Coronary Angiography in Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Without ST-Segment Elevation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesThe authors conducted a meta-analysis to study clinical outcomes in patients who underwent early versus nonearly coronary angiography (CAG) in the setting of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without ST-segment elevation.BackgroundThe benefit of performing early CAG in patients with OHCA without STE remains disputed.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines from inception until February 21, 2020. Early and nonearly CAG patients were identified on the basis of the definitions mentioned in respective published studies. The primary outcome studied was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were neurological status and the rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following cardiac arrest.ResultsOf 4,516 references, 11 studies enrolling 3,581 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. Random-effects analysis showed no differences in 30-day mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71 to 1.04; p = 0.12; I² = 74%), neurological status (RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.24; p = 0.28; I² = 69%), and rate of PCI (RR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.59; p = 0.13; I² = 67%) between the 2 groups. Diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, previous PCI, and lactate level were found to be significant predictors of 30-day mortality on meta-regression (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis analysis shows that there is no significant difference in 30-day mortality, neurological status, or rate of PCI among patients with OHCA without STE treated with early versus nonearly CAG. Thirty-day mortality is determined by presentation comorbidities rather than revascularization.     

MIRACLE2 Score and SCAI Grade to Identify Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest for Immediate Coronary Angiography

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of performing immediate coronary angiography (CAG) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with stratification of predicted neurologic injury and cardiogenic shock on arrival to a center.BackgroundThe role of immediate CAG for patients with OHCA is unclear, which may in part be explained by the majority of patients dying of hypoxic brain injury.MethodsBetween May 2012 and July 2020, patients from 5 European centers were included in the EUCAR (European Cardiac Arrest Registry). Patients were retrospectively classified into low vs high neurologic risk (MIRACLE₂ score 0-3 vs ≥4) and degree of cardiogenic shock on arrival (Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions [SCAI] grade A vs B-E). A multivariable logistic regression analysis including immediate CAG was performed for the primary outcome of survival with good neurologic outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2) at hospital discharge.ResultsNine hundred twenty-six patients were included in the registry, with 405 (43.7%) in the low-risk group and 521 (56.3%) in the high-risk group. Immediate CAG was independently associated with improved survival with good neurologic outcome in the low MIRACLE₂ risk group with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR: 11.80; 95% CI: 2.24-76.74; P = 0.048) and with SCAI grade B to E shock (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.10-9.50; P = 0.031). No subgroups, including those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and with SCAI grade B to E shock, achieved any benefit from early CAG in the high MIRACLE₂ group.ConclusionsCombined classification of patients with OHCA with 12-lead electrocardiography, MIRACLE₂ score 0 to 3, and SCAI grade B to E identifies a potential cohort of patients at low risk for neurologic injury who benefit most from immediate CAG.     

The Natural History of Nonculprit Lesions in STEMI: An FFR Substudy of the Compare-Acute Trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in non-infarct-related arteries (IRAs) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI).BackgroundPatients with ST-segment elevation MI often present with multivessel disease. The treatment of non-IRAs is debated. The applicability of FFR has not been widely proved.MethodsOutcomes were analyzed in all patients in the Compare-Acute (Comparison Between FFR Guided Revascularization Versus Conventional Strategy in Acute STEMI Patients With MVD) trial in whom, after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention, non-IRAs were interrogated using FFR and treated medically. The treating cardiologist was blinded to the FFR value. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular mortality, target vessel–related (non-IRA with FFR measurement at primary percutaneous coronary intervention) nonfatal MI, and target vessel revascularization: major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 24 months.ResultsA total of 751 patients (963 vessels) were included. Target non-IRAs with MACE had lower FFR compared with those without (0.78 vs. 0.84, respectively; p < 0.001). The median FFR of non-IRAs with TVR was lower than that of those without (0.79 vs. 0.85, respectively; p < 0.001). The difference was significant in all vessels. The median FFR of target non-IRAs with MI was lower than that of those without (0.79 vs. 0.84, respectively; p = 0.016). The MACE rate was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the lowest of FFR tertiles (<0.80) compared with the others (0.80 to 0.87 and ≥0.88).ConclusionsIn patients with ST-segment elevation MI with multivessel disease, FFR measured in the medically treated non-IRA immediately after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention shows a nonlinear and inverse risk continuum of MACE. Importantly, worsening prognosis is demonstrated around the cutoff of 0.80.     

Comparative Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unconscious and Conscious Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

BackgroundUp to 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients have a relevant coronary stenosis which may need revascularization. The short- and long-term ischemic and bleeding risk of unconscious and conscious OHCA patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is largely unknown.ObjectivesThis study sought to compare the occurrence of 1-year outcomes after PCI between OHCA patients, stratified on the basis of state of consciousness, with patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) not preceded by OHCA.MethodsThe study assessed the unadjusted and adjusted risk of cardiovascular events in a prospective single-center cohort of 9,303 consecutive PCI patients.ResultsAt 1 year, all-cause mortality was higher in unconscious (49.5%) but not in conscious OHCA (8.9%) patients than in ACS patients (8.0%), and both unconscious and conscious OHCA patients were more likely than ACS patients to experience definite stent thrombosis (4.4% and 3.5% vs 1.3%) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5 bleeding (17.8% and 9.0% vs 5.1%). The higher hazards were largely determined by events occurring in the first 30 days. After multivariable adjustment, only unconscious OHCA patients remained at increased risk of death (adjusted HR: 3.27; 95% CI: 2.65-4.05), definite stent thrombosis (adjusted HR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.30-4.43), and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5 bleeding (adjusted HR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.82-3.47) at 1 year.ConclusionsAt 1 year after PCI, unconscious OHCA patients were at higher risk of death, definite stent thrombosis, and bleeding, while conscious OHCA patients had similar hazards compared with an all-comer ACS population without OHCA. Dedicated PCI strategies for OHCA patients taking into account their state of consciousness after resuscitation are warranted.     

Intracoronary imaging in addition to coronary angiography for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: More information for better care?

About 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are related to an ischaemic heart disease in Western countries. Percutaneous coronary intervention has been shown to improve the prognosis of survivors when an unstable coronary lesion is identified as the potential cause of the cardiac arrest. Acute complete coronary occlusion is often demonstrated among patients with ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram after the return of spontaneous circulation. In patients without ST-segment elevation, routine coronary angiography has been shown to be not superior to conservative management. However, an electrocardiogram-based decision to perform immediate coronary angiography could be insufficient to identify unstable coronary lesions, which are frequently associated with intermediate coronary stenosis. Intracoronary imaging can be helpful to detect plaque rupture or erosion and intracoronary thrombus, but could also lead to better stent implantation, and help to reduce the risk of stent thrombosis. In patients with coronary lesions without the instability characteristic, conservative management should be the default strategy, and a search for another cause of the cardiac arrest should be systematic. In the present review, we sought to describe the potential benefit of intracoronary imaging in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.     

Coronary Circulatory Indexes in Non-Infarct-Related Vascular Territories in a Porcine Acute Myocardial Infarction Model

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate temporal changes in coronary hemodynamic and physiological indexes in the non-infarct-related artery (IRA), which might be affected by adjacent infarcted myocardium, using an experimental animal model of acute myocardial infarction.BackgroundThere has been debate on the reliability of fractional flow reserve and resting pressure-derived indexes, including instantaneous wave-free ratio, in the non-IRA in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.MethodsIn Yorkshire swine, acute myocardial infarction was simulated with selective balloon occlusion at the left circumflex coronary artery as the IRA for 30 min. Non-IRA stenosis was created using bare-metal stent implantation in the left anterior descending coronary artery 4 weeks before the experiments. Serial changes in systemic hemodynamic status, coronary pressure, and Doppler-derived coronary flow velocity were measured in a nonoccluded left anterior descending coronary artery as the non-IRA from baseline, balloon occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery, and 15 min after reperfusion of the left circumflex coronary artery.ResultsAmong the 6 experimental subjects, the median diameter stenosis of the non-IRA was 33.9% (interquartile range: 21.7% to 46.1%). During balloon occlusion of the IRA, there were transient significant changes in both resting and hyperemic aortic pressure, distal coronary pressure, averaged peak velocity, transstenotic pressure gradient, and microvascular resistance of the non-IRA (p < 0.020 for all). After reperfusion of the IRA, the resting averaged peak velocity (p = 0.002) and resting transstenotic pressure gradient (p = 0.004) were significantly increased and resting microvascular resistance (p = 0.004) was significantly decreased compared with their values in the baseline phase. However, the hyperemic averaged peak velocity (p = 0.479), hyperemic transstenotic pressure gradient (p = 0.778), and hyperemic microvascular resistance (p = 0.816) were not significantly different compared with those in the baseline phase. After reperfusion, fractional flow reserve in the non-IRA was not significantly different (0.94 ± 0.01 vs. 0.93 ± 0.01; p = 0.353), while coronary flow reserve (1.93 ± 0.07 vs. 1.36 ± 0.07; p = 0.025) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (0.97 ± 0.01 vs. 0.93 ± 0.01; p = 0.001) were significantly lower than baseline values.ConclusionsIn a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction, occlusion of the IRA induced significant changes in systemic hemodynamic status and coronary circulatory indexes of the non-IRA. However, after reperfusion of the IRA, fractional flow reserve did not change significantly, whereas coronary flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio showed significant changes compared with baseline values.     

Ticagrelor Monotherapy Versus Ticagrelor With Aspirin in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess whether the effects of ticagrelor monotherapy after 3-month dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are consistent among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina treated with drug-eluting stents.BackgroundTicagrelor monotherapy after short-term DAPT has not been investigated in patients with STEMI.MethodsThis was a pre-specified, stratified, subgroup analysis of the STEMI cohort from the TICO (Ticagrelor Monotherapy After 3 Months in the Patients Treated With New Generation Sirolimus Stent for Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial, which constituted 36% of the total population. The primary outcome was a composite of major bleeding and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, or target vessel revascularization). The secondary outcomes were major bleeding and MACCE.ResultsThe incidence of the primary outcome was 4.4% in patients with STEMI (n = 1,103), 6.0% in those with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 1,027), and 4.1% in those with unstable angina (n = 926), without statistical significance (p = 0.09). Compared with ticagrelor-based 12-month DAPT, ticagrelor monotherapy after 3-month DAPT showed consistent effects on the primary outcome across clinical presentations (p for interaction [p_int] = 0.64). Furthermore, the effect of ticagrelor monotherapy on the reduction of major bleeding was consistent across clinical presentations (p_int = 0.36). The effect of ticagrelor monotherapy on MACCE was also consistent in patients with STEMI, without evidence of a higher risk for MACCE (p_int = 0.14).ConclusionsThis pre-specified subgroup analysis revealed no heterogeneity in the effects of ticagrelor monotherapy after 3-month DAPT, compared with 12-month DAPT, for the primary outcome, major bleeding, and MACCE across clinical presentations including STEMI, though larger studies are needed to demonstrate these findings with adequate power. (Ticagrelor Monotherapy After 3 Months in the Patients Treated With New Generation Sirolimus Stent for Acute Coronary Syndrome [TICO Study]; NCT02494895)     

Unplanned Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization After TAVR: A Multicenter International Registry

ObjectivesThis study sought to evaluate the incidence and causes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at different time periods following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis frequently coexist, but the optimal management of CAD following TAVR remains incompletely elucidated.MethodsPatients undergoing unplanned PCI after TAVR were retrospectively included in an international multicenter registry.ResultsBetween July 2008 and March 2019, a total of 133 patients (0.9%; from a total cohort of 15,325) underwent unplanned PCI after TAVR (36.1% after balloon-expandable bioprosthesis, 63.9% after self-expandable bioprosthesis). The median time to PCI was 191 days (interquartile range: 59 to 480 days). The daily incidence of PCI was highest during the first week after TAVR and then declined over time. Overall, the majority of patients underwent PCI due to an acute coronary syndrome, and specifically 32.3% had non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 15.4% had unstable angina, 9.8% had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and 2.2% had cardiac arrest. However, chronic coronary syndromes are the main indication beyond 2 years. PCI success was reported in almost all cases (96.6%), with no significant differences between patients treated with balloon-expandable and self-expandable bioprostheses (100% vs. 94.9%; p = 0.150).ConclusionsUnplanned PCI after TAVR is rare, with an incidence declining over time after TAVR. The main indication to PCI is acute coronary syndrome in the first 2 years after TAVR, and thereafter chronic coronary syndromes become prevalent. Unplanned PCIs are frequently successfully performed after TAVR, with no apparent differences between balloon-expandable and self-expandable bioprostheses. (Revascularization After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation [REVIVAL]; NCT03283501)     

Optimal Timing of Intervention in NSTE-ACS Without Pre-Treatment: The EARLY Randomized Trial

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare a delayed and a very early invasive strategy in patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) without pre-treatment.BackgroundThe optimal delay of the invasive strategy in patients with NSTE-ACS remains debated and has never been investigated in patients not pre-treated with P2Y₁₂–adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists.MethodsA prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Altogether, 741 patients presenting with intermediate- or high-risk NSTE-ACS intended for an invasive strategy were included. The modified intention-to-treat analysis was composed of 709 patients after 32 withdrew consent. Patients were randomized 1:1 to the delayed invasive group (DG) (n = 363) with coronary angiography (CA) performed 12 to 72 h after randomization or the very early invasive group (EG) (n = 346) with CA within 2 h. No pre-treatment with a loading dose of a P2Y₁₂–adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonist was allowed before CA. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death and recurrent ischemic events at 1 month, as determined by a blinded adjudication committee.ResultsMost patients had high-risk NSTE-ACS in both groups (93% in the EG vs. 92.5% in the DG). The median time between randomization and CA was 0 h (interquartile range [IQR]: 0 to 1 h) in the EG group and 18 h (IQR: 11 to 23 h) in the DG. The primary endpoint rate was significantly lower in the EG (4.4% vs. 21.3% in the DG; hazard ratio: 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.11 to 0.34; p < 0.001), driven by a reduction in recurrent ischemic events (19.8% vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001). No difference was observed for cardiovascular death.ConclusionsWithout pre-treatment, a very early invasive strategy was associated with a significant reduction in ischemic events at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with intermediate- and high-risk NSTE-ACS. (Early or Delayed Revascularization for Intermediate and High-Risk Non ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes; NCT02750579)     

Coronary CT Angiography in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

BackgroundIn patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS), coronary pathology may range from structurally normal vessels to severe coronary artery disease.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to test if coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) may be used to exclude coronary artery stenosis ≥50% in patients with NSTEACS.MethodsThe VERDICT (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes) trial (NCT02061891) evaluated the outcome of patients with confirmed NSTEACS randomized 1:1 to very early (within 12 h) or standard (48 to 72 h) invasive coronary angiography (ICA). As an observational component of the trial, a clinically blinded coronary CTA was conducted prior to ICA in both groups. The primary endpoint was the ability of coronary CTA to rule out coronary artery stenosis (≥50% stenosis) in the entire population, expressed as the negative predictive value (NPV), using ICA as the reference standard.ResultsCoronary CTA was conducted in 1,023 patients—very early, 2.5 h (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.8 to 4.2 h), n = 583; and standard, 59.9 h (IQR: 38.9 to 86.7 h); n = 440 after the diagnosis of NSTEACS was made. A coronary stenosis ≥50% was found by coronary CTA in 68.9% and by ICA in 67.4% of the patients. Per-patient NPV of coronary CTA was 90.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.8% to 94.1%) and the positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were 87.9% (95% CI: 85.3% to 90.1%), 96.5% (95% CI: 94.9% to 97.8%) and 72.4% (95% CI: 67.2% to 77.1%), respectively. NPV was not influenced by patient characteristics or clinical risk profile and was similar in the very early and the standard strategy group.ConclusionsCoronary CTA has a high diagnostic accuracy to rule out clinically significant coronary artery disease in patients with NSTEACS.     

Multivessel Versus Culprit-Only Revascularization in STEMI and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

ObjectivesThe goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of contemporary randomized trials addressing the efficacy and safety of multivessel versus culprit vessel–only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease.BackgroundMultivessel coronary artery disease is present in about one-half of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Randomized controlled trials comparing multivessel and culprit vessel–only PCI produced conflicting results regarding the benefits of a multivessel PCI strategy.MethodsA comprehensive search for published randomized controlled trials comparing multivessel PCI with culprit vessel–only PCI was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO Services, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and scientific conference sessions from inception to September 15, 2019. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Primary efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality and reinfarction.ResultsTen randomized controlled trials were included, representing 7,030 patients: 3,426 underwent multivessel PCI and 3,604 received culprit vessel–only PCI. Compared with culprit vessel–only PCI, multivessel PCI was associated with no significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.05) and lower risk for reinfarction (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.95), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.00), and repeat revascularization (RR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.44). Major bleeding (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.67), stroke (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.65 to 2.01), and contrast-induced nephropathy (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.95) were not significantly different between the 2 groups.ConclusionsMultivessel PCI was associated with a lower risk for reinfarction, without any difference in all-cause mortality, compared with culprit vessel–only PCI in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.     

Early Invasive Strategy Based on the Time of Symptom Onset of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundA limitation of the current guidelines regarding the timing of invasive coronary angiography for patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome is the randomization time. To date, no study has reported the clinical outcomes of invasive strategy timing on the basis of the time of symptom onset.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of invasive strategy timing from the time of symptom onset on the 3-year clinical outcomes of patients with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).MethodsAmong 13,104 patients from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry–National Institutes of Health, 5,856 patients with NSTE myocardial infarction were evaluated. The patients were categorized according to symptom-to-catheter (StC) time (<48 or ≥48 hours). The primary outcome was 3-year all-cause mortality.ResultsOverall, 3,919 patients (66.9%) were classified into the StC time <48 hours group. This group had lower all-cause mortality than the group with StC time ≥48 hours (7.3% vs 13.4%; P < 0.001). The lower risk for all-cause mortality in the group with StC time <48 hours group was consistent in all subgroups. Notably, emergency medical service use (HR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.19-0.52) showed a lower risk for all-cause mortality than no emergency medical service use (HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.46-0.65; P value for interaction = 0.008).ConclusionsAn early invasive strategy on the basis of StC time was associated with a decreased risk for all-cause mortality in patients with NSTEMI. Because the study was based on a prospective registry, the results should be considered hypothesis generating, highlighting the need for further research. (iCReaT Study No. C110016)     

1-Year Outcomes of Delayed Versus Immediate Intervention in Patients With Transient ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a delayed versus an immediate invasive approach on final infarct size and clinical outcome up to 1 year.BackgroundUp to 24% of patients with acute coronary syndromes present with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but show complete resolution of ST-segment elevation and symptoms before revascularization. Current guidelines do not clearly state whether these patients with transient STEMI should be treated with a STEMI-like or non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome–like intervention strategy.MethodsIn this multicenter trial, 142 patients with transient STEMI were randomized 1:1 to either delayed or immediate coronary intervention. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 4 days and at 4-month follow-up to assess infarct size and myocardial function. Clinical follow-up was performed at 4 and 12 months.ResultsIn the delayed (22.7 h) and the immediate (0.4 h) invasive groups, final infarct size as a percentage of the left ventricle was very small (0.4% [interquartile range: 0.0% to 2.5%] vs. 0.4% [interquartile range: 0.0% to 3.5%]; p = 0.79), and left ventricular function was good (mean ejection fraction 59.3 ± 6.5% vs. 59.9 ± 5.4%; p = 0.63). In addition, the overall occurrence of major adverse cardiac events, consisting of death, recurrent infarction, and target lesion revascularization, up to 1 year was low and not different between both groups (5.7% vs. 4.4%, respectively; p = 1.00).ConclusionsAt follow-up, patients with transient STEMI have limited infarction and well-preserved myocardial function in general, and delayed or immediate revascularization has no effect on functional outcome and clinical events up to 1 year.     

Prognostic Value of Coronary CT Angiography in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes

BackgroundSeverity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) guide treatment and may predict clinical outcome in patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS).ObjectivesThis study tested the hypothesis that coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is equivalent to ICA for risk assessment in patients with NSTEACS.MethodsThe VERDICT (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes) trial evaluated timing of treatment in relation to outcome in patients with NSTEACS and included a clinically blinded coronary CTA conducted prior to ICA. Severity of CAD was defined as obstructive (coronary stenosis ≥50%) or nonobstructive. Extent of CAD was defined as high risk (obstructive left main or proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis and/or multivessel disease) or non–high risk. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal recurrent myocardial infarction, hospital admission for refractory myocardial ischemia, or heart failure.ResultsCoronary CTA and ICA were conducted in 978 patients. During a median follow-up time of 4.2 years (interquartile range: 2.7 to 5.5 years), the primary endpoint occurred in 208 patients (21.3%). The rate of the primary endpoint was up to 1.7-fold higher in patients with obstructive CAD compared with in patients with nonobstructive CAD as defined by coronary CTA (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22 to 2.49; p = 0.002) or ICA (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.11; p = 0.007). In patients with high-risk CAD, the rate of the primary endpoint was 1.5-fold higher compared with the rate in those with non–high-risk CAD as defined by coronary CTA (HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.07; p = 0.002). A similar trend was noted for ICA (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.69; p = 0.07).ConclusionsCoronary CTA is equivalent to ICA for the assessment of long-term risk in patients with NSTEACS. (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes [VERDICT]; NCT02061891)     

Incidence and Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ObjectivesThis study sought to address a knowledge gap by examining the incidence, timing, and predictors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Medicare beneficiaries.BackgroundEvidence about incidence and outcomes of ACS after TAVR is scarce.MethodsWe identified Medicare patients who underwent TAVR from 2012 to 2017 and were admitted with ACS during follow-up. We compared outcomes based on the type of ACS: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI), and unstable angina. In patients with non–ST-segment elevation ACS, we compared outcomes based on the treatment strategy (invasive vs. conservative) using inverse probability weighting analysis.ResultsOut of 142,845 patients with TAVR, 6,741 patients (4.7%) were admitted with ACS after a median time of 297 days (interquartile range: 85 to 662 days), with 48% of admissions occurring within 6 months. The most common presentation was NSTEMI. Predictors of ACS were history of coronary artery disease, prior revascularization, diabetes, valve-in-TAVR, and acute kidney injury. STEMI was associated with higher 30-day and 1-year mortality compared with NSTEMI (31.4% vs. 15.5% and 51.2% vs. 41.3%, respectively; p < 0.01). Overall, 30.3% of patients with non–ST-segment elevation ACS were treated with invasive approach. On inverse probability weighting analysis, invasive approach was associated with lower adjusted long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 0.73; p < 0.01) and higher risk of repeat revascularization (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.16 to 1.43; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAfter TAVR, ACS is infrequent (<5%), and the most common presentation is NSTEMI. Occurrence of STEMI after TAVR is associated with a high mortality with nearly one-third of patients dying within 30 days. Optimization of care is needed for post-TAVR ACS patients and if feasible, invasive approach should be considered in these high-risk patients.     

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of STEMI Patients With Cardiogenic Shock and Cardiac Arrest

ObjectivesThis study sought to compare the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with and without cardiogenic shock (CS) or cardiac arrest (CA) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).BackgroundPatients with STEMI complicated by CS or CA are underrepresented in STEMI registries.MethodsConsecutive patients with STEMI or new left bundle branch block within 24 h of symptom onset were included in a regional STEMI program comprising a PCI center (Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital), 11 hospitals <60 miles from PCI center (zone 1), and 19 hospitals 60 to 210 miles from PCI center (zone 2). No patients were excluded. Patients were stratified based on the presence (+) or absence (–) of CS or CA before PCI. Patients with CA were further classified based on initial rhythm. Primary outcomes were in-hospital and 5-year mortality.ResultsBetween March 2003 and December 2014, 4,511 STEMI patients were included in the regional program, including 398 (9%) with CS and 499 (11%) with CA. Hospital mortality was: CS+ and CA+, 44%; CS+ and CA–, 23%; CS– and CA+, 19%; and CS– and CA–, 2% (p < 0.001). The 5-year survival probability for CS+ and CA+ patients was 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.61 to 0.76) and 0.89 (95% confidence interval: 0.84 to 0.93), respectively (p < 0.01). Compared with patients with shockable rhythms, CA patients with nonshockable rhythms had significantly lower odds of survival at hospital discharge and at 5 years (both p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe combination of CS and CA significantly increases short-term mortality in patients with STEMI. After 5 years of follow-up, CS patients remained at high risk of fatal events, whereas the prognosis of CA patients was determined by initial rhythm at presentation.     

Stress-Only Adenosine CMR Improves Diagnostic Yield in Stable Symptomatic Patients With Coronary Artery Calcium

ObjectivesThis study assessed whether adenosine stress-only perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) following a positive coronary artery calcium (CAC) score improved the diagnostic yield of invasive coronary angiography (CAG) in patients with stable chest pain. The study also established the association between positive CAC scores and stress-induced myocardial ischemia.BackgroundThe diagnostic yield of catheterization among patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) is low. Improved patient selection and diagnostic testing are necessary. The CAC score can minimize unnecessary diagnostic testing, and in low-risk patients, normal CMR results have a high negative predictive value. Less comprehensive protocols may be sufficient to guide further work-up.MethodsA total of 642 consecutive patients (mean age: 63 years; 50% women) with stable chest pain and CAC scores of >0 who were referred for CMR were enrolled. Patients with a perfusion defect were subsequently examined by CAG. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Outcome was obstructive CAD.ResultsObstructive CAD was present in 12% of patients. For CAD diagnosis, the sensitivity of adenosine CMR was 90.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.7 to 93.1), specificity was 98.7% (95% CI: 97.9 to 99.6), positive predictive value was 92.0% (95% CI: 89.8 to 94.1), and negative predictive value was 98.6% (95% CI: 97.6 to 99.5). A CAC score between 0.1 and 100 without typical angina was associated with obstructive CAD in only 3% of patients. Patients with nonanginal chest pain and a CAC score ≥400 had obstructive CAD (16%).ConclusionsStress-only adenosine CMR had high diagnostic accuracy and served as an efficient gatekeeper to CAG in stable patients with a CAC score >0. Patients with CAC scores between 0.1 and 100 could be deferred from further testing in the absence of clinical features that suggested high risk. However, in patients with CAC score ≥400, functional testing should be indicated, regardless of the type of chest pain.     

Low-Dose Alteplase During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention According to Ischemic Time

BackgroundMicrovascular obstruction affects one-half of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and confers an adverse prognosis.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic strategy involving low-dose intracoronary alteplase infused early after coronary reperfusion associates with ischemic time.MethodsThis study was conducted in a prospective, multicenter, parallel group, 1:1:1 randomized, dose-ranging trial in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Ischemic time, defined as the time from symptom onset to coronary reperfusion, was a pre-specified subgroup of interest. Between March 17, 2016, and December 21, 2017, 440 patients, presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction within 6 h of symptom onset (<2 h, n = 107; ≥2 h but <4 h, n = 235; ≥4 h to 6 h, n = 98), were enrolled at 11 U.K. hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment with placebo (n = 151), alteplase 10 mg (n = 144), or alteplase 20 mg (n = 145). The primary outcome was the amount of microvascular obstruction (MVO) (percentage of left ventricular mass) quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 2 to 7 days (available for 396 of 440).ResultsOverall, there was no association between alteplase dose and the extent of MVO (p for trend = 0.128). However, in patients with an ischemic time ≥4 to 6 h, alteplase increased the mean extent of MVO compared with placebo: 1.14% (placebo) versus 3.11% (10 mg) versus 5.20% (20 mg); p = 0.009 for the trend. The interaction between ischemic time and alteplase dose was statistically significant (p = 0.018).ConclusionIn patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and an ischemic time ≥4 to 6 h, adjunctive treatment with low-dose intracoronary alteplase during primary percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with increased MVO. Intracoronary alteplase may be harmful for this subgroup. (A Trial of Low-Dose Adjunctive Alteplase During Primary PCI [T-TIME]; NCT02257294)     

Routine CYP2C19 Genotyping to Adjust Thienopyridine Treatment After Primary PCI for STEMI: Results of the GIANT Study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the clinical impact of routine transmission of CYP2C19 genotype in the management of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.BackgroundResponse to clopidogrel differs widely among patients, notably because of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms.MethodsCYP2C19 genotype (6 alleles) was determined centrally and communicated within 4.1 ± 1.9 days of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 1,445 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction recruited at 57 centers in France. CYP2C19 metabolic status was predicted from genotype and served to adjust thienopyridine treatment. The primary endpoint was differences in 12-month outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis) between patients with the wild-type genotype or gain-of-function allele (class 1, n = 1,118) and those with loss-of-function (LOF) alleles (class 2, n = 272) who received optimized thienopyridine treatment.ResultsDetection of LOF alleles resulted in adjustment of P2Y₁₂ inhibition in 85% of patients, with significantly higher use of prasugrel or double-dose clopidogrel. The primary endpoint did not differ between class 1 and class 2 patients (3.31% vs. 3.04%, respectively; p = 0.82). In contrast, carriers of LOF alleles without treatment adjustment had significantly worse outcomes (15.6%; p < 0.05). Bleeding rates were not different between groups.ConclusionsIn a real-world setting, a complete CYPC2C19 genotype can be mostly determined in <7 days using analysis of saliva deoxyribonucleic acid collected during the in-hospital phase among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Genotype information led to stronger platelet inhibition treatment in the vast majority of LOF allele carriers and to similar clinical outcomes as in patients carrying the wild-type genotype or gain-of-function allele. (Genotyping Infarct Patients to Adjust and Normalize Thienopyridine Treatment [GIANT]; NCT01134380)     

Postprocedure Anticoagulation in Patients With Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

ObjectivesThis study sought to assess the association between postprocedural anticoagulation (PPAC) use and several clinical outcomes.BackgroundPPAC after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may prevent recurrent ischemic events but may increase the risk of bleeding. No consensus has been reached on PPAC use.MethodsUsing data from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China–Acute Coronary Syndrome registry, conducted between 2014 and 2019, we stratified all STEMI patients who underwent pPCI according to the use of PPAC or not. Inverse probability of treatment weighting and a Cox proportional hazards model with hospital as random effect were used to analyze differences in in-hospital clinical outcomes: the primary efficacy endpoint was mortality and the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding.ResultsOf 34,826 evaluable patients, 26,272 (75.4%) were treated with PPAC and were on average younger, more stable at admission with lower bleeding risk score, more likely to have comorbidities and multivessel disease, and more often treated within 12 hours of symptom onset than those without PPAC. After inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment for baseline differences, PPAC was associated with significantly reduced risk of in-hospital mortality (0.9% vs 1.8%; HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.89; P < 0.001) and a nonsignificant difference in risk of in-hospital major bleeding (2.5% vs 2.2%; HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.83-1.32; P = 0.14).ConclusionsPPAC in STEMI patients after pPCI was associated with reduced mortality without increasing major bleeding complications. Dedicated randomized trials with contemporary STEMI management are needed to confirm these findings.