Search

Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality for assessing cardiac function and morphology. The miniaturisation of ultrasound technology has led to the development of hand-held cardiac ultrasound (HCU) devices. The increasing sophistication of available HCU devices enables clinicians to more comprehensively examine patients at the bedside. HCU can augment clinical exam findings by offering a rapid screening assessment of cardiac dysfunction in both the Emergency Department and in cardiology clinics. Possible implications of implementing HCU into clinical practice are discussed in this review paper.

Objective We aimed to investigate the safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB)-only angioplasty compared to drug-eluting stent (DES), as part of routine clinical practice. Background The recent BASKETSMALL2 trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of DCB angioplasty for de novo small vessel disease. Registry data have also demonstrated that DCB angioplasty is safe; however, most of these studies are limited due to long recruitment time and a small number of patients with DCB compared to DES. Therefore, it is unclear if DCB-only strategy is safe to incorporate in routine elective clinical practice. Methods We compared all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular endpoints (MACE), including unplanned target lesion revascularisation (TLR) of all patients treated with DCB or DES for first presentation of stable angina due to de novo coronary artery disease between 1st January 2015 and 15th November 2019. Data were analysed with Cox regression models and cumulative hazard plots. Results We present 1237 patients; 544 treated with DCB and 693 treated with DES for de novo, mainly large-vessel coronary artery disease. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only age and frailty remained significant adverse predictors of all-cause mortality. Univariable, cumulative hazard plots showed no difference between DCB and DES for either all-cause mortality or any of the major cardiovascular endpoints, including unplanned TLR. The results remained unchanged following propensity score-matched analysis. Conclusion DCB-only angioplasty, for stable angina and predominantly large vessels, is safe compared to DES as part of routine clinical practice, in terms of all-cause mortality and MACE, including unplanned TLR. Graphic abstract

Objective\ud \ud We aim to validate four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) peak velocity tracking methods for measuring the peak velocity of mitral inflow against Doppler echocardiography.\ud \ud \ud \ud Method\ud \ud Fifty patients were recruited who had 4D flow CMR and Doppler Echocardiography. After transvalvular flow segmentation using established valve tracking methods, peak velocity was automatically derived using three-dimensional streamlines of transvalvular flow. In addition, a static-planar method was used at the tip of mitral valve to mimic Doppler technique.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud Peak E-wave mitral inflow velocity was comparable between TTE and the novel 4D flow automated dynamic method (0.9 ± 0.5 vs 0.94 ± 0.6 m/s; p = 0.29) however there was a statistically significant difference when compared with the static planar method (0.85 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.01). Median A-wave peak velocity was also comparable across TTE and the automated dynamic streamline (0.77 ± 0.4 vs 0.76 ± 0.4 m/s; p = 0.77). A significant difference was seen with the static planar method (0.68 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.04). E/A ratio was comparable between TTE and both the automated dynamic and static planar method (1.1 ± 0.7 vs 1.15 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.74 and 1.15 ± 0.5 m/s; p = 0.5 respectively). Both novel 4D flow methods showed good correlation with TTE for E-wave (dynamic method; r = 0.70; P < 0.001 and static-planar method; r = 0.67; P < 0.001) and A-wave velocity measurements (dynamic method; r = 0.83; P < 0.001 and static method; r = 0.71; P < 0.001). The automated dynamic method demonstrated excellent intra/inter-observer reproducibility for all parameters.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusion\ud \ud Automated dynamic peak velocity tracing method using 4D flow CMR is comparable to Doppler echocardiography for mitral inflow assessment and has excellent reproducibility for clinical use.

Objectives This study examined the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and determined patient characteristics associated with favorable NT-proBNP reduction response. Background NT-proBNP levels reflect cardiac wall stress and predict event risk in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods Post-hoc analysis of the TRANSITION (Comparison of Pre- and Post-discharge Initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan Therapy in HFrEF Patients After an Acute Decompensation Event) study, including stabilized ADHF patients with reduced ejection fraction, randomized to open-label sacubitril/valsartan initiation in-hospital (pre-discharge) versus post-discharge. NT-proBNP was measured at randomization (baseline), discharge, and 4 and 10 weeks post-randomization. A favorable NT-proBNP response was defined as reduction to ≤1,000 pg/ml or >30% from baseline. Results In patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan in-hospital, NT-proBNP was reduced by 28% at discharge, with 46% of patients obtaining favorable NT-proBNP reduction response compared with a 4% reduction and 18% favorable response rate in patients initiated post-discharge (p Conclusions In-hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan produced rapid reductions in NT-proBNP, statistically significant at discharge. A favorable NT-proBNP response over time was associated with a better prognosis and predicted by higher starting dose and predisposing clinical profile. (Comparison of Pre- and Post-discharge Initiation of LCZ696 Therapy in HFrEF Patients After an Acute Decompensation Event [TRANSITION]; NCT02661217)

Objectives We aimed to investigate long-term survival of paclitaxel DCB for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background Safety concerns have been raised over the use of paclitaxel devices for peripheral artery disease recently, following a meta-analysis suggesting increased late mortality. With regard to drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for coronary artery intervention however, there is limited data to date regarding possible late mortality relating to paclitaxel. Methods We compared all-cause mortality of patients treated with paclitaxel DCB to those with non-paclitaxel second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) for stable, de novo coronary artery disease from 1st January 2011 till 31st December 2018. To have homogenous groups allowing data on safety to be interpreted accurately, we excluded patients with previous PCI and patients treated with a combination of both DCB and DES in subsequent PCIs. Data were analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression statistical models. Results We present 1517 patients; 429 treated with paclitaxel DCB and 1088 treated with DES. On univariate analysis, age, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, prior myocardial infarction, heart failure, smoking, atrial fibrillation, decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [and renal failure (eGFR p = 0.08). On multivariable analysis age, decreasing eGFR and smoking associated with worse prognosis. Conclusion We found no evidence of late mortality associated with DCB angioplasty compared with non-paclitaxel second-generation DES in up to 5 years follow-up. DCB is a safe option for the treatment of de novo coronary artery disease.

A 52-year-old lady presented with breathlessness with no physical stigmata of heart failure.

ObjectiveHandheld ultrasound devices (HUD) has diagnostic value in the assessment of patients with suspected left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic ability of HUD compared with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and assesses the importance of operator experience.MethodsMEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in October 2020. Diagnostic studies using HUD and TTE imaging to determine LV dysfunction were included. Pooled sensitivities and specificities, and summary receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the diagnostic ability of HUD and evaluate the impact of operator experience on test accuracy.ResultsThirty-three studies with 6062 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Experienced operators could predict reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF), wall motion abnormality (WMA), LV dilatation and LV hypertrophy with pooled sensitivities of 88%, 85%, 89% and 85%, respectively, and pooled specificities of 96%, 95%, 98% and 91%, respectively. Non-experienced operators are able to detect cardiac abnormalities with reasonable sensitivity and specificity. There was a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy between experienced and inexperienced users in LV dilatation, LVEF (moderate/severe) and WMA. The diagnostic OR for LVEF (moderate/severe), LV dilatation and WMA in an experienced hand was 276 (95% CI 58 to 1320), 225 (95% CI 87 to 578) and 90 (95% CI 31 to 265), respectively, compared with 41 (95% CI 18 to 94), 45 (95% CI 16 to 123) and 28 (95% CI 20 to 41), respectively, for inexperienced users.ConclusionThis meta-analysis is the first to establish HUD as a powerful modality for predicting LV size and function. Experienced operators are able to accurately diagnose cardiac disease using HUD. A cautious, supervised approach should be implemented when imaging is performed by inexperienced users. This study provides a strong rationale for considering HUD as an auxiliary tool to physical examination in secondary care, to aid clinical decision making when considering referral for TTE.Trial registration numberCRD42020182429.

Aims: Despite widespread use of dual antiplatelet therapy in acute myocardial infarction, there remains a residual risk of morbidity and mortality. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors have been found to inhibit platelet aggregation through the Glycoprotein VI collagen-mediated pathway. The Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor, Ibrutinib is used in the management of haematological malignancies and another Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor, ONO-4059 (also known as tirabrutinib), is in clinical development. This is an observational study to evaluate the effects of Ibrutinib and ONO-4059 on platelet aggregation after acute myocardial infarction. Methods and results: Twenty patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were enrolled and blood samples obtained within 48 h of hospital admission. All patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy; aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel or ticagrelor). Blood samples were treated ex vivo with increasing concentrations of Ibrutinib (0, 0.5, 1, 2 μM) and ONO-4059 (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1 μM). Platelet aggregation was measured in response to collagen using a Multiplate analyser to estimate the area under the curve, with lower values indicating lower platelet aggregation. The median age was 63 years and 80% were male. The median area under the curve values for Ibrutinib concentrations 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol/l were 18.5, 8 (P = 0.0004), 4.5 (P

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a versatile tool that has established itself as the reference method for functional assessment and tissue characterisation. CMR helps to diagnose, monitor disease course and sub-phenotype disease states. Several emerging CMR methods have the potential to offer a personalised medicine approach to treatment. CMR tissue characterisation is used to assess myocardial oedema, inflammation or thrombus in various disease conditions. CMR derived scar maps have the potential to inform ablation therapy—both in atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Quantitative CMR is pushing boundaries with motion corrections in tissue characterisation and first-pass perfusion. Advanced tissue characterisation by imaging the myocardial fibre orientation using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), has also demonstrated novel insights in patients with cardiomyopathies. Enhanced flow assessment using four-dimensional flow (4D flow) CMR, where time is the fourth dimension, allows quantification of transvalvular flow to a high degree of accuracy for all four-valves within the same cardiac cycle. This review discusses these emerging methods and others in detail and gives the reader a foresight of how CMR will evolve into a powerful clinical tool in offering a precision medicine approach to treatment, diagnosis, and detection of disease.

Introduction In the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), it has been shown that stenting compared to balloon angioplasty (BA) reduces the need for repeat revascularisation but not overall mortality. A recent, small randomised trial showed that drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for PPCI was non-inferior to drug eluting stent (DES) in terms of fractional flow reserve at 9 months. Our aim was to investigate the safety of DCB angioplasty in a STEMI population in terms of all-cause mortality. Methods We identified all patients treated for STEMI in our institution from January 2016 until November 2019. We excluded patients who died in hospital and patients with cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock or requiring intubation; given that their mortality is more likely to be determined by the severity of their clinical presentation rather than the PCI strategy. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Survival data were obtained through the UK Health and Social Care Information Service. Clinical and angiographic data were collected from our prospectively collated database and supplemented from electronic records where required. All angiograms were reviewed by an experienced operator to confirm treatment strategy, bifurcation lesions, coronary artery dissection and TIMI flow pre- and post-intervention. Results A total of 1190 patients were identified; 470 treated with DCB and 720 with DES. The average age for the DCB group was 65.5 ± 12.5 years old (73.6% male); while for the DES group it was 65.5 ± 11.6 years old (74.7% males). The average follow up was 882 ± 439 days and 978 ± 426 days for the DCB and DES group respectively. There were a few differences between the groups (table 1). There were no differences in all other clinical and angiographic characteristics. The all-cause mortality was 33/470 (7%) for the DCB group and 48/720 (6.7%) for the DES group. Kaplan Meier estimator plot for all-cause mortality (figure 1) did not show a significant difference between DCB and DES (p=0.54). On multivariable Cox regression analysis (table 2), age, prior stroke, coronary artery bypass graft, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes were significant poor predictors of mortality. Conclusion Our real-world data from a large, contemporary cohort of STEMI patients demonstrate that DCB only angioplasty is safe compared to DES and may be considered as a treatment option. Conflict of Interest none

Introduction Stent thrombosis, with a 5-45% mortality and 15-20% recurrence rate at 5 years, represents the most severe end of the stent failure spectrum. There are no data regarding the outcomes of patients with stent thrombosis (ST) being treated with paclitaxel drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. Our aim was to determine the all-cause mortality of patients treated with DCB angioplasty for ST. Methods We identified all patients treated for ST between June 2011 and November 2019. We excluded patients who died in the cath lab, patients with uncrossable lesions and patients who were treated with a staged CABG. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was target lesion revascularisation (TLR). Survival data were obtained through the UK Health and Social Care Information Service. Clinical and angiographic data were collected from our prospectively collated database supplemented with data from electronic records where required. All angiograms were reviewed by two experienced operators to confirm ST, TIMI flow pre- and post-intervention and identify bifurcation lesions. Results A total of 178 patients were identified; 95 treated with DCB, 35 with balloon angioplasty (BA), 26 with drug eluting stent (DES), 19 with combination of DES and DCB and 3 with thromboaspiration only. The average age was 66.2 ± 10.5 years old, while male patients accounted for 76.8%. There were a few differences between DCB, BA and DES. The DES group had more patients with history of CABG, hypertension and lower average eGFR at presentation while the DCB group had more patients with history of smoking. Importantly, the great majority of patients treated with DCB had very late ST. The patients were followed-up for an average of 45.6 ± 29.8 months; 39.8±25.4, 49.8±28.1, 57.1±40.9 months for the DCB, BA and DES groups respectively. All-cause mortality at 9 months was 8.5% for whole cohort; 7.4%, 2.9%, 19.2% for the DCB, BA and DES groups respectively (DCB vs DES p=0.07; DCB vs BA p=0.34; DES vs BA p=0.03). Table 1 shows the only independent predictors of mortality up to 5 years in multivariable Cox regression analysis.When considering only the patients discharged alive, all-cause mortality at 9 months was 4.7% for whole cohort; 5.4%, 2.9%, 8.7% for DCB, BA and DES groups respectively (no statistical difference between any pairs). There was no statistical difference in all-cause mortality (figure 1) or local TLR (figure 2) up to 5 years of follow-up. Conclusion DCB-only angioplasty for patients with ST is safe and may be considered as a treatment option especially in patients with very late ST. Conflict of Interest no conflict of interest

Contains fulltext : 245701.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) The role of inflammation in cardiovascular pathophysiology has gained a lot of research interest in recent years. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance has been a powerful tool in the non-invasive assessment of inflammation in several conditions. More recently, Ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide have been successfully used to evaluate macrophage activity and subsequently inflammation on a cellular level. Current evidence from research studies provides encouraging data and confirms that this evolving method can potentially have a huge impact on clinical practice as it can be used in the diagnosis and management of very common conditions such as coronary artery disease, ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, myocarditis and atherosclerosis. Another important emerging concept is that of myocardial energetics. With the use of phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy, myocardial energetic compromise has been proved to be an important feature in the pathophysiological process of several conditions including diabetic cardiomyopathy, inherited cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease and cardiac transplant rejection. This unique tool is therefore being utilized to assess metabolic alterations in a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. This review systematically examines these state-of-the-art methods in detail and provides an insight into the mechanisms of action and the clinical implications of their use.

Background: Balloon angioplasty revolutionised percutaneous treatment for coronary ar-tery disease four decades ago, but vessel-threatening dissections, elastic recoil and restenosis were major drawbacks to an otherwise successful long-lasting intervention. Subsequent advances with bare metal stents and then drug eluting stents followed, aiming to mitigate the risks of acute vessel closure and restenosis. However, stent implantation often necessitates dual antiplatelet therapy for a pro-longed period of time, which in itself can lead to adverse outcomes, especially in the frail elderly pop-ulation at higher risk of bleeding. More recently, bioabsorbable stents have been implemented in clini-cal practice enabling earlier intimal coverage of the stent and apposition. However, another addition to the armamentarium of percutaneous coronary intervention is the use of drug-coated balloons without the need for deploying any coronary stents or scaffolds. Drug-coated balloons are semi-compliant balloons coated with an antiproliferative agent that is rapidly released on contact with the vessel intima exerting an anti-restenotic effect. The absence of a metallic scaffold means that the need for antiplatelet therapy can potentially be negated in the longer term if required. In this article, we will review the history of percutaneous coronary intervention and the available evi-dence for the appropriate use of drug-coated balloons especially in the elderly population. Conclusion: We will conclude this review by demonstrating the potential use of drug-coated balloon rather percutaneous stenting through case examples.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischaemic conditioning with transient ischaemia and reperfusion applied to the arm has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We investigated whether remote ischaemic conditioning could reduce the incidence of cardiac death and hospitalisation for heart failure at 12 months. METHODS: We did an international investigator-initiated, prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial (CONDI-2/ERIC-PPCI) at 33 centres across the UK, Denmark, Spain, and Serbia. Patients (age >18 years) with suspected STEMI and who were eligible for PPCI were randomly allocated (1:1, stratified by centre with a permuted block method) to receive standard treatment (including a sham simulated remote ischaemic conditioning intervention at UK sites only) or remote ischaemic conditioning treatment (intermittent ischaemia and reperfusion applied to the arm through four cycles of 5-min inflation and 5-min deflation of an automated cuff device) before PPCI. Investigators responsible for data collection and outcome assessment were masked to treatment allocation. The primary combined endpoint was cardiac death or hospitalisation for heart failure at 12 months in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02342522) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Nov 6, 2013, and March 31, 2018, 5401 patients were randomly allocated to either the control group (n=2701) or the remote ischaemic conditioning group (n=2700). After exclusion of patients upon hospital arrival or loss to follow-up, 2569 patients in the control group and 2546 in the intervention group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. At 12 months post-PPCI, the Kaplan-Meier-estimated frequencies of cardiac death or hospitalisation for heart failure (the primary endpoint) were 220 (8·6%) patients in the control group and 239 (9·4%) in the remote ischaemic conditioning group (hazard ratio 1·10 [95% CI 0·91-1·32], p=0·32 for intervention versus control). No important unexpected adverse events or side effects of remote ischaemic conditioning were observed. INTERPRETATION: Remote ischaemic conditioning does not improve clinical outcomes (cardiac death or hospitalisation for heart failure) at 12 months in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. FUNDING: British Heart Foundation, University College London Hospitals/University College London Biomedical Research Centre, Danish Innovation Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, TrygFonden. The ERIC-PPCI trial was funded by a British Heart Foundation clinical study grant (grant number CS/14/3/31002) and a University College London Hospitals/University College London Biomedical Research Centre clinical research grant. The CONDI-2 trial was funded by Danish Innovation Foundation grants (grant numbers 11-108354 and 11-115818), Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant number NNF13OC0007447), and TrygFonden (grant number 109624). DJH was supported by the British Heart Foundation (grant number FS/10/039/28270), the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at University College London Hospitals, the Duke-National University Singapore Medical School, the Singapore Ministry of Health’s National Medical Research Council under its Clinician Scientist-Senior Investigator scheme (grant number NMRC/CSA-SI/0011/2017) and its Collaborative Centre Grant scheme (grant number NMRC/CGAug16C006), and the Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund Tier 2 (grant number MOE2016-T2-2-021). HEB was supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant numbers NNF14OC0013337, NNF15OC0016674). RKK is supported by the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Centre. The research was also supported by the NIHR infrastructure at Leeds. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the NIHR, or the Department of Health. This article is based on the work of COST Action EU-CARDIOPROTECTION (CA16225) and supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). We thank all study personnel for their invaluable assistance. Sí

Background Serial measurement of NT-proBNP and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may help to identify patients at continuing risk of future events, although this is not currently recommended in guidelines. Methods In patients with confirmed ACS we measured NT-proBNP and hs-CRP at 1, 3, 13 and 44 days after hospital admission to determine the proportion of patients with persistent elevation, as well as the pattern of biomarker evolution. Results 56 patients were enrolled. Median age was 66.5 years, 73% were male and 39% had a discharge diagnosis of ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI). NT-proBNP peaked at day 1 (median 1040 pg/mL) and declined over time to 448 pg/mL at day 44 (p=0.002 compared to baseline), at which point 54% had elevated levels above the reference range (figure 1). At day 44 NT-proBNP levels were correlated with age (p=0.002), ST elevation (p=0.0003) and GRACE score (p=0.0002). hs-CRP rose from median 22 mg/L at day one to a peak of 2Sg/L at day 3, then declined to 6 mg/L at day 44 (p=0.0006 compared to baseline: figure 2). At day 44 hs-CRP levels were >2 mg/L in 77% and >10 mg/L in 34% of patients and were correlated with age (p=0.014) and GRACE score (p=0.01), but not ST elevation (p=0.4). There were no deaths or recurrent MI during follow up. Conclusions We have demonstrated that although NT-proBNP and hs-CRP decline over time after ACS, more than half of patients have persistent elevation at 44 days after ACS. This may identify a group of patients at higher risk of future adverse cardiac events.

Introduction Dual antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone of long term management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), but despite this there is a residual risk of morbidity and mortality. Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors are currently indicated for management of certain haematological malignancies, but have additionally been found to inhibit platelet aggregation through the Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) collagen mediated pathway. This study evaluates the effects of BTK inhibitor on platelet aggregation after ACS. Methods Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ACS were enrolled and blood samples obtained within 48 hours of hospital admission. All patients had been initiated on dual antiplatelet therapy; aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel or ticagrelor). Blood samples were treated ex vivo with increasing concentrations of Ibrutinib (0, 0.5, 1, 2 mmol/litre). Platelet aggregation was measured in response to collagen using a Multiplate analyser to estimate the area under the curve (AUC), with lower AUC values indicating lower platelet aggregation. Results Twenty participants had blood samples treated with increasing concentrations of Ibrutinib. The median age was 63 years and 80% were male. The median AUC values for Ibrutinib concentrations 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol/L were 18.5, 8 (p=0.0004), 4.5 (p Conclusion The BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib provides further inhibition of platelet aggregation in ACS patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy in a dose dependent manner. These results provide a rationale for BTK inhibitors to be tested as a potential new antiplatelet therapy for ACS.

A chronically persistent left atrial pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of valvular surgery, trauma, myocardial infarction and endocaritis but this is the first known description of a chronic pseudoaneurysm as a complication of coronary rupture during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We report computed tomography images depicting this in the case of elective PCI in an 81-year-old gentleman for limiting angina.

Guidewire entrapment is a rare complication of coronary intervention, and management depends on the individual circumstances. This is a case of an urgent percutaneous coronary angioplasty in which a guidewire became entrapped behind a bare metal stent with subsequent fracture of the core filament, which could not be retrieved. Using optical coherence tomography, our case demonstrates extensive tissue coverage of the retained guidewire at twelve months. Five-year follow-up suggests that retained guidewires can be managed without long-term anticoagulation, even when there is substantial intra-aortic material.

Background Plaque erosion causes 30% of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarctions, but the underlying cause is unknown. Inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in erosion compared with rupture in autopsy studies. We hypothesized that erosion and rupture are associated with significant differences in intracoronary cytokines in vivo. Methods and Results Forty ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with RFC ) or intact fibrous cap ( IFC ) using optical coherence tomography. Plasma samples from the infarct‐related artery and a peripheral artery were analyzed for expression of 102 cytokines using arrays; results were confirmed with ELISA . Thrombectomy samples were analyzed for differential mRNA expression using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Twenty‐three lesions were classified as RFC (58%), 15 as IFC (38%), and 2 were undefined (4%). In addition, 12% (12 of 102) of cytokines were differentially expressed in both coronary and peripheral plasma. I‐TAC was preferentially expressed in RFC (significance analysis of microarrays adjusted P ELISA IFC 10.2 versus RFC 10.8 log 2 pg/mL; P =0.042). IFC was associated with preferential expression of epidermal growth factor ( significance analysis of microarrays adjusted P ELISA IFC 7.42 versus RFC 6.63 log 2 pg/mL, P =0.036) and thrombospondin 1 ( significance analysis of microarrays adjusted P =0.03; ELISA IFC 10.4 versus RFC 8.65 log 2 ng/mL, P =0.0041). Thrombectomy mRNA showed elevated I‐TAC in RFC ( P =0.0007) epidermal growth factor expression in IFC ( P =0.0264) but no differences in expression of thrombospondin 1. Conclusions These results demonstrate differential intracoronary cytokine expression in RFC and IFC . Elevated thrombospondin 1 and epidermal growth factor may play an etiological role in erosion.

Objectives The aim of this landmark exploratory analysis, ATLANTIC-H 24 , was to evaluate the effects of pre-hospital ticagrelor during the first 24 h after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the ATLANTIC (Administration of Ticagrelor in the cath Lab or in the Ambulance for New ST elevation myocardial infarction to open the Coronary artery) study. Background The ATLANTIC trial in patients with ongoing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction showed that pre-hospital ticagrelor was safe but did not improve pre-PCI coronary reperfusion compared with in-hospital ticagrelor. We hypothesized that the effect of pre-hospital ticagrelor may not have manifested until after PCI due to the rapid transfer time (31 min). Methods The ATLANTIC-H 24 analysis included 1,629 patients who underwent PCI, evaluating platelet reactivity, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3, ≥70% ST-segment elevation resolution, and clinical endpoints over the first 24 h. Results Following PCI, largest between-group differences in platelet reactivity occurred at 1 to 6 h; coronary reperfusion rates numerically favored pre-hospital ticagrelor, and the degree of ST-segment elevation resolution was significantly greater in the pre-hospital group (median, 75.0% vs. 71.4%; p = 0.049). At 24 h, the composite ischemic endpoint was lower with pre-hospital ticagrelor (10.4% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.039), as were individual endpoints of definite stent thrombosis (p = 0.0078) and myocardial infarction (p = 0.031). All endpoints except death (1.1% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.048) favored pre-hospital ticagrelor, with no differences in bleeding events. Conclusions The effects of pre-hospital ticagrelor became apparent after PCI, with numerical differences in platelet reactivity and immediate post-PCI reperfusion, associated with reductions in ischemic endpoints, over the first 24 h, whereas there was a small excess of mortality. (Administration of Ticagrelor in the cath Lab or in the Ambulance for New ST elevation myocardial infarction to open the Coronary artery [ATLANTIC, NCT01347580 ])

To the Editor We read with interest the recently published study by Olier et al .1 Although the cohort of patients studied is impressively large, the study appears to be fundamentally flawed. First, antiplatelet therapy was not recorded for 27% …

Background The prognostic role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement before noncardiac surgery is unclear. The authors therefore performed a meta-analysis of studies in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to assess the prognostic value of elevated BNP or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) levels in predicting mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction). Methods Unrestricted searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE bibliographic databases were performed using the terms "brain natriuretic peptide," "b-type natriuretic peptide," "BNP," "NT-proBNP," and "surgery." In addition, review articles, bibliographies, and abstracts of scientific meetings were manually searched. The meta-analysis included prospective studies that reported on the association of BNP or NT-proBNP and postoperative major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) or mortality. The study endpoints were MACE, all-cause mortality, and cardiac mortality at short-term (less than 43 days after surgery) and longer-term (more than 6 months) follow-up. A random-effects model was used to pool study results; funnel-plot inspection was done to evaluate publication bias; Cochrane chi-square test and I testing was used to test for heterogeneity. Results Data from 15 publications (4,856 patients) were included in the analysis. Preoperative BNP elevation was associated with an increased risk of short-term MACE (OR 19.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.18-29.65; P < 0.0001), all-cause mortality (OR 9.28; 95% CI 3.51-24.56; P < 0.0001), and cardiac death (OR 23.88; 95% CI 9.43-60.43; P < 0.00001). Results were consistent for both BNP and NT-proBNP. Preoperative BNP elevation was also associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE (OR 17.70; 95% CI 3.11-100.80; P < 0.0001) and all-cause mortality (OR 4.77; 95% CI 2.99-7.46; P < 0.00001). Conclusions Elevated BNP and NT-proBNP levels identify patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery at high risk of cardiac mortality, all-cause mortality, and MACE.

Background: Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following drug-eluting stents (DES) remains controversial and is a topic of ongoing research. Methods: Direct and adjusted indirect comparisons of all the recent randomized control trials (RCTs) were performed to evaluate the safety of short-term versus long-term DAPT following DES. Results: 8 RCTs were identified and 7 (16,318 subjects) were included. 4 groups of 3 vs 12 months, 6 vs 12 months, 6 vs 24 months and 12 vs 24 months of DAPT were used for direct comparison. There was no significant difference in stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and revascularization, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality between the different durations in all 4 groups. Pooling trials of 3–6 months of DAPT against 12 months, we found a significant reduction in the risk of total bleeding (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.87). Adjusted indirect comparison between 3 vs 6 months, 3 vs 24 months and 6 vs 24 month duration of DAPT showed no significant differences in risk of death or MI, or revascularization between 3 or 6 months and 24 months. However, 24 months of DAPT was associated with significantly more bleeding than 3 or 6 months. Conclusions: 3 to 6 months of DAPT following second generation DES and above is safe with no increased risk of thrombotic complications and mortality, and lower bleeding risk. However a tailored approach may be more appropriate for high-risk patients. Keywords: Percutaneous coronary intervention; Drug-eluting stent; Acute coronary syndrome; Dual antiplatelet treatment; Duration of therapy

Aims Older people increasingly constitute a large proportion of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population. We examined the relationship of age with receipt of more intensive management and secondary prevention medicine. Then, the comparative association of intensive management (reperfusion/angiography) over a conservative strategy on time to death was investigated by age. Methods and results Using data from 155 818 patients in the national registry for ACS in England and Wales [the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP)], we found that older patients were incrementally less likely to receive secondary prevention medicines and intensive management for both ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In STEMI patients ≥85 years, 55% received reperfusion compared with 84% in those aged 18 to

Background.The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear.Methods.We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating risk of adverse events in participants receiving different durations of DAPT following insertion of drug-eluting stents.Results.Five trials were included, but only four had data suitable for meta-analysis (n=8,231participants). No significant increase in the composite endpoint of death and nonfatal myocardial infarction was observed with earlier cessation of DAPT in any instance when compared to longer durations of DAPT (RR 0.64 95% CI 0.25–1.63 for 3 versus 12 months, RR 1.09 95% CI 0.84–1.41 for 6 versus 12 months and, RR 0.64 95% CI 0.35–1.16 for 12 versus 24 months). Pooled results showed a significantly lower risk of major bleeding (RR 0.48 95% CI 0.25–0.93) and total bleeding (RR 0.30 95% CI 0.16–0.54) for shorter compared to longer duration of DAPT. Subgroup analysis based on age, prior diabetes, and prior ACS failed to show any group where longer durations were consistently better than shorter ones.Conclusions.There are no cardiovascular or mortality benefits associated with extended duration of DAPT, but the risk of major bleeding was significantly lower with shorter lengths of therapy.

A 67-year-old cachectic patient presented with a 6-week history of increasing breathlessness, loss of weight and appetite. Examination showed peripheral oedema and signs of cardiac tamponade. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a thick walled cystic mass in the anterior pericardium (see online supplementary video 1), compressing the right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA). Further evaluation, including bubble contrast echocardiography, suggested a haematogenous connection between the RA and tumour cavity (see online supplementary video 2). This was confirmed on a contrast enhanced CT scan, with late contrast …

Introduction The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of unprotected LMS percutaneous interventions (PCI) in a non-surgical centre. Methods The data on LMS PCI cases performed over 41 months was collected from local database and discharge summaries. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were also recorded at 6 and 12 months. Results A total of 147 patients with multiple risk factors had unprotected LMS PCI performed. Demographics were: 73% males with an average age of 70 years. 48% were elective procedures, 31% NSTEMI and 15%PPCI. Bail out stenting was required in 1%. Over 70% of procedures were performed transradially. The average EURO score was 2.89%. The anatomical distribution was: 47% distal LMS, ostial 23% and 22% mid-LMS. Of the lesions 51% involved only the LMS. Additional imaging was used in 41% of PCIs. The mean Syntax score was 34.4. 74% patients had drug eluting stents, followed by bare metal stents (8%), drug eluting balloons (8%) and combo stents. 5% of patients were in cardiogenic shock and 6% had Intra-aortic balloon pump inserted. Procedural success was reported in 96.6% of cases. In-hospital MACE was 3.4%. The MACE rates for 6 months and 12 months were 10.2% and 13.6% respectively. There were 4 in-hospital deaths recorded (2.7%). The study revealed a procedural success of over 95%. The in-hospital MACE was 3.4% and the 12 month MACE rate was comparable to the reported data. Conclusion This study demonstrates that PCI in LMS lesions performed in a non-surgical centre is both safe and effective.

The authors describe a case of platypnoea orthodeoxia syndrome in an 83-year-old man with a fenestrated atrial septal defect and severe coronary artery disease. The patient had been admitted to hospital six times in the previous year with acute breathlessness, attributed to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The patient’s symptoms resolved completely following surgical repair of the defect and coronary artery bypass grafting.

ST segment resolution (STR) predicts epicardial and microvascular reperfusion after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) or thrombolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Immediate restoration of epicardial coronary flow, with improved microvascular perfusion, is much more likely with PPCI. However, the predictive value of immediate STR compared to 90 minutes after PPCI remains unknown. In 622 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (mean age 59 +/- 13 years), 217 had complete STR immediately after PPCI (group A), 188 had complete STR only at 90 minutes (group B), and 217 had incomplete STR at either point (group C). The primary end point was mortality and adverse cardiovascular events ([MACE] death, nonfatal repeat myocardial infarction, and heart failure). Group A had a greater left ventricular ejection fraction (53%, 47%, and 46%, p0.001) and lower all-cause mortality (1.8%, 3.2%, and 6%, p = 0.07), lower heart failure (1.8%, 4.3%, and 7.8%, p0.001), and MACE (5.1%, 9.6%, and 16.1%, p = 0.001) at 30 days compared to groups B and C, respectively. The rate of MACE at 1 year was 7.6%, 17.1%, and 20.2% in groups A, B, and C, respectively (p0.001). Immediate STR independently predicted MACE (adjusted hazard ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.61, p = 0.001, group A vs C), and STR at 90 minutes did not. In conclusion, STR analysis performed immediately after PPCI provided superior differentiation for adverse cardiovascular events compared to STR at 90 minutes. Immediate STR should be the contemporary goal of reperfusion with PPCI.

Q waves can develop early in infarction and indicate infarct progression better than symptom duration. ST resolution (STR) is a predictor of reperfusion success. Our aim was to assess the prognostic impact of Q waves on presentation and STR after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The combined end point was of mortality and adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; death, repeat myocardial infarction, or heart failure). Q waves on presentation (Q wave, n = 332; no Q wave, n = 337) was associated with significantly less mean STR, greater incidence of akinetic, dyskinetic, or aneurysmal regional wall motion, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and worse in-hospital and 1-year MACEs (1 year 24% vs 8.2%, p

Transesophageal echocardiography was requested for a 20-year-old woman admitted to the intensive care department after being involved, as a restrained driver, in a road traffic accident. During the study a striking abnormality was noted around the left atrial appendage and left upper pulmonary vein. The clinical history of blunt chest trauma, and echocardiographic appearances suggestive of a flap, indicated the diagnosis was left atrial appendage and left upper pulmonary vein dissection. The report summarizes the literature on traumatic injury to the left upper pulmonary vein and left atrial appendage and demonstrates the importance of comprehensive echocardiographic studies to identify unexpected pathology.

Human essential hypertension is characterized by eutrophic remodeling of small arteries, with little evidence of hypertrophy. Likewise, vessels of young hypertensive TGR(mRen2)27 animals have undergone similar structural alterations. The role of integrins in resistance arteries of TGR(mRen2)27 during the eutrophic-remodeling process was examined as blood pressure rose. Initially, 8 alpha and 3 beta integrins were identified and levels of expression investigated using RT-PCR. As pressure increased and remodeling advanced, integrin expression profiles revealed that only alphaV was significantly raised. In conjunction, we confirmed elevated integrin alphaV protein levels in TGR(mRen2)27 rat arteries and localization to the media using immunofluorescence. beta1 and beta3, but not beta5 integrin subunits were coprecipitated with integrin alphaV and are implicated in the eutrophic remodeling process. Administration of a peptide antagonist of alphaVbeta3 abolished remodeling but enhanced growth, indicating that hypertrophy supervened as a response to hypertension-induced increases in wall stress. We have established that the only upregulated integrin, the alphaV subunit of integrin alphaVbeta3, has a crucial role in the hypertensive remodeling process of TGR(mRen2)27 rat resistance arteries. During hypertensive remodeling, functions of specific alphaVbeta3-extracellular matrix interactions are likely to allow vascular smooth muscle cell-length autoregulation, which includes a migratory process, to maintain a narrowed lumen after a prolonged constricted state.

A 63-year-old woman with no previous medical problems presented with acute chest pain and an ECG consistent with an acute anterior myocardial infarction. At emergency angiography, she was found to have smooth unobstructed coronary arteries. On invasive left ventriculography, overall poor systolic function was noted with apical hypokinesis and basal hyperkinesis, consistent with Tako-tsubo phenomenon. Echocardiography demonstrated a hypertrophic left ventricle and left ventricular outflow obstruction due to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and moderate mitral regurgitation. Following appropriate management, she was discharged 6 days later. An outpatient MRI confirmed normalisation of the left ventricular systolic function; however, there was still significant left ventricular hypertrophy and dynamic obstruction. Although most patients presenting with chest pain and an ECG with ST elevation will have an acute coronary event, our patient had normal coronaries but both Tako-tsubo and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.