Unsupervised clustering of patients with severe aortic stenosis: A myocardial continuum

BackgroundTraditional statistics, based on prediction models with a limited number of prespecified variables, are probably not adequate to provide an appropriate classification of a condition that is as heterogeneous as aortic stenosis (AS).AimsTo investigate a new classification system for severe AS using phenomapping.MethodsConsecutive patients from a referral centre (training cohort) who met the echocardiographic definition of an aortic valve area (AVA) ≤ 1 cm² were included. Clinical, laboratory and imaging continuous variables were entered into an agglomerative hierarchical clustering model to separate patients into phenogroups. Individuals from an external validation cohort were then assigned to these original clusters using the K nearest neighbour (KNN) function and their 5-year survival was compared after adjustment for aortic valve replacement (AVR) as a time-dependent covariable.ResultsIn total, 613 patients were initially recruited, with a mean ± standard deviation AVA of 0.72 ± 0.17 cm². Twenty-six variables were entered into the model to generate a specific heatmap. Penalized model-based clustering identified four phenogroups (A, B, C and D), of which phenogroups B and D tended to include smaller, older women and larger, older men, respectively. The application of supervised algorithms to the validation cohort (n = 1303) yielded the same clusters, showing incremental cardiac remodelling from phenogroup A to phenogroup D. According to this myocardial continuum, there was a stepwise increase in overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio for phenogroup D vs A 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.46–3.26; P < 0.001).ConclusionsArtificial intelligence re-emphasizes the significance of cardiac remodelling in the prognosis of patients with severe AS and highlights AS not only as an isolated valvular condition, but also a global disease.     

Management and long-term outcomes of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases experiencing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: The SCALIM registry

BackgroundPatients with chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, the prognostic impact of CID after an acute coronary event has been poorly studied.AimsTo examine the effect of history of CID on long-term outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsWe analysed data from SCALIM, a regional registry that prospectively enrolled patients with STEMI between June 2011 and May 2019. The presence of CID (including inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatic conditions, inflammatory skin diseases, multiple sclerosis, vasculitis and autoimmune diseases) was identified. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, peripheral vascular events and rehospitalization for cardiovascular conditions.ResultsData from 1941 patients with STEMI (mean age 64.8 ± 14.1 years, 75.1% men) were analyzed. The prevalence of any CID was 4.6% (n = 89). After a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 2.6 years, the overall death rate was 16.2%, with similar 5-year survival between patients with and without CID (74.2% vs. 81.9%, respectively; P = 0.121), with no significant mortality excess (hazard ratio: 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.73 ? 1.82; P = 0.55). However, among CID patients, 35 (39.3%) were on corticosteroid therapy and showed decreased 5-year survival (52.8% vs. 89.5% without corticosteroids; P = 0.001). We found no increased rate of secondary endpoints, except for peripheral vascular events (5-year survival free of peripheral events: 93.3% vs. 98.6% in those without CID; P = 0.005).ConclusionsApproximately 1 in 20 patients with STEMI has CID. We found no effect of CID on long-term survival. However, patients on corticosteroid therapy appeared to have higher rates of death during follow-up. Whether this finding is related to the use of corticosteroids or to the more progressive nature of their condition warrants further investigation.     

Deformación miocárdica en miocardiopatía dilatada no isquémica mediante feature tracking. Factibilidad e implicaciones pronósticas

Introduction and objectivesMyocardial strain analysis could provide additional information to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDC). Our aim was to analyze the feasibility of left ventricular strain evaluation using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (FT) in NIDC, and to determine its clinical and prognostic impact.MethodsWe retrospectively included consecutive patients with NIDC who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance. Left ventricular global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain were obtained from standard cine sequences using FT analysis software. We evaluated their association with a composite endpoint (heart failure, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in secondary prevention, or death).ResultsFT analysis could be performed in all of the 98 patients (mean age 68 ± 13 years, 72% men). Intra- and interobserver concordance was good for global longitudinal and circumferential strain but was worse for radial strain. Global circumferential strain was independently associated (OR, 1.16; P = .045) with LVEF normalization during follow-up and was the only morphological parameter independently associated with the composite endpoint (OR, 1.15; P = .038). A cutoff value < ?8.2% was able to predict the incidence of this event during follow-up (log-rank 4.6; P = .032).ConclusionsLeft ventricular strain analysis with FT is feasible and reproducible in NIDC. Global circumferential strain was able to predict LVEF recovery and the appearance of major cardiovascular events during follow-up.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Eptifibatida y vasodilatadores intracoronarios para prevenir la ausencia de reperfusión en el IAMCEST con diabetes y alta carga de trombos. Un ensayo aleatorizado

Introduction and objectivesTo study the impact of injecting intracoronary eptifibatide plus vasodilators via thrombus aspiration catheter vs thrombus aspiration alone in reducing the risk of no-reflow in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with diabetes and high thrombus burden.MethodsThe study involved 413 diabetic STEMI patients with high thrombus burden, randomized to intracoronary injection (distal to the occlusion) of eptifibatide, nitroglycerin and verapamil after thrombus aspiration and prior to balloon inflation (n = 206) vs thrombus aspiration alone (n = 207). The primary endpoint was post procedural myocardial blush grade and corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (cTFC). Major adverse cardiovascular events were reported at 6 months.ResultsThe intracoronary eptifibatide and vasodilators arm was superior to thrombus aspiration alone regarding myocardial blush grade-3 (82.1% vs 31.4%; P = .001). The local intracoronary eptifibatide and vasodilators arm had shorter cTFC (18.16 ± 6.54 vs 29.64 ± 5.53, P = .001), and better TIMI 3 flow (91.3% vs 61.65%; P = .001). Intracoronary eptifibatide and vasodilators improved ejection fraction at 6 months (55.2 ± 8.13 vs 43 ± 6.67; P = .005). There was no difference in the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events at 6 months.ConclusionsAmong diabetic patients with STEMI and high thrombus burden, intracoronary eptifibatide plus vasodilators injection was beneficial in preventing no-reflow compared with thrombus aspiration alone. Larger studies are encouraged to investigate the benefit of this strategy in reducing the risk of adverse clinical events.     

EpCAM y obstrucción microvascular en pacientes con un IAMCEST: estudio con resonancia magnética cardiaca

Introduction and objectivesMicrovascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in epithelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting. We aimed to determine whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI.MethodsWe prospectively included 106 patients with a first STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, quantifying serum levels of EpCAM 24 hours postreperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months post-STEMI. The independent correlation of EpCAM with MVO, systolic volume indices, and left ventricular ejection fraction was evaluated.ResultsThe mean age of the sample was 59 ± 13 years and 76% were male. Patients were dichotomized according to median EpCAM (4.48 pg/mL). At 1-week CMR, lower EpCAM was related to extensive MVO (P = .021) and larger infarct size (P = .019). At presentation, EpCAM values were significantly associated with the presence of MVO in univariate (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.38-0.88; P = .011) and multivariate logistic regression models (OR, 0.55; 95%CI, 0.35-0.87; P = .010). Although MVO tends to resolve at chronic phases, decreased EpCAM was associated with worse systolic function: reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .009) and higher left ventricular end-systolic volume (P = .043).ConclusionsEpCAM is associated with the occurrence of CMR-derived MVO at acute phases and long-term adverse ventricular remodeling post-STEMI.     

Valor pronóstico de la cardiorresonancia magnética de estrés en pacientes ancianos

Introduction and objectivesSeveral trials have tested the diagnostic and prognostic value of stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in ischemic heart disease. However, scientific evidence is lacking in the older population, and the available techniques have limitations in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of stress CMR in the elderly.MethodsWe prospectively studied consecutive patients referred for stress CMR to rule out myocardial ischemia. The cutoff age for the elderly population was 70 years. Stress CMR study was performed according to standardized international protocols. Hypoperfusion severity was classified according to the number of affected segments: mild (1-2 segments), moderate (3-4 segments), or severe (> 4 segments). We analyzed the occurrence of major events during follow-up (death, acute coronary syndrome, or revascularization). Survival was studied with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression models.ResultsOf an initial cohort of 333 patients, 110 were older than 70 years. In 40.9% patients, stress CMR was positive for ischemia. The median follow-up was 26 [18-37] months. In elderly patients there were 35 events (15 deaths, 10 acute coronary syndromes, and 10 revascularizations). Patients with moderate or severe ischemia were at a higher risk of events, adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk (HR, 3.53 [95%CI, 1.41-8.79]; P = .01).ConclusionsModerate to severe perfusion defects in stress CMR strongly predict cardiovascular events in people older than 70 years, without relevant adverse effects.     

Brecha de sexo en la miocardiopatía hipertrófica

Introduction and objectivesKey sex differences have been explored in multiple cardiac conditions. However, sex impact in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy outcome is unclear. We aimed to characterize sex impact in overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a nationwide hypertrophic cardiomyopathy registry.MethodsWe analyzed 1042 adult patients, 429 (41%) women, from a national registry of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with mean age at diagnosis 53 ± 16 years and a mean follow-up of 65 ± 75 months. At baseline, women were older (56 ± 16 vs 51 ± 15 years; P < .001), more symptomatic (56.4%, vs 51.7%; P < .001) and had more heart failure (42.0% vs 24.2%. P < .001), diastolic dysfunction (75.2% vs 64.1% P = .001), moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (33.4% vs 21.7%; P = .003), and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels (920 [366-2412] mg/dL vs 487 [170-1087] mg/dL; P < .001). Women underwent fewer stress tests and cardiac magnetic resonance.ResultsKaplan-Meier survival curves showed higher overall (8.4% vs 5.0%; P = .026) and CV mortality (5.5% vs 2.2%; P = .004) in women. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that female sex was an independent predictor of overall (HR, 2.05; 95%CI, 1.11–3.78; P = .021) and CV mortality (HR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.25–7.99; P = .015). Women had more heart failure-related death (2.6% vs 0.8%, P = .024). Despite similar sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, women received fewer implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (10.9% vs 15.6%; P = .032) and, in patients without cardioverter-defibrillators, SCD occurred more commonly in women (1.8% vs 0.4%; P = .031).ConclusionsIn this nationwide registry, female sex was an independent predictor of overall and CV-related death, with more heart failure-related death. Despite similar SCD risk, women were undertreated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. These data highlight the need for an improved clinical approach in women with HCM.     

Reparación mitral transcatéter según la etiología de la insuficiencia mitral: datos de la vida real procedentes del registro español de MitraClip

Introduction and objectivesTranscatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) with MitraClip is a therapeutic option for high surgical risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). The main objective of this study was to analyze differences in outcomes in patients with severe MR according to the cause of MR.MethodsObservational, multicenter, and prospective study with consecutive patient inclusion. The primary endpoint was the combination of all-cause mortality and new readmissions due to heart failure after 1 year. We compared clinical and procedural characteristics and the event rate for each MR group. We performed a multivariate analysis to identify predictive variables for the primary endpoint.ResultsA total of 558 patients were included: 364 (65.2%) with functional etiology, 111 (19.9%) degenerative and 83 (14.9%) mixed. The mean age was 72.8 ± 11.1 years and 70.3% of the sample were men. There were 95 (17%) events in the overall sample. No significant differences were found in the 3 groups in the number of primary outcome events: 11 (11.3%) in degenerative MR, 71 (21.3%) in functional MR, and 13 (18.1%) in mixed MR (P = .101). Independent predictors were functional class (P = .029), previous surgical revascularization (P = .031), EuroSCORE II (P = .003), diabetes mellitus (P = .037), and left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .015).ConclusionsThis study confirms the safety and efficacy of TMVR with MitraClip irrespective of MR etiology in real-life data and shows the main factors related to prognosis during the first year of follow up.     

Prolongation of the heart rate-corrected QT interval is associated with cardiovascular diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundConflicting findings have described the association between prolonged heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) and cardiovascular disease.AimsTo identify articles investigating the association between QTc and cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, and to summarize the available evidence for the general and type 2 diabetes populations.MethodsA systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase in May 2022 to identify studies that investigated the association between QTc prolongation and cardiovascular disease in both the general and type 2 diabetes populations. Screening, full-text assessment, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random-effect models.ResultsOf the 59 studies included, 36 qualified for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the general population studies showed a significant association for: overall cardiovascular disease (fatal and non-fatal) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–2.12; I² = 69%); coronary heart disease (fatal and non-fatal) in women (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.50; I² = 38%; coronary heart disease (fatal and non-fatal) in men (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26–3.39; I² = 78%); stroke (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.29–1.96; I² = 45%); sudden cardiac death (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.14–2.25; I² = 68%); and atrial fibrillation (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31–1.83; I² = 0.0%). No significant association was found for cardiovascular disease in the type 2 diabetes population.ConclusionQTc prolongation was associated with risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population, but not in the type 2 diabetes population.     

Impact of procedural success on clinical outcome after MitraClip: Results from the MITRA-FR trial

BackgroundDifferences in procedural success rates have been proposed to explain the divergent results between the MITRA-FR trial (Percutaneous Repair with the MitraClip Device for Severe Functional/Secondary Mitral Regurgitation) and the COAPT trial (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation).AimTo examine whether MITRA-FR patients who had successful clip implantation achieved a better outcome than the control group.MethodsBased on the per protocol population of MITRA-FR, we compared the outcome in 71 patients in whom optimal clip implantation was achieved (group 1: mitral regurgitation grade ≤ 1 + at discharge) with that in 23 patients with non-optimal clip implantation (group 2: mitral regurgitation grade ≥ 2 + at discharge) and that in 137 patients in the control group (group 3). The primary endpoint was all-cause death or unplanned hospitalization for heart failure at 24 months.ResultsEvent-free survival was not different across the groups (42 ± 6% in group 1, 30 ± 10% in group 2 and 31 ± 4% in group 3; log-rank P = 0.32). In multivariable analyses, after adjustment for age, sex, rhythm, aetiology, left ventricular ejection fraction and mitral regurgitation severity, group was not associated with variations in outcome: using Group 3 as reference, hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.58–1.27 (P = 0.43) in group 1; and hazard ratio 0.98 95% confidence interval 0.54–1.76 (P = 0.94) in group 2.ConclusionsThe clinical outcome of patients in whom optimal procedural result was achieved at discharge was not different compared with the control group. Our results do not support the hypothesis that the differences in rates of residual mitral regurgitation at discharge between MITRA-FR and COAPT explain the divergent results between the two trials.     

Diferencias de género en la titulación de fármacos de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida del ensayo ETIFIC

Introduction and objectivesOptimal medical therapy decreases mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Women have been underrepresented in clinical trials and not specifically evaluated. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of drug titration in women vs men.MethodsThis post hoc gender study of the ETIFIC multicenter randomized trial included hospitalized patients with new-onset HF with reduced ejection fraction and New York Heart Association II-III and no contraindications to beta-blockers. A structured 4-month titration process was implemented in HF clinics. The primary endpoint was the mean relative dose (% of target dose) of beta-blockers achieved by women vs men. Secondary endpoints included the mean relative doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, adverse events, and other clinical outcomes at 6 months.ResultsA total of 320 patients were included, 83 (25.93%) women and 237 (74.06%) men (76 vs 213 analyzed). The mean ± standard deviation of the relative doses achieved by women vs men were as follows: beta-blockers 62.08% ± 30.72% vs 64.4% ± 32.77%, with a difference of ?2.32% (95%CI, ?10.58-5.94), P = .580; and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists 79.85% ± 27.72% vs 67.29% ± 31.43%, P =.003. No other differences in drug dosage were found. Multivariate analysis showed nonsignificant differences. CV mortality was 1 (1.20%) vs 3 (1.26%), P = 1, and HF hospitalizations 0 (0.00%) vs 10 (4.22%), P = .125.ConclusionsIn a post hoc analysis from the HF-titration ETIFIC trial, we found nonsignificant gender differences in drug dosage, cardiovascular mortality, and HF hospitalizations.Trial registry number: NCT02546856.     

Resultados clínicos tempranos tras el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica por acceso transaxilar comparado con el acceso transfemoral. Datos del registro español de TAVI

Introduction and objectivesTransaxillary access (TXA) has become the most widely used alternative to transfemoral access (TFA) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to compare total in-hospital and 30-day mortality in patients included in the Spanish TAVI registry who were treated by TXA or TFA access.MethodsWe analyzed data from patients treated with TXA or TFA and who were included in the TAVI Spanish registry. In-hospital and 30-day events were defined according to the recommendations of the Valve Academic Research Consortium. The impact of the access route was evaluated by propensity score matching according to clinical and echocardiogram characteristics.ResultsA total of 6603 patients were included; 191 (2.9%) were treated via TXA and 6412 via TFA access. After adjustment (n = 113 TXA group and n = 3035 TFA group) device success was similar between the 2 groups (94%, TXA vs 95%, TFA; P = .95). However, compared with the TFA group, the TXA group showed a higher rate of acute myocardial infarction (OR, 5.3; 95%CI, 2.0-13.8); P = .001), renal complications (OR, 2.3; 95%CI, 1.3-4.1; P = .003), and pacemaker implantation (OR, 1.6; 95%CI, 1.01-2.6; P = .03). The TXA group also had higher in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates (OR, 2.2; 95%CI, 1.04-4.6; P = .039 and OR, 2.3; 95%CI, 1.2-4.5; P = .01, respectively).ConclusionsCompared with ATF, TXA is associated with higher total mortality, both in-hospital and at 30 days. Given these results, we believe that TXA should be considered only in those patients who are not suitable candidates for TFA.     

No inferioridad de la titulación de enfermera de insuficiencia cardiaca en comparación con la de cardiólogo de insuficiencia cardiaca. Ensayo aleatorizado multicéntrico ETIFIC

Introduction and objectivesBeta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin-II-receptor-blockers (ARB), and mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists decrease mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The effect is dose-dependent. Careful titration is recommended. However, suboptimal doses are common in clinical practice. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of dose titration of the aforementioned drugs by HF nurses vs HF cardiologists.MethodsETIFIC was a multicenter (n = 20) noninferiority randomized controlled open label trial. A total of 320 hospitalized patients with new-onset HF, reduced ejection fraction and New York Heart Association II-III, without beta-blocker contraindications were randomized 1:1 in blocks of 4 patients each stratified by hospital: 164 to HF nurse titration vs 156 to HF cardiologist titration (144 vs 145 analyzed). The primary endpoint was the beta-blocker mean relative dose (% of target dose) achieved at 4 months. Secondary endpoints included ACE inhibitors, ARB, and mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists mean relative doses, associated variables, adverse events, and clinical outcomes at 6 months.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation relative doses achieved by HF nurses vs HF cardiologists were as follows: beta-blockers 71.09% ± 31.49% vs 56.29% ± 31.32%, with a difference of 14.8% (95%CI, 7.5-22.1), P < .001; ACE inhibitors 72.61% ± 29.80% vs 56.13% ± 30.37%, P < .001; ARB 44.48% ± 33.47% vs 43.51% ± 33.69%, P = .93; and mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists 71% ± 32.12% vs 70.47% ± 29.78%, P = .86; mean ± standard deviation visits were 6.41 ± 2.82 vs 2.81 ± 1.58, P < .001, while the number (%) of adverse events were 34 (23.6) vs 30 (20.7), P = .55; and at 6 months HF hospitalizations were 1 (0.69) vs 9 (5.51), P = .01.ConclusionsETIFIC is the first multicenter randomized trial to demonstrate the noninferiority of HF specialist-nurse titration vs HF cardiologist titration. Moreover, HF nurses achieved higher beta-blocker/ACE inhibitors doses, with more outpatient visits and fewer HF hospitalizations.Trial registry number: NCT02546856.     

Clinical significance of myocardial contraction fraction in significant primary mitral regurgitation

BackgroundThe optimal timing for mitral valve (MV) surgery in asymptomatic patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) remains a matter of debate. Myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) − the ratio of the left ventricular (LV) stroke volume to that of the myocardial volume − is a volumetric measure of LV myocardial shortening independent of size or geometry.AimTo assess the relationship between MCF and outcome in patients with significant chronic primary MR due to prolapse managed in contemporary practice.MethodsClinical, Doppler-echocardiographic and outcome data prospectively collected in 174 patients (mean age 62 years, 27% women) with significant primary MR and no or mild symptoms were analysed. The impact of MCF< or ≥30% on cardiac events (cardiovascular death, acute heart failure or MV surgery) was studied.ResultsDuring an estimated median follow-up of 49 (22–77) months, cardiac events occurred in 115 (66%) patients. The 4-year estimates of survival free from cardiac events were 21 ± 5% for patients with MCF <30% and 40 ± 6% for those with ≥30% (P < 0.001). MCF <30% was associated with a considerable increased risk of cardiac events after adjustment for established clinical risk factors, MR severity and current recommended class I triggers for MV surgery (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.51−3.58; P < 0.001). Moreover, MCF < 30% improved the predictive performance of models, with better global fit, reclassification and discrimination.ConclusionsMCF < 30% is strongly associated with occurrence of cardiac events in patients with significant primary MR due to prolapse. Further studies are needed to assess the direct impact of MCF on patient management and outcomes.     

Guía de presión encarcelada en el tratamiento percutáneo de las bifurcaciones coronarias: daño estructural y resultados clínicos

Introduction and objectivesThe use of a pressure wire as a jailed wire to evaluate side branch results during provisional stenting seems feasible. However, safety concerns exist due to the mechanical damage of the wire and the lack of prospective data evaluating the prognosis of patients treated using this technique. This study sought to evaluate the structural damage of the pressure wire in patients treated using the jailed pressure wire technique and to assess mid-term clinical outcomes.MethodsWe enrolled 99 patients with single bifurcation lesions and provisional stenting as the strategy of choice. A jailed pressure wire was used to guide side branch intervention according to the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR). A total of 114 patients and the respective nonpolymer-coated jailed wires were used as historical controls. Guidewire damage was evaluated by stereomicroscopy. The primary endpoint was significant microscopic damage. Major adverse cardiac events were evaluated at 2-year follow-up.ResultsSignificant microscopic damage was more frequent in pressure wires than in nonpolymer-coated wires (53.5% vs 22.8%, P < .001). There were no fractures in either group. There were fewer side branch interventions in the pressure wire group (postdilation/kissing balloon, 32.3% vs 56.1%, P = .001; stenting, 0.0% vs 2.6%, P = .104). The 2-year rate of major adverse cardiac events was similar between the 2 groups (HR_adj, 0.42; 95%CI, 0.10-1.73; P = .229).ConclusionsPressure wires were less resistant to jailing than conventional nonpolymer-coated wires. Patients treated with iFR-guided provisional stenting required fewer side branch interventions but had similar 2-year clinical outcomes than patients treated with the angiography-guided technique.     

Influencia de la neoateroesclerosis en el pronóstico y la respuesta al tratamiento de los pacientes con reestenosis en el stent

Introduction and objectivesNeoatherosclerosis is one of the causes of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Our objective was to evaluate the influence of neoatherosclerosis on prognosis and treatment response in patients with ISR.MethodsThis is a pooled analysis of the optical coherence tomography (OCT)-substudies of 2 multicenter, randomized clinical trials, RIBS IV and V, comparing treatment with paclitaxel-coated balloon vs everolimus-eluting stent in patients with ISR. OCT evaluation was performed at baseline and at 6 to 9 months. Neoatherosclerosis was defined in baseline OCT as neointima with calcified or lipid content. We evaluated the angiographic and OCT results at 6 to 9 months and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events at 3 years of follow-up in patients with and without neoatherosclerosis treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon or everolimus-eluting stents.ResultsSixty-four patients underwent OCT at the time of the index procedure. Neoatherosclerosis was documented in 23 (36%) lesions. Angiographic follow-up at 6 to 9 months showed no differences in restenosis [5 (24%) vs 6 (15%) P = .49], minimum lumen diameter (1.79 ± 0.7 vs 1.94 ± 0.6 mm; P = .41) or late loss (0.33 ± 0.7 vs 0.15 ± 0.5; P = .34) in patients with and without neoatherosclerosis, respectively. Follow-up OCT confirmed the absence of differences in quantitative parameters and the characteristics of tissue coverage between the 2 groups. At 3 years of follow-up, the major adverse cardiovascular events rate was 3 (13%) vs 5 (12%) in the neoatherosclerosis and nonneoatherosclerosis groups (HR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.22-3.93; P = .93).ConclusionsIn this limited study population, OCT-defined neoatherosclerosis did not seem to influence acute and long-term outcomes in patients randomized to paclitaxel-coated balloon or everolimus-eluting stents for ISR.     

Una puntuación de riesgo genético predice recurrencias en pacientes jóvenes con infarto agudo de miocardio

Introduction and objectivesTo evaluate whether a genetic risk score (GRS) improves prediction of recurrent events in young nondiabetic patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and identifies a more aggressive form of atherosclerosis.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study with consecutive nondiabetic patients aged < 55 years presenting with AMI. We performed a genetic test, cardiac computed tomography, and analyzed several biomarkers. We studied the association of a GRS composed of 11 genetic variants and a primary composite endpoint (cardiovascular mortality, a recurrent event, and cardiac hospitalization).ResultsA total of 81 patients were studied and followed up for a median of 4.1 years. There were 24 recurrent cardiovascular events. Compared with the general population, study participants had a higher prevalence of 9 out of 11 risk alleles. The GRS was significantly associated with recurrent cardiovascular events, especially when baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were elevated. Compared with the low-risk GRS tertile, the multivariate-adjusted HR for recurrences was 10.2 (95%CI, 1.1-100.3; P = .04) for the intermediate-risk group and was 20.7 (2.4-181.0; P = .006) for the high-risk group when LDL-C was ≥ 2.8 mmol/L (≥ 110 mg/dL). Inclusion of the GRS improved the C-statistic (ΔC-statistic = 0.086), cNRI (continuous net reclassification improvement) (30%), and the IDI (integrated discrimination improvement) index (0.05). Cardiac computed tomography frequently detected coronary calcified atherosclerosis but had limited value for prediction of recurrences. No association was observed between metalloproteinases, GRS and recurrences.ConclusionsA multilocus GRS may identify individuals at increased risk of long-term recurrences among young nondiabetic patients with AMI and improve clinical risk stratification models, particularly among patients with high baseline LDL-C levels.     

Development of a risk score for patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundIschaemic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of heart failure and is associated with a poor prognosis.AimTo evaluate predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to develop a risk score for the disease.MethodsAll patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy referred to a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2018 for stress-rest gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were included retrospectively (n = 747). Clinical and gated SPECT-derived variables were analysed as predictors of MACE, a combined endpoint of cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalization or myocardial infarction during follow-up. A multivariable Cox model using backwards stepwise regression with competing risks was used to select the best parsimonious model.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 313 patients had MACE (41.9%). Independent predictors of MACE were previous heart failure admission, worsening angina or dyspnoea, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m², age > 73 years, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, end-diastolic volume index > 83 mL/m² and > 12% of scarred myocardium. A risk score ranging from 0 to 12 classified patients as at intermediate risk (event rate of 4.0 MACE per 100 person-years), high risk (11.3 MACE per 100 person-years) or very high risk (27.8 MACE per 100 person-years). The internally validated area under the curve was 0.720 (95% confidence interval 0.660–0.740) and calibration was adequate (Hosmer-Lemeshow test P = 0.28) for MACE.ConclusionsIn patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, a simple risk score using dichotomic and readily available variables obtained from clinical assessment and gated SPECT accurately predicts the risk of MACE.