prediction of MACE (AUC 0.65 to 0.66, p = 0.43). There was good agreement of automated and manually derived IS (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.75 [0.07-0.89]) which was further improved after manual correction of the underlying contours (ICC 0.98 [0.97-0.98]).

Conclusion AI-based software enables automated scar quantification with similar prognostic value compared to conventional methods in patients following AMI.

Fully automated cardiac assessment for diagnostic and prognostic stratification following myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is considered the reference methodology for cardiac morphology and function but requires manual post-processing. Whether novel artificial intelligence (AI) -based automated analyses deliver similar information for risk stratification is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate feasibility and prognostic implications of AI-based analyses.

Methods

CMR data (n = 1017 patients) from two myocardial infarction multi-center trials were included. Analyses of biventricular parameters including ejection fraction (EF) were manually and automatically assessed using conventional and AI-based software. Obtained parameters entered regression analyses for prediction of major adverse clinical events (MACE) defined as death, reinfarction or congestive heart failure within one-year after the acute event.

Results

Both manual and uncorrected automated volumetric assessments showed similar impact on outcome on univariate (LVEF HR 0.93, [95% CI 0.91-0.95]; p < 0.001 for manual and HR 0.94 [0.92-0.96]; p < 0.001 for automated) and multivariable analyses (LVEF HR 0.95, [0.92-0.98]; p = 0.001 for manual and HR 0.95 [CI 0.92-0.98]; p = 0.001 for automated). Manual correction of the automated contours did not lead to improved risk prediction (LVEF AUC 0.67 automated vs. 0.68 automated corrected, p = 0.49). There was acceptable agreement (bias: 2.6%, 95% limits of agreement [LOA] -9.1-14.2%, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.88 [0.77-0.93] for LVEF) of manual and automated volumetric assessments.

Conclusions

User independent volumetric analyses performed by fully automated software are feasible and results are equally predictive of MACE compared with conventional analyses in patients following myocardial infarction.

CMR feature tracking remote myocardial strain analyses for optimized risk prediction following acute myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking (CMR-FT) derived global strain assessments provide incremental prognostic information in patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Functional analyses of the remote myocardium (RM) are scarce and whether they provide an additional prognostic value in these patients is unknown.

Methods

1052 patients following acute myocardial infarction were included. CMR imaging and strain analyses as well as scar size quantification were performed after reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 12 months after the index event was defined as primary clinical endpoint.

Results

Patients with MACE had significantly lower RM circumferential strain (CS) compared to those without MACE. A cut-off value for RM CS of -25.8% best identified high-risk patients (p < 0.001 on log-rank testing) and impaired RM CS was a strong predictor of MACE (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.07-1.14, p = 0.003). RM CS provided further risk stratification amongst patients considered at risk according to established CMR parameters for 1.) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35 % (p = 0.002 on log-rank testing), 2.) patients with reduced global circumferential strain (GCS) > -18,3 % (p = 0.015 on log-rank testing), and 3.) patients with large microvascular obstruction ≥ 1.46 % (p = 0.038 on log-rank testing).

Conclusion

CMR-FT derived RM CS is a useful parameter to characterize the response of RM and allows improved stratification following AMI beyond commonly used parameters, especially of high-risk patients.

Impact of morphine treatment with and without metoclopramide co-administration on myocardial and microvascular injury in acute myocardial infarction: insights from a randomized trial

Background

Intravenous morphine administration in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can adversely affect platelet inhibition induced by P2Y12 receptor antagonists, potentially resulting in an increased risk of adverse clinical events. In contrast, some evidence suggests that opioid agonists may have cardioprotective effects on the myocardium. Currently available data in this regard are, however, sparse, inconsistent, and methodologically limited.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of morphine with or without metoclopramide (MCP) co-administration on myocardial and microvascular injury after AMI assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

This prospective, randomized, single-center study assigned 138 patients with AMI in a 1:1:1 ratio to (a) ticagrelor 180 mg plus intravenous morphine 5 mg (morphine group); (b) ticagrelor 180 mg plus intravenous morphine 5 mg and MCP 10 mg (morphine + MCP group); or (c) ticagrelor 180 mg plus intravenous placebo (control group). Study drugs were administered before primary percutaneous coronary intervention. CMR was performed in 101 patients on day 1–4 after the index event to assess infarct size, microvascular obstruction, and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Results

Infarct size was significantly smaller in the morphine only group as compared to controls (15.5%LV [IQR 5.0 to 21.4%LV] vs. 17.9%LV [IQR 12.3 to 32.9%LV]; p=0.047). Furthermore, the number of patients with microvascular obstruction was significantly lower after morphine administration (10/36 [28%] versus 21/39 [54%]; p=0.022) and the extent of microvascular obstruction was smaller (0%LV [0 to 1.40%LV] versus 0.74%LV [0 to 3.10%LV]; p=0.037). In multivariable regression analysis, morphine administration was independently associated with a reduced risk for the occurrence of microvascular obstruction (odds ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.93; p=0.035). Left ventricular ejection fraction did not differ significantly between the morphine and the control group (p=0.970) and there was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.790), infarct size (p=0.491), and extent (p=0.753) or presence (p=0.914) of microvascular obstruction when comparing the morphine + MCP group to the control group.

Conclusions

In this randomized study, intravenous administration of morphine prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in a significant reduction of myocardial and microvascular damage following AMI. This potential cardioprotective effect of morphine requires further evaluation in well-designed future trials with clinical endpoints.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Frequency and prognostic impact of right ventricular involvement in acute myocardial infarction

Background

Right ventricular (RV) involvement complicating myocardial infarction (MI) is thought to impact prognosis, but potent RV markers for risk stratification are lacking.

Purpose

To assess the frequency and prognostic implications of concomitant structural and functional RV injury in MI.

Methods

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in 1235 patients with MI (STEMI: n=795; NSTEMI: n=440) 3 days after reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Central core laboratory-masked analyses included structural (edema representing reversible ischemia, irreversible infarction, microvascular obstruction [MVO]) and functional (ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain [GLS]) RV alterations. The clinical endpoint was the 12-month rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

RV ischemia and infarction were observed in 19.6% and 12.1% of patients, respectively, suggesting complete myocardial salvage in one-third of patients. RV ischemia was associated with a significantly increased risk of MACE (10.1% versus 6.2%; p=0.035), while patients with RV infarction showed only numerically increased event rates (p=0.075). RV MVO was observed in 2.4% and not linked to outcome (p=0.894). Stratification according to median RV GLS (10.2% versus 3.8%; p<0.001) but not RV ejection fraction (p=0.175) resulted in elevated MACE rates. Multivariable analysis including clinical and left ventricular MI characteristics identified RV GLS as an independent predictor of outcome (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.09; p=0.034) in addition to age (p=0.001), Killip class (p=0.020), and left ventricular GLS (p=0.001), while RV ischemia was not independently associated with outcome.

Conclusions

RV GLS is a predictor of post-infarction adverse events over and above established risk factors, while structural RV involvement was not independently associated with outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

564 Cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking for optimized risk assessment after acute myocardial infarction in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associates with worse cardiovascular outcome following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as compared to non-diabetic patients. Since the mechanisms behind these observations are not fully understood we aimed to quantify the underlying pathophysiology on ventricular and atrial levels and study their prognostic implications using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) quantitative feature-tracking (FT) and tissue characterization.

Research Design and Methods:

A total of 1147 consecutive patients with AMI (n = 265 with diabetes; n = 882 without diabetes) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in median 3 days after AMI were included in this multicenter study. Left ventricular (LV) function and volumetry included LV ejection fraction (LV-EF), global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS) and circumferential strain (GCS) as well as left atrial (LA) strain and strain rate parameters of LA reservoir, conduit and booster pump function. LV damage assessment included infarct size (IS), edema and microvascular obstruction (MO). The clinical study endpoint was the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 12 months.

Results

T2DM patients had impaired LA reservoir (19.8 vs. 21.2%, p < 0.01) and conduit strains 7.6 vs. 9.0%, p < 0.01) but no differences in ventricular function or myocardial damage. They were at higher risk of MACE than non-diabetic patients (10.2% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.01) with the majority of MACE occurring in patients with LVEF ≥ 35%. Whilst LVEF was an independent predictor of adverse events in non-diabetic patients (p = 0.04 on multivariable analysis), LV GLS as well as LA strain emerged as independent predictors of poor prognosis in patients with diabetes (p < 0.02 on multivariable analysis). Considering patients with diabetes and LVEF ≥35% (n = 237), GLS and LA reservoir strain below median were significantly associated with higher 12-month event rates.

Conclusions

In patients with diabetes, LA and LV longitudinal strain permit optimized risk assessment early after reperfused AMI with incremental prognostic value over and above LVEF.

565 Impact of right atrial physiology on heart failure and adverse events after myocardial infarction

Background

Right ventricular (RV) function is a known predictor of adverse events in heart failure and following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While right atrial (RA) involvement is well characterized in pulmonary arterial hypertension, its relative contributions to adverse events following AMI especially in patients with heart failure and congestion needs further evaluation.

Methods

1235 MI patients underwent CMR after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 15 centers across Germany (n = 795 with ST-elevation MI and 440 with non ST-elevation MI). Right atrial (RA) performance was evaluated using cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking (CMR-FT) for the assessment of RA reservoir (total strain εs), conduit (passive strain εe), booster pump function (active strain εa) and associated strain rates (SR) in a blinded core-laboratory. The primary clinical endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) 12 months post MI.

Results

RA reservoir (εs p = 0.061, SRs p = 0.049) and conduit functions (εe p = 0.006, SRe p = 0.030) were impaired in patients with MACE as opposed to RA booster pump (εa p = 0.579, SRa p = 0.118) and RA volume index (p = 0.866). RA conduit function was associated with clinical onset of heart failure and MACE independently of RV systolic function (multi-variable analysis HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, p = 0.006) while RV systolic function was no independent prognosticator (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00, p = 0.055). Furthermore, RA conduit strain identified low- and high-risk groups within patients with relatively preserved and reduced RV and LV systolic functions (p < 0.019 on log rank testing).

Conclusions

Right atrial impairment is a distinct feature and independent risk factor in patients following AMI and can be easily assessed using CMR-FT derived quantification of RA strain.

567 Interplay of infarct territory related myocardial mechanics and prognostic implications following acute myocardial infarction

Background

Prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) depends on the amount of infarct related artery (IRA) subtended myocardium and associated damage but has not been described in great detail. Consequently, we sought to describe IRA associated pathophysiological consequences using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

1235 AMI patients (n = 795 ST-elevation (STEMI) and 440 non-STEMI) underwent CMR following percutaneous coronary intervention. Blinded core-laboratory data were compared according to left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx) and right coronary artery (RCA) regarding major adverse clinical events (MACE) within 12 months. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal/circumferential/radial (GLS/GCS/GRS) as well as left atrial (LA) total (εs), passive (εe) and active (εa) strains were determined using CMR-feature tracking. Tissue characterisation included infarct size (IS) and microvascular obstruction.

Results

LAD and LCx were associated with higher mortality compared to RCA lesions (4.6% and 4.4% vs 1.6%). LAD lesions showed largest IS (16.8%), largest ventricular (LV ejection fraction (EF) 47.4%, GLS -13.2%, GCS -20.8%) and atrial (εs 20.2%) impairment. There was less impairment in LCx (IS 11.8%, LVEF 50.8%, GLS -17.4%, GCS -25.0%, εs 20.7%) followed by RCA lesions (IS 11.3%, LVEF 50.8%, GLS -19.1%, GCS -26.6%, εs 21.7%). In AUC analyses εs (LAD, RCA) and GLS (LCx) best predicted MACE (AUC > 0.69). Multivariate analyses identified εs (p = 0.017) in LAD and GLS (p = 0.034) in LCx infarcts as independent predictors of MACE.

Conclusions

CMR allows IRA specific phenotyping and characterisation of morphologic and functional changes. These alterations carry infarct specific prognostic implications and may represent novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets following AMI.

566 Myocardial left ventricular mechanical uniformity and adverse cardiac events following myocardial infarction

Background

Despite limitations as a standalone parameter, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the preferred measure of myocardial function and marker for post-infarction risk stratification. LV myocardial uniformity may provide superior prognostic information after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which was subject of this study.

Methods and Results:

Consecutive patients with AMI (n = 1082; median age 63 years; 75% male) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in median 3 days after infarction were included in this multicenter, observational study. Circumferential and radial uniformity ratio estimates (CURE and RURE) were derived from CMR feature-tracking as markers of mechanical uniformity (values between 0 and 1 with 1 reflecting perfect uniformity). The clinical endpoint was the 12-month rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), consisting of all-cause death, re-infarction, and new congestive heart failure.

Patients with MACE (n = 73) had significantly impaired CURE [0.76 (IQR 0.67-0.86) versus 0.84 (IQR 0.76-0.89); p < 0.001] and RURE [0.69 (IQR 0.60-0.79) versus 0.76 (IQR 0.67-0.83); p < 0.001] compared to patients without events. While uniformity estimates did not provide independent prognostic information in the overall cohort, CURE below the median of 0.84 emerged as an independent predictor of outcome in post-infarction patients with LVEF >35% (n = 959) even after adjustment for established prognostic markers (hazard ratio 1.99; 95% confidence interval 1.06-3.74; p = 0.033 in stepwise multivariable Cox regression analysis). In contrast, LVEF was not associated with adverse events in this subgroup of AMI patients.

Conclusions

CMR-derived estimates of mechanical uniformity are novel markers for risk assessment after AMI and CURE provides independent prognostic information in patients with preserved or only moderately reduced LVEF.

P1697Determinants and prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging derived infarct characteristics in Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background

The prognostic significance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived infarct characteristics has been demonstrated in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cohorts but is undefined in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients.

Purpose

To investigate determinants and the long-term prognostic impact of CMR imaging derived infarct characteristics in patients with NSTEMI.

Methods

Infarct size (IS), myocardial salvage index (MSI), and microvascular obstruction (MVO) were assessed using CMR imaging in 311 consecutive NSTEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in three centers. CMR imaging was performed 3 [interquartile range (IQR) 2–4] days after admission. The clinical endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during a median follow-up of 4.4 (IQR 3.6–4.9) years.

Results

Median IS was 7.0% (IQR 2.3–13.5) of LV myocardial mass (%LV) and MSI was 65.2 (IQR 36.7–82.9). Age (p=0.003), heart rate (p=0.002) and TIMI flow grade before PCI (p<0.001) were independent predictors of IS. Independent predictors of the MSI were age (p=0.001), heart rate (p=0.01), the number of diseased coronary arteries (p=0.001) and the TIMI flow grade before PCI (p<0.001). MACE occurred in 75 (24.1%) patients. CMR-derived infarct characteristics had no additional prognostic value over and above LV ejection fraction in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

In this prospective, multicenter NSTEMI cohort reperfused by PCI, age, heart rate, the number of diseased coronary arteries and TIMI flow grade before PCI were independent predictors of IS and MSI assessed by CMR. However, in contrast to STEMI patients there was no additional long-term prognostic value of CMR-derived infarct characteristics above and beyond traditional risk markers.

P5255Culprit vessel related myocardial mechanics and prognostic implications following acute myocardial infarction

Background

Prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) depends on the amount of infarct related artery (IRA) subtended myocardium and associated damage but has not been described in great detail. Consequently, we sought to describe IRA associated pathophysiological consequences using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

1235 AMI patients (n=795 ST-elevation (STEMI) and 440 non-STEMI) underwent CMR following percutaneous coronary intervention. Blinded core-laboratory data were compared according to left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx) and right coronary artery (RCA) regarding major adverse clinical events (MACE) within 12 months. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal/circumferential/radial (GLS/GCS/GRS) as well as left atrial (LA) total (εs), passive (εe) and active (εa) strains were determined using CMR-feature tracking. Tissue characterisation included infarct size (IS) and microvascular obstruction.

Results

LAD and LCx were associated with higher mortality compared to RCA lesions (4.6% and 4.4% vs 1.6%). LAD lesions showed largest IS (16.8%), largest ventricular (LV ejection fraction (EF) 47.4%, GLS −13.2%, GCS −20.8%) and atrial (εs 20.2%) impairment. There was less impairment in LCx (IS 11.8%, LVEF 50.8%, GLS −17.4%, GCS −25.0%, εs 20.7%) followed by RCA lesions (IS 11.3%, LVEF 50.8%, GLS −19.1%, GCS −26.6%, εs 21.7%). In AUC analyses εs (LAD, RCA) and GLS (LCx) best predicted MACE (AUC>0.69). Multivariate analyses identified εs (p=0.017) in LAD and GLS (p=0.034) in LCx infarcts as independent predictors of MACE.

Conclusions

CMR allows IRA specific phenotyping and characterisation of morphologic and functional changes. These alterations carry infarct specific prognostic implications and may represent novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets following AMI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

DZHK - German Centre for Cardiovascular Research

P3097Atrioventricular mechanical coupling and major adverse cardiac events in female patients following acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Data on sex-specific outcomes following myocardial infarction (MI) are inconclusive with some evidence suggesting association of female sex and increased major adverse clinical events (MACE). Since underlying mechanisms remain elusive, we aimed to quantify the underlying phenotype using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) quantitative deformation imaging and tissue characterisation.

Methods

Amongst 8 centres across Germany, 795 ST-elevation MI (STEMI) patients underwent post-interventional CMR imaging. CMR feature-tracking (FT) was performed in a blinded core-laboratory. Left ventricular function was quantified using ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal/circumferential/radial strains (GLS/GCS/GRS). Left atrial function was assessed by reservoir (εs), conduit (εe) and booster pump function (εa). Tissue characterisation included infarct size (IS), microvascular obstruction (MO), area at risk and myocardial salvage index (MSI). Primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse clinical events (MACE) within 1 year.

Results

Female sex was associated with increased MACE (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.13–3.42, p=0.017) but not independently of baseline confounders (p=0.526) with women being older, more often diabetic and hypertensive (p<0.001) and of higher Killip-class (p=0.010). Tissue characterisation was similar between sexes. Women showed impaired atrial (εs p=0.011, εe p<0.001) but increased systolic ventricular mechanics (GLS p=0.001, LVEF p=0.048). Ventricular strain was associated with MACE irrespective of all univariate significant baseline characteristics (GLS HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16, p=0.036 and GCS HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00–1.14, p=0.040).

Conclusion

Atrial function is reduced in women following STEMI, while ventricular systolic function is increased. This may reflect ventricular diastolic failure with systolic compensation, which is independently associated with MACE and may add to sex-specific prognosis evaluation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

DZHK - German Centre for Cardiovascular Research

P3691Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in takotsubo syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock: short- and long-term results from a cohort of 2250 patients of the German-Italian-Spanish registry

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is featured by an acute and reversible left ventricular dysfunction and can be complicated by cardiogenic shock. Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) use in this setting is controversial, and few data are available from large populations. Aim of this study was therefore to evaluate short- and long-term impact of IABP on mortality in TTS complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Methods

The GEIST registry is a multicenter, international registry on TTS involving 38 centers from Germany, Italy and Spain. Between 2006 and 2017, 2250 consecutive patients with TTS were enrolled.

Results

Of the 2250 patients, 211 (9%) experienced cardiogenic shock during hospitalization for TTS. Admission left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 30±15% and systolic blood pressure was 90±35 mmHg. Apical ballooning pattern was found in 77%, mid-ventricular/basal pattern in 11%, and 2% of the patients, respectively.

Forty-two patients out of 211 (19%) received IABP after coronary angiography. Patients receiving IABP compared to standard medical therapy did not differ in terms of age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors and admission LVEF.

No differences were found in term of in-hospital mortality (9.5% vs 17% p=0.35), length of hospitalization (19.3 vs 16.3 days p=0.34), need of invasive ventilation (35% vs 41% p=0.60), stroke (4.7% vs 11% p=0.17) and LV thrombus (0.5% vs 1.7%, p=0.98).

At long-term follow-up, with a median of 2 years, overall mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock and TTS was 34.1%. Mortality was not different between the IABP and the control group (33.7% vs 35.0%; p=0.85).

Conclusions

In this large multicenter observational registry, the use of IABP has no impact on mortality at short and long-term follow-up. Further studies are needed to evaluate the best therapeutic strategy in TTS complicated by cardiogenic shock.

[Antiplatelet or anticoagulative strategies after surgical/interventional valve treatment]

At the end of August 2017 the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) published new joint guidelines for the treatment of valvular heart disease. These guidelines incorporate the scientific progress since the last version of the guidelines published in 2012. This article reviews current guideline recommendations for antiplatelet and anticoagulative therapy after surgical/interventional treatment of the aortic and mitral valves and discusses the underlying scientific evidence.

Reperfusion strategies in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emergent reperfusion of the infarct related artery is the cornerstone of STEMI treatment in order to salvage myocardium and improve cardiovascular outcome. Basically, reperfusion strategies include fibrinolysis, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or the combination of both methods. Clinical studies indicate that primary PCI is superior to fibrinolytic therapy when performed rapidly at experienced centers. However, physicians are often faced with the decision to either accept PCI-related delays due to transfer or to administer fibrinolysis immediately. A well structured regional system of STEMI care helps to select the appropriate reperfusion strategy and guarantee timely restoration of coronary blood flow. This article reviews the evidence behind the respective reperfusion therapies and summarizes current guidelines for STEMI management.