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Aim: Right ventricular failure (RVF) complicates 30-50% of cases with inferior wall myocardial infarctions (IWMI). Large-scale studies exploring the recent trends in morbidity and mortality of IWMI with RVF in the context of improved reperfusion strategies are currently lacking. Materials & methods: The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to query the National Inpatient Sample of 2018-2019 to yield IWMI admissions and stratified based on presence of RVF. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results: Out of the 182,485 weighed hospital admissions for IWMI, 1005 patients (0.6%) also had RVF. Patients with both IWMI and RVF had significantly higher mortality than patients with IWMI and no RVF ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion: RVF in patients with IWMI is an independent predictor of poor outcomes.

Background: The de Winter electrocardiography (ECG) pattern is associated with acute total or subtotal occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) characterized by upsloping ST-segment depression at the J point in leads V 1 -V 6 without ST-segment elevation., Case Presentation: We report an atypical style case of the de Winter ECG pattern accompanied by ST elevation in inferior leads. The patient underwent emergency coronary angiography, which revealed total occlusion of the proximal LAD with no observable stenosis in the right coronary artery., Conclusion: ECG-related changes in acute total LAD occlusion can present with the de Winter pattern and ST elevation in inferior leads. Recognizing this atypical ECG pattern is critical for immediate reperfusion therapy., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but severe complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). For such cases, surgical repair is recommended by major guidelines, but not always possible for such cases., Case Presentation: A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency room. ECG showed the ST-segment was elevated by 2-3 mm in lead II, III, and aVF, with Q-waves. Coronary angiography (CAG) showed multi-vessel disease with a total occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) and severe stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). A diagnosis of acute inferior myocardial infarction was made. VSR occurred immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (a 2.5 × 20 mm drug-eluting stent implanted in RCA), and the patient developed cardiogenic shock. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was used to stabilize the hemodynamics. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed an 11.4-mm left-to-right shunt in the interventricular septum. An attempt was made to reduce the IABP augmentation ratio for weaning on day 12 but failed. Transcatheter closure was conducted using a 24-mm double-umbrella occluder on day 28. The patient was weaned from IABP on day 31 and underwent secondary PCI for LAD lesions on day 35. The patient was discharged on day 41. Upon the last follow-up 6 years later, CAG and TTE revealed no in-stent restenosis, no left-to-right shunt, and 51% left ventricular ejection fraction., Conclusions: Prolonged implementation of IABP can be a viable option to allow deferred closure of VSR in AMI patients, and transcatheter closure may be considered as a second choice for the selected senior and vulnerable patients, but the risk is still high., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Impaired myocardial tissue reperfusion affects prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and can be identified by ST-segment analysis. To date, evaluation of the myocardial tissue reperfusion of the right ventricle (RV) among the patients treated with PCI for inferior STEMI with right ventricular infarction (RVI) has not been made yet., Methods: Patients with inferior STEMI were screened for RVI. Tissue reperfusion was evaluated by maximal residual ST-segment deviation post PCI, independently for the RV and for inferior wall. Myocardial injury was assessed by the peak creatine kinase-mb (CK-MB) value., Results: Among 456 patients with inferior STEMI, concomitant RVI occurred in 153 (33.5%) subjects (59.86±10.35 years old, 71.9% females). Tissue reperfusion of LV was present in 75 (49%), whereas 55 (35.9%) had both successful LV and RV reperfusion. Among 97 (63.4%) with successful tissue reperfusion of RV, 55 (56.7%) had associated successful tissue reperfusion of inferior wall. Adequate LV reperfusion was accompanied by RV in over 73.3% of patients (P=0.006). Mean peak CK-MB was lower in the group with adequate versus impaired RV tissue-perfusion (197±143 vs. 305±199 U/L, P=0.021 respectively)., Conclusions: Impaired reperfusion of RV is observed in more than one third of inferior STEMIs with RVI and is not strictly associated with impaired reperfusion of inferior wall and clinical or angiographic variables, therefore ST-segment analysis for RV is mandatory.

Diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) infarction in the setting of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) has important prognostic implications. We sought to assess the role of 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography (2-D STE) for the assessment of RV involvement in acute IWMI. We included 100 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of recent IWMI, of which 73 had an RCA culprit lesion, undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Patients (n = 73) were classified into 2 groups based on angiographic evidence of RV involvement (lesions proximal to or involving RV branch versus distal lesions). Echocardiographic features of RV dysfunction were assessed using conventional 2-D echocardiographic, and Tissue Doppler parameters as well as 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography. Out of the 73 patients, 42 had RCA lesion proximal to or involving RV branch, while 31 patients had RCA culprit distal to RV branch. Among different parameters assessing RV function, only RV-FWLS was significantly lower among the former group (- 14.2 ± 4.6 vs. - 17.7 ± 4.2, p = 0.026). Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that RV-FWLS had the strongest discriminatory capability to identify RV infarction (AUC = 0.7, p = 0.02, 95% CI  0.53-0.78). A cut-off value of RV-FWLS ≤ - 20.5% had 88% sensitivity and 33% specificity for diagnosis of RV infarction. STE-derived RV-FWLS with cutoff ≤ - 20.5% could be a reliable and promising tool for prediction of RV involvement in the setting of acute IWMI, which could guide proper risk stratification and tailored acute management strategy., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

An infarction in the right coronary artery affects the inferior wall of the heart and can also cause impedance to the cardiac conduction system. The right coronary artery perfuses the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, and a loss of blood flow contributes to a breakdown in the communication system within the heart, causing associated bradycardias, heart blocks, and arrhythmias. This case report details the prehospital and emergency care of a middle-aged man who experienced an inferior myocardial infarction, concomitant third-degree heart block, and subsequent cardiogenic shock, with successful revascularization. This case is informative for emergency clinicians to review symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, rapid lifesaving diagnostics and intervention, and the unique treatment and monitoring considerations associated with right ventricular involvement and third-degree heart block., Competing Interests: Author Disclosures Conflicts of interest: none to report., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recent animal studies have suggested that mitral valve (MV) leaflet remodeling can occur even without significant tethering force and that the postinfarct biological reaction would contribute to the histopathologic changes of the leaflet. We serially evaluated the MV remodeling in patients with anterior and inferior acute myocardial infarction (MI), by using 2- and 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Additional histopathologic examinations were performed to assess the leaflet pathology., Methods: Sixty consecutive first-onset acute MI (anterior MI, n=30; inferior MI, n=30) patients who underwent successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention were examined (1) before primary percutaneous coronary intervention, (2) at 6-month follow-up, and (3) at follow-up 1 year or later after onset. MV complex geometry including MV leaflet area and thickness was analyzed using dedicated software. Additional histopathologic study compared 18 valves harvested during surgery for ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR)., Results: MV area and thickness incrementally increased during the follow-up period. MV leaflet area significantly increased (anterior MI: 5.59 [5.28-5.98] to 6.54 [6.20-7.26] cm 2 /m 2 , P <0.001; inferior MI: 5.60 [4.76-6.08] to 6.32 [5.90-6.90] cm 2 /m 2 , P <0.001), and leaflet thickness also increased (anterior MI: 1.09 [0.92-1.24] to 1.45 [1.28-1.60] mm/m 2 , P <0.001; inferior MI: 1.15 [1.03-1.25] to 1.44 [1.27-1.59] mm/m 2 , P <0.001); data represent onset versus ≥1 year. Larger annuls, larger tenting, and a reduced leaflet area/annular ratio with smaller coaptation index were observed in patients with persistent ischemic MR compared with those without significant ischemic MR. Histopathologic examinations revealed that MV thickness was significantly greater in chronic ischemic MR compared with acute ischemic MR (1432.6±490.5 versus 628.7±278.7 μm; P =0.001), with increased smooth muscle cells and fibrotic materials., Conclusions: MV leaflet remodeling progressed both in area and thickness after MI. This is the first clinical study to record the longitudinal course of MV leaflet remodeling by serial echocardiography.

The pivotal studies that led to the recommendations for emergent reperfusion therapy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were conducted for the most part over 25 years ago. At that time, contemporary standard treatments including aspirin, statin, and even anticoagulation were not commonly used. The 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines and the 2017 European Society of Cardiology guidelines give a class I recommendation (with the level of evidence A) for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with STEMI and ischemic symptoms of less than 12 h. However, if the patient presents to a hospital without pPCI capacity, and it is anticipated that pPCI cannot be performed within 120 min of first medical contact, fibrinolytic therapy is indicated (if there are no contraindications) (class I indication, level of evidence A). Our review of the pertinent literature shows that the current recommendation for inferior STEMI is based on the level of evidence lower than A. We can consider level B even C, supporting the recommendation for fibrinolytic therapy if pPCI is not available for inferior STEMI.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently recognised pandemic spreading rapidly from Wuhan, Hubei, to other provinces in China and to many countries around the world. The number of COVID-19-related deaths is steadily increasing. Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention is usually recommended for the treatment. A patient with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for five years was admitted to the emergency unit with symptoms of fever, cough and dyspnoea. These symptoms were consistent with viral pneumonia and a COVID PCR test was performed, which tested positive three days later. The patient had chest pain on the eighth day of hospitalisation. On electrocardiography, simultaneous acute inferior and anterior STEMI were identified. High levels of stress and increased metabolic demand in these patients may lead to concomitant thrombosis of different coronary arteries, presenting with two different STEMIs.

BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic. With the ever-increasing number of COVID-19 patients, it is imperative to explore the factors related to the disease to aid patient management until a definitive vaccine is ready, as the disease is not limited to the respiratory system alone. COVID-19 has been associated with various cardiovascular complications including acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism. The infection is severe in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and a systemic inflammatory response due to a cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 cases can lead to acute myocardial infarction. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 56-year-old man with cardiovascular risk factors including coronary artery disease, hypertension, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and hyperlipidemia, who had COVID-19-induced pneumonia complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. He subsequently developed myocardial infarction during his hospitalization at our facility. He had a significant contact history for COVID-19. He was managed with emergent cardiac revascularization after COVID-19 was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing from a nasopharyngeal swab as per hospital policy for admitted patients. Apart from dual antiplatelet therapy, tocilizumab therapy was initiated due to the high interleukin-6 levels. His hospitalization was complicated by hemodialysis and failed extubation and intubation, resulting in a tracheostomy. Upon improvement, he was discharged to a long-term facility with a plan for outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In high-risk patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia and cardiovascular risk factors, a severe systemic inflammatory response can lead to atherosclerotic plaque rupture, which can manifest as acute coronary syndrome.

We report the case of a patient who developed uncontrollable intraprocedural stent thrombosis (IPST) during an emergent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction that was mitigated only by covering the culprit lesion with a stent graft. Although several factors can induce stent thrombosis, IPST was likely a result of intrastent plaque protrusion in this patient. This is the first case report on the use of stent graft implantation as an effective bailout procedure for uncontrolled IPST. The findings described in this case study warrant the adoption of stent grafts for the complete sealing of plaque protrusion in lesions., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Right ventricular involvement in inferior myocardial infarction (MI) was historically associated with a poor prognosis. However, few studies addressed the impact of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in the primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) era. Our aim was to assess the prognostic significance of RV dysfunction in right coronary artery (RCA) related MI treated with pPCI., Methods: A total of 298 patients with a RCA related MI undergone pPCI between January 2011 and June 2015 were included. RV dysfunction was defined by a RV-FAC <35% at echocardiographic examination and further divided into mild (RV-FAC between 35 and 25%) and moderate-severe (RV-FAC <25%). RV function before discharge was reassessed in 95% of the study cohort. The primary endpoint was overall mortality. Median follow-up was 29 months., Results: In RCA related MI, moderate-severe (HR 5.882, p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.882-18.385) but not mild RV dysfunction independently predicted lower survival at follow-up along with age (HR 1.104, p <0.001, CI 1.045-1.167). Importantly, patients recovering RV function at discharge showed a lower mortality (p = 0.001) vs patients with persistent moderate-severe RV dysfunction) that approached the risk of patients without RV dysfunction at presentation., Conclusion: In RCA related MI treated with pPCI, RV dysfunction was one of the strongest independent predictor of lower overall survival. However, patients with only transient RV dysfunction showed a better prognosis compared to patients who had persistent RV dysfunction. The focus on intensive support management of the RV in the first hours after pPCI may be important to overcome the acute phase and to promote RV recovery., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Identification of the culprit artery can be helpful in the management of inferior infarction with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Some studies suggest that previously published algorithms intended to help identify the infarct-related artery are suboptimal. Our aim is to develop a better method to localise the culprit artery on the basis of the 12-lead ECG., Patients and Methods: We analysed the ECG and coronary angiograms of two different cohorts of patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients from the first cohort were labelled the derivative cohort (group A), whereas patients in the second cohort were labelled the validation cohort (group B). ST-segment elevation was measured in each lead, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the best equation to predict the culprit artery. A derived algorithm was then applied to the validation cohort. Next, our algorithm was applied to the total cohort of both groups and compared with four different previously published algorithms. We analysed differences in sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC)., Results: We included 252 patients in the derivative group and 90 in the validation group. The multiple models analysis concluded that the best model should include five leads. This model was validated by internal bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions in group A and externally in group B. The resultant algorithm was as follows: (ST-elevation in III + aVF + V3) - (ST-elevation in II + V6) less than 0.75 mm means that the culprit artery is the left circumflex artery (Cx). If the result is at least 0.75, the culprit artery is the right coronary artery. The total group of both cohorts comprised 342 patients, aged 61.2 ± 12.4 years, of whom 19.6% were female and 80.4% were male. The Cx was the culprit artery in 67 (19.6%) patients. Our algorithm had a sensitivity of 72.3, a specificity of 80.9 and an AUC of 0.766. The AUC value was better compared with the other algorithms., Conclusion: The best algorithm to localise the culprit artery includes ST-elevation in leads II and V6 related to Cx, and ST-elevation in leads III, aVF and V3 related to right coronary artery. Our algorithm has been validated internally and externally, and works better than other previously published algorithms.

Background: Acute transmural ischemia should induce similar magnitude of wall motion abnormality (WMA) in both anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) and inferior (IMI). However, patients with AMI generally suffer more severe hemodynamic compromise., Methods: This retrospective study compared WMA's in ST segment elevation MI patients undergoing primary reperfusion and subsequent cardiac MRI. Regional systolic wall motion and thickening were assessed in all segments throughout the left ventricle (LV)., Results: We analyzed 37 patients (AMI = 24 vs IMI = 13). Reperfusion success was achieved in all and there were no differences between groups in door-to-balloon time (AMI median 77 vs IMI 119 min, p = 0.085). Compared to IMI, in AMI LV ejection fraction was more depressed (37 ± 7.6% vs 51 ± 10.3%, P = 0.0006) and regional WMA more severe (total regional WMA score = 2.63 ± 0.53 vs IMI = 2.1 ± 0.52, P = 0.007). Regional dyskinesis was commonly observed in AMI patients but was rare in IMI (79% vs 7% of cases). Similarly, AMI manifested systolic thinning, whereas thickening was depressed but still present in IMI patients. Strikingly, WMA severity differed downstream relative to the origin of the infarct artery: In all AMI cases, WMA worsened from proximal anterior toward the distal apical zone; in IMI the pattern was reverse, with WMA consistently most severe in the basal segment of the inferior-posterior wall with preservation toward the apical distribution of the infarct vessel., Conclusion: These results demonstrate a disparate impact of ischemic injury on mechanical performance of the anterior vs inferior-posterior walls. These findings may be attributable to differences between the walls in architecture, mechanics and coronary blood flow. These observations may have implications for myocardial salvage, remodeling and prognosis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Iatrogenic coronary artery dissection is a feared complication of percutaneous coronary intervention as it can potentially lead to severe myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, shock, and death. Bailout-stenting or less often, emergent coronary artery bypass graft surgery may be needed for restoring antegrade flow. We describe a case of inferior ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction with preserved antegrade coronary flow. Percutaneous coronary intervention was complicated by acute right coronary artery closure during guide catheter engagement. Attempts for re-entry into the right coronary artery true lumen failed. Attempts to obtain right femoral arterial access resulted in retroperitoneal hematoma. The patient developed refractory ventricular fibrillation and could not be defibrillated. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was started using surgical right femoral cutdown for the venous cannula and the left common femoral artery for the arterial cannula. A dissection strategy with a knuckled guidewire was used around previously placed stents followed by successful re-entry into the distal right coronary artery using the Stingray system. The venous cannula was changed to the internal jugular vein and the right common femoral artery and vein were surgically repaired. The patient was decannulated two days later and was eventually discharged from the hospital neurologically intact., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality. Inferior MI accounts for 30-50% of infarctions but it is associated with a favorable prognosis compared to anterior infarct. This study aimed to study the epidemiological, clinical, electrical, echocardiographic, angiographic features of inferior MI, as well as its complications and its therapeutic approaches. Over a period of 3 years, we admitted 720 patients with STEMI, of whom 103 with inferior STEMI, reflecting a rate of 14.3%. There was a clear male predominance, with an average age of 58 years (men) and 62 years (women). Smoking was the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (57.28% of patients were smokers). Right ventricular infarction was found in 11.65% of cases. Half of these patients had hemodynamic instability. Third-degree atrioventricular block was diagnosed in 12.6% of patients. Therapeutic approach was based on thrombolysis (7 patients) and coronary angiogram (42 patients). Inferior MI was caused by right coronary lesion in 53% of cases and circumflex artery occlusion in 47% of cases. Right coronary is responsible for right ventricular infarction in 100% of cases. Coronary angioplasty was performed in 18 patients after coronary angiogram. Eleven patients underwent transluminal coronary angioplasty in the right coronary while 2 patients underwent transluminal coronary angioplasty in the circumflex artery. Early mortality at 30 days was 1.94%. In the right ventricular infarction group mortality rate was about 17%., Competing Interests: Les auteurs ne déclarent aucun conflit d’intérêts.

Right ventricular (RV) wall dissection following ventricular septal rupture related to inferior myocardial infarction (MI) is an extremely rare complication with a high mortality rate. We report the case of a 61-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital because of syncope and intermittent chest pain with a precordial murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a rupture at the basal infero-posterior septum and RV free-wall dissection forming an echolucent cavity that extended beyond the septum and subsequently re-entered into RV chamber. The patient's overall cardiac and renal functions deteriorated and he died 24 days after the diagnosis. We present a literature review of the published cases of complex dissecting tracts through the septum and RV wall in ischemic context., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Most of the available literature on ST-Elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) in women was conducted in the developed world and data from Middle-East countries was limited., Aims: To examine the clinical presentation, patient management, quality of care, risk factors and inhospital outcomes of women with acute STEMI compared with men using data from a large STEMI registry from the Middle East., Methods: Data were derived from the third Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Gulf RACE-3Ps), a prospective, multinational study of adults with acute STEMI from 36 hospitals in 6 Middle-Eastern countries. The study included 2928 patients; 296 women (10.1%) and 2632 men (89.9%). Clinical presentations, management and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the 2 groups., Results: Women were 10 years older and more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia compared with men who were more likely to be smokers (all p<0.001). Women had longer median symptom-onset to emergency department (ED) arrival times (230 vs. 170 min, p<0.001) and ED to diagnostic ECG (8 vs. 6 min., p<0.001). When primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) was performed, women had longer door-to-balloon time (DBT) (86 vs. 73 min., p=0.009). When thrombolytic therapy was not administered, women were less likely to receive PPCI (69.7 vs. 76.7%, p=0.036). The mean duration of hospital stay was longer in women (6.03 ± 22.51 vs. 3.41 ± 19.45 days, p=0.032) and the crude in-hospital mortality rate was higher in women (10.4 vs. 5.2%, p<0.001). However, after adjustments, multivariate analysis revealed a statistically non-significant trend of higher inhospital mortality among women than men (6.4 vs. 4.6%), (p=0.145)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that women in our region have almost double the mortality from STEMI compared with men. Although this can partially be explained by older age and higher risk profiles in women, however, correction of identified gaps in quality of care should be attempted to reduce the high morbidity and mortality of STEMI in our women., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Double Right Coronary Artery (RCA) is one of the rarest congenital coronary anomalies. Although it can be regarded as a benign condition in the vast majority of cases, it has been associated with acute and life-threatening presentations, including inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), cardiogenic shock and complete heart block, tachyarrhythmias, or even sudden death. However, the role of a double RCA in these conditions is yet to be clarified as more recent data prove no statistically significant association between prevalence of significant atherosclerosis in anomalous coronary arteries in comparison to normal coronary arteries. Here we present a case of inferior STEMI in the context of double RCA, in which one of the two component branches was accidentally found after an "unexpected" jump of the coronary guidewire to treat what was initially considered the main vessel., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We are reporting a case of a 65-year-old female who experienced three ST elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) during the course of 3 weeks. The first infarct was related to intramural coronary hematoma that propagated proximally after stenting, the second involved progression of this hematoma with obstruction of the vessel lumen, and the third caused subacute stent thrombosis that required "stent cleaning" using the inflated balloon technique., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors have completed and submitted the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal Conflict of Interest Statement and none were reported.

We propose a mechanism of how stroke may be caused by thrombus aspiration during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), and how it may be technique-dependent. Two recent meta-analyses report increased risk of stroke in patients undergoing routine thrombus aspiration during STEMI and the value of this technique has been controversial. The mechanism of stroke has not been fully explained. This case demonstrates 2 mechanisms by which aspiration might cause thrombus embolization. We recommend that if thrombus aspiration is performed during PPCI for STEMI, it should be done selectively and carefully. It is prudent to make sure the guide catheter tip is not free in the aorta when the aspiration catheter is withdrawn, to maintain suction on the aspiration catheter as it is withdrawn (particularly if the aspiration port seems to be obstructed), and to aspirate the guide catheter after the aspiration catheter is removed to capture any fragments of thrombus that remain in the guide catheter. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) accounts approximately for 0.2% of cases of acute coronary syndrome. It is defined "spontaneous" in absence of any coronary wall damage. This disease affects primarily young women in good health, with no risk factors for coronary artery disease, especially during the postpartum period. Since the clinical presentation varies widely from no symptoms to typical angina and sudden cardiac death, SCAD incidence is underestimated.A 40-year-old woman, in the 8th week after delivery, was admitted to our emergency department because of acute chest pain, and a diagnosis of inferior and posterior non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction was made. Emergency coronary angiography showed a small SCAD of the distal segment of a little marginal branch. Because of the small dimension of the dissection, optimal medical therapy was started. However, two days later, symptoms recurred and the ECG showed an anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient was therefore transferred to the cath lab and coronary angiography showed extensive dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery with good angiographic result. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed and three drug-eluting stents were implanted.No retrospective studies or randomized clinical trials are available to guide the best treatment option in patients with SCAD, because of the wide variety of clinical presentation and the rarity of the pathology. Early and correct diagnosis of SCAD is key for adequate management. First, the site and precise quantification of lesion severity should be assessed with multiple angiographic projections. Intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography can provide additional information about the entry point of the lesion. Hemodynamic status and extension of the myocardium at risk should be also evaluated to determine the best therapeutic strategy. Since the presence of SCAD may be associated with aneurysm formation and dissections of other arteries, screening of the arterial tree may be useful, especially of the supra-aortic trunks and splanchnic circulation.

Background: Identifying infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients with inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has prognostic and therapeutic benefits., Objectives: To differentiate IRA and the location of culprit lesion in inferior STEMI, using ST segment changes in lead aVR., Methods: ST segment changes in lead aVR were recorded in 150 patients, admitted with first inferior STEMI. The association of IRA and the location of culprit lesion with ST segment changes in aVR were investigated., Results: ST elevation ≥ 0.5 mm in lead aVR was present in 17 patients (11.3%), ST depression ≥ 0.5 mm in 74 patients (49.3%) and 59 patients (39.3%) did not have significant ST segment changes. Right coronary artery (RCA) was the IRA in 117 patients (78%) and left circumflex artery (LCX) in 33 patients (22%). Prevalence of RCA involvement as the IRA was different in three study groups (94.1% in ST elevation group, 83.1% in isoelectric group and 70.3% in ST depression group, P = 0.049). Presence of ST elevation had a sensitivity and specificity of 13.68 % and 96.97%, for detecting RCA lesions, respectively. ST depression had 66.67% sensitivity and 55.56% specificity for identifying LCX lesions. Clinical complications were low in our study with no significant difference among patients of three groups., Conclusions: Presence of ST elevation is highly suggestive of RCA lesions versus LCX lesions, whereas absence of ST elevation cannot rule out RCA lesions. Presence of ST depression has a moderate sensitivity and specificity for LCX lesions., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: In patients with acute right ventricular infarction (RVI), global right ventricular (RV) performance is dependent on compensatory left ventricular (LV)-septal contractile contributions. This study was designed to assess the influence of depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in patients with RVI., Methods and Results: We retrospectively identified 338 patients with acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing a primary percutaneous coronary intervention. RVI was determined echocardiographically by right ventricular free wall motion abnormalities and depressed global RV performance (fractional area change); LV function was similarly calculated. RVI was documented in 185 (55%) cases. Compared with those with inferior myocardial infarction alone, patients with RVI suffered more hemodynamic compromise (need for inotropes or vasopressors 39 vs. 15%, P<0.0001, and intra-aortic balloon pump 32 vs. 13%, P<0.0001) and higher in-hospital mortality (14 vs. 3%, P=0.0006). In cases without RVI, the status of LV function did not influence in-hospital mortality (ejection fraction≤40%=7.3% vs. ejection fraction>40%=1.8, P=0.12). In contrast, in patients with RVI, LVEF was an important determinant of outcome: those with LVEF ≤ 40% suffered more hemodynamic compromise (need for inotropes or vasopressors 63 vs. 30%, P<0.0001, and intra-aortic balloon pump 59 vs. 22%, P<0.0001) and had markedly higher in-hospital mortality (33 vs. 7%, P<0.0001)., Conclusion: In patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction complicated by RVI, depressed LVEF is associated with greater hemodynamic compromise and higher in-hospital mortality. These findings may have clinical implications for supportive efforts in such cases.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is rising in epidemic proportions with India not being an exception. CAD in Indian scenario has its onset at a younger age with multitude of risk factors., Objective: This study was carried out to obtain complete information about demographic profile, risk factors, clinical scenario, therapeutic modalities, natural course, outcome and changing profile of acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 45,122 acute STEMI patients admitted 1st March 1990 to 1st March 2014. A predefined performa was completed in every patient with detailed clinical history, physical examination, laboratory and investigation parameters, therapeutic interventions and inhospital outcome., Results: Our population cohort presented with STEMI at age of 56.34±11.88 years with 82.48% male. Urban residency (64.35%), lower level of education (61.03%), middle and low socioeconomic status (81.01%), unemployment (56.47%), lack of exercise (78.80%) and poor dietary pattern including low intake of fruits and vegetables (58.80%) were pivotal players. Smoking was prevalent in 48.80% cases, with overweight and obesity (51.11%), diabetes mellitus (27.34%), hypertension (38.85%), hyperlipidemia (28.15%), alcoholism (28.80%) and family history (16.66%). Our population had mildly elevated LDL (101.4±33.38 mg/dl), low HDL (36.6±10.7 mg.dl) and high TC/HDL ratio (4.05±1.36). Majority harbored (52.06%) two or more risk factors, while in 16.60% no conventional risk factors were identified. Anterior wall STEMI (56.78%) far exceeded the inferior wall (37.55%). Less than half (47.77%) presented within the window period of 12 hours while only 0.8% of patients availed the golden period of 1 hour. 50.27% presented in Killip Class II or beyond. Angiography revealed single vessel disease (46.76%) with LAD involvement being most common (58.85%). Thrombolytic therapy was provided in 38.95% and primary PCI in 2.1%. Complications in the form of CHF (34.7%), cardiogenic shock (8.65%), reinfarction (6.5%), arrhythmia (59.2%) and mortality (10.57%) were seen. Mortality decreased from 13.9% (from 1990-2000) to 8.8% (2000-2014)., Conclusions: With recent increased use of β-blocker, ACEI/ARB, aldosterone antagonist and reperfusion strategy, we have brought down the mortality to lower level.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia is a life-threatening complication, affecting the morbidity and mortality of the patient if not properly treated. We report a case of a 75-year-old female patient who experienced enoxaparininduced thrombocytopaenia during medical treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to thrombotic total occlusion in the large right coronary artery.

Objective: High-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), including complete AVB in acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), is not uncommon. However, there is no study evaluating the clinical differences between patients who have undergone temporary pacing (TP) and patients who have not. The present study was designed to investigate whether TP has any prognostic significance in inferior STEMI complicated by complete AVB., Methods: From January 2009 to December 2014, 295 consecutive patients diagnosed with inferior wall STEMI in a university hospital were reviewed. All of them underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Among the 295 patients, there were 72 patients with complete AVB. The clinical characteristics, procedural data, and long-term major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events were compared in patients with and without TP., Results: Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between patients with and without TP. Patients with TP were more likely to present with cardiogenic shock; thus, additional interventions were attempted via a femoral approach, as patients received further treatment with intra-aortic balloon pumps and were subjected to additional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most cases of complete AVB were primarily caused by right coronary artery occlusion. After a median follow-up period of 344 (range, 105.5-641) days, major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events did not differ between the groups (P=0.528)., Conclusion: We conclude that primary PCI without TP is acceptable in complete AVB-complicated acute inferior STEMI. To avoid delay in reperfusion, we suggest that primary PCI should be the first priority therapy rather than treating patients initially with TP.

Background: Acute inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality particularly among patients with coexisting right ventricular (RV) involvement. High neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an independent predictor of major adverse cardiac events and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. This study evaluated the relationship between the NLR and RV dysfunction (RVD) in patients with inferior STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods: A total of 213 subjects with inferior STEMI were divided into two groups according to the presence of RVD. The groups were compared according to NLR and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to access the predictability of NLR on having RVD., Results: The NLR was significantly higher in the group with RVD compared to that without RVD (p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, NLR > 3.5 predicted RVD with sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 55%. In a multivariate regression analysis, NLR remained an independent predictor of RVD (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.285-1.750, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: NLR was an independent predictor of RVD in patients with inferior STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare presenting feature of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We describe such a case which resolved with thrombolysis, and on further investigation, the patient was found to have a large sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. Abnormal gross pathology at the time of surgery was suspected to be aortitis which was only confirmed on postmortem examination 6 months later. We highlight the importance of working closely with a pathologist when aortitis is suspected, because failure to treat it medically results in a poor outcome., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

Systemic embolization from a primary cardiac tumor is a relatively frequent presentation. However, an acute myocardial infarction due to coronary embolization is rarely seen. We offer an unusual case of a 50-year-old man who presented with severe angina and was diagnosed with an inferolateral ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Aside from otherwise healthy coronary arteries, his coronary angiogram revealed an acute occlusion of the first obtuse marginal branch, which was treated with balloon angioplasty. Because no residual plaque or dissection was found after the angioplasty, an embolic source was suspected. An echocardiogram then revealed a large mobile left atrial myxoma prolapsing into the left ventricle, so the patient underwent minimally invasive resection. Detailed pathologic examination of the myxoma revealed a concomitant high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

It is still a matter of debate which patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction are at increased risk of developing right ventricular (RV) myocardial infarction (RVMI). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) with late enchancement (LE) is regarded as the gold standard for RVMI assessment. We aimed to determine the impact of initial angiographic status and salutary effect of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the presence of RVMI. In 114 patients undergoing emergency angiography and primary PCI of right coronary artery, 3-5 days after index PCI, LE CMRI was performed for assessing the RVMI. Forty-eight patients (42%) demonstrated RVMI. Multivariate regression analysis identified TIMI flow <2 in at least one RV branch after PCI as an independent angiographic predictor of RVMI [odds ratio (OR) 143.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18.10-1130.05, p < 0.001]. ST-segment elevation ≥ 1 mm in V4R was present in 83 (73%). TIMI flow <3 in at least one RV branch before PCI (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.24-13.33, p = 0.02) was independent angiographic predictor of ST-segment elevation ≥ 1 mm in V4R. The only predictor of RVMI was TIMI flow <2 in at least one RV branch after PCI. ST-segment elevation ≥ 1 mm in V4R is caused by TIMI <3 flow in at least one RV branch before index PCI.