Intensive use of intravascular ultrasound during coronary angioplasty. A six-month campaign

BACKGROUND: Compared to coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) gives additional information important for the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedure, but is time-consuming and may cause complications. AIM: To evaluate, during a period of intensive use of IVUS, the impact of IVUS on the final decision on balloon/stent diameter, consumption of devices, time-consumption and IVUS-related complications. METHOD: During a 6-month period, IVUS was contemplated in all PTCA procedures and the reason for not using IVUS was specified. We used CVIS during the first, and Endosonics during the last 3 months, and both periods started with 1 week of hands-on practice. All procedures were to be planned according to an initial quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), and the finally achieved result, material used and complications were registered. RESULTS: The proportion of IVUS/PTCA was 37% during, 8% 6 months before and 12% 6 months after the study period. Three hundred and twenty-three patients were included in the study (57% of all patients), 199 of them were subjected to IVUS. The indications for PTCA during the study period were stable angina (58%), unstable angina (32%) and acute myocardial infarction (10%). The main reasons for not doing IVUS were use of 6F guiding catheter (13%), urgent procedure (12%) and occluded vessel (11%). Initial QCA detected 253 stenoses in 199 patients and 64 additional stenoses were treated, most of them probably detected by IVUS. QCA systematically underestimated vessel size, particularly in small vessels. There was a non-significant trend to more accurate estimations towards the end of the study in small vessels. Dissection, probably due to IVUS, occurred in two cases (1%). There were no significant differences in the number of devices used in IVUS compared to non-IVUS patients. The procedural time was 24 min longer in IVUS than in non-IVUS cases and more stenoses were treated per procedure in the IVUS group. CONCLUSION: Coronary angiography often underestimated balloon/stent size but in an unpredictable way, with a substantial proportion of significant stenoses being undetected. IVUS had few serious complications, did not increase device consumption but prolonged procedural time.     

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Conventional Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective - Investigation of the cost-effectiveness of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to PCI guided by coronary angiography (CAG). Methods - One hundred and eight men referred for PCI, were randomized to IVUS or CAG guided PCI. After 6 months, the patients were subjected to a study related clinical and invasive follow-up investigation by CAG, IVUS and intracoronary Doppler flow measurements. Incremental costs of IVUS guided procedures and costs of reinterventions were estimated using the Activity Based Costing (ABC) method. Results - Patients randomized to IVUS guided PCI experienced an improved clinical outcome, with lower angina levels than patients in the CAG guided group. The initial cost of performing IVUS guidance was increased due to extra procedure time, IVUS catheters and slightly more balloons and stents, but fewer patients in the IVUS guided group needed re-intervention. Overall, these savings outweighed the initial cost increase. Conclusion - Our data suggest that when performing IVUS guided PCI, costs as well as benefits increase. The increased benefits measured as cost savings resulting from less restenosis outweigh the cost increase from performing the IVUS guided PCI as opposed to CAG guided PCI.     

A Retrospective Study of Intravascular Ultrasound use in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Its Usefulness and a Description of the Procedure

ObjectivesTo verify the usefulness and limitation of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).MethodsA total of 112 consecutive patients, who underwent EVAR to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms, were examined retrospectively. Of these, 33 patients were assigned to the IVUS group because of renal failure, a suspected allergy to contrast agents or anatomical difficulties; the remaining 79 patients were assigned to the non-IVUS group.ResultsPatients in the IVUS group required fewer intra-arterial contrast agents (IACAs) than those in the non-IVUS group (67 ± 34 ml vs. 123 ± 50 ml; p < 0.01). Blood loss and operation time were comparable between the two groups. No patients died within 30 days of the operation. Three major renal complications occurred in the non-IVUS group. Renal deterioration evaluated by chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage was found to a greater extent in the non-IVUS group.ConclusionsIVUS is a powerful auxiliary method in EVAR for reducing the required volume of contrast agents. The combination of IVUS and IACA usage showed good overall performance; thus, we propose the routine use of IVUS in EVAR procedures.     

Predictors of Restenosis after Coronary Angioplasty. A Study on Demographic and Metabolic Variables

Objective - The major concern about percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is the high incidence of restenosis. Methods - Demographic, clinical and biochemical data were recorded 2 weeks prior to PTCA in 388 patients fulfilling the criteria for initial stenosis, successful PTCA, and angiographic follow-up after 6 months. Restenosis was evaluated by quantitative coronary angiography. Results - Variables predictive of restenosis in univariate analysis were diabetes mellitus, male gender, and the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and thio-barbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). In trend analysis through quartiles TBARS and fasting glucose levels were significantly associated with restenosis (p = 0.016 and 0.044, respectively), whereas the negative predictivity of Apo A1 and HDL-cholesterol were of borderline significance. In multivariate analysis male gender and diabetes mellitus showed predictivity of significance, and a negative predictivity was also apparent for HDL-cholesterol. Conclusion - We conclude that diabetes mellitus, male gender, and low HDL-cholesterol are predictors of restenosis 6 months after PTCA. In addition, TBARS may be a marker for the development of restenosis after PTCA.     

Myocardial revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease: Comparison of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of death inpatients with end-stage renal disease. The high prevalence of coronary artery disease results in a rising number of dialysis patients requiring myocardial revascularisation. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of recurrent angina, myocardial infarction, rate of reinterventions and cardiovascular death following percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) inpatients with end-stage renal disease. Patients and methods: In a retrospective investigation 40 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing primarily PTCA and 65 patients undergoing CABG were included. Both groups were comparable for gender, duration on dialysis and the number of cardiovascular risk factors per patient. Patients undergoing PTCA were younger (53 ± 12 years vs. 57 ± 8 years; p < 0.05) and more often diabetics (30% vs. 14%; p < 0.05). Results: Most patients in both groups had a multi-vessel disease (95% in the CABG group vs. 74% in the PTCA group), in the CABG group there were significantly more patients with a triple-vessel disease (62% with vs. 40%in the PTCA group; p < 0.01), PTCA was primarily successful in 95% of the patients while complete revascularization was achieved in 88% of patients undergoing CABG. The perioperative mortality after CABG was 4.8% as compared to none after interventional revascularisation. The cumulative freedom of angina after 6, 12 and 24 months after intervention was significantly lower after PTCA (54%, 40%, 29%) than after bypass grafting (97%, 94%, 90%, p < 0.001). The frequency of reinterventions following PTCA was significantly higher compared to patients following CABG (p < 0.001). After PTCA 15 patients needed further revascularisations, 8 of them underwent CABG, whereas after CABG only two patients required additional myocardial revascularisation. There was no significant difference in the overall mortality between both groups; the survival rate after 12 and 24 months was 95% and 82% after PTCA and 93% and 86% after CABG, respectively. Condition: Although patients receiving CABG had a more severe coronary artery disease the overall mortality was comparable and clinical and functional outcome was improved compared to patients after coronary angioplasty. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cholesterol Efflux Capacity In Vitro Predicts the Severity and Extent of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes

Objective - To investigate the relation between severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and in vitro cholesterol efflux capacity. Design - This study consisted of 46 type 2 diabetic, and 42 nondiabetic men undergoing coronary angiography. Quantitative coronary angiography was used to estimate the severity, extent, and overall "atheroma burden" of CAD. The capacity of patient plasma to induce cholesterol efflux from cultured Fu5AH rat hepatoma cells was measured in vitro. Results - In the combined study population (n = 88), there was a significant inverse correlation between efflux and global atheroma burden (r = -0.23, p &lt; 0.05). In the diabetic group, the global atheroma burden index was independently associated both with cholesterol efflux and with LpA-I levels. However, in the nondiabetic CAD group this association was lost when efflux and LpA-I levels were included in the same model. Conclusion - The present study demonstrated that efflux capacity was inversely associated with the severity and extent of CAD. In the diabetic group this association was independent of LpA-I levels, suggesting impaired antiatherogenic potential of these particles in type 2 diabetic patients.     

Angioplasty and stents in coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Objectives—To undertake a systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of routine percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) plus stenting vs PTCA alone.

Data sources—MEDLINE; EMBASE; Science Citation Index; The Cochrane Library; cardiovascular journals and conference proceedings; Internet resources (including industry supported web pages); and reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews.

Review methods—Study selection included published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of coronary stents to PTCA. Outcome measures assessed included death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), event rate (such as major cardiac adverse events (MACE) or other composite measures), and binary restenosis (BR). Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted according to internationally recognized methods. Data synthesis included meta‐analysis of assessed outcomes, reported as odds ratios (ORs).

Results—Fifty RCTs involving 16?500 patients met the inclusion criteria (39 full articles, 11 abstracts). Of these, 23 studies compared stenting with PTCA in patients with non‐specific coronary artery disease (CAD), 11 compared stents with PTCA following AMI, 8 included patients with small coronary arteries and 8 included patients whose vessels had chronic total occlusion. There were no differences in rates of death or AMI. There were reductions in the rates of MACE (death, AMI or revascularization) with stents compared to PTCA (at 6 months, for non‐specific group OR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.44–1.87; for AMI group OR: 2.36, 95% CI 1.92–2.89; for small vessel group OR: 1.38, 95% CI 1.10–1.74; at 12 months, for non‐specific group OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.11–1.55; for AMI OR: 2.26, 95% CI 1.47–3.46). Reporting of combined major adverse cardiac events was inconsistent across studies. Most events were revascularizations that may have been partly driven by protocol‐required angiograms. Stents reduced BR rates at angiogram at 6 months compared to PTCA in all groups.

Conclusion—We found no differences in mortality or AMI, but the studies were not powered to identify changes in these endpoints. Coronary stenting is associated with reduced restenosis and combined adverse cardiac events, primarily revascularizations. However, the frequency of revascularization may have been distorted by protocol‐dictated angiography.     

A distal (type 1) renal tubular acidosis case that mimic coronary ischemia

Abstract

Introduction: Type 1 (distal) renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a rare clinical condition characterized with defect of urinary acidification in distal tubulus. If diagnosis delays, RTA may cause metabolic and clinical complications and comorbidities. We describe here a type 1 distal RTA case with symptoms mimicking coronary ischemia. Case report: A 46-year-old woman admitted with complaints of chest pain, palpitation, walking disability, fatigue and nausea. On physical examination muscles were weaken 3/5 in four extremities. An electrocardiogram revealed supraventricular tachycardia and ST depression on precordial V2-6 derivations. An acute coronary syndrome diagnosis made based on anginal symptoms, supraventricular tachycardia, ST depression on V2-6 derivations and elevated cardiac enzymes. Urgent coronary angiography was normal except a 30% narrowing in LAD. She had recurrent nephrolithiasis and had operated because of hydronephrosis. She had two episodes of fatigue and walking disability previously. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap determined in blood gas analyze. Patient diagnosed with type I RTA with the signs and symptoms of recurrent nephrolithiasis, fatigue, severe hypokalemia (1.8?mmol/L), hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anionic gap, alkaline urine (pH 8) and positive urinary anionic gap (13.7?mmol/L). Sodium bicarbonate infusion and potassium replacement therapy administered. Clinical and laboratory signs of the patient dissolved during treatment. Conclusion: Type 1 RTA should be considered in acidotic patients admitted with hypokalemia and coronary symptoms. Urinary and blood gas analyses should be done beside cardiac tests initially. Therefore, a precise diagnosis may be possible without the possible complications of unnecessary coronary interventions.     

血管内超声测量心外膜脂肪厚度与冠状动脉病变程度的相关性

目的评价血管内超声(IVUS)测量心外膜脂肪厚度(EAT)与冠状动脉病变的相关性。方法收集92例接受冠状动脉IVUS患者,应用常规超声测量EAT,并用IVUS测算冠状动脉狭窄率及斑块类型,根据检查结果将患者分为冠状动脉疾病(CAD)组和非CAD组,再根据冠状动脉狭窄率将CAD组患者分为轻度病变亚组、中度病变亚组及严重病变亚组;比较各组EAT的差异,观察EAT与冠状动脉狭窄率、斑块类型以及CAD相关危险因素之间的关系。结果 CAD组EAT值为(6.54±1.21)mm,非CAD组为(4.98±1.33)mm,二者差异有统计学意义(t=5.12,P<0.01)。随着CAD病变程度的加重,轻度、中度及严重病变亚组间EAT值逐渐升高,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。软斑块亚组EAT较钙化斑块亚组[(7.16±1.00)mm vs(5.34±1.40)mm,F=0.085,P<0.05]及混合斑块亚组[(6.20±1.95)mm,F=0.005,P<0.01]明显升高。EAT是CAD的独立危险因子(Wald值5.057,P=0.028)。结论超声测量EAT与冠状动脉病变严重程度具有相关性,可用于CAD患者的筛查。     

Myocardial Uptake and Release of Substrates in Type II Diabetics Undergoing Coronary Surgery

Objective - Knowledge about myocardial metabolism in diabetic patients is limited, and even more so in association with myocardial ischaemia and cardiac surgery. This study investigates myocardial substrate utilization in type II diabetic patients after elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Design - Myocardial substrate utilization in 10 type II diabetic patients was assessed during the first hours after elective CABG with the coronary sinus catheter technique. Results - No significant myocardial uptake of carbohydrates was observed. Free fatty acids were extracted throughout the study period but uptake was not related to arterial levels. As arterial levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid tended to increase a significant myocardial uptake emerged. The average extraction rate of beta-hydroxybutyric acid was 31% with a peak of 42%. A comparable extraction rate of glutamate was also found whereas alanine was released from the heart. Conclusion - Free fatty acids were the main source of energy for the heart whereas uptake of carbohydrates was restricted. The high extraction rates of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and glutamate suggest an adaptive role for these substrates during this unfavourable metabolic state for the post-ischaemic diabetic heart.     

A Rare but Serious Complication of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Spinal Cord Embolism

Abstract

Background/Objective: Many atherothrombotic complications are associated with coronary angiography. Spinal cord embolism with high morbidity and mortality is one of these complications.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 65-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with acute myocardial infarction. Immediately after coronary angiography, she complained of paresthesia and paraparesis of her legs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected hyperintensity at the level of the conus medullaris. Antiaggregant therapy and a physiotherapy program continued. After 2 months, clinical and MRI findings had improved.

Conclusions: Invasive procedures such as coronary angiography can lead to serious atherothrombotic complications.     

Role of intravascular ultrasound imaging during endovascular interventions of failing hemodialysis access grafts

Background

Arteriovenous (AV) access graft complications represent a serious complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Angiography is one method of visualizing them. However, angiography is not always an effective means of detecting lesions that occur in this context. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an adjunct modality used to identify stenoses responsible for failing access by identifying multiple stenoses, including those that are most severe. The purpose of this study was to define the value of IVUS in patients with failing AV access grafts by comparing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) alone with DSA followed by IVUS.

Coronary artery bypass grafting for coronary artery anomalies in infants and young children

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESCoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been reported for coronary artery diseases in patients with Kawasaki disease and coronary artery complications after arterial switch operations for transposition of the great arteries. However, only a few studies have explored this modality for congenital coronary artery anomalies. As congenital coronary artery anomalies, particularly left coronary artery atresia and stenosis, are one of the reasons for sudden death, coronary revascularization is often required in infants and young children. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the outcome of CABG for such anomalies in infants and young children.METHODSFrom 2014 to 2018, 3 infants and 2 children (median age: 10 months; range: 6–40 months) with coronary artery anomalies underwent CABG at our hospital. The indications for the procedure included left main coronary artery atresia and stenosis in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. Graft patency was evaluated postoperatively by contrast-enhanced computed tomography or coronary angiography, and postoperative outcomes (including death and cardiac events) were assessed during the follow-up period.RESULTSNo 30-day or in-hospital mortalities were noted. Postoperative examinations revealed patent grafts in all patients. They were discharged without any cardiac complications. Regarding the outcomes at the follow-up period, the graft patency rate was 80.0% (4/5 grafts), with no deaths or cardiac events.CONCLUSIONSCABG is a useful strategy for coronary revascularization in infants and young children with coronary artery anomalies. Although the mid-term outcomes and patency are satisfactory, careful follow-up is necessary because the long-term outcomes remain unknown.     

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty versus Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective,Matched, Controlled Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography (PTCA) in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) The study included patients with electrocardiographic signs of transmural AMI, symptom duration of less than 12 h, and with no contraindications to thrombolytic therapy. Patients who had undergone primary PTCA were matched consecutively, for age, gender, infarct localization and duration of symptoms, to patients who had received thrombolytic therapy (82 patients to each group). Patients who were admitted to hospital during daytime had a primary PTCA, whereas those admitted outside daytime were given thrombolytic therapy. In the primary PTCA group, 9 patients had a combined endpoint compared with 22 patients in the thrombolysis group (p &lt; 0.02 ). In-hospital mortality was 3.7% in the PTCA group and 4.9% in the thrombolysis group (ns). At six months, a combined endpoint occurred in 23 patients in the primary PTCA group and in 50 patients in the thrombolysis group (p &lt; 0.00005). Six months' mortality was 4.9% in the PTCA group and 7.3% in the thrombolysis group (ns). Among patients in the PTCA group, left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher, stay in hospital was shorter and there were significantly fewer incidences of heart failure and severe arrhythmias than among patients in the thrombolysis group. The results of primary PTCA implemented in our departments are comparable with those reported in randomized trials from experienced centres. Our study indicates that patients treated with primary PTCA have fewer complications, a better left ventricular systolic function and a shorter hospital stay compared with patients treated with thrombolysis.     

中等程度冠状动脉狭窄的血管内超声特点与治疗决策选择

目的　应用血管内超声 (IVUS)观察冠状动脉造影中等程度冠状动脉狭窄的血管内超声特点 ,选择治疗决策。方法　应用血管内超声仪检查 3 8例血管造影狭窄程度 40 %～ 60 %患者的 43处冠状动脉病变 ;测量管腔以及血管直径和面积。结果　 43处病变中 ,脂质斑块为 3 0处 ,纤维、钙化、混合斑块分别为 4、2、5处 ,2处未发现明显病变或仅轻度内膜增生 ;其中 4处可见明显血栓影。 41处粥样硬化斑块中偏心斑块 3 6处 ( 87.8% ) ,向心斑块 5处 ( 12 .2 % )。 3 0处脂质斑块大部分可见薄的纤维帽 ,其中 5处 ( 16.7% )明显的纤维帽不完整。病变血管直径狭窄百分比 ( 4 0 .73± 13 .2 1) % ;面积狭窄百分比 ( 5 6.75± 12 .68) %。对IVUS示面积狭窄 >5 0 %的 2 5处、<5 0 %的 1处 ( 60 .5 % )且有典型临床症状的病变行进一步介入治疗 ,对IVUS示面积狭窄 <5 0 %的 17处 ( 3 9.5 % )病变未行进一步介入治疗。结论　IVUS可进一步明确血管造影中等程度冠状动脉病变的性质、严重性和稳定性 ,指导进一步的治疗     

Prevalence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy assessed with coronary angiography versus coronary vascular ultrasound and virtual histology

Background

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major factor limiting long-term survival after heart transplantation (HT). The purpose of this study was to characterize the coronary artery structure and to determine the prevalence of vasculopathy after HT, comparing the sensitivity of coronary angiography with that of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology (VH).

Methods

A prospective recruitment cross-sectional study was performed in 31 adult HT recipients including 22 men and, 9 women of overall mean age of 45.2 ± 12.6 years at an average of 3.7 ± 3.7 years after transplantation. They underwent simultaneously coronary angiography and IVUS assessment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We investigated histological composition of the intima. Final data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results

IVUS discovered the presence of CAV among 17/31 (54.8%) patients versus coronary angiography in 10 (32.3%; P = .009). The histological composition of the intima as assessed with IVUS VH was 26.1% fiber, 8.7% necrotic core, 5.7% calcium, and 4.3% lipid. There was no significant association between preexistent risk factors and the presence of CAV. There was a correlation between time elapsed since HT and CAV development.

Conclusion

Time elapsed since HT is the most important risk factor for the development of CAV. Its prevalence almost doubled when measured with IVUS in contrast with angiography. IVUS was thus shown to be a more sensitive diagnostic tool compared with coronary angiography.     

The clinical significance of coronary angioscopy in patients with coronary heart disease

Summary The feasibility and safety of coronary endoscopy was evaluated in three sets of investigations: in 7 cadaver hearts, in 11 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, and in 30 patients during routine cardiac catheterization prior to coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA). In three of the seven cadaver hearts the lumen of the arteries appeared normal. In three diffuse atherosclerotic lesions, and in one, a high-grade, tight stenosis were observed. In nine of eleven patients in the operation room, the lesions of interest could be visualized, and high-grade stenoses were found in all. In addition, in three patients with unstable angina pectoris, fresh thrombi were seen at the site of stenosis. In six of the nine patients, the periphery of the native coronary vessel was found to have no further stenotic regions. During cardiac catheterization in 17/30 patients, the lesion of interest could be examined angioscopically, and in 13 instances the stenosis appeared excentric and irregularly shaped. In three instances, multiple ulcerations were seen in the stenotic area. In two of the five patients, intimal ruptures were found following PTCA, which could not be documented angiographically. Coronary endoscopy provides valuable additional information on the nature and appearance of atherosclerotic lesions. It can be performed clinically without great harm to the patients. Despite some limitations, it will probably become a routine diagnostic tool in patients undergoing routine coronary angiography, balloon angioplasty or high-frequency angioplasty, and coronary bypass grafting.     

Reproducibility of grayscale and radiofrequency IVUS data acquisition in stented coronary arteries

Objectives. Variability in data acquisition from intervened coronary arteries could represent a source of error that has implications for the design of serial stent studies. We assessed inter-pullback reproducibility of volumetric grayscale and radiofrequency intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data in stented coronary arteries. Design. Fifteen patients with coronary artery lesions treated with stent implantation were included and examined with two separate pullbacks using the Eagle Eye Gold-phased array 20 MHz IVUS catheter (Volcano). The arteries were divided into five segments, giving a total of 150 sub-segments for analyses. Matching of frames was performed using landmarks that were clearly visible in coronary angiography and intravascular pullbacks. Data were analyzed off-line at an independent Corelab. Results. The inter-pullback reproducibility of geometrical data was very good for non-stented segments with relative differences less than 5% between pullbacks for lumen-, vessel-, and plaque volumes. For stented segments reproducibility was poorer with relative differences between pullbacks in the range of 5–10%. The inter-pullback reproducibility of compositional data demonstrated large standard deviations of relative differences, indicating a weaker agreement. Conclusions. Agreements between pullbacks were weaker in stented than those in non-stented segments. Based on our data, future longitudinal IVUS studies in intervened vessels should account for a variability of 5–10% attributed to the acquisition of images.     

冠状动脉造影或经皮冠状动脉介入术前患者临床列线图预测术后发生对比剂急性肾损伤的风险

目的构建接受冠状动脉造影(CAG)或经皮冠状动脉介入(PCI)治疗患者术前临床指标的列线图,据此预测术后发生对比剂急性肾损伤(CI-AKI)的风险。方法收集245例接受CAG或PCI治疗患者的术前临床资料。采用LASSO回归方法筛选与CI-AKI相关的临床特征,据以构建列线图预测模型,计算CI-AKI风险分数。绘制ROC曲线,计算风险评分临界值。结果 245例中,34例(34/245,13.88%)发生CI-AKI。LASSO回归分析显示性别、糖尿病史、乳酸脱氢酶水平、超敏C反应蛋白,饮酒年限、慢性肾脏病及其分期、脑卒中史、急性心肌梗死及收缩压是CI-AKI风险评分和预测模型的危险因素。CI-AKI列线图预测效能较好,其风险评分临界值为-1.953。结论列线图可用于术前预测患者接受CAG或PCI治疗后发生CI-AKI的风险。     

Frequency of Left Atrial Myxoma with Concomitant Coronary Artery Disease

Purpose: Simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting with a resection of left atrial myxoma has been rarely reported. The ages and the symptoms of patients who have left atrial myxomas and coronary artery disease are similar. In this report, we present our cases of left atrial myxoma with concomitant coronary artery disease who were all treated surgically. Methods: Between September 1998 and January 2001, 11 patients were surgically treated after being diagnosed to have left atrial myxoma. Routine coronary angiography was performed on all patients preoperatively. In four patients concomitant coronary artery disease was identified. At surgery we performed coronary artery bypass grafting after a resection of left atrial myxoma in three patients. Results: All patients were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass without any difficulty. The postoperative course was uneventful. The follow-up period was 17 ± 10 months (range 3–32 months). All patients were symptom-free and no recurrence of myxoma was detected. Conclusion: Based on our experience, cardiovascular surgeons should be aware of the concomitance of these diseases. It is therefore recommended that coronary angiography should be performed on all patients who present with left atrial myxomas. Received: November 5, 2001 / Accepted: September 3, 2002 Reprint requests to: N. Erdil This paper was presented at the World Society of Cardio-thoracic Surgeons 11th World Congress in Sao Paulo, Brazil (August 12–15, 2001)