Associations between specific plasma ceramides and severity of coronary-artery stenosis assessed by coronary angiography

AimRecent prospective studies have identified distinct plasma ceramides as strong predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Currently, it is uncertain whether higher levels of distinct plasma ceramides are associated with greater angiographic severity of coronary-artery stenoses in this patient population.MethodsWe measured six previously identified high-risk plasma ceramide species [Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0), Cer(d18:1/20:0), Cer(d18:1/22:0), Cer(d18:1/24:0) and Cer(d18:1/24:1)] in 167 consecutive patients with established or suspected CAD, who underwent urgent or elective coronary angiography.ResultsApproximately 77% of patients had a significant stenosis (≥ 50%) in one or more of the main coronary arteries, the majority of whom (∼60%) had a significant stenosis in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Of the six measured plasma ceramides, higher levels of plasma Cer(d18:1/20:0) (adjusted-odds ratio 1.39, 95%CI 1.0–1.99), Cer(d18:1/22:0) (adjusted-odds ratio 1.57, 95%CI 1.08–2.29) and Cer(d18:1/24:0) (adjusted-odds ratio 1.59, 95%CI 1.08–2.32) were significantly associated with the presence of LAD stenosis ≥ 50%, after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, pre-existing CAD, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, lipid-lowering therapy, estimated glomerular filtration rate and plasma C-reactive protein levels. Almost identical results were found even after excluding patients (n = 15) with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Similar results were also found when patients were categorized according to the Gensini severity score.ConclusionOur cross-sectional study shows for the first time that higher levels of specific plasma ceramides are independently associated with a greater severity of coronary-artery stenoses in the LAD artery in patients who had suspected or established CAD.     

Impacto de la localización de la oclusión coronaria crónica total en la supervivencia a largo plazo tras intervención coronaria percutánea

Introduction and objectivesLimited data are available on the clinical outcomes of optimal medical therapy (OMT) compared with revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) of the proximal or middle left anterior descending artery (pmLAD). Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with pmLAD CTO who were treated with a PCI strategy with those of patients treated with an OMT strategy.MethodsBetween March 2003 and February 2012, 2024 patients with CTO were enrolled in a single-center registry. Among this patient group, we excluded CTO patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. After the exclusion, a total of 1547 patients remained. They were stratified according to classification of coronary segments (pmLAD or non-pmLAD CTO) and the initial treatment strategy (OMT or PCI). Propensity score matching was performed. The primary outcome was cardiac death.ResultsThe median follow-up was 45.9 (interquartile range, 22.9-71.1) months. After propensity score matching, the incidence of cardiac death (HR, 0.54; 95%C, 0.31-0.94, P = .029) was significantly lower in the PCI with pmLAD CTO group than in the OMT group. In contrast, no significant difference was found in the rate of cardiac death between the PCI and OMT groups with non-pmLAD CTO (HR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.27–1.42, P = .26).ConclusionsAs an initial treatment strategy, PCI of pmLAD CTO, but not PCI of non-pmLAD, is associated with improved long-term survival.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Tratamiento antiagregante plaquetario doble tras la intervención coronaria percutánea del tronco coronario izquierdo

Introduction and objectivesThere are scarce data on the optimal duration and prognostic impact of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with second-generation drug-eluting stents for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the practice pattern and long-term prognostic effect of DAPT duration in patients undergoing PCI with second-generation drug-eluting stents for LMCA disease.MethodsUsing individual patient-level data from the IRIS-MAIN and KOMATE registries, 1827 patients undergoing PCI with second-generation drug-eluting stents for LMCA disease with valid information on DAPT duration were included. The efficacy outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis) and the safety outcome was TIMI major bleeding.ResultsDAPT duration was < 6 months (n = 273), 6 to 12 months (n = 477), 12 to 24 months (n = 637), and ≥ 24 months (n = 440). The median follow-up duration was 3.9 [interquartile range, 3.01-5.00] years. Prolonged DAPT duration was associated with lower incidences of MACE. In multigroup propensity score analysis, adjusted HR for MACE were significantly higher for DAPT < 6 months and DAPT 6 to 12 months than for DAPT 12 to 24 months (HR, 4.51; 95%CI, 2.96-6.88 and HR 1.92; 95%CI, 1.23-3.00). There was no difference in HR for major bleeding among the assessed groups.ConclusionsDAPT duration following PCI for LMCA disease is highly variable. Although the duration of DAPT should be considered in the context of the clinical situation of each patient, < 12 months of DAPT was associated with higher incidence of MACE. Registration identifiers: NCT01341327; NCT03908463.     

Clustering of patients with inconclusive non-invasive stress testing referred for vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance

BackgroundInconclusive non-invasive stress testing is associated with impaired outcome. This population is very heterogeneous, and its characteristics are not well depicted by conventional methods.AimsTo identify patient subgroups by phenotypic unsupervised clustering, integrating clinical and cardiovascular magnetic resonance data to unveil pathophysiological differences between subgroups of patients with inconclusive stress tests.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2020, consecutive patients with a first inconclusive non-invasive stress test referred for stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (defined as cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction). A cluster analysis was performed on clinical and cardiovascular magnetic resonance variables.ResultsOf 1402 patients (67% male; mean age 70 ± 11 years) who completed the follow-up (median 6.5 years, interquartile range 5.6–7.5 years), 197 experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (14.1%). Three distinct phenogroups were identified based upon unsupervised hierarchical clustering of principal components: phenogroup 1 = history of percutaneous coronary intervention with viable myocardial infarction and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction; phenogroup 2 = atrial fibrillation with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction; and phenogroup 3 = coronary artery bypass graft with non-viable myocardial scar and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Using survival analysis, the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (P = 0.007), cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.002) and all-cause mortality (P < 0.001) differed among the three phenogroups. Phenogroup 3 presented the worse prognosis. In each phenogroup, ischaemia was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (phenogroup 1: hazard ratio 2.79, 95% confidence interval 1.61–4.84; phenogroup 2: hazard ratio 2.59, 95% confidence interval 1.69–3.97; phenogroup 3: hazard ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval 1.82–5.49; all P < 0.001).ConclusionsCluster analysis of clinical and cardiovascular magnetic resonance variables identified three phenogroups of patients with inconclusive stress testing, with distinct prognostic profiles.     

Impacto del bloqueo del sistema renina-angiotensina en el pronóstico del síndrome coronario agudo en función de la fracción de eyección

Introduction and objectivesFor patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), it is unclear whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are associated with reduced mortality, particularly with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The goal of this study was to determine the association between ACEI/ARB and mortality in ACS patients undergoing PCI, with and without reduced LVEF.MethodsData from the BleeMACS registry were used. The endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. The prognostic value of ACEI/ARB was tested after weighting by survival-time inverse probability and after adjustment by Cox regression, propensity score, and instrumental variable analysis.ResultsAmong 15 401 ACS patients who underwent PCI, ACEI/ARB were prescribed in 75.2%. There were 569 deaths (3.7%) during the first year after hospital discharge. After multivariable adjustment, ACEI/ARB were associated with lower 1-year mortality, ≤ 40% (HR, 0.62; 95%CI, 0.43-0.90; P = .012). The relative risk reduction of ACEI/ARB in mortality was 46.1% in patients with LVEF ≤ 40%, and 15.7% in patients with LVEF > 40% (P value for treatment-by-LVEF interaction = .008). For patients with LVEF > 40%, ACEI/ARB was associated with lower mortality only in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (HR, 0.44; 95%CI, 0.21-0.93; P = .031).ConclusionThe benefit of ACEI/ARB in decreasing mortality after an ACS in patients undergoing PCI is concentrated in patients with LVEF ≤ 40%, and in those with LVEF > 40% and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. In non–ST-segment elevation-ACS patients with LVEF > 40%, further studies are needed to assess the prognostic impact of ACEI/ARB.     

Litoplastia coronaria en lesiones calcificadas: registro multicéntrico de la práctica clínica

Introduction and objectivesCoronary lithoplasty (CL) is a balloon-based technique used to treat calcified lesions. This study reports the initial experience of treatment of calcified lesions with CL in an unselected and high-risk population.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicenter registry, which included all consecutive cases with calcified coronary lesions that underwent CL between August, 2018 and August, 2019. Exclusion criteria consisted of a target lesion located in a small vessel (< 2.5 mm) and the presence of dissection prior to CL. Quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound/optical coherence tomography analysis were completed by an independent central core laboratory.ResultsThis registry included 57 patients (66 lesions). The population was elderly (72.6 ± 9.4 years) with high proportions of patients with diabetes (56%), chronic kidney disease (35%), and multivessel disease (84%). All lesions were classified as type B/C. More than 75% of lesions were predilated with noncompliant/semicompliant balloons or cutting-balloon. Rotablator was used in 5 lesions (7.6%) prelithoplasty. On average, CL required 1.17 balloons delivering a mean of 60 pulses. Successful CL was achieved in 98%. In 13% of cases, lithoplasty balloon was broken during therapy. There were few procedural complications: 2 cases of significant dissections (none related to lithoplasty balloon rupture) were successfully treated with drug-eluting stent implantation. One patient experienced stent thrombosis 2 days after successfully undergoing target lesion revascularization.ConclusionsThis is a real-world multicenter registry, which supports the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of PCI for calcified coronary lesions using CL in an unselected and high-risk population with promising results.     

Comparación de seguridad y efectividad entre los accesos radiales derecho e izquierdo en la intervención coronaria percutánea

Introduction and objectivesThere is a paucity of data comparing the left radial approach (LRA) and right radial approach (RRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in all-comers populations and performed by operators with different experience levels. Thus, we sought to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of the RRA and LRA during PCI in “real-world” patients with either stable angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsTo overcome the possible impact of the nonrandomized design, a propensity score was calculated to compare the 2 radial approaches. The study group comprised 18 716 matched pairs with stable angina and 46 241 with ACS treated with PCI and stent implantation between 2014 and 2017 in 151 tertiary invasive cardiology centers in Poland (the ORPKI Polish National Registry).ResultsThe rates of death and periprocedural complications were similar for the RRA and LRA in stable angina patients. A higher radiation dose was observed with PCI via the LRA in both clinical presentations (stable angina: 1067.0 ± 947.1 mGy vs 1007.4 ± 983.5 mGy, P = .001; ACS: 1212.7 ± 1005.5 mGy vs 1053.5 ± 1029.7 mGy, P = .001). More contrast was used in LRA procedures but only in ACS patients (174.2 ± 75.4 mL vs 167.2 ± 72.1 mL, P = .001). Furthermore, periprocedural complications such as coronary artery dissection (0.16% vs 0.09%, P = .008), no-reflow phenomenon (0.65% vs 0.49%, P = .005), and puncture site bleeding (0.09% vs 0.05%, P = .04) were more frequently observed with the LRA in ACS patients. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups (P = .90).ConclusionsOur finding of poorer outcomes with the LRA may be related to lower operator experience with this approach. While both the LRA and RRA are safe in the setting of stable angina, the LRA was associated with a higher rate of periprocedural complications during PCI in ACS patients.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Resultados intrahospitalarios tras tratamiento percutáneo frente a quirúrgico en pacientes con estenosis aórtica y enfermedad arterial coronaria concomitante

Introduction and objectivesConcomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent among aortic stenosis patients; however the optimal therapeutic strategy remains debated. We investigated periprocedural outcomes among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with percutaneous coronary intervention (TAVI/PCI) vs surgical aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting (SAVR/CABG) for aortic stenosis with CAD.MethodsUsing discharge data from the Spanish National Health System, we identified 6194 patients (5217 SAVR/CABG and 977 TAVI/PCI) between 2016 and 2019. Propensity score matching was adjusted for baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications and 30-day cardiovascular readmission.ResultsMatching resulted in 774 pairs. In-hospital all-cause mortality was more common in the SAVR/CABG group (3.4% vs 9.4%, P < .001) as was periprocedural stroke (0.9% vs 2.2%; P = .004), acute kidney injury (4.3% vs 16.0%, P < .001), blood transfusion (9.6% vs 21.1%, P < .001), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (0.1% vs 1.7%, P = .001). Permanent pacemaker implantation was higher for matched TAVI/PCI (12.0% vs 5.7%, P < .001). Lower volume centers (< 130 procedures/y) had higher in-hospital all-cause mortality for both procedures: TAVI/PCI (3.6% vs 2.9%, P < .001) and SAVR/CABG (8.3 vs 6.8%, P < .001). Thirty-day cardiovascular readmission did not differ between groups.ConclusionsIn this large contemporary nationwide study, percutaneous management of aortic stenosis and CAD with TAVI/PCI had lower in-hospital mortality and morbidity than surgical intervention. Higher volume centers had less in-hospital mortality in both groups. Dedicated national high-volume heart centers warrant further investigation.     

Tratamiento percutáneo de oclusiones coronarias crónicas aorto-ostiales: resultados y consideraciones técnicas de un registro multicéntrico

Introduction and objectivesPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for aorto-ostial chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) can be a particularly challenging lesion subset. The aim of this study was to analyze the technical aspects and outcomes of aorto-ostial CTO PCI in a multicenter registry.MethodsPatients undergoing aorto-ostial CTO PCI at 4 centers between February 2013 and December 2018 were included. Success rates, as well as procedural aspects and outcomes, were analyzed.ResultsA total of 103 patients were included. Mean age was 64 ± 10 years and the mean J-CTO score was 3.1 ± 1.1. Thirty-one lesions (30.4%) were flush ostial CTOs. Technical and procedural success were achieved in 79 (76.7%) and 78 (75.7%) of the patients, respectively. The retrograde approach was the most frequent successful crossing technique (n = 49; 62.0%), especially in flush vs nonflush aorto-ostial CTOs (82.6% vs 53.5%; P = .02). The only variable independently associated with technical failure was the absence of interventional collaterals (OR, 12.38; 95%CI, 4.02-38.15; P < .001). Coronary perforation occurred in 4 patients (3.9%) requiring covered stent implantation (without subsequent cardiac tamponade) and 2 patients (1.9%) had a stroke (one of which was a transient ischemic attack). During a median follow-up of 31 months, 3 (2.9%) patients died from cardiovascular causes and 13 (12.6%) required repeat target vessel revascularization.ConclusionsAorto-ostial occlusions represent a challenging subset for PCI. However, an acceptable success rate with favorable outcomes during follow-up can be achieved by experienced operators. The presence of interventional collaterals allowing the use of the retrograde approach is key for achieving procedural success.     

Performance of stent thrombosis and bleeding risk scores in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to acute coronary syndromes

BackgroundPatients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at high risk of bleeding and thrombosis. While predictive bleeding and stent thrombosis risk scores have been established, their performance in patients with OHCA has not been evaluated.MethodsAll consecutive patients admitted for OHCA due to ACS who underwent PCI between January 2007 and December 2019 were included. The ACTION and CRUSADE bleeding risk scores and the Dangas score for early stent thrombosis risk were calculated for each patient. A C-statistic analysis was performed to assess the performance of these scores.ResultsAmong 386 included patients, 82 patients (21.2%) experienced severe bleeding and 30 patients (7.8%) experienced stent thrombosis. The predictive performance of the ACTION and CRUSADE bleeding risk scores for major bleeding was poor, with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.596 and 0.548, respectively. Likewise, the predictive performance of the Dangas stent thrombosis risk score was poor (AUC 0.513). Using multivariable analysis, prolonged low-flow (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.05; P = 0.025), reduced haematocrit or fibrinogen at admission (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88–0.98; P = 0.010 and OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41–0.89; P = 0.012, respectively) and the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.18–3.73; P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for major bleeding.ConclusionThe classic bleeding and stent thrombosis risk scores have poor performance in a population of patients with ACS complicated by OHCA. Other predictive factors might be more pertinent to determine major bleeding and stent thrombosis risks in this specific population.     

The relationship of family history and risk of type 2 diabetes differs by ancestry

AimType 2 diabetes (T2DM) in a first-degree relative is a risk factor for incident diabetes. Americans of African ancestry (AA) have higher rates of T2DM than Americans of European ancestry (EA). Thus, we aimed to determine whether the presence, number and kinship of affected relatives are associated with race-specific T2DM incidence in a prospective study of participants from the Genetic Study of Atherosclerosis Risk (GeneSTAR), who underwent baseline screening including a detailed family history.MethodsNondiabetic healthy siblings (n = 1405) of patients with early-onset coronary artery disease (18–59 years) were enrolled (861 EA and 544 AA) and followed for incident T2DM (mean 14 ± 6 years).ResultsBaseline age was 46.2 ± 7.3 years and 56% were female. T2DM occurred in 12.3% of EA and 19.1% of AA. Among EA, 32.6% had ≥ 1 affected first-degree relatives versus 53.1% in AA, P < 0.0001. In fully adjusted Cox proportional hazard analyses, any family history was related to incident T2DM in EA (HR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.58–4.06) but not in AA (HR = 1.01, 0.67–1.53). The number of affected relatives conferred incremental risk of T2DM in EA with HR = 1.82 (1.08–3.06), 4.83 (2.15–10.85) and 8.46 (3.09–23.91) for 1, 2, and ≥ 3 affected, respectively. In AA only ≥ 3 affected increased risk (HR = 2.45, 1.44–4.19). Specific kinship patterns were associated with incident T2DM in EA but not in AA.ConclusionsThe presence of any first-degree relative with T2DM does not discriminate risk in AA given the high race-specific prevalence of diabetes. Accounting for the number of affected relatives may more appropriately estimate risk for incident diabetes in both races.     

Immediate versus staged complete myocardial revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease: A post hoc analysis of the randomized FLOWER-MI trial

BackgroundIn patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease, percutaneous coronary intervention for non-culprit lesions is superior to treatment of the culprit lesion alone. The optimal timing for non-infarct-related artery revascularization – immediate versus staged – has not been investigated adequately.AimWe aimed to assess clinical outcomes at 1 year in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease using immediate versus staged non-infarct-related artery revascularization.MethodsOutcomes were analysed in patients from the randomized FLOWER-MI trial, in whom, after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention, non-culprit lesions were assessed using fractional flow reserve or angiography during the index procedure or during a staged procedure during the initial hospital stay, ≤ 5 days after the index procedure. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and unplanned hospitalization with urgent revascularization at 1 year.ResultsAmong 1171 patients enrolled in this study, 1119 (96.2%) had complete revascularization performed during a staged procedure, and 44 (3.8%) at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. During follow-up, a primary outcome event occurred in one of the patients (2.3%) with an immediate strategy and in 55 patients (4.9%) with a staged strategy (adjusted hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 0.39–12.69; P = 0.64).ConclusionsStaged non-infarct-related artery complete revascularization was the strategy preferred by investigators in practice in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease. This strategy was not superior to immediate revascularization, which, in the context of this trial, was used in a small proportion of patients. Further randomized studies are needed to confirm these observational findings.     

Índice de resistencia microcirculatoria y obstrucción microvascular en la resonancia magnética cardiaca tras un IAMCEST

Introduction and objectivesThe index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) measured after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with microvascular obstruction (MVO) and adverse clinical events. To evaluate MVO after successful primary PCI for STEMI without pressure wires or hyperemic agents, we investigated the feasibility and usefulness of functional angiography-derived IMR (angio-IMR).MethodsThe current study included a total of 285 STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Angio-IMR of the culprit vessel after successful primary PCI was calculated using commercial software. MVO, infarct size, and myocardial salvage index were assessed using CMR, which was obtained a median of 3.0 days [interquartile range, 3.0-5.0] after primary PCI.ResultsAmong the total population, 154 patients (54.0%) showed elevated angio-IMR (> 40 U) in the culprit vessel. MVO was significantly more prevalent in patients with angio-IMR > 40 U than in those with angio-IMR ≤ 40 U (88.3% vs 32.1%, P < .001). Infarct size, extent of MVO, and area at risk were significantly larger in patients with angio-IMR > 40 U than in those with angio-IMR ≤ 40 U (P < .001 for all). Angio-IMR showed a significantly higher discriminatory ability for the presence of MVO than thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade or myocardial blush grade (area under the curve: 0.821, 0.504, and 0.496, respectively, P < .001).ConclusionsAngio-IMR was significantly associated with CMR-derived infarct size, extent of MVO, and area at risk. An elevated angio-IMR (> 40 U) after primary PCI for STEMI was highly predictive of the presence of MVO in CMR.This trial was registered at ClnicalTrialsgov (Identifier: NCT04828681).     

Lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of alirocumab in a real-life setting in France: Insights from the ODYSSEY APPRISE study

BackgroundRecently, a multicentre, prospective, single-arm, phase 3b, open-label trial was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor, in a real-life setting. This study enrolled patients at high cardiovascular risk, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) or non-familial hypercholesterolaemia (non-FH). Results showed that alirocumab was well tolerated and resulted in a clinically signi?cant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).AimThis ancillary analysis aimed to describe the characteristics of the French patients enrolled in the study, the main results observed in this population according to their familial hypercholesterolaemia status, and adherence to treatment.MethodsFrench data were analysed separately from the original dataset of the study.ResultsAmong 215 French patients in the ODYSSEY APPRISE trial, 63.7% had non-FH, with a mean LDL-C concentration of 5.0 ± 1.8 mmol/L at baseline. The mean duration of alirocumab exposure was 72.4 ± 42.5 weeks, with only 48.4% of patients receiving statins concomitantly. At week 12, a mean reduction in LDL-C of 56.5 ± 17.8% was observed: 51.2 ± 22.8% in HeFH; 59.5 ± 13.2% in non-FH. This improvement in LDL-C started from week 4 and remained stable and sustained until week 120 in both populations. The overall incidence of severe treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 33.5%. The most frequent TEAEs were myalgia (15.8%) and asthenia (15.3%). No tolerance or efficacy differences were observed between patients with or without established coronary artery disease or other cardiovascular disease, whatever the age of these events or considering the concomitant use of other lipid-lowering therapies.ConclusionsIn the French setting, alirocumab was well tolerated, safe and highly effective at reducing LDL-C. These findings support the use of alirocumab to manage hypercholesterolaemia in patients at high cardiovascular risk.     

Fasting and post-oral-glucose-load levels of methylglyoxal are associated with microvascular,but not macrovascular,disease in individuals with and without (pre)diabetes: The Maastricht Study

AimsReactive dicarbonyl compounds, such as methylglyoxal (MGO), rise during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), particularly in (pre)diabetes. Fasting MGO levels are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Yet, whether fasting or post-OGTT plasma MGO levels are associated with vascular disease in people with (pre)diabetes is unknown.MethodsSubjects with normal glucose metabolism (n = 1796; age: 57.9 ± 8.2 years; 43.3% men), prediabetes (n = 478; age: 61.6 ± 7.6 years; 54.0% men) and T2DM (n = 669; age: 63.0 ± 7.5 years; 67.0% men) from the Maastricht Study underwent OGTTs. Plasma MGO levels were measured at baseline and 2 h after OGTT by mass spectrometry. Prior CVD was established via questionnaire. CKD was reflected by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria; retinopathy was assessed using retinal photographs. Data were analyzed using logistic regression adjusted for gender, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure, total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, HbA_1c, BMI and medication use. Odd ratios (ORs) were expressed per standard deviation of LN-transformed MGO.ResultsFasting and post-OGTT MGO levels were associated with higher ORs for albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/24 h [fasting: 1.12 (95% CI: 0.97–1.29); post-OGTT: 1.19 (1.01–1.41)], eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² [fasting: 1.58 (95% CI: 1.38–1.82), post-OGTT: 1.57 (1.34–1.83)] and retinopathy [fasting: 1.59 (95% CI: 1.01–2.53), post-OGTT: 1.38 (0.77–2.48)]. No associations with prior CVD were found.ConclusionFasting and post-OGTT MGO levels were associated with microvascular disease, but not prior CVD. Thus, therapeutic strategies directed at lowering MGO levels may prevent microvascular disease.     

El cociente de flujo cuantitativo en pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave y lesiones coronarias intermedias

Introduction and objectivesQuantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel noninvasive method for evaluating coronary physiology. However, data on the QFR in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease are scarce. Thus, we compared the diagnostic performance of the QFR with that of the resting distal to aortic coronary pressure (Pd/Pa) ratio, fractional flow reserve (FFR), and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), as well as angiographic indices.MethodsA total of 221 AS patients with 416 vessels undergoing FFR/iFR measurements were enrolled in the study.ResultsThe mean percent diameter stenosis (%DS) was 58.6% ± 13.4% and the mean Pd/Pa ratio, FFR, iFR, and QFR were 0.95 ± 0.03, 0.85 ± 0.07, 0.90 ± 0.04, and 0.84 ± 0.07, respectively. A FFR ≤ 0.80 was noted in 26.0% of interrogated vessels, as well as an iFR ≤ 0.89 in 33.2% and QFR ≤ 0.80 in 31.7%. The QFR had better agreement with FFR (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.95-0.96) than with the iFR (ICC, 0.79; 95%CI, 0.75-0.82) and Pd/Pa ratio (ICC, 0.52; 95%CI, 0.44-0.58). In addition, the QFR showed better diagnostic accuracy (98.6% vs 94.2%; P < .001) and discriminant function (area under the curve = 0.996 vs 0.988; P < .001) when the iFR was used as the reference instead of FFR.ConclusionsIn patients with AS, the QFR has good agreement with both FFR and iFR. However, the agreement appears to be even better when the iFR is used as the reference, presumably due to the complex nature of the coronary physiology in the assessment of coronary artery disease in patients with severe AS.     

Real-World Examination of Revascularization Strategies for Left Main Coronary Disease in Ontario,Canada

BackgroundRandomized trials have compared percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with left main coronary artery disease undergoing nonemergent revascularization. However, there is a paucity of real-world contemporary observational studies comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and CABG.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of CABG versus PCI in patients with left main coronary disease.MethodsClinical and administrative databases for Ontario, Canada, were linked to obtain records of all patients with angiographic evidence of left main coronary artery disease (≥50% stenosis) treated with either isolated CABG or PCI from 2008 to 2020. Emergent, cardiogenic shock, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients were excluded. Baseline characteristics of patients were compared and 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. Late mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were compared between the matched groups using a Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsAfter exclusions, 1,299 and 21,287 patients underwent PCI and CABG, respectively. Prior to matching, PCI patients were older (age 75.2 vs 68.0 years) and more likely to be women (34.6% vs 20.1%), although they had less CAD burden. Propensity score matching on 25 baseline covariates yielded 1,128 well-matched pairs. There was no difference in early mortality between PCI and CABG (5.5% vs 3.9%; P = 0.075). Over 7-year follow-up, all-cause mortality (53.6% vs 35.2%; HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.42-1.87; P < 0.001) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (66.8% vs 48.6%; HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.57-2.00) were significantly higher with PCI than CABG.ConclusionsCABG was the most common revascularization strategy in this real-world registry. Patients undergoing PCI were much older and of higher risk at baseline. After matching, there was no difference in early mortality but improved late survival and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events with CABG.     

Miocarditis y miocardiopatía inflamatoria confirmadas por biopsia endomiocárdica: perfil clínico y pronóstico

Introduction and objectivesEndomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is the only technique able to establish an etiological diagnosis of myocarditis or inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICM). The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical profile, outcomes, and prognostic factors of patients with suspected myocarditis/ICM undergoing EMB.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics, histological findings, and follow-up data of all patients with suspected myocarditis or ICM who underwent EMB between 1997 and 2019 in a Spanish tertiary hospital. The diagnostic yield was compared using the Dallas criteria vs immunohistochemical criteria (IHC).ResultsA total of 99 patients underwent EMB (67% male; mean age, 42 ± 15 years; mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], 34% ± 14%). Myocarditis or ICM was confirmed in 28% with application of the Dallas criteria and in 54% with the IHC criteria (P < .01). Lymphocytic myocarditis was diagnosed in 47 patients, eosinophilic myocarditis in 6, sarcoidosis in 3, and giant cell myocarditis in 1 patient. After a median follow-up of 18 months, 23 patients (23%) required heart transplant (HTx), a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and/or died. Among the patients with IHC-confirmed myocarditis, 21% required HTx/LVAD or died vs 7% of those without inflammation (P = .056). The factors associated with a worse prognosis were baseline LVEF ≤ 30%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ≥ 60 mm, and NYHA III-IV, especially in the presence of inflammation.ConclusionsEMB allows an etiological diagnosis in more than half of patients with suspected myocarditis/ICM when IHC techniques are used. IHC-confirmed inflammation adds prognostic value and helps to identify patients with a higher probability of developing complications.     

Registro Español de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista. XXIX Informe Oficial de la Asociación de Cardiología Intervencionista de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (1990-2019)

Introduction and objectivesThe Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC) presents its annual report on the activity for 2019.MethodsAll Spanish centers with a catheterization laboratory were invited to participate. Data were introduced online and analyzed by an external company together with the Steering Committee of the ACI-SEC.ResultsA total of 119 centers participated (83 public, 36 private). In all, there were 165 124 diagnostic studies (4.7% more than in 2018). The use of pressure wire and intravascular ultrasound increased by 20% and that of optical coherence tomography by 8.4%. The number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) rose by 4.5% (75 819 procedures). Of these, 22 529 were performed in the acute myocardial infarction setting, with 91.8% being primary PCI (6.3% increase). The mean number of primary PCIs per million inhabitants increased to 439. Among PCIs, access was radial in 88.3%. There were 4281 transcatheter aortic valve implantations (21.0% increase), with an average of 90.9 per million inhabitants. Mitral valve repair also rose by 17.4% (n = 385), left atrial appendage closure by 43.0% (n = 921) and patent foramen ovale closure by 38.1% (n = 710).ConclusionsIn 2019, the use of intracoronary diagnostic techniques increased, as did that of diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures, mainly in primary PCI. Of particular note was the marked increase in the number of transcatheter aortic valve implantations, as well as in the number of mitral valve repairs and left atrial appendage and patent foramen ovale closure procedures.