Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography as a Screening Tool for the Detection of Occult Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Individuals

A comparative analysis of deep learning-based location-adaptive threshold method software against other commercially available software

Automatic segmentation of the coronary artery using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images can facilitate several analyses related to coronary artery disease (CAD). Accurate segmentation of the lumen or plaque region is one of the most important factors. This study aimed to analyze the performance of the coronary artery segmentation of a software platform with a deep learning-based location-adaptive threshold method (DL-LATM) against commercially available software platforms using CCTA. The dataset from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of 26 vessel segments from 19 patients was used as the gold standard to evaluate the performance of each software platform. Statistical analyses (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC], intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], and Bland-Altman plot) were conducted for the lumen or plaque parameters by comparing the dataset of each software platform with IVUS. The software platform with DL-LATM showed the bias closest to zero for detecting lumen volume (mean difference = -9.1 mm3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -18.6 to 0.4 mm3) or area (mean difference = -0.72 mm2, 95% CI = -0.80 to -0.64 mm2) with the highest PCC and ICC. Moreover, lumen or plaque area in the stenotic region was analyzed. The software platform with DL-LATM showed the bias closest to zero for detecting lumen (mean difference = -0.07 mm2, 95% CI = -0.16 to 0.02 mm2) or plaque area (mean difference = 1.70 mm2, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.03 mm2) in the stenotic region with significantly higher correlation coefficient than other commercially available software platforms (p < 0.001). The result shows that the software platform with DL-LATM has the potential to serve as an aiding system for CAD evaluation.

Mixed plaque on coronary CT angiography predicts atherosclerotic events in asymptomatic intermediate-risk individuals

OBJECTIVE

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) permits both qualitative and quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque and may be a suitable risk modifier in assessing patients at intermediate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine the association of plaque components with long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients, compared with conventional coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.

METHODS

100 intermediate-risk patients underwent double-blinded CCTA. Follow-up was conducted at 10 years and data were cross-referenced with the National Death Index. The primary outcome was MACE, which was a composite of death, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularisation and stroke.

RESULTS

The median time from CCTA to follow-up was 9.5 years. 83 patients completed follow-up interview and mortality data were available on all 100 patients. MACE occurred in 17 (20.5%) patients, which included 2 (2%) deaths, 8 (10%) ACS, 3 (4%) strokes and 5 (6%) revascularisation procedures. 47 (57%) patients had mixed plaque, which was predictive of MACE (OR 4.68 (95% CI 1.19 to 18.5) p=0.028). The burden of non-calcified and mixed plaque, defined by non-calcified plaque segment stenosis score, was also a predictor of long-term MACE (OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.13) p=0.002). Neither calcified plaque (OR 3.92 (95% CI 0.80 to 19.3)) nor CAC score (OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.999 to 1.02)) was associated with long-term MACE.

CONCLUSION

The presence and burden of mixed plaque on CCTA is associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE among asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients and is a superior predictor to CAC score.

Impact of coronary CT angiography in selection of treatment modalities and subsequent cardiovascular events in Thai patients with stable CAD

BACKGROUND

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) enables improved diagnosis of subclinical, coronary artery disease (CAD). This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between different treatment modalities guided by CCTA and the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with stable CAD.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2013, a total of 9338 patients, including both asymptomatic individuals with risk factors and symptomatic patients with suspected CAD, who underwent CCTA were analyzed. The patients were categorized into one of three groups based on results of CCTA: obstructive CAD (≥ 50% stenosis in at least one vessel), non-obstructive CAD (1-49% stenosis in at least one vessel), and no observed CAD (0% stenosis). They were subsequently followed up to assess the treatment they received and the occurrence of MACEs (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or late revascularization).

RESULTS

During an average follow-up period of 9.9 ± 2.4 years, patients with obstructive CAD had the highest incidence of MACEs (19.8%), followed by those with non-obstructive CAD and no coronary artery stenosis (10.3 and 5.5%, respectively). After adjusting for confounding variables, it was found that patients treated with statins alone were the least likely to develop MACEs in all three groups, compared to those receiving no treatment, with hazard ratios (95% CI) of 0.43 (0.32, 0.58), 0.47 (0.34, 0.64), and 0.46 (0.31, 0.69), respectively. In patients with obstructive CAD, treatment with a combination of statin and aspirin, or early revascularization was associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing MACEs compared to no treatment with hazard ratios of 0.43 (0.33, 0.58) and 0.64 (0.43, 0.97), respectively.

CONCLUSION

CCTA offers useful guidance for the treatment of patients with stable CAD and shows potential for prevention of CV events. However, the full validation of a given strategy utilizing CCTA will require a prospective longitudinal study, utilizing a randomized clinical trial design.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure but Not GLP1-mediated Weight Loss Improves Early Cardiovascular Disease in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Proof-of-Concept Study

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, but the benefit of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is uncertain. However, most randomized controlled trials have focused on the role of CPAP in secondary prevention, although there is growing evidence of a potential benefit on early CV disease. Weight loss in combination with CPAP may be superior but is difficult to achieve and maintain with conventional measures alone. Objectives: The aim of this study was to gain insights into the effect of CPAP on early atherosclerotic processes and to compare it with a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1-mediated weight loss regimen in patients with OSA. Methods: We performed a randomized proof-of-concept study comparing CPAP, a GLP1-mediated weight-loss regimen (liraglutide [Lir]), and both in combination for 24 weeks in 30 consecutive patients with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index >15 events/h; body mass index 30-40 kg/m2; and no history of diabetes, heart failure, or unstable CV disease). In addition to extensive evaluation for CV risk factors and endothelial function at baseline and end of study, subjects underwent 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) for the measurement of aortic wall inflammation (target-to-background ratio) and coronary computed tomography angiography for semiautomated coronary plaque analysis. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. CPAP alone and in combination resulted in greater reduction in apnea-hypopnea index than Lir alone (mean difference, -45 and -43 events/h, respectively, vs. -12 events/h; P < 0.05). Both Lir and combination treatment led to significant weight loss, but only CPAP alone resulted in significant decrease in vascular inflammation (aortic wall target-to-background ratio from 2.03 ± 0.34 to 1.84 ± 0.43; P = 0.010), associated with an improvement in endothelial function and a decrease in C-reactive protein. Low-attenuation coronary artery plaque volume as a marker of unstable plaque also decreased with CPAP (from 571 ± 490 to 334 ± 185 mm3) and with combination therapy (from 401 ± 145 to 278 ± 126 mm3) but not with Lir. Conclusions: These data suggest that CPAP therapy, but not GLP1-mediated weight loss, improves vascular inflammation and reduces unstable plaque volume in patients with OSA. Further large randomized controlled studies are warranted to assess the benefit of CPAP therapy in modifying early CV disease. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04186494).

Non-calcified plaque in asymptomatic patients with zero coronary artery calcium score: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in understanding the coronary atherosclerotic burden in asymptomatic patients with zero coronary artery calcium score (CACS). In this population, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of non-calcified coronary plaques (NCP) as detected by coronary CT angiography (CCTA), and to analyze the associated clinical predictors.

METHODS

This was a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies indexed in PubMed/Medline and Web of Science from inception of the database to March 31st, 2023. Using the random-effects model, separate Forest and Galbraith plots were generated for each effect size assessed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics whilst Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess for publication bias.

RESULTS

From a total of 14 studies comprising 37808 patients, we approximated the pooled summary estimates for the overall prevalence of NCP to be 10% (95%CI: 6%-13%). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of obstructive NCP was estimated at 1.1% (95%CI: 0.7%-1.5%) from a total of 10 studies involving 21531 patients. Hypertension [OR: 1.46 (95%CI:1.31-1.62)] and diabetes mellitus [OR: 1.69 (95%CI: 1.41-1.97)] were significantly associated with developing any NCP, with male gender being the strongest predictor [OR: 3.22 (95%CI: 2.17-4.27)].

CONCLUSION

There is a low burden of NCP among asymptomatic subjects with zero CACS. In a subset of this population who have clinical predictors of NCP, the addition of CCTA has a potential to provide a better insight about occult coronary atherosclerosis, however, a risk-benefit approach must be factored in prior to CCTA use given the low prevalence of NCP.

Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness Parameters and the Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Level in Patients with Premature Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) is increasing at a younger age. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has been implicated in several key mechanisms of atherogenesis. Arterial stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx), can indicate the presence or progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the GDF-15 level and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with premature MI.

METHOD

Thirty patients aged ≤45 years (mean age: 39 ± 5 years, 23 male) who recovered from a MI and 15 age and sex-matched subjects were consecutively included. The serum GDF-15 concentration levels and arterial stiffness parameters of the patients and controls were measured.

RESULTS

GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in patients with premature MI, while there were no significant differences in PWV and AIx between the groups. The GDF-15 level was correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and positively with uric acid levels. Both GDF-15 (p = 0.046, odds ratio: 1.092, 95% confidence interval: 1.003-1.196) and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.037, odds ratio: 0.925, 95% confidence interval: 0.859-0.995) were found as independent factors associated with premature MI.

CONCLUSIONS

GDF-15 could be a risk factor for premature MI. Further studies are needed to elucidate the central role of GDF-15 in the pathophysiology of early atherosclerosis and MI in the young population.

Coronary Artery Calcium in Assessment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk and its Role in Primary Prevention

Coronary artery calcium (CAC), which is detected using computed tomography scanning, is a well-established indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. The CAC score is independently associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) outcomes and provides improved predictive values for estimating the risk of ASCVD beyond traditional risk factors. Thus, CAC is considered to have important implications for reclassification as a decision aid among individuals in the preclinical phase and as the primary prevention of ASCVD. This review is focused on epidemiological evidence on CAC in asymptomatic population-based samples from Western countries and Japan. We also discuss the usability of CAC as a tool for assessing ASCVD risk and its role in the primary prevention of ASCVD. A lack of evidence for the CAC score in ASCVD risk assessment beyond traditional risk factors in populations other than those in Western countries (including Japan) warrants further investigation. Clinical trials are also necessary to demonstrate the usefulness and safety of CAC screening in the primary prevention of ASCVD.

Deep learning-based prediction for significant coronary artery stenosis on coronary computed tomography angiography in asymptomatic populations

Background

Although coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is currently utilized as the frontline test to accurately diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) in clinical practice, there are still debates regarding its use as a screening tool for the asymptomatic population. Using deep learning (DL), we sought to develop a prediction model for significant coronary artery stenosis on CCTA and identify the individuals who would benefit from undergoing CCTA among apparently healthy asymptomatic adults.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 11,180 individuals who underwent CCTA as part of routine health check-ups between 2012 and 2019. The main outcome was the presence of coronary artery stenosis of ≥70% on CCTA. We developed a prediction model using machine learning (ML), including DL. Its performance was compared with pretest probabilities, including the pooled cohort equation (PCE), CAD consortium, and updated Diamond-Forrester (UDF) scores.

Results

In the cohort of 11,180 apparently healthy asymptomatic individuals (mean age 56.1 years; men 69.8%), 516 (4.6%) presented with significant coronary artery stenosis on CCTA. Among the ML methods employed, a neural network with multi-task learning (19 selected features), one of the DL methods, was selected due to its superior performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.782 and a high diagnostic accuracy of 71.6%. Our DL-based model demonstrated a better prediction than the PCE (AUC, 0.719), CAD consortium score (AUC, 0.696), and UDF score (AUC, 0.705). Age, sex, HbA1c, and HDL cholesterol were highly ranked features. Personal education and monthly income levels were also included as important features of the model.

Conclusion

We successfully developed the neural network with multi-task learning for the detection of CCTA-derived stenosis of ≥70% in asymptomatic populations. Our findings suggest that this model may provide more precise indications for the use of CCTA as a screening tool to identify individuals at a higher risk, even in asymptomatic populations, in clinical practice.

Multimodality Imaging in HIV-Associated Cardiovascular Complications: A Comprehensive Review

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the risk of developing acquired immune deficiency syndrome and increased life expectancy, approaching that of the general population. However, people living with HIV have a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular diseases despite long-term viral suppression using ART. HIV-associated cardiovascular complications encompass a broad spectrum of diseases that involve the myocardium, pericardium, coronary arteries, valves, and systemic and pulmonary vasculature. Traditional risk stratification tools do not accurately predict cardiovascular risk in this population. Multimodality imaging plays an essential role in the evaluation of various HIV-related cardiovascular complications. Here, we emphasize the role of multimodality imaging in establishing the diagnosis and aetiopathogenesis of various cardiovascular manifestations related to chronic HIV disease. This review also provides a critical appraisal of contemporary data and illustrative cases.

Predictive values of coronary artery calcium and arterial stiffness for long-term cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Subclinical atherosclerosis detected by increased coronary artery calcium (CAC) or arterial stiffness as reflected by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, comparative data from these two assessments in the same population are still limited.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2013, patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), both asymptomatic and symptomatic who underwent both coronary computed tomography and CAVI were enrolled and followed for occurrence of MACEs (cardiovascular [CV] death, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], and nonfatal stroke) until December 2019. A cause-specific hazard model was applied to assess the associations of CAC score, and CAVI with long-term MACEs.

RESULTS

A total of 8687 patients participated. Of them, CAC scores were 0, 1-99, 100-399, and ≥400 in 49.7%, 31.9%, 12.3%, and 6.1%, respectively. Arterial stiffness (CAVI ≥ 9.0) was associated with the magnitude of CAC in 23.8%, 36.3%, 44.5%, and 56.2%, respectively. During an average of 9.9 ± 2.4 years follow-up, MACEs occurred in 8.0% (95% CI: 7.4%, 8.6%) of subjects. After adjusting for covariables, CAC scores of 100-399 and ≥400, and CAVIs of ≥9.0 were found to independently predict the occurrence of MACEs with the hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.70 (1.13, 1.98), 1.87 (1.33, 2.63), and 1.27 (1.06, 1.52), respectively. Other risk predictors were hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), aspirin, and statin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

A CAC score ≥100 or a CAVI ≥ 9.0 predicts the long-term occurrence of MACEs in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with stable CAD. These two noninvasive tests can be used as screening tools to guide treatment for the prevention of future CV events.

Appropriateness criteria for the use of cardiac computed tomography, SIC-SIRM part 2: acute chest pain evaluation; stent and coronary artery bypass graft patency evaluation; planning of coronary revascularization and transcatheter valve procedures; cardiomyopathies, electrophysiological applications, cardiac masses, cardio-oncology and pericardial diseases evaluation

In the past 20 years, cardiac computed tomography (CCT) has become a pivotal technique for the noninvasive diagnostic workup of coronary and cardiac diseases. Continuous technical and methodological improvements, combined with fast growing scientific evidence, have progressively expanded the clinical role of CCT. Randomized clinical trials documented the value of CCT in increasing the cost-effectiveness of the management of patients with acute chest pain presenting in the emergency department, also during the pandemic. Beyond the evaluation of stents and surgical graft patency, the anatomical and functional coronary imaging have the potential to guide treatment decision-making and planning for complex left main and three-vessel coronary disease. Furthermore, there has been an increasing demand to use CCT for preinterventional planning in minimally invasive procedures, such as transcatheter valve implantation and mitral valve repair. Yet, the use of CCT as a roadmap for tailored electrophysiological procedures has gained increasing importance to assure maximum success. In the meantime, innovations and advanced postprocessing tools have generated new potential applications of CCT from the simple coronary anatomy to the complete assessment of structural, functional and pathophysiological biomarkers of cardiac disease. In this complex and revolutionary scenario, it is urgently needed to provide an updated guide for the appropriate use of CCT in different clinical settings. This manuscript, endorsed by the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC) and the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), represents the second of two consensus documents collecting the expert opinion of cardiologists and radiologists about current appropriate use of CCT.

Artificial Intelligence-Enabled ECG Algorithm for the Prediction of Coronary Artery Calcification

Coronary artery calcium (CAC), which can be measured in various types of computed tomography (CT) examinations, is a hallmark of coronary artery atherosclerosis. However, despite the clinical value of CAC scores in predicting cardiovascular events, routine measurement of CAC scores is limited due to high cost, radiation exposure, and lack of widespread availability. It would be of great clinical significance if CAC could be predicted by electrocardiograms (ECGs), which are cost-effective and routinely performed during various medical checkups. We aimed to develop binary classification artificial intelligence (AI) models that predict CAC using only ECGs as input. Moreover, we aimed to address the generalizability of our model in different environments by externally validating our model on a dataset from a different institution. Among adult patients, standard 12-lead ECGs were extracted if measured within 60 days before or after the CAC scores, and labeled with the corresponding CAC scores. We constructed deep convolutional neural network models based on residual networks using only the raw waveforms of the ECGs as input, predicting CAC at different levels, namely CAC score ≥100, ≥400 and ≥1,000. Our AI models performed well in predicting CAC in the training and internal validation dataset [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) 0.753 ± 0.009, 0.802 ± 0.027, and 0.835 ± 0.024 for the CAC score ≥100, ≥400, and ≥1,000 model, respectively]. Our models also performed well in the external validation dataset (AUROC 0.718, 0.777 and 0.803 for the CAC score ≥100, ≥400, and ≥1,000 model, respectively), indicating that our model can generalize well to different but plausibly related populations. Model performance in terms of AUROC increased in the order of CAC score ≥100, ≥400, and ≥1,000 model, indicating that higher CAC scores might be associated with more prominent structural changes of the heart detected by the model. With our AI models, a substantial proportion of previously unrecognized CAC can be afforded with a risk stratification of CAC, enabling initiation of prophylactic therapy, and reducing the adverse consequences related to ischemic heart disease.

Nonlaboratory-based risk assessment model for coronary heart disease screening: Model development and validation

BACKGROUND

Identifying groups at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is important to reduce mortality due to CHD. Although machine learning methods have been introduced, many require laboratory or imaging parameters, which are not always readily available; thus, their wide applications are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple, efficient, and joint machine learning model for identifying individuals at high risk of CHD using easily obtainable nonlaboratory parameters.

METHODS

This prospective study used data from the Henan Rural Cohort Study, which was conducted in rural areas of Henan Province, China, between July 2015 and September 2017. A joint machine learning model was developed by selecting and combining four base machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM). We used readily accessible variables, including demographics, medical and family history, lifestyle and dietary factors, and anthropometric data, to inform the model. The model was also externally validated by a cohort of individuals from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study. Model discrimination was assessed by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration was measured by using the Brier score (BS).

RESULTS

A total of 38 716 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.64[12.19] years; 23449[60.6%] female) from the Henan Rural Cohort Study and 17 958 subjects (mean [SD] age, 62.74 [7.59] years; 10,076 [56.1%] female) from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study were included in the analysis. Age, waist circumference, pulse pressure, heart rate, family history of CHD, education level, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and family history of dyslipidaemia were strongly associated with the development of CHD. In regard to internal validation, the model we built demonstrated good discrimination (AUC, 0.844 (95% CI 0.828-0.860)) and had acceptable calibration (BS, 0. 066). In regard to external validation, the model performed well with clearly useful discrimination (AUC, 0.792 (95% CI 0.774-0.810)) and robust calibration (BS, 0.069).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the novel and simple, machine learning-based model comprising readily accessible variables accurately identified individuals at high risk of CHD. This model has the potential to be widely applied for large-scale screening of CHD populations, especially in medical resource-constrained settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Register. (Trial registration: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699. Registered 6 July 2015 - Retrospectively registered) http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

Use of Coronary CT Angiography as a Screening Tool for Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Healthy Individuals or Patients

심장 돌연사 환자들은 종종 흉통 또는 운동성 호흡곤란 등의 전조증상이 나타나지 않기 때문에 잠재적인 무증상 관상동맥 질환을 조기에 발견하는 것이 매우 중요하다. 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술은 방사선 노출로 인한 위험성 때문에 무증상 환자에서 스크리닝 검사로 정당화되지 못했었지만 최근에 전산화단층촬영 기술의 비약적인 발전으로 방사선량을 1 mSv 미만으로 최소화함으로써 무증상 환자의 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사의 유용성에 대한 많은 연구가 진행되어 왔다. 그러나, 여전히 무증상 정상인 또는 환자의 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사에 대한 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술의 유용성에 대해서는 다양한 의견들이 있다. 이 종설에서는 무증상 정상인 또는 환자들에게 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사로 관상동맥 칼슘 점수와 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술 유용성에 대해서 다양한 문헌고찰을 통해서 알아보았다. 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술상 무증상 정상인의 2.6%에서 70% 이상의 유의한 관상동맥 협착이 발견되었고, 선별 목적의 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술이 무증상 건강한 사람의 미래의 심혈관 질환 발생을 예측할 수 있다. 그러나 현재 미국국립보건원에서 진행하고 있는 SCOT-HEART 2 연구가 끝나면 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술이 무증상 성인의 심혈관 예방에 선별 검사로 적절한지 결정을 내릴 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

The Miami Heart Study (MiHeart) at Baptist Health South Florida, A prospective study of subclinical cardiovascular disease and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic young and middle-aged adults: The Miami Heart Study: Rationale and Design

Objective

The Miami Heart Study (MiHeart) at Baptist Health South Florida is an ongoing, community-based, prospective cohort study aimed at characterizing the prevalence, characteristics, and prognostic value of diverse markers of early subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and of various potential demographic, psychosocial, and metabolic risk factors. We present the study objectives, detailed research methods, and preliminary baseline results of MiHeart.

Methods

MiHeart enrolled 2,459 middle-aged male and female participants from the general population of the Greater Miami Area. Enrollment occurred between May 2015 and September 2018 and was restricted to participants aged 40–65 years free of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). The baseline examination included assessment of demographics, lifestyles, medical history, and a detailed evaluation of psychosocial characteristics; a comprehensive physical exam; measurement of multiple blood biomarkers including measures of inflammation, advanced lipid testing, and genomics; assessment of subclinical coronary atherosclerotic plaque and vascular function using coronary computed tomography angiography, the coronary artery calcium score, carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and peripheral arterial tonometry; and other tests including 12-lead electrocardiography and assessment of pulmonary function. Blood samples were biobanked to facilitate future ancillary research.

Results

MiHeart enrolled 1,261 men (51.3%) and 1,198 women (48.7%). Mean age was 53 years, 85.6% participants were White and 47.4% were of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. The study included 7% individuals with diabetes, 33% with hypertension, and 15% used statin therapy at baseline. Overweight or obese participants comprised 72% of the population and 3% were smokers. Median 10-year estimated atherosclerotic CVD risk using the Pooled Cohort Equations was 4%.

Conclusion

MiHeart will provide important, novel insights into the pathophysiology of early subclinical atherosclerosis and further our understanding of its role in the genesis of clinical CVD. The study findings will have important implications, further refining current cardiovascular prevention paradigms and risk assessment and management approaches moving forward.

Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in the General Population

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Early detection of coronary atherosclerosis using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in addition to coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring, may help inform prevention strategies. We used CCTA to determine the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and its association with CAC scores in a general population.

Methods:

We recruited 30 154 randomly invited individuals age 50 to 64 years to SCAPIS (the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study). The study includes individuals without known coronary heart disease (ie, no previous myocardial infarctions or cardiac procedures) and with high-quality results from CCTA and CAC imaging performed using dedicated dual-source CT scanners. Noncontrast images were scored for CAC. CCTA images were visually read and scored for coronary atherosclerosis per segment (defined as no atherosclerosis, 1% to 49% stenosis, or ≥50% stenosis). External validity of prevalence estimates was evaluated using inverse probability for participation weighting and Swedish register data.

Results:

In total, 25 182 individuals without known coronary heart disease were included (50.6% women). Any CCTA-detected atherosclerosis was found in 42.1%; any significant stenosis (≥50%) in 5.2%; left main, proximal left anterior descending artery, or 3-vessel disease in 1.9%; and any noncalcified plaques in 8.3% of this population. Onset of atherosclerosis was delayed on average by 10 years in women. Atherosclerosis was more prevalent in older individuals and predominantly found in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Prevalence of CCTA-detected atherosclerosis increased with increasing CAC scores. Among those with a CAC score >400, all had atherosclerosis and 45.7% had significant stenosis. In those with 0 CAC, 5.5% had atherosclerosis and 0.4% had significant stenosis. In participants with 0 CAC and intermediate 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease according to the pooled cohort equation, 9.2% had CCTA-verified atherosclerosis. Prevalence estimates had excellent external validity and changed marginally when adjusted to the age-matched Swedish background population.

Conclusions:

Using CCTA in a large, random sample of the general population without established disease, we showed that silent coronary atherosclerosis is common in this population. High CAC scores convey a significant probability of substantial stenosis, and 0 CAC does not exclude atherosclerosis, particularly in those at higher baseline risk.

Sex-dependent correlates of arterial stiffness in Tanzanian adults

OBJECTIVE

Arterial stiffness is a known indicator for cardiovascular disease. However, the factors that lead to arterial stiffening have primarily been studied in participants from high-income countries. Here, we examine clinical and lifestyle metrics in relation to arterial stiffness in Tanzanian adults.

METHODS

We performed pulse wave velocity (PWV), the gold standard measure of arterial stiffness, on 808 Tanzanian adults (ages 18-65) enrolled in a longitudinal cohort studying trends in blood pressure.

RESULTS

As expected, PWV was strongly associated with age, blood pressure and sex. We controlled for these factors in our statistical analysis. Lifestyle metrics were compared across multiple PWV quantiles. We found that determinants of PWV varied by sex: in female participants, PWV was associated with common obesity metrics and menopause, while in male participants, PWV was associated with HIV status and duration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Further clinical and lifestyle factors such as marriage status and type of occupation were also significantly associated with PWV and moderated by sex.

CONCLUSION

Together, our data demonstrate the importance of studying sex-specific causal pathways for arterial stiffness and of including under-represented populations in these studies.

SIRM-SIC appropriateness criteria for the use of Cardiac Computed Tomography. Part 1: Congenital heart diseases, primary prevention, risk assessment before surgery, suspected CAD in symptomatic patients, plaque and epicardial adipose tissue characterization, and functional assessment of stenosis

In the past 20 years, Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) has become a pivotal technique for the noninvasive diagnostic work-up of coronary and cardiac diseases. Continuous technical and methodological improvements, combined with fast growing scientific evidence, have progressively expanded the clinical role of CCT. Recent large multicenter randomized clinical trials documented the high prognostic value of CCT and its capability to increase the cost-effectiveness of the management of patients with suspected CAD. In the meantime, CCT, initially perceived as a simple non-invasive technique for studying coronary anatomy, has transformed into a multiparametric "one-stop-shop" approach able to investigate the heart in a comprehensive way, including functional, structural and pathophysiological biomarkers. In this complex and revolutionary scenario, it is urgently needed to provide an updated guide for the appropriate use of CCT in different clinical settings. This manuscript, endorsed by the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) and by the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC), represents the first of two consensus documents collecting the expert opinion of Radiologists and Cardiologists about current appropriate use of CCT.

Cross-sectional study of aortic valve calcification and cardiovascular risk factors in older Danish men

OBJECTIVE

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), presumably sharing risk factors. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and extent of AVC in a large population of men aged 60-74 years and to assess the association between AVC and cardiovascular risk factors including CAC and biomarkers.

METHODS

Participants from the DANish CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DANCAVAS) with AVC and CAC scores and without previous valve replacement were included in the study. Calcification scores were calculated on non-contrast CT scans. Cardiovascular risk factors were self-reported, measured or both, and further explored using descriptive and regression analysis for AVC association.

RESULTS

14 073 men aged 60-74 years were included. The AVC scores ranged from 0 to 9067 AU, with a median AVC of 6 AU (IQR 0-82). In 8156 individuals (58.0%), the AVC score was >0 and 215 (1.5%) had an AVC score ≥1200. In the regression analysis, all cardiovascular risk factors were associated with AVC; however, after inclusion of CAC ≥400, only age (ratio of expected counts (REC) 1.07 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.09)), hypertension (REC 1.24 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.41)), obesity (REC 1.34 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.50)), known CVD (REC 1.16 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.31)) and serum phosphate (REC 2.25 (95% CI 1.66 to 3.10) remained significantly associated, while smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum calcium were not.

CONCLUSIONS

AVC was prevalent in the general population of men aged 60-74 years and was significantly associated with all modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but only selectively after adjustment for CAC ≥400 AU.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03946410 and ISRCTN12157806.

Coronary artery calcium score and risk of cardiovascular events without established coronary artery disease: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is an indicator of atherosclerosis, and the CAC score is a useful noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CAC > 0 versus CAC = 0 in asymptomatic and symptomatic population in patients without an established diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted until January 2018 for any cohort study reporting cardiovascular events in patients with CAC > 0 compared with absence of CAC.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies were included with 192 080 asymptomatic 32 477 symptomatic patients. At mean follow-up of 11 years, CAC > 0 was associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACE) compared to a CAC = 0 in asymptomatic arm [pooled risk ratio (RR) 4.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.91-5.63, P < 0.00001, I2 = 80%] and symptomatic arm (pooled RR 6.06, 95% CI 4.23-8.68, P < 0.00001, I2 = 69%). CAC > 0 was also associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in symptomatic population (pooled RR 7.94, 95% CI 2.61-24.17, P < 0.00001, I2 = 85%) and in asymptomatic population CAC > 0 was associated with higher all-cause mortality (pooled RR 3.23, 95% CI 2.12-4.93, P < 0.00001, I2 = 94%). In symptomatic population, revascularization in CAC > 0 was higher (pooled RR 15, 95% CI 6.66-33.80, P < 0.00001, I2 = 72) compared with CAC = 0. Additionally, CAC > 0 was associated with more revascularization in asymptomatic population (pooled RR 5.34, 95% CI 2.06-13.85, P = 0.0006, I2 = 93). In subgroup analysis of asymptomatic population by gender, CAC > 0 was associated with higher MACE (RR 6.39, 95% CI 3.39-12.84, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Absence of CAC is associated with low risk of cardiovascular events compared with any CAC > 0 in both asymptomatic and symptomatic population without coronary artery disease.

Role of coronary artery calcium score in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

First developed in 1990, the Agatston coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is an international guideline-endorsed decision aid for further risk assessment and personalized management in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review discusses key international studies that have informed this 30 year journey, from an initial coronary plaque screening paradigm to its current role informing personalized shared decision making. Special attention is paid to the prognostic value of a CAC score of zero (the so called "power of zero"), which, in a context of low estimated risk thresholds for the consideration of preventive therapy with statins in current guidelines, may be used to de-risk individuals and thereby inform the safe delay or avoidance of certain preventive therapies. We also evaluate current recommendations for CAC scoring in clinical practice guidelines around the world, and past and prevailing barriers for its use in routine patient care. Finally, we discuss emerging approaches in this field, with a focus on the potential role of CAC informing not only the personalized allocation of statins and aspirin in the general population, but also of other risk-reduction therapies in special populations, such as individuals with diabetes and people with severe hypercholesterolemia.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Asymptomatic Patient at Risk for Coronary Artery Disease: 2021 Update

Coronary atherosclerotic disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity due to major cardiovascular events in the United States and abroad. Risk stratification and early preventive measures can reduce major cardiovascular events given the long latent asymptomatic period. Imaging tests can detect subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and aid initiation of targeted preventative efforts based on patient risk. A summary of available imaging tests for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk asymptomatic patients is outlined in this document. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Detection of Subclinical Coronary Artery Lesions by Framingham Risk Score, Peripheral Artery Atheromatosis and Coronary Artery Calcium Score: A Pilot Study in Asymptomatic Individuals Living with HIV

The incidence of acute coronary events is increased among people living with HIV (PLWH), but there is no risk estimation score, nor a surrogate biomarker able to predict subclinical coronary artery disease (sCAD). We assessed the performance of: (i) Framingham risk score (FRMs), (ii) peripheral (carotid and femoral) artery atheromatosis, and (iii) coronary artery calcium (CACs) score, to detect the presence of sCAD, in PLWH. In a cohort of PLWH free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we measured sCAD and CACs by computed tomography, calculated FRMs, and assessed carotid/femoral plaques by ultrasound. In 56 participants (age: 49 ± 10 years, men: 88%, FRMs: 7.2 ± 6.9; mean number of carotid/femoral plaques: 1.4 ± 1.5; CACs >0 present in 59%, median CACs 0.9 [IQR 0-22]): (i) minimal sCAD (stenosis 1%-24%; present in 30%) and mild sCAD (25%-49%, 25%) were effectively detected by FRMs, number of plaques, and CACs [area under the curve (AUC) of CACs was better than that of both FRM and plaques, p < .05]; (ii) moderate sCAD (stenosis 50%-69%; present in 8.9%) was detected by number of plaques and CACs, but similar AUC (0.969 vs. 0.867, respectively, p = NS); and (iii) severe sCAD (70%-99%, present in only 3 [5.4%]) was detected only by CACs. A high prevalence of sCAD in asymptomatic PLWH free of CVD was detected; CACs is a highly efficient biomarker to detect all grades of sCAD, however, the number of carotid/femoral plaques combined is also a very promising-lower cost and radiation free-surrogate biomarker. Future, larger studies are needed to verify these results.

Association and Prediction of Subclinical Atherosclerosis by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Asymptomatic Patients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing in the general population. This study evaluated the association between NAFLD and significant coronary stenosis in asymptomatic adults and evaluated sex-based differences.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study in participants without previous cardiovascular diseases who visited the Seoul National University Hospital Health Promotion Center for a health checkup between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. NAFLD was diagnosed on sonography, while coronary artery stenosis (CAS) was assessed on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

RESULTS

We obtained 3,693 participants who met the inclusion criteria, and 3,449 of them had no significant stenosis. Among the participants with significant stenosis, the prevalence of NAFLD was 59.4% (145 patients). The prevalence of NAFLD was 47.26% in male participants, which was higher than that in female participants. The association between NAFLD and significant CAS persisted after adjusting for age, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, and Framingham risk factors. The correlation between NAFLD and significant coronary stenosis appeared to be stronger in women than in men, but the absolute risk was higher in men than in women.

CONCLUSION

NAFLD was strongly associated with CAS. We should be alert about an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with NAFLD and more intensively provide primary prevention by performing tests to detect subclinical atherosclerosis.

Coronary Artery Disease Screening Using CT Coronary Angiography

BACKGROUND: The increased utility of CT coronary angiography (CTCA) in cardiovascular screenings of aircrew has led to the increased detection of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). A systematic review of studies relevant to the interpretation of CTCA for the occupational fitness assessment of high-risk vocations was performed, with findings used to describe the development of a pathway for the aeromedical disposition of military aviators with asymptomatic CAD.METHODS: Medline was searched using the terms CT coronary angiogram and screening and prognosis. The inclusion criteria were restricted to study populations ages > 18 yr, were asymptomatic, were not known to have CAD, had undergone CTCA, and with their associations with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and other relevant cardiac outcomes reported.RESULTS: Included in this systematic review were 10 studies. When compared to subjects with no or nonobstructive CAD, those with obstructive CAD on CTCA had hazard ratios (HR) for cardiac events ranging from 1.42 to 105.48. Comparing subjects with nonobstructive CAD and those without CAD on CTCA, a lower HR of 1.19 for cardiac events was found. The annual event rates of subjects with no CAD on CTCA were extremely low, ranging from 0 to 0.5%.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, we suggest that CTCA should only be performed in aircrew with higher cardiac risk profiles. Those found to have no CAD or minimal CAD (i.e., 25% stenosis) in a non-left main coronary artery on CTCA can be returned to flying duties. All other results should be further evaluated with an invasive angiogram.Cheong RWL, See B, Tan BBC, Koh CH. Coronary artery disease screening using CT coronary angiography. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(10):812817.

Prospective Screening of Extracranial Systemic Arteriopathy in Young Adults with Moyamoya Disease

Background

RNF213 is a major susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease (MMD), characterized by chronic progressive steno‐occlusion of the intracranial arteries. However, coincidental extracranial arteriopathy is sporadically described in a few cases and in children with MMD.

Methods and Results

This study prospectively enrolled 63 young adults (aged 20–49 years) without a known history of systemic vascular diseases who were confirmed to have definite (bilateral, n=54) or probable (unilateral, n=9) MMD, as per typical angiographic findings. Coronary and aorta computed tomography angiography was performed to characterize extracranial arteriopathy and investigate its correlation with clinical characteristics and MMD status, including the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variation (c.14429G>A, rs112735431). Altogether, 11 of 63 patients (17%) had significant (>50%) stenosis in the coronary (n=6), superior mesenteric (n=2), celiac (n=2), renal (n=1), and/or internal iliac artery (n=1). One patient showed both mesenteric and iliac artery stenosis. Patients with extracranial arteriopathy were more likely to have diabetes mellitus and posterior cerebral artery involvement. Moreover, a higher prevalence of extracranial arteriopathy was observed in the presence of the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant (67% in homozygotes). After controlling for diabetes mellitus and posterior cerebral artery involvement, the p.Arg4810Lys variant was independently associated with extracranial arteriopathy (additive model; P=0.035; adjusted odds ratio, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.11–27.20).

Conclusions

Young adults with MMD may have concomitant extracranial arteriopathy in various locations. Patients with RNF213 variants, especially the p.Arg4810Lys homozygous variant, should be screened for systemic arteriopathy.

Prognostic significance of subtle coronary calcification in patients with zero coronary artery calcium score: From the CONFIRM registry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) may fail to identify small or less dense coronary calcification that can be detected on coronary CT angiography (CCTA). We investigated the prevalence and prognostic importance of subtle calcified plaques on CCTA among individuals with CACS 0.

METHODS

From the prospective multicenter CONFIRM registry, we evaluated patients without known CAD who underwent CAC scan and CCTA. CACS was categorized as 0, 1-10, 11-100, 101-400, and >400. Patients with CACS 0 were stratified according to the visual presence of coronary plaques on CCTA. Plaque composition was categorized as non-calcified (NCP), mixed (MP) and calcified (CP). The primary outcome was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) which was defined as death and myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

Of 4049 patients, 1741 (43%) had a CACS 0. NCP and plaques that contained calcium (MP or CP) were detected by CCTA in 110 patients (6% of CACS 0) and 64 patients (4% of CACS 0), respectively. During a 5.6 years median follow-up (IQR 5.1-6.2 years), 413 MACE events occurred (13%). Patients with CACS 0 and MP/CP detected by CCTA had similar MACE risk compared to patients with CACS 1-10 (p = 0.868). In patients with CACS 0, after adjustment for risk factors and symptom, MP/CP was associated with an increased MACE risk compared to those with entirely normal CCTA (HR 2.39, 95% CI [1.09-5.24], p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

A small but non-negligible proportion of patients with CACS 0 had identifiable coronary calcification, which was associated with increased MACE risk. Modifying CAC image acquisition and/or scoring methods could improve the detection of subtle coronary calcification.

Atherogenic index of plasma and the risk of advanced subclinical coronary artery disease beyond traditional risk factors: An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Atherogenic lipoprotein profile of plasma is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been suggested as a novel marker for atherosclerosis.

HYPOTHESIS

AIP is a useful marker of advanced subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) in subjects without overt renal dysfunction.

METHODS

A total of 6928 subjects with estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/minutes/1.73 m² evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for health check-up were included. The relation of AIP to advanced CAD (heavy coronary calcification, defined as coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >100 or obstructive coronary plaque [OCP], defined as plaque with >50% stenosis) was evaluated.

RESULTS

All participants were stratified into four groups based on AIP quartiles. The prevalence of CACS >100 (group I [lowest] 4.7% vs group II 7.0% vs group III 8.8% vs group IV 10.0%) and OCP (group I 3.7% vs group II 6.4% vs group III 8.8% vs group IV 10.9%) (all P < .001) increased with elevating AIP quartiles. Higher AIP (per 0.1 unit increase) was associated with an increased risk of CACS >100 (odds ratio [OR] 1.057, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.010 to 1.106, P = .017; relative risk (RR) 1.048, 95% CI 1.009-1.089, and P = .015) and OCP (OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.033-1.127, P = .001; RR 1.069, 95% CI 1.031-1.108, P < .001) after adjusting for age > 60 years, male sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, obesity, and proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

AIP is independently associated with advanced subclinical CAD beyond traditional risk factors.

Assessment and management of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is commonly observed in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Significant variability exists across institutions for strategies used for CAD diagnosis and its management. The heart team often relies upon traditional practice patterns and the decision for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is influenced by patient, angiographic, operator, and system-related factors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Contemporary coronary tomography angiography (CTA) shows significant promise for detection of clinically important CAD and preliminary data support CTA use for TAVR patients. The prognostic implications of CAD in a TAVR population remain unclear with studies showing conflicting data for the benefits of PCI. Recent trials show that medical management is an effective initial treatment strategy for stable CAD, a finding likely also applicable for asymptomatic and stable TAVR patients. In addition, PCI performed pre-TAVR, concomitant with TAVR or after TAVR has been shown to produce similar outcomes. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is mandated after PCI but associated with increased risk of bleeding in TAVR population with accumulating evidence for single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) post-TAVR unless DAPT or anticoagulation is indicated for another reason.

SUMMARY

Although coronary angiography remains the predominant modality for CAD assessment, CTA is increasingly being used in TAVR patients. There is limited evidence to guide CAD management in TAVR patients with significant variability in practice patterns. Medical therapy is recommended for asymptomatic and stable CAD patients with applicability for TAVR population. Despite prior concerns, recent studies suggest successful coronary access post-TAVR and similar outcomes for PCI offered pre-TAVR, concomitant with TAVR and post-TAVR settings. Safety of DAPT should be an important consideration for PCI in TAVR patients. Ongoing studies will determine the preferred testing for CAD diagnosis, benefit of revascularization, timing of PCI, and optimum antithrombotic therapy for TAVR populations.

Prognostic Value of Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Identified by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

Identifying coronary artery disease (CAD) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients improves risk stratification and defines clinical management. However, the value of screening for subclinical CAD with cardiac CT in AF patients is unknown. Between 2011 and 2015, 94 consecutive patients without known or suspected CAD (66 (57-73) years, 68% male), who were referred for AF evaluation, underwent a noncontrast-enhanced coronary calcium scan and a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) at our center. We retrospectively evaluated the coronary calcium score, the prevalence of obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis) determined by CCTA, compared clinical management and 5-year outcome in patients with and without obstructive CAD on CCTA, and examined the potential impact of a coronary calcium score and obstructive CAD on CCTA as a manifestation of vascular disease on the CHA2Ds2VASc score and for the cardiovascular risk stratification of AF patients. The median coronary calcium score was 57 (0-275) and 24 patients (26%) had obstructive CAD on CCTA. At baseline, patients with obstructive CAD more often used statins than those without obstructive CAD (54% vs 26%, p = 0.011). After a median clinical follow-up of 2.4 (0.5-4.5) years, patients with obstructive CAD more frequently used oral anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drugs, statins, angiotensin-II-receptor blockers and/or angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, and less often used class I antiarrhythmic drugs than patients without obstructive CAD (all p <0.050). After a median follow-up of 5.7 (4.8-6.8) years, mortality was higher in patients with obstructive CAD than in those without obstructive CAD (29% vs 11%, log-rank test: p = 0.034). Implementation of a coronary calcium score and/or obstructive CAD on CCTA elevated the CHA2Ds2VASc score and cardiovascular risk stratification in 42 patients (p <0.001) and 47 patients (p = 0.006), respectively. In conclusion, we observed a high prevalence of obstructive CAD on CCTA in AF patients without known or suspected CAD. AF patients with obstructive CAD were managed differently and had a worse prognosis than those without obstructive CAD. Cardiac CT could enhance cardiovascular risk stratification of AF patients.

Visit-to-visit variability in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with adverse events in non-obstructive coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

A higher visit-to-visit variability in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with an increased frequency of cardiovascular events. We investigated the association between the visit-to-visit LDL-C variability and all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and coronary revascularization in a population with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

From this retrospective cohort of individuals who underwent coronary angiography from 2006 to 2010, a total of 2.012 consecutive patients with non-obstructive CAD, who underwent three or more LDL-C determinations during the first 2 years, were identified and followed up for 5 years. The variability in the visit-to-visit LDL-C was measured by standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV). The risk of all-cause mortality and composite endpoints, MI, and coronary revascularization were evaluated by a multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

During a 5-year follow-up, a total of 99 (4.92%) mortality cases and 154 (7.65%) cases of composite endpoints were observed. The percentage of subjects who experienced mortality or composite endpoints was higher in those with a higher LDL-C-SD or LDL-C-CV level. The association between the LDL-C variability and clinical endpoints was regardless of possible confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Among the patients with non-obstructive CAD, a higher visit-to-visit LDL-C variability is associated with increasing all-cause mortality or composite endpoints during the long-term follow-up.

Predictors of Severe or Moderate Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Individuals with Extremely Low Coronary Calcium Scores

PURPOSE

To evaluate predictors of severe or moderate coronary artery disease (CAD) in individuals with zero or very low (<10) coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 1175 asymptomatic persons with zero or very low (<10) CAC scores were analyzed for CAD stenosis using coronary computed tomography angiography. Moderate and severe CADs were defined as having more than 50% and more than 70% stenosis in any of the major coronary arteries, respectively. Age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, lipid profile, creatinine, and smoking status were evaluated as predictors for moderate and severe CAD.

RESULTS

In the study population, moderate and severe CADs were found in 7.5% and 3.3%, respectively. Among evaluated risk factors, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.07, p<0.001], current smoking status (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.82-5.34, p<0.001), and CAC 1-9 (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08-3.00, p=0.024) were significantly associated with moderate CAD. Meanwhile, age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08, p=0.003), low high density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99, p=0.003), and current smoking status (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.14-5.30, p=0.022) were found to be significantly associated with severe CAD. Improvement of discrimination power for predicting severe CAD was observed when smoking and HDL cholesterol were serially added into the age model.

CONCLUSION

Smoking showed significant correlations with moderate or severe CAD, and low HDL cholesterol also proved to be a predictor of severe CAD in asymptomatic individuals with extremely low CAC scores.

Associations between coronary artery stenosis detected by coronary computed tomography angiography and the characteristics of health checkup examinees in the Republic of Korea

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted on healthy adults without a diagnosis related to cardiovascular disease to investigate the associations between asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis and the characteristics of health checkup examinees.

METHODS

This study was performed on 601 people (320 males and 281 females), who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), among health checkup examinees from January 2, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Those with any prior history of cardiovascular diseases, underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or coronary artery stenting in the past, those with atrial fibrillation, those suspected of contrast agent side effects, and those whose creatinine levels deviated from the normal range were excluded.

RESULTS

The mean age was 58.7 ± 8.0 years. Coronary artery stenosis was detected in 173 people (28.8%), and the mean coronary artery stenosis rate was 25.8 ± 12.8%. Regression analysis showed that coronary artery stenosis was influenced significantly by age, gender, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), past smoking duration, current smoking duration, and number of glasses of alcohol consumed (p < 0.05). In terms of the relationship between the presence of coronary artery stenosis and lifestyle habits, amount of alcohol consumed per day (p = 0.03), and patients with a longer period of past (p < 0.001) and current smoking duration (p = 0.01) had a significant effect on coronary artery stenosis.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that men aged 60 years or older, who have consumed large amounts of alcohol and cigarettes for a long time, require continuous management through tests such as a health checkup, because of the high probability of coronary artery stenosis, even in those without specific symptoms.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of obstructive coronary artery disease beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in non-diabetic individuals

AIMS

The relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the severity of coronary artery disease beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the primary target of cholesterol-lowering therapy, remains uncertain. We evaluated the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and obstructive coronary artery disease using parameters of any obstructive plaque, obstructive plaque in the left main coronary artery or proximal left anterior descending artery, and obstructive plaque in multi-vessels, according to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 5130 asymptomatic non-diabetics who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography for general health examination. Obstructive plaque was defined as a plaque with ≥50% luminal diameter stenosis. The participants were divided into three groups based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of ≤129, 130-159, and ≥160 mg/dl. The prevalence of any obstructive plaque (5.9% vs 6.4% vs 10.6%) and obstructive plaque in the left main coronary artery or proximal left anterior descending artery (2.1% vs 2.1% vs 4.3%) significantly increased with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol category (all p < 0.05). Compared with subjects with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≥40 mg/dl, those with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <40 mg/dl had a significantly higher prevalence of any obstructive plaque (10.4% vs 5.1%), obstructive plaque in the left main coronary artery or proximal left anterior descending artery (3.6% vs 1.8%), and obstructive plaque in multi-vessels (4.3% vs 1.1%), only in the group with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≤129 mg/dl (all p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with a reduced risk of all obstructive coronary artery disease parameters only in the group with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≤129 mg/dl (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were independently associated with a lower risk of obstructive coronary artery disease in asymptomatic non-diabetics with low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Pulse Wave Velocity in Atherosclerosis

Early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis is important to reduce patients' cardiovascular risk. However, current diagnostic strategy focusing on traditional risk factors or using risk scoring is not satisfactory. Non-invasive imaging tools also have limitations such as cost, time, radiation hazard, renal toxicity, and requirement for specialized techniques or instruments. There is a close interaction between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Increased luminal pressure and shear stress by arterial stiffening causes endothelial dysfunction, accelerates the formation of atheroma, and stimulates excessive collagen production and deposition in the arterial wall, leading to the progression of atherosclerosis. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), the most widely used measure of arterial stiffness, has emerged as a useful tool for the diagnosis and risk stratification of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The measurement of PWV is simple, non-invasive, and reproducible. There have been many clinical studies and meta-analyses showing the association between PWV and coronary/cerebral/carotid atherosclerosis. More importantly, longitudinal studies have shown that PWV is a significant risk factor for future CVD independent of well-known cardiovascular risk factors. The measurement of PWV may be a useful tool to select subjects at high risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis or CVD especially in mass screening.

Pulse Wave Velocity in Atherosclerosis

Early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis is important to reduce patients' cardiovascular risk. However, current diagnostic strategy focusing on traditional risk factors or using risk scoring is not satisfactory. Non-invasive imaging tools also have limitations such as cost, time, radiation hazard, renal toxicity, and requirement for specialized techniques or instruments. There is a close interaction between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Increased luminal pressure and shear stress by arterial stiffening causes endothelial dysfunction, accelerates the formation of atheroma, and stimulates excessive collagen production and deposition in the arterial wall, leading to the progression of atherosclerosis. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), the most widely used measure of arterial stiffness, has emerged as a useful tool for the diagnosis and risk stratification of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The measurement of PWV is simple, non-invasive, and reproducible. There have been many clinical studies and meta-analyses showing the association between PWV and coronary/cerebral/carotid atherosclerosis. More importantly, longitudinal studies have shown that PWV is a significant risk factor for future CVD independent of well-known cardiovascular risk factors. The measurement of PWV may be a useful tool to select subjects at high risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis or CVD especially in mass screening.

Incremental prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography over coronary calcium scoring for major adverse cardiac events in elderly asymptomatic individuals

Aims

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) have prognostic value for coronary artery disease (CAD) events beyond traditional risk assessment. Age is a risk factor with very high weight and little is known regarding the incremental value of CCTA over CAC for predicting cardiac events in older adults.

Methods and results

Of 27 125 individuals undergoing CCTA, a total of 3145 asymptomatic adults were identified. This study sample was categorized according to tertiles of age (cut-off points: 52 and 62 years). CAD severity was classified as 0, 1–49, and ≥50% maximal stenosis in CCTA, and further categorized according to number of vessels ≥50% stenosis. The Framingham 10-year risk score (FRS) and CACS were employed as major covariates. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as a composite of all-cause death or non-fatal MI. During a median follow-up of 26 months (interquartile range: 18–41 months), 59 (1.9%) MACE occurred. For patients in the top age tertile, CCTA improved discrimination beyond a model included FRS and CACS (C-statistic: 0.75 vs. 0.70, P-value = 0.015). Likewise, the addition of CCTA improved category-free net reclassification (cNRI) of MACE in patients within the highest age tertile (e.g. cNRI = 0.75; proportion of events/non-events reclassified were 50 and 25%, respectively; P-value <0.05, all). CCTA displayed no incremental benefit beyond FRS and CACS for prediction of MACE in the lower age tertiles.

Conclusion

CCTA provides added prognostic value beyond cardiac risk factors and CACS for the prediction of MACE in asymptomatic older adults.

Plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels increase with ectopic fat accumulation and its receptor levels are decreased in the visceral fat of patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel metabolic regulator that has beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. However, plasma FGF21 levels are paradoxically increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, suggesting resistance to this ligand. FGF21 acts mainly on adipose tissue and ectopic fat accumulation is a typical feature in metabolic deterioration such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between FGF21 resistance and ectopic fat accumulation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects who underwent 64-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) were enrolled (n=190). Plasma FGF21 levels and MDCT data of ectopic fats at various sites were analyzed. Human visceral and subcutaneous fat tissues from abdominal and coronary artery bypass surgery were obtained. FGF21 receptor expression and postreceptor signaling in different fat deposits of both control and T2DM subjects were analyzed.

RESULTS

Plasma FGF21 levels were significantly associated with body mass index, triglyceride, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and Matsuda index. Plasma FGF21 levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM than in the pre-diabetes and normal glucose tolerance groups. The ectopic fat phenotypes (visceral, epicardial, intrahepatic, and intramuscular fat) of T2DM were significantly higher than controls. Plasma FGF21 levels were elevated and exhibited a strong positive correlation with ectopic fat accumulation in T2DM. The expression of genes comprising the FGF21 signaling pathway was also lower in visceral fat than in subcutaneous fat in this disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Human FGF21 resistance in T2DM could result from increases in FGF21-resistant ectopic fat accumulation. Our study provides novel clinical evidence linking FGF21 resistance and T2DM pathogenesis.

Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging: Emergence of a Powerful Tool for Early Identification of Cardiovascular Risk in People Living With HIV

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been pivotal in prolonging the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, this also simultaneously increases their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) either related to ART, aging, hypertension, immunosenescence, inflammation, immune activation, or other comorbidities. Although the use of risk markers has greatly enhanced the field of cardiovascular (CV) medicine and improved the prognosis and early diagnosis in the general population, this strategy has not been clearly elucidated in PLWH. Developing accurate risk algorithms for PLWH requires an innate understanding of mechanistic factors influencing their risks. Early identification of CV risk will significantly enhance the prospects of PLWH living longer and relatively healthily. Herein, we discuss the use of multimodality noninvasive CV imaging as robust markers for ameliorating CV risk. The ability to prognosticate CV risk and hence prevent CV events in PLWH would represent an important advance in CV medicine, allowing precise detection and early institution of preventative strategies. Using novel CV imaging modalities and strategies would have a positive impact on precision medicine in this patient cohort.

Long-term risk of cardiovascular events after detecting silent coronary atheromatosis using computed tomography

BACKGROUND

Coronary calcium score (CCS) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) assessments using multidetector computed tomography are invaluable for atheromatosis screening. We studied their usefulness in cardiovascular risk assessments, and compared evaluations using the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm with those from CTA and CSS assessments in terms of their ability to predict cardiovascular events in Mediterranean patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and sixty-six asymptomatic patients whose mean age was 55.4 years, 89.5% of whom were men, were evaluated using CTA and CCS and followed for more than 10 years. The CTA and CCS risk predictions were compared with those determined using the SCORE algorithm designed for low-risk populations.

RESULTS

Coronary lesions were present in 140 (53.4%) patients. Of the lesions, 17% were noncalcified, 17% were mixed, and 66% were calcified; in addition, 24.2% of the patients who had lesions had cardiovascular events during follow-up (P<0.00001), but just 2.9% of the patients without lesions. Detection of atheromatosis using computed tomography was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events at more than 10 years [odds ratio (OR): 6.828; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.001-23.305; P=0.002]. This OR was higher than that obtained for intermediate-risk individuals (OR: 4.818; 95% CI: 1.360-17.075; P=0.015) and lower than that determined for high-risk individuals (OR: 9.395; 95% CI: 2.489-35.460; P=0.001) using the SCORE algorithm, and higher that that determined for CCS assessments (OR: 3.916; 95% CI: 1.572-9.751; P=0.03). More cardiovascular events were associated with higher amounts of calcium.

CONCLUSION

The detection of atheromatosis using the CCS and CTA was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events at more than 10 years. CTA and CCS assessments had a higher OR than that associated with assessments of patients at intermediate risk using the SCORE algorithm.

Subtotal Occlusion of Left Anterior Coronary Artery in a Professional Athlete

Screening for cardiovascular disease in athletes is crucial to avoid life-threatening complications. Here, we present the case of a fairly asymptomatic young professional soccer player with several cardiovascular risk factors, who proved to have significant coronary artery disease on coronary computed tomography which was ordered based on clinical suspicion and his family history. Informed consent for publication was obtained from the patient.

Predictive value of coronary computed tomography angiography in asymptomatic individuals with diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) is generally not established as a screening tool for asymptomatic individuals. However, it is controversial whether this test may have a role for screening asymptomatic individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in this subgroup.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and EMBASE through May 2017 for studies that reported on the association between findings at coronary CTA and future cardiac events in asymptomatic individuals with DM. Summary hazard ratios for the presence of obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis), presence of non-obstructive plaque (<50% stenosis), segment involvement score, and segment stenosis score were derived using a random effects regression model. I² was calculated to quantify between-study heterogeneity and causing factors were identified using meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies reporting on 5012 individuals with DM (median age: 62.3 years, median proportion of women: 40.5%) were included in the analysis. The presence of obstructive CAD on coronary CTA (vs. non-obstructive or no CAD) was associated with a significantly elevated risk for adverse events (summary HR: 4.07, 95% CI: 2.30 to 7.21). The estimated summary HR for non-obstructive plaque (vs. no CAD) was 2.17 (95% CI: 1.11 to 4.25). The pooled HRs per unit for segment stenosis score and segment involvement score were 1.44 (95% CI: 0.98 to 2.12), and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.07 to 2.80) respectively. On meta-regression analysis, we observed a trend towards a higher risk estimate in studies with a higher proportion of females (p = 0.1063).

CONCLUSION

The presence and extent of CAD on coronary CTA are strong, independent predictors of cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals with DM despite heterogeneity between studies in endpoints, study population and length of follow-up.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease in Asymptomatic Subjects With Advanced Vascular Atherosclerosis of the Carotid Artery (Type III and IV b Findings Using Ultrasound) and Risk Factors

Background

A study was conducted as to whether the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease in asymptomatic subjects with advanced atherosclerosis of the carotid artery which additionally shows at least one risk factor is successful using ultrasound technology.

Methods

Within the scope of an occupational screening program using subjects from diverse employment sectors, people were given the opportunity to determine their risk of heart attack. During the study the total plaque area (TPA), the maximum plaque thickness in the carotid artery and the PROCAM-Scores of 3,748 healthy men and 2,260 healthy women between the ages of 20 and 64 years were determined. During the subsequent follow-up study 94 subjects sickened. An ultrasound examination of the carotid artery of 79 patients revealed a type III or IV b finding. In a pilot study 33 asymptomatic subjects with a type III or IV b finding in the ultrasound examination were assessed using a computed tomography (CT) coronary angiogram. Additional 10 asymptomatic subjects were examined independently to undergo further cardiac examinations.

Results

In the final analysis only five patients had entirely smooth coronary arteries, six had coronary sclerosis, eight had a 30% stenosis, one had a 30-50% stenosis and 23 patients had a stenosis ≥ 50%; and in extreme case, a left main coronary artery stenosis with three-vessel disease.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic subjects with advanced atherosclerosis of the carotid artery (type III and type IV b findings) had a high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Early treatment of the disease improves the patient's prognosis. A screening consisting in the combination of TPA measurement and determining the maximum plaque thickness is recommended.