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Coronary revascularization is an important part of the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. However, a significant proportion of patients are characterized by high-risk features. Many of these patients are referred for high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) due to the extremely high risk of surgery. To support such procedures and to facilitate the care of high-risk patients, percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVAD) were developed. Due to confounding data and downgraded guidelines for use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), especially in cardiogenic shock caused by myocardial infarction (MI), there is currently growing interest in pLVAD [1, 2]. The use of pLVAD during high-risk PCI in Europe varies from country to country mainly due to different reimbursement policies.

This study aimed to evaluate the indications, short- and long-term outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).A cohort of 112 patients with AS underwent 114 BAV procedures between October 2012 and July 2015 in two Polish interventional cardiology centers. Clinical and echocardiographic data were prospectively collected within 1, 6, and 12 months follow-up.BAV was performed as a bridge to TAVI (51.8%), surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR, 5.4%), before urgent noncardiac surgery (8.0%), for symptom relief (33.0%) and cardiogenic shock (1.8%). Periprocedural, in-hospital, 1-, 6-, 12-month mortality were 2.7%; 8.9%; 8.9%; 16.9%; 22.3%, respectively. Serious periprocedural adverse events occurred in 18.8% of patients. After the procedure, mean aortic valve area (AVA) increased from 0.59 ± 0.18 to 0.82 ± 0.24 cmBAV is a useful procedure in high-risk AS patients, where achieved effects can be sufficient in bridging patients for TAVI/AVR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

INTROduCTION Family history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) is a risk factor of atheroge‑ nesis and adverse coronary events. ObjECTIv Es The aim of the study was to establish whether asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide formation, might be elevated in the asymptomatic offspring of patients with early‑onset CAD and whether it might contribute to subclinical atherosclerosis. PATIENTs ANd mEThOds We studied 20 healthy subjects (10 men and 10 women) aged from 19 to 30 years with a parental history of documented CAD before 60 years of age, and 20 controls with no evidence of parental CAD. ADMA and its isomer, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), were determined by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays. Mean intima‑media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries was assessed by B‑mode ultrasound. REsu LTs Characteristics of the 2 groups were similar, except for insignificant tendencies towards higher low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = 0.07) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 0.06) in the group with a positive family history. Compared with controls, subjects with a parental history of premature CAD had increased IMT (0.54 ±0.05 vs. 0.48 ±0.05 mm; P

Background Diabetes is an important determinant of prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Limited data are available concerning benefits and risks of upstream abciximab administration in diabetic patients. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the impact of early abciximab administration before primary angioplasty (PCI) for STEMI in diabetic patients. Methods Data were gathered for 1650 consecutive STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI from hospital networks in seven countries in Europe from November 2005 to January 2007 (the EUROTRANSFER Registry population). Patients were stratified by diabetes mellitus presence and then by abciximab administration strategy (early – more than 30 min before PCI vs. late). Results Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 262 (15.9%) patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus were high-risk individuals, with advanced age, higher prevalence of comorbidities and increased risk of ischemic events during follow-up in comparison to non-diabetic patients. A total of 1086 patients who received abciximab were identified. Strategy of early abciximab administration was associated with enhanced infarct-related artery patency before PCI, and improved epicardial flow after PCI in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Importantly, early abciximab in diabetic patients led to the decrease in ischemic events, including 30-day (OR 0.260, 95% CI 0.089–0.759, p = 0.012) and 1-year (OR 0.273, 95% CI 0.099–0.749, p = 0.012) mortality reduction. However, only a trend toward improved survival was confirmed after adjustment for potential confounders. On the contrary, the reduction of 30-day (OR 0.620, 95% CI 0.334–1.189, p = 0.16) and 1-year (OR 0.643, 95% CI 0.379–1.089, p = 0.10) mortality rates was not significant among non-diabetic patients. Conclusions Early administration of abciximab improves infarct-related artery patency before and after primary PCI, and leads to improved survival in diabetic STEMI patients.

The MGuard stent (bare metal stent wrapped externally with a polymer mesh sleeve) is designed to prevent distal embolisation by reducing thrombus and plaque fragments released during and post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to confirm the clinical feasibility, safety and performance of the MGuard stent during primary PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).The present study was a multicentre, prospective, single arm study in which 60 patients with STEMI12 hours were enrolled. Predilatation was performed in 61.7% of the cases and thrombus aspiration in 18.3%. In one (1.7%) patient the stent could not cross the lesion. Final TIMI grade 3 flow was observed in 90.0% of patients, with myocardial blush grade 3 in 73.3% of patients and complete (70%) ST-segment resolution 60 minutes after PCI in 61.4% of patients. In 5.0% of cases distal embolisation occurred. The total major adverse cardiac events rate during the 6-month follow-up was 1.7%.Based on this experience, the MGuard stent implantation in STEMI patients is safe and highly effective. A larger randomised trial is warranted to confirm the clinical endpoints.

To assess the patterns of drug-eluting stent (DES) and bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation and associated real-life outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Data were gathered for 1,650 consecutive STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI from hospital networks in seven countries of Europe from November 2005 to January 2007. We identified 1,428 patients with ≥1 stent implanted (86.5%). DES were implanted in 382 patients (26.8%) and BMS in 1,046 patients (73.2%) of 1,428 who received stent.High variability in DES use among countries participating in the registry (range from 6.8 to 72.1%) was observed. The use of DES in STEMI declined during the fourth quarter of 2006 through the first quarter of 2007. In the assessed population, age, previous PCI, systolic and diastolic pressures on admission, clopidogrel before admission, left anterior descending artery as the infarct-related artery, and thrombus aspiration device use were identified as the independent predictors of DES implantation. Use of DES was associated with significantly lower rates of ischemic events during follow-up (1-year mortality: BMS vs. DES: 6.7% vs. 3.1%; p = 0.014), but observed difference was no longer significant after adjustment for propensity score (adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.55 (0.28-1.06); p = 0.07).In this large, prospective European registry, the presence of large geographical and temporal variation of DES utilization in STEMI in Europe was confirmed. DES in STEMI appear to be as safe as BMS, with similar mortality after adjustment for potential confounders and trend toward lower 1-year mortality in patients treated with DES.

OBJECTIVES Our aim was to investigate the safety and efficacy of transradial approach, predictors of bleeding complications, and choice of radial access site in a real-life setting using a contemporary European registry of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND There is an increasing amount of data suggesting that transradial approach is associated with less bleeding at access site and other vascular complications when compared with procedures carried out through the femoral artery. METHODS Consecutive data on STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI in hospital STEMI networks between November 2005 and January 2007 from seven countries in Europe were gathered. Patients were divided into the following two groups: radial approach - with radial access site for primary PCI, and transfemoral approach (FEM) - with femoral access site. RESULTS Data from a total of 1650 patients were collected in the EUROTRANSFER Registry. Abciximab was administered in 1086 patients (66%), 169 patients were assigned to radial approach group, whereas 917 to FEM group. Puncture site hematomas were more frequent in the FEM group (1.2 vs. 9.4%, P

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) and noninfarct-related artery (non-IRA) revascularization during index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data on 1,598 of 1,650 patients with complete angiographic data, with >or=1 significantly stenosed epicardial coronary artery, and without previous coronary artery bypass grafting were retrieved from the EUROTRANSFER Registry database. Patients with 1-, 2-, and 3-vessel disease made up 48.5%, 32.0%, and 19.5% of the registry population, respectively. Patients with MVD were less likely to achieve final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow (1- vs 2- vs 3-vessel disease, 93.6% vs 89.3% vs 87.9%, respectively, p = 0.003) and ST-segment resolution >50% within 60 minutes after PCI (1- vs 2- vs 3-vessel disease, 80.9% vs 77.5% vs 69.3%, respectively, p

Background Limited data are available concerning benefits and risks of early abciximab (EA) administration before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in elderly ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of EA before PPCI in elderly (≥65 years) patients. Methods and results We identified 545 patients 30 min before PPCI), 191 late abciximab (LA)), and 541 patients ≥65 years of age (373 EA, 168 LA) in the EUROTRANSFER Registry database. Elderly patients were more likely to have comorbidities, angiographic PCI complications, and bleeding events. EA promotes infarct-related artery patency before PPCI and improves myocardial reperfusion after PPCI in both age groups, but the risk of 30-day death (EA vs. LA: p =0.999; ≥65 years, 5.9% vs. 14.3%; p =0.001) and 30-day death+reinfarction (EA vs. LA: p =0.999; ≥65 years, 7.5% vs. 17.3%; p =0.001) was reduced in elderly patients only. There was no difference in bleedings, especially major bleedings requiring transfusion (EA vs. LA: patients p =0.055; ≥65 years, 2.4% vs. 3%; p =0.448) between groups. Conclusions Patients ≥65 years of age have a substantially increased risk of angiographic PCI complications, death and bleeding events compared with their younger counterparts. Strategy of EA before PPCI improves reperfusion parameters and clinical outcome in elderly patients and is not associated with elevated risk of major bleeding.

Early rapid platelet inhibition with abciximab before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is suggested as beneficial. In previous studies on early abciximab administration clopidogrel was administered in cathlab in low loading dose. We investigated the role of early abciximab administration on top of early clopidogrel 600 mg loading dose in patients with STEMI treated with PPCI. A total of 73 non-shock STEMI

Comment les fermiers polonais ressentent-ils l'impasse economique agricole dans laquelle la Pologne centrale est engagee depuis la derniere decennie ? A travers les routines quotidiennes, comme l'a montre l'enquete de terrain, s'affairer dans la maison, aux champs, s'occuper de soi sont autant de reponses aux processus socio-economiques. Profondement inscrites dans les routines quotidiennes, toutes ces activites maintiennent collectivement, selon le terme forge par Anthony Giddens, une "securite ontologique". C'est ainsi que les commentaires et les attitudes repetes des paysans revelent une forme d'immobilite et presentent l'image d'activites sans fin et absurdes de meme que la representation de champs en jachere et de forets qui "reviennent". D'un cote se formule une sorte de reponse de prostration collective parmi ces villageois, mais, de l'autre, ces commentaires et recriminations sont a considerer comme des expressions sociales importantes, profondement inscrites dans des representations archaiques et folkloriques.

Several studies have found that among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by thrombolysis, female sex is associated with a worse outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate sex-related differences in clinical and angiographic findings in patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty and Gp IIb-IIIa inhibitors. Our population is represented by 1662 patients undergoing primary angioplasty included in the EGYPT database. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty. Among 1662 patients, 379 were women (22.8%). Female sex was associated with more advanced age, higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, more advanced Killip class, longer ischemia time, less often smokers, with higher prevalence of preprocedural recenalization. No difference was observed in terms of postprocedural TIMI flow, myocardial perfusion and distal embolization. Similar findings were observed in terms of enzymatic infarct size and preprocedural ejection fraction. Female gender was associated with higher mortality (6.4% vs. 3.6%, HR = 1.83 [1.12-3.0], P = 0.015). However, the difference disappeared after correction for baseline confounding factors (HR = 1.01 [0.56-1.83], P = 0.98). This study shows that in patients with STEMI treated by primary angioplasty, female gender is associated with higher mortality rate in comparison with men, and this is mainly due to their higher clinical and angiographic risk profiles. In fact, female sex did not emerge as an independent predictor of mortality.

Background The majority of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients are admitted to centers without primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities. Purpose of the study was to determine safety and outcomes in STEMI patients with transfer delay to PCI>90 min receiving half-dose alteplase and abciximab before PCI (facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis). Methods and results Outcomes of 669 STEMI patients ( 90 min who received half-dose alteplase and full-dose abciximab and were immediately transferred for PCI were compared with primary PCI effects in 1311 patients with transfer delay P P P Conclusions This is the first large report showing the safety and benefits of transportation with very long transfer delay (>90 min) for facilitated PCI with reduced-dose fibrinolysis in STEMI patients. In fact, pharmacological treatment (combotherapy) was effective in overcoming the deleterious effects of long time-delay on outcome, with similar survival as compared to short-time transportation, despite higher risk of major bleeding complication.

The purpose was to identify predictors of cardiogenic shock (CS) on admission and to asses associations between CS and real-life management patterns and outcomes in unselected cohort of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients admitted to hospitals without onsite invasive facilities.Data concerning in-hospital management and mortality of 56 (4.3%) patients with and 1257 (95.7%) without CS on hospital admission was assessed.Prior myocardial infarction, prior heart failure symptoms, age, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with increased risk of CS on admission. A total of 23.8% patients were transferred for invasive treatment during index hospital stay and the frequency of transfer was similar among patients with and without CS on admission (21.4% versus 23.9%; P = 0.75), but in the STEMI subgroup, patients with shock were transported less frequently (21.4% versus 43.8%; P = 0.0027). CS patients were less likely to receive guideline-recommended therapies including antiplatelet drugs, statins, and beta-blockers. In-hospital mortality was lower in non-shock patients (6.2% versus 63.6%; P0.001) and CS on admission was an independent predictor of in-hospital death.CS on admission is an important determinant of treatment strategy selection and is associated with unfavorable prognosis of ACS patients admitted to hospitals without on-site invasive facilities.

Renal insufficiency predisposes to coronary artery disease (CAD), but also CAD and traditional risk factors accelerate renal function loss. Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) deficiency and elevated asymmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) formation inhibitor, predict adverse CAD outcome. Our aim was to assess changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate over time (DeltaeGFR) in relation to baseline EPC blood counts and ADMA levels in stable angina.Eighty non-diabetic men with stable angina were followed up for 2 years after elective coronary angioplasty. Exclusion criteria included heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, eGFR30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and coexistent diseases. Those with cardiovascular events or ejection fraction55% during the follow-up were also excluded. A baseline blood count of CD34+/kinase-insert domain receptor (KDR)+ cells, a leukocyte subpopulation enriched for EPC, was quantified by flow cytometry (percentage of lymphocytes).A synergistic interaction (P = 0.015) between decreased CD34+/KDR+ cell counts and increased plasma ADMA, but not symmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine, was the sole significant multivariate DeltaeGFR predictor irrespective of baseline eGFR. DeltaeGFR was depressed in the simultaneous presence of high ADMA (0.45 micromol/l, median) and low CD34+/KDR+ cell counts (0.035%, median) compared to either of the other subgroups (P = 0.001-0.01). DeltaeGFR did not correlate with traditional risk factors, angiographic CAD extent, levels of C-reactive protein and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.Elevated ADMA and EPC deficiency may synergistically contribute to accelerated renal function decline in stable angina. This could result from the impairment of the EPC-dependent endothelial renewal in the kidney, an NO-dependent process.

Background Little is known about the predictive value of electrocardiographic ST-segment resolution (STR) assessed immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the study was to analyze the value of STR and maximum single-lead ST-segment elevation assessed immediately after primary PCI in prediction of infarct size and left ventricular function in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at 1-year follow-up. Methods and results A total of 28 patients with anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary PCI entered the study. There was a significant correlation of STR and maximum single-lead ST-segment elevation assessed immediately after primary PCI and CMR infarct size and left ventricular function after 1 year. When analyzed according to standard optimal reperfusion cutoff (70% for STR and 1 mm for single-lead elevation), both electrocardiographic parameters were also good predictors of CMR infarct size and left ventricular function after 1 year. Conclusions ST-segment resolution and the single-lead maximum ST-segment elevation assessed immediately after primary PCI for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction are good predictors of infarct size and left ventricular function in 1-year follow-up.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and thrombolysis are approved therapies in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Many clinical trials have shown that primary PCI provides better results than thrombolysis for the STEMI treatment. However, the advantages of invasive approach over fibrinolytic therapy may be blunted by low availability of experienced centres offering 24 h/7 days primary PCI service and by delay to mechanical reperfusion due to prolonged transport. Current guidelines recommend that primary PCI should be performed by skilled professionals within less than 90 (120) min after first medical contact. In practice, these requirements prohibit a large number of STEMI patients from benefiting from primary PCI because of the lack of access to an established primary PCI centre at the site of first presentation and long anticipated interhospital transfer time. Many of them are treated with lytics and referred to angiography with subsequent PCI in different time mode. Current data support the strategy of immediate PCI after lytics than waiting for rescue PCI if lysis is non-effective. The purpose of this article is to review the current approaches to patients after fibrynolytic therapy referred for PCI for STEMI.

Background: Even though time-to-treatment has been shown to be a determinant of mortality in primary angioplasty, the potential benefits from early pharmacological reperfusion by glycoprotein (Gp) IIb–IIIa inhibitors are still unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to combine individual data from all randomised trials conducted on facilitated primary angioplasty by the use of early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Methods and results: The literature was scanned by formal searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) from January 1990 to October 2007. All randomised trials on facilitation by the early administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were examined. No language restrictions were enforced. Individual patient data were obtained from 11 out of 13 trials, including 1662 patients (840 patients (50.5%) randomly assigned to early and 822 patients (49.5%) to late Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitor administration). Preprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Study (TIMI) grade 3 flow was more frequent with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Postprocedural TIMI 3 flow and myocardial blush grade 3 were higher with early Gp IIb– IIIa inhibitors but did not reach statistical significance except for abciximab, whereas the rate of complete STsegment resolution was significantly higher with early Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Mortality was not significantly different between groups, although early abciximab demonstrated improved survival compared with late administration, even after adjustment for clinical and angiographic confounding factors. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that pharmacological facilitation with the early administration of Gp IIb– IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI is associated with significant benefits in terms of preprocedural epicardial recanalisation and ST-segment resolution, which translated into non-significant mortality benefits except for abciximab.

Background and aim: We sought to evaluate the impact of multiple stent implantation in the infarct-related artery (IRA) on one-year clinical outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results: Data on 1741 consecutive patients with STEMI, who underwent immediate PCI with implantation of ≥ 1 stent, enrolled the National Registry of Drug Eluting Stents (NRDES) were assessed. Patients were stratified based on the number of implanted stents in IRA: 1 vs. ≥ 2 stents. At the discretion of operators, ≥ 2 stents in IRA were implanted in 247 (14.2%) patients. The remaining 1494 patients were treated with a single stent. Patients treated with multiple stents were less likely to achieve Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow after primary PCI. Overall mortality at one year was 8.3% in the single stent group and 10.3% in the ≥ 2 stents group (p = 0.37; adjusted for propensity score p = 0.13). After propensity score matching, patients treated with ≥ 2 stents were at higher risk of definite or probable stent thrombosis and urgent revascularisation at one year. Conclusions: In patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, a need for implantation of ≥ 2 stents in IRA carries an increased risk of stent thrombosis and urgent revascularisation at one year.

Introduction: There are still limited data on the occurrence of multiple stenotic lesions within the infarct-related artery (IRA) in acute myocardial infarction (MI), and there is no consensus on the optimal treatment of this patient subgroup, which varies between centers and operators. Aim: To analyse the clinical efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy of culprit lesion only in patients with myocardial infarction. Material and methods: Patients with acute MI with the presence of at least two significant lesions in the IRA – (1) the target culprit lesion which required immediate stenting (> 50–100% stenosis) and (2) a second distal critical lesion (70–90%) – were included in the registry. Both lesions in the IRA were considered to be independent lesions requiring two separate stent platforms to be covered (no overlap). The decision on the treatment strategy of either complete (CR) or culprit-lesion-only (CLO) revascularization was at the discretion of the operator. Results: There were altogether 95 patients enrolled in the registry, 63 (66%) in the group with CR of the IRA and 32 (34%) with CLO revascularization, which did not differ in terms of baseline demographics. In-hospital and long-term outcomes were similar between the groups. Stent thrombosis at 1 year occurred in 1.6% in CR and in 6.2% in CLO groups respectively (statistically not significant). There were no patients from the CLO group who had a planned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the 2 nd lesion in the IRA during 1-year observation. Conclusions: At 1 year the clinical outcome was similar between those with complete and CLO PCI. Complete coverage of significant lesions did not increase the risk of stent thrombosis or need for repeated revascularization in long-term observation.

Wstep: Zabiegi pierwotnej przezskornej interwencji wiencowej (PCI) stanowią preferowaną metode leczenia reperfuzyjnego pacjentow z zawalem serca z uniesieniem odcinka ST (STEMI) w stosunku do fibrynolizy, jeśli mogą byc wykonane w odpowiednim przedziale czasowym, przez doświadczony personel, w ośrodku prowadzącym calodobowy dyzur hemodynamiczny. Opoźnienie związane z logistyką przekazania chorego z STEMI do pracowni hemodynamiki moze byc ograniczeniem dla tej metody terapii. Cel: Celem pracy byla ocena wynikow leczenia pacjentow z STEMI hospitalizowanych w Szpitalu Powiatowym w Tarnowie w okresie przed i po wprowadzeniu dyzuru hemodynamicznego. Metody: Rejestr obejmowal 12-miesieczny Okres I (19.04.2004–19.04.2005) przed wprowadzeniem dyzuru hemodynamicznego i 15-miesieczny Okres II (8.08.2005–19.10.2006) po wprowadzeniu calodobowego dyzuru hemodynamicznego. Do badania wlączono 226 pacjentow z STEMI (Okres STEMI I: n = 115, Okres STEMI II: n = 111). Pacjenci z grupy STEMI I byli leczeni zachowawczo (n = 59), farmakoinwazyjnie (farmakoterapia za pomocą polowy dawki lityku — alteplazy z pelną dawką abciximabu, a nastepnie transfer do ośrodka referencyjnego w celu wykonania koronarografii/PCI) (n = 32), a u cześci chorych zastosowano terapie lityczną streptokinazą (n = 24), natomiast w Okresie II u wszystkich pacjentow wykonano zabieg pierwotnej PCI w 1. dobie hospitalizacji. Grupy zostaly poddane rocznej obserwacji, w czasie ktorej oceniano czestośc wystepowania zgonow z przyczyn sercowo-naczyniowych, ponownych zawalow serca niezakonczonych zgonem i zabiegow rewaskularyzacyjnych PCI/pomostowania aortalno-wiencowego. Wyniki: Terapie reperfuzyjną zastosowano u 48,7% pacjentow z grupy STEMI I (leczenie farmakoinwazyjne: 27,8%, terapia lityczna: 20,9%) oraz u wszystkich pacjentow z grupy STEMI II (pierwotna PCI 100%). Śmiertelnośc wewnątrzszpitalna w grupie STEMI I byla istotnie wyzsza niz w grupie STEMI II (23,5% vs . 5,4%; p < 0,001), a w grupie chorych leczonych zachowawczo wynosila 23,7%. Iloraz ryzyka (HR) dla Okresu II w porownaniu z Okresem I wyniosl 0,14 (95% CI 0,03–0,62; p = 0,009). Korzyśc z zastosowania leczenia inwazyjnego utrzymywala sie w obserwacji 12-miesiecznej (śmiertelnośc STEMI I vs . STEMI II: 26,1% vs . 9,0%; p = 0,001). Zastosowanie leczenia inwazyjnego skracalo czas hospitalizacji pacjentow z STEMI. Wnioski: Wprowadzenie regionalnego programu pierwotnej PCI opartego na sieci terapii interwencyjnej zawalu pozwolilo na zwiekszenie czestości leczenia reperfuzyjnego oraz zwiekszenie dostepności do diagnostyki i terapii inwazyjnej. Po wprowadzeniu regionalnego programu pierwotnej PCI stwierdzono mniejszą śmiertelnośc wewnątrzszpitalną i roczną u pacjentow z STEMI.

Contrasting data have been so far reported on facilitation with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors (GpIIbIIIa) in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. However, it has been demonstrated a time-dependent composition of coronary thrombus in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, with more platelets in the first hours. Subsequently, the benefits of early administration of GpIIbIIIa may be affected by the time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa, that therefore is the aim of this study. Our population is represented by 814 patients who underwent GpIIbIIIa facilitated primary angioplasty included in the Early glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in primary angioplasty database. Patients were divided according to quartiles of time from symptom onset to GpIIbIIIa administration (≤65 minutes; 65 to 100 minutes; 101 to 178 minutes; and178 minutes). Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa was linearly associated with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and previous myocardial infarction but inversely associated with smoking. Abciximab was more often administrated later from symptoms onset. Time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa was significantly associated with the rate of preprocedural recanalization (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] 2 to 3; p0.001), postprocedural TIMI 3 flow (p0.001), the rate of complete ST-segment resolution (p0.001), and the rate of myocardial blush grade 2 to 3 (p0.001) and inversely associated with the occurrence of distal embolization (p0.001). Follow-up data were collected at a median (twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth) of 360 (30 to 1,095) days. A total of 52 patients had died. Time to GpIIbIIIa had a significant impact on mortality (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.46 [1.11 to 1.92], p = 0.007) that was confirmed after correction for baseline confounding factors (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.41 [1.02 to 2.21], p = 0.042). In conclusion, this study showed that in patients who underwent primary angioplasty with upstream GpIIbIIIa, time from symptoms onset to GpIIbIIIa strongly impacts on preprocedural recanalization, distal embolization, myocardial perfusion, and long-term survival.

Background— The MGuard, a bare metal stent covered with a polymer mesh, was designed to reduce distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. In the MGUARD for Acute ST Elevation Reperfusion trial, the primary end point of complete ST-segment resolution was significantly improved with the MGuard compared with control. We evaluated 1-year clinical and angiographic results. Methods and Results— Patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction ≤12 hours undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention of a single de novo native lesion were randomized to the MGuard versus any commercially available metallic stent (39.8% drug-eluting). Clinical follow-up was performed through 1 year, and angiography at 13 months was planned in 50 MGuard patients. There was no difference in major adverse cardiac events (1.8% versus 2.3%; P =0.75) at 30 days between the groups. Major adverse cardiac events at 1 year were higher with the MGuard, driven by greater ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (8.6% versus 0.9%; P =0.0003). Conversely, mortality tended to be lower with the MGuard at 30 days (0% versus 1.9%; P =0.04) and at 1 year (1.0% versus 3.3%; P =0.09). Late lumen loss at 13 months in the MGuard was 0.99±0.80 mm, and binary restenosis was 31.6%. Conclusions— In patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a trend toward reduced 1-year mortality was present in patients treated with the MGuard stent. Target lesion revascularization and major adverse cardiac events rates during follow-up were higher in the MGuard group than in the control stent group, and angiographic late loss of the MGuard was consistent with that expected from bare metal stents. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01368471.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of postcatheterization arterial pseudoaneurysms. We evaluated retrospectively 82 consecutive subjects treated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of postcatheterization femoral (n = 79), brachial (n = 2), and radial (n = 1) pseudoaneurysms from January 2006 to April 2012. Pseudoaneurysm size, thrombin dose, and therapy outcome were documented. All pseudoaneurysm sacs were thrombosed with a single injection. The overall primary success rate (complete sac thrombosis) was 92.7%. A 30-day Doppler ultrasound follow-up showed a 100% procedural success. There were no complications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:24–26, 2014

We report a rare case of septal ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by isolated, thrombotic occlusion of a large septal branch successfully treated with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. The patient was a 56-year-old male, with past medical history of stable angina for two years, arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, in whom the diagnosis of septal wall STEMI was made by ambulance team at home. Patient received 300 mg of aspirin, 600 mg of clopidogrel and 5000 units of unfractionated heparin. He presented in primary-PCI center with crushing retrosternal chest pain lasting two hours. In the electrocardiogram ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 was found (Fig. 1). Immediate coronary angiography of the right coronary artery using femoral approach and standard 6 French diagnostic catheter was performed showing a chronic total occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery with good collateral flow (Fig. 2A). In the angiography of the left coronary artery performed using Launcher (Medtronic Vascular, USA) 6 French Judkins left guiding catheter a chronic total occlusion of the mid left circumflex artery with retrograde filling from collaterals was demonstrated (Fig. 2B).

An invasive approach improves outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) but is associated with the increased risk of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN). The predictors of CIN persistence until discharge (despite of specific treatment) has not been fully analyzed in ACS patients. The

Current STEMI guidelines recommend thrombectomy should be considered during primary PCI. Multiple data from randomized clinical trials, registries, and metanalysis have confirmed the efficacy of thrombectomy in terms of surrogate endpoints like better myocardial perfusion, less pronounced distal embolization, and conflicting results on lower all-cause mortality. Our aim was to analyze long-term outcome of STEMI patients treated with manual thrombectomy during primary PCI in a contemporary national registry.There were 13 catheterization laboratories in Poland that enrolled patients in NRDES Registry. Patients were divided into two groups: those that were treated with manual thrombectomy for their primary PCI vs. those who were not.There were altogether 2,686 patients enrolled in the NRDES Registry of whom 1,763 were diagnosed with STEMI (66%). Aspiration thrombectomy was used in 673 of these cases (38%) and 1,090 (62%) patients were treated without thrombectomy during the index primary PCI. Overall mortality at 1 year was 11.03% in thrombectomy and 7.46% in no thrombectomy group respectively (P = 0.0292 which became insignificant after propensity score matching adjustment P = 0.613). Specific subgroup analyses revealed that there was no benefit from aspiration thrombectomy in neither subgroup.Manual aspiration thrombectomy in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI was not associated with improved long-term 1-year clinical outcome. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any specific setting in which thrombectomy would be clinically superior. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

There are still only limited data concerning the use of creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) values for predicting infarct size in long-term follow up in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who have undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between CKMB and both infarct size and left ventricular function during a 6-month follow up.In a cohort of 68 patients with STEMI treated with PCI, serial CKMB assessment was performed at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 48 hours after PCI. The area under the curve (AUC) of CKMB was calculated. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters were assessed at 6 months.All CKMB single time-point values, AUC CKMB, and CKMB maximal value after primary PCI were correlated with CMR infarct size and left ventricular function, but a high correlation (r0.7) was found only for CKMB at 6 hours, CKMB at 12 hours, CKMB AUC, CKMB maximal value, and CMR infarct size (r=0.71, r=0.73, r=0.72, r=0.75, respectively, p0.001 for all).CKMB assessment is a good predictor of infarct size at 6 months in patients with STEMI treated with PCI. The CKMB value at a single time point 12 hours after PCI is a good predictor of infarct size at 6 months, comparable to serial assessment parameters such as AUC CKMB and CKMB maximal value.

Background: The MGuard stent (a bare-metal stent wrapped externally in a polymer mesh sleeve) was introduced to reduce the risk of distal embolisation and no-reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in thrombus containing lesions, including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, data on the long-term performance of the MGuard stent is limited. Aim: To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of MGuard stent implantation during primary PCI for STEMI. Methods and results: In this multicentre study, a total of 60 patients with STEMI ≤ 12 h treated with the MGuard stent were enrolled. Angiographic success of PCI was achieved in 96.7%, with the final TIMI grade 3 flow in 90.0% of patients. At six months, the overall rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of cardiac death, nonfatal target vessel reinfarction, target lesion revascularisation, and stroke) was 1.7%. A long-term follow-up of the study was successfully performed in 57 patients (mean follow-up of 38.7 ± 3.1 months). The long-term cardiac mortality was 7.0%, with a MACCE rate of 8.8%. There was no decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction and no enlargement of the left ventriclebetween index and long-term follow-up echocardiogram. Conclusions: The early safety and efficacy of the MGuard stent was maintained during the long-term follow-up. However, comparative data from ongoing randomised clinical trials are still required to confirm the long-term efficacy of MGuard stent implantation in patients with STEMI.

Despite mechanical reperfusion, the outcome is still unsatisfactory in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The vast majority of studies have been conducted without extensive use of glycoprotein (Gp) IIb–IIIa inhibitors, which have been associated with improved perfusion and survival. Thus the aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of age on the angiographic and clinical outcome patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty with Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Our population is represented by a total of 1,662 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI included in 11 randomized trials comparing early versus late administration of Gp IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty. A total of 231 (13.9 %) patients were older than 75 years. Elderly patients showed a larger prevalence of female gender, hypertension, and diabetes, more advanced Killip class at presentation and longer time to treatment, but a smaller prevalence of smoking. All patients were treated with GP IIb–IIIa inhibitors. Elderly patients showed a significantly impaired postprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow (TIMI 0–2: 17.7 vs 10.3 %, P = 0.002) and myocardial perfusion (myocardial blush grade 0–1: 38.3 vs 26.5 %, P = 0.001), and higher prevalence of distal embolization (19.2 vs 9.8 %, P < 0.001), whereas no difference was observed in terms of ST-segment resolution. At follow-up, elderly patients showed a significantly higher mortality (3.2 vs 11.0 %, hazard ratio (HR) (95 % confidence interval (CI)) = 3.78 (2.31–6.16), P < 0.001), which was confirmed after adjustment for baseline confounding factors (HR (95 % CI) = 5.01 (2.63–9.55), P < 0.0001). This study showed that among patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty, advanced age is an independent predictor of mortality after primary angioplasty. Higher rates of distal embolization and poor myocardial perfusion, in addition to the worse risk profile, contribute toward explaining the impact of aging on mortality.

New oral antiplatelet drugs (prasugrel, ticagrelor) are recommended in the current European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) [1]. However, in many STEMI hospital networks administration of a 600-mg clopidogrel loading dose before or during transfer to cathlab (including in ambulance administration) is a standard of care, since this strategy has been implemented for many years. Early administration of the drug may enhance antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in comparison to the administration in the cathlab. On the other hand, the response to clopidogrel in patients with STEMI, especially in patients with hemodynamic compromise is impaired. Prasugrel and ticagrelor are more potent antiplatelet drugs, with faster and more profound antiplatelet effect. These agents are preferred over clopidogrel, if not contraindicated, in patients with STEMI since both are superior in comparison to clopidogrel in terms of the reduction of ischemic events [2, 3]. However, introduction of prasugrel and ticagrelor may need to change STEMI network logistics since those new drugs are predominantly administered in the cathlab, but not in ambulances or in non-PCI centers before transportation [4]. In our high-volume primary PCI center, early (before transfer to cathlab) administration of acetylsalicylic acid, unfractionated heparin and a 600-mg clopidogrel loading dose has been a well-established standard of treatment from many years. In-cathlab administration of antiplatelet drugs was a rare strategy so it was necessary to reorganize STEMI network for new antiplatelet drugs introduction in daily practice. An observational, prospective registry was designed to describe the implementation of new oral antiplatelet drugs in our network. First 100 consecutive STEMI patients (no exclusion criteria) admitted to our center after introduction of prasugrel and ticagrelor were enrolled. Registry was focused on antiplatelet therapy including type of drug, moment of administration, time from administration to PCI. Data on reason for the administration of clopidogrel instead of new drugs was also collected. Additionally, platelet aggregation inhibition was assessed at the time of PCI (guide wire introduction) with Plateletworks Aggregation Kits (Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX, USA) [5]. The registry analyzed the current clinical practice and did not modify patients diagnostics and treatment. A total of 100 consecutive STEMI patients entered the registry. Clinical characteristics of patient population are presented in Table 1. Registry represents real life STEMI population including elderly patients and patients in cardiogenic shock. Acetylsalicylic acid was administered before transfer to cathlab in all patients. New oral antiplatelet drugs were given after cathlab admission before or during coronary angiography only in 15 out of 100 patients (13 patients treated with a 60-mg prasugrel loading dose; 2 patients treated with a 180-mg ticagrelor loading dose). In the remaining 85 patients a 600-mg clopidogrel loading T. Rakowski (&) A. Dziewierz Z. Siudak P. Kleczynski J. S. Dubiel Second Department of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 17 Street, 31-501 Krakow, Poland e-mail: mcrakows@cyfronet.pl

Deterioration of left ventricular function during follow-up was reported in some patients with syndrome X and concomitant left bundle branch block. The patients with syndrome X and left bundle branch block has been frequently presented with elevated Endothelin-1 (ET-1) level while brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (a sensitive marker of left ventricular dysfunction) has not been measured in patients with syndrome X.The purpose of the present study was to assess left ventricular diastolic function, levels of N-terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) precursor and biochemical parameters of endothelial function in patients with syndrome X complicated by left bundle branch block but preserved left ventricular systolic function (group A, n=8). The echocardiographic and neurohormonal measures in these patients were compared to those in patients with syndrome X without left bundle branch block (group B, n=13), and controls (group C, n=15).At rest and after exercise the serum concentration of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in group A than in the controls (at rest: 232+/-96 vs. 133+/-23 fmol/ml, P=0.03; after exercise: 313+/-96 vs. 180+/-33 fmol/ml, P=0.02). The highest concentration of endothelin-1 was also found in group A, being significantly higher than in the controls (6.81 vs. 4.52 pg/ml, P0.05). Mitral flow abnormalities were detected in left bundle branch block patients. Accordingly, the lowest E/A ratio was in group A and it differed significantly from that in group C (0.85 vs. 1.1, P0.05). E/A ratio inversely correlated with plasma NT-proBNP concentration in patients with left bundle branch block (r=-0.48, P=0.02).Elevated NT-proBNP and endothelin-1 plasma concentrations were demonstrated in patients with syndrome X complicated by left bundle branch block even when left ventricular systolic function was still preserved. In this subgroup the magnitude of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction correlated with the increase of BNP level which reflects neurohormonal activation.

We hereby report the first – to the best of our knowledge – case of primary lipoma of the aortic valve. The tumor has been diagnosed by echocardiography supported by magnetic resonance imaging in a 63-year-old man with acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and one-vessel coronary artery disease. Five weeks from the onset of STEMI, direct implantation of a bare metal stent into the right coronary artery was successfully undertaken and 6 weeks later aortic valve with an encapsulated mass was excised with subsequent artificial valve implantation. Histological examination revealed typical features of lipoma. Three months after the operation the patient was asymptomatic and exhibited a good function of the artificial valve.

We sought to evaluate the impact of direct stenting technique on angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary angioplasty (PCI).Data on 1,419 patients who underwent immediate PCI for STEMI with implantation of ≥1 stent within native coronary artery were retrieved from the EUROTRANSFER Registry database. Patients were stratified based on the stent implantation technique: direct (without predilatation) vs. conventional stenting. Propensity score adjustment was used to control possible selection bias.Direct stenting technique was used in 276 (19.5%) patients. Remaining 1,143 patients were treated with stent implantation after balloon predilatation. Direct compared with conventional stenting resulted in significantly greater rates of postprocedural TIMI grade 3 flow (conventional vs. direct stenting: 91.5% vs. 94.9%, adjusted OR 2.09 (1.13-3.89), P = 0.020), and lower risk of no-reflow (3.4% vs. 1.4%, adjusted OR 0.31 (0.10-0.92), P = 0.035). The rates for ST-segment resolution50% after PCI were higher in patients treated with direct stenting technique (76.3% vs. 86.2%, adjusted OR 1.64 (1.10-2.46), P = 0.016). A significant reduction in 1-year mortality in patients from the direct stenting group compared with the conventional stenting group, even after adjustment for propensity score was observed (6.5% vs. 2.9%, adjusted OR 0.45 (0.21-0.99), P = 0.047).When anatomically and technically feasible, the use of direct stenting technique may result in improved long-term survival in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Background. Patients with degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) exhibit elevated prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS). Our aim was to investigate prevalence of significant CAD and ICAS in relation to demographic and cardiovascular risk profile among patients with severe degenerative AS. Methods. We studied 145 consecutive patients (77 men and 68 women) aged 49-91 years (median, 76) with severe degenerative AS who underwent coronary angiography and carotid ultrasonography in our tertiary care center. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of either significant CAD (n=86) or ICAS (n=22). Results. The prevalence of significant CAD or ICAS was higher with increasing number of traditional risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking habit) and decreasing renal function. We found interactions between age and gender in terms of CAD (p=0.01) and ICAS (p=0.06), which was confirmed by multivariate approach. With the reference to men with a below-median age, the prevalence of CAD or ICAS increased in men aged >76 years (89% vs. 55% and 28% vs. 14%, respectively), whereas the respective percentages were lower in older vs. younger women (48% vs. 54% and 7% vs. 17%). Conclusions. In severe degenerative AS gender modulates the association of age with coronary and carotid atherosclerosis with its lower prevalence in women aged >76 years compared to their younger counterparts. This may result from a hypothetical “survival bias”, i.e., an excessive risk of death in very elderly women with severe AS and coexisting relevant coronary or carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Primary angioplasty has been shown to be superior to thrombolysis. However, previous reports have shown a negative impact of longer time-to-treatment on myocardial perfusion and survival even with mechanical reperfusion. However, these deleterious effects might potentially be overcome by an extensive use of glycoprotein (Gp) IIb-IIIa inhibitors. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic role of the interval from symptoms onset to reperfusion in a large cohort of patients undergoing primary angioplasty with Gp IIb-IIIa inhibitors. METHODS Our population is represented by 1560 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) included in the EGYPT (Early Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa Inhibitors in Primary Angiography) database. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by angiography or ST-segment resolution, whereas infarct size was estimated by using peak creatine kinase and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty. RESULTS Time-to-treatment was significantly associated with age and female sex, diabetes and previous myocardial infarction (MI), but inversely related to smoking. Time-to-treatment affected the rate of postprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow (P

Aims Using the database from the large-scale, prospective, randomised HORIZONS-AMI trial, the authors sought to assess the impact of bifurcation target lesions (BTL) on angiographic, electrocardiographic, and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results In HORIZONS-AMI, bifurcation lesions in which a provisional approach was planned were eligible for enrolment. By angiographic core laboratory assessment of 3,306 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, 333 patients (10%) had ≥1 BTL, and 2,973 patients had no BTL. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups, except for lower left ventricular ejection fraction and more frequent left anterior descending infarct artery in the BTL group. BTLs required longer procedural and fluoroscopy times and higher contrast loads, but rates of TIMI 3 flow post PCI were similar in both groups (with vs. without BTL 99% vs. 87%, p=0.25). ST-segment resolution ≥70% by core laboratory analysis was similar in both groups (48% vs. 50%, p=0.47). Importantly, there was no difference between groups in the rate of death (6.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.72), definite or probable stent thrombosis (4.2% vs. 5.2%, p=0.42), and ischaemic target vessel revascularisation (14.3% vs. 14.0%, p=0.86) during three-year follow-up. Conclusions Although the PCI procedure involving BTL was more complex, the acute results and late outcomes in patients with BTLs were comparable to those in patients without BTLs.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP, pg/ml) assessment to predict infarct size and left ventricle function after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at long-term follow-up.METHODS: In 45 patients with first STEMI less than 3 hours from symptom onset treated with mechanical reperfusion NT-pro BNP was assessed early (at admission) and at 6 months. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters (delayed enhancement infarct size (IS, %), left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDVI, ml/m2) and end-systolic (LVESVI, ml/m2) volume indexes) were assessed at 6 months.RESULTS: No significant correlation was found between baseline NT-pro BNP assessment and IS and left ventricle function after 6 months. There was a significant correlation between 6-month NT-pro BNP and IS (r= 0.65,p< 0.001) and left ventricle remodeling at 6 months (LVEDVI,r= 0.53,p= 0.001; LVESVI,r= 0.51,p= 0.002).CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of NT-pro BNP level 6 months after STEMI remains a good indicator of infarct size and left ventricle function at long-term follow-up.

Hypertension is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, data on the impact of hypertension in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are inconsistent and mainly related to studies performed in the thrombolytic era, with very few data on patients undergoing primary angioplasty. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of hypertension on distal embolization, myocardial perfusion, and mortality in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Our population is represented by 1,662 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI included in the Early Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitors in Primary angioplasty database. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected within 1 year after primary angioplasty. Hypertension was observed in 700 patients (42.1%). Hypertension was associated with more advanced age (p 0.001), female gender (p0.001), diabetes (p0.001), hypercholesterolemia (p0.001), previous revascularization (p0.001), anterior myocardial infarction (p = 0.006), longer ischemia time (p = 0.03), more extensive coronary artery disease (p = 0.002), more often treated with abciximab (p0.001), and less often smokers (p0.001). Hypertension was associated with impaired postprocedural myocardial blush grade 2 to 3 (68.2% vs 74.2%, p = 0.019) and complete ST segment resolution (51.7% vs 61.1%, p = 0.001). By a mean follow-up of 206 ± 158 days, 70 patients (4.3%) had died. Hypertension was associated with a greater mortality (6.2% vs 2.9%, hazard ratio 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 3.73, p 0.001), confirmed after correction for baseline confounding factors (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 3.22, p0.001). In conclusion, this study showed that among patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty, hypertension is associated with impaired reperfusion and independently predicts 1-year mortality.

The present study assessed the impact of early administration of abciximab in female and male patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transferred for primary angioplasty (PPCI). Data were gathered for 1,650 consecutive patients with STEMI transferred for PPCI from hospital networks in seven countries in Europe from November 2005 to January 2007 (the EUROTRANSFER Registry population). Among 1,086 patients who received abciximab, there were 186 women and 541 men who received abciximab early (>30 min before PPCI), and 86 women and 273 men treated with late abciximab. Female patients were high-risk individuals, with advanced age and increased rate of ischemic events. Early abciximab administration was associated with enhanced patency of the infarct-related artery before PPCI, and improved epicardial flow after PPCI in both women and men. Early abciximab in women led to the decrease in ischemic events, including 30 day (adjusted OR 0.26, 95 % CI 0.10–0.69, p = 0.007) and 1 year (adjusted OR 0.37, 95 % CI 0.16–0.84, p = 0.017) mortality reduction. In contrast, the reduction in 30 day (adjusted OR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.35–1.39, p = 0.27) and 1 year (adjusted OR 0.68, 95 % CI 0.38–1.22, p = 0.19) mortality was not significant in men. The frequency of bleeding events was similar in the early abciximab group compared to the late abciximab group in both women and men. Early administration of abciximab improved patency of the infarct-related artery before and after PPCI, and led to improved survival in female patients with STEMI.

Background ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery occlusion in the setting of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a very rare presentation. Objective Our aim was to report on the use of primary angioplasty in a patient with STEMI in the setting of CO poisoning. Case Report A 36-year-old man with retrosternal chest pain was admitted after exposure to CO. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST depression in I, aVL, and V3−V4 with slight ST elevation in II, III, aVF leads. Toxic carboxyhemoglobin level of 22% and troponin I of 2.19 μg/L were confirmed. After oxygen therapy the chest pain diminished, but after about 15 h it returned. The repeat ECG revealed normalization of previous ST depression with persistent ST elevation in II, III, aVF leads. The troponin I concentration was 5.94 μg/L. An echocardiogram demonstrated an apex hypokinesia involving the adjacent segments of the anterior and lateral wall. On the coronary angiogram, an acute occlusion of the distal left anterior descending coronary artery was confirmed. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the infarct-related artery was performed. After PCI, the patient was symptom free and had partial ST-segment elevation resolution. The patient was discharged home after 7 days, with persistent ST-T changes and mild hypokinesia of the apex suggesting myocardial injury. Conclusions Patients with toxic CO exposure who have symptoms of STEMI should be carefully evaluated with serial ECG, cardiac necrosis marker measurements, and an echocardiogram. When there is evidence of myocardial injury, a wider use of coronary angiography can identify patients who could benefit from PCI.

Summary Background Although primary angioplasty achieves thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 3 flow in most patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, epicardial recanalization does not guarantee optimal perfusion in a large proportion of patients. The influence of multivessel disease on myocardial reperfusion and survival after primary angioplasty has not been extensively investigated. Aim To evaluate the impact of multivessel disease on myocardial perfusion and survival in a large cohort of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with angioplasty and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Methods This analysis is based on 1494 patients undergoing primary angioplasty included in the EGYPT database. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by angiography or ST-segment resolution, whereas infarct size was estimated by using peak creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty. Results Multivessel disease was observed in 870 patients (58.2%). The extent of coronary artery disease was associated with age, diabetes, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, previous revascularization, abciximab treatment and longer ischaemic time, and was independently associated with impaired angiographic myocardial perfusion (adjusted odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.40, P = 0.049). At 208 ± 160 days, the extent of coronary artery disease was independently associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.24, P = 0.022). Conclusions Among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor treatment, the extent of coronary artery disease was independently associated with impaired myocardial perfusion and survival.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of postcatheterization arterial pseudoaneurysms. We evaluated retrospectively 82 consecutive subjects treated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of postcatheterization femoral (n = 79), brachial (n = 2), and radial (n = 1) pseudoaneurysms from January 2006 to April 2012. Pseudoaneurysm size, thrombin dose, and therapy outcome were documented. All pseudoaneurysm sacs were thrombosed with a single injection. The overall primary success rate (complete sac thrombosis) was 92.7%. A 30-day Doppler ultrasound follow-up showed a 100% procedural success. There were no complications.

Objectives To assess the impact of age on safety and efficacy of paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) implantation during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background The benefits of paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) implantation during primary PCI were confirmed by the long-term results of the HORIZONS-AMI trial. Whether the effects of PES are independent of age has not been reported. Methods Data on 3,006 patients from the HORIZONS-AMI study randomized in a 3:1 ratio to PES or bare-metal stent (BMS) in whom at least one stent was implanted were assessed. There were 2,302 (76.6%) patients