Long-term prognostic value of contemporary stress echocardiography in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcome of contemporary stress echocardiography has not been systematically assessed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between results of stress echocardiography and patients' outcomes with suspected coronary artery disease using randomised controlled trials.

METHODS

Multiple electronic databases were searched for studies evaluating long-term outcome (>12 months) of stress echocardiography in patients suspected of coronary artery disease since year 2000. A common-effect model was used to derive pooled estimates. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular death and non-fatal myocardial infarction, depending on the definition applied in individual trials, termed as major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Positive stress echocardiography result was defined as inducible ischaemia in at least one of the 17 left ventricular segments and negative stress echocardiography with no inducible ischaemia.

RESULTS

Among a total of six trials, 16 581 subjects underwent either pharmacological or treadmill stress echocardiography, a median follow-up of 31 months (range 21-101). The annual event rate was 1.76% for the composite MACE and 1.35% for all-cause mortality. Compared with negative stress echocardiography, positive stress echocardiography was associated with an increased risk of the MACE and all-cause mortality with an annual event rate of 1.99% vs 1.54% (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.33) and 1.68% vs 1.02% (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.80 to 2.35), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Positive stress echocardiography results were associated with poorer long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Stress echocardiography results may provide a useful long-term guidance in intensifying preventative treatment in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023416766.

PET myocardial perfusion imaging: Trends, challenges, and opportunities

Various non-invasive images are used in clinical practice for the diagnosis and prognostication of chronic coronary syndromes. Notably, quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) through positron emission tomography (PET) has seen significant technical advancements and a substantial increase in its use over the past two decades. This progress has generated an unprecedented wealth of clinical information, which, when properly applied, can diagnose and fine-tune the management of patients with different types of ischemic syndromes. This state-of-art review focuses on quantitative PET MPI, its integration into clinical practice, and how it holds up at the eyes of modern cardiac imaging and revascularization clinical trials, along with future perspectives.

Efficacy of Diagnostic Testing of Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: A Contemporary Review

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a highly prevalent condition which can lead to myocardial ischemia as well as acute coronary syndrome. Early diagnosis of CAD can improve patient outcomes through guiding risk factor modification and treatment modalities.

SUMMARY

Testing for CAD comes with increased cost and risk; therefore, physicians must determine which patients require testing, and what testing modality will offer the most useful data to diagnose patients with CAD. Patients should have an initial risk stratification for pretest probability of CAD based on symptoms and available clinical data. Patients with a pretest probability less than 5% should receive no further testing, while patients with a high pretest probability should be considered for direct invasive coronary angiography. In patients with a pretest probability between 5 and 15%, coronary artery calcium score and or exercise electrocardiogram can be obtained to further risk stratify patients to low-risk versus intermediate-high-risk. Intermediate-high-risk patients should be tested with coronary computed tomography angiography (preferred) versus positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography based on their individual patient characteristics and institutional availability.

KEY MESSAGES

This comprehensive review aimed to describe the available CAD testing modalities, detail their risks and benefits, and propose when each should be considered in the evaluation of a patient with suspected CAD.

Prognostic Value of Qualitative and Quantitative Stress CMR in Patients With Known or Suspected CAD

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may have more accuracy than qualitative CMR in coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis. However, the prognostic value of quantitative and qualitative CMR has not been compared systematically.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the utility of qualitative and quantitative stress CMR in the prognosis of patients with known or suspected CAD.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed through Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline. Studies that used qualitative vasodilator CMR or quantitative CMR assessments to compare the prognosis of patients with positive and negative CMR results were extracted. A meta-analysis was then performed to assess: 1) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina, and coronary revascularization; and 2) cardiac hard events defined as the composite of cardiac death and nonfatal MI.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies with 38,030 patients were included in this systematic review. MACE occurred significantly more in patients with positive qualitative (HR: 3.86; 95% CI: 3.28-4.54) and quantitative (HR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.60-13.21) CMR assessments. There was no significant difference between qualitative and quantitative CMR assessments in predicting MACE (P = 0.75). In studies with qualitative CMR assessment, cardiac hard events (OR: 7.21; 95% CI: 4.99-10.41), cardiac death (OR: 5.63; 95% CI: 2.46-12.92), nonfatal MI (OR: 7.46; 95% CI: 3.49-15.96), coronary revascularization (OR: 6.34; 95% CI: 3.42-1.75), and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.12-2.47) were higher in patients with positive CMR.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of myocardial ischemia on CMR is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with known or suspected CAD. Both qualitative and quantitative stress CMR assessments are helpful tools for predicting clinical outcomes.

The clinical use of stress echocardiography in chronic coronary syndromes and beyond coronary artery disease: a clinical consensus statement from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the ESC

Since the 2009 publication of the stress echocardiography expert consensus of the European Association of Echocardiography, and after the 2016 advice of the American Society of Echocardiography-European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging for applications beyond coronary artery disease, new information has become available regarding stress echo. Until recently, the assessment of regional wall motion abnormality was the only universally practiced step of stress echo. In the state-of-the-art ABCDE protocol, regional wall motion abnormality remains the main step A, but at the same time, regional perfusion using ultrasound-contrast agents may be assessed. Diastolic function and pulmonary B-lines are assessed in step B; left ventricular contractile and preload reserve with volumetric echocardiography in step C; Doppler-based coronary flow velocity reserve in the left anterior descending coronary artery in step D; and ECG-based heart rate reserve in non-imaging step E. These five biomarkers converge, conceptually and methodologically, in the ABCDE protocol allowing comprehensive risk stratification of the vulnerable patient with chronic coronary syndromes. The present document summarizes current practice guidelines recommendations and training requirements and harmonizes the clinical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology in many diverse cardiac conditions, from chronic coronary syndromes to valvular heart disease. The continuous refinement of imaging technology and the diffusion of ultrasound-contrast agents improve image quality, feasibility, and reader accuracy in assessing wall motion and perfusion, left ventricular volumes, and coronary flow velocity. Carotid imaging detects pre-obstructive atherosclerosis and improves risk prediction similarly to coronary atherosclerosis. The revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on echocardiographic image acquisition and analysis makes stress echo more operator-independent and objective. Stress echo has unique features of low cost, versatility, and universal availability. It does not need ionizing radiation exposure and has near-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Stress echo is a convenient and sustainable choice for functional testing within and beyond coronary artery disease.

The diagnostic value of stress echocardiography with limited myocardial ischemia in high-risk patients

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic value of limited myocardial ischemia in DSE is not well known.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether myocardial ischemia during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in 1 apical segment of any of the ventricular walls of the left ventricle relates to the anatomical and functional stenosis of the suppling coronary artery.

METHODS

Our observational, prospective study enrolled 212 patients, symptomatic or asymptomatic, with newly diagnosed limited myocardial ischemia on DSE. Almost 25% of them had already known CAD, while the rest were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups, integrating 1-2 and ≥3 classical cardiovascular risk factors, respectively. After DSE, all patients underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and were followed up for one year. In coronary arteries distributing ischemic area, the calculated stenosis ≥50% and FFR<0.8 were considered anatomically and functionally significant, respectively. In the latter cases, the patients underwent coronary revascularization.

RESULTS

Significant anatomical and functional stenosis of the supplying coronary artery was common among patients with already known CAD (62.5% and 44.5%, respectively) or those without CAD but a high-risk profile (60.2% and 25.6%, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, CAD revascularization was independently determined by an already known CAD, diabetes mellitus, and high-risk profile. During follow-up, 24 patients experienced ACS or new angina episodes, which were associated with diabetes and smoking in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Limited myocardial ischemia may implicate significant anatomical and functional coronary stenosis among individuals with a history of CAD or those without known CAD but a high-risk profile. The prognostic value of our findings requires further investigation.

Economic and healthcare resource utilization assessments of PET imaging in Coronary Artery Disease diagnosis: a systematic review and discussion of opportunities for future economic evaluations

AIMS

This systematic literature review (SLR) consolidated economic and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) evidence for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) to inform future economic evaluations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases from 2012-2022. Economic and HCRU studies in adults who underwent PET- or SPECT-MPI for coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis were eligible. A qualitative methodological assessment of existing economic evaluations, HCRU, and downstream cardiac outcomes was completed. Exploratory meta-analyses of clinical outcomes were performed.

RESULTS

The search yielded 13,439 results, with 71 records included. Economic evaluations and comparative clinical trials were limited in number and outcome types (HCRU, downstream cardiac outcomes, and diagnostic performance) assessed. No studies included all outcome types and only one economic evaluation linked diagnostic performance to HCRU. The meta-analyses of comparative studies demonstrated significantly higher rates of early- and late-invasive coronary angiography and revascularization for PET- compared to SPECT-MPI; however, the rate of repeat testing was lower with PET-MPI. The rate of acute myocardial infarction was lower, albeit non-significant with PET- vs. SPECT-MPI.

LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

This SLR identified economic and HCRU evaluations following PET- and SPECT-MPI for CAD diagnosis and determined that existing studies do not capture all pertinent outcome parameters or link diagnostic performance to downstream HCRU and cardiac outcomes, thus, resulting in simplified assessments of CAD burden. A limitation of this work relates to heterogeneity in study designs, patient populations, and follow-up times of existing studies. Resultingly, it was challenging to pool data in meta-analyses. Overall, this work provides a foundation for the development of comprehensive economic models for PET- and SPECT-MPI in CAD diagnosis, which should link diagnostic outcomes to HCRU and downstream cardiac events to capture the full CAD scope.

Screening for Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The study aims to describe methods for detecting subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) and their potential implications in asymptomatic patients with diabetes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Imaging tools can assess non-invasively the presence and severity of CAD, based on myocardial ischemia, coronary artery calcium score, and coronary computed tomography coronary angiography. Subclinical CAD is common in the general population ageing 50 to 64 years with any coronary atherosclerosis present in 42.1% and obstructive CAD in 5.2%. In patients with diabetes, an even higher prevalence has been noted. The presence of myocardial ischemia, obstructive CAD, and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis provide powerful risk stratification regarding the risk of cardiovascular events. However, randomized trials evaluating systematic screening in the general population or patients with diabetes have demonstrated only moderate impact on management and no significant impact on patient outcomes. Despite providing improved risk stratification, systematic screening of CAD is not recommended in patients with diabetes.

A knowledge graph-based analytical model for mining clinical value of drug stress echocardiography for diagnosis, risk stratification and prognostic evaluation of coronary artery disease

The three major techniques for clinically diagnosing coronary heart disease, including angina associated with myocardial ischemia, are coronary angiography, myocardial perfusion imaging, and drug stress echocardiography. Compared to the first two methods, which are invasive or involve the use of radionuclides, drug stress echocardiography is increasingly used in clinical practice due to its non-invasive, low-risk, and controllable nature, and wide applicability. We developed a novel methodology to demonstrate knowledge graph-based efficacy analysis of drug stress echocardiography as a complement to traditional meta-analysis. By measuring coronary flow reserve (CFR), we discovered that regional ventricular wall abnormalities (RVWA) and drug-loaded cardiac ultrasound can be used to detect coronary artery disease. Additionally, drug-loaded cardiac ultrasound can be used to identify areas of cardiac ischemia, stratify risks, and determine prognosis. Furthermore, adenosine stress echocardiography(ASE) can determine atypical symptoms of coronary heart disease with associated cardiac events through CFR and related quantitative indices for risk stratification. Using a knowledge graph-based approach, we investigated the positive and negative effects of three drugs - Dipyridamole, Dobutamine, and Adenosine - for coronary artery disease analysis. Our findings show that Adenosine has the highest positive effect and the lowest negative effect among the three drugs. Due to its minimal and controlled side effects, and high sensitivity for diagnosing coronary microcirculation disorders and multiple lesions, adenosine is frequently used in clinical practice.

2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease" provides an update to and consolidates new evidence since the "2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease" and the corresponding "2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Focused Update of the Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from September 2021 to May 2022. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

This guideline provides an evidenced-based and patient-centered approach to management of patients with chronic coronary disease, considering social determinants of health and incorporating the principles of shared decision-making and team-based care. Relevant topics include general approaches to treatment decisions, guideline-directed management and therapy to reduce symptoms and future cardiovascular events, decision-making pertaining to revascularization in patients with chronic coronary disease, recommendations for management in special populations, patient follow-up and monitoring, evidence gaps, and areas in need of future research. Where applicable, and based on availability of cost-effectiveness data, cost-value recommendations are also provided for clinicians. Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease" provides an update to and consolidates new evidence since the "2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease" and the corresponding "2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Focused Update of the Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from September 2021 to May 2022. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

This guideline provides an evidenced-based and patient-centered approach to management of patients with chronic coronary disease, considering social determinants of health and incorporating the principles of shared decision-making and team-based care. Relevant topics include general approaches to treatment decisions, guideline-directed management and therapy to reduce symptoms and future cardiovascular events, decision-making pertaining to revascularization in patients with chronic coronary disease, recommendations for management in special populations, patient follow-up and monitoring, evidence gaps, and areas in need of future research. Where applicable, and based on availability of cost-effectiveness data, cost-value recommendations are also provided for clinicians. Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

The Role and Advantages of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in the Diagnosis of Myocardial Ischemia

Ischemic heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. For the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, some form of cardiac stress test involving exercise or pharmacological stimulation continues to play an important role, despite advances within modalities like computer tomography for the noninvasive detection and characterization of epicardial coronary lesions. Among noninvasive stress imaging tests, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) combines several capabilities that are highly relevant for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease: assessment of wall motion abnormalities, myocardial perfusion imaging, and depiction of replacement and interstitial fibrosis markers by late gadolinium enhancement techniques and T1 mapping. On top of these qualities, CMR is also well tolerated and safe in most clinical scenarios, including in the presence of cardiovascular implantable devices, while in the presence of renal disease, gadolinium-based contrast should only be used according to guidelines. CMR also offers outstanding viability assessment and prognostication of cardiovascular events. The last 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for chronic coronary syndromes has positioned stress CMR as a class I noninvasive imaging technique for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients. In the present review, we present the current state-of-the-art assessment of myocardial ischemia by stress perfusion CMR, highlighting its advantages and current shortcomings. We discuss the safety, clinical, and cost-effectiveness aspects of gadolinium-based CMR-perfusion imaging for ischemic heart disease assessment.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The clinical utility of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in stable chest pain is still debated, and the low-risk period for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events after a negative test result is unknown.

Objective

To provide contemporary quantitative data synthesis of the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of stress CMR in stable chest pain.

Data Sources

PubMed and Embase databases, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry were searched for potentially relevant articles from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2021.

Study Selection

Selected studies evaluated CMR and reported estimates of diagnostic accuracy and/or raw data of adverse CV events for participants with either positive or negative stress CMR results. Prespecified combinations of keywords related to the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of stress CMR were used. A total of 3144 records were evaluated for title and abstract; of those, 235 articles were included in the full-text assessment of eligibility. After exclusions, 64 studies (74 470 total patients) published from October 29, 2002, through October 19, 2021, were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Diagnostic odds ratios (DORs), sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), odds ratio (OR), and annualized event rate (AER) for all-cause death, CV death, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) defined as the composite of myocardial infarction and CV death.

Results

A total of 33 diagnostic studies pooling 7814 individuals and 31 prognostic studies pooling 67 080 individuals (mean [SD] follow-up, 3.5 [2.1] years; range, 0.9-8.8 years; 381 357 person-years) were identified. Stress CMR yielded a DOR of 26.4 (95% CI, 10.6-65.9), a sensitivity of 81% (95% CI, 68%-89%), a specificity of 86% (95% CI, 75%-93%), and an AUROC of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.77-0.89) for the detection of functionally obstructive coronary artery disease. In the subgroup analysis, stress CMR yielded higher diagnostic accuracy in the setting of suspected coronary artery disease (DOR, 53.4; 95% CI, 27.7-103.0) or when using 3-T imaging (DOR, 33.2; 95% CI, 19.9-55.4). The presence of stress-inducible ischemia was associated with higher all-cause mortality (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.69-2.31), CV mortality (OR, 6.40; 95% CI, 4.48-9.14), and MACEs (OR, 5.33; 95% CI, 4.04-7.04). The presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was associated with higher all-cause mortality (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.99-2.47), CV mortality (OR, 6.03; 95% CI, 2.76-13.13), and increased risk of MACEs (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 3.42-8.60). After a negative test result, pooled AERs for CV death were less than 1.0%.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this study, stress CMR yielded high diagnostic accuracy and delivered robust prognostication, particularly when 3-T scanners were used. While inducible myocardial ischemia and LGE were associated with higher mortality and risk of MACEs, normal stress CMR results were associated with a lower risk of MACEs for at least 3.5 years.

Heart Rate Recovery as a Predictor of Long-Term Adverse Events after Negative Exercise Testing in Patients with Chest Pain and Pre-Test Probability of Coronary Artery Disease from 15% to 65

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with chest pain after a negative exercise test is good, but some adverse events occur in this low-risk group. The aim of our study was to identify predictors of long-term adverse events after a negative exercise test in patients with chest pain and a lower intermediate (15-65%) pre-test probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to assess the prognostic value of exercise electrocardiography and exercise stress echocardiography in this group of patients.

METHODS

We identified from our stress test laboratory database 862 patients with chest pain without previously known CAD and with a pre-test probability of CAD ranging from 15 to 65% (mean 41 ± 14%) who underwent exercise testing. Patients were followed for the occurrence of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and clinically guided revascularization.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 94 months, 87 patients (10.1%) had an adverse event (AE). A total of 30 patients died (3.5%), 23 patients suffered non-fatal MI (2.7%) and 34 patients (3.9%) had clinically guided revascularization (20 patients percutaneous and 14 patients surgical revascularizations). Male gender, age, the presence of diabetes and a slow heart rate recovery (HRR) in the first minute after exercise were independently related to the occurrence of AEs. Adverse events occurred in 10.3% of patients who were tested by exercise stress echocardiography and in 10.0% of those who underwent stress electrocardiography (p = 0.888).

CONCLUSION

The risk of AEs after negative exercise testing in patients with a pre-test probability of CAD of 15-65% is low. Male patients with a history of diabetes and slow HRR in the first minute after exercise have an increased risk of an adverse outcome.

Non-Contrast and Contrast-Enhanced Cardiac Computed Tomography Imaging in the Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease

In recent decades, cardiac computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a powerful non-invasive tool for risk stratification, as well as the detection and characterization of coronary artery disease (CAD), which remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Advances in technology have favored the increasing use of cardiac CT by allowing better performance with lower radiation doses. Coronary artery calcium, as assessed by non-contrast CT, is considered to be the best marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, and its use is recommended for the refinement of risk assessment in low-to-intermediate risk individuals. In addition, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has become a gate-keeper to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and revascularization in patients with acute chest pain by allowing the assessment not only of the extent of lumen stenosis, but also of its hemodynamic significance if combined with the measurement of fractional flow reserve or perfusion imaging. Moreover, CCTA provides a unique incremental value over functional testing and ICA by imaging the vessel wall, thus allowing the assessment of plaque burden, composition, and instability features, in addition to perivascular adipose tissue attenuation, which is a marker of vascular inflammation. There exists the potential to identify the non-obstructive lesions at high risk of progression to plaque rupture by combining all of these measures.

Diagnostic performance of 3D cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion in elderly patients for the detection of coronary artery disease as compared to fractional flow reserve

OBJECTIVES

In patients of advanced age, the feasibility of myocardial ischemia testing might be limited by age-related comorbidities and falling compliance abilities. Therefore, we aimed to test the accuracy of 3D cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) stress perfusion in the elderly population as compared to reference standard fractional flow reserve (FFR).

METHODS

Fifty-six patients at age 75 years or older (mean age 79 ± 4 years, 35 male) underwent 3D CMR perfusion imaging and invasive coronary angiography with FFR in 5 centers using the same study protocol. The diagnostic accuracy of CMR was compared to a control group of 360 patients aged below 75 years (mean age 61 ± 9 years, 262 male). The percentage of myocardial ischemic burden (MIB) relative to myocardial scar burden was further analyzed using semi-automated software.

RESULTS

Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 3D perfusion CMR deemed similar for both age groups in the detection of hemodynamically relevant (FFR < 0.8) stenosis (≥ 75 years: 86%, 83%, 92%, and 75%; < 75 years: 87%, 80%, 82%, and 85%; p > 0.05 all). While MIB was larger in the elderly patients (15% ± 17% vs. 9% ± 13%), the diagnostic accuracy of 3D CMR perfusion was high in both elderly and non-elderly populations to predict pathological FFR (AUC: 0.906 and 0.866).

CONCLUSIONS

3D CMR perfusion has excellent diagnostic accuracy for the detection of hemodynamically relevant coronary stenosis, independent of patient age.

KEY POINTS

• The increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease in elderly populations is accompanied with a larger ischemic burden of the myocardium as compared to younger individuals. • 3D cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion imaging predicts pathological fractional flow reserve in elderly patients aged ≥ 75 years with high diagnostic accuracy. • Ischemia testing with 3D CMR perfusion imaging has similarly high accuracy in the elderly as in younger patients and it might be particularly useful when other non-invasive techniques are limited by aging-related comorbidities and falling compliance abilities.

Cardiac functional imaging

During the last 20 years, cardiac imaging has drastically evolved. Positron emission tomography (PET), fast three-dimensional (3D) imaging with the latest generations of echocardiography & multi-detector computed tomography (CT), stress perfusion assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood flow analysis using four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI, all these techniques offer new trends for optimal noninvasive functional cardiac imaging. Dynamic functional imaging is obtained by acquiring images of the heart at different phases of the cardiac cycle, allowing assessment of cardiac motion, function, and perfusion. Between CT and Cardiac MRI (CMR), CMR has the best temporal resolution, which is suitable for functional imaging while cardiac CT provides higher spatial resolution with isotropic data that have an identical resolution in the three dimensions of the space. The latest generations of CT scanners enable whole heart assessment in one beat, offering also an acceptable temporal resolution with the possibility to display the images in a dynamic mode. Another rapidly growing technique using functional and molecular imaging for the assessment of biological and metabolic pathways is the PET using radio-labeled tracers. Meanwhile, the oldest cardiac imaging tool with doppler ultrasound technology has never stopped evolving. Echocardiography today performs 3D imaging, stress perfusion, and myocardial strain assessment, with high temporal resolution. It still is the first line and more accessible exam for the patient. These different modalities are complementary and may be even combined into PET-CT or PET-MRI. The ability to combine the functional/molecular data with anatomical images may implement a new dimension to our diagnostic tools.

2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

This clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and diagnosis of chest pain provides recommendations and algorithms for clinicians to assess and diagnose chest pain in adult patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from November 11, 2017, to May 1, 2020, encompassing randomized and nonrandomized trials, observational studies, registries, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through April 2021, were also considered.

STRUCTURE

Chest pain is a frequent cause for emergency department visits in the United States. The "2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain" provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence on the assessment and evaluation of chest pain. This guideline presents an evidence-based approach to risk stratification and the diagnostic workup for the evaluation of chest pain. Cost-value considerations in diagnostic testing have been incorporated, and shared decision-making with patients is recommended.

Coronary Flow Assessment Using Accelerated 4D Flow MRI With Respiratory Motion Correction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can potentially be used for non-invasive screening of patients with stable angina pectoris to identify probable obstructive coronary artery disease. MRI-based coronary blood flow quantification has to date only been performed in a 2D fashion, limiting its clinical applicability. In this study, we propose a framework for coronary blood flow quantification using accelerated 4D flow MRI with respiratory motion correction and compressed sensing image reconstruction. We investigate its feasibility and repeatability in healthy subjects at rest. Fourteen healthy subjects received 8 times-accelerated 4D flow MRI covering the left coronary artery (LCA) with an isotropic spatial resolution of 1.0 mm³. Respiratory motion correction was performed based on 1) lung-liver navigator signal, 2) real-time monitoring of foot-head motion of the liver and LCA by a separate acquisition, and 3) rigid image registration to correct for anterior-posterior motion. Time-averaged diastolic LCA flow was determined, as well as time-averaged diastolic maximal velocity (V_MAX) and diastolic peak velocity (V_PEAK). 2D flow MRI scans of the LCA were acquired for reference. Scan-rescan repeatability and agreement between 4D flow MRI and 2D flow MRI were assessed in terms of concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and coefficient of variation (CV). The protocol resulted in good visibility of the LCA in 11 out of 14 subjects (six female, five male, aged 28 ± 4 years). The other 3 subjects were excluded from analysis. Time-averaged diastolic LCA flow measured by 4D flow MRI was 1.30 ± 0.39 ml/s and demonstrated good scan-rescan repeatability (CCC/CV = 0.79/20.4%). Time-averaged diastolic V_MAX (17.2 ± 3.0 cm/s) and diastolic V_PEAK (24.4 ± 6.5 cm/s) demonstrated moderate repeatability (CCC/CV = 0.52/19.0% and 0.68/23.0%, respectively). 4D flow- and 2D flow-based diastolic LCA flow agreed well (CCC/CV = 0.75/20.1%). Agreement between 4D flow MRI and 2D flow MRI was moderate for both diastolic V_MAX and V_PEAK (CCC/CV = 0.68/20.3% and 0.53/27.0%, respectively). In conclusion, the proposed framework of accelerated 4D flow MRI equipped with respiratory motion correction and compressed sensing image reconstruction enables repeatable diastolic LCA flow quantification that agrees well with 2D flow MRI.

The prognostic value of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging: The largest cohort to date

BACKGROUND

Data on the prognostic value of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is limited and based on small cohorts.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 10,275 consecutive patients who underwent regadenoson SPECT-MPI. Among the study subjects, 28.7% had abnormal MPI and 25.5% had myocardial ischemia. Patients were followed for a mean of 2.4 ± 2.2 years for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as cardiac death or myocardial infarction. There was a significant stepwise increase in MACE with an increasing burden of perfusion abnormality (P < .001) and myocardial ischemia (P < .001). Abnormal MPI (adjusted HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.91) and myocardial ischemia (adjusted HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.25 to 1.89) were associated with MACE, independent of and incremental to clinical covariates and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Moreover, post-stress LVEF, LVEF reserve, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume added significant prognostic information. Transient ischemic dilation ≥ 1.31 did not provide incremental prognostic value (adjusted HR 1.02; P = .906).

CONCLUSION

In the largest cohort to date, we demonstrated that the presence and severity of perfusion abnormality and myocardial ischemia on regadenoson stress SPECT-MPI are associated with an independent increase in MACE.

2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

This clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and diagnosis of chest pain provides recommendations and algorithms for clinicians to assess and diagnose chest pain in adult patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from November 11, 2017, to May 1, 2020, encompassing randomized and nonrandomized trials, observational studies, registries, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through April 2021, were also considered.

STRUCTURE

Chest pain is a frequent cause for emergency department visits in the United States. The "2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain" provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence on the assessment and evaluation of chest pain. This guideline presents an evidence-based approach to risk stratification and the diagnostic workup for the evaluation of chest pain. Cost-value considerations in diagnostic testing have been incorporated, and shared decision-making with patients is recommended.

2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

This clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and diagnosis of chest pain provides recommendations and algorithms for clinicians to assess and diagnose chest pain in adult patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from November 11, 2017, to May 1, 2020, encompassing randomized and nonrandomized trials, observational studies, registries, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through April 2021, were also considered. Structure: Chest pain is a frequent cause for emergency department visits in the United States. The "2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain" provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence on the assessment and evaluation of chest pain. This guideline presents an evidence-based approach to risk stratification and the diagnostic workup for the evaluation of chest pain. Cost-value considerations in diagnostic testing have been incorporated, and shared decision-making with patients is recommended.

Coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with stable coronary artery disease

The treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is defined by stable anatomical atherosclerotic and functional alterations of epicardial vessels or microcirculation, focuses on managing intermittent angina symptoms and preventing major adverse cardiovascular events with optimal medical therapy. When patients with known CAD present with angina and no acute coronary syndrome, they have historically been evaluated with a variety of noninvasive stress tests that utilize electrocardiography, radionuclide scintigraphy, echocardiography, or magnetic resonance imaging for determining the presence and extent of inducible myocardial ischemia. Patient event-free survival, however, is largely driven by the coronary atherosclerotic disease burden, which is not directly assessed by functional testing. Direct evaluation of coronary atherosclerotic disease by coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) has emerged as the first line noninvasive imaging modality as it improves diagnostic accuracy and positively influences clinical management. Compared to functional assessment of CAD, coronary CTA-guided management results in improved patient outcomes by facilitating prevention of myocardial infarction. Other strengths of coronary CTA include detailed atherosclerotic plaque characterization and the ability to assess functional significance of specific lesions, which may further improve risk assessment and prognosis and lead to more appropriate referrals for additional testing, such as invasive coronary angiography.

Prognostic value of dipyridamole stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance in elderly patients >75 years with suspected coronary artery disease

AIMS

There are only very few data on the prognostic value of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in elderly people, while life expectancy of the general population is steadily increasing. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in elderly >75 years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2017, we included consecutive elderly >75 years without known coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for dipyridamole stress CMR. They were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiac death or non-fatal myocardial infarction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the prognostic value of ischaemia or late gadolinium enhancement. Of 754 elderly individuals (82.0 ± 3.9 years, 48.4% men), 659 (87.4%) completed the follow-up with median follow-up of 4.7 years. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the presence of myocardial ischaemia was associated with the occurrence of MACE [hazard ratio (HR) 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.56-9.56; P < 0.001]. In a multivariable Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR indexes, inducible ischaemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE (HR 4.44, 95% CI: 2.51-7.86; P < 0.001). In patients without ischaemia, the occurrence of MACE was lower in women when compared with men (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Stress CMR is safe and has discriminative prognostic value in elderly, with a significantly lower event rate of future cardiovascular event or death in subjects without ischaemia or infarction.

[Personalized ischemia diagnostics in chronic coronary syndrome]

Myocardial ischemia is triggered by a mismatch between the oxygen supply and demand of the myocardial tissue. The most common cause is coronary artery disease; however, not every coronary stenosis is hemodynamically relevant and leads to myocardial ischemia. The guidelines recommend noninvasive ischemia diagnostics prior to invasive treatment in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Cardiac computed tomography, stress echocardiography, nuclear cardiological procedures (positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the main diagnostic tools for this purpose and are incorporated into the clinical routine. This article provides a review of the indications, the relative advantages and disadvantages of the respective methods and their utilization in routine clinical practice.

What Is the Clinical Impact of Stress CMR After the ISCHEMIA Trial?

After progressively receding for decades, cardiovascular mortality due to coronary artery disease has recently increased, and the associated healthcare costs are projected to double by 2030. While the 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for chronic coronary syndromes recommend non-invasive cardiac imaging for patients with suspected coronary artery disease, the impact of non-invasive imaging strategies to guide initial coronary revascularization and improve long-term outcomes is still under debate. Recently, the ISCHEMIA trial has highlighted the fundamental role of optimized medical therapy and the lack of overall benefit of early invasive strategies at a median follow-up of 3.2 years. However, sub-group analyses excluding procedural infarctions with longer follow-ups of up to 5 years have suggested that patients undergoing revascularization had better outcomes than those receiving medical therapy alone. A recent sub-study of ISCHEMIA in patients with heart failure or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <45%) indicated that revascularization improved clinical outcomes compared to medical therapy alone. Furthermore, other large observational studies have suggested a favorable prognostic impact of coronary revascularization in patients with severe inducible ischemia assessed by stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Indeed, some data suggest that stress CMR-guided revascularization assessing the extent of the ischemia could be useful in identifying patients who would most benefit from invasive procedures such as myocardial revascularization. Interestingly, the MR-INFORM trial has recently shown that a first-line stress CMR-based non-invasive assessment was non-inferior in terms of outcomes, with a lower incidence of coronary revascularization compared to an initial invasive approach guided by fractional flow reserve in patients with stable angina. In the present review, we will discuss the current state-of-the-art data on the prognostic value of stress CMR assessment of myocardial ischemia in light of the ISCHEMIA trial results, highlighting meaningful sub-analyses, and still unanswered opportunities of this pivotal study. We will also review the available evidence for the potential clinical application of quantifying the extent of ischemia to stratify cardiovascular risk and to best guide invasive and non-invasive treatment strategies.

Native T1 mapping and extracellular volume fraction for differentiation of myocardial diseases from normal CMR controls in routine clinical practice

Background

This study aimed to determine native T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in distinct types of myocardial disease, including amyloidosis, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), myocarditis and coronary artery disease (CAD), compared to controls.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with distinct types of myocardial disease, CAD patients, and control group (no known heart disease and negative CMR study) who underwent 3.0 Tesla CMR with routine T1 mapping. The region of interest (ROI) was drawn in the myocardium of the mid left ventricular (LV) short axis slice and at the interventricular septum of mid LV slice. ECV was calculated by actual hematocrit (Hct) and synthetic Hct. T1 mapping and ECV was compared between myocardial disease and controls, and between CAD and controls. Diagnostic yield and cut-off values were assessed.

Results

A total of 1188 patients were enrolled. The average T1 values in the control group were 1304 ± 42 ms at septum, and 1294 ± 37 ms at mid LV slice. The average T1 values in patients with myocardial disease and CAD were significantly higher than in controls (1441 ± 72, 1349 ± 59, 1345 ± 59, 1355 ± 56, and 1328 ± 54 ms for septum of amyloidosis, DCM, HCM, myocarditis, and CAD). Native T1 of the mid LV level and ECV at septum and mid LV with actual and synthetic Hct of patients with myocardial disease or CAD were significantly higher than in controls.

Conclusions

Although native T1 and ECV of patients with cardiomyopathy and CAD were significantly higher than controls, the values overlapped. The greatest clinical utilization was found for the amyloidosis group.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02086-3.

The Prognostic Value of Exercise Echocardiography After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Exercise echocardiography (EE) is a valuable noninvasive method for diagnostic and prognostic assessment of ischemic cardiac disease. The prognostic value of a negative EE test is well known overall, but its role in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention remains poorly validated. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prognostic value of treadmill EE and to determine predictors of cardiac events in this population, with an emphasis on nonpositive (negative or inconclusive) test results.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was performed. It included 516 patients (83% man; mean age, 62 ± 9 years) previously subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention who underwent treadmill EE between 2008 and 2017. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and angiographic data were collected. The occurrence of cardiac events (cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, or coronary revascularization) during follow-up was investigated. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate predictors of cardiac events. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate event-free survival rates.

RESULTS

The results of EE were negative for myocardial ischemia in 245 patients (47.5%), inconclusive in 144 (27.9%), and positive in 127 (24.6%). During a mean follow-up period of 40 ± 34 months, cardiac events occurred in 152 patients (29.5%). The positive and negative predictive values of EE were 81.6% and 85.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of the exercise test was 73.9%, with specificity of 90.1%. Predictors of cardiac events were typical angina (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.16-3.27; P = .011), a positive ischemic response detected by electrocardiographic monitoring during EE (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.21-3.34; P = .007), and the test result (inconclusive result: HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.51-2.19; P = .878; positive result: HR, 4.35; 95% CI, 2.42-7.80; P < .001). Patients with inconclusive (log-rank P = .038) and positive (log-rank P < .001) results had significantly more cardiac events during follow-up than those with negative EE test results. Focusing on those patients with nonpositive results, cardiac event-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 96.6 ± 0.9%, 88.3 ± 1.9%, and 79.5 ± 2.6%, respectively. In this subpopulation, an inconclusive test result (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.03-2.70; P = .039), more extensive coronary artery disease (two vessels: HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.75-2.30; P = .304; three vessels: HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.38-4.87; P = .003), and arterial hypertension (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.10-3.91; P = .025) were significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiac events.

CONCLUSION

Patients with known coronary disease with negative results on EE are at low risk for hard events. Patients with inconclusive results are at higher risk for cardiac events than those with negative results. The detection of patients with low-risk results on EE should decrease the number of unnecessary repeat invasive coronary angiographic examinations.

Sustainability and Versatility of the ABCDE Protocol for Stress Echocardiography

For the past 40 years, the methodology for stress echocardiography (SE) has remained basically unchanged. It is based on two-dimensional, black and white imaging, and is used to detect regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). In the last five years much has changed and RWMA is not enough on its own to stratify patient risk and dictate therapy. Patients arriving at SE labs often have comorbidities and are undergoing full anti-ischemic therapy. The SE positivity rate based on RWMA fell from 70% in the eighties to 10% in the last decade. The understanding of CAD pathophysiology has shifted from a regional hydraulic disease to a systemic biologic disease. The conventional view of CAD encouraged the use of coronary anatomic imaging for diagnosis and the oculo-stenotic reflex for the deployment of therapy. This has led to a clinical oversimplification that ignores the lessons of pathophysiology and epidemiology, and in fact, CAD is not synonymous with ischemic heart disease. Patients with CAD may also have other vulnerabilities such as coronary plaque (step A of ABCDE-SE), alveolar-capillary membrane and pulmonary congestion (step B), preload and contractile reserve (step C), coronary microcirculation (step D) and cardiac autonomic balance (step E). The SE methodology based on two-dimensional echocardiography is now integrated with lung ultrasound (step B for B-lines), volumetric echocardiography (step C), color- and pulsed-wave Doppler (step D) and non-imaging electrocardiogram-based heart rate assessment (step E). In addition, qualitative assessment based on the naked eye has now become more quantitative, has been improved by contrast and based on cardiac strain and artificial intelligence. ABCDE-SE is now ready for large scale multicenter testing in the SE2030 study.

Safety and Prognostic Value of Vasodilator Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background:

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) referred for stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) may have a less optimal hemodynamic response to intravenous vasodilator. The aim was to assess the prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in patients with HFrEF.

Methods:

Between 2008 and 2018, consecutive patients with HFrEF defined by left ventricular ejection fraction <40% prospectively referred for vasodilator stress perfusion CMR were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined by cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were performed to determine the prognostic value of inducible ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement by CMR.

Results:

Of 1053 patients with HFrEF (65±11 years, median [interquartile range] left ventricular ejection fraction 38.7% [37.2–39.0]), 1018 (97%) completed the CMR protocol and 950 (93%) completed the follow-up (median [interquartile range], 5.6 [3.6–7.3] years); 117 experienced a MACE (12.3%). Stress CMR was well tolerated without any adverse events. Patients without ischemia or late gadolinium enhancement experienced a lower annual event rate of MACE (1.8%) than those with both ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement (12.0%; P <0.001). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, inducible ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement were significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE (hazard ratio, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.69–3.60]; and hazard ratio, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.77–4.83], respectively, both P <0.001). In multivariable Cox regression, inducible ischemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE (hazard ratio, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.52–3.35]; P <0.001).

Conclusions:

Stress CMR is safe and has a good discriminative prognostic value to predict the occurrence of MACE in patients with HFrEF.

ESC 2019 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes : Recommendations for cardiovascular imaging

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has recently published new guidelines on the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). Due to variable symptoms, objective tests are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis, exclude alternative diagnoses, and assess the severity of underlying disease. This review provides a summary of the main diagnostic strategies listed in the guidelines for evaluation of patients suspected of having obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Based on data from contemporary cohorts of patients referred for diagnostic testing, the pre-test probabilities of obstructive CAD based on age, sex, and symptoms have been adjusted substantially downward compared with the previous guidelines. Further, a new concept of “clinical likelihood of CAD” was introduced accounting for the impact of various risk factors and modifiers on the pre-test probability. Noninvasive functional imaging for myocardial ischemia, coronary computed tomography angiography, or invasive coronary angiography combined with functional evaluation is recommended as the initial strategy to diagnose CAD in symptomatic patients, unless obstructive CAD can be excluded by clinical assessment alone. When available, imaging tests are recommended as noninvasive modalities instead of exercise electrocardiograms.

Emerging F-18-Labelled PET Myocardial Perfusion Tracers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is an established modality for the evaluation of ischemic heart disease and quantitation of myocardial blood flow (MBF). New F-18-labelled radiopharmaceuticals have been recently developed to overcome some of the limitations of currently used tracers such as the need of an on-site cyclotron. The characteristics of the new tracers and the clinical results obtained so far will be reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most of the interest in the field of ¹⁸F-labelled radiotracers for PET MPI has been concentrated on MC-1 inhibitors, the prototype of which is ¹⁸F-flurpiridaz. It was shown in experimental and clinical reports that these radiotracers allow good quality rest/stress MPI studies and a reliable quantitation of MBF. Recent evidence suggests that PET MPI with ¹⁸F-flurpiridaz may provide a superior diagnostic accuracy for obstructive CAD even if a large comparative clinical trial with SPECT is still ongoing.

Stress cardiac MRI in stable coronary artery disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Non-invasive testing is often the first step in the evaluation of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is an established modality with high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value. This review will focus on the recent advances in understanding how stress CMR can help guide patient care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diagnostic accuracy of stress CMR has been validated against coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with stable CAD. Large registry data have shown stress CMR to have important prognostic importance and that its cost-effectiveness compares favorably to alternatives. In patients with stable CAD, guidance using a CMR based strategy led to equivalent outcomes when compared to coronary angiography with FFR.

SUMMARY

In persons with stable CAD, Stress CMR is an accurate and cost-effective imaging modality that should be considered in patients at intermediate pre-test probability of CAD. Prognostic studies have shown it to have excellent negative predictive value and that it can safely serve as a "gatekeeper" for invasive angiography.

Headache and Neuroimaging: Why We Continue to Do It

The appropriate imaging of patients with headache presents a number of important and vexing challenges for clinicians. Despite a number of guidelines and studies demonstrating a lack of cost-effectiveness, clinicians continue to image patients with chronic nonfocal headaches, and the trend toward imaging is increasing. The reasons are complex and include the fear of missing a clinically significant lesion and litigation, habitual and standard of care practices, lack of tort reform, regulatory penalties and potential impact on one's professional reputation, patient pressures, and financial motivation. Regulatory and legislative reforms are needed to encourage best practices without fear of professional sanctions when following the guidelines. The value of negative findings on imaging tests requires better understanding because they appear to provide some measure of societal value. Clinical decision support tools and machine intelligence may offer additional guidance and improve quality and cost-efficient management of this challenging patient population.

Prognostic value of heart rate reserve is additive to coronary flow velocity reserve during dipyridamole stress echocardiography

BACKGROUND

During dipyridamole stress echocardiography (SE), a blunted heart rate reserve (HRR) is a prognostically unfavourable sign of cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

AIM

To assess the prognostic meaning of HRR and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR).

METHODS

The study group comprised 2149 patients (1236 men; mean age 66±12 years) with suspected (n=1280) or known (n=869) coronary artery disease and without inducible regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) during dipyridamole SE (0.84mg/kg in 6min). We assessed CFVR of the left anterior descending artery with pulsed-wave Doppler as the ratio between hyperaemic peak and basal peak diastolic flow velocities (abnormal value≤2.0). HRR was calculated as the peak/resting ratio of heart rate from a 12-lead electrocardiogram (abnormal value≤1.22). All patients were followed up.

RESULTS

CFVR and HRR were abnormal in 520 (24%) and 670 (31%) patients, respectively. There was a positive linear correlation between CFVR and HRR (r=0.30; P<0.0001). During a median follow-up of 22 months (1st quartile 12 months, 3rd quartile 35 months), 75 (6%) patients died. The annual mortality was 1.6% in the overall population, 0.5% in the 1224 (57%) patients with normal CFVR and HRR, 1.7% in the 405 (19%) patients with abnormal HRR only, 3.6% in the 255 (12%) patients with abnormal CFVR only, and 6.2% in the 265 (12%) patients with abnormal CFVR and HRR.

CONCLUSIONS

HRR is weakly related to CFVR, and a blunted HRR usefully complements RWMA and CFVR for prediction of outcome with dipyridamole SE. The patient without inducible RWMA is still at intermediate risk, but the risk is low with concomitant preserved CFVR, and very low with concomitant normal HRR.

Anatomic or functional testing in stable patients with suspected CAD: contemporary role of cardiac CT in the ISCHEMIA trial era

One of the foundations of the management of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) is to avoid unnecessary invasive coronary angiography (ICA) referrals. However, the diagnostic yield of ICA following abnormal conventional stress testing is low. The ability of ischemia testing to predict subsequent myocardial infarction and death is currently being challenged, and more than half of cardiac events among stable patients with suspected CAD occur in those with normal functional tests. The optimal management of patients with stable CAD remains controversial and ischemia-driven interventions, though improving anginal symptoms, have failed to reduce the risk of hard cardiovascular events. In this context, there is an ongoing debate whether the initial diagnostic test among patients with stable suspected CAD should be a functional test or coronary computed tomography angiography. Aside from considering the specific characteristics of individual patients and local availability and conditions, the choice of the initial test relates to whether the objective concerns its role as gatekeeper for ICA, prognosis, or treatment decision-making. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a contemporary overview of these issues and discuss the emerging role of CCTA as the upfront imaging tool for most patients with suspected CAD.

Imaging in ESC clinical guidelines: chronic coronary syndromes

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has recently published new guidelines on the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The 2019 guideline identified six common clinical scenarios of CCS defined by the different evolutionary phases of coronary artery disease (CAD), excluding the situations in which an acute coronary event, often with coronary thrombus formation, dominates the clinical presentation. This review aims at providing a summary of novel or revised concepts in the guidelines together with the recent data underlying the major changes on the use of cardiac imaging in patients with suspected or known CCS.

Based on data from contemporary cohorts of patients referred for diagnostic testing, the pre-test probabilities of CAD based on age, sex and symptoms have been adjusted substantially downward as compared with 2013 ESC guidelines. Further, the impact of various risk factors and modifiers on the pre-test probability was highlighted and a new concept of ‘Clinical likelihood of CAD’ was introduced. Recommendations regarding diagnostic tests to establish or rule-out obstructive CAD have been updated with recent data on their diagnostic performance in different patient groups and impact on patient outcome. As the initial strategy to diagnose CAD in symptomatic patients, non-invasive functional imaging for myocardial ischaemia, coronary computed tomography angiography or invasive coronary angiography combined with functional evaluation may be used, unless obstructive CAD can be excluded by clinical assessment alone. When available, imaging tests instead of the exercise electrocardiogram are recommended when following the non-invasive diagnostic strategy.

Apparent Declining Prognostic Value of a Negative Stress Echocardiography Based on Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities in Patients With Normal Resting Left Ventricular Function Due to the Changing Referral Profile of the Population Under Study

Background Cardiology guidelines identify the low-risk response during stress echocardiography as the absence of regional wall motion abnormalities. Methods From 1983 to 2016, we enrolled 5817 patients (age 63±12 years; 2830 males) with suspected coronary artery disease, normal regional, and global left ventricular function at rest and during stress (exercise in 692, dipyridamole in 4291, and dobutamine in 834). Based on timing of enrollment, 4 groups were identified in chronological order of recruitment: years 1983 to 1989, group 1 (n=211); years 1990 to 1999, group 2 (n=1491); years 2000 to 2009, group 3 (n=3285); and years 2010 to 2016, group 4 (n=830). Results There were 240 (4%) events (119 deaths and 121 infarctions) in the follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, the event rate was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.05-0.95), 1.5% (95% CI, -1.18 to 1.82), 1.9% (95% CI, 1.63-2.17), and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.01-2.39; χ², 9.0; P=0.03) in groups 1 to 4, respectively. At multivariable Cox analysis, independent predictors of future events were age (hazard ratio (HR), 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04-1.07; P<0.0001), male sex (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.20-2.04; P=0.001), diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.34-2.37; P<0.0001), smoking habit (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05-1.85; P=0.02), and ongoing anti-ischemic therapy (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.15-1.97; P=0.003) Conclusions Over the past 3 decades, we observed a progressive decline in the prognostic value of a negative test based on regional wall motion abnormalities, likely reflecting both an increase in risk in patients, as well as a potential decrease in test performance due to concomitant anti-ischemic therapy.

The year 2017 in the European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging: Part I

The European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging was launched in 2012. It has gained an impressive impact factor of 8.336 during its first 6 years and is now established as one of the top 10 cardiovascular journals in the world and the most important cardiovascular imaging journal in Europe. The most important studies published in the journal in 2017 will be highlighted in two reports. Part I will focus on studies about myocardial function, coronary artery disease and myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques and applications in cardiovascular imaging, whereas Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease.