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Background Prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is largely dependent on right ventricular (RV) function. However, recent studies have suggested the presence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in PAH patients. The potential role of LV ischemia, as a contributor to progressive LV dysfunction, has not been systematically studied in PAH. We aim to assess the presence and extent of LV myocardial ischemia in patients with known PH and without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), using oxygen-sensitive (OS) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and stress/rest CMR T1 mapping. Methods We prospectively recruited 28 patients with right heart catheter-proven PH and no significant CAD, 8 patients with known CAD and 11 normal age-matched controls (NC). OS-CMR images were acquired using a T2* sequence and T1 maps were acquired using Shortened Modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery (ShMOLLI) at rest and adenosine-induced stress vasodilatation; ΔOS-CMR signal intensity (SI) index (stress/rest SI) and ΔT1 reactivity (stress-rest/rest T1 mapping) were calculated. Results Global LV ΔOS SI index was significantly lower in PH patients compared with controls (11.1%±6.7% vs. 20.5%±10.5%, P=0.016), as was ΔT1 reactivity (5.2%±4.5% vs. 8.0%±2.9%, P=0.047). The ischemic segments of CAD patients had comparable ΔOS SI (10.3%±6.4% vs. 11.1%±6.7%, P=0.773) to PH patients, but lower ΔT1 reactivity (1.1%±4.2% vs. 5.2%±4.5%, P=0.036). Conclusions Decreased OS-CMR SI and T1 reactivity signify the presence of impaired myocardial oxygenation and vasodilatory response in PH patients. Given their unobstructed epicardial coronary arteries, this is likely secondary to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD).

Cardiac amyloidosis is a progressive disorder and is sometimes difficult to diagnose even when suspected in the appropriate clinical setting. We present an interesting case of rapidly progressive light-chain cardiac amyloidosis and highlights the importance of close monitoring even when the initial biopsy and imaging findings are not pathognomonic for amyloidosis. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.), Graphical abstract, Cardiac amyloidosis is a progressive disorder and is sometimes difficult to diagnose even when suspected in the appropriate clinical setting. This…

Aims Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has a potential role in the evaluation of symptomatic patients with stable troponin elevation; however, its utility remains unexplored. We sought to determine the incremental diagnostic value of CMR in this unique cohort and assess the long-term clinical outcomes. Methods and results Two hundred twenty-five consecutive patients presenting with cardiac chest pain/dyspnoea, stable troponin elevation, and undergoing CMR assessment were identified retrospectively from registry database. The study cohort was prospectively followed for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (defined as composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular readmissions). The primary outcome measure was the diagnostic utility of CMR, i.e. percentage of patients for whom CMR identified the cause of stable troponin elevation. Secondary outcome measures included the incremental value of CMR and occurrence of MACE. CMR was able to identify the cause for stable troponin elevation in 160 (71%) patients. A normal CMR was identified in 17% and an inconclusive CMR in 12% of the patients. CMR changed the referral diagnosis in 59 (26%) patients. Utilizing a baseline prediction model (pre-CMR referral diagnosis), the net reclassification index was 0.11 and integrated discriminatory improvement index measured 0.33 following CMR. Over a median follow-up of 4.3 years (interquartile range 2.8–6.3), 72 (32%) patients experienced MACE. Conclusion CMR identified a cause for stable troponin elevation in 7 of 10 cases, and a new diagnosis was evident in 1 of 4 cases. CMR improved the net reclassification of patients with stable troponin elevation.

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a distinct entity among patients presenting with troponin-positive acute chest pain. We have previously reported on the incremental diagnostic capability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in this cohort. There is paucity of evidence on the long-term (5 years) clinical outcomes of these patients as graded by their acute CMR diagnosis.A total of 229 patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA who underwent CMR assessment during the acute admission (2010-2017) were prospectively studied. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as a composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular readmissions, identified from hospital and primary care records. CMR performed at a median of 6 days (IQR 2, 8) from presentation provided a diagnosis in 85% of the patients (38% myocarditis, 28% acute myocardial infarction and 19% Takotsubo cardiomyopathy). Over a median follow-up of 7.1 years (IQR 3.7, 8.2), 56 (24%) patients experienced a MACE. We found a strong association between CMR diagnosis and MACE (log rank 30.47, p 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.10; p 0.001) and CMR diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (hazard ratio = 8.87; 95% confidence interval = 2.58, 30.4; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of MACE.In a large cohort of patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA, one in four suffer a MACE during long-term clinical follow-up. CMR diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and age were significant predictors of MACE even in the absence of significant coronary artery obstruction.

Background The presence and extent of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a major determinant of symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). There is increasing evidence to suggest that myocardial energetic impairment represents a central mechanism leading to LVH in HCM. There is currently a significant unmet need for disease-modifying therapy that regresses LVH in HCM patients. Perhexiline, a potent carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) inhibitor, improves myocardial energetics in HCM, and has the potential to reduce LVH in HCM. Objective The primary objective is to evaluate the effects of perhexiline treatment on the extent of LVH, in symptomatic HCM patients with at least moderate LVH. Methods/Design RESOLVE-HCM is a prospective, multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial enrolling symptomatic HCM patients with at least moderate LVH. Sixty patients will be randomized to receive either perhexiline or matching placebo. The primary endpoint is change in LVH, assessed utilizing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, after 12-months treatment with perhexiline. Summary RESOLVE-HCM will provide novel information on the utility of perhexiline in regression of LVH in symptomatic HCM patients. A positive result would lead to the design of a Phase 3 clinical trial addressing long-term effects of perhexiline on risk of heart failure and mortality in HCM patients.

Background and introduction Troponin-positive chest pain with unobstructed coronary arteries is a distinct entity with different pathophysiological causes. We have previously reported on the incremental diagnostic capability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in this cohort. However, there is paucity of literature on the long-term clinical outcomes of these patients assessed with CMR. Objectives Using the unique cohort of patients previously studied, we sought to assess the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with troponin-positive chest pain and unobstructed coronary arteries, as graded by their acute CMR presentation. Methods A total of 122 consecutive patients with troponin-positive chest pain and unobstructed coronary arteries undergoing CMR assessment during the acute admission (2010–2014) were studied. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular readmissions (heart failure, acute myocardial infarction [AMI], atrial or ventricular arrhythmia and stroke). Patients were grouped into 4 categories based on their initial CMR findings: AMI, acute myocarditis, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and normal CMR. Results The mean age of the study cohort was 55.6±16.5 years and 56.5% were women. CMR (performed at a median of 6 days from presentation) provided a diagnosis in 87% of the patients (38% myocarditis, 28% Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and 21% AMI). Patients with a diagnosis of AMI were prescribed guideline recommended medical therapy. Over a median follow-up of 2524 days (6.9 years), 32 (26.2%) patients experienced a MACE. The all-cause mortality was 2.5%. The most common indication for cardiovascular readmissions in this cohort was heart failure (12.3%) and AMI (9%). In multivariate analysis, a CMR diagnosis of AMI (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.2, 5.7; p=0.019) and peak troponin (hazard ratio = 1.0003; 95% confidence interval = 1.00003, 1.0006; p=0.028) were significantly associated with MACE after adjusting for age and gender. In addition, CMR diagnosis of AMI was significantly associated with a lower event-free survival rate compared with a diagnosis of non-AMI (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.57, p=0.019) (Figure). Conclusions The long-term prognosis of patients with troponin-positive chest pain and unobstructed coronary arteries is not benign. CMR diagnosis of AMI is a significant predictor of MACE even in the absence of significant coronary artery obstruction and despite guideline recommended post AMI therapy. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Although the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has improved substantially over the last 2 decades the risk of future cardiovascular events, in particular heart failure, remains high [ 1 ]. The most important determinant of long-term clinical outcomes after STEMI is infarct size (IS). In a recent meta-analysis, IS measured within 1 month after primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) was strongly associated with all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure within 1 year [ 2 ]. There are currently no established therapies to reduce IS, with the exception of timely reperfusion by pPCI. Furthermore, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major clinical problem in patients with STEMI, leading to greater IS, ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure, despite early reperfusion by pPCI. There are no effective therapies to prevent or limit IRI, which is caused by multiple pathways activated by rapid tissue reoxygenation and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Contemporary research focus is on new therapeutic interventions to reduce IRI and subsequent IS, with the ultimate aim of improving event-free survival in STEMI patients.

Objectives To evaluate the target lesion failure (TLF) rate of the SYNERGY stent in all-comers, multiethnic Asian population. Background Currently, most drug eluting stents deliver anti-proliferative drugs from a durable polymer which is associated with a risk of late stent thrombosis. The novel everolimus-eluting, platinum chromium SYNERGY stent is coated with a bioabsorbable abluminal polymer that resolves within 4 months. Methods This was a prospective, single center registry of consecutive patients treated with the SYNERGY stent between December 2012 and April 2015. The primary outcome was the incidence of TLF, defined as the combination of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 1 year. Results A total of 807 patients received the SYNERGY stent during the study period. One-year clinical outcome data was available for 765 patients (94.8%) and were considered for statistical analysis. The mean age was 60.7 ± 10.8 years, and 83.4% were males. Patients with acute myocardial infarction consisted of 50.3% (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: 23.0%, Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: 27.3%) of the study population. The treated lesions were complex (ACC/AHA type B2/C: 72.7%). The primary end point of TLF at 1 year was 5.8%. Rates of cardiac mortality, target vessel myocardial infarction, and TLR were 4.2, 1.0, and 1.3%, respectively, at 1 year. Predictors of the incidence and time to early TLF were female gender, Malay ethnicity, diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction at presentation, a prior history of coronary artery bypass surgery and the presence of lesion calcification. The incidence of definite stent thrombosis was 0.4% at 1 year. Conclusions In this registry, the use of the SYNERGY stent was associated with low rates of TLF at 1 year.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a neoplastic disorder of myeloid cell lines and is a less aggressive disease compared to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although cardiovascular complications are not uncommon, intracardiac thrombosis in CML is rarely reported. Herein, we report a case of CML presenting with an intracardiac thrombus attached to the posterior mitral leaflet, and subsequently resulting in peripheral embolization.

Aim: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of angina, myocardial infarction (MI), and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and may frequently manifest as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The diagnosis of SCAD relies on angiographic visualization of a radiolucent intimal flap. Therapeutic options include medical therapy, percutaneous coronary interventions, and bypass surgery. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical profile, inhospital outcomes, management, and follow-up of patients with angiographic SCAD. Methods: About 19,676 diagnostic coronary angiograms (CAGs) were reviewed retrospectively during a 2-year period; 64 patients had SCAD and were included in the study. Complete medical histories before and during the event as well as treatment regimens were obtained from patients' hospital files. Results: A total of 64 cases of SCAD were considered for the study within an age range of 25–70 years. Fifty-eight patients presented with ACS, two patients presented with unstable angina, one patient presented with rheumatic mitral stenosis in atrial fibrillation, one patient presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, one patient with dilated cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction, and one patient with effort. Out of 64 patients, four patients died and the average hospital stay is 3–5 days. Conclusion: SCAD occurs in 0.32% of patients undergoing CAG for evaluation of coronary artery disease. Majority of SCAD occurs in men. The left coronary artery is most commonly affected. The inhospital outcomes are good. Most of the patients with SCAD have good prognosis following optimal medical therapy.

Intermittent dysfunction of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis is an uncommon condition. It carries serious clinical implications if unrecognized. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old female with a history of rheumatic multivalvular disease, for which she had undergone double valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty. Six months later, she presented with heart failure. Clinical examination revealed intermittent loss of closing clicks followed by a pansystolic murmur at the apex, suggestive of mitral prosthetic valve dysfunction. We highlight the echocardiographic findings of paroxysmal mitral valvular regurgitation secondary to prosthetic valve malfunction secondary to prosthetic valve thrombosis.

Hemopericardium is a major complication of balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV). Only a few studies are available to address this issue following transseptal access. In addition, the management strategy regarding completion of BMV is uncertain.We sought to determine the incidence of hemopericardium complicating transseptal puncture during BMV. In addition, the management strategy adopted and outcomes are highlighted.This prospective study included 29 consecutive patients who developed hemopericardium following transseptal access during BMV.Out of 1424 patients who underwent BMV, hemopericardium developed in 29 patients following transseptal access (2.0%). The mean age of the study cohort was 36.9 ± 13.7 years and 82.8% were women. A second transseptal puncture was done and BMV was completed in 26 patients (89.6%). An acceptable hemodynamic result was obtained in 22 patients (84.6%). Six patients (20.7%) underwent emergency surgery for hemopericardium. The sites of perforation were inferior vena cava-right atrial junction in 4 cases, left atrial posterior wall in 1 case, and left atrial appendage in 1 case. In addition to repair of the perforation, a total of 2 patients underwent mitral valve replacement and 1 patient underwent open mitral commissurotomy. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.9%.The incidence of hemopericardium complicating transseptal access during BMV was 2.0%, and was associated with a mortality rate of 6.9%. BMV can be safely performed in the same sitting with a second transseptal puncture, in patients with a favorable valve morphology. Surgical intervention can be reserved for a subset of patients with persistent pericardial collection.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate left ventricular (LV) function by assessment of LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent delayed fibrinolysis and coronary intervention (extended pharmaco-invasive strategy), since LV function is one of the determinants of both immediate and long-term outcomes. METHODS Prospective study of consecutive STEMI patients who underwent extended pharmaco-invasive strategy. The LV function was estimated using LV GLS at baseline and at 6 months. RESULTS The study included eighty-seven STEMI patients who received delayed pharmaco-invasive therapy and coronary intervention. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate a change in LV function by assessment of GLS at 6 months as compared to baseline. Prior to PCI, LV ejection fraction was 48.08 ± 6.23% and GLS was -11.11 ± 2.99%. Procedural success was achieved in all patients. LV ejection fraction after 6 months of follow-up increased to 53.12 ± 5.61% and the GLS improved to -13.03 ± 3.06% In comparison to baseline, there was a significant improvement in both LV ejection fraction and GLS at 6 months of follow-up (P

Surgical ventricular restoration is a procedure designed to restore or remodel the left ventricle.

To evaluate the 1-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with 2.0 mm drug-coated balloon (DCB) vs 2.0 mm drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in small-caliber vessel de novo coronary artery disease (CAD).All patients treated with 2.0 mm DCB or 2.0 mm DES for very small vessel de novo CAD from July 2014 to June 2016 were included in this study. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of target-lesion failure (TLF) and time to TLF, defined as a combination of cardiac mortality, target-vessel myocardial infarction, and target-lesion revascularization (TLR).A total of 87 patients (96 lesions) were implanted with 2.0 mm DCBs and 200 patients (223 lesions) were implanted with 2.0 mm DESs during the study period. Mean reference vessel diameter was similar between the DCB and DES groups (1.88 ± 0.38 mm vs 1.95 ± 0.21 mm, respectively; P=.11). The 1-year TLF rates were 7.0% in the DCB group and 8.2% in the DES group (P=.73). TLF was driven by TLR in both groups. Bailout stenting was performed in 7 patients (8 lesions) who received a DCB. Stent thrombosis was seen in 4 patients (2.0%) who underwent DES implantation. There was no vessel thrombosis noted in the DCB group. Cardiogenic shock was identified as a direct and significant predictor for both the occurrence of TLF and time to TLF.In this first report, treatment of very small vessel CAD with 2.0 mm DCB vs 2.0 mm DES was associated with similar 1-year TLF rates.

The practice of cardiovascular medicine is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of new pharmaceutical agents and medical devices being evaluated for clinical safety and efficacy. Recommendations for good clinical practice are on the basis of the results derived from quality studies. Data from

Vasospastic angina, a form of angina pectoris due to coronary artery spasm responds to nitrates and calcium antagonists in majority of the cases. Rarely, they are unresponsive to conventional treatment, and recurrent ischemia can lead to ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and sudden death. We report a patient with multi-vessel coronary artery spasm and recurrent ST segment elevation in anterior leads, which was successfully managed with intravenous administration of nicorandil. Key words: Coronary spasm, Coronary artery disease, Vasospastic angina, Nicorandil, Imaging.

Discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) is a progressive obstruction of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) resulting in the development of aortic regurgitation in its natural course. Hence, early intervention is recommended. Percutaneous balloon dilation of DSS has been reported and can substantially reduce LVOT pressure gradient. The response to balloon dilation of DSS is transient and may complicate with chordal or papillary muscle rupture. Hence, balloon dilation of DSS should be discouraged.

Neurological complications of coarctation of aorta include spontaneous SAH, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral abscess. Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) present as compressive myelopathy is not known. We describe an adult male presenting to neurology department with progressive paraparesis and was detected to have IAA with intraspinal collaterals causing compressive myelopathy. He was successfully treated with percutaneous stenting of IAA with dramatic improvement in paraparesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing surgery for various valvular as well as non-valvular cardiac pathologies. Methods: Patients with various valvular and non-valvular pathologies were selected. All patients with age ≥40 years and an indication for open heart surgery underwent pre-operative coronary angiogram and were included in the study. Results: The mean age was 51.5 ± 9.02 years. 178 (59.3%) patients were males and 122 (40.7%) patients were females. Out of 300 patients, 270 (90%) patients had valvular heart disease (VHD) and 30 (10%) patients had non-valvular heart disease. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), mitral valve prolapse (MVP), degenerative aortic valve disease (DAVD) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) was present in 161 (53.7%), 17 (5.7%), 60 (20%) and 32 (10.7%) patients respectively. Overall, 26 (8.7%) patients were found to have significant CAD. CAD was significantly more common in patients with VHD as compared to patients with other etiologies (1 patient, 3.3%, p 60 years, male sex, typical angina, HT, dyslipidemia and smoking were significantly greater as compared to those with normal coronaries. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of CAD among patients undergoing non-coronary cardiac surgery is 8.7%. Coronary artery disease is relatively uncommon in patients with rheumatic VHD (4.9%), while its prevalence is highest in DAVD (23.4%).

In the field of percutaneous coronary intervention, the evolution of coronary metal stents has been well established for the past three decades, but research on bioresorbable scaffolds has only gained momentum in the recent past. Although second-generation drug-eluting metal stents are the gold standard for the treatment of obstructive coronary artery disease, a few drawbacks exist. The development of bioresorbable scaffolds is an attempt to overcome the limitations of metal stents. This review highlights the rationale for the bioresorbable scaffold, its properties and potential applications. It also focuses on the current evidence and concerns regarding the application of the bioresorbable scaffold in day-to-day practice.

Background: The study was performed to assess endothelial function and carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in asymptomatic patients, with and without risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Methods: A cross sectional survey of asymptomatic patients, aged 21 - 60 years, with and without risk factors for cardiovascular disease was recruited from the outpatient department of Cardiology. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and carotid IMT was determined using a high resolution B mode ultrasonography system. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. The mean carotid IMT was 0.67 ± 0.05 mm in the group without risk factors and 0.78 ± 0.12 mm in the group with risk factors (P value < 0.05). Endothelial dysfunction (ED) and increased carotid IMT were more significant in the group with risk factors (P value < 0.001). Age, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, body mass index and HbA1c had a significant correlation with both IMT and FMD response. A higher proportion of subjects with diabetes mellitus (87%), metabolic syndrome (86%) and family history of premature coronary artery disease (78%) had ED. In subjects with normal coronary angiogram, 71% had abnormal FMD response and 36% had increased carotid IMT. Conclusion: In asymptomatic subjects, risk factors for cardiovascular disease are significantly associated with objective evidence of ED and increased carotid IMT. FMD response and carotid IMT values are likely to yield additional information beyond traditional risk factors for classifying patients in regard to the likelihood of cardiovascular event. Therapeutic measures with the aim of improving endothelial function and reducing carotid IMT may reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. Cardiol Res. 2012;3(4):180-186 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr194w

Objective To analyze the echocardiographic and operative findings with respect to mitral valve anatomy in individuals undergoing emergency surgery for acute severe mitral regurgitation (MR) following balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV). In addition, the clinical profile and outcomes are highlighted. Background Acute severe MR is a major complication of BMV. There are only a few reports which have studied the echocardiographic and operative findings in this setting. In addition, optimal timing of surgery is uncertain. Methods Prospective study of 50 consecutive patients undergoing emergency mitral valve replacement (MVR) for acute severe MR following BMV. Results In 3855 patients who underwent BMV, acute severe MR developed in 50 cases (1.3%) and was referred for emergency MVR. Hypotension (72%), hypoxia (64%), orthopnea (14%), and pulmonary edema (12%) were the clinical manifestations. Severe MR was secondary to anterior mitral leaflet tear in 36 cases (72%), paracommisural tear with annular involvement in seven cases (14%), posterior mitral leaflet tear in five cases (10%) and chordal tear in two cases (4%). The correlation between two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE) and operative finding for mitral valve calcification was found to be strong (r = 0.862), in contrast to submitral fusion, where it was found to be moderate (r = 0.536). In-hospital mortality was 12%. Mortality was higher in patients whose time to surgery was ≥24 hr when compared to those who underwent MVR within 24 hr (P < 0.001). Conclusions Hypotension and hypoxia are the predominant manifestations of acute severe MR following BMV. Anterior mitral leaflet tear is the most common etiology for severe MR. 2D-TTE underestimated the severity of submitral disease. Early MVR (