Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with unstable angina pectoris refractory to medical therapy: Long-term clinical and angiographic results

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 469 consecutive patients with unstable angina pectoris refractory to medical therapy. The primary success rate was 88%, but, since the introduction of the steerable wire system, the success rate has increased to 90%. Mortality was 1%. There were no statistically significant differences in success rates per vessel. Actuarial total 5 year survival was 94%. After 5 years, actuarially, 79% of the patients were free of events (recurrence of angina, residual myocardial infarction, re-PTCA, coronary artery bypass surgery or death). Aortocoronary bypass surgery was performed in 9% of the 469 patients. The angiographic recurrence rate was 28%, but, of the patients who were symptom-free and who had a follow-up angiogram, only 3% had an angiographic recurrence, whereas 98% of the patients who did not have a repeat angiogram were symptom-free. It is concluded that, in a selected group of patients with the clinical syndrome of unstable angina pectoris refractory to medical therapy, the long-term clinical results are good and survival is excellent.     

Effects of thrombolytic therapy in unstable angina: clinical and angiographic results

The incidence of intracoronary thrombus and the effects of thrombolytic therapy were studied in 41 patients with unstable angina. All patients underwent coronary angiography 2 to 69 h (mean 19) after their last attack of chest pain. Immediately after angiography, 21 patients received intracoronary streptokinase (250,000 IU in 45 min) and were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty patients received intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) (100 mg in 3 h) and were involved in a prospective study. Eleven of the 21 patients from the streptokinase group and 11 of the 20 patients from the rt-PA group showed a decrease in the severity of the coronary stenosis on repeat angiography 1 day later. A decrease in coronary obstruction was primarily observed in 10 of 13 patients with a complete stenosis and in 6 of 9 patients with a subtotal stenosis and markedly diminished coronary flow. Improvement in coronary anatomy was not determined by the clinical characteristics of the patients. Twenty-eight of the 41 patients had angiographic evidence of intracoronary thrombus formation before and 16 had such evidence after thrombolytic treatment. Nine patients developed a small increase in serum cardiac enzymes before or during treatment. Ischemic symptoms and the incidence of surgical or angioplastic intervention were not different in patients with or without a reduction in coronary artery stenosis after fibrinolytic therapy. These observations suggest a high incidence of coronary thrombosis in patients with unstable angina. The data do not permit assessment of the clinical therapeutic efficacy of thrombolytic therapy. Better risk stratification and placebo-controlled prospective studies are required to obtain information on the risk/benefit ratio of such therapy in unstable angina.     

Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in patients with unstable angina pectoris: evaluation of medical treatment

Sixteen patients under treatment for unstable angina (UA) were subjected to 24-hour Holter monitoring after having been asymptomatic for at least 12 hours. 12-lead ECGs were obtained every 4 hours and when anginal pain supervened. Six patients (37.50%) had no evidence of ischemia in the Holter recordings and in the 12.lead ECGs and reported no anginal pain; five (31.25%) reported no pain but had evidence of ischemia in the Holter recordings and five (31.25%) reported anginal pain and had evidence of ischemia both in the Holter recordings and in the 12-lead ECGs. The probability for a 12-lead ECG to record an episode of silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) was only 1.54 x 10(-5). Medical treatment using conventional criteria was successful in 11 patients (68.75%). If the results of Holter monitoring are considered, the success rate was 37.50% (6 out of 16 patients free from ischemia). We conclude that as Holter monitoring reveals the episodes of SMI, it is a better means for assessing the results of medical treatment.     

Coronary angiographic findings do not predict clinical outcome in patients with unstable angina

Objectives. The presence of thrombus formation and type of coronary artery lesion were determined in patients with unstable angina and correlated with the angiographic findings and clinical outcome.Background. Some previous studies have suggested that thrombus formation and lesions are predictive of the angiographic and clinical findings. This was evaluated in a retrospective analysis of 159 patients participating in the placebo-controlled Unstable Angina Study Using Eminase (UNASEM) trial on the effect of thrombolysis in unstable angina.Methods. Patients without a previous myocardial infarction who presented with a typical history of unstable angina in the presence or abnormal findings on the electrocardiogram indicative of ischemia were included in the study. After baseline angiography, study medication (anistreplasc or placebo) was given to 126 of 159 patients. Thirty-three patients did not receive medication because of significant main stem disease or normal coronary arteries or for other reasons. Angiography was repeated after 12 to 28 h.Results. Quantitative angiography showed a significant decrease in diameter stenosis in the anistreplase-treated group compared with the placebo-treated group (decrease 11% vs. 3%, p = 0.008). No differences in clinical outcome were found when thrombolytic treatment was compared with placebo (p = 0.98). Neither the presence nor absence of thrombus formation (p = 0.98) nor the type of lesion (p = 0.96) was related to the changes in diameter stenosis or to clinical outcome (p = 0.90 and p = 0.77, respectively). The power of these analyses to detect a 20% difference varied between 56% and 74%.Conclusions. In this selected group of patterns with unstable angina, type of coronary artery lesion and the presence or absence of thrombus formation does not predict clinical outcome.     

不稳定性心绞痛冠状动脉造影病变与临床的相关性

目的：分析不稳定性心绞痛（UA）临床表现,心电图与冠状动脉（冠脉）造影病变形态的关系。确定不稳定性病变及住心院心脏事件的临床预测因子,方法：选择冠脉造影异常（血管狭窄≥50％）的住院UA病人120例,观察不同Braunwald分级病人造影病变形态等的发生率,评估心电图ST段异常对复杂病变、住院心脏事件等的预测价值。结果：复杂病变的检出率Ⅲ级（20／33例）最高,较Ⅰ级（13／43例）差异有显著性（P＜0．05）,血栓的检出率Ⅲ级（6／33例）亦高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ级,与Ⅱ级（1／44例,2％）比较差异有显著性（P＜0．05）。住院心脏事件发生率Ⅲ级明显高于Ⅰ级（58％与195,P＜0．01）与Ⅱ级（58％与25％,P＜0．01）。Logistic回归分析示,心电图ST段异常及BraunwaldⅢ级均能预测复杂病变的存在（P＜0．01,OR为4．9;P＜0．01,OR为3．3）,心电图异常能预测三支病变（P＜0．01,OR为3．9）和心脏事件（P＜0．01,OR为4．8）。结论心电图ST段异常及48h内发作的静息心绞痛对复杂病变有预测价值。ST段异常的病人,三支血管病及发生心脏事件的危险性高。     

Relation between serum cardiac troponin I values and severity of clinical, electrocardiographic and quantitative angiographic features in unstable angina.

This study sought to find out a correlation, if any, between serum cardiac troponin I values and extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with unstable angina. Eighty patients with unstable angina and normal serum creatine kinase values were studied and a comparative evaluation of serum cardiac troponin I values with clinical findings, electrocardiography, quantitative coronary angiography and follow-up events was performed. Among 80 patients, 34 (43%) had cardiac troponin I values of 0.6 microgram/L or higher (group I) and 46 (57%), below 0.6 microgram/L (group II). The mean cardiac troponin I in group I was 2.6 +/- 1.7 micrograms/L and 0.2 +/- 0.1 microgram/L in group II. The patients in group I had more type C lesions, frequent triple vessel and left main coronary artery involvement, and higher mean percentage diameter stenosis in the coronary arteries than those in group II. Early follow-up showed that more patients in group I required procedures earlier (including PTCA and CABG) than those from group II. Mid-term follow-up (9.5 +/- 4 months) data also showed greater occurrence of cardiac events (i.e. myocardial infarction and the increased need of PTCA) in group I. Patients with elevated cardiac troponin I more often experienced Braunwald's class III (A and B) unstable angina associated with presence of marked ST-T changes on the electrocardiography than those from group II. Our study suggests elevated values of serum cardiac troponin I to be evenly associated with the severity and extent of coronary lesions, clinical severity of unstable angina and marked electrocardiographic changes. Follow-up results confirm the potential value of this marker in predicting the course of coronary artery disease.     

Coronary angiographic findings and troponin T in patients with unstable angina pectoris

This study sought to identify differences in coronary anatomic pathology in patients with unstable angina and elevated versus nonelevated serum troponin T values. Previous studies have shown a worse prognosis in unstable angina patients with elevated serum troponin T values. Consecutive patients (n = 117) with Braunwald class IIIB angina were included in the study. Serum samples for troponin T were obtained at admission and every 6 to 8 hours for 18 to 24 hours. Acute myocardial infarction was excluded by routine creatine kinase measurements. All patients underwent coronary angiography before discharge. Cardiac events including cardiac death and myocardial infarction were recorded. Two thirds of the patients with unstable angina had no increase in serum troponin T (<0.1 microg/L) (n = 80). They had a lower incidence of 3-vessel disease (26% vs 46%, p <0.001), left main disease (5% vs 16%, p = 0.04), visible thrombus (4% vs 22%, p = 0.006), and less severe stenosis of the culprit artery (65% vs 84%, p <0.004) than patients with elevated serum troponin T values (> or =0.1 microg/L) (n = 37). The 1-year cardiac event rate was 0% versus 19% in patients with troponin T values <0.1 microg/L compared with patients with serum troponin T values > or =0.1 microg/L (p <0.0001). It was concluded that patients with unstable angina and no release of troponin T have less severe coronary artery disease, and have an excellent prognosis. It is suggested that these patients may be managed more conservatively and without invasive evaluation before discharge.     

高危不稳定型心绞痛患者临床和冠状动脉造影特点

目的　研究高危不稳定型心绞痛 (U A)患者临床和冠状动脉造影特点。方法　 115例 U A患者根据其病史、心电图及肌钙蛋白 T(Tn T)变化分为低危险组 (A组 ,48例 )、中危险组 (B组 ,3 6例 )和高危险组 (C组 ,3 1例 )。分别记录入院前 48h心绞痛发作情况 ,其中 98例 (A、B、C组各 41例、3 0例和 2 7例 )进行了冠状动脉造影 ,详细分析冠状动脉病变情况 ,住院期间同时测定 C-反应蛋白 (CRP)水平。结果　 C组心绞痛病史明显短于 A组和 B组 ,二组比较差异均有显著性 (P<0 .0 1和 P<0 .0 5 ) ;C组患者入院前 48h心绞痛发作次数较 A组为多 (P<0 .0 5 ) ;C组三支病变较 A组多见 ,而单支病变 A组较 C组多见 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ;C组 CRP水平较 A、B组明显增高 (P均 <0 .0 5 )。结论　高危险组冠状动脉病变较低、中危险组广泛 ,心绞痛发作次数亦较后二组为多 ,临床上常需要更强的药物治疗及积极的介入和外科治疗     

Repeat percutaneous coronary angioplasty; clinical and angiographic follow-up in patients with stable or unstable angina pectoris

This study analyses the immediate outcome and the risk of recurrentrestenosis in patients who, at the time of repeat coronary angioplastyfor a first restenosis, had unstable (n = 50), 19%) or stable(n = 218, 81%) angina. Successful angioplasty was accomplishedin 250 (93%) patients, 222 (89%) of whom hadfollow-up angiography.Mean time from initial to repeat angioplasty was shorter (P= 0.0002) and angiographic evidence of thrombus was commoner(P = 0.0001) in the unstable group. Major complications (coronaryartery bypass grafting or myocardial infarction) were morefrequent(P <0.01) in the unstable group (6% vs 0.5%); no procedure-relateddeaths occurred. The angiographic rate of restenosis was significantlyhigher in the unstable group (61% vs 43%, P <0.05). Despitethis high rate of recurrent restenosis, most of the patientsin both groups were either asymptomatic or had atypical chestpain at follow-up. Repeat coronary angioplasty, in patients with unstable angina,has a high primary success rate but a higher risk of acute complicationsthan in patients with stable angina. The angiographic rate ofrestenosis was significantly higher in unstable than in stablepatients, however, the clinical status of most patients wasimproved at follow-up.     

Transient electrocardiographic changes in patients with unstable angina: Relation to coronary arterial anatomy

The relation between the spontaneous electrocardiographic changes and coronary arterial anatomy in unstable angina pectoris was examined in 97 patients with coronary artery disease and transient electrocardiographic changes during chest pain. Sinus rhythm was maintained during pain in all patients. Heart rate increased significantly in 61 percent (mean ± standard error of the mean 72 ± 2 to 93 ± 2 beats/min, probability [p] < 0.001) and was unchanged or decreased in 39 percent of patients (73 ± 2 to 72 ± 2 beats/min; p = not significant) during pain. S-T segment changes developed in 97 percent of patients, of whom 42 percent had S-T segment elevation and 55 percent S-T depression. The magnitude of the S-T segment shift was greater in patients with triple vessel disease (2.2 ± 0.4 mm) than in those with double (1.5 ± 0.1 mm) or single (1.4 ± 0.1 mm) vessel disease (p < 0.05). In 43 patients with single vessel disease S-T segment elevation developed in 78 percent of those with right coronary artery disease and in only 9 percent of those with left circumflex disease (p < 0.02). Maximal S-T segment changes were more frequent in the inferior leads in patients with right coronary artery disease (56 percent) and in the anterior leads in patients with left anterior descending (65 percent) and circumflex (64 percent) disease (p < 0.05).Thus, patients with coronary artery disease and unstable angina maintain regular sinus rhythm during chest pain, and the heart rate usually increases but may be unchanged or decreased in a significant proportion. S-T segment elevation is common in these patients and the magnitude of the S-T segment shift is related to the extent of the underlying coronary disease. This study suggests that the type and distribution of the repolarization changes are a reflection of the location and severity of the atherosclerotic process.     

Prognostic significance of electrocardiographic change during anginal attack in patients with unstable angina

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: We examined the prognostic significance of electrocardiographic change during anginal attack, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in 169 patients with unstable angina. RESULTS: During the 90-day follow-up period, 26 patients (15%) exhibited new cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction or urgent revascularization). Using multivariate analysis, ST depression (relative risk 7.507 [95 % confidence intervals 1.842-30.592], p<0.01) during anginal attack was found to be an independent risk factor to predict cardiac events as well as diabetes mellitus, an increased total cholesterol level and the use of a thrombolytic agent. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen did not have prognostic significance. CONCLUSION: ST depression during anginal attack is an independent risk predictor for new cardiac events in patients with unstable angina.     

血管内超声与冠状动脉造影在不稳定性心绞痛患者冠状动脉轻度狭窄中的显像特征

目的探讨血管内超声(IVUS)与冠状动脉造影(CAG)在不稳定性心绞痛患者冠状动脉轻度狭窄中的显像特征。方法对经CAG发现冠状动脉轻度狭窄的30例不稳定性心绞痛患者42处病变进行IVUS检查,观察病变斑块性质和血管最大狭窄程度,并对CAG和IVUS两种检查结果进行比较。结果 CAG发现,偏心性狭窄26处,向心性狭窄16处,病变最窄处血管直径狭窄率为(29.06±7.20)%;IVUS发现,偏心性斑块34处,向心性斑块8处,易损斑块28处,病变最窄处血管直径狭窄率为(37.37±6.50)%,面积狭窄率为(41.51±7.50)%。IVUS所测病变最窄处血管直径狭窄率明显高于CAG(P<0.05)。结论 CAG低估血管内病变情况,IVUS可准确地判定冠状动脉的病变性质和狭窄程度,更好地指导临床确定治疗策略。     

Correlation between clinical course and quantitative analysis of the ischemia related artery in patients with unstable angina pectoris, refractory to medical treatment

Patients with unstable angina, refractory to intensive medical therapy, are at high risk for developing thrombotic complications, such as recurrent ischemia, myocardial infarction and coronary occlusion during coronary angioplasty. As both platelet aggregation and/or thrombus formation play an important role in this ongoing ischemic process, a monoclonal platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor antibody (c7E3) or thrombolytic therapy (alteplase) might be able to modify the clinical course and underlying coronary lesion morphology. To evaluate whether alteplase or c7E3 could influence the incidence of complications, we randomized 36 and 60 patients, respectively to alteplase or placebo, or c7E3 or placebo. All patients exhibited dynamic ECG changes and recurrent pain attacks, despite maximal tolerated medical therapy. Patients were randomized in both studies after initial angiography had demonstrated a culprit lesion amenable for angioplasty. After study drug infusion quantitative angiography was repeated and angioplasty performed. Recurrent ischemia during study drug infusion occured in 5, 6, 9 and 16 patients from the alteplase, placebo, c7E3 and placebo group, respectively. Major events defined as death, myocardial infarction or urgent intervention occurred in 7, 3, 1 and 7 patients, respectively. Two patients died: one in the alteplase group and one in the placebo group from the c7E3 study. The first patient due to retroperitoneal hemorrhage, the second as a result of recurrent infarction. Qualitative angiography showed resolution of clots in the c7E3 group only, while the same group of patients showed in 20% an improvement in TIMI flow grade, without deterioration in any patient from this group. Quantitative angiography showed a significant improvement in percentage diameter stenosis in the c7E3 group, which was not observed in all three other groups, although differences between groups were not significant. Alteplase infusion in patients with refractory unstable angina did not change the clinical course, nor the coronary morphology, c7E3 on the other hand, both improved the clinical course and the coronary lesion morphology and rheology in the same category of patients.     

A 58-year-old woman with unstable angina pectoris and restenosis after PTCA: successful therapy with ketanserin

This case report describes a 58-year-old female suffering from unstable angina pectoris showing two-stem disease with occlusion of the left anterior descending artery at angiography. Due to continuous symptoms and ECG-deviations, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of the occlusion was performed twice with primary success. However, acute re-occlusion with angina and ECG-changes developed after 6 and 2 h, respectively. For technical reasons, immediate bypass surgery was impossible and thus, patient underwent a third dilatation followed by infusion of ketanserin (0.1 mg/min), a S2-serotonergic receptor antagonist, for 24 h. During this period, patient was without complaints and showed normal ECG. Hematocrit fell and viscosity as well as elasticity improved markedly by ketanserin. Renewed angina and ECG-deviations developed 2 h after discontinuation of ketanserin therapy and patient had to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting.     

Immediate and late prognosis in patients with unstable angina under medical treatment

The study was undertaken to examine 221 patients with unstable angina (UA) in the acute period and repeatedly on average of 5.3 years later. Myocardial infarction and sudden coronary death were regarded as unfavorable outcomes of UA. Out of all the patients included into the study, 33 (15%) developed myocardial infarction on days 2-28 of hospital stay, which resulted in death in 7 patients; 6 more patients died suddenly. The hospital mortality rate was 5.8%. Of 175 patients discharged from the unit, 31 developed myocardial infarction in the late period, 1 case ended with a fatal outcome, sudden coronary death was observed in 32 cases. The mortality rates by years were the following: 10.2% within the first year, 17.4% for 3 years, and 28.2% for 5 years. The choice of a complex of initial signs mostly significant for defining the risk for complications with the use of Cox's model of proportional risks indicated that the outcome of UA was affected by the following significant factors: 1) ST segment depression in the leads V4-V6; 2) duration of aggravated condition; 3) duration of coronary heart disease; 4) the number of resting anginal episodes; 5) a patient's fitness on his admission to hospital; 6) a history of arterial hypertension; 7) negative T waves in the leads V4-V5.     

Transient ischaemia refractory to conventional medical treatment in unstable angina: angiographic correlates and prognostic implications.

Complex stenosis morphology is frequently seen in patients with unstable angina. However, its relation to transient myocardial ischaemia and clinical outcome has not been adequately elucidated. We studied 86 patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit for unstable angina; all patients underwent ECG Holter monitoring during the first 2-4 days, while receiving intensive triple drug treatment. Coronary angiography and subsequent analysis of the ischaemia-related artery were performed within 12 days of admission. Patients were grouped according to their angiographic features: 45 showed complex coronary morphology (CM: 29 eccentric stenosis with irregular borders or overhanging edges; 16 intracoronary thrombus), 11 had documented coronary spasm as well as moderate atherosclerosis (CS), seven had left main coronary artery disease, and the remaining 23 patients showed regular and smooth morphology of coronary stenosis (RM). At admission, transient myocardial ischaemia (TMI) was greater in patients with CM (85 +/- 60 min .24 h-1) than in those with RM or CS (33 +/- 26 min .24 h-1; P less than 0.005). After 3 days of full medical treatment TMI decreased in all groups, but 34/45 patients with CM and 9/34 with RM or CS still showed residual ischaemia (greater than 0 min .24 h-1): 76% vs 26%, P less than 0.02. Follow-up was obtained at hospital discharge and after 1 year in all patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Multivariate analysis of angiographic, histologic, and electrocardiographic data in patients with coronary heart disease

In 61 consecutive patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass grafting, angiographic and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were studied. Histologic delineation of myocardium was obtained by analysis of transmural biopsy specimens acquired at the time of surgery. The use of principal-component analysis revealed three definite groups of patients. Group I comprised patients with histologic findings associated with severe left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis, without abnormal wall motion or ejection fraction. ECG abnormalities were limited to ST changes. Group II comprised patients with severe myocardial cell degeneration with only modest fibrosis associated with severe LAD stenosis and severely impaired wall motion. The incidence of infarction on the ECG was low. Group III patients had important myocardial cell degeneration with severe fibrosis associated with severe LAD stenosis, severely depressed wall motion, and significantly impaired ejection fraction. In this group there was a high incidence of infarction apparent on the ECG. Postoperative follow-up (24 months) showed a total survival of 94.4% in group I, 92.8% in group II, and only 72.7% in group III. This identification of subtypes of coronary artery disease seems to be helpful in estimating patient prognosis after coronary surgery.