Assessment of Right Ventricular Diastolic Function by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Acute Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction

Background: It is known that right ventricular systolic parameters as assessed by color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) are abnormal in patients with inferior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction (IWMI) with right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI). This study was undertaken to determine right ventricular diastolic function as assessed by TDI in patients with acute RVMI. Methods: Thirty‐five patients with first IWMI were studied and compared with 20 age‐matched healthy controls, and categorized into those with (14 patients) and without (21 patients) RVMI based on standard ECG criteria. Peak systolic, peak early and late diastolic velocities (Sm, Em, and Am), Em/Am ratio along with time to Sm (ECG Q‐Sm) and time to Em (ECG Q‐Em) were acquired from the apical 4‐chamber view at the lateral side of tricuspid annulus using TDI. Results: Sm, Em, and Em/Am ratio was reduced significantly in patients with RVMI as compared with those without RVMI and healthy individuals (Sm [11.1 ± 2.9] vs. [14 ± 1.9] and [14.5 ± 2.1] cm/sec, P < 0.01; Em [9.2 ± 3.5] vs. [12.9 ± 3] and [14.0 ± 2.0] cm/sec, P < 0.01; Em/Am ratio 0.53 ± 0.2 vs. 0.78 ± 0.19 and 0.8 ± 0.3 [P < 0.0001]). Among the intervals, there was significant prolongation of Q‐Em (558 ± 14.8 vs. 507 ± 16.2 and 480 ± 20 ms [P < 0.0001]) but Q‐Sm and Am were not statistically different between the groups. Conclusion: Right ventricular TDI diastolic parameters are abnormal in patients with RVMI. The method of recording the velocities and time intervals are simple and can be used to assess right ventricular diastolic function in patients with RVMI. (Echocardiography 2010;27:539‐543)     

The assessment of cardiac functions by tissue Doppler-derived myocardial performance index in patients with Behcet’s disease

Vascular involvement is one of the major characteristics of Behcet’s disease (BD). However, there are controversial findings regarding cardiac involvement in BD. Although early reports demonstrated that there is diastolic dysfunction in BD, conflicting results were found in the following trials. Hence, a new method for more objectively estimating the cardiac functions is needed. For this aim, we used high-usefulness tissue Doppler echocardiography for detailed analysis of cardiac changes in BD patients because this method was superior to other conventional echocardiographic techniques. The study population included 42 patients with BD (19 men, 23 women; mean age, 35 ± 10 years, mean disease duration, 2.7 ± 1.6 years) and 30 healthy subjects (14 men, 16 women; mean age, 38 ± 7 years). Cardiac functions were determined using echocardiography, comprising standard two-dimensional and conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Peak systolic myocardial velocity at mitral annulus, early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Em), late diastolic mitral annular velocity (Am), Em/Am, and myocardial performance index (MPI) were calculated by TDI. The conventional echocardiographic parameters and tissue Doppler measurements were similar between the groups. Tissue Doppler derived mitral relaxation time was longer (75 ± 13 vs 63 ± 16 msn, p = 0.021) in patients with BD. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding left ventricular MPI (0.458 ± 0.072 vs 0.416 ± 0.068%, p = 0.016), which were calculated from tissue Doppler systolic time intervals. There was also significant correlation between the disease duration and MPI (r = 0.38, p = 0.017). We have demonstrated that tissue Doppler-derived myocardial left ventricular relaxation time and MPI were impaired in BD patients, although systolic and diastolic function parameters were comparable in the patients and controls.     

Serial Doppler Echocardiographic Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction during Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives: We performed serial Doppler echocardiography in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to describe the temporal changes in Doppler parameters following STEMI. Background: Data on comprehensive Doppler assessment of diastolic dysfunction following STEMI, incorporating tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), are lacking. Severe diastolic dysfunction in stable patients usually manifests as a restrictive mitral filling pattern (RFP), reduced TDI‐derived annular velocities (E'), and elevated E/E' ratios >15. Methods: Twenty‐eight patients (19 males, mean age 60 ± 10 years) with a first‐ever STEMI who underwent PCI were prospectively assessed with echocardiography and invasive left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurements prior to PCI. Repeat echocardiograms were performed at day 3 and 12 months. Results: During STEMI: (i) LVEDP was significantly elevated but decreased post revascularization (26.1 ± 6.2 vs. 20.8 ± 5.2 mmHg, P = 0.002); (ii) the predominant mitral inflow pattern was an abnormal relaxation pattern (n = 14 [50%]), whereas restrictive filling pattern was only observed in seven (25%) patients; (iii) E' velocities were only modestly reduced (septal E' 7.4 ± 2.2 cm/sec, lateral E' 9.6 ± 2.2 cm/sec), and (iv) a septal E/E'ratio >15 seen in only one patient, whereas all other patients had an E/E' ratio of 8–15. Serial TDI showed that E'velocity decreased at day 3 (septal E' 7.4 ± 2.1 cm/sec vs. 5.9 ± 1.6 cm/sec, P = 0.002) and remained reduced at 1 year follow‐up, suggesting persistence of diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions: During STEMI, contrary to findings in stable patients, the predominant Doppler manifestation of the severe diastolic dysfunction and elevated LVEDP was an abnormal relaxation mitral inflow pattern accompanied by E/E' ratios of 8–15. Serial Doppler assessment suggests incomplete diastolic recovery following STEMI.     

组织多普勒成像技术评价老年高血压患者右心室功能的临床研究

目的探讨组织多普勒成像(TDI)技术评价老年高血压患者右心室功能的临床价值。方法选择老年高血压患者34例(高血压组)和健康老年人44例(对照组)。经胸超声心动图检查,应用TDI技术于心尖四腔观获取右心室侧壁三尖瓣环处心肌运动频谱图,测量舒张早期峰值速度(Em)、舒张晚期峰值速度(Am),并计算Em和Am比值。同时测量收缩期峰值速度(Sm)、等容收缩期心肌加速度。结果高血压组Em(5.91±1.56)cm/s、Am(12.79±2.63)cm/s、Sm(10.82±1.45)cm/s均明显低于对照组Em(7.57±2.11)cm/s、Am(14.27±2.03)cm/s、Sm(12.68±2.33)cm/s,差异有统计学意义(P=0.000,P=0.006,P=0.000);Em/Am高血压组(0.47±0.12)明显低于对照组(0.54±0.15),差异有统计学意义(P=0.048)。结论 TDI可以准确、直观地评价老年高血压患者右心室功能。     

Assessment of Left Ventricular Function and Tei Index by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Slow Coronary Flow

Background: The aim of this study was to assess left ventricular (LV) function and the Tei index by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and also to evaluate the relationship of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) with the Tei index and LV function in patients with slow coronary flow (SCF). Methods: We prospectively evaluated 50 patients with SCF and 27 control subjects. Diagnosis of SCF was made by TFC. LV systolic and diastolic function was assessed by conventional echocardiography and TDI. Results: Early diastolic mitral annular velocity (Em), Em/Am, and peak systolic mitral annular velocity (Sm) were lower in patients with SCF than those in controls (13±2.8 cm/sec vs 15.2±2.8 cm/sec, P = 0.002; 0.88±0.22 vs 1±0.23, P = 0.03; and 14.1±3.51 vs 16.5±3.31, P = 0.005, respectively). In patients with SCF, the Tei index was significantly higher than that in controls (0.34±9.6 vs 0.29±9.5, P = 0.02, respectively). Mean TFC and RCA TFC were positively correlated with the Tei index (r = 0.3, P = 0.02 and r = 0.329, P = 0.02). Left circumflex (LCX) TFC was negatively correlated with Em/Am (r =–0.310, P = 0.03) only in patients with SCF. Conclusion: LV systolic and diastolic function is impaired in patients with SCF. TDI analysis of mitral annular velocities such as the Tei index, Em, Em/Am, and Sm is useful to assess LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with SCF. Mean TFC and RCA TFC were positively correlated with the Tei index and LCX TFC was negatively correlated with Em/Am. TDI may be better than conventional echocardiography in assessing LV function in patients with SCF. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)     

Assessment of left ventricular myocardial performance by tissue Doppler echocardiography in patients with polycythemia vera

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate myocardial performance index (MPI) which reflects the combined systolic and diastolic performance of the ventricles by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Method and Materials: Twenty‐eight patients with PV (17 men; mean age 60 ± 9 years) and 30 age‐matched healthy subjects were prospectively evaluated. The diagnosis of PV was performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions were assessed by conventional echocardiography and TDI. MPI of both the LV and right ventricles (RV) were measured by TDI method. Results: The LV MPI was significantly higher in PV group than in the controls (0.61 ± 0.16 vs. 0.49 ± 0.05; P = 0.001). Also, the RV MPI was impaired in patients with PV compared to the control subjects (0.51 ± 0.11 vs. 0.43 ± 0.09; P = 0.005). RV late A filling velocity (Am) and RV isovolumetric relaxation time were significantly higher in the PV group compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.03 and 0.05, respectively). In logistic regression models, PV was determined as an independent predictor of impaired MPI (odds ratio: 3.7; CI 95%, 1.2–7.5). In addition, pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly elevated in patients with PV compared to the controls (P = 0.02). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that biventricular MPI is impaired in patients with PV. (Echocardiography 2011;28:948‐954)     

Doppler Echocardiographic Predictors of Mortality in Female Rats After Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundDoppler echocardiogram is useful for the evaluation of anatomical and functional changes in late myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. However, no studies have evaluated the prognostic value of echocardiographic parameters 1 week after MI.Methods and ResultsDoppler echocardiogram was performed in 84 female Wistar rats 1 week after MI to determine infarction size, left chambers dimensions, fractional area change (FAC) of the left ventricle (LV), mitral inflow and tissue Doppler, myocardial performance index (MPI), and signs of pulmonary hypertension. The 365-day follow-up showed 53.6% mortality rate. Nonsurvivors showed larger (P < .05) MI size and cavity dimensions, poorer diastolic and systolic function, and higher frequency of pulmonary hypertension. Parameters at early stage of MI associated with higher mortality risk by Cox multivariate regression model were FAC ≤37% (relative risk [RR] 3.78, 95% CI, 1.50–9.53), MPI ≥0.60 (RR 3.49, 95% CI, 1.80–6.76), LV systolic area ≥0.26 cm² (RR 4.38, 95% CI, 1.88–10.21), E/E' ratio ≥20.3 (RR 2.12, 95% CI, 1.15–4.34), and E/A ratio associated with FAC (RR 2.99, 95% CI, 1.44–6.18).ConclusionSome diastolic and systolic Doppler echocardiographic parameters in rats may be able to predict late mortality risk after MI.     

Current Smoking and Prognosis After Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: New Pathophysiological Insights

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to mechanistically investigate associations among cigarette smoking, microvascular pathology, and longer term health outcomes in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI).BackgroundThe pathophysiology of myocardial reperfusion injury and prognosis in smokers with acute ST-segment elevation MI is incompletely understood.MethodsPatients were prospectively enrolled during emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. Microvascular function in the culprit artery was measured invasively. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (1.5-T) was performed 2 days and 6 months post-MI. Infarct size and microvascular obstruction were assessed using late gadolinium enhancement imaging. Myocardial hemorrhage was assessed with T2* mapping. Pre-specified endpoints included: 1) all-cause death or first heart failure hospitalization; and 2) cardiac death, nonfatal MI, or urgent coronary revascularization (major adverse cardiovascular events). Binary logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) with smoking status was used.ResultsIn total, 324 patients with ST-segment elevation MI were enrolled (mean age 59 years, 73% men, 60% current smokers). Current smokers were younger (age 55 ± 11 years vs. 65 ± 10 years, p < 0.001), with fewer patients with hypertension (52 ± 27% vs. 53 ± 41%, p = 0.007). Smokers had better TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade (≥2 vs. ≤1, p = 0.024) and ST-segment resolution (none vs. partial vs. complete, p = 0.010) post–percutaneous coronary intervention. On day 1, smokers had higher circulating C-reactive protein, neutrophil, and monocyte levels. Two days post-MI, smoking independently predicted infarct zone hemorrhage (OR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.42 to 5.37; p = 0.003). After a median follow-up period of 4 years, smoking independently predicted all-cause death or heart failure events (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.07 to 4.54) and major adverse cardiovascular events (OR: 2.79; 95% CI: 2.30 to 5.99).ConclusionsSmoking is associated with enhanced inflammation acutely, infarct-zone hemorrhage subsequently, and longer term adverse cardiac outcomes. Inflammation and irreversible myocardial hemorrhage post-MI represent mechanistic drivers for adverse long-term prognosis in smokers. (Detection and Significance of Heart Injury in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction. [BHF MR-MI]; NCT02072850)     

The association of circulating monocyte count with coronary collateral growth in patients with diabetes mellitus

The status of inflammation may affect the collateral development in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Monocytes were found to have an important role in collateral growth in animal studies. We aimed to investigate the possible association of circulating monocyte count with collateral development in patients with DM and severe coronary artery disease (CAD). We enrolled 134 consecutive patients with DM who had ≥95 stenosis in at least one major coronary artery and investigated the relationship between circulating monocyte count and collateral growth. When we analyzed the coronary angiograms of eligible patients, we found that 64 of them had good collateral growth and 70 had poor collateral growth according to the Cohen–Rentrop method. The monocyte count was significantly different between good and poor collateral growth groups (643 ± 184 vs. 479 ± 143 per mm³, P < 0.001). In the analysis comparing the Rentrop score with the Gensini score and circulating monocyte count, we found significant correlations (r = 0.293, P = 0.001 and r = 0.455, P < 0.001, respectively). The duration of ischemic symptoms tended to be longer in the good collateral group (1.9 ± 4.1 vs. 0.8 ± 1.3 years, P = 0.079). The Gensini score was also correlated with the duration of myocardial ischemic symptoms (r = 0.299, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed an increased monocyte count in the good collateral group [odds ratio (OR), 5.726; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.817–18.040, P = 0.003, the cut-off value for monocyte was defined as 550 cell/mm³]. The increased circulating monocyte count in diabetic patients was evidently related to good coronary collateral growth. This finding may be potentially important in clinical and basic cardiovascular medicine.     

Clinical Asthma Phenotypes: Is There an Impact on Myocardial Performance?

Background: Asthma is a systemic disease, which affects various body systems. We aimed to assess the impact of clinical asthma phenotypes on myocardial performance in asthmatic children using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Methods: We enrolled 58 children with moderate persistent asthma and 62 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Asthmatic children were classified according to clinical asthma phenotypes into shortness of breath group (n = 26) and wheezy group (n = 32). Pulmonary function tests, and conventional and TDI echocardiography were performed. Results: TDI echocardiography assessment of the studied groups showed that asthmatic children as a group had significant left and right ventricular dysfunction when compared with healthy controls. Children in the shortness of breath group had a significant diastolic dysfunction of both ventricles in the form of lower tricuspid and mitral annular early myocardial diastolic velocity (Em), early to late myocardial diastolic velocity (Em/Am) ratio, and prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time when compared with wheezy group (P < 0.001). In the shortness of breath group, TDI‐derived myocardial performance index (MPI) of both ventricles was significantly higher when compared with wheezy group (P < 0.001) reflecting global myocardial dysfunction. Conventional echocardiography of both ventricles showed RV diastolic dysfunction in the form of a significantly lower tricuspid E/A ratio in the shortness of breath group when compared with wheezy group. Conclusion: Clinical asthma phenotypes have an impact on myocardial function especially those presented with shortness of breath. Thus, measurement of MPI by TDI can detect subclinical changes in the cardiac performance in asthmatic children. (Echocardiography 2012;29:528‐534)     

Attenuated predictive power of a normal myocardial perfusion scan in young smokers

BackgroundThe negative predictive value of a normal myocardial perfusion image (MPI) for myocardial infarction or cardiac death is very high. However, it is unclear whether a normal MPI, reflecting non-compromised blood flow in the stable state, would have the same prognostic implications in smokers as in patients who do not smoke.MethodsThe incidence of total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction was evaluated in 11,812 subjects (14.6% of whom were current smokers at the time of the study) with a normal MPI study and no past history of coronary artery disease during the period 1997 to 2008.ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 72.4 ± 32.4 months the risk for an acute myocardial infarction in current smokers was approximately 50% higher than the corresponding risk in non-smokers, despite a younger average age. Cox proportional regression models show that current smoking was associated with an increased hazard rate for the composite endpoint below age 60 (HR = 2.09, 95%CI 1.43–3.07, p < 0.001), but not at older ages (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.81–1.66, p = 0.4).ConclusionsIn individuals below age 60, but not at older ages, current smoking is associated with increased short- and long-term risk of cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction even in subjects with a normal MPI.     

Association between Serum Total Antioxidant Status and Coronary Microvascular Functions in Patients with SLE

Mortality from cardiovascular disease has been found to be increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement is used both to assess epicardial coronary arteries and to examine the integrity of coronary microvascular circulation. Oxidative stress, enhancing modification of plasma lipids, is also associated with atherosclerotic events in lupus patients. Impairment of CFR and TAS has been shown to be an early manifestation of coronary atherosclerosis. Forty patients with SLE and 33 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Echocardiographic examination included left ventricular myocardial velocity measurements and coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement. Serum total antioxidant status levels (TAS) also were measured using TAS kit. Lateral myocardial early peak velocity (Em) and lateral Em/Am ratio did not differ between the groups, but lateral myocardial atrial peak velocity (Am) was significantly higher in SLE group than the control group. Baseline coronary diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) of left anterior descending was similar in both the groups. However, hyperemic DPFV and CFR (2.50 ± 0.42 vs. 3.09 ± 0.45, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the SLE group than in the control group. CFR significantly and inversely correlated with CRP and significantly correlated with TAS. Subclinical coronary microvascular dysfunction can occur in SLE patients without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, probably associated with underlying inflammation and impairment of TAS.     

Left ventricular function and exercise capacity in patients with slow coronary flow

Background: Endothelial and microvascular dysfunction have been implicated in slow coronary flow (SCF). How and to what extent do these etiological factors affect left ventricular (LV) function and exercise capacity? Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate LV systolic and diastolic function by pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in SCF patients and their effects on exercise capacity. Subjects and methods: Sixty SCF patients and 20 control subjects were included in the study. Echocardiographic examination, treadmill exercise test, and TDI were performed. Isovolumic myocardial acceleration (IVA) and myocardial performance index (MPI) were measured. Results: TDI mean parameters for systolic and diastolic LV function were significantly impaired in SCF group with decreased Sa, IVA, Ea/Aa, and increased MPI (0.31 ± 0.06 vs. 0.26 ± 0.04, P < 0.01) compared to control. There was significant correlation between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count and TDI mean parameters for LV systolic function (Sa & IVA, r =?0.53, P < 0.01 & r =?0.36, P < 0.05, respectively). Mean TIMI frame count was correlated with MPI and E/Ea. SCF patients had poorer peak exercise capacity than the controls (9.9 ± 1.9 METs vs. 12.7 ± 2.3, P < 0.01) with significant negative correlation with mean TIMI frame count (r =?0.46, P < 0.01). Conclusion: There is impairment of LV systolic and diastolic function in SCF patients with clinical impact on exercise capacity which emphasizes the importance of close follow‐up of these patients for risk stratification. (Echocardiography 2012;29:158‐164)     

Novel predictors and adverse long-term outcomes of No-reflow phenomenon in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

ObjectivesThe no-reflow phenomenon occurs in 25% of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and may be associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of our study was to detect novel predictors of no-reflow phenomenon and the resulting adverse long term outcomes.MethodsWe enrolled 400 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI; 228 patients had TIMI flow 3 after PCI (57%) and the remaining 172 patients had TIMI flow <3 (43%). Fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR), high sensitive C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated. Long term mortality and morbidity during 6 months follow up were recorded. These data were compared among both groups.ResultsIn multivariate regression analysis, old age (OR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.032–1.205, P = 0.006), higher troponin level >5.6 ng/mL (OR = 1.040, 95% CI: 1.001–1.080, P = 0.04), diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.401, 95% CI: 1.081–17.923, P = 0.04) and heavy thrombus burden (OR = 16.915, 95% CI: 5.055–56.602, P < 0.001) could be considered as predictors for the development of no-reflow. Interestingly, CAR >0.21, FAR >11.56, and AIP >0.52 could be considered as novel powerful independent predictors (OR = 3.357, 95% CI: 2.288–4.927, P < 0.001, OR = 4.187, 95% CI: 2.761–6.349, P < 0.001, OR = 16.794, 95% CI: 1.018–277.01, P = 0.04, respectively). Higher long term mortality (P < 0.001) and heart failure (P < 0.001) was also strongly related to incidence of no-reflow.ConclusionNo-reflow could be attributed to novel predictors as CAR, FAR, and AIP. This phenomenon was associated with long term adverse events as higher mortality and pump failure.     

Atorvastatin Treatment Improves Myocardial and Peripheral Blood Flow in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Subjects without Evidence of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Background: Hypercholesterolemia induces early microcirculatory functional and structural alterations that are reversible by cholesterol reduction. Real time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) and vascular ultrasound evaluate the effects of hyperlipidemia on peripheral and central blood flow reserve. This study investigated the effects of lipid‐lowering therapy on coronary and peripheral artery circulation in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods: RTMCE and vascular ultrasound were performed in 10 healthy volunteers (validation group) at baseline and after 12‐week clinical observation, and in 16 age‐ and sex‐matched FH patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) by computed tomography angiography at baseline and after 12‐week atorvastatin treatment. Indexes of relative myocardial blood flow (MBF) were obtained at rest and during adenosine infusion. Results: In validation group, there was no significant difference between flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline and after 12 weeks (0.15 ± 0.02 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03; P = 0.39). Similarly, no differences were observed in MBF reserve at baseline and after 12 weeks (3.31 ± 0.63 vs. 3.48 ± 0.89; P = 0.89). FMD was blunted in FH patients, at baseline, as compared with validation group (0.08 ± 0.04 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02; P < 0.001) and became similar to that group (0.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03; P = 0.07) after treatment. MBF reserve was blunted at baseline in FH patients in comparison with the validation group (2.78 ± 0.71 vs. 3.31 ± 0.63; P = 0.003). After treatment, MBF reserve values were no longer different (3.43 ± 0.66 and 3.48 ± 0.89; P = 0.84, respectively, for FH and validation groups). Conclusion: Patients with FH and no obstructive CAD have blunted MBF reserve and lower FMD values as compared with healthy volunteers. Both FMD and MBF reserve were normalized after atorvastatin treatment.     

Prognostic Value of Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve Comparison With Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the incremental prognostic value of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA)-derived machine learning fractional flow reserve CT (ML-FFRct) versus that of ischemia detected on single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) on incident cardiovascular outcomes.BackgroundSPECT MPI and ML-FFRct are noninvasive tools that can assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary atherosclerotic disease.MethodsWe studied a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients who underwent clinically indicated CCTA and SPECT MPI. ML-FFRct was computed using a ML prototype. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction (D/MI), and the secondary outcome was D/MI and unplanned revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) occurring more than 90 days postimaging. Multiple nested multivariate cox regression was used to model a scenario wherein an initial anatomical assessment was followed by a functional assessment.ResultsA total of 471 patients (mean age: 64 ± 13 year; 53% males) were included. Comorbidities were prevalent (78% hypertension, 66% diabetes, 81% dyslipidemia). ML-FFRct was <0.8 in at least 1 proximal/midsegment was present in 41.6% of patients, and ischemia on MPI was present in 13.8%. After a median follow-up of 18 months, 7% of patients (n = 33) experienced D/MI. On multivariate Cox proportional analysis, the presence of ischemia on MPI but not ML-FFRct significantly predicted D/MI (HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.0-5.0; P = 0.047; or HR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3-1.4; P = 0.306 respectively) when added to CCTA obstructive stenosis. Furthermore, the model with SPECT ischemia had higher global chi-square result and significantly improved reclassification. Results were similar using the secondary outcome and on several sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsIn a high-risk patient cohort, SPECT MPI but not ML-FFRct adds independent and incremental prognostic information to CCTA-based anatomical assessment and clinical risk factors in predicting incident outcomes.     

The Effect of Nondipping Blood Pressure Patterns on Cardiac Structural Changes and Left Ventricular Diastolic Functions in Normotensives

Background: Cardiac structural changes have been reported to be more prominent in nondipper normotensives than the dipper ones. But the influence of nondipping status on cardiac diastolic functions of normotensives has not been studied yet. In this study, we investigated the effect of nondipping status on both cardiac structural changes and left ventricular (LV) diastolic functions in normotensives. Methods: We performed ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiography in 62 normotensive subjects with the following criteria: (1) office BP < 140/90 mmHg; (2) average 24-hour ambulatory BP < 130/80 mmHg. Results: In the evaluation by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), the early diastolic myocardial peak velocity (Em) and Em/late diastolic myocardial peak velocity (Am) ratio (Em/Am ratio) were lower in nondippers than those in dippers (P = 0.009 and P < 0.001, respectively). Isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI) were higher in nondippers than those in dippers (P = 0.036 and P = 0.026, respectively). Nondipping status, independent of other factors, was observed to cause both a decrease in the Em and Em/Am ratio and an increase in IRT. However, its effect on IRT was not statistically significant (coefficient =−0.27, P = 0.027; coefficient =−0.37, P = 0.002; coefficient = 0.20, P = 0.082, respectively). Conclusions: Nondipping of nocturnal BP seems to be a determinant of cardiac remodeling and LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and may result in a cardiovascular (CV) risk independent of the increase in LV mass (LVM) in normotensives.     

Impact of in‐hospital blood pressure variability on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome

To evaluate the impact of blood pressure variability (BPV) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, short‐term BPV was estimated by using weighted standard deviation of 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings. The primary outcome was in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Overall, 200 patients (mean age, 58.6 years; 27.5% women; 38% with diabetes mellitus; and 47% smokers) were divided into low and high BPV groups based on the median value (9.45). Patients in the high BPV group were more likely to have in‐hospital MACE compared with patients with low BPV (47% vs 27%, P = .003). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis of incidence of MACE showed that BPV (odds ratio, 2.4; confidence interval, 1.2–4.5 [P = .008]) and presence of type II diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.6; confidence interval, 1.2–5.3 [P = .008]) were the only independent predictors of in‐hospital MACE derived mainly by hypertensive emergencies. BPV could be an important risk factor for in‐hospital MACE in patients with acute coronary syndrome.     

Effect of Ticagrelor on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (HEALING-AMI)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel on left ventricular (LV) remodeling after reperfusion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in humans.BackgroundAnimal studies have demonstrated that ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel better protects myocardium against reperfusion injury and improves remodeling after myocardial infarction.MethodsIn this investigator-initiated, randomized, open-label, assessor-blinded trial performed at 10 centers in Korea, patients were enrolled if they had naive STEMI successfully treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and at least 6-month planned duration of dual-antiplatelet treatment. The coprimary endpoints were LV remodeling index (LVRI) (a relative change of LV end-diastolic volume) measured on 3-dimensional echocardiography and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide level at 6 months.ResultsAmong initially enrolled patients with STEMI (n = 336), 139 in each group completed the study. LVRI at 6 months was numerically lower with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel (0.6 ± 18.6% vs. 4.5 ± 16.5%; p = 0.095). Ticagrelor significantly reduced the 6-month level of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (173 ± 141 pg/ml vs. 289 ± 585 pg/ml; p = 0.028). These differences were prominent in patients with pre-PCI TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade 0. By multivariate analysis, ticagrelor versus clopidogrel reduced the risk for positive LV remodeling (LVRI >0%) (odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.33 to 0.95; p = 0.030). The LV end-diastolic volume index remained unchanged during ticagrelor treatment (from 54.7 ± 12.2 to 54.2 ± 12.2 ml/m²; p = 0.629), but this value increased over time during clopidogrel treatment (from 54.6 ± 11.3 to 56.4 ± 13.9 ml/m²; p = 0.056) (difference −2.3 ml/m²; 95% confidence interval: −4.8 to 0.2 ml/m²; p = 0.073). Ticagrelor reduced LV end-systolic volume index (from 27.0 ± 8.5 to 24.7 ± 8.4 ml/m²; p < 0.001), whereas no reduction was seen with clopidogrel (from 26.2 ± 8.9 to 25.6 ± 11.0 ml/m²; p = 0.366) (difference −1.8 ml/m²; 95% confidence interval: −3.5 to −0.1 ml/m²; p = 0.040).ConclusionsTicagrelor was superior to clopidogrel for LV remodeling after reperfusion of STEMI with primary PCI. (High Platelet Inhibition With Ticagrelor to Improve Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction [HEALING-AMI]; NCT02224534)     

Myocardial salvage for ST-elevation myocardial infarction with terminal QRS distortion and restoration of brisk epicardial coronary flow

Recently, it has been reported that large infarcts associated with terminal QRS distortion (QRSDIS) on the admission electrocardiograms of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) may be caused by a failure to achieve thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relationship between QRSDIS and final infarct size when TIMI grade 3 flow could be achieved by primary PCI is still unclear. Sixty-two consecutive patients with first anterior STEMI and who achieved TIMI grade 3 flow by primary PCI were classified into two groups according to the presence (Group A, n = 18) or absence (Group B, n = 44) of QRSDIS. Two weeks after the onset of acute myocardial infarction, Group A had a larger left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and a lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) than Group B (LVESVI: 38 ± 13 vs 31 ± 12 ml/m², P = 0.025: LVEF: 42% ± 10% vs 51% ± 10%, P = 0.004). Through multivariate analysis, independent predictors of poor LV systolic function (LVEF < 40%) were determined to be the presence of QRSDIS (odds ratio 21.04, P = 0.021) and proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion (odds ratio 16.15, P = 0.033). Myocardial damage could not be reduced in patients experiencing STEMI with QRSDIS, even when TIMI grade 3 flow could be achieved by primary PCI, as much as in patients experiencing STEMI without QRSDIS.