Implante percutáneo de la válvula autoexpandible CoreValve en pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave y aorta de porcelana: seguimiento a medio plazo

Introduction and objectives

There is little information on the use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta. The primary aim of this study was to analyze death from any cause after CoreValve^® implantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis, with and without porcelain aorta.

Methods

In this multicenter, observational prospective study, carried out in 3 hospitals, percutaneous aortic valves were implanted in 449 patients with severely calcified aortic stenosis. Of these, 36 (8%) met the criteria for porcelain aorta. The primary end-point was death from any cause at 2 years.

Results

Patients with porcelain aorta more frequently had extracardiac vascular disease (11 [30.6%] vs 49 [11.9%]; P=.002), prior coronary revascularization (15 [41.7%] vs 98 [23.7%]; P=.017), and dyslipidemia (26 [72.2%] vs 186 [45%]; P=.02). In these patients, there was greater use of general anesthesia (15 [41.7%] vs 111 [16.9%]; P=.058) and axillary access (9 [25%] vs 34 [8.2%]; P=.004). The success rate of the procedure (94.4 vs 97.3%; P=.28) and the incidence of complications (7 [19.4%] vs 48 [11.6%]; P=.20) were similar in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the primary end point at 24 months of follow-up (8 [22.2%] vs 66 [16%]; P=.33). The only predictive variable for the primary end point was the presence of complications during implantation (hazard ratio=2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.5; P=.001).

Conclusions

In patients with aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta unsuitable for surgery, percutaneous implantation of the CoreValve^® self-expanding valve prosthesis is safe and feasible.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Puente miocárdico evaluado mediante tomografía computarizada multidetectores: posible causa del dolor torácico en pacientes más jóvenes con baja prevalencia de dislipemia

Introduction and objectives

The relationship between myocardial bridging and symptoms is still unclear. The purpose of our study was to assess the relationship between myocardial bridging detected by multidetector computed tomography and symptoms in a patient population with chest pain syndrome.

Methods

The study enrolled 393 consecutive patients wihout previous coronary artery disease studied for chest pain and referred to multidetector computed tomography between January 2007 and December 2010. Noninvasive coronary angiography was performed using multidetector computed tomography. Myocardial bridging was defined as part of a coronary artery completely surrounded by myocardium on axial and multiplanar reformatted images.

Results

Mean age was 64.6 (12.4) years and 44.8% were male. Multidetector computed tomography detected 86 myocardial bridging images in 82 of the 393 patients (20.9%). Left anterior descending was the most frequent coronary artery involved (87.2%). The prevalence of myocardial bridging was significantly higher in patients without significant atherosclerotic coronary stenosis on multidetector computed tomography (24.9% vs 15.0%; P = .02). Patients with myocardial bridging were younger (60.3 [13.8] vs 65.8 [11.9]; P<.001), had less prevalence of hyperlipidemia (29.3% vs 41.8%; P=.03), and more prevalence of cardiomyopathy (6.1% vs 1.6%, P=.02) compared with patients without myocardial bridging on multidetector computed tomography.

Conclusions

Multidetector computed tomography is an easy and reliable tool for comprehensive in vivo diagnosis of myocardial bridging. The results of the present study suggest myocardial bridging is the cause of chest pain in a subgroup of younger aged patients with less prevalence of hyperlipidemia and more prevalence of cardiomyopathy than patients with significant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease on multidetector computed tomography.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Resultados a muy largo plazo tras la implantación de stents liberadores de fármacos en la estenosis de arteria coronaria principal izquierda no protegida: experiencia de un centro

Introduction and objectives

Encouraging results at long-term follow-up have been reported from non-randomized registries and randomized trials following percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main stenosis. However, information on very long-term (>5-year) outcomes is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the very long-term outcomes (6-years) following drug-eluting stent implantation for left main disease.

Methods

All consecutive patients with unprotected left main stenosis electively treated with drug-eluting stent implantation, between March 2002 and May 2005, were analyzed according to the location of the left main lesion (distal bifurcation vs ostial/body).

Results

The study included 149 patients: 113 with distal bifurcation and 36 with ostial/body lesion. Triple-vessel disease was significantly higher in the distal than in the ostial/body group (52.2% vs 33.2%, P=.05). At 6-years of follow-up, the cumulative major adverse cardiovascular event rate was 41.6% (45.1% distal vs 30.6% ostial/body, P=0.1), including 18.8% any death (22.1% distal vs 8.3% ostial/body, P=.08), 3.4% myocardial infarction (3.5% distal vs 2.8% ostial/body, P=1), and 15.4% target lesion revascularization (18.6% distal vs 5.6% ostial/body, P=.06). The composite of cardiac death and myocardial infarction was 10.7% (13.3% distal vs 2.8% ostial/body, P=.1) while the definite/probable stent thrombosis rate was 1.4% (all in the distal group).

Conclusions

At 6-year clinical follow-up, percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main disease was associated with acceptable rates of cardiac death, myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. Favorable long-term outcomes in ostial/body lesions compared to distal bifurcation lesions were confirmed at long-term clinical follow-up.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

El análisis del flujo aórtico por ecocardiografía Doppler es útil en la estratificación pronóstica de los pacientes con estenosis aórtica grave con fracción de eyección normal

Introduction and objectives

The prognosis of patients with severe aortic stenosis, low aortic gradient and preserved ejection fraction is controversial. Our study analyzed the prognosis of these patients and its relation to pressure gradient and aortic valve flow.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 363 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction, divided into 4 groups, based on the presence of a systolic volume index greater or lower than 35 mL/m² and the presence of a mean aortic gradient greater or lower than 40 mmHg. Group I: normal flow, high gradient (n=169, 47%); group II: normal flow, low gradient (n=98, 27%); group III: low flow, high gradient (n=54, 15%), and group IV: low flow, low gradient (n=42, 12%). The primary endpoint was overall mortality.

Results

Independent risk factors for mortality were age (hazard ratio=1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.08) and atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio=2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.94). Surgical treatment was associated with longer survival in all groups (hazard ratio=0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.49). Mortality was higher in patients with low flow than in those with with normal flow (26.6% vs 13.6%; P=.004). The most favorable mean prognosis was found in group II (hazard ratio=0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9).

Conclusions

Patients with severe aortic stenosis, normal ejection fraction and low aortic flow have a worse prognosis. Analysis of aortic flow by Doppler echocardiography is useful in risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in patients with aortic stenosis.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en.     

Influencia de una estrategia de alerta multidisciplinaria en la mortalidad por endocarditis infecciosa izquierda

Introduction and Objectives

Mortality from left-sided infective endocarditis remains very high. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary alert strategy (AMULTEI), based on clinical, echocardiographic and microbiological findings, implemented in 2008 in a tertiary hospital.

Methods

Cohort study comparing our historical data series (1996-2007) with the number of patients diagnosed with left-sided endocarditis from 2008-2011 (AMULTEI).

Results

The AMULTEI cohort included 72 patients who were compared with 155 patients in the historical cohort. AMULTEI patients were significantly older (62.5 vs 57.9 years in the historical cohort; P=.047) and had higher comorbidity (Charlson index, 3.33 vs 2.58 in the historical cohort; P=.023). There was also a trend toward more enterococcal etiology in the AMULTEI group (20.8% vs 11.6% in the historical cohort; P=.067). In the AMULTEI group, early surgery was more frequently performed (48.6% vs 23.2%; P<.001) during hospitalization, the incidence of septic shock was significantly lower (9.7% vs 24.5%; P=.009) and there was a trend toward reductions in neurological complications (19.4% vs 29.0%; P=.25) and severe heart failure (12.5% vs 18.7%; P=.24). In-hospital mortality and mortality during the first month of follow-up were significantly lower in the AMULTEI group (16.7% vs 36.1%; P=.003).

Conclusions

Despite the trend toward older age and more comorbidity measured by the Charlson index, early mortality was significantly lower in patients treated with the AMULTEI strategy.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Long-term follow-up after percutaneous treatment of the unprotected left main stenosis in high risk patients not suitable for bypass surgery

Introduction and objectives

Percutaneous coronary intervention is recommended in patients with unprotected left main stenosis non suitable for coronary artery bypass graft. Long-term follow-up of those patients remains uncertain.

Methods

All patients with de novo unprotected left main stenosis treated with stent implantation were consecutively enrolled. Percutaneous coronary intervention was indicated according to the standards of care, taking into account clinical and anatomical conditions unfavorable for coronary artery bypass graft. The primary end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events, a composite of death, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization.

Results

Of 226 consecutive patients included, 202 (89.4%) were treated with drug-eluting stents. Mean age was 72.1 years, 41.1% had renal dysfunction, and mean Syntax score and EuroSCORE were 28.9 and 7.4, respectively. Angiographic and procedural success was achieved in 99.6% and 92.9% of patients. At 3 years, the rates of major adverse cardiac events, death, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularization were 36.2%, 25.2%, 8.4%, 8.0%, respectively. Target lesion revascularization was more frequently observed when ≥2 stents were implanted rather than a single stent (18.5% vs 5.8%, P=.03); and with bare metal stents rather than drug-eluting stents (13.0% vs 7.9%, P=.24). Definite stent thrombosis was observed in 2 patients (0.9%) and probable stent thrombosis in 7 (3.1%). Female sex, impaired left ventricular function, and use of bare metal stents were significantly related with all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

High-risk patients with unprotected left main stenosis treated with percutaneous coronary intervention presented with a high rate of major adverse cardiac events at long-term follow-up. Female sex, impaired left ventricular function, and use of bare metal stents were predictors of poor prognosis.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: safety and effectiveness of the treatment of degenerated aortic homograft

Introduction and objectives

Percutaneous aortic valve implantation for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk is currently well established. We report our experience in terms of safety and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in other clinical context like the degenerated aortic homografts.

Methods

We report our initial experience in four hospitals and five patients with degenerated aortic homograft and severe aortic regurgitation, refused for surgery for a heart team, that underwent percutaneous implantation of CoreValve^® aortic prosthesis.

Results

We included three males and two females. The mean age was 70 (3.5) years. All patients were symptomatic in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Procedures were performed through one of the femoral arteries in all patients and under sedation in three patients. The implant was successfully carried out in all cases. There were no major complications during the procedure or admission and the valvular defect was solved in all cases. In-hospital and 30-days mortality was 0. All patients had clinical improvement during follow-up with a reduction in at less two grades in the New York Heart Association functional scale.

Conclusions

In our experience the treatment of degenerated aortic homografts and aortic insufficiency with transcatheter aortic valve implantation showed to be safe and effective. The current challenge is to convey the good results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in symptomatic aortic stenosis and high surgical risk to others disorders of the aortic valve. In the future, it is possible that transcatheter aortic valve implantation will expand its indications to majority of aortic valve disorders and patients with less surgical risk.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Stents liberadores de rapamicina sin polímero frente a stents liberadores de paclitaxel con polímero: un análisis de datos de pacientes procedentes de ensayos aleatorizados

Introduction and objectives

The angiographic and clinical efficacy of polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents vs polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents remain a matter of debate. We sought to investigate angiographic and clinical measures of efficacy of polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents vs polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents.

Methods

Patient data from the randomized intracoronary stenting and angiographic restenosis-test equivalence between the 2 drug-eluting stents (ISAR-TEST) clinical trial and the LIPSIA Yukon clinical trial (randomized comparison of a polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent vs a polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stent in patients with diabetes mellitus) were pooled. The angiographic (primary) endpoint was in-stent late lumen loss at 6 months to 9 months. The clinical (secondary) endpoints were death or myocardial infarction, cardiac death or myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and myocardial infarction.

Results

A total of 686 patients (polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents, n=345 vs polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents, n=341) and 751 lesions (polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents, n=383 vs polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents, n=368) were included in the study. Control angiography (606 lesions, 80.6%) showed comparable in-stent late lumen loss for polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents vs polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents (0,53 [0,59] mm vs 0,46 [0,57] mm; P=.15). Median follow-up was 34.8 months. Polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents and polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents were associated with comparable risk of death or myocardial infarction (relative risk=1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0,49-2.80; P=.71), cardiac death or myocardial infarction (relative risk=1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0,72-1.89; P=.50), target lesion revascularization (relative risk=0,98; 95% confidence interval, 0,65-1.47; P=.93), and myocardial infarction (relative risk=1.79; 95% confidence interval, 0,85-3.76; P=.12).

Conclusions

In this pooled analysis, polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents were comparable to polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stents with respect to both angiographic and clinical efficacy.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org.     

Analysis of post-infarction salvaged myocardium by cardiac magnetic resonance. Predictors and influence on adverse ventricular remodeling

Introduction and objectives

To evaluate by cardiovascular magnetic resonance those factors related to the amount of salvaged myocardium after a myocardial infarction and its value in predicting adverse ventricular remodeling.

Methods

One hundred eighteen patients admitted for a first ST elevation myocardial infarction (primary angioplasty, 65 patients; a pharmacoinvasive strategy, 53 patients) underwent magnetic resonance (6 [5-8] days and 6 months; n=83). The myocardial salvage index was quantitatively assessed as the percentage of area at risk (T2-weighted sequences) not showing late enhancement.

Results

Myocardial salvage index >31% (median) was associated with a shorter time to reperfusion (153 min vs 258 min), a lower rate of diabetes (12% vs 32%), shorter time to magnetic resonance, and better cardiovascular parameters (P<.05 for all analyses). There were no significant differences depending on the reperfusion method. In a logistic regression analysis, delayed reperfusion (odds ratio=0.42 [0.29-0.63]; P<.0001), diabetes (odds ratio=0.32 [0.11-0.99]; P<.05) and a longer time to the performance of magnetic resonance (odds ratio=0.86 [0.76-0.97]; P<.05) were independently related to a lower probability of a myocardial salvage index >31%. Predictors of increased left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6 months were the number of segments showing an extent of transmural necrosis >50% (odds ratio =1.51 [1.21-1.90]; P<.0001) and left ventricular end-systolic volume at one week (odds ratio=1.12 [1.06-1.18]; P<.0001).

Conclusions

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance enables the quantification of the salvaged myocardium after myocardial infarction. The celerity with which reperfusion therapy is administered constitutes its most important predictor. The possible effect of a delay in the performance of magnetic resonance on myocardial salvage needs to be confirmed. Salvaged myocardium does not improve the value of magnetic resonance for predicting adverse remodeling.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Instent restenosis related to vessel injury score degree. Are current experimental models valid for drug-eluting stents analysis?

Introduction and objectives

Drug-eluting stents are useful for preventing restenosis, but the patho-physiological processes involved in the proliferative response after implantation are still not known in detail. The aim of this study is to compare the coronary vascular histomorphometry after implanting drug-eluting stents and bare metal stents in a swine model.

Methods

Sixty stents were randomly implanted in 20 Large White female pigs with a ratio of baremetal/drug-eluting stents of 1:2. After 28 days, euthanasia and histomorphometry were performed. We defined the vessel injury score in accordance to whether the internal elastic lamina was intact or ruptured.

Results

There were no differences between drug-eluting stents and bare metal stents in the intact internal elastic lamina group regarding neointimal area or % restenosis (1.3 [1.1-2.2]) vs 2.0 [1.3-2.5] mm²; P=.6; and 14.0 [12.1-20.8] vs 22.2 [14.1-23.3] %; P=.5). We assessed statistically significant differences for the ruptured internal elastic lamina group, (neointimal area 1.2 [0.8-2.0] vs 2.9 [2.3-3.7] mm²; P=.001 and % restenosis 16.63 [11.2-23.5] vs 30.4 [26.4-45.7] %; P=.001).

Conclusions

In our swine model, we did not find any differences between proliferative response of drug-eluting stents and bare metal stents when the internal elastic lamina is intact; differences are only found when vascular injury is deeper.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

El uso del acceso radial en la angioplastia primaria: resultados en 1.029 pacientes consecutivos y análisis en subgrupos desfavorables

Introduction and objectives

The transradial approach is associated with a reduction in vascular access-related complications after primary percutaneous coronary interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of the routine use of transradial access in primary angioplasty and to evaluate how it affects subgroups with less favorable characteristics.

Methods

We analyzed 1029 consecutive patients with an ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome treated with primary angioplasty.

Results

Transradial access was the primary approach in 93.1% of the patients. The success rate of primary angioplasty was 95.9%, and 87.6% of the patients were event-free 30 days after the procedure. Crossover was required in 3.0% of the patients with primary transradial access, and this rate remained stable over the years. Predictors of the need for crossover were age older than 75 years (odds ratio=2.50, 95% confidence interval, 1.09–5.71; P=.03) and a history of ischemic heart disease (odds ratio=2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–6.24; P=.02). Primary transfemoral access use was higher in women older than 75 years. Use of the transradial approach in this subgroup did not affect reperfusion time or the success of angioplasty, although there was a greater need for crossover (10.9% vs 2.6%; P=.006). Among patients in cardiogenic shock, the transradial approach was used in 51.5%; reperfusion times and angioplasty success rates were similar to those obtained with transfemoral access, but there was a greater need for crossover.

Conclusions

Transradial access can be used safely and effectively in most primary angioplasty procedures. In older women and in patients in cardiogenic shock, there is a higher crossover requirement, with no detriment to reperfusion time.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Renal insufficiency and vascular complications after primary angioplasty via femoral route. Impact of vascular closure devices use

Introduction and objectives

We sought to determine the incidence of vascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing primary angioplasty via the femoral route; we also evaluated the safety and efficacy of the use of vascular closure devices in this setting.

Methods

Registry of 527 patients undergoing primary angioplasty via the femoral route from January 2003 to December 2008. Chronic kidney disease was defined as creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min. The primary endpoint was the presence of major vascular complications.

Results

Baseline chronic kidney disease was observed in 166 (31.5%) patients. Patients with chronic kidney disease experienced higher rates of major vascular complications compared to those without worsening of renal function (8.4% vs 4.2%; P=.045), especially those requiring transfusion (6.6% vs 1.9%; P=.006). Among patients with chronic kidney disease, 129 (77.7%) received a vascular closure device and manual compression was used in 37 patients (22.3%). The risk of major vascular complications was significantly lower with vascular closure device use compared to manual compression (4.7% vs 21.6%; P=.003). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the use of a vascular closure device was independently associated with a decreased risk of major vascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing primary angioplasty (odds ratio=0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.41; P=.001).

Conclusions

Patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing primary angioplasty via the femoral route experience higher rates of major vascular complications. The use of vascular closure devices in this group of patients is safe and is associated with lower rates of major vascular complications compared to manual compression.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva para el recambio valvular aórtico. Una técnica segura y útil más allá de lo estético

Introduction and objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital clinical outcomes of minimally invasive, isolated aortic valve replacement vs median sternotomy.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2012, 615 patients underwent aortic valve replacement at a single institution, 532 by a median sternotomy (E group) and 83 by a J-shaped ministernotomy (M group).

Results

No significant differences were found between the E and M groups in terms of age (69.27 [9.31] years vs 69.40 [10.24] years, respectively), logistic EuroSCORE (6.27 [2.91] vs 5.64 [2.17], respectively), size of implanted valve prosthesis (21.94 [2.04] mm vs 21.79 [2.01] mm, respectively), or the incidence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 102.90 (41.68) min for the E group vs 81.37 (25.41) min for the M group (P<.001). Mean cross-clamp time was 77.31 (29.20) min vs 63.45 (17.71) min for the S and M groups, respectively (P<.001). Mortality in the E group was 4.88% (26). There were no deaths in the M group (P<.05). The E group was associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stays: 4.17 (5.23) days vs 3.22 (2.01) days (P=.045) and 9.58 (7.66) days vs 7.27 (3.83) days (P<.001), respectively. E group patients had more postoperative respiratory complications (42 [8.0] vs 1 [1.2%]; P<.05). There were no differences when postoperative hemodynamic, neurologic, and renal complications, systemic infection, and wound infection were analyzed.

Conclusions

In terms of morbidity, mortality, and operative times, outcomes after minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve replacement are at least comparable to those achieved with median sternotomy. The length of the hospital stay was reduced by minimally invasive surgery in our single-institution experience. The retrospective nature of this study warrants further randomized prospective trials to validate our results.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Análisis de la eficacia y la seguridad de distintos balones liberadores de paclitaxel en un modelo animal

Introduction and objectives

Paclitaxel-eluting balloons have shown high antiproliferative efficacy in the treatment and prevention of restenosis. Nevertheless, not all available devices are equally effective, which makes it interesting to compare results in a preclinical model. Our objective was to assess the preclinical efficacy and safety of different devices.

Methods

We implanted 51 metallic stents (Architect^®, iVascular) in 17 domestic swine (mean, 25 [3] kg), inserting 1 stent per major coronary artery. Stent postdilatation was performed with different control balloons (n = 10) or paclitaxel-eluting balloons: paclitaxel-eluting balloon 1 (iVascular) (n = 15); paclitaxel-eluting balloon 2 (iVascular) (n = 16) and In.Pact Falcon^® (Medtronic) (n = 10). The restenosis rate (using angiography and histomorphometry) and vascular healing parameters (balloon-related vascular injury score, endothelialization rate, and fibrin and inflammation scores) were analyzed at 28 days.

Results

The distinct paclitaxel-eluting balloons showed a similar degree of stenosis at follow-up, which was significantly lower than that in the control group: diameter stenosis was 9% (12%) vs 34% (18%) by angiography (P < .0001) and was 22% (8%) vs 51% (18%) by histomorphometry (P < .0001). Scores for vascular injury (mean, 0.6 [0.5]) and inflammation (mean, 0.8 [0.3]) were uniformly low across all groups. Drug effect markers differed significantly between the paclitaxel-eluting balloons and control groups, with lower endothelialization rates (87% [10%] vs 99% [2%]; P = .0007) and higher fibrin scores (2.1 [0.7] vs 0.4 [0.5]; P < .0001) in the paclitaxel-eluting balloons groups. There were no differences between the different paclitaxel-eluting balloons.

Conclusions

In this preclinical model, the paclitaxel-eluting balloons studied significantly reduced in-stent restenosis compared with the control balloons. Although there were no findings of persistent vascular injury or inflammation, delayed endothelialization and fibrin aggregate suggest a drug deposition response.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

La presión arterial ambulatoria nocturna se asocia al remodelado auricular y la activación neurohormonal en pacientes con fibrilación auricular idiopática

Introduction and objectives

Hypertension is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-system seems to be involved in atrial enlargement, with release of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ambulatory blood pressure and levels of natriuretic peptides, with left atrial size in normotensives with idiopathic atrial fibrillation.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study in patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation. The following measurements were recorded during the course of the study: office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, plasma renin, aldosterone, and angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Results

Forty-eight patients (mean age 55 [10] years; 70.6% male) were included in the study. Mean office sitting blood pressure values were 132.49 (14.9)/80.96 (9.2) mmHg. Mean 24-h ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 121.10 (8.3)/72.11 (6.8) mmHg (daytime, 126.8 [9.7]/77.58 [7.9] mmHg; nighttime, 114.56 [11.6]/68.6 [8.8] mmHg). A clear trend towards increased left atrial size with higher ambulatory blood pressure values was noted, which was statistically significant for nighttime values (r=0,34; P=.020 for systolic and r=0,51; P=.0001 for diastolic). A significant correlation between atrial natriuretic peptide and nighttime systolic (r=0,297; P=.047) and diastolic (r=0,312; P=.037) blood pressure was observed. Significant correlations were also observed between left atrial size and atrial natriuretic peptide levels (r=0,577; P<.0001) and brain natriuretic peptide levels (r=0,379; P=.012).

Conclusions

Nighttime blood pressure is associated with left atrial size and the release of natriuretic peptides in normotensive patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Efecto del tratamiento optimizado con insulina en la reactividad plaquetaria tras el alta de pacientes hiperglucémicos con síndrome coronario agudo

Introduction and objectives

Intensive glucose control with insulin in patients with an acute coronary syndrome reduces platelet reactivity during hospitalization, compared to conventional control. However, the effect of strict, long-term glucose control on platelet reactivity in these patients remains uncertain.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized trial evaluating the effects of optimized glucose control (target glucose, 80-120 mg/dL) with insulin, compared with conventional control (target glucose, <180 mg/dL), on platelet reactivity after hospital discharge in patients with an acute coronary syndrome and hyperglycemia. The primary endpoint was assessment of platelet aggregation after stimulation with adenosine diphosphate 20 μM at 12-month follow-up.

Results

One hundred four patients were randomized to optimized management (n=53) or conventional management (n=51). There were no differences between groups in baseline characteristics or platelet function. After 12 months of follow-up, blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the optimized treatment group (104 vs 119 mg/dL; P<.001). However, platelet aggregation following adenosine diphosphate 20 μM stimulation showed no differences between the groups (54.2% [14.3%] vs 55.1% [18.3%] respectively; P=.81). There were no significant differences for other platelet function tests.

Conclusions

Long-term optimized glucose control with insulin in patients with an acute coronary syndrome did not result in a reduction in platelet reactivity compared to conventional control.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Hipertensión por hiperaldosteronismo: más lesión cardiaca,mayor riesgo cardiovascular

Introduction and objectives

Primary hyperaldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Elevated aldosterone levels cause heart damage and increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis could change the course of this entity. The objective of this report was to study the clinical characteristics, cardiac damage and cardiovascular risk associated with primary hyperaldosteronism.

Methods

We studied 157 patients with this diagnosis. We analyzed the reason for etiological investigation, and the routinely performed tests, including echocardiography. We used a cohort of 720 essential hypertensive patients followed in our unit for comparison.

Results

Compared with essential hypertensive patients, those with hyperaldosteronism were younger (56.9 [11.7] years vs 60 [14.4] years; P<.001), had higher blood pressure prior to the etiological diagnosis (136 [20.6] mmHg vs 156 [23.2] mmHg), more frequently had a family history of early cardiovascular disease (25.5% vs 2.2%; P<.001), and had a higher prevalence of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (69% vs 25.7%) and higher cardiovascular risk. Specific treatment resulted in optimal control of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (from 150.7 [23.0] mmHg and 86.15 [14.07] mmHg to 12.69 [15.3] mmHg and 76.34 [9.7] mmHg, respectively). We suspected the presence of hyperaldosteronism because of resistant hypertension (33.1%), hypokalemia (38.2%), and hypertensive crises (12.7%). Only 4.6% of these patients had been referred from primary care with a suspected diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism.

Conclusions

Hyperaldosteronism should be suspected in cases of resistant hypertension, hypokalemia and hypertensive crises. The diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism allows better blood pressure control. The most prevalent target organ damage is left ventricular hypertrophy.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en.     

Axillary approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: optimization of the endovascular treatment for the aortic valve stenosis

Introduction and objectives

To validate the axillary approach as a safe and efficient option for the transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients who have contraindication for femoral approach at three Spanish hospitals.

Methods

We included patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at very high or prohibitive surgical risk, selected by a multidisciplinary team, for transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and had contraindication to the femoral approach.

Results

We included 19 of 186 (10.5%) patients, who were implanted a percutaneous aortic valve, between November 2008 and March 2010. The mean age was 78.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 8.65) years and 73.7% were males. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 28.7% (SD ± 16.3%). The procedural success rate was 100%. After the procedure the maximum transvalve gradient decreased from 81.7 mmHg (SD ± 21.5) to 15.8 mmHg (SD ± 5.5), and no patient presented residual aortic regurgitation >2. The all-cause mortality, with a mean follow-up time of 9.2 (SD ± 3.2) months was 10.5%, and the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 0%. The global incidence of major complications due to the procedure was 15.7%. Definitive pacemaker implantation was carried out for atrioventricular block in 8 patients (44.4%).

Conclusions

The axillary approach for transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the CoreValve^® and contraindication to the femoral approach is safe and efficient for selected patients, with excellent results in terms of success implantation and in hospital and 30-day mortality.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

Correlación entre ecografía intracoronaria y reserva fraccional de flujo en lesiones coronarias largas. Un estudio de ecografía intracoronaria tridimensional

Introduction and objectives

Intracoronary ultrasound estimation of the functional significance of intermediate angiographic lesions has mainly been based on measuring the minimal lumen area. These estimates take no account of lesion length and pay insufficient attention to long coronary lesions.

Methods

We included 61 lesions with visual angiographic stenosis of 40% to 70% that required treatment with a ≥20 mm stent, studied with ultrasound and fractional flow reserve. Three-dimensional analysis of the ultrasound study was conducted offline and blinded to fractional reserve values. Angiographic and ultrasound parameters were correlated with fractional reserve.

Results

From the angiography we obtained data on mean reference diameter (2.87 [0.57] mm), length (29.8 [10.01] mm), and severity of stenosis (50.3% [8.7]%). Mean fractional flow reserve was 0.78 (0.09). We found a weak linear correlation (R) between fractional reserve and the ultrasound parameters that did not include lesion length: fractional reserve-minimal luminal area (R=0.4; P=.003). The correlation was stronger when lesion length was included: fractional reserve–volume of plaque (R=−0.65; P<.0005); fractional reserve–length/mean luminal area (R=0.73; P<.0005). The strongest correlation came from the product of mean stenosis by area multiplied by lesion length (R=−0.78; P<.0005).

Conclusions

In long coronary lesions, the correlation between ultrasound-measured minimal lumen area and functional significance is weak. In these cases, estimates of functional significance should incorporate lesion length or be derived from direct fractional flow reserve measurement.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en