Incident Myocardial Infarction and Very Late Stent Thrombosis in Outpatients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Comparison of Incidence and Prognostic Impact of Ischemic, Major Bleeding and Heart Failure Events in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the CORONOR Registry

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the residual risk in patient with chronic coronary syndrome is challenging in daily practice. Several types of events (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, bleeding, and heart failure [HF]) may occur, and their impact on subsequent mortality is unclear in the era of modern evidence-based pharmacotherapy.

METHODS

CORONOR (Suivi d'une cohorte de patients Coronariens stables en région Nord-pas-de-Calais) is a prospective multicenter cohort that enrolled 4184 consecutive unselected outpatients with chronic coronary syndrome. We analyzed the incidence, correlates, and impact of ischemic events (a composite of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke), major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or higher), and hospitalization for HF on subsequent patient mortality.

RESULTS

During follow-up (median, 4.9 years), 677 patients (16.5%) died. The 5-year cumulative incidences (death as competing event) of ischemic events, major bleeding, and HF hospitalization were 6.3% (5.6%-7.1%), 3.1% (2.5%-3.6%), and 8.1% (7.3%-9%), respectively. Ischemic events, major bleeding, and HF hospitalization were each associated with all-cause mortality. Major bleeding and hospitalization for HF were associated with the highest mortality rates in the postevent period (42.4%/y and 34.7%/y, respectively) compared with incident ischemic events (13.1%/y). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 3.57 (95% CI, 2.77-4.61), 9.88 (95% CI, 7.55-12.93), and 8.60 (95% CI, 7.15-10.35) for ischemic events, major bleeding, and hospitalization for HF, respectively (all P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalization for HF has become both the most frequent and one of the most ominous events among patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Although less frequent, major bleeding is strongly associated with worse patient survival. Secondary prevention should not be limited to preventing ischemic events. Minimizing bleeding and preventing HF may be at least as important.

Time-Dependent Risk for Recurrence in Survivors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of the population with a history of an occlusive cardiovascular event has been increasing in recent years, which means that a large number of patients will have a higher risk of presenting a fatal recurrence. The aim is to determine variables associated with time-to-recurrent cardiovascular events and analyze how changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels during follow-up may be associated with this time-to-event.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective observational cohort study of 727 adults with a history of at least one occlusive cardiovascular event recruited at a referral hospital in northeastern Colombia. Data from a follow-up period of a maximum of 33 months (median 26 months) (one death) were used to define how clinical and sociodemographic variables impact the recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Analyses were performed based on proportional hazard models and time-dependent hazard models.

RESULTS

Upon enrollment, 215 (30%) of the participants reported experiencing their most recent cardiovascular event within the preceding year. After two years, the recurrence rate was 12.38% (90/727). The risk of recurrence before two years was 3.9% (95% CI 2.7-5.6). In the multiple models, the presence of severe depression gives a Hazard Ratio of 8.25 (95% CI 2.98-22.86) and LDL ≥120 md/dl Hazard Ratio of 2.12 (95% CI 1.2 -3.9). It was found that LDL >120 mg/dl maintained over time increases the chances of recurrence by 1.7% (Hazard Ratio: 1.017, 95% CI 0.008-0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study allows us to identify a profile of patients who should be treated promptly in an interdisciplinary manner to avoid recurrences of coronary events.

Evolution of drug-eluting coronary stents: a back-and-forth journey from the bench-to-bedside

Coronary stents have revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease. Compared with balloon angioplasty, bare-metal stents effectively prevented abrupt vessel closure but were limited by in-stent restenosis due to smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia. The first-generation drug-eluting stent (DES), with its antiproliferative drug coating, offered substantial advantages over bare-metal stents as it mitigated the risk of in-stent restenosis. Nonetheless, they had several design limitations that increased the risk of late stent thrombosis. Significant advances in stent design, including thinner struts, enhanced polymers' formulation, and more potent antiproliferative agents, have led to the introduction of new-generation DES with a superior safety profile. Cardiologists have over 20 different DES types to choose from, each with its unique features and characteristics. This review highlights the evolution of stent design and summarizes the clinical data on the different stent types. We conclude by discussing the clinical implications of stent design in high-risk subsets of patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Ultra Short-Duration Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A Meta analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is required after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to reduce stent thrombosis, but DAPT increases bleeding risks. The optimal duration of DAPT that provides the maximum protective ischemic effect along with the minimum bleeding risk is unclear. This is the first meta-analysis comparing outcomes for 1-month versus longer DAPT strategies following PCI.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases (from inception to October 2021) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared 1-month duration versus > 1-month duration of DAPT following PCI. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The co-primary outcomes for study selection were all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and stent thrombosis. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular mortality, ischemic stroke and target vessel revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of five RCTs were included [n=29,355; 1-month DAPT(n=14,662) vs > 1-month DAPT (n=14,693)]. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of all-cause mortality (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.78-1.03; p = 0.12) and stent thrombosis (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.80-1.43; p = 0.65). Similarly, there were no significant differences in MI, cardiovascular mortality, ischemic stroke, and target vessel revascularization. The rate of major bleeding was significantly lower in the group treated with DAPT for 1-month (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.56-0.99, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

There is no difference in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MI, stent thrombosis, ischemic stroke and target vessel revascularization with 1-month of DAPT following PCI with contemporary drug eluting stents compared to longer DAPT duration.

Very long-term outcomes of older adults with stable coronary artery disease (from the CORONOR study)

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on stable coronary artery disease (CAD) in the very elderly. The present study aimed to investigate incident cardiovascular events and mortality in older adults (≥85 years) included in a multicenter registry on stable CAD.

METHODS

A long-term follow-up was performed in 198 patients ≥85 years with stable CAD, free from myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary revascularization within the year. The median age was 87 years. Clinical events during the follow-up period [death, MI, ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization and hospitalization for heart failure (HF)] were centrally adjudicated.

RESULTS

There were 164 deaths during follow-up. The cumulative risk of all-cause death was 9.1% at 1 year, 53.9% at 5 years and 85.5% at 10 years. The cause of death was adjudicated as cardiovascular in 64 patients with death from HF in 36 patients. Male gender, previous hospitalization for HF and an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were independently associated with all-cause death. Ten-year cumulative incidences of MI, ischemic stroke and coronary revascularization were low (6.6, 7.7 and 6.6%, respectively). By contrast, the 10-year cumulative incidence of hospitalization for HF was high (27.8%).

CONCLUSION

The 10-year mortality of elderly patients with stable CAD is very high. While ischemic events are relatively unfrequent, HF events are frequent and represent the most common cause of cardiovascular death in this population. Prevention and management of HF are important goals for physicians in charge of older adults with stable CAD.

Persistence of uncontrolled hypertension post-cardiac rehabilitation in stable coronary patients

In stable coronary heart disease, uncontrolled risk factors are strongly associated with incident myocardial infarction. We analysed the management of hypertension in 746 stable coronary patients recruited between 2005 and 2015 in a single-centre prospective study. Risk factors and pharmacological treatments were documented prior to and immediately after cardiac rehabilitation, and 1 year later. One year post-cardiac rehabilitation, all cardiovascular risk factors were significantly better controlled with the notable exception of hypertension: blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg in 60% of the total population vs 49% (N = 450) of hypertensive patients (20% or 10%, according to the ACC/AHA 2017 or ESH/ESC guidelines, respectively). Of those who had achieved normotension by the end of cardiac rehabilitation, 42% had uncontrolled hypertension again 1 year later; in addition, body weight had increased, while physical activity and antihypertensive drug use had dropped (differences between controlled or uncontrolled hypertension at 1 year post-cardiac rehabilitation, NS). Three factors were correlated with BP elevations: discontinuation of betablockade: +7.9 mmHg; age >65 years: +6.2 mmHg; diabetes mellitus: +7.6 mmHg. Only 48% hypertensive patients were on guideline-recommended antihypertensive polytherapy. Although 28% were still hypertensive post-cardiac rehabilitation, and hypertension remained uncontrolled in 70% 1 year later, 61% antihypertensive prescriptions were not adjusted post-cardiac rehabilitation. One year post-cardiac rehabilitation, hypertension was the only cardiovascular risk factor that had not improved. This can be attributed to three main reasons, all associated with BP elevations: precipitous reduction in betablockade, physicians' inertia when faced with uncontrolled hypertension and lack of adherence to international guidelines.

Long-term outcomes of chronic coronary syndrome worldwide: insights from the international CLARIFY registry

Aims

Over the last decades, the profile of chronic coronary syndrome has changed substantially. We aimed to determine characteristics and management of patients with chronic coronary syndrome in the contemporary era, as well as outcomes and their determinants.

Methods and results

Data from 32 703 patients (45 countries) with chronic coronary syndrome enrolled in the prospective observational CLARIFY registry (November 2009 to June 2010) with a 5-year follow-up, were analysed. The primary outcome [cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI)] 5-year rate was 8.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.7–8.3] overall [male 8.1% (7.8–8.5); female 7.6% (7.0–8.3)]. A cox proportional hazards model showed that the main independent predictors of the primary outcome were prior hospitalization for heart failure, current smoking, atrial fibrillation, living in Central/South America, prior MI, prior stroke, diabetes, current angina, and peripheral artery disease. There was an interaction between angina and prior MI (P = 0.0016); among patients with prior MI, angina was associated with a higher primary event rate [11.8% (95% CI 10.9–12.9) vs. 8.2% (95% CI 7.8–8.7) in patients with no angina, P < 0.001], whereas among patients without prior MI, event rates were similar for patients with [6.3% (95% CI 5.4–7.3)] or without angina [6.4% (95% CI 5.9–7.0)], P > 0.99. Prescription rates of evidence-based secondary prevention therapies were high.

Conclusion

This description of the spectrum of chronic coronary syndrome patients shows that, despite high rates of prescription of evidence-based therapies, patients with both angina and prior MI are an easily identifiable high-risk group who may deserve intensive treatment.

Clinical registry

ISRCTN43070564

Clinical outcomes following ST-elevation myocardial infarction secondary to stent thrombosis treated by percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical outcomes of patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) secondary to stent thrombosis (ST) compared to those presenting with STEMI secondary to a de novo culprit lesion and treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

ST is an infrequent but serious complication of PCI with substantial associated morbidity and mortality, however with limited data.

METHODS

We studied consecutive patients who underwent PCI for STEMI from 2005 to 2013 enrolled prospectively in the Melbourne Interventional Group registry. Patients were divided into two groups: the ST group comprised patients where the STEMI was due to ST and the de novo group formed the remainder of the STEMI cohort and all patients were treated by PCI. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Compared to the de novo group (n = 3,835), the ST group (n = 128; 3.2% of STEMI) had higher rates of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, established cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease, all p < .01. Within the ST group, very-late ST was the most common form of ST, followed by late and early ST (64, 19, and 17%, respectively). There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the ST group and the de novo group (4.7 vs. 7.1%, p = .29). On multivariate analysis, ST was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.07-1.09, p = .068).

CONCLUSION

The short-term prognosis of patients with STEMI secondary to ST who were treated by PCI was comparable to that of patients with STEMI due to de novo lesions.

Real-Life Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Outpatients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background: The risk, correlates, and consequences of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) are largely unknown. Methods and results: We analyzed incident AF during a 3-year follow-up in 5031 CAD outpatients included in the prospective multicenter CARDIONOR registry and with no history of AF at baseline. Incident AF occurred in 266 patients (3-year cumulative incidence: 4.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1 to 5.3)). Incident AF was diagnosed during cardiology outpatient visits in 177 (66.5%) patients, 87 of whom were asymptomatic. Of note, 46 (17.3%) patients were diagnosed at time of hospitalization for heart failure, and a few patients (n = 5) at the time of ischemic stroke. Five variables were independently associated with incident AF: older age (p < 0.0001), heart failure (p = 0.003), lower left ventricle ejection fraction (p = 0.008), history of hypertension (p = 0.010), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.033). Anticoagulant therapy was used in 245 (92%) patients and was associated with an antiplatelet drug in half (n = 122). Incident AF was a powerful predictor of all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.47 to 2.83; p < 0.0001) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.88 to 4.43; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In CAD outpatients, real-life incident AF occurs at a stable rate of 1.6% annually and is frequently diagnosed in asymptomatic patients during cardiology outpatient visits. Anticoagulation is used in most cases, often combined with antiplatelet therapy. Incident AF is associated with increased mortality.

Coronary Stent Thrombosis- Predictors and Prevention

BACKGROUND

Stent thrombosis (ST) is a dreaded complication after stent implantation and is associated with a mortality between 5% and 45%. The mechanisms by which ST arises are complex. Because of the seriousness of this situation, all phy - sicians should have at least basic knowledge of it. In this article, we present the risk factors for ST and discuss some innovative approaches to its treatment.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, and on current international guidelines and expert recommendations.

RESULTS

The frequency of ST has been markedly lowered by technical advances in coronary stenting and by the implementation of modern implantation techniques, including the introduction of coverage with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Both patient-related risk factors and procedural aspects can elevate the risk of ST. The independent risk factors for ST include premature termination of DAPT (hazard ratio [HR] 26.8; 95% confidence interval [8.4; 85.4]; p <0.0001), malignant disease (odds ratio [OR]: 17.45; [4.67; 65.26]; p <0.0001), and diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.14; [1.33; 7.45]; p = 0.0093). In comparison to angiographically guided procedures, the use of intracoronary imaging techniques in patients with acute coronary syndrome lowers the frequency of ST (0.6% versus 1.2%; p = 0.005). These techniques enable the detection of many findings in the coronary arteries that are associated with the development of ST. In such cases, countermeasures such as secondary stent dilatation or prolongation of DAPT can help prevent ST.

CONCLUSION

As the pathophysiology of ST is multifactorial, research in this area presents a special challenge. Prospective clinical trials will be needed to determine whether the systematic use of imaging techniques can lower the frequency of ST.

A scoring system to predict the occurrence of very late stent thrombosis following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome

We aimed to derive and validate an effective risk score to identify high-risk patients of very late stent thrombosis (VLST), following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Stepwise multivariable Cox regression was used to build the risk model using data from 5,185 consecutive ACS patients treated with PCI (derivation cohort) and 2,058 patients from the external validation cohort. Eight variables were independently associated with the development of VLST: history of diabetes mellitus, previous PCI, acute myocardial infarction as admitting diagnosis, estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 ml/min/1.73 m², three-vessel disease, number of stents per lesion, sirolimus-eluting stent, and no post-dilation. Based on the derived score, patients were classified into low- (≤7), intermediate- (8-9), and high- (≥10) risk categories. Observed VLST rates were 0.5%, 2.2%, and 8.7% and 0.45%, 2.3%, and 9.3% across the 3 risk categories in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. High discrimination (c-statistic = 0.80 and 0.82 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively) and excellent calibration were observed in both cohorts. VLST risk score, a readily useable and efficient tool to identify high-risk patients of VLST after PCI for ACS, may aid in risk-stratification and pre-emptive decision-making.

Prognostic value of the GRACE discharge score for predicting the mortality of patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVES

To assess the predictive value of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) discharge score for patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

The GRACE score is widely used for predicting the mortality of acute coronary syndrome patients. However, the predictive value of SCAD has not been sufficiently studied.

METHODS

We studied 4,293 consecutive patients with SCAD who underwent PCI between January 2013 and December 2013. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

RESULTS

Among 3,915 patients with SCAD following PCI, there were 38 deaths and 394 MACCE during 2 years of follow-up. The GRACE discharge score was significantly higher for patients who died than for those who survived (86.97 ± 23.27 vs. 71.07 ± 19.84; p < .001). Risk stratification of the GRACE score indicated that the mortality risk of the intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were 3.23-fold (hazard ratio [HR], 3.23; range, 1.59-6.55; p = .001) and 15.31-fold higher (HR, 15.31; range, 4.43-51.62; p < .001), respectively, than that of the low-risk group. The MACCE risk for the intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were 1.28-fold (HR, 1.28; range, 1.02-1.62; p = .037) and 2.42-fold higher (HR, 2.42; range, 1.20-4.88; p = .014), respectively. The GRACE discharge score had prognostic value for mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.692; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The GRACE discharge score is valuable for the risk stratification of death and MACCE, as well as for the prognosis to mortality for SCAD patients who have undergone PCI.

Medical Therapy for Long-Term Prevention of Atherothrombosis Following an Acute Coronary Syndrome: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heightened predisposition to atherothrombotic events may persist for years. Advances in understanding the pathobiology that underlies this elevated risk furnish a mechanistic basis for devising long-term secondary prevention strategies. Recent progress in ACS pathophysiology has challenged the focus on single "vulnerable plaques" and shifted toward a more holistic consideration of the "vulnerable patient," thus highlighting the primacy of medical therapy in secondary prevention. Despite current guideline-directed medical therapy, a consistent proportion of post-ACS patients experience recurrent atherothrombosis due to unaddressed "residual risk": contemporary clinical trials underline the pivotal role of platelets, coagulation, cholesterol, and systemic inflammation and provide a perspective on a personalized, targeted approach. Emerging data sheds new light on heretofore unrecognized residual risk factors. This review aims to summarize evolving evidence relative to secondary prevention of atherothrombosis, with a focus on recent advances that promise to transform the management of the post-ACS patient.

Stable atypical chest pain with negative anatomical or functional diagnostic test: Diagnosis no matter what or prevention at any cost?

Background

Approximately 1% to 2% of patients with stable atypical chest pain (SACP) experienced a major coronary event, even after a negative functional or anatomical test.

Methods

Over the past 15 years, 1706 patients with SACP evaluated in our clinics underwent functional stress testing or coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA). In these patients, we also assessed the presence of three major modifiable lifestyle‐related risk factors (cigarette smoking, low intake of fruit and vegetables, and physical inactivity). Patients were stratified according to the presence of at least one risky lifestyle factor or no risky lifestyle factors. Functional or anatomical tests were positive in 170 patients (10%). We followed the remaining 1536 patients with negative tests for 1 year to evaluate the incidence of major coronary events.

Results

The percentage of patients reporting major coronary events was 1.2% in the group with risky lifestyles and 0.2% in the non‐risky lifestyle group (P < .01). Events were more common in smokers.

Conclusions

Patients with SACP, when functional or anatomical tests are negative, have a residual risk of fatal and non‐fatal cardiovascular events of 1% at 1 year of follow‐up. People with incorrect lifestyles, especially smokers, have a higher risk of events. We think that in this population, a more effective intervention on lifestyles could be the key to reduce major cardiovascular events.

Five-year results of the complete versus culprit vessel percutaneous coronary intervention in multivessel disease using drug-eluting stents II (CORRECT II) study: a prospective, randomised controlled trial

Objectives/background

In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) the decision whether to treat a single culprit vessel or to perform multivessel revascularisation may be challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV-PCI) versus culprit vessel only (CV-PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease or non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

In this dual-centre, prospective, randomised study a total 215 patients with MVD were randomly assigned to MV-PCI or CV-PCI. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularisation. Secondary endpoints were the combined endpoint of death or MI, the individual components of the primary endpoint, and the occurrence of stent thrombosis. Patients were followed up to 5 years after enrolment.

Results

The occurrence of the primary endpoint was similar at 28% versus 31% in the MV-PCI and CV-PCI group, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–1.44, p = 0.59). The rate of repeat revascularisation was 15% versus 24% (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.11, p = 0.11), whereas definite or probable stent thrombosis occurred in 2% versus 0% (p = 0.44).

Conclusions

In this randomised study comparing the strategies for MV-PCI and CV-PCI in patients with MVD, no difference was found in the occurrence of MACE after 5 years. We observed a numerically higher rate of death or MI and a lower rate of repeat revascularisation after MV-PCI, although these findings were not statistically significant.

EROSION Study (Effective Anti-Thrombotic Therapy Without Stenting: Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Management in Plaque Erosion): A 1-Year Follow-Up Report

BACKGROUND

The initial EROSION study (Effective Anti-Thrombotic Therapy Without Stenting: Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Management in Plaque Erosion) demonstrated that patients with acute coronary syndrome caused by plaque erosion might be stabilized with aspirin and ticagrelor without stenting for ≤1 month. However, a long-term evaluation of outcomes is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess whether the initial benefit of noninterventional therapy for patients with acute coronary syndrome caused by plaque erosion is maintained for ≤1 year.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 53 patients who completed clinical follow-up, 49 underwent repeat optical coherence tomography imaging at 1 year. Median residual thrombus volume decreased significantly from 1 month to 1 year (0.3 mm³ (0.0-2.0 mm³] versus 0.1 mm³ [0.0-2.0 mm³]; P=0.001). Almost half of the patients (46.9%) had no residual thrombus at 1 year. Minimal effective flow area remained unchanged (2.1 mm² [1.5-3.8 mm²] versus 2.1 mm² [1.6-4.0 mm²]; P=0.152). Among 53 patients, 49 (92.5%) remained free from major adverse cardiovascular event for ≤1 year: 3 (5.7%) patients required revascularization because of exertional angina and 1 (1.9%) patient had gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

One-year follow-up optical coherence tomography demonstrated a further decrease in thrombus volume between 1-month and 1-year follow-up. A majority (92.5%) of patients with acute coronary syndrome caused by plaque erosion managed with aspirin and ticagrelor without stenting remained free of major adverse cardiovascular event for ≤1 year.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02041650.

International Validation of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Risk Score for Secondary Prevention in Post-MI Patients: A Collaborative Analysis of the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium and the Risk Validation Scientific Committee

BACKGROUND

The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Risk Score for Secondary Prevention (TRS2°P), a 0-to-9-point system based on the presence/absence of 9 clinical factors, was developed to classify the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (a composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke) among patients with a recent myocardial infarction. Its performance has not been examined internationally outside of a clinical trial setting.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated the performance of TRS2°P for predicting MACE in 53 599 patients with recent myocardial infarction in 5 international cohorts from New Zealand, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States participating in the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium. Overall, there were 19 444 cases of MACE across 5 cohorts over a mean follow-up of 5 years, and the overall MACE rate ranged from 5.0 to 18.4 (per 100 person-years). The TRS2°P showed modest calibration (Brier score ranged from 0.144 to 0.173) and discrimination (C-statistics >0.61 in all studies except 1 from Korea with 0.55) across cohorts relative to its original Brier score of 0.098 and C-statistic of 0.67 in the derived data set. Although there was some heterogeneity across cohorts, the 9 predictors in the TRS2°P were generally associated with higher MACE risk, with strongest associations observed (meta-analyzed adjusted hazard ratio 1.6-1.7) for history of heart failure, age ≥75 years, and prior stroke, followed by peripheral artery disease, kidney dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (hazard ratio 1.3-1.4). Prior coronary bypass graft surgery and smoking did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio ≈1.1).

CONCLUSIONS

TRS2°P, a simple scoring system with 9 routine clinical factors, was modestly predictive of secondary events when applied in patients with recent myocardial infarction from diverse clinical and geographic settings.

Accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to rule out significant coronary artery disease in patients with systolic heart failure of unknown aetiology: Single-centre experience and comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of systolic heart failure (HF). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a non-invasive technique that detects a myocardial infarction scar as subendocardial or transmural late gadolinium enhancement (st-LGE).

AIM

We sought to evaluate whether a lack of st-LGE could rule out CAD in new-onset systolic HF of unknown aetiology.

METHODS

We included 232 consecutive patients with new-onset HF and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% who underwent both coronary angiography and CMR to assess HF aetiology. CAD was defined as the presence of coronary artery stenosis≥50% on a coronary angiogram. We assessed sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR) of the presence of st-LGE to detect underlying CAD. A complementary meta-analysis of 11 studies (including ours) was also performed.

RESULTS

In our study, 49 (21.1%) patients had CAD. The sensitivity and specificity of the presence of st-LGE to detect CAD were 69 and 92%, respectively. PLR and NLR were 8.47 and 0.33, respectively. In the meta-analysis, 1227 patients were included, and the prevalence of CAD ranged from 19.2 to 68.3%. Sensitivity, specificity, PLR and NLR were 87% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.92), 93% (95% CI 0.89-0.96), 12.91 (95% CI 7.70-21.64) and 0.14 (95% CI 0.09-0.22), respectively. Altogether, 55 patients presented CAD with no st-LGE; inversely, 75 patients presented st-LGE with no CAD.

CONCLUSION

With a CMR specificity of 93%, the absence of st-LGE rules out significant underlying CAD in patients with systolic HF of unknown aetiology in most cases.

Elective Coronary Revascularization Procedures in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Incidence, Determinants, and Outcome (From the CORONOR Study)

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to describe the incidence, determinants, and outcome of elective coronary revascularization (ECR) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

BACKGROUND

Observational data are lacking regarding the practice of ECR in patients with stable CAD receiving modern secondary prevention.

METHODS

The authors analyzed coronary revascularization procedures performed during a 5-year follow-up in 4,094 stable CAD outpatients included in the prospective multicenter CORONOR (Suivi d'une cohorte de patients COROnariens stables en région NORd-Pas-de-Calais) registry.

RESULTS

Secondary prevention medications were widely prescribed at inclusion (antiplatelet agents 96.4%, statins 92.2%, renin-angiotensin system antagonists 81.8%). A total of 481 patients underwent ≥1 coronary revascularization procedure (5-year cumulative incidences of 3.6% [0.7% per year] for acute revascularizations and 8.9% [1.8% per year] for ECR); there were 677 deaths during the same period. Seven baseline variables were independently associated with ECR: prior coronary stent implantation (p < 0.0001), absence of prior myocardial infarction (p < 0.0001), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.0001), lower age (p < 0.0001), multivessel CAD (p = 0.003), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.005), and absence of treatment with renin-angiotensin system antagonists (p = 0.020). Main indications for ECR were angina associated with a positive stress test (31%), silent ischemia (31%), and angina alone (25%). The use of ECR had no impact on the subsequent risk of death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke (hazard ratio: 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.76 to 1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

These real-life data show that ECR is performed at a rate of 1.8% per year in stable CAD patients widely treated by secondary medical prevention. ECR procedures performed in patients without noninvasive stress tests are not rare. Having an ECR was not associated with the risk of ischemic adverse events.

Association of Diabetic Status and Glycemic Control With Ischemic and Bleeding Outcomes in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: The 5-Year CORONOR Registry

Background

The relation between diabetes mellitus, glycemic control, and ischemic and bleeding events is poorly described in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease receiving modern secondary prevention.

Methods and Results

The multicenter CORONOR (Suivi d'une cohorte de patients Coronariens stables en région Nord‐pas‐de‐Calais) registry enrolled 4184 outpatients with stable coronary artery disease, including 1297 patients (31%) with diabetes mellitus. A recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was available for 1146 diabetic patients, and 48% had HbA1c ≥7%. We analyzed 5‐year ischemic (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium ≥3) outcomes, according to diabetic status and glycemic control. When compared with nondiabetic patients, the ischemic risk was higher in diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–1.93) but not in diabetic patients with HbA1c <7% (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83–1.36). Diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7% were at higher risk than diabetic patients with HbA1c <7% (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09–1.98). When compared with nondiabetic patients, the bleeding risk was higher in diabetic patients, with HbA1c <7% (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04–2.67) and in those with HbA1c ≥7% (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.07–2.86). No difference in bleeding risk was observed between diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7% versus those with HbA1c <7%. Similar results were obtained when adjusted for baseline characteristics.

Conclusions

The 5‐year increased risk of ischemic events in patients with stable coronary artery disease with diabetes mellitus was restricted to those with HbA1c ≥7%. By contrast, the increase in bleeding risk associated with diabetes mellitus was observed in patients with HbA1c ≥7% and in patients with HbA1c <7%. The level of HbA1c should be taken into account for future research and may help physicians to manage prolonged antithrombotic therapies in this high‐risk subgroup.

Incidence and determinants of cerebrovascular events in outpatients with stable coronary artery disease

Introduction

There are limited data on cerebrovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease. To study the risk of cerebrovascular event, the relative proportion of ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage, and their prognostic factors in stable coronary artery disease are investigated.

Patients and methods

The CORONOR registry prospectively recruited, between February 2010 and April 2011, 4184 unselected stable coronary artery disease outpatients. All events occurring during a five-year follow-up were adjudicated.

Results

Ninety-six patients had an ischaemic stroke and 34 had an intracranial haemorrhage, reaching a cumulative incidence after five years of 3.2 (2.7-3.8)%. During the same period, 677 deaths and 170 myocardial infarctions (ST-elevation MI, n = 55; non-ST-elevation MI, n = 115) occurred. In elderly individuals, the number of cerebrovascular events was higher than that of myocardial infarctions and largely exceeded that of ST-elevation myocardial infarctions. Predictors of ischaemic stroke were: previous history of stroke (subhazard ratio (SHR)=3.16(1.95-5.14)), absence of statin therapy at inclusion (SHR = 2.45(1.47-4.10), increasing age (SHR = 1.45(1.16-1.82) per 10-year increase) and diabetes mellitus (SHR = 1.65(1.10-2.49)). Predictors of intracranial haemorrhage were: combination of vitamin K antagonists with an antiplatelet agent at inclusion (SHR = 5.41(2.49-11.75), single antiplatelet therapy as reference), and increasing age (SHR = 1.47(1.12-1.93) per 10-year increase).

Discussion

In stable coronary artery disease patients, the brain deserves attention. In patients at high risk of ischaemic stroke, secondary prevention could be intensified. Our results raise awareness of the hazard of the association of antiplatelet drugs with oral anticoagulants in stable coronary artery disease patients.

Conclusion

While improving the prevention of future vaso-occlusive events should be our ultimate goal in coronary artery disease patients, the net clinical benefit of our treatments should carefully be studied.

Reaching low-density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment targets in stable coronary artery disease: Determinants and prognostic impact

BACKGROUND

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction is an integral part of the management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

AIMS

To assess attainment of LDL-C goals during long-term treatment of patients with stable CAD, and to determine predictors of goal attainment and the prognostic impact of reaching LDL-C<70mg/dL (1.8mmol/L) in a real-life setting.

METHODS

Data were obtained for 4080 outpatients with stable CAD included in the multicentre CORONOR study. Five-year follow-up was achieved for 3991 (97.8%) patients.

RESULTS

At inclusion, a recent (<1 year) measurement of LDL-C was available in 3757 (92.1%) patients. LDL-C<70mg/dL was reached by 885 (23.6%) patients. Independent predictors of LDL-C<70mg/dL were diabetes mellitus, statin treatment, treatment with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, previous myocardial infarction and short time since last coronary event. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the composite endpoint (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke or coronary revascularization) during the 5-year follow-up was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.58; P=0.004) for LDL-C≥70mg/dL versus<70mg/dL. When compared with patients with LDL-C<70mg/dL, the adjusted HRs for LDL-C 70-99mg/dL and ≥100mg/dL (2.6mmol/L) were 1.27 (95% CI: 1.05-1.55; P=0.016) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.12-1.70; P=0.003), respectively. When LDL-C was used as a continuous variable, the adjusted HRs for increases of 10mg/dL (0.3mmol/L) and 1mmol/L were 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03-1.08) and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.10-1.33), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this observational study, only a minority of stable CAD patients had LDL-C<70mg/dL. The patients who reached their LDL-C goal had the lowest risk of cardiovascular events.

Predictors of Incomplete Occlusion following Pipeline Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms: Is It Less Effective in Older Patients?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Flow diversion with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is associated with a high rate of aneurysm occlusion. However, clinical and radiographic predictors of incomplete aneurysm occlusion are poorly defined. In this study, predictors of incomplete occlusion at last angiographic follow-up after PED treatment were assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive aneurysms treated with the PED between 2009 and 2016, at 3 academic institutions in the United States, was performed. Cases with angiographic follow-up were selected to evaluate factors predictive of incomplete aneurysm occlusion at last follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified 465 aneurysms treated with the PED; 380 (81.7%) aneurysms (329 procedures; median age, 58 years; female/male ratio, 4.8:1) had angiographic follow-up, and were included. Complete occlusion (100%) was achieved in 78.2% of aneurysms. Near-complete (90%-99%) and partial (<90%) occlusion were collectively achieved in 21.8% of aneurysms and defined as incomplete occlusion. Of aneurysms followed for at least 12 months (211 of 380), complete occlusion was achieved in 83.9%. Older age (older than 70 years), nonsmoking status, aneurysm location within the posterior communicating artery or posterior circulation, greater aneurysm maximal diameter (≥21 mm), and shorter follow-up time (<12 months) were significantly associated with incomplete aneurysm occlusion at last angiographic follow-up on univariable analysis. However, on multivariable logistic regression, only age, smoking status, and duration of follow-up were independently associated with occlusion status.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete occlusion following PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms can be influenced by several factors related to the patient, aneurysm, and treatment. Of these factors, older age (older than 70 years) and nonsmoking status were independent predictors of incomplete occlusion. While the physiologic explanation for these findings remains unknown, identification of factors predictive of incomplete aneurysm occlusion following PED placement can assist in patient selection and counseling and might provide insight into the biologic factors affecting endothelialization.

Long-term prognostic impact of left ventricular remodeling after a first myocardial infarction in modern clinical practice

Background

The association of left ventricular remodeling (LVR) after myocardial infarction (MI) with the subsequent risk of heart failure (HF) and death has not been studied in patients receiving optimal secondary prevention.

Methods and results

We performed a long-term clinical follow-up of patients included in 2 prospective multicentric studies on LVR after first anterior MI. At 1-year echocardiography, LVR (≥20% increase in end-diastolic volume from baseline to 1 year) occurred in 67/215 (31%) patients in cohort 1 and in 87/226 (38%) patients in cohort 2. The prescription rate of secondary prevention medications was very high (ß-blockers at 1 year: 90% and 95% for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARB) at 1 year: 93% and 97% for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively). Median clinical follow-up after LVR assessment was 11.0 years in cohort 1 and 7.8 years in cohort 2. In both cohorts, LVR patients had a progressive increase in the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF (p = 0.0007 in cohort 1 and 0.009 in cohort 2) with unadjusted hazard ratios of 2.52 [1.45–4.36] and 2.52 [1.23–5.17], respectively. Similar results were obtained when cardiovascular death was considered as an isolated endpoint. After adjustement on baseline characteristics including ejection fraction, the association with the composite endpoint was unchanged.

Conclusion

In a context of a modern therapeutic management with a large prescription of evidence-based medications, LVR remains independently associated with HF and cardiovascular death at long-term follow-up after MI.

[Stent thrombosis: what's up in 2017?]

Stent thrombosis (ST) is still a dreadful and threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a high risk of morbi-mortality. Nevertheless, it becomes exceptional (0.6% at 1 year and 0.15%/year later) thanks to improvement of stents and use of new P2Y12 inhibitors. Endo-coronary imaging and especially Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) change radically its understanding with revealing quiet systematic morphologic endoluminal abnormalities (97% of the cases). OCT becomes an essential tool in practice (ESC recommendation class IIa) and allows a therapeutic strategy optimization. Its prevention is based on mechanical causes correction and a personalized adaptation of anti-platelet treatment.