Reversible,regional ST‐segment elevation due to chylothorax

Chylothorax is an uncommon complication of thoracic surgery and, to our knowledge, has never been documented as a cause of dynamic ST‐segment elevation (STE). A 63‐year‐old woman with history of right pneumonectomy presented with chest pain and regional STE on 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Normal troponin‐I and a computed tomography (CT) scan showing a large right hemithoracic fluid collection indicated the unique cause of STE, which resolved after thoracentesis, was pericardial inflammation and cardiac compression from chylothorax. This case emphasizes nuances of ECG interpretation in the context of regional STE and explores the pathophysiology that links chylothorax with acute pericarditis.     

Electrocardiogram evolution of acute anterior ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction following pericarditis

Electrocardiogram is a powerful tool for differentiating acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and pericarditis. However, an unusual ECG presentation of the simultaneous occurrence of the two conditions has not been reported previously. In this article, we report a case of ECG evolution of acute anterior STEMI following pericarditis with pericardial effusion (PE) and find that QRS complex widening in ECG lead with maximal ST‐segment elevation is also applicable for identifying STEMI even in patients with prior pericarditis. Undoubtedly, our case can help prevent emergency physicians from making incorrect diagnoses and administering inappropriate treatments.     

Identifying the culprit artery via 12‐lead electrocardiogram in inferior wall ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: A meta‐analysis

BackgroundInferior wall ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is mostly caused by acute occlusion of right coronary artery (RCA) and left circumflex artery (LCX). Several methods and algorithms using 12‐lead ECG were developed to localize the lesion in inferior wall STEMI. However, the diagnostic properties of these methods remain under‐recognized.AimsThe aim of this meta‐analysis is to compare the diagnostic properties among the methods of identifying culprit artery in inferior wall STEMI using 12‐lead ECG.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis to calculate the pooled sensitive, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of each method.ResultsThirty‐three studies with 4414 participants were included in the analysis. Methods using double leads had better diagnostic properties, especially ST‐segment elevation (STE) in III > II [with pooled sensitivity 0.89 (0.84–0.93), specificity 0.68 (0.57–0.79), DOR 17 (9–32), AUC 0.88 (0.85–0.91)], ST‐segment depression (STD) in aVL > I [with pooled sensitivity 0.82 (0.72–0.90), specificity 0.69 (0.48–0.86), DOR 11 (4–29), AUC 0.85 (0.81–0.88)], and STD V3/STE III ≤1.2 [with pooled sensitivity 0.88 (0.78–0.95), specificity 0.59 (0.42–0.75), DOR 12 (5–27), AUC 0.82 (0.78–0.85)]. Diagnostic algorithms, including Jim score[pooled sensitivity 0.70 (0.55–0.85), specificity 0.88 (0.75–0.96)], Fiol''s algorithm [pooled sensitivity 0.54 (0.44–0.62), specificity 0.92 (0.88–0.96)] and Tierala''s algorithm [pooled sensitivity 0.60 (0.49–0.71), specificity 0.91 (0.86–0.96)], were not superior to these simple methods.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis indicated that diagnostic methods using double leads had better properties. STE in III > II together with STD in aVL > I may be the most ideal method, for its accuracy and convenience.     

aVR导联ST段抬高对急性心肌梗死预后的价值

目的探讨心电图aVR导联ST段抬高对急性前壁心肌梗死患者预后的价值。方法首次入院急性前壁心肌梗死患者57例，对其心电图和冠状动脉造影及临床资料进行对比分析。根据心电图aVR导联ST段变化分为抬高组、无偏移组。结果梗死相关血管为左主干病变的ST段抬高组、ST段无偏移组分别为5例（21．7％）、1例（2．9％），两组统计有显著性差异（p〈0．01）；病变范围为多支病变ST段抬高组、ST段无偏移组分别为10例（43．4％）、8例（23．5％），两组统计有显著性差异（p〈0．05）；发生心脏事件ST段抬高组、ST段无偏移组分别为8例（34.8％）、3例（8．8％），两组有显著性差异（p〈0．01）。结论aVR导联ST段抬高对预测急性前壁心肌梗死患者的预后有重要的价值，应高度重视。     

Sex‐gender disparities in nonagenarians with acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains one of the leading causes of mortality for women, increasing with age. There is an unmet need regarding this condition in a fast‐growing and predominantly female population, such as nonagenarians.HypothesisOur aim is to compare sex‐based differences in ACS management and long‐term clinical outcomes between women and men in a cohort of nonagenarians.MethodsWe included consecutive nonagenarian patients with ACS admitted at four academic centers between 2005 and 2018. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of each center.ResultsA total of 680 nonagenarians were included (59% females). Of them, 373 (55%) patients presented with non‐ST‐segment elevation ACS and 307 (45%) with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Men presented a higher disease burden compared to women. Conversely, women were frailer with higher disability and severe cognitive impairment. In the STEMI group, women were less likely than men to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (60% vs. 45%; p = .01). Overall mortality rates were similar in both groups but PCI survival benefit at 1‐year was greater in women compared to their male counterparts (82% vs. 68%; p = .008), persisting after sensitivity analyses using propensity‐score matching (80% vs. 64%; p = .03).ConclusionSex‐gender disparities have been observed in nonagenarians. Despite receiving less often invasive approaches, women showed better clinical outcomes. Our finding may help increase awareness and reduce the current gender gap in ACS management at any age.     

A potential diagnostic pitfall in ST elevation: Acute pulmonary embolism or ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

The diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a great challenge for physicians due to its nonspecific symptoms, and often missed or misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome. Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are seen in majority of patients with APE. Recently, APE with ST‐segment elevation (STE) in leads V₁–V₃/V₄, mimicking ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has been described. However, coronary angiography showed that the patient''s coronary arteries were mostly normal. Herein, we describe a case of APE presenting with STE in V₁–V₄, along with severe stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.     

Comparison of coronary atherosclerotic disease burden between ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: Non‐culprit Gensini score and non‐culprit SYNTAX score

BackgroundPatients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have worse long‐term prognoses than those with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).HypothesisIt may be attributable to more extended coronary atherosclerotic disease burden in patients with NSTEMI.MethodsThis study consisted of consecutive 231 patients who underwent coronary intervention for myocardial infarction (MI). To assess the extent and severity of atherosclerotic disease burden of non‐culprit coronary arteries, two scoring systems (Gensini score and synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery [SYNTAX] score) were modified by subtracting the score of the culprit lesion: the non‐culprit Gensini score and the non‐culprit SYNTAX score.ResultsPatients with NSTEMI had more multi‐vessel disease, initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2/3, and final TIMI flow grade 3 than those with STEMI. As compared to STEMI, patients with NSTEMI had significantly higher non‐culprit Gensini score (16.3 ± 19.8 vs. 31.2 ± 25.4, p < 0.001) and non‐culprit SYNTAX score (5.8 ± 7.0 vs. 11.1 ± 9.7, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with NSTEMI had more advanced coronary atherosclerotic disease burden including non‐obstruction lesions, which may at least in part explain higher incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients.     

Effect of early metoprolol before PCI in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction on infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials

AimThis meta‐analysis aims to look at the impact of early intravenous Metoprolol in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on infarct size, as measured by cardio magnetic resonance (CMR) and left ventricular ejection fraction.MethodsWe searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Web of Science. We included only randomized control trials that reported the use of early intravenous Metoprolol in STEMI before PCI on infarct size, as measured by CMR and left ventricular ejection fraction. RevMan software 5.4 was used for performing the analysis.ResultsFollowing a literature search, 340 publications were found. Finally, 18 studies were included for the systematic review, and 8 clinical trials were included in the meta‐analysis after the full‐text screening. At 6 months, the pooled effect revealed a statistically significant association between Metoprolol and increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (%) compared to controls (mean difference [MD] = 3.57, [95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.22–4.92], p < .00001), as well as decreased infarcted myocardium(g) compared to controls (MD = −3.84, [95% [CI] = −5.75 to −1.93], p < .0001). At 1 week, the pooled effect revealed a statistically significant association between Metoprolol and increased LVEF (%) compared to controls (MD = 2.98, [95% CI = 1.26−4.69], p = .0007), as well as decreased infarcted myocardium(%) compared to controls (MD = −3.21, [95% CI = −5.24 to −1.18], p = .002).ConclusionA significant decrease in myocardial infarction and increase in LVEF (%) was linked to receiving Metoprolol at 1 week and 6‐month follow‐up.     

aVR导联ST段抬高对非ST段抬高型急性心肌梗死的意义

目的：探讨aVR导联ST段抬高（ ST segment elevation ,STSE）对于非STSE型急性心肌梗死（ acute myocardial infarction , AMI ）的预测价值。方法回顾性分析425例非STSE 型AMI患者的心电图资料,并观察各导联ST段压低情况及是否存在T波倒置。对所测定数据进行整理和统计学处理。结果 aVR导联STSE多见于完全性右束支阻滞、左心室肥厚以及V1导联STSE的患者,在其他导联广泛ST段压低的患者中也较为多见;此类情况在T波倒置患者中较少见。本研究中,22例在住院时死亡,其中5例死于心源性休克。患者住院死亡率的不断升高和aVR导联STSE的等级不断上升相关。多重变量分析表明,aVR导联STSE已经成为预测住院死亡的独立重要变量。 aVR导联STSE大都与住院患者的心肌缺血时间以及发生心力衰竭相关,但是与血清肌酸激酶或肌酸激酶同工酶 MB 的水平高低没有相关性。结论如果aVR导联STSE和严重冠状动脉病变之间的联系,能够在大样本非STSE型AMI患者群体中得到进一步验证,那么aVR导联STSE就可以成为选择早期介入治疗患者的一个较为有用的指标。     

Development and validation of a risk score for chest pain with suspected non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

ObjectiveTo investigate a new risk score for acute chest pain with suspected non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS).MethodsPatients who suffered from Chest pain and suspected NSTE‐ACS were enrolled as subjects. Predictor variables had been analyzed, and a bootstrap technique was used to evaluate the internal validity of the model, and external validation had been assessed for a prospective cohort study.ResultsThousand five hundred and sixty‐eight patients had been included in this study. Six predictor variables were found to be significant and were used to develop the model. The C‐statistic of the model was 0.83, and internal validation revealed the stability of the model and the absence of over‐optimism. Patients were given different triage recommendations, and the risk score was prospectively validated.ConclusionsA risk score may be a suitable method for assessing the risk of major adverse cardiac events and aiding patient triage in emergency departments among patients with suspected NSTE‐ACS.     

Rationale and design of the OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION trial: A prospective randomized multi‐center clinical trial comparing different fibrinolysis‐transfer percutaneous coronary intervention strategies in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), the preferred reperfusion strategy for all acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, is not universally available in clinical practice. Pharmacoinvasive strategy has been proposed as a therapeutic option in patients with STEMI when timely PPCI is not feasible. However, pharmacoinvasive strategy has potential delay between clinical patency and complete myocardial perfusion. The optimal reperfusion strategy for STEMI patients with anticipated PPCI delay according to current practice is uncertain. OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, superiority trial with blinded evaluation of outcomes. A total of 632 STEMI patients presenting within 6 hours after symptom onset and with an expected time of first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ≥120 minute will be randomized to a reduced‐dose facilitated PCI strategy (reduced‐dose fibrinolysis combined with simultaneous transfer for immediate invasive therapy with a time interval between fibrinolysis to PCI < 3 hours) or to standard pharmacoinvasive treatment. The primary endpoint is the composite of death, reinfarction, refractory ischemia, congestive heart failure, or cardiogenic shock at 30‐days. Enrollment of the first patient is planned in March 2021. The recruitment is anticipated to last for 12 to 18 months and to complete in September 2023 with 1 year follow‐up. The OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION trial will help determine whether reduced‐dose facilitated PCI strategy improves clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI and anticipated PPCI delay. This study is registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov ({"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT04752345","term_id":"NCT04752345"}}NCT04752345).     

Percutaneous coronary intervention in insulin‐treated diabetic patients: A meta‐analysis

BackgroundThis meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared long‐term adverse clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) and non‐ITDM patients.MethodsThis is a meta‐analysis study. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for articles on long‐term adverse clinical outcomes of PCI in ITDM and non‐ITDM patients. The risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsA total of 11 related RCTs involving 8853 DM patients were included. Compared with non‐ITDM patients, ITDM patients had significantly higher all‐cause mortality (ACM) (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.25–1.85, p _{heterogeneity} = .689, I ² = 0%), major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18–1.55, p _{heterogeneity} = .57, I ² = 0%), myocardial infarction (MI) (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16–1.72, p _{heterogeneity} = .962, I ² = 0%), and stent thrombosis (ST) (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.23–2.48, p _{heterogeneity} = .159, I ² = 32.4%). No significant difference was found in the target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) between the ITDM and non‐ITDM groups.ConclusionsThe results showed that ITDM patients had significantly higher ACM, MACCE, MI, and ST, compared with non‐ITDM patients.     

Immediate and early percutaneous coronary intervention in very high‐risk and high‐risk non‐ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients

BackgroundThe European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST‐segment elevation (non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]) has recommended immediate (<2 h) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in very‐high risk patients and early (<24 h) PCI in high‐risk patients.HypothesisTo examine the ESC NSTEMI guidelines adherence in a nationwide survey in Israel using the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS). We hypothesized that adherence to the guidlines'' recommnded PCI timing in NSTEMI pateints will be inadequate, partly due to the inconsistent evidence regarding its effect on clinical outcomes.MethodsAll NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI during the ACSIS surveys in 2016 and 2018 were included in the analysis.ResultsOut of 1793 NSTEMI patients, 1643 (92%) patients underwent PCI, and door to balloon time was documented in 1078 of them. One hundred and fifty‐six (14.5%) patients and 922 (85.5%) patients were defined as very high‐risk and high‐risk NSTEMI patients, respectively. Of the very high‐risk NSTEMI patients, only 10 (6.4%) underwent immediate coronary angiography, and 50 (32.1%) underwent early coronary angiography. Acute heart failure 139 (89.1%) was the main reason for including NSTEMI patients in the very high‐risk category. Of the high‐risk patients, early coronary angiography was performed in only 405 (43.9%) patients. Patients in whom coronary angiography was postponed were older and had more comorbidities.ConclusionsDespite guidelines recommendations for immediate and early PCI in very high‐risk and high‐risk NSTEMI patients, respectively, most patients do not undergo immediate or early PCI according to contemporary guidelines. Further studies are needed to better understand the reasons for guidelines'' nonadherence in those high‐risk patients.     

Anxiety and prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction: A meta‐analysis

Although anxiety is highly prevalent after myocardial infarction (MI), but the association between anxiety and MI is not well established. This study aimed to provide an updated and comprehensive evaluation of the association between anxiety and short‐term and long‐term prognoses in patients with MI. Anxiety is associated with poor short‐term and long‐term prognoses in patients with MI. We performed a systematic search in the PubMed and Cochrane databases (January 2000–October 2020). The study endpoints were complications, all‐cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and/or major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Pooled data were synthesized using Stata SE12.0 and expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 9373 patients with MI from 16 published studies. Pooled analyses indicated a correlation between high anxiety and poor clinical outcomes (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.13–1.26, p < .001), poor short‐term complications (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09–1.38, p = .001), and poor long‐term prognosis (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13–1.44, p < .001). Anxiety was also specifically associated with long‐term mortality (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01–1.33, p = .033) and long‐term MACEs (RR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26–1.90, p < .001). This study provided strong evidence that increased anxiety was associated with poor prognosis in patients with MI. Further analysis revealed that MI patients with anxiety had a 23% increased risk of short‐term complications and a 27% increased risk of adverse long‐term prognosis compared to those without anxiety.     

ST‐segment elevation on intracoronary electrocardiogram after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with worse outcome in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

The AMPLATZER^TM Vascular Plug 4 (AVP4) is a self‐expandable, replaceable occluder made of Nitinol wire mesh, which allows the safe and effective interventional occlusion of medium size vessels. This report describes an infant diagnosed with pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and multifocal collateral lung perfusion through four major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). A central aorto‐pulmonary shunt was performed at 4 months of age. Because of postoperative pulmonary hyperperfusion, one of the MAPCAs was closed interventionally using a 5 mm AVP4. This MAPCA originated from the descending aorta (DAO) near the fifth thoracic vertebra and ran behind the esophagus to the lower lobe of the right lung. The MAPCA was closed near its origin from the DAO. Four weeks later, the patient presented with severe gastrointestinal bleeding, caused by perforation of the AVP4 into the esophagus. The occluder was extracted surgically, the MAPCA was clipped and the esophageal injury was sutured. To date, there have been no reports describing esophageal perforation due to an AVP4. The perforation in this patient may have been due to implantation of the AVP4 near the aorta in a MAPCA segment located directly in front of the spine and behind the esophagus. Another possible factor may have been the requirement for a gastrointestinal feeding tube. Although the occluder is soft and flexible, the spindle‐shaped ends may cause trauma if they are located close to other structures. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

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.

     

急性心肌梗死aVR导联ST段抬高的临床意义

目的 探讨体表心电图aVR导联ST段抬高对急性心肌梗死患者梗死相关血管(IRA)诊断及临床预后的意义.方法 收集2010年10月至2012年12月因急性心肌梗死入住我院的患者共240例,根据患者入院时心电图aVR导联ST段有无抬高,分为A组(AVR导联ST段抬高)80例和B组(aVR导联ST段无抬高)160例,对两组患者临床资料、冠状动脉造影结果及主要不良心血管事件进行对比.结果 ①两组患者性别、糖尿病病史、PCI病史等一般临床资料对比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).②两组冠状动脉造影结果比较:IRA为左主干(LM),A组9例,B组3例,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);IRA左主干和(或)三支血管(LM/3VD),A组46例,B组15例,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).③aVR导联ST抬高对IRA为左主干的敏感性及特异性分别为75％和69％,对IRA为左主干和(或)三支病变的敏感度及特异度分别为73％和81％.④住院期间主要不良心血管事件(MACE),A组36例,B组25例,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).⑤在住院期间,aVR导联ST段抬高(OR=10.03,95％CI=5.36～18.77,P＜0.01)是急性心肌梗死患者发生不良心血管事件的独立危险因素.结论 aVR导联ST段抬高提示急性心肌梗死患者梗死相关血管为左主干和(或)三支血管病变及住院期间不良心血管事件发生率增高.aVR导联ST段抬高对急性心肌梗死患者梗死相关血管判断及临床预后具有一定的临床指导意义.     

非S T段抬高急性冠脉综合征患者碎裂Q RS波的临床分析

目的：探讨碎裂QRS波（fQRS）与非ST段抬高急性冠脉综合征（NSTE-ACS）患者危险分层及近期预后的关系。方法随机选择NSTE-ACS 患者160例,其中高危者72例,非高危（中、低危）者88例。比较fQRS在高危及非高危NSTE-ACS 患者中的发生率,并比较fQRS组与无fQRS组NSTE-ACS患者住院期间心脏事件的发生率。结果 NSTE-ACS 高危患者中有fQRS者20例（27．78％）,非高危患者中有fQRS者12例（13．63％）,组间比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。fQRS组室性心律失常、心力衰竭（LVEF≤40％）、心源性休克、心源性死亡的发生率分别为68．75％、43．75％、18．75％和12．5％;而无 fQRS 组分别为45．31％、21．88％、5．47％和1．56％,两组间比较差异均有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。结论 NSTE-ACS高危患者fQRS发生率高。出现fQRS的NSTE-ACS患者,住院期间心脏事件发生率高,故fQRS可作为预测NSTE-ACS近期预后及筛查高危患者的新指标。