Non-atherosclerotic causes of acute coronary syndromes

Coronary Artery Spasm: From Physiopathology to Diagnosis

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a reversible vasoconstriction of normal or atherosclerotic epicardial coronary arteries with a subsequent reduction in myocardial blood flow, leading to myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmias, or even sudden death. It is an entity that should be recognized based on a particular clinical presentation. Numerous differences exist between CAS and obstructive coronary disease in terms of mechanisms, risk factors, and therapeutic solutions. The gold standard for CAS diagnosis is represented by transitory and reversible occlusion of the coronary arteries at spasm provocation test, which consists of an intracoronary administration of Ach, ergonovine, or methylergonovine during angiography. The pathophysiology of CAS is not fully understood. However, the core of CAS is represented by vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, with a circadian pattern. The initiating event of this contraction may be represented by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, or autonomic nervous system unbalance. Our study explores the intricate balance of these factors and their clinical relevance in the management of CAS.

Non-atherosclerotic coronary causes of myocardial infarction in women

Ischemic heart disease is the most common cardiovascular cause of death in women worldwide. Obstructive coronary atherosclerosis is the primary cause of myocardial infarction (MI), however, non-atherosclerotic mechanisms of MI, such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection, vasospasm, microvascular dysfunction, embolization, inflammation, coronary anomalies, infectious and infiltrative causes are increasingly being recognized. Emerging data suggest that women are two to five times more likely to have an MI in the absence of coronary atherosclerosis compared to men, but they continue to remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, partly due to underdiagnosis and limited understanding of these mechanisms. Recent advancements in invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques and physiological testing allow for distinguishing these mechanisms from each other, providing a definitive diagnosis and tailored treatment. This review summarizes the existing literature on the non-atherosclerotic coronary causes of MI with a focus on evidence pertaining to women, offering a basis for future studies.

Spontaneous Coronary Dissection Review: A Complex Picture

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) represents a quite rare event but with potentially serious prognostic implications. Meanwhile, SCAD typically presents as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite the majority of SCAD presentation being characterized by typical ACS signs and symptoms, young age at presentation with an atypical atherosclerotic risk factor profile is responsible for late medical contact and misdiagnosis. The diagnostic algorithm is similar to that for ACS. Low-risk factors prevalence and young age would push toward non-invasive imaging (such as coronary computed tomography (CT)); instead, the gold standard diagnostic exam for SCAD is an invasive coronary angiography (ICA) due to its increased sensitivity and disease characterization. Moreover, intravascular imaging (IVI) improves ICA diagnostic performance, confirming the diagnosis and clarifying the disease mechanism. A SCAD-ICA classification recognizes four angiographic appearances according to lesion extension and features (radiolucent lumen, long and diffuse narrowing, focal stenosis, and vessel occlusion). Concerning its management, the preferred approach is conservative due to the high rates of spontaneous healing in the first months and the low rate of revascularization success (high complexity percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with dissection/hematoma extension risk). Revascularization is recommended in the presence of high-risk features (such as left main or multivessel involvement, hemodynamic instability, recurrent chest pain, or ST elevation). The first choice is PCI; coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is considered only if PCI is not feasible or too hazardous according to the operators' and centers' experience. Medical therapy includes beta blockers in cases of ventricular dysfunction; however, no clear data are available about antiplatelet treatment because of the supposed risk of intramural hematoma enlargement. Furthermore, screening for extracardiac arthropathies or connective tissue diseases is recommended due to the hypothesized association with SCAD. Eventually, SCAD follow-up is important, considering the risk of SCAD recurrence. Considering the young age of patients with SCAD, subsequent care is essential (including psychological support, also for relatives) with the aim of safe and complete reintegration into a non-limited everyday life.

Coronary Artery Vasculitis and Encasement: Multimodality Imaging Findings and Mimics

Coronary artery vasculitis (CAV) and coronary artery encasement are rarely diagnosed conditions that are important diagnostic considerations, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndrome without traditional cardiovascular risk factors or systemic illness. Vasculitis refers to inflammation of the blood vessel walls, which can be primary or secondary. This process should be distinguished from neoplastic involvement of the coronary arteries, termed coronary artery encasement. Prospective diagnosis of these diseases is challenging, often requiring multidisciplinary workup with careful attention to clinical presentation and multiorgan findings. While CAV and coronary artery encasement can be indistinguishable at coronary CT angiography, certain imaging features help order the differential diagnosis. CAV should be considered when there is smooth wall thickening that is circumferential and/or continuous. A diagnosis of coronary artery encasement is favored when there is irregular or nodular wall thickening that is eccentric to the vessel lumen. Epicardial fat stranding may also appear more extensive compared with CAV. Potential mimics of CAV include atherosclerosis, acute plaque rupture, coronary artery aneurysm, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Detection and diagnosis of CAV may help avoid complications related to accelerated atherosclerosis and infarction. Radiologists should be familiar with the range of pathologic conditions that can affect the coronary arteries beyond atherosclerosis as they may be the first to raise such diagnostic possibilities, guiding next steps in patient workup and management. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Spontaneous multivessel coronary artery dissection associated with microaneurysms in a young women with thyroiditis background: Unusual case report

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition that is frequently under-recognized. It has been connected to several triggers and predisposing factors. Interestingly, hypothyroidism has been linked to a higher likelihood of arterial dissections. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who was admitted for acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography revealed signs of SCAD affecting the distal left anterior descending artery and the right ventricular branch. Additionally, microaneurysms were detected in the distal circumflex artery, the main septal artery, and a branch of the distal right coronary artery. During her hospitalization, a goiter was identified, and further evaluation confirmed autoimmune thyroiditis. The patient was managed with conservative treatment. A follow-up angiogram 6 months later showed that the previously dissected coronary segments and microaneurysms had regressed. This case highlights the possible role of hypothyroidism in increasing risk of SCAD and possibly microaneurysms which has been suggested in only isolated cases in the literature. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of a conservative treatment approach for this condition.

MINOCA: A Pathophysiological Approach of Diagnosis and Treatment-A Narrative Review

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a clinical entity characterized by the absence of significant coronary artery obstruction in epicardial arteries (<50%) on coronary angiography in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This article aims to provide a narrative review of the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and prognosis associated with MINOCA based on pathophysiology regarding the atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic causes. Etiological factors, including thromboembolism, coronary artery spasm, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary microvascular disease, and supply-demand mismatch, are addressed. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography, advances in coronary angiography like intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are also analyzed. MINOCA patients have a better short-term prognosis compared to those with obstructive coronary artery disease but face significant long-term risks, underscoring the need for precise diagnosis and management strategies. Elevated inflammatory markers and specific genetic predispositions are also associated with adverse outcomes in MINOCA. This review focused on MINOCA from a pathophysiological perspective on the diverse underlying mechanisms, the challenges in achieving accurate diagnosis, the importance of a tailored therapeutic approach and the necessity for further investigation of clinical outcomes.

The contemporary management and coronary angioplasty outcomes in young patients with ST-Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) age < 40 years old: the insight from nationwide Thai PCI registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the major causes of death around the world in which ST elevation MI (STEMI) is in the lead. Although the mortality rate from STEMI seems to decline, this result might not be demonstrated in young adults who basically have different baseline characteristics and outcomes compared with older patients.

METHODS

Data of the STEMI patients aged 18 years or older who underwent PCI during May 2018 to August 2019 from Thai PCI Registry, a prospective, multi-center, nationwide study, was included and aimed to investigate the predisposing factors and short-term outcomes of patients aged < 40 years compared with age 41-60, and > 61 years.

RESULTS

Data of 5,479 STEMI patients were collected. The patients' mean age was 62.6 (SD = 12.6) years, and 73.6% were males. There were 204, 2,154, and 3,121 patients in the youngest, middle, and oldest groups. The young patients were mainly male gender (89.2% vs. 82.4% and 66.6%; p < 0.001), were current smokers (70.6%, 57.7%, 34.1%; p < 0.001), had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 more frequently (60.8%, 44.1%, 26.1%; p < 0.001), and had greater family history of premature CAD (6.9%, 7.2%, 2.9%; p < 0.001). The diseased vessel in the young STEMI patients was more often single vessel disease with the highest percentage of proximal LAD stenosis involvement. Interestingly, there were trends of higher events of procedural failure (2.9%, 2.1%, 3.3%; p = 0.028) and procedural complications (8.8%, 5.8%, 9.4%; p < 0.001) in both youngest and oldest groups compared to the middle-aged group. In-hospital death was found in 3.4% in the youngest group compared to 3.3% in the middle-aged patients and 9.2% in the older patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite experiencing higher rates of procedural failure and complications during treatment compared to middle-aged and older patients, young STEMI individuals demonstrate a significantly lower risk of death during hospitalization and within one year of the event. Younger patients might have a more robust physiological reserve or benefit from more aggressive post-procedure management. However, the higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors like smoking and obesity in younger individuals underscores the need for preventative measures. Encouraging smoking cessation and weight control in this demographic is crucial not only to prevent STEMI but also to potentially improve their long-term survival prospects.

Predictors of discordance between CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) and △CT-FFR in deep coronary myocardial bridging

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance between CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) and ΔCT-FFR measurements in patients with deep myocardial bridging (MB) along the left anterior descending artery, and explore the potential predictors of discordance.

METHODS

175 patients with deep MB who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and CT-FFR assessment were included. Clinical, anatomical and atherosclerotic variables were compared between patients with concordant and discordant CT-FFR and ΔCT-FFR.

RESULTS

30.9 % patients were discordantly classified, in which 94.4 % patients were classified as CT-FFR+/△CT-FFR-. The discordant group showed significantly higher upstream stenosis degree, distance from MB to the aorta, △CT-FFR (P 0.007, 0.009 and 0.002, respectively), and lower CT-FFR (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, upstream stenosis degree (P 0.023, OR 1.628, 95 % CI: 1.068-2.481) and distance from MB to the aorta (P 0.001, OR 1.04, 95 % CI: 1.016-1.064) were independent predictors for discordance between CT-FFR and ΔCT-FFR.

CONCLUSION

The discordance between CT-FFR and ΔCT-FFR measurements underscores the challenges in clinical decision-making, necessitating tailored approaches for MB evaluation.

[Protective Effect and Mechanism of miR-328-3p on Coronary Artery Endothelial Cell Injury Induced by Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein]

Objective

To investigate the protective effect of miR-328-3p on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced coronary artery endothelial cell injury and the potentially relevant mechanisms.

Methods

Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were induced with ox-LDL, and the cells were divided into a control group consisting of normal cells, an ox-LDL group receiving ox-LDL treatment, an ox-LDL+miR-NC group transfected with miR-NC and treated with ox-LDL, an ox-LDL+miR-328-3p group transfected with miR-328-3p and treated with ox-LDL, and ox-LDL+miR-328-3p+pcDNA group co-transfected miR-328-3p and pcDNA and treated with ox-LDL, and an ox-LDL+miR-328-3p+insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) group co-transfected miR-328-3p and IGF2 and treated with ox-LDL. The expression level of miR-328-3p was determined with RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Western blot was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of cleaved cas-3 and IGF2. ELISA was performed to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Dual luciferase reporter experiment was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-328-3p and IGF2.

Results

Compared with those of the control group, miR-328-3p expression level and cell activity were significantly reduced in the ox-LDL group (P<0.05), while the apoptotic rate, the protein expression levels of cleaved cas-3, IGF2, Bax, and Bcl-2, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with those of the ox-LDL+miR-NC group, miR-328-3p expression level and cell activity significantly increased in the ox-LDL+miR-328-3p group (P<0.05), while the apoptosis rate, the protein expression levels of cleaved cas-3 and IGF2, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly reduced. IGF2 was a functional target of miR-328-3p. Compared with those of the ox-LDL+miR-328-3p+pcDNA co-transfection group, the IGF2 protein level was significantly increased (P<0.05) and cell activity was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the ox-LDL+miR-328-3p+IGF2 co-transfection group, while the apoptosis rate, cleaved cas-3 protein level, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly elevated (P<0.05).

Conclusion

miR-328-3p inhibits ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and inflammatory in coronary artery endothelial cell injury through targeted negative regulation of IGF2.

Association of the stress hyperglycemia ratio with coronary artery disease complexity as assessed by the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence supports a significant correlation between the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and both short- and long-term prognoses in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Nevertheless, research examining the association between the SHR and the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between the SHR and CAD complexity, as assessed by the SYNTAX score, in patients with ACS.

METHODS

A total of 4715 patients diagnosed with ACS were enrolled and divided into five groups according to the quintiles of the SHR. CAD complexity was assessed using the SYNTAX score and categorized as low (≤ 22) or mid/high (> 22) levels. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the association between the SHR and CAD severity (mid-/high SYNTAX score). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were generated to assess the association between the SHR and CAD severity. Subgroup analyses were conducted to stratify outcomes based on age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM) status, and clinical presentation.

RESULTS

Among the total ACS population, 503 (10.7%) patients had mid/high SYNTAX scores. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the SHR was an independent risk factor for mid/high SYNTAX scores in a U-shaped pattern. After adjusting for confounding variables, Q1 and Q5 demonstrated elevated odds ratios (ORs) relative to the reference category Q3, with ORs of 1.61 (95% CI: 1.19 ∼ 2.19) and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.24 ∼ 2.29), respectively. Moreover, the ORs for Q2 (1.02, 95% CI: 0.73 ∼ 1.42) and Q4 (1.18, 95% CI: 0.85 ∼ 1.63) resembled that of Q3. Compared with the merged Q2-4 group, the ORs were 1.52 (95% CI: 1.21 ∼ 1.92) for Q1 group and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.25 ∼ 2) for the Q5 group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the U-shaped association between the SHR and mid/high SYNTAX score was attenuated in DM patients (P for interaction = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

There were U-shaped associations between the SHR and CAD complexity in ACS patients, with an SHR ranging from 0.68 to 0.875 indicating a relatively lower OR for mid/high SYNTAX scores. Further studies are necessary to both evaluate the predictive value of the SHR in ACS patients and explore the underlying mechanisms of the observed U-shaped associations.

Arterial Adventitial Vasa Vasorum Density Reflects The Progression Of Unstable Plaques: A Retrospective Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE

Arterial adventitial vasa vasorum (AVV) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic (AS) disease. AS is a systemic disease, and plaque is not only a local vascular event, but also occurs at multiple sites throughout the vascular bed. Currently, effective anti-AVV therapies are lacking. Therefore, we posed the following scientific questions: "does human carotid adventitial vasa vasorum density reflect plaque neovascularization and intimal-media hyperplasia in carotid?"; and "is it possible to reduce human AVV density by sonodynamic therapy (SDT)?"

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 160 patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), coronary angiography, and coronary CT angiography (CTA) were used for diagnosis and screening. Pearson correlation tests and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the relationships between AVV hyperplasia, vasa vasorum (VV) hyperplasia and the intima-media thickness (IMT). SDT was developed for the treatment of arterial AVV hyperplasia and AS plaques.

RESULTS

The presence of local AVV in carotid unstable plaques correlated with the echogenic properties of the carotid plaque and the extent of plaque progression; Furthermore local AVV hyperplasia in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques was associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events; Local AVV hyperplasia in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques was associated with coronary artery stenosis. Notably, SDT reduced local AVV hyperplasia and shrank the plaques in human femoral and carotid atherosclerotic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of AVV in human carotid arteries reflects the severity of carotid and coronary artery AS. Further, SDT can reduce the hyperplasia of local AVV in human femoral and carotid plaques.

Update on sex specific risk factors in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and accounts for roughly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Women in particular face significant disparities in their cardiovascular care when compared to men, both in the diagnosis and treatment of CVD. Sex differences exist in the prevalence and effect of cardiovascular risk factors. For example, women with history of traditional cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, tobacco use, and diabetes carry a higher risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality when compared to men. These discrepancies in terms of the relative risk of CVD when traditional risk factors are present appear to explain some, but not all, of the observed differences among men and women. Sex-specific cardiovascular disease research-from identification, risk stratification, and treatment-has received increasing recognition in recent years, highlighting the current underestimated association between CVD and a woman's obstetric and reproductive history. In this comprehensive review, sex-specific risk factors unique to women including adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO), such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, and newborn size for gestational age, as well as premature menarche, menopause and vasomotor symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and infertility will be discussed in full detail and their association with CVD risk. Additional entities including spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), coronary microvascular disease (CMD), systemic autoimmune disorders, and mental and behavioral health will also be discussed in terms of their prevalence among women and their association with CVD. In this comprehensive review, we will also provide clinicians with a guide to address current knowledge gaps including implementation of a sex-specific patient questionnaire to allow for appropriate risk assessment, stratification, and prevention of CVD in women.

MINOCA biomarkers: Non-atherosclerotic aspects

Myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is an important subtype of myocardial infarction. Although comprising less than 50% stenosis in the main epicardial coronary arteries, it constitutes a severe health risk. A variety of approaches have been recommended, but definitive diagnosis remains elusive. In addition, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of underlying pathophysiology makes clinical management difficult and unpredictable. This review highlights ongoing efforts to identify relevant biomarkers in MINOCA to improve diagnosis, individualize treatment and better predict outcomes.

Identification of Genetic Variants Associated with Severe Myocardial Bridging through Whole-Exome Sequencing

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary artery anomaly and an important cause of angina. The genetic basis of MB is currently unknown. This study used a whole-exome sequencing technique and analyzed genotypic differences. Eight coronary angiography-confirmed cases of severe MB and eight age- and sex-matched control patients were investigated. In total, 139 rare variants that are potentially pathogenic for severe MB were identified in 132 genes. Genes with multiple rare variants or co-predicted by ClinVar and CADD/REVEL for severe MB were collected, from which heart-specific genes were selected under the guidance of tissue expression levels. Functional annotation indicated significant genetic associations with abnormal skeletal muscle mass, cardiomyopathies, and transmembrane ion channels. Candidate genes were reviewed regarding the functions and locations of each individual gene product. Among the gene candidates for severe MB, rare variants in DMD, SGCA, and TTN were determined to be the most crucial. The results suggest that altered anchoring proteins on the cell membrane and intracellular sarcomere unit of cardiomyocytes play a role in the development of the missed trajectory of coronary vessels. Additional studies are required to support the diagnostic application of cardiac sarcoglycan and dystroglycan complexes in patients with severe MB.

Applied coronary physiology for planning and guidance of percutaneous coronary interventions. A clinical consensus statement from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the European Society of Cardiology

The clinical value of fractional flow reserve and non-hyperaemic pressure ratios are well established in determining an indication for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, over the last 5 years we have witnessed a shift towards the use of physiology to enhance procedural planning, assess post-PCI functional results, and guide PCI optimisation. In this regard, clinical studies have reported compelling data supporting the use of longitudinal vessel analysis, obtained with pressure guidewire pullbacks, to better understand how obstructive CAD contributes to myocardial ischaemia, to establish the likelihood of functionally successful PCI, to identify the presence and location of residual flow-limiting stenoses and to predict long-term outcomes. The introduction of new functional coronary angiography tools, which merge angiographic information with fluid dynamic equations to deliver information equivalent to intracoronary pressure measurements, are now available and potentially also applicable to these endeavours. Furthermore, the ability of longitudinal vessel analysis to predict the functional results of stenting has played an integral role in the evolving field of simulated PCI. Nevertheless, it is important to have an awareness of the value and challenges of physiology-guided PCI in specific clinical and anatomical contexts. The main aim of this European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions clinical consensus statement is to offer up-to-date evidence and expert opinion on the use of applied coronary physiology for procedural PCI planning, disease pattern recognition and post-PCI optimisation.

Hypoxia-associated genes predicting future risk of myocardial infarction: a GEO database-based study

Background

Patients with unstable angina (UA) are prone to myocardial infarction (MI) after an attack, yet the altered molecular expression profile therein remains unclear. The current work aims to identify the characteristic hypoxia-related genes associated with UA/MI and to develop a predictive model of hypoxia-related genes for the progression of UA to MI.

Methods and results

Gene expression profiles were obtained from the GEO database. Then, differential expression analysis and the WGCNA method were performed to select characteristic genes related to hypoxia. Subsequently, all 10 hypoxia-related genes were screened using the Lasso regression model and a classification model was established. The area under the ROC curve of 1 shows its excellent classification performance and is confirmed on the validation set. In parallel, we construct a nomogram based on these genes, showing the risk of MI in patients with UA. Patients with UA and MI had their immunological status determined using CIBERSORT. These 10 genes were primarily linked to B cells and some inflammatory cells, according to correlation analysis.

Conclusion

Overall, GWAS identified that the CSTF2F UA/MI risk gene promotes atherosclerosis, which provides the basis for the design of innovative cardiovascular drugs by targeting CSTF2F.

Nomogram to predict recurrent chest pain in patients with myocardial bridging

OBJECTIVE

Patients with myocardial bridging (MB) frequently experience recurrent chest pain, even in those without coronary heart disease. This study aims to predict the risk of recurrent chest pain in patients with MB by using a novel predictive nomogram.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 250 patients with acute chest pain who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) between January and December 2018, including 111 patients with MB and 139 control patients. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to screen for significant parameters that were included to develop a novel predictive nomogram model. Receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses were used to evaluate the performance and clinical utility of the nomogram.

RESULTS

A predictive nomogram was constructed in 111 patients with MB, 34 of whom (30.9%) had recurrent chest pain. The significant predictors screened out by the LASSO regression included age, sex, branch type MB, and systolic compression index. The area under the curves (AUCs) for recurrent chest pain at 12, 24, and 36 months were 0.688, 0.742, and 0.729, respectively, indicating remarkable accuracy of the nomogram. The calibration curve and decision curve analyses indicated a good agreement with the observations and utility of the nomogram.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a high-accuracy nomogram to predict recurrent chest pain in patients with MB. This model incorporates clinical risk factors and CT imaging features and can be conveniently used to facilitate the individualised prediction.

KEY POINTS

• Symptomatic patients with myocardial bridging often present with recurrent chest pain. • The potential predictors of recurrent chest pain in patients with myocardial bridging were age, sex, branch type MB, and systolic compression index. • Nomogram based on clinical CT imaging features is valuable to predict recurrent chest pain in patients with myocardial bridging.

Utility of optical coherence tomography in acute coronary syndromes

Studies utilizing intravascular imaging have replicated the findings of histopathological studies, identifying the most common substrates for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as plaque rupture, erosion, and calcified nodule, with spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary artery spasm, and coronary embolism constituting the less common etiologies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the data from clinical studies that have used high-resolution intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess culprit plaque morphology in ACS. In addition, we discuss the utility of intravascular OCT for effective treatment of patients presenting with ACS, including the possibility of culprit lesion-based treatment by percutaneous coronary intervention.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: the emerging role of coronary computed tomography

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a cause of acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction, more frequent among young women. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of SCAD, although the risk of propagating dissection flap is considerable. Therefore, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an emerging alternative modality to diagnose SCAD with the advantage of being a non-invasive technique. Clinicians should be aware of the predisposing conditions and pathophysiology to raise the pre-test probability of SCAD and select the most appropriate diagnostic tools. In recent times, improvements in spatial and temporal resolution and the use of semi-automated software providing quantitative assessment make CCTA a valid alternative to ICA also for the follow-up. Moreover, CCTA may be helpful to screen and evaluate extra-coronary arteriopathies closely related to SCAD. In this review, we illustrate the current and the potential role of CCTA in the diagnosis of SCAD, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of this imaging modality compared to ICA.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Parenteral P2Y12 Inhibitors: Rationale, Evidence, and Future Directions

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), consisting of the combination of aspirin and an inhibitor of the platelet P2Y₁₂ receptor for ADP, remains among the most investigated treatments in cardiovascular medicine. While a substantial amount of research initially stemmed from the observations of late and very late stent thrombosis events in the first-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era, DAPT has been recently transitioning from a purely stent-related to a more systemic secondary prevention strategy. Oral and parenteral platelet P2Y₁₂ inhibitors are currently available for clinical use. The latter have been shown to be extremely suitable in drug-naïve patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), mainly because oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors are associated with delayed efficacy in patients with STEMI and because pre-treatment with P2Y₁₂ inhibitors is discouraged in NSTE-ACS, and in patients with recent DES implantation and in need of urgent cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. More definitive evidence is needed, however, about optimal switching strategies between parenteral and oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors and about newer potent subcutaneous agents that are being developed for the pre-hospital setting.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of in-hospital complications and overall mortality in Takotsubo syndrome preceded by physical triggers

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) with physical triggers has worse short- and long-term clinical courses than those with emotional triggers. However, predictive factors associated with poor outcomes of TTS with physical triggers are unknown.

METHODS

We included 231 patients identified as TTS preceded by physical triggers at two tertiary referral hospitals from 2010 to 2019. In-hospital complications (IHC)-a composite of malignant arrhythmia, need for mechanical circulatory support or mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death-and overall mortality were retrospectively reviewed. The associations with clinical features were evaluated by multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The mean age was 69.3 ± 11.6 years, and 85 (36.8%) were male. The in-hospital complications rate was 46.8%. During a median follow-up of 883 days, 96 (41.6%) had died, and overall mortality was 13.6% per patient-year. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with a higher risk of IHC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73; positive and negative predictive value = 60.9% and 67.2% for NLR ≤ 12); odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.010. Subsequently, higher NLR was also related to a greater risk of overall mortality; patients with high NLR (NLR > 12) exhibited poor long-term survival than those with low NLR (NLR ≤ 5): hazard ratio (95% CI), 3.70 (1.72-7.94) with p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

A high NLR at initial presentation is associated with an increased risk of IHC and overall mortality in TTS preceded by physical triggers. Given that the treatment of TTS is mainly supportive, intensive monitoring with careful follow-up would be warranted in patients with high NLR.

Effect of Statins on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Artery Spasm: A Meta-Analysis of the Asia Region

Background

Whether statins can reduce major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in patients with coronary artery spasm (CAS) is controversial. And most of the relevant research to date has been conducted in Asia.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases for studies on the effect of statins on MACE in patients with CAS in Asia and published up to September 2022. We included data on MACE in a statin therapy patient group and a no-statin therapy control group. We then evaluated the effect of statin therapy on MACE in patients with CAS in Asia by meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA). All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 software and TSA software.

Results

A total of 10 studies (n = 9333 patients) were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis showed that the use of statins had a significant effect on MACE in CAS patients (with RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49-0.99), and the sensitivity analysis further confirmed this finding. Subgroup analysis suggested that the correlation between statin therapy and reduced MACE endpoint was stronger in Japanese patients and patients followed up for more than 4 years. But our TSA results indicated that the available samples were insufficient and further research is needed.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that statin therapy can reduce MACE in patients with CAS in Asia, and the correlation between the two was stronger in Japanese patients and patients followed up for more than 4 years.

Multimodality Imaging Approach to Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) refers to the spontaneous separation of the layers of the vessel wall caused by intramural hemorrhage, with or without an intimal tear. The "typical" SCAD patient is a middle-aged woman with few traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and it's frequently associated with pregnancy. Because of its low incidence, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. SCAD presents as an acute coronary syndrome, with chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, or heartbeat, even if diagnosis and clinical handling are different: coronary angiography is currently the main tool to diagnose SCAD; however, in doubtful cases, the use of both invasive and noninvasive cardiovascular imaging methods such as intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography may be necessary. This paper aims to review the current state of knowledge on SCAD to address its demographic features, clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes, focusing on diagnostic algorithms and main multimodality imaging techniques.

Serum SELENBP1 and VCL Are Effective Biomarkers for Clinical and Forensic Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Spasm

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many ischemic heart entities; however, there are no established diagnostic biomarkers for CAS in clinical and forensic settings. This present study aimed to identify such serum biomarkers by establishing a rabbit CAS provocation model and integrating quantitative serum proteomics, parallel reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics, and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Our results suggested that SELENBP1 and VCL were potential candidate biomarkers for CAS. In independent clinical samples, SELENBP1 and VCL were validated to be significantly lower in serum but not blood cells from CAS patients, with the reasons for this possibly due to the decreased secretion from cardiomyocytes. The areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were 0.9384 for SELENBP1 and 0.9180 for VCL when diagnosing CAS. The CAS risk decreased by 32.3% and 53.6% for every 10 unit increases in the serum SELENBP1 and VCL, respectively. In forensic samples, serum SELENBP1 alone diagnosed CAS-induced deaths at a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 72.73%, and its combination with VCL yielded a diagnostic specificity of 100.0%, which was superior to the traditional biomarkers of cTnI and CK-MB. Therefore, serum SELENBP1 and VCL could be effective biomarkers for both the clinical and forensic diagnosis of CAS.

Role of Intracoronary Imaging in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Intravascular imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound provides superior visualization of the culprit plaques for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) compared with coronary angiography. Combined with angiography, intravascular imaging can be used to instigate 'precision therapy' for ACS. Post-mortem histopathology identified atherothrombosis at the exposed surface of a ruptured fibrous cap as the main cause of ACS. Further histopathological studies identified intact fibrous caps and calcified nodules as other culprit lesions for ACS. These plaque types were subsequently also identified on intravascular imaging, particularly with the high-resolution OCT. The less-common non-atherothrombotic causes of ACS are coronary artery spasm, coronary artery dissection, and coronary embolism. In this review, the authors provide an overview of clinical studies using intravascular imaging with OCT in the diagnosis and management of ACS.

Effect of Statins on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Spasm: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of statins on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) related to coronary artery spasm (CAS) and to evaluate the effectiveness of statins in patients with CAS.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases, including Google Scholar, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed, was conducted. These studies were all published in English, and the databases were searched from inception to July 2021. All articles were evaluated independently by 2 researchers on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the research, data about the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in CAS patients undergoing statin therapy was included and divided into different subgroups. A random effects model was conducted to synthesize the data.

FINDINGS

Five cohort studies were included in the analysis. These results indicated that statins failed to reduce the incidence of stroke in patients with CAS in general. However, subgroup analysis revealed that statins were more effective in improving outcomes for CAS patients without severe coronary stenosis compared with those with severe coronary stenosis.

IMPLICATIONS

Statins may have a potential benefit in patients with CAS who do not have coronary stenosis. To investigate these findings further, future prospective, randomized controlled research will be required.

Acute myeloid leukemia causing acute thrombosis of the coronary arteries: a case report

Background

This case report demonstrates acute myeloid leukemia causing acute thrombosis of coronary arteries with anterolateral ST elevation myocardial infarction and ventricular tachycardia in an otherwise healthy woman. Few case reports have been documented on patients with concomitant conditions of acute myeloid leukemia and acute myocardial infarction, and it is important to note that prognosis for patients with both is worse than that of either condition. While both conditions together are rare, other non-atherosclerotic causes of acute coronary syndromes are likewise important considerations in the context of myocardial ischemia.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with no notable past medical history presented to her primary care provider with 2 weeks of severe fatigue, anorexia, and malaise, associated with chills, night sweats, and myalgias. Peripheral blood smear identified 92% blasts consistent with acute myeloid leukemia and computed tomography identified a right segmental pulmonary embolism and thrombotic infarcts in the spleen, bilateral kidneys, right lung, and liver. Laboratory testing also demonstrated disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. She was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment and subsequently developed ventricular tachycardia, anterolateral ST segment elevation, acute dysarthria, and nonreactive pupils. Pulseless electrical activity developed with unsuccessful resuscitative measures. The patient died secondary to presumed cerebrovascular and coronary thromboses causing stroke and anterolateral infarct complicated by ventricular tachycardia and pulseless electrical activity.

Conclusion

This case is notable as a case of acute myeloid leukemia causing acute thrombosis of coronary arteries with anterolateral ST elevation myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, and pulseless electrical activity. Prognosis of concomitant acute myeloid leukemia and acute myocardial infarction is poor. Management is challenging due to thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, and systemic coagulopathy, and administration of thrombolytic agents can be fatal. This is an extreme presentation of a case of acute myocardial infarction with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy causing acute coronary thrombosis and sudden death with dramatic electrocardiogram and telemetry findings recorded with rapid progression from normal sinus rhythm to acute myocardial infarction to terminal rhythm.

Optical Coherence Tomography and Coronary Dissection: Precious Tool or Useless Surplus?

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare clinical condition, but frequently manifested as acute myocardial infarction. In this particular setting, in recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been established as a possible diagnostic method due to the high spatial resolution (10–20 μm), which can visualize the different layers of coronary vessels. OCT can better analyze the “binary” or double lumen morphology, typical of this entity. Furthermore, it can identify the entrance breach and the circumferential and longitudinal extension of the lesion. However, we have to emphasize that this technique is not free from complications. OCT could further aggravate a dissection or exacerbate a new intimal tear. Therefore, the use of OCT in the evaluation of SCAD should be defined by balancing the diagnostic benefits versus procedural risks. Moreover, we underline that as SCAD is a rare condition and OCT is a recently introduced technique in clinical practice, limited data is available in literature.

CT Imaging Findings in Non-Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease

급성 관동맥 증후군(acute coronary syndrome)은 대부분 죽상경화 관상동맥 질환(atherosclerotic coronary artery disease)에 의해 발생하지만, 비죽상경화 관상동맥 질환에서도 발생할 수 있다. 고식적 관상동맥 혈관조영술은 동맥 내강의 협착이나 확장 등의 형상에 대한 정보만을 제공하고, 동맥경화반이나 동맥벽에 대한 평가가 어려워 관상동맥 이상의 원인 질환의 진단에 낮은 특이도를 보인다. 반면, 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술은 혈관경화반의 특징, 혈관벽의 조영증강뿐 아니라 연접한 대동맥이나 폐동맥의 변화 등도 함께 관찰할 수 있어, 비죽상경화 관상상동맥질환의 진단 및 다양한 원인 감별에 도움이 된다. 따라서 이 종설에서는 다양한 비죽상경화 관상동맥 질환들을 소개하고, 이의 병태생리 및 대표적인 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술의 영상 소견에 대해 설명하고자 한다.

[Infarto agudo de miocardio: revisión sobre factores de riesgo, etiología, hallazgos angiográficos y desenlaces en pacientes jóvenes]

La enfermedad cardiovascular persiste como primera causa mundial de muerte en los adultos. La población de adultos jóvenes ha cursado con cambios en el estilo de vida con el paso de las décadas, favoreciendo la aparición de ateroesclerosis en etapas más tempranas y como consecuencia la aparición de eventos cardiovasculares de manera más prematura. Se ha identificado que dentro de los factores de riesgo más comunes, la mayoría de ellos son potencialmente modificables. En comparación con adultos mayores, se ha identificado con mayor prevalencia la presencia de etiologías no ateroescleróticas de infarto de miocardio, como la disección coronaria espontánea, alteraciones anatómicas, embolia y espasmo coronarios. Los hallazgos angiográficos y desenlaces son diferentes de acuerdo con el grupo de edad y el sexo. Por dicho motivo realizamos una búsqueda en PubMed de los estudios y registros publicados para el estudio del infarto agudo de miocardio en paciente jóvenes. Con dicha información realizamos la presente revisión con el objetivo de una mejor comprensión de los hallazgos comunes en este grupo y realizar su comparación con grupos de mayor edad.

Why the Term MINOCA Does Not Provide Conceptual Clarity for Actionable Decision-Making in Patients with Myocardial Infarction with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

When acute myocardial injury is found in a clinical setting suggestive of myocardial ischemia, the event is labeled as acute myocardial infarction (MI), and the absence of ≥50% coronary stenosis at angiography or greater leads to the working diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA). Determining the mechanism of MINOCA and excluding other possible causes for cardiac troponin elevation has notable implications for tailoring secondary prevention measures aimed at improving the overall prognosis of acute MI. The aim of this review is to increase the awareness that establishing the underlying cause of a MINOCA is possible in the vast majority of cases, and that the proper classification of any MI should be pursued. The initial diagnosis of MINOCA can be confirmed or ruled out based on the results of subsequent investigations. Indeed, a comprehensive clinical evaluation at the time of presentation, followed by a dedicated diagnostic work-up, might lead to the identification of the pathophysiologic abnormality leading to MI in almost all cases initially labeled as MINOCA. When a specific cause of acute MI is identified, cardiologists are urged to transition from the "all-inclusive" term "MINOCA" to the proper classification of any MI, as evidence now exists that MINOCA does not provide conceptual clarity for actionable decision-making in MI with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Simplifying the ISCHEMIA trial algorithm for clinical practice: Identifying left main coronary artery disease using coronary artery calcium scans

BACKGROUND

Several recent trials have evaluated invasive versus medical therapy for stable ischemic heart disease. Importantly, patients with significant left main coronary stenosis (LMCS) were excluded from these trials. In the ISCHEMIA trial, these patients were identified by a coronary CT angiogram (CCTA), which adds time, expense, and contrast exposure. We tested whether a coronary artery calcium scan (CACS), a simpler, less expensive test, could replace CCTA to exclude significant LMCS.

METHODS

We hypothesized that patients with ≥50% LMCS would have a LM CACS score > 0. As a corollary, we postulated that a LM CACS = 0 would exclude patients with LMCS. To test this, we searched Intermountain Healthcare's electronic medical records database for all adult patients who had undergone non-contrast cardiac CT for quantitative CACS scoring prior to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Patients aged <50 and those with a heart transplant were excluded. Cases with incomplete (qualitative) angiographic reports for LMCS and those with incomplete or discrepant LM CACS results were reviewed and reassessed blinded to CACS or ICA findings, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 669 candidate patients with CACS followed by ICA, 36 qualifying patients were identified who had a quantitative CACS score and LMCS ≥ 50%. Their age averaged 71.8 years, and 81% were men. Angiographic LMCS averaged 72% (range 50%-99%). Median time between CACS and ICA was 6 days. Total CACS score averaged 2,383 Agatston Units (AU), range 571-6,636. LM CACS score averaged 197 AU, range 31-610. Importantly, no LMCS patient had a LM CACS score of 0 vs 57% (362/633) of non-LMCS controls (P < .00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that an easily administered, inexpensive, low radiation CACS can identify a large subset of patients with a very low risk of LMCS who would not have the need for routine CCTA. Using CACS to exclude LMCS may efficiently allow for safe implementation of an initial medical therapy strategy of patients with stable ischemic heart disease in clinical practice. These promising results deserve validation in larger data sets.

Anomalous Coronary Arteries: When to Follow-up, Risk Stratify, and Plan Intervention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronary artery anomalies are a diverse group of entities, ranging from benign variations of normal anatomy to life-threatening conditions. There is, however, no universal consensus in their classification, risk stratification, and management. The aim of this review is to develop a straightforward clinical approach for the assessment and care of patients with anomalous coronary arteries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Autopsy series and population screening studies have recently provided useful clinical data on the prevalence and outcomes of coronary anomalies. Also, findings on coronary computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and invasive angiography, enriched with fractional flow reserve and intravascular ultrasound, have allowed identification of several high-risk features associated with specific coronary anomalies. Management of patients with anomalous coronary arteries requires an individualized approach based on clinical, physiological, and anatomic features. High-quality studies are paramount for further development of this fascinating field.

Optical Coherence Tomography in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Advances in intravascular imaging have enabled assessment of the underlying plaque morphology in acute coronary syndromes, which allows for the initiation of individualized therapy. The atherothrombotic substrates for acute coronary syndromes consist of plaque rupture, erosion, and calcified nodule, whereas spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary artery spasm, and coronary embolism constitute rarer nonatherothrombotic etiologies. This review provides a brief overview of the data from clinical studies that have used intravascular optical coherence tomography to assess the culprit plaque morphology. We discuss the usefulness of intravascular imaging for effective treatment of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes by percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute myocardial infarction from embolization of Lambl's excrescences: A case report

While coronary artery embolism remains an infrequent cause of myocardial infarction (MI), it may present in patients at otherwise low risk for coronary artery disease. When clinicians apply typical risk stratification in these cases, they may be led away from a full evaluation for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A diagnosis of MI in an otherwise healthy patient should prompt consideration of embolic sources, including Lambl's excrescences (LEs), and echocardiographic evaluation may be necessary to make a final diagnosis. We present a case of LEs in an otherwise healthy 43-year-old male presenting with chest pain and elevated cardiac enzymes, and also review the cases of this rare event found in the literature.

Bridging the Gap in a Rare Cause of Angina

Myocardial bridging occurs when coronary arteries run intramurally. Episodes of tachycardia can cause a dynamic obstruction that extends into diastole, compromising coronary filling time, and subsequently leading to ischaemia. Myocardial ischaemia, acute coronary syndrome, coronary spasm, myocardial stunning, arrhythmia, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and sudden cardiac death have all been reported with bridging. Atherosclerotic plaques develop proximally in the bridge due to low shear stress and high oscillatory wall-flow. Factors affecting atherosclerotic build-up include disrupted flow patterns (particularly flow recirculation, which exacerbates LDL internalisation), cell adhesion and monocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Endothelial health depends on arterial flow patterns, given that the vessel reacts differently to various flow types, as confirmed in 3D simulations. Medication is the first-line therapy, while surgical de-roofing and coronary bypass are reserved for severe stenosis. Distinguishing physiological arterial compression from pathological stenosis is essential. Deeper bridges correlating with recurrent angina with an instantaneous wave-free ratio ≤0.89 or fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 are treated.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Over the past decade, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has emerged as an important cause of myocardial infarction, particularly among younger women. The pace of knowledge acquisition has been rapid, but ongoing challenges include accurately diagnosing SCAD and improving outcomes. Many SCAD patients experience substantial post-SCAD symptoms, recurrent SCAD, and psychosocial distress. Considerable uncertainty remains about optimal management of associated conditions, risk stratification and prevention of complications, recommendations for physical activity, reproductive planning, and the role of genetic evaluations. This review provides a clinical update on the diagnosis and management of patients with SCAD, including pregnancy-associated SCAD and pregnancy after SCAD, and highlight high-priority knowledge gaps that must be addressed.

Association between age and infection in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in young patients has a unique risk profile. We aimed to detect bacteria in aspirate of infarct artery in young versus old patients.

Results

Aspirates of consecutive 140 patients who underwent a primary coronary intervention were taken for bacteriological, microscopical, and immunohistochemical (for bacterial pneumolysin) examinations. Their results were calculated in young (≤ 50 years) versus old (> 50 years) patients. Median age (interquartile range) was 45 (38–48) years in young (60 patients) and 59 (55–65) years in old (80 patients) patients, p < 0.0001. Both groups had similar baseline data except age, males, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history, lesion length, and ectatic vessel. Different bacteria were cultured in 11.3% of all patients involving 22.6% of young and 2.8% of old patients [hazard ratio 8.03 (95% CI 1.83–51.49), p = 0.002]. By multivariate analyses, age groups and leukocytic count were independent predictors of infection (bacteria and pneumolysin), p = 0.027 and p < 0.0001, respectively. Optimal cutoff value of leukocytic count was 12,250 cells/μl [ROC curve sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 86.4%, and AUC 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–1.0), p < 0.001]. Infection was an independent predictor of STEMI in young versus old patients, p < 0.001. Nevertheless, in-hospital events occurred insignificantly different and neither age groups nor infection was predictor of in-hospital events.

Conclusions

Young patients had significantly higher percentage of bacteria in their infarcted artery than old patients. High leukocytic count in patients below 50 predicts infection that causes acute myocardial infarction. Antibacterial trials directed toward this group are required for secondary prevention.

Role of Coronary CT Angiography in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is more common than previously thought and is present in up to 4% of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. SCAD predominantly occurs in relatively young women and is an important cause of myocardial infarction in young patients without traditional risk factors of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. There have been substantial improvements in spatial and temporal resolution and reduction in ionizing radiation dose with new generation scanners. The risk of dissection propagation with an invasive coronary angiogram, improved CT scanner parameters, and predominantly conservative management of SCAD make coronary CT angiography a useful noninvasive imaging modality for the assessment of SCAD. © RSNA, 2020.

Role of acetylcholine spasm provocation test as a pathophysiological assessment in nonobstructive coronary artery disease

Coronary angiography (CAG) sometimes shows nonobstructive coronary arteries in patients with suspected angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The high prevalence of nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in those patients has recently been reported not only in Japan but also in Western countries, and is clinically attracting attention. Coronary spasm is considered to be one of the leading causes of both suspected stable angina and ACS with nonobstructive coronary arteries. Coronary spasm could also be associated with left ventricular dysfunction leading to heart failure, which could be improved following the administration of calcium channel blockers. Because we rarely capture spontaneous attacks of coronary spasm with electrocardiograms or Holter recordings, an invasive diagnostic modality, acetylcholine (ACh) provocation test, can be useful in detecting coronary spasm during CAG. Furthermore, we can use the ACh-provocation test to identify high-risk patients with coronary spasm complicated with organic coronary stenosis, and then treat with intensive care. Nonobstructive CAD includes not only epicardial coronary spasm but also microvascular spasm or dysfunction that can be associated with recurrent anginal attacks and poor quality of life. ACh-provocation test could also be helpful for the assessment of microvascular spasm or dysfunction. We hope that cardiologists will increasingly perform ACh-provocation test to assess the pathophysiology of nonobstructive CAD.

microRNA-9 Inhibits Vulnerable Plaque Formation and Vascular Remodeling via Suppression of the SDC2-Dependent FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Mice With Atherosclerosis

microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) play important roles in modulating the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Herein, this study aimed to investigate the possible role of miR-9 in the development of atherosclerosis. Initially, the differentially expressed genes associated with ACS were screened and miRNAs that regulate syndecan-2 (SDC2) were predicted using microarray analysis. Furthermore, the biological functions of miR-9 and SDC2 on aortic plaque area, proliferation of collagen fibers, Mac-3-labeled macrophages, inflammatory response, and levels of the focal adhesion kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (FAK/ERK) signaling pathway-related proteins in atherosclerosis were evaluated after ectopic miR-9 expression or SDC2 depletion in ACS mice using oil red O staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis, respectively. SDC2 was highly-expressed, while miR-9 was poorly-expressed in atherosclerosis. Additionally, miR-9 targeted SDC2 and negatively-regulated its expression. Up-regulation of miR-9 reduced aortic plaque area, the proliferation of collagen fibers, Mac-3-labeled macrophages and levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α by suppressing SDC2 and the FAK/ERK signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating atherosclerosis in ACS mice. In conclusion, the current study provides evidence that miR-9 retards atherosclerosis by repressing SDC2 and the FAK/ERK signaling pathway, highlighting a new theoretical basis for the treatment of atherosclerosis.