Predictors of non-obstructive coronary slow flow in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Coronary slow flow (CSF) can occur due to various factors, such as inflammation, small vessel disease, endothelial dysfunction, and inadequate glucose control. However, the exact pathological mechanisms behind CSF remain incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with slow coronary flow in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) who have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and experience CSF.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 120 patients with T2DM who were referred for invasive coronary angiography due to typical chest pain or inconclusive results from non-invasive tests for myocardial ischemia. Using a 2 × 2 design, we categorized patients into groups based on their glycemic control (adequate or poor) and the presence of CSF (yes or no), defined by a TIMI frame count > 27. All patients had non-obstructive CAD, characterized by diameter stenosis of less than 40%. We identified many variables associated with CSF.

RESULTS

Our investigation revealed no significant differences in age, sex, family history of coronary artery disease, ECG ischemia abnormalities, or echocardiographic (ECHO) data between the groups. In patients with adequate glycemic control, hypertension increased the risk of CSF by 5.33 times, smoking by 3.2 times, while dyslipidemia decreased the risk by 0.142. Additionally, hematocrit increased the risk by 2.3, and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) increased the risk by 1.053. Among patients with poor glycemic control, hematocrit increased the risk by 2.63, and the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) by 24.6. Notably, NLR was positively correlated with glycemic control parameters in T2DM patients with CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients with CSF, various factors strongly correlate with glycemic control parameters and can be employed to predict the likelihood of CSF. These factors encompass hypertension, smoking, increased body mass index (BMI), elevated platelet count, hematocrit, NLR, PLR, and C-reactive protein (CRP).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ZU-IRB (ZU-IRB#9419-3-4-2022), Registered on: 3 April 2022, Email: IRB_123@medicine.zu.edu.eg.

Prognostic value of arterial lactate index in ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective cohort study

Aim: Limited knowledge exists on the pathophysiological cascade beyond serum lactate's association with myocardial injury. Method: Assessed the prognostic value of lactate index on periprocedural variables and its impact on 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in 300 prospective ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Results: Significant correlations were observed between admission lactate and Killip class, periprocedural time intervals, postprocedure thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow and myocardial blush grade (MBG; p < 0.01). Lactate levels correlated with diminished ST-deviation resolution, cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, troponin; p < 0.001; 0.004), and lower ejection fraction (p < 0.001). This relationship impacted 30-day MACE (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hyperlactatemia in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI is associated with worse Killip class, unsatisfactory TIMI flow, MBG, larger infarct size and higher 30-day MACE. Serum lactate aids risk stratification in pPCI for STEMI patients.

Does Opioid Addiction Influence Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes in STEMI Patients Undergoing Emergency PCI?

Background

Despite recognizing the traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, some secondary factors, such as opioid substance abuse, have to be considered. We aimed to assess the relationship between opioid consumption and emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revascularization results, according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow and in-hospital survival outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Materials and Methods

This case-control study was conducted on 186 patients (93 patients in each group) with acute STEMI, who were referred to Chamran Heart Center, Isfahan, Iran. Opioid addiction was diagnosed by patients' records and confirmed by conducting an interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4^th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Patients in both groups were evaluated and compared for angioplasty results based on the TIMI flow grade and in-hospital cardiovascular events and complications.

Results

Ninety-one patients (97.84%) of each group were male, and opioid-addicted patients were younger than the non-opioid users (52.95 9.91 vs. 57.90 12.17, P = 0.003). Among the CAD risk factors, prevalence of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in non-opioid users, whereas cigarette smoking was higher in opioid-addicted patients (P < 0.050). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding pre- and post-procedural myocardial infarction complications as well as mortality rate (P > 0.050). Also, there were no significant differences between the opioid and non-opioid users regarding TIMI flow grading, and successful PCI rate based on achieving TIMI III was 60.21% versus 59.1% in opiate-dependent and non-opioid users, respectively (P = 0.621).

Conclusion

Opioid addiction has no effects on post-PCI angiographic results and in-hospital survival outcomes in STEMI patients which undergoing emergency PCI.

Perforated balloon technique mediated intracoronary delivery of nicorandil to treat coronary no-reflow phenomenon: a novel pharmacological solution to precarious situation

BACKGROUND

Coronary no-reflow (NRF) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is infrequent but one of the most dreaded complication which results from impaired flow of microvascular bed. It is associated with adverse outcome if flow is not restored. Objective of this study was to find safety, effectiveness and outcome of intracoronary nikorandil (IC) administered using perforated balloon technique (PBT) to reverse NRF.

METHOD

2-4 mg of nicorandil was diluted with 5 ml of normal saline and administered using PBT over 5-minute. Its effectiveness was evaluated after 10 minute qualitatively using TIMI flow and quantitatively corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC) method.

RESULT

Study comprised of 84 patients (out of 1789 patients undergoing PCI between January 2019 and February 2020). Their mean age was 57.8±17.9 years. Following PBT, TIMI III flow was successfully normalized in 71 subjects (84.5%), ten (12%) patients had TIMI II flow and it was not successful in three (3.5%) patients. TIMI flow grade got bettered from 1.03 to 2.58 and cTIMI frame count regressed from 52.9±11 to 16.5±5 (P < 0.001). PBT was well tolerated except short lived drop in blood pressure (n=10; 11.9%).

CONCLUSION

This study, for the first time to the best our knowledge, demonstrated that PBT mediated intracoronary administration of nikorandil distally was rapid, safe, and efficacious method to deal with NRF.

Pre-hospital heparin use for ST-elevation myocardial infarction is safe and improves angiographic outcomes

AIMS

This study aims to evaluate if pre-hospital heparin administration by paramedics is safe and improves clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the multicentre Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry, linked with state-wide ambulance records, we identified consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI between January 2014 and December 2018. Information on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow at angiography was available in a subset of cases. Patients receiving pre-hospital heparin were compared to those who did not receive heparin. Findings at coronary angiography and 30-day clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Propensity-score matching was performed for risk adjustment. We identified a total of 4720 patients. Of these, 1967 patients had TIMI flow data available. Propensity-score matching in the entire cohort yielded 1373 matched pairs. In the matched cohort, there was no observed difference in 30-day mortality (no-heparin 3.5% vs. heparin 3.0%, P = 0.25), MACCE (no-heparin 7% vs. heparin 6.2%, P = 0.44), and major bleeding (no-heparin 1.9% vs. heparin 1.4%, P = 0.64) between groups. Propensity-score analysis amongst those with TIMI data produced 552 matched pairs. The proportion of cases with TIMI 0 or 1 flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) was lower among those receiving pre-hospital heparin (66% vs. 76%, P < 0.001) compared to those who did not.

CONCLUSION 

In this multicentre, propensity-score matched study, the use of pre-hospital heparin by paramedics was safe and is associated with fewer occluded IRAs in patients presenting with STEMI.

Outcome of manual thrombus aspiration for patients undergoing primary PCI for acute STEMI showing large thrombus burden

Background

Routine thrombus aspiration during primary PCI does not improve clinical outcomes. Although recent guidelines for management of patient presented by ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary PCI does not recommend routine use of thrombus aspiration and ranking it as class III recommendation. However, there is remaining uncertainty about rule of TA in group of patients presented by STEMI and their initial coronary angiogram shows large thrombus burden as there is a logical rationale for greater benefit, and still, there are no clear guidelines for management of this group of patients; the aim of this study is to evaluate the in-hospital and short-term outcome of using manual thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and showing large thrombus burden.

Results

The study was prospective observational study included 209 patients referred to coronary care unit (CCU) with diagnosis of STEMI who had undergone primary PCI; their initial coronary angiography show totally occluded infarct-related artery with heavy thrombus burden. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group (B) which included 73 patients, who had undergone PTCA and manual thrombus aspiration followed by stent to culprit lesion, and group (A) which included 136 patients, who had undergone conventional PTCA and stent of culprit lesion within the period from November 2016 till July 2018. Patients had a pre-discharge echo and were followed up for 4 weeks for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and echo repeated after 1 month of discharge.

It was found that thrombus aspiration in heavy thrombus burden cases had improved in-hospital mortality and in-hospital secondary endpoints (TIMI flow, MBG, ST-segment resolution), as well as 30-day MACE and LV systolic function.

Conclusion

In patients presented with STEMI and heavy thrombus burden culprit artery, manual thrombus aspiration has great value in reducing index hospitalization and 1 month mortality and improve TIMI flow, MBG, ST-segment resolution, and left ventricular systolic function.

Association of culprit lesion plaque characteristics with flow restoration post-fibrinolysis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology study

Background

Not every patient achieves normal coronary flow following fibrinolysis in STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). The culprit lesion plaque characteristics play a prominent role in the coronary flow before and during percutaneous coronary intervention. The main purpose was to determine the culprit lesion plaque features by virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) in patients with STEMI following fibrinolysis in relation to baseline coronary angiogram TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) flow. Pre-intervention IVUS was undertaken in 61 patients with STEMI after successful fibrinolysis. After the coronary angiogram, they were separated into the TIMI1–2 flow group (n = 31) and TIMI 3 flow group (n = 30). Culprit lesion plaque composition was evaluated by VH-IVUS.

Results

On gray-scale IVUS, the lesion external elastic membrane cross-sectional area (EEM CSA) was significantly higher in the TIMI 1–2 groups as compared to the TIMI 3 group (15.71 ± 3.73 mm² vs 13.91 ± 2.94 mm², p = 0.041) with no significant difference in plaque burden (82.42% vs. 81.65%, p = 0.306) and plaque volume (108.3 mm³ vs. 94.3 mm³, p = 0.194). On VH-IVUS, at the minimal luminal area site (MLS), the fibrous area (5.83 mm² vs. 4.37 mm², p = 0.024), necrotic core (NC) area (0.95 mm² vs. 0.59 mm², p < 0.001), and NC percentage (11% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.024) were higher in the TIMI 1–2 groups in contrast to the TIMI 3 group. The absolute necrotic core (NC) volume (8.3 mm³ vs. 3.65 mm³, p < 0.001) and NC percentage (9.3% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.007) were significantly higher in the TIMI 1–2 groups as compared to the TIMI 3 group. Absolute dense calcium (DC) volume was higher in TIMI 1–2 groups with a trend towards significance (1.0 mm³ vs.0.75 mm³, p = 0.051). In multivariate analysis, absolute NC volume was the only independent predictor of TIMI 1–2 flow (odds ratio = 1.561; 95% CI 1.202–2.026, p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed absolute NC volume has best diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.816, p < 0.001) to predict TIMI 1–2 flow with an optimal cutoff value of 4.5 mm³ with sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 61%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study exemplifies that the necrotic core component of the culprit lesion plaque in STEMI is associated with the coronary flow after fibrinolysis. The absolute necrotic core volume is a key determinant of flow restoration post-fibrinolysis and aids in prognostication of less than TIMI 3 flow.

Clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI and confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19: an experience of Tanta University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Patients with established cardiovascular diseases have a poor prognosis when affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Also, the cardiovascular system, especially the heart, is affected by COVID-19. So we aimed to evaluate the angiographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients presented by ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

RESULTS

Our retrospective study showed that STEMI patients with COVID-19 had elevated inflammatory markers with mean of their CRP (89.69 ± 30.42 mg/dl) and increased laboratory parameters of thrombosis with mean D-dimer (660.15 ± 360.11 ng/ml). In 69.2% of patients, STEMI was the first clinical presentation and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 developed during the hospital stay; about one third of patients had a non-obstructive CAD, while patients with total occlusion had a high thrombus burden.

CONCLUSION

STEMI may be the initial presentation of COVID-19. A non-obstructive CAD was found in about one third of patients; on the other hand, in patients who had a total occlusion of their culprit artery, the thrombus burden was high. Identification of the underlying mechanism responsible for the high thrombus burden in these patients is important as it may result in changes in their primary management strategy, either primary PCI, fibrinolytic therapy, or a pharmaco-invasive strategy. Furthermore, adjunctive anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy may need to be revised.

The effect of ASA, ticagrelor, and heparin in ST-segment myocardial infarction patients with prolonged transport times to primary percutaneous intervention

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of early upstream antithrombotic therapy administration (ATTA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with prolonged transport times to primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) on major clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether early upstream administration of aspirin, ticagrelor, and unfractionated heparin (UFH) confers additional benefits compared with in-hospital administration.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2018, we performed PPCI in 709 included consecutive STEMI patients. We compared 482 STEMI patients who received aspirin, ticagrelor, and UFH loading in a non-PCI capable spoke hospital before transfer (NPHT) versus 227 prehospital triage setting (PTS) STEMI patients who received in-ambulance aspirin, followed by ticagrelor and UFH in the hub catheterization laboratory. The primary outcome was the presence of a pre-PPCI TIMI flow 2-3 in the infarct related artery (IRA). The secondary outcomes included definite acute stent thrombosis and hemorrhagic complications.

RESULTS

The median times from ticagrelor and heparin administration to angiography in the NPHT group and the PTS group were 80.5 min (Interquartile Range (IQR) 68.5-94) and 10 min (IQR 5-15) respectively (p < .0001). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting to minimize heterogeneity between groups, we showed significant differences for the primary outcome (44.6 versus 18.5%, p < .0001) and for definite acute stent thrombosis (0.6 versus 2.6%, p = .03), with no difference in the combined in-hospital BARC 2-5 bleeding events (1.9 versus 3.5%, p = .18) in the NPHT versus the PTS group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, after adjusting for baseline covariates, early upstream ATTA with aspirin, ticagrelor, and UFH was associated with greater pre-PPCI TIMI flow and less definite acute stent thrombosis in STEMI patients, without increased bleeding risk.

Predictors of suboptimal coronary blood flow after primary angioplasty and its implications on short-term outcomes in patients with acute anterior STEMI

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal coronary blood flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a complex multifactorial phenomenon. Although extensively studied, defined modifiable risk factors and efficient management strategy are lacking. This study aims to determine the potential causes of suboptimal flow and associated impact on 30-day outcomes in patients presenting with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

We evaluated a total of 1104 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 with the diagnosis of anterior wall STEMI who had primary PCI.

RESULTS

Overall, 245 patients (22.2%) had final post-PCI TIMI flow ≤2 in the LAD (suboptimal flow group) and 859 (77.8%) had final TIMI-3 flow (optimal flow group). The independent predictors of suboptimal flow were thrombus burden grade (Odds ratio (OR) 1.848; p < 0.001), age (OR 1.039 per 1-year increase; p < 0.001), low systolic blood pressure (OR 1.017 per 1 mmHg decrease; p < 0.001), total stent length (OR 1.021 per 1 mm increase; p < 0.001), and baseline TIMI flow ≤1 (OR 1.674; p = 0.018). The 30-day rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiac mortality were significantly higher in patients with TIMI flow ≤2 compared to those with TIMI-3 flow (MACE: adjusted risk ratio [RR] 2.021; P = 0.025, cardiac mortality: adjusted RR 2.931; P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Failure to achieve normal TIMI-3 flow was associated with patient-related (age) and other potentially modifiable risk factors (thrombus burden, admission systolic blood pressure, total stent length, and baseline TIMI flow). The absence of final TIMI-3 flow carried worse short-term clinical outcomes.

Effect of high-intensity statin preloading on TIMI flow in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has improved the outcomes from STEMI and improved myocardial perfusion. However, there is still room for medical therapy to help perfuse the myocardium. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of high-intensity statins used prior to primary PCI in patients presenting with acute STEMI on myocardial perfusion. The study included 170 patients who presented with acute STEMI to Ain Shams University Hospitals and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). They were divided into two groups where the first group received high-intensity statins (80 mg of atorvastatin or 20 mg of rosuvastatin) besides guideline-recommended therapy before primary PCI and the second group served as a control group and received guideline-recommended therapy, and high-intensity statins were given as usual after going back to the coronary care unit after primary PCI. Post-interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade and myocardial blush grade (MBG) were recorded, and ST-segment resolution was measured.

Results

The LAD was the culprit vessel for the majority of patients in both groups. In the control group, there were 4 patients with TIMI I flow and MBG I, 13 with TIMI II flow and MBG II, and 68 with TIMI III flow and MBG III. Meanwhile, in the cases group, there was 1 patient with TIMI I flow and MBG I, 3 with TIMI II flow and MBG II, and 81 with TIMI III flow and MBG III. This difference was statistically significant with a P value of 0.010. There were 34 patients in the cases group who showed complete ST-segment resolution (40%) vs. 19 patients (22.4%) in the control group which was statistically significant with a P value of 0.013. In addition, ejection fraction had values of mean ± SD of 45.91 ± 5.49 in the cases group vs. 43.01 ± 8.80 in the control group which was statistically significant with a P value of 0.011.

Conclusion

High-intensity statin loading before primary PCI resulted in improved post-procedural TIMI flow, MBG, complete ST-segment resolution, and ejection fraction.

Predictors of short-term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in cardiogenic shock complicating STEMI-A tertiary care center experience

BACKGROUND

Studying the outcomes in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (CS-STEMI) and undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may give an insight to the unmet needs in STEMI-care in our region and may help in future recommendations in improving survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODOLGY

During the period from January 2001- June 2017, there were 114 patients included in the study. The demographic, clinical and angiographic characteristics were compared between the survivors and non-survivors. All these variables were also compared between two-time frames (Phase 1- January 2001 to June 2007; Phase 2- July 2007 to June 2017).

RESULTS

Among patients undergoing PCI for STEMI, 7.5% were in cardiogenic shock. In-hospital mortality for the patients included in the study was 53.5%. Total ischemic time (OR=0.99, 0.99-1; p=0.02), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR=0.90, 0.82-0.98; p=0.02), need for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (OR=0.12, 0.24-0.66; p=0.01), and post PCI TIMI flows (OR=0.08, 0.02-0.29; p<0.001) were the significant determinants of in-hospital mortality in the regression analysis. There was no significant change in mortality between the two phases of the study, though there was a reduction in total ischemic and door-to-balloon times, transfer admissions, use of thrombolytics, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, intra-aortic balloon pump, and mechanical ventilation in phase 2.

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting in CS-STEMI and undergoing PCI continue to experience high mortality rates, despite improvements in total ischemic times. Further improvement in the systems-of-care are required to bring about reduction in mortality in this high-risk subset.

Role of metabolic manipulator trimetazidine in limiting percutaneous coronary intervention-induced myocardial injury

BACKGROUND

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic modulator that shifts substrate utilization from fatty acid to carbohydrates, thereby, increasing myocardial glucose oxidation and improving myocardial ischemia. We evaluated whether TMZ is effective in reducing myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI were divided into two groups, one who received oral TMZ (35 mg BD) started 7 days before PCI (n = 48) and second who did not receive any TMZ (in addition to the standard therapy (n = 52)). Troponin-I (cTnI) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were measured before, 8, and 24 h after PCI. The primary end point was a difference in post-PCI cTnI and CK-MB levels (vs baseline). Frequency of cTnI release in the two groups, total amount of cTnI release, and difference in TIMI flow grade before and after the procedure were also assessed.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics in the groups were comparable. Despite similar baseline levels, post-procedural cTnI was lower at 8 h (0.13 vs 0.56 ng/ml, p = 0.03) and 24 h (0.2 vs 1.13 ng/ml, p = 0.004) in the TMZ group. Decline or no change in cTnI was significantly more common in the TMZ group (26% vs 2%, p < 0.01). Total cTnI released after PCI, as assessed by area under curve was significantly lower in the TMZ group (15.84 vs 3.32 ng h/ml, p = 0.005). Although CK-MB levels were also lower in the TMZ group, the difference was not statistically significant. Incidence of post-PCI TIMI 1 or 2 flow was significantly lesser in the TMZ group.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral TMZ started 7 days before PCI was effective in limiting PCI-induced myocardial injury with lower cTnI levels and higher prevalence of TIMI-3 flow.

Chronic statin treatment is a predictor of pre-interventional infarct-related artery patency in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Beyond lipid-lowering effects, early statin treatment has beneficial effects on prognosis after acute coronary syndrome. Infarct-related artery (IRA) patency before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is known to be a strong pre-dictor of improved clinical outcome.

AIM

We aimed to investigate the effects of chronic statin treatment before admission on IRA patency after myocardial infarction.

METHODS

In this study, 938 ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients admitted to the hospital within the first 12 h of symptom onset were prospectively enrolled (male, n = 682; female, n = 256; mean age 58.6 ± 12.4 years). All patients underwent emergent primary PCI. Patients were divided into two groups based upon angiographic IRA patency. Impaired IRA patency was defined as Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 0 and 1 flow (non-patent IRA group). Angiographic IRA patency was defined as TIMI 2 and 3 flow (patent IRA group).

RESULTS

Previous statin usage was more frequent in the patent IRA group (n = 138; 71.9%), than in the non-patent IRA group (n = 110; 14.7%; p < 0.001). Pre-PCI IRA patency was independently associated with body mass index (odds ra-tio [OR] = 1.087, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005-1.176, p < 0.001), previous chronic statin use (OR 0.065, 95% CI 0.043-0.098, p = 0.039), ejection fraction (OR 1.041, 95% CI 1.018-1.064, p < 0.001), and SYNTAX score (OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.899-0.957, p < 0.001) in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pre-treatment with statins is a significant predictor of the IRA patency in patients with STEMI.

Predictors of restenosis following contemporary subintimal tracking and reentry technique: The importance of final TIMI flow grade

OBJECTIVES

To identify predictors of restenosis after recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with the Subintimal Tracking And Reentry (STAR) technique.

BACKGROUND

STAR is associated with high rates of restenosis but the associated factors are not clear. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may be important to improve STAR outcomes and possibly other contemporary CTO recanalization techniques utilizing extensive subintimal dissection and stenting.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 211 lesions that underwent a STAR procedure (between 2002 and 2013) with a final Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2 or 3. One-hundred and nineteen lesions that received drug eluting stents (DES) and underwent follow-up angiography were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 119 lesions treated with DES following STAR, 75 restenoses were observed (63.0%). Utilizing multivariate analysis, TIMI flow grade in the recanalized artery following stent implantation at the end of the index procedure was the only independent predictor of restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Following recanalization of a CTO with STAR, final TIMI flow predicted future restenosis or reocclusion. As a bailout technique, STAR resulted in a high acute success rate with good safety and acceptable long-term results. When poor flow is observed following recanalization, and prior to stent implantation, a two-step strategy whereby a second procedure is performed at an interval to maximize coronary flow at the end of the procedure may be considered with the goal to reduce the risk of future restenosis or total vessel occlusion following STAR.

Use and impact of thrombectomy in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction with persistent ST-segment elevation: results of the prospective ALKK PCI-registry

BACKGROUND

Data about the impact of thrombectomy in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are inconsistent. The aim of our study was an evaluation of both the real-world use of thrombectomy and the impact of thrombectomy on outcome in unselected patients treated with primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used the data of the prospective ALKK PCI-registry of 35 hospitals from January 2010 to December 2013. A total of 10,755 patients receiving single-vessel primary PCI for acute STEMI were included. In 2176 patients (20.2 %) thrombectomy was performed. There was a wide range of use of thrombectomy in the different ALKK hospitals from 1.1 to 61.7 % (median 18.6 %, quartiles 6.0 and 40.3 %) with a general increase of use over the first years of the study period. In patients with and without thrombectomy there was TIMI 0 flow present before PCI in 6010 patients, TIMI 1 in 1338, TIMI 2 in 2002, and TIMI 3 in 1405. Patients with acute heart failure or cardiogenic shock received significantly more often thrombectomy. Fluoroscopy time (8.1 vs. 7.3 min, p < 0.0001) and dose area product (5373 cGy × cm(2) vs. 4802 cGy × cm(2), p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients treated with thrombectomy. The subgroup of patients with TIMI 0 flow before PCI had significantly higher rates of TIMI 3 flow after PCI when treated with thrombectomy (87.1 vs. 84.1 %, p < 0.01), while there was no difference in post-PCI TIMI 3 flow in patients with TIMI 1, 2 or 3 flow before PCI. Rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were similar in both groups in general and in all subgroups of TIMI flow.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of thrombectomy in patients with STEMI is heterogenous between hospitals. Overall, there was no impact of thrombectomy on TIMI 3 patency or mortality after PCI. In the subgroup of STEMI patients with TIMI 0 flow before PCI individualized thrombectomy had a positive impact on restoration of normal blood flow.

Angiographic characteristics of definite stent thrombosis: role of thrombus grade, collaterals, epicardial coronary flow, and myocardial perfusion

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the prevalence of thrombus burden, collateral vessels to the infarct-related artery, epicardial coronary artery flow, and myocardial perfusion in patients with angiographically confirmed definite stent thrombosis (ST), and to define their relationship with associated treatments and outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Angiographic characteristics of ST are not well defined.

METHODS

All cases of angiographically determined ST at five academic hospitals from 2005 to 2012 were reviewed. Demographic, procedural, and angiographic characteristics were recorded. In-hospital and 1-year follow-up data were obtained.

RESULTS

Among 205 cases of angiographic definite ST (60 ± 8 years; 87% male), the majority presented with late/very late ST (69%) and STEMI (66%). High-risk angiographic findings at presentation included thrombus grade 4-5 (87%), absence of collateral vessels (76%), and reduced initial TIMI 3 flow (90%). Final TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 90% of patients and was associated with greater use of aspiration thrombectomy (60% vs. 25%; P = 0.003), glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (80% vs. 30%, P < 0.001), and repeat stenting (67% vs. 10%, P < 0.001). A final myocardial perfusion grade of 2-3 was achieved in 79% of patients and was associated with greater use of aspiration thrombectomy (61% vs. 36%, P = 0.003). After multivariable logistic regression, aspiration thrombectomy (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.2) and implantation of a new stent (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.3) were associated with optimal combined epicardial flow and myocardial perfusion. At 1-year follow-up, significantly lower risk of repeat ST (HR 0.1; 95% CI 0.1,0.2; P < 0.001) among patients with initial TIMI 3 flow at index ST was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of ST patients present with late/very late ST with high thrombus burden and STEMI. Presence of collateral vessels and low thrombus burden is cardioprotective, while reduced initial TIMI flow is associated with larger infarct size and recurrent ST. Aspiration thrombectomy and repeat stenting are associated with improved epicardial coronary artery flow and myocardial perfusion among patients treated for ST. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pre-angiography total ST-segment resolution is not a reliable predictor of an open infarct-related artery

BACKGROUND

While the cutoffs of predictive value for ST-segment elevations resolution (STSR) following thrombolysis and/or primary PCI were well documented, the impact of pre-angiography STSR has not been established yet.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess prognostic utility of pre-angiography STSR to predict pre-procedural TIMI flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) and infarct size in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed, including 310 patients, admitted within 12h of symptom onset and who underwent primary PCI. ST-segment elevations were measured in: (1) qualifying ECG, (2) ECG before angiography, and (3) ECG post PCI. STSR was defined as: total (≥70%), partial (between 70% and 30%) and none (<30%). Relationships between pre-angiography STSR, initial TIMI flow and troponin T level (TnT) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Pre-angiography STSR correlated with initial TIMI flow in the IRA (rS=0.619; p<0.001). Pre-angiography total STSR was observed in 23.2% patients. It was noted in 79.2% of patients with pre-procedural TIMI flow ≥2 and in 20.8% with TIMI flow ≤1 (p<0.001). Although the sensitivity of pre-angiography total STSR to detect pre-procedural TIMI flow ≥2 was 93%, its specificity was only 56% and the likelihood ratio was 2.1. Pre-angiography total STSR was associated with lower peak TnT level (2.2±2.5ng/ml vs. 6.4±5.0ng/ml, p<0.0001) when compared to the remaining patients.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Pre-angiography STSR correlates with preprocedural TIMI flow. 2. The sensitivity of pre-angiography total STSR in detection of pre-procedural TIMI flow ≥2 is high, but low specificity of only 56% makes it an unreliable predictor of an open IRA.

Catheter Aspiration after Every Stage during Primary Percutaneous Angioplasty; ADMIT Trial

We assess the epicardial and microcirculation flow characteristics, and clinical outcome by using catheter aspiration after each stage of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Conflicting data are reported regarding early and late benefit of using aspiration catheter in the initial phase PPCI. A total of 100 patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included: 51 underwent PPCI without using an aspiration device (SA group) and 49 underwent PPCI by activating an aspiration catheter after each stage of procedure; wiring, ballooning and stenting, respectively (MA group). Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, TIMI frame counts and myocardial blush grade (MBG) were evaluated in each group during every stage of procedure. Major adverse cardiac events were evaluated in the index hospitalization and during 30 and 180 days of follow-up. A TIMI flow grade 2-3 was more prevalent in the MA group compared with the SA group only after wiring: 65.9 versus 39.1% (p = 0.01), but TIMI frame counts were lower in the MA versus SA group throughout all procedural steps. MBG 2-3 was statistically higher in the MA group compared with the SA group mainly after wiring. After stenting there were no significant changes in both epicardial and microcirculation flow parameters. There were no significant differences between the groups in early and late clinical outcomes. Improved flow parameters were noticed in the MA group only by activating the aspiration device after wiring. This early advantage disappeared after stenting. The initial better flow characteristic in the MA group was not translated into a better early or late clinical outcome.