Role of anticoagulation in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a contemporary narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Anticoagulants play a vital role as part of the antithrombotic therapy of myocardial infarction and are complementary to antiplatelet therapies. In the acute setting, the rationale for their use is to antagonize the ongoing clotting cascade including during percutaneous coronary intervention. Anticoagulation may be an important part of the longer-term antithrombotic strategy especially in patients who have other existing indications (e.g. atrial fibrillation) for their use.

AREAS COVERED

In this narrative review, the authors provide a contemporary summary of the anticoagulation strategies of patients presenting with NSTEMI, both in terms of anticoagulation during the acute phase as well as suggested antithrombotic regimens for patients who require long-term anticoagulation for other indications.

EXPERT OPINION

Patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) should be initiated on anticoagulation (e.g. heparin/low molecular weight heparin) for the initial hospitalization period for those medically managed or until percutaneous coronary intervention. Longer term management of NSTEMI for patients with an existing indication for long-term anticoagulation should comprise triple antithrombotic therapy of anticoagulant (preferably DOAC) with aspirin and clopidogrel for up to 1 month (typically 1 week or until hospital discharge), followed by DOAC plus clopidogrel for up to 1 year, and then DOAC monotherapy thereafter.

Proportional troponin changes and risk for outcomes with intervention strategies in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome across kidney function

AIMS

This analysis evaluates whether proportional serial cardiac troponin (cTn) change predicts benefit from an early versus delayed invasive, or conservative treatment strategies across kidney function in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with NSTE-ACS in the Veterans Health Administration between 1999 and 2022 were categorized into terciles (<20%, 20 to ≤80%, >80%) of proportional change in serial cTn. Primary outcome included mortality or rehospitalization for myocardial infarction at 6 and 12 months, in survivors of index admission. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence Intervals (95% confidence interval [CI]) were calculated for the primary outcome for an early invasive (≤24 h of the index admission), delayed invasive (>24 h of index admission to 90-days postdischarge), or a conservative management.

RESULTS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was more prevalent (45.3%) in the lowest versus 42.2% and 43% in middle and highest terciles, respectively (p < 0.001). Primary outcome is more likely for conservative versus early invasive strategy at 6 (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.37-1.50) and 12 months (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.39-1.50). A >80% proportional change demonstrated HR (95% CI): 0.90 (0.83-0.97) and 0.93 (0.88-1.00; p = 0.041) for primary outcome at 6 and 12 months, respectively, when an early versus delayed invasive strategy was used, across CKD stages.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the invasive strategy was safe and associated with improved outcomes across kidney function in NSTE-ACS. Additionally, >80% proportional change in serial troponin in NSTE-ACS is associated with benefit from an early versus a delayed invasive strategy regardless of kidney function. These findings deserve confirmation in randomized controlled trials.

Validation of ICD-10-CM Diagnostic Codes for Identifying Patients with ST-Elevation and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a National Health Insurance Claims Database

Purpose

Distinguishing ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is crucial in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) research due to their distinct characteristics. However, the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes for STEMI and NSTEMI in Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) database remains unvalidated. Therefore, we developed and validated case definition algorithms for STEMI and NSTEMI using ICD-10-CM and NHI billing codes.

Patients and Methods

We obtained claims data and medical records of inpatient visits from 2016 to 2021 from the hospital's research-based database. Potential STEMI and NSTEMI cases were identified using diagnostic codes, keywords, and procedure codes associated with AMI. Chart reviews were then conducted to confirm the cases. The performance of the developed algorithms for STEMI and NSTEMI was assessed and subsequently externally validated.

Results

The algorithm that defined STEMI as any STEMI ICD code in the first three diagnosis fields had the highest performance, with a sensitivity of 93.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.7-95.2%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 89.4% (95% CI, 87.1-91.4%), and a kappa of 0.914 (95% CI, 0.900-0.928). The algorithm that used the NSTEMI ICD code listed in any diagnosis field performed best in identifying NSTEMI, with a sensitivity of 82.6% (95% CI, 80.7-84.4%), a PPV of 96.5% (95% CI, 95.4-97.4), and a kappa of 0.889 (95% CI, 0.878-0.901). The algorithm that included either STEMI or NSTEMI ICD codes listed in any diagnosis field showed excellent performance in defining AMI, with a sensitivity of 89.4% (95% CI, 88.2-90.6%), a PPV of 95.6% (95% CI, 94.7-96.4%), and a kappa of 0.923 (95% CI, 0.915-0.931). External validation confirmed these algorithms' efficacy.

Conclusion

Our results provide valuable reference algorithms for identifying STEMI and NSTEMI cases in Taiwan's NHI database.

A unique case of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction with abnormal origin of left coronary system from the right coronary cusp

A unique case of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarctionis discussed, in which the left main coronary artery and anomalous coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva were absent. In this case, the left coronary cusp was blunted, and all three coronary arteries trifurcated from a single ostium in the right coronary cusp. The proximal part of the left anterior descending coronary artery had a trans-septal (intermuscular) course, while the left circumflex coronary artery had a retro-aortic course and severe thrombotic stenosis before the terminal portion. Due to the patient's refusal of coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention was performed.

Conservative versus Invasive Strategy in Elderly Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights from the International POPular Age Registry

This registry assessed the impact of conservative and invasive strategies on major adverse clinical events (MACE) in elderly patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients aged ≥75 years with NSTEMI were prospectively registered from European centers and followed up for one year. Outcomes were compared between conservative and invasive groups in the overall population and a propensity score-matched (PSM) cohort. MACE included cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. The study included 1190 patients (median age 80 years, 43% female). CAG was performed in 67% (N = 798), with two-thirds undergoing revascularization. Conservatively treated patients had higher baseline risk. After propensity score matching, 319 patient pairs were successfully matched. MACE occurred more frequently in the conservative group (total population 20% vs. 12%, adjHR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37-0.77, p = 0.001), remaining significant in the PSM cohort (18% vs. 12%, adjHR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-0.81, p = 0.004). In conclusion, an early invasive strategy was associated with benefits over conservative management in elderly patients with NSTEMI. Risk factors associated with ischemia and bleeding should guide strategy selection rather than solely relying on age.

Short-Term Prognostic Value of the Culprit-SYNTAX Score in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

The SYNergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is a scoring system that helps to decide on surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), and studies are showing the prognostic value of this scoring system in both AMI and coronary artery disease patients undergoing PCI. In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, the infarct-related artery and the complexity of the lesions are also important in terms of mortality and morbidity. Our study aimed to determine the prognostic value of the culprit vessel's SYNTAX score (cul-SS) in patients presenting with MI.

METHODS

In our study, 1284 patients presenting with MI were analyzed retrospectively. The SYNTAX scores and cul-SS of the patients were calculated. In-hospital and 30-day deaths and major complications were accepted as primary outcomes. The SYNTAX scores and cul-SS were compared in terms of predicting primary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Major complications were observed in 36 (2.8%) patients, death in 42 (3.3%) patients, and stent thrombosis in 24 (1.9%) patients. The area under the curves for SYNTAX and cul-SS for predicting primary outcomes is 0.64 and 0.68 (p = 0.026), respectively. Cul-SS was as successful as the SYNTAX score in predicting stent thrombosis and was superior in predicting short-term death and major complications.

Sex Differences in Delayed Hospitalization in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing New-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation

We compared the effects of sex differences in delayed hospitalization (symptom-to-door time [SDT], ≥24 h) on major clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after new-generation drug-eluting stent implantation. A total of 4593 patients were classified into groups with (n = 1276) and without delayed hospitalization (SDT < 24 h, n = 3317). Thereafter, these two groups were subdivided into male and female groups. The primary clinical outcomes were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, repeat coronary revascularization, and stroke. The secondary clinical outcome was stent thrombosis. After multivariable- and propensity score-adjusted analyses, in-hospital mortalities were similar between the male and female groups in both the SDT < 24 h and SDT ≥ 24 h groups. However, during a 3-year follow-up period, in the SDT < 24 h group, all-cause death (p = 0.013 and p = 0.005, respectively) and cardiac death (CD, p = 0.015 and p = 0.008, respectively) rates were significantly higher in the female group than those in the male group. This may be related to the lower all-cause death and CD rates (p = 0.022 and p = 0.012, respectively) in the SDT < 24 h group than in the SDT ≥ 24 h group among male patients. Other outcomes were similar between the male and female groups and between the SDT < 24 h and SDT ≥ 24 h groups. In this prospective cohort study, female patients showed higher 3-year mortality, especially in the SDT < 24 h, compared to male patients.

Development and validation of nomogram models to discriminate between acute aortic syndromes and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction during troponin-blind period

Background

Blood-test-based methods of distinguishing between acute aortic syndromes (AASs) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) during the troponin-blind period of <2-3 h of symptom onset have not been studied previously. We aimed to explore whether routine biomarkers might facilitate differential diagnosis.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from 178 patients with AASs and 460 patients with NSTEMI within 3 h of onset. Differential risk factors related to AASs were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses for patients with onset <2 h and onset ≥2 h, respectively, in the cardiac troponin (cTn) cohort. Nomograms were established in the cTn cohort as a training set and validated in the high-sensitivity cTn cohort. To assess the utility of the models in clinical practice, decision curve analyses were performed.

Results

D-dimer, fibrinogen, and age were identified as differential risk factors for AASs with the onset of <2 h. D-dimer at an optimal cutoff level of 281 ng/mL for AASs had a sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 91.3%. A nomogram was developed and validated with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.934 (95% CI: 0.880-0.988) and 0.952 (95% CI: 0.874-1.000), respectively. D-dimer, neutrophil, bilirubin, and platelet were the differential risk factors for AASs with the onset of ≥2 h. D-dimer at an optimal cutoff level of 385 ng/mL has a sensitivity of 91.8% and a specificity of 91.3%. The AUC of the second nomogram in the training set and the validation set were 0.965 (95% CI: 0.942-0.988) and 0.974 (95% CI: 0.944-1.000), respectively.

Conclusion

Time-dependent quality of D-dimer should be considered for discriminating AASs from NSTEMI. Both nomogram models may have a clinical utility for evaluating the probability of AASs.

Continuous multi-day tracking of post-myocardial infarction recovery of cardiac electrical stability and autonomic tone using electrocardiogram patch monitors

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk is elevated following acute myocardial infarction (MI). The time course of SCD susceptibility post-MI requires further investigation.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, we employed state-of-the-art noninvasive ECG techniques to track the daily time course of cardiac electrical instability and autonomic function following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI). Preventice BodyGuardian MINI-EL Holters continuously recorded ECGs for 7 days at hospital discharge and at 40 days for STEMI (N = 5) or at 90 days for NSTEMI patients (N = 5). Cardiac electrical instability was assessed by T-wave alternans (TWA) and T-wave heterogeneity (TWH); autonomic tone was determined by rMSSD-heart rate variability (HRV).

RESULTS

TWA was severely elevated (≥60 μV) in STEMI patients (80 ± 10.3 μV) at discharge and throughout the first recording period but declined by 50% to 40 ± 2.3 μV (p = .03) by Day 40 and remained in the normal range (<47 μV). TWH, a related phenomenon analyzed from 12-lead ECGs, was reduced by 63% in the five STEMI patients from discharge to normal (<80 μV) at follow-up (105 ± 27.3 to 39 ± 3.3 μV, p < .04) but increased by 65% in a STEMI case (89 to 147 μV), who received a wearable defibrillator vest and later implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In NSTEMI patients, TWA was borderline abnormal (47 ± 3.3 μV) at discharge and declined by 19% to normal (38 ± 1.2 μV) by Day 90 (p = .05). An overall reciprocal increase in rMSSD-HRV suggested recovery of vagal tone.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides proof-of-principle for tracking post-MI SCD risk in individual patients with implications for personalized therapy.

Native Aortic Valve Thrombus Complicating Intermittent Occlusion of a Left Main Coronary Artery

Intermittent left main coronary artery ostium obstruction (LMOO) caused by native aortic valve thrombus (NAVT) is an extremely rare condition. It may therefore be challenging to identify the cause using only coronary angiography, even though the clinical presentation and electrocardiography (ECG) strongly suggest myocardial infarction. We herein report a 53-year-old man with NAVT complicating intermittent occlusion of left main disease in preexisting coronary artery stenosis.

Assessment of s-nitrosothiol and thiol/disulfide levels in acute coronary syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

The level of nitric oxide (NO) is important to protect the heart from ischemic damage in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. S-nitrosothiol (SNO) is a molecule that represents the main form of NO storage in the vascular structure. In addition, dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) is known to play an important role in maintaining the oxidant-antioxidant balance. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the oxidative/nitrosative stress status according to SNO level and TDH in patients with ACS.

METHODS

The study included 124 patients who were admitted to the emergency service and 124 consecutive individuals who applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic with cardiac complaints and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Blood was drawn from all participants included in the study to determine SNO, nitrite, total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide levels after 12 h of fasting.

RESULTS

Serum SNO levels were found to be significantly lower in ACS patients compared to the control group (0.3 ± 0.08 vs. 0.4 ± 0.10 μmol/L, successively, p < 0.001). In addition, while the total thiol, native thiol, and native thiol/total thiol levels were lower in the patient group compared to the control group, nitrite, disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol levels were higher. As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was determined that age, gender, smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycosylated haemoglobin, and SNO levels were independent predictors in predicting ACS patients.

DISCUSSION

S-nitrosothiol and thiol levels were found to be significantly lower in ACS patients. In addition, SNO molecule was independently associated with the presence of ACS diagnosis.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes after Non-ST-Segment and ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Populations

Using a new-generation drug-eluting stent, we compared the 2-year clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-DM concomitant with a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. A total of 11,798 patients with acute myocardial infarction were classified into two groups: DM (NSTEMI, n = 2399; STEMI, n = 2693) and non-DM (NSTEMI, n = 2694; STEMI, n = 4012). The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or any coronary repeat revascularization. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of definite or probable stent thrombosis. In all the patients, both multivariable and propensity score-adjusted analyses revealed that the incidence rates of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.214; p = 0.006 and aHR, 1.298; p = 0.002, respectively), all-cause death, cardiac death (CD), and non-CD rate were significantly higher in the NSTEMI group than in the STEMI group. Additionally, among patients with NSTEMI, there was a higher non-CD rate (aHR, 2.200; p = 0.007 and aHR, 2.484; p = 0.004, respectively) in the DM group and a higher CD rate (aHR, 2.688; p < 0.001 and 2.882; p < 0.001, respectively) in the non-DM group. In this retrospective study, patients with NSTEMI had a significantly higher 2-year mortality rate than those with STEMI did. Furthermore, strategies to reduce the non-CD rate in patients with DM and the CD rate in patients without DM could be beneficial for those with NSTEMI.

Relationship Between Prognostic Nutritional Index and Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), consisting of inflammatory-nutritional parameters, has been investigated in terms of outcomes and renal function in patients with coronary artery disease. The objective of this study is to assess the predictive power of the PNI in predicting the risk for developing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), an important complication following coronary angiography in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The study population (336 patients with the diagnosis of NSTEMI) was divided into two groups: patients with CA-AKI and patients without CA-AKI. The mean age of the whole population was 62.0 ± 12.7 (21-95) years. CA-AKI was detected in 68 (20%) patients. Prognostic nutritional index values were significantly (P < .001) lower in the CA-AKI (+) group. Low PNI values (cutoff < 48.5%) were independent predictors of CA-AKI with Odds ratio (OR): .913, 95% confidence interval (CI): .866-.962, P:.001, with a sensitivity 70.6% and specificity 69.4%. Prognostic nutritional index seems to be an easily assessable and promising scoring system that can be used in clinical practice for predicting the risk of developing CA-AKI.

Serum Concentrations of Ischaemia-Modified Albumin in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The identification of novel circulating biomarkers of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may improve diagnosis and management. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA), an emerging biomarker of ischaemia and oxidative stress, in ACS. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to March 2022, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. In 18 studies (1654 ACS patients and 1023 healthy controls), IMA concentrations were significantly higher in ACS (standard mean difference, SMD = 2.38, 95% CI 1.88 to 2.88; p < 0.001; low certainty of evidence). The effect size was not associated with pre-defined study or patient characteristics, barring the country where the study was conducted. There were no significant differences in effect size between acute myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina (UA), and between ST-elevation (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). However, the effect size was progressively larger in UA (SMD = 1.63), NSTEMI (SMD = 1.91), and STEMI (3.26). Our meta-analysis suggests that IMA might be useful to diagnose ACS. Further studies are warranted to compare the diagnostic performance of IMA vs. established markers, e.g., troponin, and to determine its potential utility in discriminating between UA, NSTEMI, and STEMI (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021324603).

Two-year outcomes between ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing newer-generation drug-eluting stent implantation

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the 2-year clinical outcomes of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who received newer-generation drug-eluting stents (DES).

METHODS

Overall, 18,875 acute myocardial infarction patients were divided into two groups: CKD (STEMI, n = 1707; NSTEMI, n = 1648) and non-CKD (STEMI, n = 8660; NSTEMI, n = 6860). The occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), any repeat coronary revascularization, and definite or probable stent thrombosis (ST), was evaluated.

RESULTS

After multivariable-adjusted analysis, in the CKD group, the MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.365, p = 0.004), all-cause death (aHR: 1.503, p = 0.004), noncardiac death (non-CD; aHR: 1.960, p = 0.004), and all-cause death or MI rates (aHR: 1.458, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the NSTEMI group than in the STEMI group. In the non-CKD group, the non-CD rate (aHR: 1.78, p = 0.006) was also higher in the NSTEMI group. The CD, re-MI, any repeat revascularization, and ST rates were similar between groups. In the CKD group, from 6 months to 2 years after the index procedure, all-cause death, non-CD, and all-cause death or MI rates were significantly higher in the NSTEMI group than in the STEMI group. These results may be related to the higher non-CD rate in the NSTEMI group.

CONCLUSIONS

In the era of contemporary newer-generation DES, NSTEMI showed a relatively higher non-CD rate than STEMI in both CKD and non-CKD groups.

Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in High-Risk Patients With NSTEMI Pretreated With Ticagrelor for Less or More Than 6 Hours Before PCI

We assessed the impact on periprocedural myocardial injury of a ticagrelor loading dose given <6 or >6 hours before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients at high risk. All consecutive patients pretreated with ticagrelor and undergoing PCI for a high-risk NSTEMI have been included in the present analysis. Propensity-score matching was performed to compare the outcomes between patients pretreated with ticagrelor for >6 hours or ≤6 hours. The primary outcome was the rate of periprocedural myocardial injury after PCI. We also recorded clinical outcomes, including major adverse cardiovascular events and major bleedings at 1 month. A total of 1216 patients with NSTEMI were deemed eligible for the study: 481 received a ticagrelor loading dose ≤6 hours (mean time, 4.3 ± 1.2 h) and 735 >6 hours (16.1 ± 8.4 hours) before PCI. Patients pretreated with ticagrelor for >6 hours presented more risk factors and comorbidities compared to others. In patients pretreated with ticagrelor for >6 hours, the rate of periprocedural myocardial injury was significantly lower compared to the other group, in the overall population (19.6% vs 37.8%; P < .0001) and in the matched cohort of 644 patients (18.9% vs 33.5%; P < .0001). The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events and major bleeding events did not differ between the two groups, in both unmatched and matched populations. The present study suggests that ticagrelor pretreatment reduces periprocedural myocardial injury in high-risk patients with NSTEMI undergoing PCI with expected time intervals >6 hours.

Prognostic Analysis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Implantation of Different Stents for the First Time

For patients with acute myocardial infarction scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary stent implantation, in most cases a drug-eluting stent is recommended as the first choice for treatment. However, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents on patients with different types of myocardial infarction. Our objective was to explore the effects of bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents on patients with different types of myocardial infarction in terms of major cardiovascular incidents. This retrospective cohort study included 934 patients with myocardial infarction undergoing coronary artery stent implantation for the first time at the cardiac catheter room of the Tri-Service General Hospital in the Neihu District between 2014 and 2018. Patients’ information, including demographic data, laboratory data, cardiac echocardiography results, and angiocardiography results, was collected by reviewing medical records. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to adjust the potential confounding factors, and the adjusted data were then used to compare the correlation between different types of stents and major cardiovascular incidents in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. After the confounding factors were adjusted, in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction receiving a drug-eluting stent compared with those receiving a bare-metal stent, it was found that the mortality risk was lower in terms of all causes of death (Adj-HR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14–0.48, p < 0.001) and cardiogenic death (Adj-HR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.08–0.55, p = 0.002), the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction was lower (Adj-HR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04–0.73, p = 0.017), and there was no difference in the risk of revascularization at the lesion site (Adj-HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.24–1.43, p = 0.243). It terms of the findings in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, those receiving a drug-eluting stent had a lower risk of revascularization at the lesion site (Adj-HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24–0.97, p = 0.04); however, there was no difference in the mortality risk in terms of all causes of death (Adj-HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.37–1.35, p = 0.296) or cardiogenic death (Adj-HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.18–1.90, p = 0.379),or in the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (Adj-HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.06–1.25, p = 0.093). Compared with bare-metal stents, drug-eluting stents provide better protection against death to receivers with ST-elevation myocardial infarction; however, this protection is decreased in receivers with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. It is recommended that for patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction who are indicated to receive a drug-eluting stent, the clinical effectiveness of the treatment must be considered.

Outcomes of Different Reperfusion Strategies of Multivessel Disease Undergoing Newer-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Kidney Disease

Because available data are limited, we compared the 2-year clinical outcomes among different reperfusion strategies (culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (C-PCI), multivessel PCI (M-PCI), complete revascularization (CR) and incomplete revascularization (IR)) of multivessel disease (MVD) undergoing newer-generation drug-eluting stent implantation in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this nonrandomized, multicenter, retrospective cohort study, a total of 1042 patients (C-PCI, n = 470; M-PCI, n = 572; CR, n = 432; IR, n = 140) were recruited from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) and evaluated. The primary outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events, defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction and any repeat coronary revascularization. The secondary outcome was probable or definite stent thrombosis. During the 2-year follow-up period, the cumulative incidences of the primary (C-PCI vs. M-PCI, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.020; p = 0.924; CR vs. IR, aHR, 1.012; p = 0.967; C-PCI vs. CR, aHR, 1.042; p = 0.863; or C-PCI vs. IR, aHR, 1.060; p = 0.844) and secondary outcomes were statistically insignificant in the four comparison groups. In the contemporary newer-generation DES era, C-PCI may be a better reperfusion option for patients with NSTEMI with MVD and CKD rather than M-PCI, including CR and IR, with regard to the procedure time and the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. However, further well-designed, large-scale randomized studies are warranted to confirm these results.

One-year mortality in NSTEMI patients is unaffected by timing of PCI within the first week of admission: Results of a real-world cohort analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to explore the impact of time to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (T2P) on 1-year mortality in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients.

BACKGROUND

The current guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy for NSTEMI patients. However, impact of an early invasive strategy on mortality is a matter of debate. For that reason, real world data are of great value to determine the optimal treatment window.

METHODS

This retrospective single center cohort study was performed in a high-volume PCI center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Intermediate- and high-risk NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI were included. The main discriminant was timing of PCI after admission (T2P), stratified according to different time windows (<24 h, 24-72 h, 72 h-7 days or >7 days). We analyzed 1-year mortality and the time distribution of overall survival.

RESULTS

In total, 848 patients treated between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2018 were included in the analysis. T2P was <24 h in 145 patients, 24-72 h in 192 patients, 72 h-7 days in 275 patients, and >7 days in 236 patients. The mean GRACE-risk score was 127.1 (SD 28.7), 130.0 (33.1), 133.8 (32.1), and 148.7 (34.6) respectively, p = <0.001. After adjusting for confounders, 1-year mortality in patients with T2P <24 h did not significantly differ when compared with T2P 24-72 h (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.33-3.51) and T2P 72 h-7 days (OR 1.72; 95% CI = 0.57-5.21) but was significantly higher in T2P >7 days (OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.06-9.68).

CONCLUSIONS

In an unselected cohort of patients with NSTEMI, treatment by PCI <24 h did not lead to improved survival as compared to aT2P <7 days strategy. Delay in PCI >7 days after admission resulted in worse outcome.

Accuracy of Emergency Physicians for Detection of Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities in Patients With Chest Pain Without ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of emergency physicians (EPs) in the detection of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) using focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) in patients suspected of non-having ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients with chest pain. Three EPs underwent didactics and hands-on-training, of 3 hours each, by an experienced cardiologist, on detecting RWMAs using 2-dimensional echocardiography. They performed a FOCUS examination to evaluate for RWMAs and recorded the echo images. Our reference standard for the detection of RWMAs was accepted as a blinded cardiologist review of the prerecorded video clips. We calculated the corrected sample size and inter-rater agreement between the EPs (82 and 0.83, respectively). The analysis of the study was performed on 89 patients.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients with chest pain were screened. Emergency physicians demonstrated the detection of RWMAs with good sensitivity and even excellent specificity: 76.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.4%- 91.0%) and 92.1% (95% CI, 82.4%-97.4%), respectively. The accuracy of FOCUS was 87.6% (95% CI, 79.0%-93.7%). The area under the curve from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which evaluated the EPs' rate of detecting the presence or absence of RWMAs, was 0.845 (95% CI, 0.753-0.913).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results suggest that EPs with training in bedside echocardiography can accurately rule in patients with RWMAs in suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction cases.

Predictive accuracy of CHA2DS2-VASc score in determining the high thrombus burden in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The presence of intracoronary thrombus is associated with increased ischaemic complications in patients with NSTEMI. High thrombus burden is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events, stent thrombosis and no reflow in patients with STEMI. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score predicts thrombus burden in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the association between CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and high thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score for a high pre-procedural intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 251 patients with NSTEMI who underwent PCI during their hospitalisation at our tertiary referral centre.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 251 patients was 57.7 ± 10.9 years. Our patients were predominantly male (79%). There were 57 patients (22.7%) in the high-thrombus burden group, and 194 patients (77.2%) in the low-thrombus burden group. Higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, increased baseline serum CRP level, lower serum albumin level and decreased lymphocyte counts were found to be independently correlated with the high intracoronary thrombus burden in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed the cut-off value of CHA2DS2-VASc score >2 as a predictor of high thrombus burden with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 61%.

CONCLUSIONS

CHA₂DS₂-VASc score can be used as a simple and reliable tool to predict high thrombus burden in NSTEMI patients undergoing PCI.

Comparison of coronary atherosclerotic disease burden between ST-elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Non-culprit Gensini score and non-culprit SYNTAX score

Background

Patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have worse long‐term prognoses than those with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Hypothesis

It may be attributable to more extended coronary atherosclerotic disease burden in patients with NSTEMI.

Methods

This study consisted of consecutive 231 patients who underwent coronary intervention for myocardial infarction (MI). To assess the extent and severity of atherosclerotic disease burden of non‐culprit coronary arteries, two scoring systems (Gensini score and synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery [SYNTAX] score) were modified by subtracting the score of the culprit lesion: the non‐culprit Gensini score and the non‐culprit SYNTAX score.

Results

Patients with NSTEMI had more multi‐vessel disease, initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2/3, and final TIMI flow grade 3 than those with STEMI. As compared to STEMI, patients with NSTEMI had significantly higher non‐culprit Gensini score (16.3 ± 19.8 vs. 31.2 ± 25.4, p < 0.001) and non‐culprit SYNTAX score (5.8 ± 7.0 vs. 11.1 ± 9.7, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with NSTEMI had more advanced coronary atherosclerotic disease burden including non‐obstruction lesions, which may at least in part explain higher incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients.

Management of multivessel coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a complex path to precision medicine

Recent analyses suggest the incidence of acute coronary syndrome is declining in high- and middle-income countries. Despite this, overall rates of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) continue to rise. Furthermore, NSTEMI is a greater contributor to mortality after hospital discharge than ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with NSTEMI are often older, comorbid and have a high likelihood of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD), which is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Currently, optimal treatment strategies for MVD in NSTEMI are less well established than for STEMI or stable coronary artery disease. Specifically, in relation to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) there is a paucity of randomized, prospective data comparing multivessel and culprit lesion-only PCI. Given the heterogeneous pathological basis for NSTEMI with MVD, an approach of complete revascularization may not be appropriate or necessary in all patients. Recognizing this, this review summarizes the limited evidence base for the interventional management of non-culprit disease in NSTEMI by comparing culprit-only and multivessel PCI strategies. We then explore how a personalized, precise approach to investigation, therapy and follow up may be achieved based on patient-, disease- and lesion-specific factors.

Value of C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio in Predicting the Development of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) accounts for about 10% of all hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. We aimed to assess the role of the combination of 2 inflammatory biomarkers, the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR), in the development of CIN after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients with NSTEMI (n = 205) treated by PCI were classified according to the development of CIN. Both groups were compared according to clinical, laboratory, and demographic characteristics, including inflammatory biomarkers and specifically, CAR. Contrast-induced nephropathy was observed in 10.2% of patients. More advanced age, the presence of diabetes and dyslipidemia, left ventricular ejection fraction, and CAR correlated with the development of CIN. Analysis also showed a significant association between CAR and the development of CIN (CAR in CIN (+): 8.54 ± 8.48, range: 0.7-32, median: 7.13 vs CAR in CIN (-): 2.36 ± 3.01, range: 0.1-24, median: 1.33, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the impact of CAR on the development of CIN (odds ratio: 1.244, 95% confidence interval: 1.102; 1.392, P < .01). We conclude that CAR, as a combination of 2 inflammatory biomarkers, is a more accurate predictor of CIN development compared with the single-marker assessment of albumin and CRP in the context of NSTEMI.

Defining and managing patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Sorting through type 1 vs other types

Advances in cardiovascular (CV) imaging, redefined electrocardiogram criteria, and high‐sensitivity CV biomarker assays have enabled more differentiated etiological classification of myocardial infarction (MI). Type 1 MI has a different underlying pathophysiology than type 2 through type 5 MI; type 1 MI is characterized primarily by intracoronary atherothrombosis and the other types by a variety of mechanisms, which can occur with or without an atherosclerotic component. In type 2 MI, there is evidence of myocardial oxygen supply‐demand imbalance unrelated to acute coronary atherothrombosis. Types 1 and 2 MI are spontaneous events, while type 4 and type 5 are procedure‐related; type 3 MI is identified only after death. Most type 1 and type 2 MI present as non‐ST‐elevation MI (NSTEMI), although both types can also present as ST‐elevation MI. Because of their different underlying etiologies, type 1 and type 2 NSTEMI have different presentation and prognosis and should be managed differently. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, prognosis, and management of NSTEMI occurring in the setting of underlying type 1 or type 2 pathophysiology. Most NSTEMI (65%–90%) are type 1 MI. Patients with type 2 MI have multiple comorbidities and causes of in‐hospital mortality among these patients are not always CV‐related. It is important to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 NSTEMI early in the clinical course to allow for the use of the most appropriate treatments that will provide the greatest benefit for these patients.

Early invasive strategy in senior patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: is it cost-effective? - a decision-analytic model and value of information analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is the most common type of heart attack in the UK and it is becoming increasingly prevalent among older people. An early invasive treatment strategy may be effective and cost-effective for treating NSTEMI but evidence is currently unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the cost-effectiveness of the early invasive strategy versus medical management in elderly patients with NSTEMI and to provide guidance for future research in this area.

METHODS

A long-term Markov state transition model was developed. Model inputs were systematically derived from a number of sources most appropriate to a UK relevant analysis, such as published studies and national routine data. Costs were estimated from the perspective of National Health Service and Personal Social Services. The model was developed using TreeAge Pro software. Based on a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, a value of information analysis was carried out to establish the value of decision uncertainty both overall and for specific input parameters.

RESULTS

In 2017 UK £, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the early invasive strategy was £46 916 for each additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, with a probability of being cost-effective of 23% at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20 000/QALY. There was a considerable decision uncertainty with these results. The value of removing all this uncertainty was up to £1 920 000 annually. Most uncertainty related to clinical effectiveness parameters and the optimal study design to remove this uncertainty would be a randomised controlled trial.

CONCLUSION

Based on current evidence, the early invasive strategy is not likely to be cost-effective for elderly patients with NSTEMI. This conclusion should be interpreted with caution mainly due to the absence of NSTEMI-specific data and long-term clinical effectiveness estimates.

Clinical performance of a new point-of-care cardiac troponin I test

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the clinical performance of the Minicare cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), a new point-of-care (POC) cTnI test for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a prospective, multicentre study (ISRCTN77371338).

METHODS

Of 474 patients (≥18 years) admitted to an emergency department (ED) or chest pain unit (CPU) with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS; ≤12 h from symptom onset), 465 were eligible. Minicare cTnI was tested immediately, 3 h and 6 h after presentation. AMI diagnoses were adjudicated independently based on current guidelines.

RESULTS

The diagnostic performance of the Minicare cTnI test at 3 h was similar for whole blood and in plasma: sensitivity 0.92 vs. 0.90; specificity 0.91 vs. 0.90; positive predictive value (PPV) 0.68 vs. 0.66; negative predictive value (NPV) 0.98 vs. 0.98; positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 10.18 vs. 9.41; negative likelihood ratio (LR-) 0.09 vs. 0.11. The optimal diagnostic performance was obtained at 3 h using cut-offs cTnI >43 ng/L plus cTnI change from admission ≥18.5 ng/L: sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.96, PPV 0.81, NPV 0.98, and LR+ 21.54. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for cTnI whole blood baseline value and absolute change after 3 h curve was 0.93.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the clinical usefulness of Minicare cTnI within a 0 h/3 h-blood sampling protocol supported by current guidelines for the evaluation of suspected ACS.

Impact of routine invasive strategy on outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during 2005-2014: A report from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS)

BACKGROUND

Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has become the most frequently encountered type of myocardial infarction. The patient clinical profile and management has evolved over the past decade. As there is still a scarcity of data on the latest trends in NSTEMI, changes herein were observed and assessed in the treatment and outcomes in Poland between 2005 and 2014.

METHODS

A total of 197,192 patients with NSTEMI who enrolled in the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) between 2005 and 2014 were analyzed. In-hospital and 12-month mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

Coronary angiography use increased from 35.8% in 2005-2007 to 90.7% in 2012-2014 (p < 0.05), whereas percutaneous coronary intervention increased from 25.7% in 2005-2007 to 63.6% in 2012-2014 (p < 0.05). There was a 50% reduction in in-hospital mortality (from 5.6% in 2005-2007 to 2.8% in 2012-2014; p < 0.05) and a 30% reduction in 1-year mortality (from 19.4% in 2005-2007 to 13.7% in 2012-2014; p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis confirmed an immense impact of invasive strategy on patient prognosis during in-hospital observation with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.33; p < 0.05) as well as during the 12-month observation with an OR of 0.51 (95% CI 0.49-0.52; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 10 years, an important advance in the management of NSTEMI has taken place in Poland. Routine invasive strategy resulted in a significant decrease in mortality rates in all groups of NSTEMI patients.

Bivalirudin versus heparin monotherapy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The optimal anti-coagulation strategy for patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention is unclear in contemporary clinical practice of radial access and potent P2Y12-inhibitors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether bivalirudin was superior to heparin monotherapy in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction without routine glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use.

METHODS

In a large pre-specified subgroup of the multicentre, prospective, randomised, registry-based, open-label clinical VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial we randomised patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, treated with ticagrelor or prasugrel, to bivalirudin or heparin monotherapy with no planned use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary endpoint was the rate of a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction or major bleeding within 180 days.

RESULTS

A total of 3001 patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, were enrolled. The primary endpoint occurred in 12.1% (182 of 1503) and 12.5% (187 of 1498) of patients in the bivalirudin and heparin groups, respectively (hazard ratio of bivalirudin compared to heparin treatment 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.78-1.18, p=0.69). The results were consistent in all major subgroups. All-cause death occurred in 2.0% versus 1.7% (hazard ratio 1.15, 0.68-1.94, p=0.61), myocardial infarction in 2.3% versus 2.5% (hazard ratio 0.91, 0.58-1.45, p=0.70), major bleeding in 8.9% versus 9.1% (hazard ratio 0.97, 0.77-1.24, p=0.82) and definite stent thrombosis in 0.3% versus 0.2% (hazard ratio 1.33, 0.30-5.93, p=0.82).

CONCLUSION

Bivalirudin as compared to heparin during percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction did not reduce the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction or major bleeding in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients receiving current recommended treatments with modern P2Y12-inhibitors and predominantly radial access.

Long-term outcomes of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease presenting non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

There is paucity of data concerning the optimal revascularization in patients with mul- tivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). The aim was to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients with multivessel CAD presenting NSTE-ACS depending on the management after coronary angiography.

METHODS

3,166 patients with NSTE-ACS hospitalized between 2006 and 2014 were screened. After ex- clusions, 1,342 patients were enrolled with multivessel CAD and were divided depending on their man- agement after coronary angiography; the medical-only therapy group (n = 91), the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) group (n = 1,122), the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) group (n = 129). Propensity scores matching was used to adjust for differences in patient baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

After propensity score analysis, 273 well-matched patients were chosen. Both before and after matching, patients treated with a medical-only therapy were burdened with the highest percentage of 24-month all-cause death and non-fatal MI in comparison to PCI and CABG groups, respectively. In the CABG group, ACS-driven revascularization rate was lowest. In the overall population, PCI (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.20-0.53; p < 0.0001) and CABG (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.93; p = 0.028) were independent factors associated with favorable 24-month prognosis. However, in a matched population only PCI was an independent predictor of long-term prognosis with a 63% decrease of 24-month mortal- ity (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19-0.69; p = 0.0020).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with multivessel CAD presenting with NSTE-ACS, medical-only man- agement is related with adverse long-term prognosis in contrast to revascularization, which reduces 24-month mortality, especially among patients undergoing percutaneous intervention. Performance of PCI is an independent factor for improving long-term prognosis.

The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on prognosis in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a recognized risk factor for acute coronary syndromes. There is currently no consensus concerning the intensification of antihyperglycemic treatment. According to the available guidelines, it seems that the goal is to achieve glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels below 7% and avoid hypoglycemia. The choice of a revascularization method is influenced by many factors, such as the anatomy of the coronary arteries, severity of atherosclerosis, anatomical location of lesions, and presence of comorbidities. However, in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, determining the culprit lesion is often difficult based on ECG or angiography. Experts recommend coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with type 2 diabetes and multivessel or complex (SYNTAX score exceeding 22 points) coronary artery disease in order to improve survival. Percutaneous coronary intervention should be considered as an alternative to CABG to control symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes and less complex forms of the disease (i.e., SYNTAX score of 22 or lower).

A new risk scoring model for prediction of poor coronary collateral circulation in acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the clinical features associated with development of coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and to develop a scoring model for predicting poor collateralization at hospital admission.

METHODS

The study enrolled 224 consecutive patients with NSTEMI admitted to our coronary care unit. Patients were divided into poor (grade 0 and 1) and good (grade 2 and 3) CCC groups.

RESULTS

In logistic regression analysis, presence of diabetes mellitus, total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found as independent positive predictors of poor CCC, whereas older age (≥ 70 years) emerged as a negative indicator. The final scoring model was based on 5 variables which were significant at p < 0.05 level following multivariate analysis. Presence of diabetes mellitus, and elevated total WBC (≥ 7.85 × 103/μL) and neutrophil counts (≥ 6.25 × 103/μL) were assigned with 2 points; high NLR (≥ 4.5) with 1 point and older age (≥ 70 years old) with -1 point. Among 30 patients with risk score ≤ 1, 29 had good CCC (with a 97% negative predictive value). On the other hand, 139 patients had risk score ≥ 4; out of whom, 130 (with a 93.5% positive predictive value) had poor collateralization. Sensitivity and specificity of the model in predicting poor collateralization in patients with scores ≤ 1 and ≥ 4 were 99.2% (130/131) and +76.3 (29/38), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first prediction model for degree of coronary collateralization in patients with acute NSTEMI.

Reduction of QTD--A Novel Marker of Successful Reperfusion in NSTEMI. Pathophysiologic Insights by CMR

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) poses similar detrimental long-term prognosis as ST-segment elevation MI. No marker on ECG is established to predict successful reperfusion in NSTEMI. QT dispersion is increased by myocardial ischemia and reduced by successful restoration of epicardial blood flow by PCI. Whether QT dispersion reduction translates to smaller infarcts and thus indicates successful reperfusion is unknown. We hypothesized that the relative reduction of QT dispersion (QTD-Rrel ) on a standard ECG in acutely reperfused NSTEMI is related to infarct size and infarct transmurality as assessed by delayed enhancement CMR (DE-CMR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

69 patients with a first acute NSTEMI were included. QTD-Rrel was stratified according to LV function and volumes, infarct transmurality and size as assessed by DE-CMR. Extensive myocardial infarction was defined as above median infarct size. LV function and end-systolic volume were only mildly related to QTD-Rrel . QTD-Rrel was inversely related to infarct size (r=-0.506,p=0.001) and infarct transmurality (r=-0.415, p=0.001). QTD-Rrel was associated with extensive myocardial infarction in univariate analysis (odds ratio (OR) 0.958, CI 0.935-0.982; p=0.001). Compared to clinical and angiographic data QTD-Rrel remained the only independent predictor of non-transmural infarcts (OR 1.110, CI 1.055-1.167; p=0.049).

CONCLUSION

In patients with acute Non-ST-Segment Myocardial infarction QTd-Rrel calculated on a surface ECG prior and post PCI for restoration of epicardial blood flow detects small, non-transmural infarcts as assessed by delayed enhancement CMR. Thus, QTd-Rrel can indicate successful reperfusion therapy.

Sex-based differences in clinical features, management, and 28-day and 7-year prognosis of first acute myocardial infarction. RESCATE II study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze sex-based differences in clinical characteristics, management, and 28-day and 7-year prognosis after a first myocardial infarction.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2003, 2042 first myocardial infarction patients were consecutively registered in 6 Spanish hospitals. Clinical characteristics, management, and 28-day case-fatality were prospectively recorded. Seven-year vital status was also ascertained by data linkage with the National Mortality Index.

RESULTS

The registry included 449 women and 1593 men with a first myocardial infarction. Compared with men, women were older, had a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, and were more likely to receive angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors but were less likely to receive beta-blockers or thrombolysis. No differences were observed in use of invasive procedures. More women had non-ST-segment elevation and unclassified myocardial infarction than men (37.9% vs 31.3% and 9.8% vs 6.1%, respectively; both P<.001). Case-fatality at 28 days was similar in women and men (5.57% vs 4.46%; P=.39). After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratio of 28-day mortality for men was 1.06 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-2.27; P=.883) compared with women. After multivariate adjustment, men had higher 7-year mortality than women, hazard ratio 1.93 (95% confidence interval: 1.46-2.56; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There are demographic and clinical differences between men and women with a first myocardial infarction. The short-term prognosis of a first myocardial infarction in this century is similar in both sexes. However, the long-term vital prognosis after a first myocardial infarction is worse in men than in women. These results are observed in both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction events.

Detection of acute coronary occlusion in patients with acute coronary syndromes presenting with isolated ST-segment depression

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine whether 80-lead body surface potential mapping (BSPM) would improve detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and occluded culprit artery in patients presenting with ST-segment depression (STD) only on 12-lead ECG.

BACKGROUND

In patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), the standard 12-lead ECG has limited sensitivity (50-60%) for AMI.

METHODS

Consecutive patients presenting pre- and in-hospital between 2000 and 2006 with acute ischaemic-type chest pain and an initial 12-lead ECG with STD only of ≥ 0.05 mV in two or more contiguous leads were analysed. Flow in the culprit artery at angiography was graded using the TIMI flow grade (TFG) criteria.

RESULTS

Enrolled were 410 patients: of these, 240 (59%) had an occluded culprit artery (TFG 0/1) with AMI, 80 (19%) had a patent culprit artery (TFG 2/3) with AMI, 67 (16%) had TFG 2/3 with cardiac troponin T (cTnT) <0.03 µg/l, and 23 (6%) had TFG 0/1 with cTnT < 0.03 µg/l. BSPM ST-segment elevation (STE) occurred in 267 (65%) patients. For the diagnosis of TFG 0/1 in the culprit artery and AMI, BSPM STE had sensitivity 91% and specificity 72% with STE occurring most commonly in the posterior territory (60%). Patients with TFG 0/1 and AMI were significantly more likely to suffer death or nonfatal MI at 30 days than those with TFG 2/3 and cTnT < 0.03 µg/l (adjusted hazard ratio 4.12, 95% CI 1.67-8.56, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Among 410 ACS patients presenting with only STD, BSPM identifies STE beyond the territory of the 12-lead ECG with sensitivity 91% and specificity 72% for diagnosis of occluded culprit artery with AMI.

Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous coronary intervention in Acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction Study (TAPAS II)-Study design

Background and Objective. The Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous coronary intervention in Acute myocardial infarction Study (TAPAS) has shown that thrombus aspiration improves myocardial perfusion and clinical outcome compared with conventional primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Impaired myocardial perfusion due to spontaneous or angioplasty-induced embolisation of atherothrombotic material also occurs in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The aim of this study is to determine whether thrombus aspiration before stent implantation will result in improved myocardial perfusion in patients with NSTEMI compared with conventional PCI.Study design. The study is a single-centre, prospective, randomised trial with blinded evaluation of endpoints. The planned inclusion is 540 patients with acute NSTEMI who are candidates for urgent PCI. Patients are randomised to treatment with manual thrombus aspiration or to conventional PCI. The primary endpoint is the incidence of myocardial blush grade 3 after PCI. Secondary endpoints are coronary angiographic, histopathological, enzymatic, electrocardiographic and clinical outcomes including major adverse events at 30 days and one year.Implications. If thrombus aspiration leads to significant improvement of myocardial perfusion in patients with acute NSTEMI it may become part of the standard interventional approach. (Neth Heart J 2009;17:409-13.).