Feasibility and accuracy of coronary imaging in elderly patients using the 64-row multi-detector computed tomography: a correlation study with conventional coronary angiography

Background Elderly patients generally have higher occurrence of coronary calcification, increased heart rate and difficulty with prolonged breath-holding. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of using 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of coronary artery stenoses in elderly patients. Methods One hundred and fifty two patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease were divided into 4 groups according to their age (Group A: 40-49 years, n=34; Group B: 50-59 years, n=57; Group C: 60-69 years, n=48; Group D: 70 years and above; n=13). Coronary CT angiography (CTA) using a 64-row MDCT was performed and the findings were compared with that of conventional coronary angiography (CCA). Using axial images, multi-planar reconstructions (MPR) and maximum intensity projections (MIP), coronary segments of lumen diameter = 1.5mm were analyzed for the presence of significant stenosis (= 50% ). Results Percentages of poor image quality from coronary CTA preventing reliable correlations with CCA were 21%, 14%, 19% and 62% in Groups A to D respectively. Patients in Group D had significantly higher calcium scores compared with the other groups (P<0.001). In patients where CTA images were of acceptable quality, percentages of accurate correlations with CCA were 89.8%, 93.4%, 86.6% and 78.0% for Groups A to D respectively. There were no significant difference in serum creatinine, heart rate and contrast volume between the 4 groups. Conclusions The 64-row MDCT coronary angiography was less accurate and feasible for patients aged 70 years or above due to heavy coronary calcification and inability to perform a satisfactory breath-hold. However, a high diagnostic accuracy with the MDCT is possible in patients aged less than 70 years.(J Geriatric Cardiol 2006;3(1):9-14)     

Noninvasive detection of coronary lesions using 16-detector multislice spiral computed tomography technology: initial clinical results

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of detecting coronary artery lesions using a new computed tomography (CT) scanner with 16 detectors and faster gantry rotation. BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography of the coronaries permits assessment of the coronaries; however, image quality is still impaired by motion artifacts and calcifications. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for conventional coronary angiography (CCA) were additionally studied by multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT).Calcium scores and a contrast-enhanced visualization of the coronaries were performed and analyzed regarding evaluability, presence of coronary artery lesions, and correct clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: Calcium scoring was successful in all patients; 58 of 60 patients had a diagnostic contrast-enhanced scan. Mean calcium score was 506 +/- 743 Agatston score equivalent (ASE); 13 of 58 (22%) patients had an ASE >or=1,000, 46 of 58 (78%) patients <1,000. In 763 coronary segments, CCA detected a total of 75 lesions >or=50%. The MSCT correctly assessed 54 of these. Twenty-one lesions were missed or incorrectly underestimated. Sensitivity was 72%, specificity 97%. When restricting analysis to patients with an ASE <1,000, 40 significant lesions >or=50% were seen on CCA, and MSCT correctly detected 39 lesions (sensitivity 98%, specificity 98%). Regardless of any threshold, the correct clinical diagnosis could be obtained in 58 of 60 (97%) of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with low-to-moderate amounts of coronary artery calcium, 16-detector CT coronary angiography has high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of significant coronary artery stenosis.     

64-multislice detector computed tomography coronary angiography as potential alternative to conventional coronary angiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography coronary angiography (64-SCTA) compared with the standard reference conventional coronary angiography (CCA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on a systematic search, 27 studies including 1740 patients were eligible for meta-analyses. Nineteen studies examined native coronary arteries (n = 1,251), four studies examined coronary artery by-pass grafts (CABG) (n = 271), and five studies examined coronary stents (n = 270). Overall 18 920 segments were assessable and 810 (4%) were unassessable. The prevalence of native coronary artery stenosis in per-segment (19 studies) and per-patients (13 studies) populations were 19 and 57.5% respectively. Accuracy tests with 95% confidence intervals comparing 64-SCTA vs. CCA showed that sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values for native coronary arteries were 86(85-87), 96(95.5-96.5), 83, and 96.5% by per-segment analysis; 97.5(96-99), 91(87.5-94), 93, and 96.5% by per-patient analysis; 98.5(96-99.5), 96(93.5-97.5), 92 and 99% for CABGs; 80(70-88.5), 95(92-97), 80, and 95% for stent restenosis; and 87(86.5-88), 96(95.5-96.5), 83.5, and 97% by overall per-segment analysis. CONCLUSION: The high diagnostic accuracy of 64-SCTA validates this non-invasive technique as a potential alternative to CCA in carefully selected populations suspected for coronary stenosis.     

Diagnostic value of CT angiography in coronary arteries stenosis detection

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive imaging of coronary arteries is very important. CT angiography (multislice computed tomography and electron beam computed tomography -- MSCT and EBT) is most reliable method for noninvasive coronary visualization. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CT angiography in coronary arteries stenoses detection in patients with coronary arteries disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 140 patients with CAD who underwent EBT (n=97) or 4-slice CT (n=43) coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography as a gold standard were included in the study. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of CT angiography in coronary stenoses detection (proximal and mid segments) were 86% and 97%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 90% and 96%, respectively. Overall accuracy was 95%. 6.2% of coronary segments were excluded from the study because of unsatisfactory image quality. CONCLUSIONS: CT angiography is noninvasive method for coronary stenoses detection with high sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless EBT and 4-slice CT angiography can not replace conventional coronary angiography because of lower temporal and spatial resolution, artifacts in patients with arrhythmias and huge coronary calcification.     

Pre-operative computed tomography coronary angiography to detect significant coronary artery disease in patients referred for cardiac valve surgery.

OBJECTIVES: We studied the diagnostic performance of 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) to rule out or detect significant coronary stenosis in patients referred for valve surgery. BACKGROUND: Invasive conventional coronary angiography (CCA) is recommended in most patients scheduled for valve surgery. METHODS: During a 6-month period, 145 patients were prospectively identified from a consecutive patient population scheduled for valve surgery. Thirty-five patients were excluded because of CTCA criteria: irregular heart rhythm (n = 26), impaired renal function (n = 5), and known contrast allergy (n = 4). General exclusion criteria were: hospitalization in community hospital (n = 4), no need for CCA (n = 4), previous coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 1), or percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 4). Of the remaining 97 patients, 27 denied written informed consent. Thus, the study population comprised 70 patients (49 male, 21 female; mean age 63 +/- 11 years). RESULTS: Prevalence of significant coronary artery disease, defined as having at least 1 > or =50% stenosis per patient, was 25.7%. Beta-blockers were administered in 71%, and 64% received lorazepam. The mean heart rate dropped from 72.5 +/- 12.4 to 59.5 +/- 7.5 beats/min. The mean scan time was 12.8 +/- 1.3 s. On a per-patient analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were: 100% (18 of 18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 78 to 100), 92% (48 of 52; 95% CI 81 to 98), 82% (18 of 22; 95% CI 59 to 94), and 100% (48 of 48; 95% CI 91 to 100), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice CTCA for ruling out the presence of significant coronary stenoses in patients undergoing valve surgery is excellent and allows CTCA implementation as a gatekeeper for invasive CCA in these patients.     

Analytic approaches to establish the diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography as a tool for clinical decision making

Although 64-slice multidetector coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been reported to have excellent test characteristics for the detection of significant coronary artery disease, current analytic approaches may not appropriately reflect the process of clinical decision making. Thirty-seven patients (29 men; mean age 63 +/- 11 years) who underwent coronary CTA for clinical indications followed by invasive coronary angiography within 4 weeks were studied. Computed tomography angiograms were analyzed independently for the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis (>or=50% luminal narrowing) by 2 observers blinded to invasive coronary angiographic results. The diagnostic test performance of coronary CTA was determined with and without inclusion of unassessable segments. Because stenosis could not be excluded in unassessable segments, these segments were counted as positive for stenosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values of CTA for detecting significant stenoses on assessable segments were 85% (51 of 60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 76% to 94%), 99% (414 of 416, 95% CI 99 to 100), 96% (95% CI 51 of 53), and 98% (95% CI 414 of 423), respectively. Overall, 13% of coronary segments (70 of 546) were not assessable using CTA (heavy calcium in 48 segments). By including these segments, PPV decreased from 96% to 60% (74 of 123), whereas sensitivity improved from 85% to 89% (95% CI 74 of 83). In conclusion, the clinical utility of coronary CTA may be limited by a low PPV in patients with a high prevalence of coronary artery disease.     

老年患者血清25羟维生素D3与冠状动脉狭窄程度的相关性研究

目的探讨血清25羟维生素D3与老年患者冠状动脉狭窄程度相关性。方法对269例老年患者行冠状动脉造影术,分为狭窄组114例和正常组155例,应用Gensini积分判断冠状动脉狭窄程度。测定血清25羟维生素D3水平,按照25羟维生素D3四分位数分为:Q1组(<15.0nmol/L)60例,Q2组(15.0~22.1nmol/L)74例,Q3组(22.2~35.6nmol/L)68例,Q4组(>35.6nmol/L)67例。结果狭窄组与正常组25羟维生素D3比较,差异有统计学意义[(25.05±16.08)nmol/L vs(31.83±22.36)nmol/L,P=0.004];Q1组、Q2组、Q3组与Q4组Gensini积分比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。血清25羟维生素D3与C反应蛋白呈负相关(r=-0.548,P=0.000),与Gensini评分呈负相关(r=-0.183,P=0.003)。多元logistic回归分析显示,血清25羟维生素D3是老年患者冠状动脉狭窄独立保护因素(P<0.01)。结论低水平25羟维生素D3与老年患者冠状动脉狭窄程度相关,需进一步研究证实补充25羟维生素D3是否会减少老年冠心病的发病。     

Noninvasive visualization of coronary artery bypass grafts using 16-detector row computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a 16-detector row computed tomography (CT) scanner for the assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts. BACKGROUND: A new generation of multislice spiral CT scanners, equipped with more and thinner detector rows, allows for reliable noninvasive detection of obstructive coronary artery disease. METHODS: The study included 51 consecutive patients. Three patients had to be excluded from the study due to arrhythmias or fast heart rates despite beta-blockade. A total of 48 patients with 131 coronary artery bypass grafts (internal mammary artery, n = 40; venous grafts, n = 91) were examined by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) using a 16-detector row CT scanner. For cardiac protocols, only the 12 inner detector rings are applied. All CT examinations were performed with retrospective electrocardiogram gating at a mean heart rate of 64 +/- 5 beats/min; 120 ml of Xenetix 300 (Guerbert GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany) were continuously injected. The bypass graft patency and the presence of stenoses as well as the proximal and distal anastomoses were evaluated by two experienced readers. RESULTS: All bypass grafts and 74% of the distal bypass anastomoses could be visualized by CTA; 21 bypass graft occlusions and 1 significant stenosis were detected by CTA and confirmed by ICA. Five false positive and one false negative finding resulted in a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 81%, and a negative predictive value of 99%. CONCLUSIONS: Sixteen-detector row CT scanner technology allows for the reliable visualization of coronary bypass grafts. Dysfunctional bypass grafts can be detected with high diagnostic accuracy. This technology can be used as a noninvasive test for patients with suspected graft dysfunction.     

The presence of a calcific plaque in the common carotid artery as a predictor of coronary atherosclerosis

Many contradictory reports have been published investigating the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and the increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery (CCA). However, only a limited number of studies evaluate the relationship between CAD and CCA disease as reflected by both the plaque morphology (fibrous and calcific plaques) and IMT. We have studied the associations between CAD and the wall morphology of CCA by B-mode ultrasound (US). One hundred and forty-four subjects, whose angiography was planned on the basis of suspected CAD, were included into the study. The patients were divided into 4 groups on the basis of B-mode US findings; Group I: normal, Group II: increased IMT (IMT >/= 0.8 mm and plaque absent), Group III: fibrous plaque, Group IV: calcific plaque. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed in 63 patients. A statistically significant correlation was found between CAD and CCA wall morphology (r =0.42, CI (95%) = 0.30-0.51, p<0.001). Positive predictive values were 45.0%, 48.4%, and 75.0% in patients with increased IMT, fibrous plaque, and calcific plaque, respectively. None of the women with normal CCA wall morphology had significant coronary artery lesion. With respect to the normal group, the risk for CAD increased by 4.3 fold with the existence of fibrous plaque (p=0.02) and by 9.9 fold with the existence of calcific plaque (p<0.001). It has been shown that the CCA wall morphology determined by B-mode US is correlated with CAD in patients with chest pain, and the presence of calcific plaque is a better predictor for CAD than that of fibrous plaque and increased IMT. Women with chest pain and normal CCA wall morphology may not need coronary angiography.     

Detection of coronary artery stenosis with whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for detecting significant coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: The accuracy of whole-heart coronary MR angiography has not been determined in a large number of patients. METHODS: Three-dimensional coronary MR angiograms covering the entire heart were obtained during free breathing in 131 patients. Images were acquired during a patient-specific time window in the cardiac cycle with minimal motion of the coronary artery. Significant coronary artery disease was defined on X-ray coronary angiography as a diameter reduction of > or =50% in coronary arteries with a reference diameter of > or =2 mm. RESULTS: The acquisition of MR angiography was completed in 113 (86%) of 131 patients, with an imaging time averaged at 12.9 +/- 4.3 min. On a patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy of MR angiography were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69% to 91%), 90% (95% CI 79% to 96%), 88% (95% CI 74% to 95%), 86% (95% CI 75% to 93%), and 87% (95% CI 79% to 92%), respectively. These values in the individual segments were 78% (95% CI 68% to 85%), 96% (95% CI 95% to 97%), 69% (95% CI 60% to 77%), 98% (95% CI 96% to 98%), and 94% (95% CI 96% to 96%). CONCLUSIONS: Whole-heart coronary MR angiography allows for noninvasive detection of significant narrowing in coronary arterial segments with a diameter of > or =2 mm with moderate sensitivity and high specificity.     

Role of 16-multidetector computed tomography in the assessment of coronary artery stenoses: A prospective study of consecutive patients

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated a high sensitivity (S) of 16-multidetector computed tomography (16-MDCT) for the detection of significant coronary artery stenoses. Whether these results are applicable to clinical practice is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare 16-MDCT angiography with conventional coronary angiography (CCA) for the detection of significant coronary artery stenoses in a consecutive series of patients. METHOD: A total of 93 consecutive patients (mean [+/- SD] age 59+/-9 years), in whom CCA was performed for stable angina pectoris, underwent 16-MDCT angiography (16x0.75 mm, table feed 6.5 mm/s, rotation time 0.42 s; Sensation 16, Siemens Medical Solutions, Germany) the day before performing CCA. Patients with diabetes mellitus, serum creatinine level higher than 132.6 mumol/L and/or acute coronary syndromes were excluded. Two observers blinded to CCA results evaluated MDCT angiograms according to standard criteria. Segment-based (13 segments per patient) and patient-based (at least one stenosis greater than 50% lumen diameter reduction) analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1209 segments were analyzed. Of these segments, 173 (14%) were excluded due to poor image quality or massive calcification. In 86 segments, CCA revealed significant coronary artery stenosis (greater than 50% diameter reduction). However, 16-MDCT detected only 47 of these, resulting in a S of 55% and a specificity (SP) of 97% (positive predictive value 64%; negative predictive value 96%). On a patient-based analysis, the S increased to 89%, whereas the SP still remained high (87%). CONCLUSION: In this relatively large consecutive cohort, S for the detection of significant coronary artery stenoses was moderate on a segment-based analysis but increased on a patient-based analysis using 16-MDCT. In contrast, SP was high in both analyses, supporting the use of 16-MDCT for the exclusion of significant coronary artery stenoses. Further improvement of spatial and temporal resolution in MDCT technology may lead to a lower exclusion rate and higher S.     

Prediction of Coronary Revascularization in Stable Angina: Comparison of FFRCT With CMR Stress Perfusion Imaging

ObjectivesThis study was designed to compare head-to-head fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) (FFR_CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) stress perfusion imaging for prediction of standard-of-care–guided coronary revascularization in patients with stable chest pain and obstructive coronary artery disease by coronary CTA.BackgroundFFR_CT is a novel modality for noninvasive functional testing. The clinical utility of FFR_CT compared to CMR stress perfusion imaging in symptomatic patients with coronary artery disease is unknown.MethodsProspective study of patients (n = 110) with stable angina pectoris and 1 or more coronary stenosis ≥50% by coronary CTA. All patients underwent invasive coronary angiography. Revascularization was FFR-guided in stenoses ranging from 30% to 90%. FFR_CT ≤0.80 in 1 or more coronary artery or a reversible perfusion defect (≥2 segments) by CMR categorized patients with ischemia. FFR_CT and CMR were analyzed by core laboratories blinded for patient management.ResultsA total of 38 patients (35%) underwent revascularization. Per-patient diagnostic performance for identifying standard-of-care–guided revascularization, (95% confidence interval) yielded a sensitivity of 97% (86% to 100%) for FFR_CT versus 47% (31% to 64%) for CMR, p < 0.001; corresponding specificity was 42% (30% to 54%) versus 88% (78% to 94%), p < 0.001; negative predictive value of 97% (91% to 100%) versus 76% (67% to 85%), p < 0.05; positive predictive value of 47% (36% to 58%) versus 67% (49% to 84%), p < 0.05; and accuracy of 61% (51% to 70%) versus 74% (64% to 82%), p > 0.05, respectively.ConclusionsIn patients with stable chest pain referred to invasive coronary angiography based on coronary CTA, FFR_CT and CMR yielded similar overall diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity for prediction of revascularization was highest for FFR_CT, whereas specificity was highest for CMR.     

Obesity is independently associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction in patients with normal or mildly diseased coronary arteries

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact of obesity on coronary endothelial function in patients with normal or mild coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently classified obesity as a modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease. METHODS: A total of 397 consecutive patients with normal or mildly diseased coronary arteries at angiography underwent coronary vascular reactivity evaluation using intracoronary adenosine, acetylcholine and nitroglycerin. Patients were divided into three groups based on the body mass index (BMI): Group 1, patients with a BMI <25 (n = 117, normal weight); Group 2, patients with a BMI 25-30 (n = 149, overweight) and Group 3, patients with a BMI >30 (n = 131, obese). RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups in regard to other cardiovascular risk factors, except that overweight but not obese patients were significantly older than normal-weight patients (47 +/- 1 years in Group 1, 53 +/- 1 years in Group 2 and 50 +/- 1 years in Group 3, p < 0.001). The percent change of coronary blood flow to acetylcholine (%delta CBF Ach) was significantly lower in the obese patients than in the normal-weight group (85.2 +/- 12.0% in Group 1, 63.7 +/- 10.0% in Group 2 and 38.1 +/- 9.6% in Group 3, p = 0.009). By multivariate analysis, overweight (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.0) and obesity (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.0) status were independently associated with impaired coronary endothelial function. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that obesity is independently associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction in patients with normal or mildly diseased coronary arteries.     

Coronary stenosis detection by 16-slice computed tomography in heart transplant patients: comparison with conventional angiography and impact on clinical management

OBJECTIVES: We sought to find a non-invasive alternative to conventional coronary angiography (CCA) for serial detection and follow-up of coronary stenosis due to cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant patients. BACKGROUND: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is the main factor limiting long-term success of heart transplantation. It is usually detected by CCA. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography has recently proven effective for the diagnosis of coronary stenosis in non-transplant patients. METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive heart transplant patients underwent MSCT within 24 h before or after their annual routine CCA. Only angiographic segments >1.5 mm were considered for analysis; the coronary arterial tree was divided into nine segments. Three patients were excluded because of technical failure. RESULTS: Of the 450 angiographic coronary segments, 432 (96%) were evaluable by MSCT. Of the nine coronary stents in seven patients, only three, including one intrastent restenosis, were correctly evaluated by MSCT, and two intrastent restenoses were missed. Complete analysis of the coronary tree was possible for 44 (88%) of the 50 patients. For detection of coronary stenosis >50%, sensitivity was 83%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 71%, negative predictive value 95%, and accuracy 93%. In the 22 patients with strictly normal MSCT, no stenosis was found by CCA. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests the following guidelines already applied in our institution: 16-slice MSCT can replace CCA in de novo heart transplant patients and patients with strictly normal MSCT at follow-up. Significant wall or lumen changes observed on annual MSCT or stents require further investigation by CCA.     

128层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像与选择性冠状动脉造影诊断冠心病价值的比较

目的 评价128层螺旋CT(MSCT)冠状动脉成像诊断冠状动脉疾病的价值.方法 对临床怀疑或确诊冠心病的非选择性连续78例患者进行128层MSCT冠状动脉成像,其中有15例患者既往置入冠状动脉支架.以选择性冠状动脉造影结果作为评价标准,探讨128层MSCT在诊断冠状动脉疾病及评价支架后再狭窄的临床价值.结果 基于冠状动脉血管节段分析,879个冠状动脉节段中有821节段(93%)进入统计学分析,128层MSCT诊断冠状动脉病变的敏感性87%,特异性97%,阳性预测值83%,阴性预测值97%.对15例共置入22个支架的患者中,有4个(18%)支架MSCT图像显示支架伪影,图像模糊,未能判断支架内血管腔通畅情况,其余18个支架MSCT结果与选择性冠状动脉造影比较,MSCT诊断支架再狭窄的敏感性为100%,特异性77%,阳性预测值63%,阴性预测值100%.结论 128层MSCT冠状动脉成像对冠状动脉疾病的诊断和支架再狭窄的评价具有较高价值,可以作为一项无创检查技术用于对临床怀疑为冠心病的患者进行筛查.     

Does coronary angiography before emergency aortic surgery affect in-hospital mortality?

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between coronary angiography and in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the aorta without a history of coronary revascularization or coronary angiography before the onset of symptoms. BACKGROUND: In the setting of acute ascending aortic dissection warranting emergency aortic repair, coronary angiography has been considered to be desirable, if not essential. The benefits of defining coronary anatomy have to be weighed against the risks of additional delay before surgical intervention. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patient charts and the Cardiovascular Information Registry (CVIR) at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. RESULTS: We studied 122 patients who underwent emergency surgery of the aorta between January 1982 and December 1997. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 18.0%, and there was no significant difference between those who had coronary angiography on the day of surgery compared with those who had not (No: 16%, n = 81 vs. Yes: 22%, n = 41, p = 0.46). Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of myocardial infarction (MI) was the only predictor of in-hospital mortality (relative risk: 4.98 95% confidence interval: 1.48-16.75, p = 0.009); however, coronary angiography had no impact on in-hospital mortality in patients with a history of MI. Furthermore, coronary angiography did not significantly affect the incidence of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during aortic surgery (17% vs. 25%, Yes vs. No). Operative reports revealed that 74% of all CABG procedures were performed because of coronary dissection, and not coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that determination of coronary anatomy may not impact on survival in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the aorta and support the concept that once diagnosed, patients should proceed as quickly as possible to surgery.     

Respiratory function after coronary artery bypass grafting through mini-sternotomy as a factor of early recovery

OBJECTIVES: Early recovery in patients after minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with mini-sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass (MICS-CABG) was compared to standard CABG by assessing preoperative and postoperative (7 to 10 days after) respiratory function. METHODS: Fifteen patients (Group M; mean age 62.1 years) underwent MICS-CABG with a mean of 2.3 distal anastomoses per patient. Ten patients (Group F; mean age 63.8 years) underwent standard CABG through full sternotomy with a mean of 2.4 distal anastomoses per patient. RESULTS: Postoperative coronary angiography showed that the patency rate of the grafts was 97% in Group M and 96% in Group F. Intubation time and hospital stay were significantly shorter (p < 0.01) in Group M (6.2 +/- 2.4 hours, 16.3 +/- 3.1 days) than in Group F (10.8 +/- 2.9 hours, 22.8 +/- 2.5 days). Respiratory function measured as the percentage of postoperative to preoperative values (Group M/Group F; mean +/- standard error) were vital capacity of 95.8 +/- 3.1%/74.6 +/- 3.4% (p < 0.05), 1 sec percentage of forced expiratory volume of 98.8 +/- 2.3%/71.8 +/- 2.8% (p < 0.05) and peak expiratory flow rate of 91.7 +/- 4.2%/89.4 +/- 4.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Quick recovery of the respiratory function after MICS-CABG may be important in the early recovery and short hospital stay of MICS-CABG patients compared with standard CABG patients.     

Non-invasive detection of coronary artery disease in patients with left bundle branch block using 64-slice computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice computed tomography (CT) to identify coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with complete left bundle branch block (LBBB). BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch block increases risk of cardiac mortality, and prognosis is primarily determined by the underlying coronary disease. Non-invasive stress tests have limited performance, and conventional coronary angiography (CCA) is usually required. METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive patients with complete LBBB and sinus rhythm admitted for CCA were enrolled. Computed tomography was performed 3 +/- 3.9 days before CCA. The accuracy of 64-slice CT to detect significant stenosis (>50% lumen narrowing) was compared with quantitative coronary angiography. All segments were analyzed regardless of image quality from coronary calcification or motion artifacts. Results were analyzed by patient and by coronary segment (990) using the American Heart Association 15-segment model. RESULTS: Lower heart rates were associated with improved image quality. Computed tomography correctly identified 35 of 37 (95%) patients without significant stenosis and 28 of 29 (97%) patients with significant stenosis on CCA. Computed tomography correctly assessed 68 of 94 (72%) significant stenosis. Overall, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 64-slice CT for identifying CAD by patient was 95%, 97%, 95%, 93%, and 97%, respectively, and by segment was 97%, 72%, 99%, 91%, and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a routine clinical practice, 64-slice CT detects with excellent accuracy a significant CAD in patients with complete LBBB. A normal CT in this clinical setting is a robust tool to act as a filter and avoid invasive diagnostic procedures.     

Study of a detection strategy for silent ischemia in diabetic patients: 18 month follow-up of the ARCADIA register

BACKGROUND: The prognostic impact of a myocardial ischemia-based therapeutic program in asymptomatic diabetic patients remains controversial. We prospectively assessed the benefit of a stratification algorithm based upon clinical and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) data on cardiovascular events in such patients in a non-randomized register. Method: 701 consecutive asymptomatic diabetic patients were classified to be at low or intermediate-to-high cardiac risk according to 13 simple boil-clinical parameters. Intermediate-to-high risk patients were scheduled for MPI and underwent either a conventional (Group 1, n=180) or an intensive multifactorial (Group 2, n=245) therapeutic program. Low risk patients (Group 3, n=276) underwent no specific management. RESULTS: At the end of the survey and as a consequence of intensive management, lipid lowering therapy, antiplatelet drugs, and beta-blockers were more often prescribed in Group 2 than in Group 1 (55, 31 and 17% versus 36, 23, and 8% respectively, p<0.01). Planned coronary angiography in case of severe ischemia on MPI and revascularization were more frequent in Group 2 (16.2 and 8.9%) than in Group 1 (8.0 and 2.8% - p<0.01). At 19-month follow-up (96.7% completed), major event rate in Group 2 was significantly lower than in Group 1 (3.9 versus 9.8%, p<0.01) and similar to that of Group 3 (2.2%, NS). CONCLUSION: Easy-to-perform risk stratification is able to select diabetic patients with good medium-term prognosis. In clinically selected higher risk patients, an intensive medical therapy combined with coronary angiography +/- revascularization in case of large ischemia on MPI is effective to improve prognosis.     

16排CT对冠状动脉桥血管病变评估的临床应用价值

目的探讨16排计算机断层扫描技术对冠状动脉桥血管病变评估的临床应用价值。方法本研究共入选62例冠状动脉旁路移植术后患者,其中6例因心率控制不佳被排除。对其余56例共152条桥血管(其中内乳动脉桥48条,隐静脉桥104条)分别用16排CT造影(CTA)和常规冠状动脉造影(CAG)进行检查。CTA检查均通过回顾性心电图门控方法进行。患者平均心率(58±6)次/min。在CTA检查过程中以4ml/s速度静脉注入120ml的Visipaque320造影剂。冠状动脉桥血管的通畅和狭窄程度由两位有经验的医师来评估。结果在本研究中,CTA方法能显示所有冠状动脉桥血管;CTA还能显示所有桥血管近端吻合处以及71%的远端吻合处。并且,经CTA检查发现有29条桥血管发生闭塞,13条桥血管有显著狭窄病变。通过CAG检查比较CTA结果证实:在所有42条CTA检查发现闭塞或狭窄的冠状动脉桥血管中,CAG显示有34条桥血管有闭塞或狭窄;在所有110条CTA检查显示正常的冠状动脉桥血管中,CAG显示有108条桥血管正常,有8例假阳性和2例假阴性发生。CTA检查的敏感性94%,特异性95%;阳性预测值86%,阴性预测值99%。结论CTA可提供清晰的冠状动脉桥血管图像以及较高的诊断准确性。CTA可作为评估冠状动脉桥血管病变的一种无创检查方法。