Patients with Tombstoning Pattern on the Admission Electrocardiography Who Have Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Anterior Wall ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: In‐Hospital and Midterm Clinical Outcomes

Background: A tombstoning pattern (T‐pattern) is associated with in‐hospital poor outcomes patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but no data are available for midterm follow‐up. We sought to determine the prognostic value of a T‐pattern on admission electrocardiography (ECG) for in‐hospital and midterm mortality in patients with anterior wall STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: After exclusion, 169 consecutive patients with anterior wall STEMI (mean age: 55 ± 12.9 years; 145 men) undergoing primary PCI were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were classified as a T‐pattern (n = 32) or non–T‐pattern (n = 137) based upon the admission ECG. Follow‐up to 6 months was performed. Results: In‐hospital mortality tended to be higher in the T‐pattern group compared with non–T‐pattern group (9.3% vs 2.1% respectively, P = 0.05). All‐cause mortality was higher in the T‐pattern group than non–T‐pattern group for 6 month (P = 0.004). After adjusting the baseline characteristics, the T‐pattern remained an independent predictor of 6‐month all‐cause mortality (odds ratio: 5.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.25–21.47, P = 0.02). Conclusion: A T‐pattern is a strong independent predictor of 6‐month all‐cause mortality in anterior STEMI treated with primary PCI. Therefore, it may be an indicator of high risk among patients with anterior wall STEMI.     

Prognostic Significance of T‐Wave Amplitude in Lead aVR in Heart Failure Patients with Narrow QRS Complexes

Background: Prolonged duration of the QRS complex is a prognostic marker in patients with heart failure (HF), whereas electrocadiographic markers in HF with narrow QRS complex remain unclear. We evaluated the prognostic value of the T‐wave amplitude in lead aVR in HF patients with narrow QRS complexes. Methods: We examined 331 patients who were admitted to our hospital for worsening HF (68 ± 15 years, mean ± standard deviation) from January 2000 to October 2004 who had sinus rhythm and QRS complex <120 ms. The patients were categorized into three groups according to the peak T‐wave amplitude from baseline in lead aVR: negative (<–0.1 mV; n = 209, 63%), flat (–0.1–0.1 mV; n = 64, 19%), and positive (>0.1 mV; n = 58, 18%). Results: During a mean follow‐up of 33 months, 113 (34%) patients had all‐cause death, the primary end point. After adjusting for clinical covariates, flat T wave (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–2.46), and positive T wave (HR 6.76, 95% CI 3.92–11.8) were independent predictors of mortality, when negative T wave was considered a reference. Conclusions: As the peak T‐wave amplitude in lead aVR becomes less negative, there was a progressive increase in mortality. The T wave in lead aVR provides prognostic information for risk stratification in HF patients with narrow QRS complexes. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(3):250–257     

Prognostic value of positive T wave in lead aVR in patients with non‐ST segment myocardial infarction

Background

Lead aVR provides prognostic information in various settings in patients with ischemia. We aim to investigate the role of a positive T wave in lead aVR in non‐ST segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, we included 400 patients with NSTEMI. Presentation electrocardiogram (ECG) was investigated for presence of a positive T wave as well as ST segment elevation (STE) in aVR and study variables were compared. Predictors of primary outcome defined as hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and secondary outcome, defined as three‐vessel coronary disease and/or left main coronary artery stenosis (3VD/LMCA) stenosis in angiography, were determined in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Patients with a positive T wave in aVR were significantly older and were more likely to be female. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients of positive T group. Positive T group was more likely to have 3VD/LMCA stenosis (58.3% vs. 19.8%, p < .001). The prevalence of a positive T wave in aVR was significantly higher in MACE group (54.9 % vs. 24.8%, p < .001). However, in multivariate analysis, it was not an independent predictor of MACE (OR: 1.083 95% CI: [0.496–2.365], p: .841). Though, it was independently associated with presence of 3VD/LMCA stenosis (OR: 3.747 95% CI: [2.058–6.822], p < .001).

Conclusion

Though positive T wave in lead aVR was more common in patients with MACE; it was not an independent predictor. Additionally, a positive T wave in aVR was an independent predictor of 3VD/LMCA stenosis in NSTEMI.

     

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention,Comorbidities, and Mortality among Emergency Department–Admitted ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in Florida

Background: Risk of mortality following an ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can be significantly reduced by prompt percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). National guidelines specify primary PCI as the preferred recommended treatment for STEMI. In this study, we examined same‐day PCI as an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality, after adjustment for comorbidities, other patient factors, and hospital PCI‐volume using unselected surveillance data from Florida. Methods: We analyzed hospital discharge data for adults, 18+ years old, with a primary diagnosis of STEMI who were admitted to PCI‐capable hospitals through the emergency department during 2001–2005 (n = 43,849). Hierarchical (multilevel) logistic regression models were used for analysis. Results: Overall, 4,143 STEMI patients (9.4%) did not survive to hospital discharge. In late 2005, the in‐hospital mortality rates were 1.9% for those who received same‐day PCI versus 13.0% for those who did not. After adjustment for multiple patient factors, same‐day PCI was a significant predictor of in‐hospital survival with a strong protective effect (adjusted OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.31–0.38 P < 0.0001). Restriction of the analysis to those patients who survived the first day of admission did not appreciably change this result (adjust OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.33–0.42, P < 0.0001). Hospital PCI‐volume did not significantly impact mortality risk. Conclusions: Same‐day PCI markedly reduced the risk of in‐hospital mortality among STEMI patients after multivariate adjustment. Serious comorbidities and complications, older age, and female gender continued to predict elevated risk of mortality after control for treatment status. Our results provide additional evidence in support of national clinical recommendations and aggressive treatment of STEMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:205–215)     

Clinical impact of complete atrioventricular block in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

Complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is a common complication of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Although STEMI patients complicated with CAVB had a higher mortality in the thrombolytic era, little is known about the impact of CAVB on STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study aimed at evaluating the clinical impact of CAVB on STEMI patients in the primary PCI era. We consecutively enrolled 1295 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI within 24 hours from onset. Patients were divided into two groups according to the infarct location: anterior STEMI (n = 640) and nonanterior STEMI (n = 655). The outcomes were all‐cause death and major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events (MACCE) with a median follow‐up period of 3.8 (1.7–6.6) years. Eighty‐one patients (6.3%) developed CAVB. The incidence of CAVB was lower in anterior STEMI patients than in nonanterior STEMI (1.7% vs 10.7%, p < .05). Anterior STEMI patients with CAVB had a higher incidence of all‐cause deaths (82% vs 20%, p < .05) and MACCE (82% vs 25%, p < .05) than those without CAVB. Although higher incidence of all‐cause deaths was found more in nonanterior STEMI patients with CAVB compared with those without CAVB (30% vs 18%, p < .05), there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACCE (24% vs 19%). Multivariate analysis showed that CAVB was an independent predictor for all‐cause mortality and MACCE in anterior STEMI patients, but not in nonanterior STEMI. CAVB is rare in anterior STEMI patients, but remains a poor prognostic complication even in the primary PCI era.     

Arterial access and door‐to‐balloon times for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients presenting with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction

Objectives: This study compares the transradial versus the transfemoral approach for time to intervention for patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: Survival following STEMI is associated with reperfusion times (door‐to‐balloon; D2B). For patients undergoing primary PCI for acute STEMI, potential effects of transradial approach (r‐PCI) as compared with the femoral artery approach (f‐PCI) on D2B times have not been extensively studied. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with STEMI at a tertiary care medical center were enrolled in a comprehensive—Heart Alert program (HA) and included in this analysis. Time parameters measured included: door‐to‐ECG, ECG‐to‐HA activation, HA activation‐to‐cath lab team arrival, patient arrival in cath lab to arterial access, and arterial access‐to‐balloon inflation. Results: Of 240 total patients, 205 underwent successful PCI (n = 124 r‐PCI; n = 116 f‐PCI). No significant difference was observed in the pre‐cath lab times. Mean case start times for r‐PCI took significantly longer (12.5 ± 5.4 min vs. 10.5 ± 5.7 min, P = 0.005) due to patient preparation. Once arterial access was obtained, balloon inflation occurred faster in the r‐PCI group (18.3 vs. 24.1 min; P < 0.001). Total time from patient arrival to the cardiac cath lab to PCI was reduced in the r‐PCI as compared to the f‐PCI group (28.4 vs. 32.7 min, P = 0.01). There was a small but statistical difference in D2B time (r‐PCI 76.4 min vs. f‐PCI 86.5 min P = 0.008). Conclusions: Patients presenting with STEMI can undergo successful PCI via radial artery approach without compromise in D2B times as compared to femoral artery approach. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The role of baseline and post‐procedural frontal plane QRS‐T angles for cardiac risk assessment in patients with acute STEMI

Background

To our knowledge, no study so far investigated the importance of post‐procedural frontal QRS‐T angle f(QRS‐T) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of our study was to investigate the role of baseline and post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) angles for determining high risk STEMI patients, and the success of reperfusion.

Methods

A total of 248 patients with first acute STEMI that underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) or thrombolytic therapy (TT) between 2013 and 2014 were included in this study. Baseline f(QRS‐T) angle was defined as the angle which measured from the first ECG at the time of hospital admission. Post‐procedural (QRS‐T) angle was defined according to the treatment strategy as follows: the angle which measured from the post‐PCI ECG in patients treated with pPCI; the angle which measured from the ECG taken 90 min after onset of therapy in patients treated with TT.

Results

The baseline (101.9° ± 48.0 vs. 72.1° ± 49.1, p = 0.014) and post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) angles (95.7° ± 48.1 vs. 58.1° ± 47.1, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in patients who developed in‐hospital mortality than the patients who did not develop in‐hospital mortality. Also, f(QRS‐T) angle measured at 90 min was significantly lower in patients with successful thrombolysis group compared to failed thrombolysis group (53.2° ± 42.8 vs. 77.3° ± 52.9, p = 0.033), whereas baseline f(QRS‐T) angle was similar between two groups (78.6° ± 53.4 vs. 78.9° ± 54.0, p = 0.976). Multivariate analysis showed that post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) angle ≥89.6° (odds ratio: 3.541, 95% confidence interval: 1.235–10.154, p = 0.019), but not baseline f(QRS‐T) angle, was independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

f(QRS‐T) angle may be used as a beneficial tool for determining high risk patients in acute STEMI. Unlike previous studies, we showed for the first time that that post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) can predict in‐hospital mortality and TT failure.

     

Outcomes from patients with multi‐vessel disease following primary PCI

Background: CABG and PCI are effective means for revascularization of patients with multi‐vessel coronary artery disease, but previous studies have not focused on treatment of patients that first undergo primary PCI. Methods: Among patients enrolled in the global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE), clinical outcomes for patients presenting with STEMI treated with primary PCI were compared according to whether residual stenoses were treated medically, surgically, or with staged PCI. Clinical characteristics and data pertaining to major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization and 6 months after discharge were collected. Results: Of the 1,705 patients included, 1,345 (79%) patients were treated medically, 303 (18%) underwent staged PCI, and 57 (3.3%) underwent CABG following primary PCI. Hospital mortality was lowest among patients treated with staged PCI (Medical = 5.7%; PCI = 0.7%; CABG = 3.5%; P < 0.001 [PCI vs. Medical]), a finding that persisted after risk adjustment (Odds Ratio PCI vs. Medical = 0.16, [0.04–0.68]; P = 0.01). Six month postdischarge mortality likewise was lowest in the staged PCI group (Medical = 3.1%; PCI = 0.8%; CABG = 4.0%; P = 0.04 [PCI vs. Medical]). Patients revascularized surgically were rehospitalized less frequently (Medical = 20%; PCI = 19%; CABG = 6.3%; P < 0.05) and underwent fewer unscheduled procedures (Medical = 9.8%; PCI = 10.0%; CABG = 0.0%; P < 0.02). Conclusions: The results of this multinational registry demonstrate that hospital mortality in patients who undergo staged percutaneous revascularization of multivessel coronary disease following primary PCI is very low. Patients undergoing CABG following primary PCI are hospitalized less frequently and undergo fewer unplanned catheter‐based procedures. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Value of lead aVR in predicting acute occlusion of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery and in-hospital outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an electrocardiographic predictor of poor prognosis

Background

We aimed to investigate the value of ST elevation in lead aVR (ST↑aVR) in predicting the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion site proximal to first septal perforator (S₁) and its effect on in-hospital outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

The study included 950 patients with STEMI. Patients were divided into 2 groups as aVR(+) and aVR(−) according to the presence of an ST↑aVR of 0.5 mm or greater.

Results

ST elevation in lead aVR was seen in 155 (16%) patients, and LAD occlusion proximal to S₁ was detected in 52% of patients in the aVR(+) group and in 9% of patients in the aVR(−) group. aVR positivity was associated with higher heart rate, lower systolic blood pressure and ejection fraction, and worse Killip class at the hospital admission. In-hospital mortality was 19% in the aVR(+) group and 5% in the aVR(−) group. aVR positivity was an independent predictor of in-hospital death.

Conclusion

This study revealed that ST↑aVR was not only a good indicator of LAD occlusion proximal to S₁ but also a source of valuable information about in-hospital outcome in patients with STEMI.     

ST段抬高的急性心肌梗死急诊介入治疗后单导联ST段回落不良对预后的影响及其预测因素

目的探讨单个导联ST段回落程度不良对临床预后的影响并筛选其相关的预测因素,以早期识别高危患者,从而积极防止心肌无复流的发生。方法回顾性收集964例急性ST段抬高心肌梗死行急诊PCI患者的临床资料、冠状动脉造影资料与心电图,分析单导联ST段回落不良患者的临床特征及住院期间主要不良心脏事件（MACE）发生的差异,应用统计学软件筛选盯段回落不良的预测因素。结果急诊PCI后梗死相关血管（IRA）前向血流达到TIMIⅢ级而心电图ST段回落小于50％者占27．42％。ST段无回落组其年龄更大、前壁心肌梗死比率更多、心功能分级≥Killip2级更多、肌酸激酶同工酶（CK-MB）峰值更高、糖尿病比率更多、纤维蛋白原浓度更大、C反应蛋白（CRP）升高比率更多、入院白细胞水平更高、胸痛至急诊室时间更长、冠状动脉病变更复杂,临床预后比较显示,汀段无回落组平均住院日更长,左室射血分数更低,梗死后心绞痛发生率更高,术后IRA血流TIMIⅢ级达标率更低,心力衰竭、恶性心律失常、心脏性死亡以及总的MACE事件发生率更高（25．5％对4．4％,P〈0．001）。Cox回归分析显示ST段回落不良是住院期间发生MACE的独立预测因素之一（RR=3．33,P〈0．001）。Logistic回归分析显示ST段回落不良的预测因素有前壁心肌梗死、入院心功能分级2级以上（Killip）、胸痛至急诊室时间（h）、入院白细胞计数。结论ST段抬高的心肌梗死急诊PCI后IRA达到TIMIⅢ级血流者仍会有近1／3的患者其心电图ST段回落小于50％,反映其心肌组织水平灌注不良,这些患者住院期间发生MACE的风险明显升高。前壁心肌梗死、入院心功能较差、入院白细胞计数较高、胸痛至急诊室时间较长等均与ST段回落不良高度相关,对具备以上情况的高危患者应采取更加积极的干预方案。     

Poor long‐term patient and graft survival after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction due to saphenous vein graft occlusion

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion has been associated with poor procedural results and poor short‐term outcomes, but long‐term graft patency and patient survival have not been evaluated. Consecutive patients (n = 2,240) with STEMI treated with primary PCI from 1984 to 2003 were followed for 6.6 years (median). Follow‐up angiography was obtained in 80% of hospital survivors following primary PCI for SVG occlusion at 2.3 years (median). Patients with primary PCI for SVG occlusion (n = 57) vs. native artery occlusion had more prior MI, advanced Killip class, and three‐vessel coronary disease and lower acute ejection fraction (EF). Patients with SVG occlusion had lower rates of TIMI 3 flow post‐PCI (80.7% vs. 93.6%; P = 0.0001), higher in‐hospital mortality (21.1% vs. 8.0%; P = 0.0004), and lower follow‐up EF (49.3% vs. 54.7%; P = 0.055). Culprit SVGs were patent in 64% of patients at 1 year and 56% at 5 years. Late survival was strikingly worse in patients with primary PCI for SVG occlusion vs. native vessel occlusion (49% vs. 76% at 10 years), and SVG occlusion was the second strongest predictor of late cardiac mortality by multivariate analysis (HR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.38–3.23; P = 0.0006). Patients with STEMI due to SVG occlusion treated with primary PCI have poor acute procedural results, frequent late reocclusion, and very high late mortality. The introduction of new adjunctive therapies (distal protection, thrombectomy, and drug‐eluting stents) may improve short‐term outcomes, but improved long‐term outcomes may require new and more durable revascularization strategies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Favorable Long‐Term Survival in Patients Undergoing Multivessel‐PCI Compared to Predicted Prognosis of CABG Estimated by EuroSCORE: Procedural and Clinical Determinants of Long‐Term Outcome

Aims/Methods: Treatment of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) has been an ongoing focus of recent clinical studies, questioning the ideal treatment. Randomized trials comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have so far only included a minority of screened patients. Therefore, we analyzed data from 679 consecutive “all‐comer” patients, who underwent PCI in at least two main vessels. Expected in‐hospital mortality for CABG was calculated using the EuroSCORE and compared to the observed mortality rate during in‐hospital as well as long‐term follow‐up. Results: The patients were suffering from 2.5 ± 0.6 diseased vessels, and 2.8 ± 1.0 lesions were stented (32% of patients received at least one drug‐eluting stent [DES]; 20% of lesions were treated with DES). Forty‐seven percent of patients were treated for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) ( N = 176 ST‐elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI]; N = 140 non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]). The EuroSCORE was significantly higher in ACS patients compared to stable patients (logistic: STEMI 16.3 ± 17.2; NSTEMI 13.6 ± 13.0; stable CAD 3.9 ± 4.2). The observed in‐hospital mortality (STEMI 13.0%; NSTEMI 2.9%; stable CAD 1.7%, P < 0.001) was far lower than the estimated 30‐day mortality. Cox regression analysis identified an elevated logistic EuroSCORE (HR per quartile 2.7, P = 0.003), severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 2.7, P < 0.001), elevated C‐reactive protein (HR 1.8, P = 0.012), and chronic renal failure (HR 2.8, P = 0.001) as independent predictors of long‐term mortality. Conclusions: The EuroSCORE, which is routinely used to estimate the perioperative risk of patients undergoing CABG, also predicts short‐ and long‐term prognosis of patients undergoing MV‐PCI. The observed mortality of patients undergoing MV‐PCI seems to be much lower than the estimated mortality of CABG.     

The impact of unsuccessful percutaneous coronary intervention on short‐ and long‐term prognosis in STEMI and NSTEMI

Objectives: To compare the impact of the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on prognosis in ST and non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI) patients with respect to infarct‐related artery (IRA). Background: The significance of the efficacy of PCI in STEMI and NSTEMI depending on the type of IRA has yet to be clarified. Methods: Study population consisted of 2,179 STEMI and 554 NSTEMI consecutive patients treated with urgent PCI. The efficacy of PCI (TIMI [thrombolysis in myocardial infarction] 3 vs. TIMI < 3) was assessed with regard to the type of IRA (left anterior descending artery, circumflex artery [Cx] or right coronary artery). The mean follow‐up was 37.5 months. Results: The rate of unsuccessful PCI was similar in STEMI and NSTEMI irrespectively of IRA (14.1 vs. 17.7%; P = 0.062). In STEMI, unsuccessful PCI was associated with significantly higher early (23.1 vs. 5.6%; P < 0.001) and late (29.9 vs. 12.8%; P < 0.001) mortality regardless of IRA. In NSTEMI, the inefficacious PCI significantly increased early (19.0% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001) and late (27.3% vs. 6.3%; P < 0.001) mortality only in patients with Cx‐related infarction. Unsuccessful PCI of IRA was an independent risk factor for death in STEMI (HR 1.64; P < 0.05), but not in NSTEMI (P = 0.64). Further analysis showed that whilst unsuccessful PCI of any vessel in STEMI is an independent risk factor for death, in NSTEMI this applies to unsuccessful PCI of Cx only. Conclusions: The significance of unsuccessful PCI of IRA seems to be different in STEMI and NSTEMI. Unsuccessful PCI is an independent risk factor for death in STEMI regardless of IRA and in NSTEMI with the involvement of Cx. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected left main thrombosis: The Asia‐Pacific Left Main ST‐Elevation Registry (ASTER)

Introduction

Prior studies of ULM STEMI have been confined to small cohorts. Recent registry data with larger patient cohorts have shown contrasting results. We aim to study the outcomes of patients with unprotected left main (ULM) ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

The Asia‐pacific left main ST‐Elevation Registry (ASTER) is a multicenter retrospective registry involving 4 sites in Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. The registry included patients presenting with STEMI due to an ULM coronary artery culprit lesion who underwent emergency PCI. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events.

Results

A total of 67 patients (mean age 64.2 ± 12.8 years, 53 [79.1%] males) were included. The distal left main bifurcation was most commonly involved (85%, n = 57). Fifty one (76%) patients had TIMI 3 flow post‐PCI. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 47.8% (n = 32); 61% (n = 41) had cardiac failure, 4% (n = 3) had emergency coronary artery bypass grafting, 1% (n = 1) had a re‐infarction, 3% (n = 2) had stroke and 55% (n = 37) had malignant ventricular arrhythmias. On multivariate analysis, predictors of in‐hospital mortality included older age (odds ratio (OR) 1.085 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.002‐1.175), P = 0.044), diabetes mellitus (OR 10.882 (95%CI 11.074‐110.287), P = 0.043) and absence of post‐PCI TIMI 3 flow (OR 71.429 (95%CI 2.985‐1000), P = 0.008).

Conclusions

STEMI from culprit unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Emergency PCI provides an important treatment option in this high‐risk group, but in‐hospital mortality remains high.     

Multicentre experience with MGuard™ net protective stent in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: Safety,feasibility, and impact on myocardial reperfusion

Objective : To report, for the first time, angiographic and ECG results as well as in‐hospital and 1‐month clinical follow‐up, after MGuard net protective stent (Inspire‐MD, Tel‐Aviv, Israel—MGS) implantation in consecutive, not randomized, STEMI patients undergoing primary or rescue PCI. Background : Distal embolization may decrease coronary and myocardial reperfusion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) setting. Methods : One‐hundred consecutive patients underwent PCI, with MGS deployment for STEMI, in five different high‐volume PCI centres. Sixteen patients presented cardiogenic shock at admission. Results : All patients underwent successful procedures: mean TIMI flow grade and mean corrected TIMI frame count—cTFC(n)—improved from baseline values to 2.85 ± 0.40 and to 17.20 ± 10.51, respectively, with a mean difference in cTFC(n) between baseline and postprocedure of 46.88 ± 31.86. High‐myocardial blush grade (90% MBG 3; 10% MBG 2) was also achieved in all patients. Sixty minutes post‐PCI, a high rate (90%) of complete (≥70%) ST‐segment resolution was achieved. At in‐hospital follow‐up, seven deaths occurred: noteworthy, 5 of 16 patients with cardiogenic shock at admission died. After hospital discharge, no Major Adverse Cardiac Events have been reported up to 30‐day follow‐up. Conclusions : MGS might represent a safe and feasible option for PCI in STEMI patients, providing high perfusional and ECG improvement. Further randomized trials comparing this strategy with the conventional one are needed in the near future to assess the impact on clinical practice of this strategy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The Prognostic Value of T Wave Amplitude in Lead aVR in Males

Background: Since there is an uncertainty regarding which of the 12 leads provides the most information, we investigated the association between repolarization phenomenon in all of the 12 leads and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Methods: Retrospective cohort study was performed at Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, which included 24,270 consecutive male veterans with ECGs obtained for clinical reasons from 1987 to 2000. Analysis of computerized 12‐lead resting ECGs was performed of all subjects excluding inpatients, patients with atrial fibrillation, WPW, QRS duration > 120 ms, and paced rhythms. Average follow‐up was 7.5 years during which time there were 1859 CV deaths. Results: While ST segment measurements in aVR were univariately predictive of CV death, T wave amplitude superseded them in multivariate survival analysis. In addition, T wave amplitude in aVR outperformed repolarization measurements in all other leads as well as other ECG criteria (Q waves, damage scores, LVH) for predicting CV mortality. As T wave amplitude became less negative in aVR, there was a progressive increase in relative risk (RR). When the T waves in aVR had a positive deflection (i.e., upward pointing) the RR for CV death was 5.0. Conclusions: T wave amplitude in lead aVR is a powerful prognostic marker for estimating risk of CV death. Upward pointing T waves (a simple visual criterion) was prevalent (7.3% of a clinical population) and was associated with an annual CV mortality of 3.4% and a risk of five times.     

Lead aVR is a predictor for mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

BackgroundNormally, lead augmented vector right (aVR) has a negative T wave polarity (TaVR) in the electrocardiography (ECG). Positive TaVR and ST segment deviation in lead aVR (STaVR) have negative effects on mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients.AimOur aim was to investigate the relationship between lead aVR changes and mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients.MethodsWe retrospectively examined 249 patients in 2011–2015 years (mean age 70.8 ± 11.9 years and follow-up period 38.3 ± 9.6 months). ECG, echocardiographic, and laboratory findings were recorded and compared in the study. Existence of positive TaVR, STaVR, and quantitative TaVR values were recorded and the absolute numerical values of TaVR and STaVR were recorded from the 12-lead surface ECG (T/STaVR ratio or vice versa).ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups: living (171) and deceased (78). Age, systolic blood pressure, left atrial diameter, QRS duration, positive TaVR frequency, STaVR, absolute value of TaVR, and ratio were significantly higher in the deceased group. Age (OR: 1.106), STaVR (OR: 2.349), TaVR (OR: 1.612), and T/STaVR ratio (OR: 5.156) were determined as independent predictors for mortality.ConclusionsST segment and T wave polarity changes in lead aVR closely associated with mortality in patients with HFpEF.     

Value of the Corrected QT Interval Dispersion Obtained Exercise Electrocardiography in Determining Remote Vessel Disease in Patients with Healed Q‐Wave Myocardial Infarction

Background: QT and corrected QT dispersion (QTD, QTcD) obtained by using the standard 12‐lead ECG is a marker of nonhomogenous ventricular repolarization. QTD obtained from exercise ECG increases the diagnostic reliability of ST‐segment changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the QTD and QTcD obtained by a 12‐lead ECG during the peak exercise in determining remote vessel disease in patients with healed Q‐wave MI. Methods: Eighty patients with healed Q‐wave Ml (mean age 54 ± 8 years; 71 men, 9 women; 29 anterior; 51 inferior Ml) who underwent exercise stress testing and coronary angiography were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, with (group I) and without (group II) remote vessel coronary artery disease. During peak exercise, sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value of the ST‐segment depression, and QTcD were compared between both groups. Moreover, the resting and peak exercise ECG parameters were compared between group I and group II. Results: In coronary angiography, remote vessel disease was detected in 48 patients (group I). In determining remote vessel disease, the sensitivity, specificity, and the negative and positive predictive values of the peak exercise QTcD ≧ 70 ms were significantly higher than those of the peak exercise ST‐segment depression (81%, 63%, 69%, and 76% vs 71%, 53%, 55%, and 69%, respectively; P < 0.01 for all comparisons). In group I, QTD and QTcD were significantly higher in patients with anterior wall Ml than those with inferior wall Ml both during the resting and peak exercise ECG. In group II, the resting QTD and QTcD were significantly higher in patients with anterior wall MI than those with inferior wall MI. In patients with anterior wall MI and inferior wall Ml, QTD and QTcD significantly increased with exercise in group I. Conclusion: In patients with healed Q‐wave Ml, the value of QTcD ≧ 70 ms increases the diagnostic: accuracy of the exercise stress testing in determining remote vessel disease. A.N.E. 2002;7(3):228–233     

Quality improvement in the door‐to‐balloon times for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients presenting without chest pain

Objective: To assess a quality improvement initiative aimed at minimizing door‐to‐balloon (DTB) times for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients presenting without chest pain. Background: Timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the cornerstone of STEMI care. The absence of chest pain delays PCI. Improvements in DTB times may need to focus on atypical presentation patients. Methods: We compared DTB times on all STEMI patients admitted through the emergency department who underwent PCI before (Phase I; October 2004–June 2007) and after (Phase II; July 2007–October 2009) the quality improvement effort, which mandated rapid electrocardiogram (ECG) triage for an expanded list of presenting symptoms. Results: In Phase I (69 patient, 60 with chest pain), patients with chest pain had a shorter mean time to first ECG (ECG Interval) by 32.0 min (P < 0.01) and nonsignificantly faster mean DTB time by 42.0 min (P = 0.07) compared to patients who presented without chest pain. In Phase II (62 patients, 56 with chest pain) compared to Phase I, mean ECG interval decreased by 44 min (P = 0.02) and mean DTB time by 99 min (P = 0.01) in patients without chest pain, eliminating the differences in ECG intervals between typical and atypical presentations (12 min vs. 11 min, P = 0.91). Multivariable analysis controlling for on/off hours and patient characteristics confirmed these findings. Conclusions: A simple modification of emergency room ECG triage protocol, which expands indications for rapid ECG performance, was successful in improving rapid reperfusion for patients with STEMI presenting without chest pain. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Novel mobile telemedicine system for real‐time transmission of out‐of‐hospital ECG data for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction

The guidelines recommend routine use of 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and advance notification to the emergency department for patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, transmission of out‐of‐hospital 12‐lead ECG to emergency department is still not widely practiced and ECG interpretation before arrival at the emergency department is not established. We have developed a novel mobile telemedicine system to transmit real‐time 12‐lead ECG data between moving ambulances and in‐hospital physicians in cardiovascular emergency cases. When used, this system immediately identifies patients with STEMI and it is coupled to a centralized system to alert the cardiac catheterization teams to prepare for prompt intervention. This report presents the first case with STEMI who was successfully treated using this novel mobile telemedicine system. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.