Emergent angioplasty prevents left ventricular dilation in patients with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) reduces in-hospital mortality and improves long-term outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock. However, no study has evaluated the effects of different reperfusion therapies on left ventricular (LV) dimension and cardiac function in long-term survivors of MI with cardiogenic shock. HYPOTHESIS: We investigated the effects of PTCA on the development of LV dilation in patients who survived MI complicated by cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We studied 34 patients with a first MI and cardiogenic shock in whom two-dimensional echocardiography was performed immediately after admission and 1 month after infarction. Group A consisted of 17 patients who underwent emergent PTCA during the acute phase of MI, and Group B consisted of 17 patients who did not undergo PTCA. We also studied 119 patients with a first uncomplicated acute anterior MI, including 53 who underwent PTCA (Group C) and 66 who did not (Group D). The length and wall thickness of the infarcted and noninfarcted endocardial segments were determined immediately after MI and 1 month later, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured during the chronic phase. RESULTS: The lengths of the infarcted and noninfarcted endocardial segments were significantly greater in Group B than in the other three groups (p < 0.05). The LVEF was significantly lower in Group B than in the other three groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that PTCA performed in patients during the acute phase of MI complicated by cardiogenic shock lowers in-hospital mortality and prevents both LV dilation and a decrease in LVEF.     

急性心肌梗死患者的直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术与溶栓治疗疗效比较

为探讨急性心肌梗死直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术的安全性及临床疗效 ,选择 6 2例未经静脉和冠状动脉内溶栓治疗的急性心肌梗死患者 ,在紧急冠状动脉造影后即行直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术 ;另外选择 5 9例急性心肌梗死患者 ,采用溶栓治疗 ,溶栓治疗后不再接受介入治疗和外科冠状动脉搭桥 ,然后比较直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术和溶栓治疗的疗效、安全性及预后。结果发现 ,直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术组 6 0例再灌注成功 ,成功率为 96 .7% ,其中 4例合并心源性休克的患者均再灌注成功 ,血压回升 ,急性上消化道出血 1例 ,死亡率为 0 ;溶栓治疗组 38例再灌注成功 ,成功率为 6 4 .4 % ,住院期间死亡 5例 ,出院 6月内死亡 2例 ,急性上消化道出血 1例 ,血尿 1例 ,溶栓治疗后心源性休克 5例 ,死亡率为 1 1 .9%。直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术再灌注成功率明显高于溶栓治疗 ,死亡率和主要心脏事件的发生率明显低于溶栓治疗 (P <0 .0 1 )。结果提示 ,急性心肌梗死的直接经皮腔内冠状动脉成形术治疗安全有效 ,再灌注成功率明显高于溶栓治疗 ,疗效及预后优于溶栓治疗     

Systematic Direct Angioplasty and Stent-Supported Direct Angioplasty Therapy for Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction: In-Hospital and Long-Term Survival

Objectives. This prospective observational study was conducted to examine the apparent impact of a systematic direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) strategy on mortality in a series of 66 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock, and to analyze the predictors of outcome after successful direct PTCA.Background. Previous studies have reported encouraging results with PTCA in patients with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock, but a biased case selection for PTCA may have heavily influenced the observed outcomes.Methods. All patients admitted with AMI were considered eligible for direct PTCA, including those with the most profound shock, and no upper age limit was used. The treatment protocol also included stenting of the infarct-related artery for a poor or suboptimal angiographic result after conventional PTCA.Results. Between January 1995 and March 1997, 364 consecutive patients underwent direct PTCA, and in 66 patients AMI was complicated by cardiogenic shock. In patients with cardiogenic shock, direct PTCA had a success rate of 94%; an optimal angiographic result was achieved in 85%; primary stenting of the infarct-related artery was accomplished in 47%; and the in-hospital mortality rate was 26%. Univariate analysis showed that patient age, chronic coronary occlusion and completeness of revascularization were significantly related to in-hospital mortality. The mean follow-up period was 16 ± 8 months. Survival rate at 6 months was 71%. Comparison of event-free survival in patients with a stented or nonstented infarct-related artery suggests an initial and long-term benefit of primary stenting.Conclusions. Systematic direct PTCA, including stent-supported PTCA, can establish a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow in the great majority of patients presenting with AMI and early cardiogenic shock. High performance criteria, including new devices such as coronary stents, should be considered in randomized trials where mechanical revascularization therapy is being tested.     

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty improves survival in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Modest survival benefits have been reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock who were treated with early surgical revascularization or thrombolytic therapy. To determine whether coronary angioplasty improves survival, 87 patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 1975 to 1985 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in group 1 (n = 59) were treated with conventional therapy; patients in group 2 (n = 24) were treated with conventional therapy and angioplasty. Extent of coronary artery disease, infarct location, and incidence of multivessel disease were similar between groups. Hemodynamic variables including cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were also similar. The 30-day survival was significantly improved for group 2 patients (50% vs. 17%, p = 0.006). Survival in group 2 patients with successful angioplasty was 77% (10 of 13 patients) versus 18% (two of 11 patients) in patients with unsuccessful angioplasty, (p = 0.006). The findings suggest that angioplasty improves survival in cardiogenic shock compared with conventional therapy with survival contingent upon successful reperfusion of the infarct-related artery.     

Long-term results after acute percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome in unselected, consecutive patients after acute percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock. This involved a follow-up study from a prospectively conducted patient registry in a tertiary referral center. A total of 59 patients (10 female/49 male; median age 62 years (32-91)) with percutaneous transluminal cardiac interventions in primary cardiogenic shock were identified between January 1995 and January 2000. Twenty-two patients (37%) had been resuscitated successfully before intervention. The in-hospital mortality of shock patients was 36% (n=21, median age 68 (47-84)). The median follow-up of survivors was 18.1 (7-57.3) months, during which three further patients died (8%; two because of sudden cardiac deaths, one because of acute reinfarction). Achievement of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow III after acute PTCA (84% in survivors vs. 38% in non-survivors; P<0.001) and the absence of the left main coronary artery (3% survivors vs. 29% non-survivors; P=0.003) as culprit lesion in patients with cardiogenic shock was strongly associated with an improved survival rate. A second cardiac intervention was performed in seven patients (18%). Overall functional capacity of shock survivors was good. At final follow-up, 80% of the survivors were completely asymptomatic. One patient had angina pectoris NYHA II, five patients dyspnoea NYHA class II. Exercise stress-test was performed in 24 of the 38 surviving patients, median exercise capacity was 100% (range 55-113%) of the age adjusted predicted value. In unselected patients with cardiogenic shock due to AMI, treatment with acute PTCA resulted in an in-hospital mortality of 36%, low late mortality and good functional capacity in long-term survivors. TIMI flow grade III after acute PTCA in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock was strongly associated with an improved survival rate whereas the left main coronary artery as culprit lesion was associated with worse outcome.     

Results of primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty plus abciximab with or without stenting for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

This study examines the effects of abciximab as adjunctive therapy in primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock. Abciximab improves the outcome of primary PTCA for AMI, but its efficacy in cardiogenic shock remains unknown. Case report forms were completed in-hospital and follow-up was obtained by telephone, outpatient visit, and review of hospital readmission records. A total of 113 patients with cardiogenic shock from AMI were included. All underwent emergency PTCA during which abciximab was administered to 54 patients (48%). The 2 groups of patients who received and did not receive abciximab were similar at baseline. Coronary stents were implanted slightly more often in the abciximab group (59% vs 42%; p = 0.1). A significantly improved final TIMI flow, less no-reflow, and a decrease in vessel residual diameter stenosis occurred in the abciximab group. At 30-day follow-up, the composite event rate of death, myocardial reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization was better in the abciximab group (31% vs 63%; p = 0.002). The combination of abciximab and stents was synergistic and resulted in improvement of all components of the composite end point beyond that seen with each therapy alone. Thus, abciximab therapy improves the 30-day outcome of primary PTCA in cardiogenic shock, especially when combined with coronary stenting.     

Percutaneous reperfusion of left main coronary disease complicated by acute myocardial infarction.

Previous studies have shown a benefit of a strategy of direct angioplasty and stenting in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by early cardiogenic shock. However, few data exist for the subset of patients with left main trunk disease complicated by AMI and cardiogenic shock. We performed an analysis of patients with AMI who underwent mechanical intervention between January 1995 and December 2000. Out of 1,433 patients with ST segment elevation AMI treated with primary coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 22 patients (1.5%) had left main disease (LMD) as the culprit lesion. Baseline characteristics were age, 66 +/- 11 years; female gender, 9%; diabetes, 14%; previous myocardial infarction, 14%; mean systolic blood pressure, 77 +/- 24 mm Hg; time to treatment, 4.8 +/- 2.2 hr; TIMI 0-1, 77%; collateral flow (Rentrop grade >or= 2) 9%. The primary success rate was 91%. Primary stenting was performed in 17 patients (77%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 50%. All deaths were due to refractory shock. The 6-month survival rate was 41% +/- 1%, while the event-free survival rate was 27% +/- 10%. At 6-month follow-up, the mortality rate increased to 59%; the target vessel revascularization rate was 14%. A percutaneous mechanical intervention strategy in patients with left main disease complicated by AMI is feasible and effective, and patients discharged alive have a good mid-term prognosis.     

主动脉内球囊反搏术临床应用(附64例报告)

目的研究主动脉内球囊反搏术(IABP)在急性心肌梗死(AMI)并发心源性休克患者临床运用效果.方法64例AMI伴心源性休克患者,在内科治疗的基础上进行IABP治疗.机器为Datascope system97E型反搏仪,均采用40ml型球囊导管,反搏持续时间为24～144h,经在IABP支持下,64例中62例进行急诊经皮冠状动脉成形术(PTCA)和支架术,2例进行急诊冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG).结果64例患者中死亡18例,病死率为29.7%.结论IABP支架下,积极进行血管重建治疗方能降低病死率.     

Acute reocclusion during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: immediate and long-term outcome

Acute total occlusion of a coronary artery during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has previously resulted in emergency surgical intervention (CABG). We retrospectively surveyed 211 elective procedures and 65 procedures for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There were 42 patients (pts) [29 elective (14%) and 13 AMI (20%)] in whom total occlusion occurred after initial dilation had been achieved. In 30 of 42 pts reangioplasty successfully reperfused the vessel. Ten patients (24%) required CABG and two (5%) were treated medically for AMI. Death occurred in 2 pts due to irreversible cardiogenic shock despite successful angioplasty. After 6 months follow-up 22 pts remained asymptomatic. It is concluded that aggressive redilation of total occlusions which develop during PTCA will frequently result in a successful angioplasty with a long-term restenosis rate comparable to uncomplicated angioplasty.     

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock.

In cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has been reported to significantly improve the modest survival benefits afforded by emergency surgical revascularization and thrombolytic therapy. The records of all patients who underwent angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether coronary angioplasty improves survival. Of the 45 patients, 28 (group 1, 62%) had successful dilation of the infarct-related artery and 17 (group 2, 38%) had unsuccessful angioplasty. The groups were similar in extent of coronary artery disease, infarct location, incidence of multivessel disease and hemodynamic variables. The overall hospital survival rate was 56% (71% in group 1 and 29% in group 2). Group 1 patients had more left main coronary artery disease, and group 2 patients were older and had a higher incidence of prior myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis showed that the survival advantage in patients with successful angioplasty was statistically significant (p = 0.014) when these factors were taken into account. At a mean follow-up interval of 2.3 years (range 1 month to 5.6 years), there were five deaths (four cardiac and one noncardiac), for a 2.3-year survival rate of 80% in patients surviving to hospital discharge. During the follow-up period, 36% of hospital survivors had repeat hospitalization for cardiac evaluation, 8% had myocardial infarction, 8% had coronary artery bypass surgery and 24% had angina.     

Myocardial perfusion grade and survival after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with cardiogenic shock

We sought to evaluate myocardial reperfusion and its prognostic value after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients admitted for cardiogenic shock. Lack of myocardial reperfusion despite restored coronary flow affects the survival of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Myocardial blush grade (MBG) is an angiographic measure of myocardial perfusion. We assessed MBG in 41 consecutive patients admitted to our department within 12 hours from the onset of AMI and in cardiogenic shock. PTCA was successful in 83% of patients. Thrombolysis In Mycardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow was demonstrated in 22 patients (53%). MBG 2/3 was found in 14 patients (34%); among them, 12 had TIMI 3 flow. Compared with patients with MBG 2/3, those with MBG 0/1 were older (71 +/- 11 vs 57 +/- 13 years, p = 0.001), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (48% vs 14%, p = 0.04) and hypertension (63% vs 29%, p = 0.04), showed a trend toward longer ischemic time (6.1 +/- 2.4 vs 4.9 +/- 1.1), and had larger enzymatic infarct size (peak creatine kinase 7,690 +/- 3,516 vs 5,500 +/- 2,977 IU/L). Mortality was higher in patients with MBG 0/1 both in the hospital (81% vs 14%, p <0.001) and at follow-up (81% vs 29%, p = 0.001). After adjustment by multivariate analysis, MBG 0/1 (odds ratio 16, p = 0.01) and age (odds ratio 3.8/10 years, p = 0.04) were correlated with in-hospital mortality. MBG 2/3 was achieved in a few patients in cardiogenic shock after AMI who were treated with PTCA; this was a strong predictor of in-hospital survival. Also, risk stratification after mechanical revascularization should include assessment of restoration of myocardial reperfusion.     

Retrospective Comparison of a Strategy of Primary Coronary Angioplasty versus Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Community Hospital without Cardiac Surgical Backup

Recent studies have demonstrated the benefit of primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for the emergency treatment of acute myocardial infarction. We retrospectively examined our experience in performing primary PTCA in a community hospital without in-hospital surgical backup. Only highly experienced angioplasty operators participated, and patients were immediately transferred to a tertiary care referral hospital following primary angioplasty and stabilization. A total of 102 patients received PTCA at the community hospital during the study period. Forty received PTCA for cardiogenic shock or for rescue angioplasty. The remaining 62 patients (the Primary Angioplasty Group) were compared with a matched group of patients who received thrombolytic therapy during the same time period (the Thrombolytic Therapy Group). Angioplasty was angiographically successful in 96% and TIMI-3 grade blood flow was achieved in 85% of patients who received PTCA. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of in-hospital complications. The duration of hospital stay was significantly less in the Primary Angioplasty Group as compared with the Thrombolytic Therapy Group (median = 4 vs. 6 days, p = 0.005), as was the duration of intensive care unit stay (median 1 vs. 2.5 days, p = 0.001). Thus, under carefully controlled conditions, primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction in a community hospital without in-hospital cardiac surgery is an effective and more efficient alternative to thrombolytic therapy.     

Efficacy of reperfusion therapy in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock]

Efficacy of reperfusion therapy was studied in 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock. Among them, 27 were treated with intracoronary thrombolysis (ICT) and/or coronary angioplasty (Group I), and 13 were untreated by reperfusion therapy (Group II). In Group I, reperfusion was successful in 17 (Group Ia). It was unsuccessful in the other 10 (Group Ib). Patients' characteristics such as age, sex, infarct location, previous myocardial infarction, peak creatine kinase, and the extent of coronary artery disease were similar in Groups Ia and Ib. The in-hospital survival rate was significantly higher in Group Ia (76.5% vs 40.0%, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the average hospital and CCU stays, total or maximal dosage of catecholamines (dopamine and dobutamine), and duration of IABP treatment of the discharged patients between Groups Ia and Ib. Cardiac index under pressure support (IABP, catecholamines, etc) in both Groups did not differ significantly. One patient in Group Ia had re-infarction. However, no patient in either group died during a mean follow-up period of 747 days. Among the surviving patients, 3 (23%) of Group Ia and all (100%) of Group Ib suffered from congestive heart failure. These findings suggested that reperfusion therapy improves the in-hospital survival rate in patients with cardiogenic shock. Therefore, reperfusion therapy may be recommended for cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction.     

Long-term clinical follow-up after coronary dilatation

To determine the long-term clinical course after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 841 patients, 615 with successful PTCA and 226 without, were restudied by questionnaire 2-9 years after the intervention. After successful PTCA a lasting symptomatic improvement was seen in 78% of patients vs 55% of patients without successful PTCA (p less than 0.0001). The probability of myocardial infarction 8 years after successful PTCA was 6% vs 24% after unsuccessful PTCA (p less than 0.0005). The 8-year survival probability (non-cardiac deaths excluded) was 95.7% in patients with demonstrable PTCA success, and 92.0% in patients without (p less than 0.05). Similar significant differences in favor of patients with successful PTCA were seen in the long-term prognosis of patients with single-vessel disease (n = 580). It is concluded that a long-term improvement of the cardiac prognosis by successful PTCA is probable.     

Primary angioplasty of unprotected left main coronary artery for acute anterolateral myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Mortality of acute unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion is very high. The objectives of this analysis were to determine the effect of primary angioplasty and the impact of cardiogenic shock on unprotected LMCA occlusion-induced acute anterolateral myocardial infarction (AAMI). METHODS: Of 1,736 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 38 (2.2%) had LMCA occlusion-induced AAMI with Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow less than or equal to 2. All were given primary angioplasty. RESULTS: Of these 38 patients, 17 (45%) were discharged, and 21 (55%) died in-hospital. Cardiogenic shock was overt in 28 patients; 47.1% of the survival group and 95.2% of the mortality group (p=0.0008). On arrival, the survival-group had higher pH (7.40+/-0.10 vs. 7.30+/-0.14; p=0.013) and base excess (-4.5+/-3.9 vs. -10.4+/-6.0 mEq/L; p=0.0013). In the survival group reperfusion was successful in 100% of patients, as opposed to 57.1% in the mortality group (p=0.0020), and the incident of stenting was not different between the two groups (64.7% vs. 71.4%, p=0.66). Shock patients had lower successful angioplasty rate (67.9% vs. 100%, p=0.040), higher in-hospital mortality (71.4% vs. 10.0%, p=0.0008), and higher 1-year mortality rates (p=0.0064), than stable patients. All shock patients with failed angioplasty died, but the mortality rate was 57.9% (p=0.021) when angioplasty was successful. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with AAMI, LMCA occlusion, and cardiogenic shock have poor survival regardless of primary angioplasty in conjunction with coronary stents. Nevertheless, primary angioplasty is a feasible and effective procedure, and it may save lives in this clinical setting.     

Impact of invasive strategy for the management of patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the influence of early revascularization (with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and coronary surgery) on short- and long-term survival in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: In-hospital and 6-month survival were retrospectively determined on day 193 (65-270, median +/- 25th and 75th percentiles) in 87 patients who either underwent early invasive reperfusion (group A, n=60) or those who were treated conservatively (group B, n=27). In-hospital mortality was 37% in group A and 56% in group B (P=0.192). Six-month mortality was statistically lower in group A than in group B (30 patients (50%) compared with 25 patients (93%), P=0.005). Being a woman and older age were found to be factors increasing mortality. Lower mortality in the long term was strongly associated with revascularization (odds ratio=0.08, 95% confidence interval=1.54-109). PTCA was found to be an independent predictor of long-term survival (odds ratio= 0.22, 95% confidence interval=0.049-1.00, P=0.050), by multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study suggests that early revascularization improves long-term survival of patients with cardiogenic shock complicating AMI, even after adjustment for baseline differences between patients who underwent early revascularization and those who did not.     

Intra-aortic balloon pumping and variations in flow in the dilated coronary artery in acute myocardial infarction

The object of this study of acute anterior myocardial infarction uncomplicated by cardiogenic shock, a context in which the role of intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) remains controversial, was to analyse the effects of IABP on coronary flow in the culprit artery. Twenty-one patients admitted for angioplasty in the acute phase of anterior myocardial infarction were included. The IABP was performed in 6 patients (Group 1) because of clinical signs of cardiac failure. Fifteen patients (Group 2) had no signs of cardiac failure. Coronary flow velocity was recorded by a Doppler catheter after successful angioplasty. The following parameters were analysed: average peak velocity (APV), average diastolic peak velocity (ADPV), average systolic peak velocity (ASPV), diastolic to systolic velocity ratio (DSVR) and maximum peak velocity (MPV). Intra-aortic balloon pumping was associated with an increase in the diastolic indices (APV 17.9 +/- 3.5 vs 14.9 +/- 3.6 cm/s; p < 0.05; ADPV 27.6 +/- 5.2 vs 19.7 +/- 4.7 cm/s; p < 0.05), and a decrease in the systolic index ASVP (3.8 +/- 1.3 vs 7.6 +/- 2.6 cm/s; p < 0.05). The diastolic indices recorded with IABP did not change in Group 2. The velocity spectra changed with the appearance of abnormalities usually described in the presence of microcirculatory abnormalities ("no reflex" phenomenon): decrease in anterograde systolic flow, rapid deceleration of diastolic velocities with appearance of a retrograde systolic flow. The authors conclude that IABP increases diastolic velocities of coronary flow in the acute phase of revascularised anterior myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular failure but does not seem to be accompanied by improved myocardial perfusion.     

Importance of time to reperfusion on outcomes with primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (results from the Stent Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction Trial).

The mortality benefit of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is strongly dependent on time to treatment. Recent observations suggest that time to treatment may be less important with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Patients with AMI of <12 hours duration, without cardiogenic shock, who were treated with primary PTCA from the Stent PAMI Trial (n = 1,232) were evaluated to assess the effect of time to reperfusion on outcomes. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow was achieved in a high proportion of patients regardless of time to treatment. Improvement in ejection fraction from baseline to 6 months was substantial with reperfusion at <2 hours but was modest and relatively independent of time to reperfusion after 2 hours (<2 hours, 12.3% vs > or =2 hours, 4.2%, p = 0.004). There were no differences in 1- or 6-month mortality by time to reperfusion (6-month mortality: <2 hours [5.5%], 2 to <4 hours [4.6%], 4 to <6 hours [4.5%], >6 hours [4.2%], p = 0.97). There were also no differences in other clinical outcomes by time to reperfusion, except that reinfarction and infarct artery reocclusion at 6 months were more frequent with later reperfusion. The lack of correlation between time to treatment and mortality in patients without cardiogenic shock suggests that the survival benefit of primary PTCA may be related principally to factors other than myocardial salvage. These data may also have implications regarding the triage of patients with AMI for primary PTCA.     

Efficacy of invasive strategy for the management of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

This retrospective study evaluates the influence of an invasive strategy of urgent coronary revascularization on the in-hospital mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated early by cardiogenic shock. Among 1,981 patients with AMI admitted to our institution from 1994 to 1997, 162 patients (8.2%) developed cardiogenic shock unrelated to mechanical complications. The strategy of management was considered invasive if an urgent coronary angiography was indicated within 24 hours of symptom onset. Every other strategy was considered conservative. Fifty-seven patients who developed the shock late or after a revascularization procedure, or who died on admission, were excluded. The strategy was invasive in 73 patients (70%). Five of them died before angiography could be performed and 65 underwent angioplasty (success rate 72%). By univariate analysis the invasive strategy was associated with a lower mortality than conservative strategy (71% vs 91%, p = 0.03), but this association disappeared after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Older age, nonsmoking, and previous ischemic heart disease were independent predictors of mortality. In conclusion, we have failed to demonstrate that a strategy of urgent coronary revascularization within 24 hours of symptom onset for patients with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock is independently associated with a lower in-hospital mortality. This strategy was limited by the high mortality within 1 hour of admission in patients with cardiogenic shock, the modest success rate of angioplasty in this setting, and the powerful influence of some adverse baseline characteristics on prognosis.     

Early coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction: predictors of poor outcome in a non-selected population

AIMS: The objective of this study was to report the experience in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with early coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in a single European center during one decade, attempting to identify the characteristics associated with a poor prognosis in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight hundred patients with AMI were treated with PTCA < 12 hours after symptom onset. Mean age was 64 +/- 13 years, 12% were in cardiogenic shock, AMI location was anterior in 61% and PTCA was performed after failed thrombolysis in 5%. Coronary stents and abciximab were used in 51% and 10%, respectively. An angiographic successful result was obtained in 93%, and final TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved in 83%. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 12.5% (2.7%, 16.1%, 25.7% and 63.8% in patients in Killip class I, II, III and IV, respectively). Over the years, an improvement in the angiographic results and a reduction in the rates of reinfarction and target vessel revascularization were observed. The independent predictors of death were age > 70 years, absence of hyper-cholesterolemia, anterior location, cardiogenic shock, multi-vessel disease and unsuccessful PTCA. The leading causes of mortality were cardiogenic shock (63%) and ventricular free wall rupture (14%). The rates of non-fatal reinfarction, documented reocclusion and in-hospital repeated revascularization were 2%, 3% and 4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In most cases, PTCA performed in a non-selected patient population with AMI results in angiographic success. Mortality especially occurs in patients who are in cardiogenic shock at the beginning of the procedure. We have observed an improvement in the results throughout the course of the decade.