Highly sensitive troponin and coronary computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of suspected acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department

FFRct use for acute chest pain triage in the emergency department: a cost-effectiveness analysis

AIMS

To model and assess the cost-effectiveness of CT-based fractional flow reserve (FFRct) for a population of low to intermediate risk patients for coronary artery disease (CAD) presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using a decision tree model with a 1 year time horizon and from a health care perspective, two diagnostic pathways using FFRct are compared to current clinical routine combining coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with an exercise test. Model data are drawn from the literature and nationally reported data. Outcomes are assessed as the number of avoided invasive coronary angiographies (ICAs) showing no obstructive CAD and quality of life (QoL) in a theoretical cohort of 1000 patients. Sensitivity analyses are performed to test the robustness of the results. Determining FFRct when CCTA is inconclusive is a cost-effective and dominant strategy with a potential saving of 198€/patient, 154 avoided unnecessary ICA showing no obstructive CAD (uICA)/1000 patients and an average improvement in QoL of 0.008 QALY/patient. With an additional 574€/patient, 8 avoided uICA/1000 patients and an improvement in QoL of 0.001 QALY/patient, a strategy where FFRct is always performed is cost-effective only when considering high cost-effectiveness thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients presenting to the ED with acute chest pain and a low to intermediate pre-test probability of CAD, a diagnostic strategy where FFRct is determined after an inconclusive CCTA is cost-effective. Clinical trials investigating both sensitivity and specificity of FFRct, as well as QoL associated with the use of this technology in this setting are warranted.

Trends in non-focal neurological chief complaints and CT angiography utilization among adults in the emergency department

Prudent imaging use is essential for cost reduction and efficient patient triage. Recent efforts have focused on head and neck CTA in patients with emergent concerns for non-focal neurological complaints, but have failed to demonstrate whether increases in utilization have resulted in better care. The objective of this study was to examine trends in head and neck CTA ordering and determine whether a correlation exists between imaging utilization and positivity rates. This is a single-center retrospective observational study at a quaternary referral center. This study includes patients presenting with headache and/or dizziness to the emergency department between January 2017 and December 2021. Patients who received a head and neck CTA were compared to those who did not. The main outcomes included annual head and neck CTA utilization and positivity rates, defined as the percent of scans with attributable acute pathologies. Among 24,892 emergency department visits, 2264 (9.1%) underwent head and neck CTA imaging. The percentage of patients who received a scan over the study period increased from 7.89% (422/5351) in 2017 to 13.24% (662/5001) in 2021, representing a 67.4% increase from baseline (OR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.11-1.18; P < .001). The positivity rate, or the percentage of scans ordered that revealed attributable acute pathology, dropped from 16.8% (71/422) in 2017 to 10.4% (69/662) in 2021 (OR, 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.94; P = .001), a 38% reduction in positive examinations. Throughout the study period, there was a 67.4% increase in head and neck CTA ordering with a concomitant 38.1% decrease in positivity rate.

The research progress and research trends in acute coronary syndrome nursing: A review of visual analysis based on the Web of Science database

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the most common and severe forms of cardiovascular disease and has attracted worldwide attention with increased morbidity and mortality in recent years. There are few review studies in the field of its care in the form of bibliometric studies. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for articles and reviews in the area of ACS nursing for visual mapping analysis. Our objectives are to explore the hot topics and frontiers of research in the field of ACS nursing and to identify collaborative relationships between countries, institutions, and authors. This study will provide researchers with intuitive reference data for future in-depth studies of ACSs.

Coronary CT angiography for improved assessment of patients with acute chest pain and low-range positive high-sensitivity troponins: study protocol for a prospective, observational, multicentre study (COURSE trial)

INTRODUCTION

Current evaluation of patients suspected of a non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) involves the use of algorithms that incorporate clinical information, electrocardiogram (ECG) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponins (hs-troponins). While primarily designed to rule out NSTE-ACS safely, these algorithms can also be used for rule in of NSTE-ACS in some patients. Still, in a substantial number of patients, these algorithms do not provide a conclusive work-up. These patients often present with an atypical clinical profile and low-range positive hs-troponin values without a characteristic rise or fall pattern. They represent a heterogeneous group of patients with various underlying conditions; only a fraction (30%-40%) will eventually be diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. Uncertainty exists about the optimal diagnostic strategy and their management depends on the clinical perspective of the treating physician ranging from direct discharge to admission for invasive coronary angiography. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive test that has been shown to be safe, fast and reliable in the evaluation of coronary artery disease. In this study, we will determine the usefulness of CCTA in patients with acute chest pain and low-range positive hs-troponin values.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective, double-blind, observational, multicentre study conducted in the Netherlands. Patients aged 30-80 years presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain and a suspicion of NSTE-ACS, a normal or non-diagnostic ECG and low-range positive hs-troponins will be scheduled to undergo CCTA. The primary outcome is the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA for the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS at discharge, in terms of sensitivity and negative predictive value.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands (registration number MEC-2017-506). Written informed consent to participate will be obtained from all participants. This study's findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03129659).

Prognostic implication of elevated cardiac troponin I in patients visiting emergency department without diagnosis of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

Elevated cardiac troponin is not uncommon in patients visiting emergency department (ED) even without coronary artery disease, but its prognostic implication is not well understood in such patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-center registry, we investigated clinical outcome of patients visiting ED without documented coronary artery disease. Patients were categorized according to the maximal value of Siemens ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra assay (TnI) within 24 h after visit. Primary endpoint was 180-day all-cause death that included cardiac and non-cardiac death.

RESULTS

A total of 35,205 patients with median age 61 years and male gender 54.7% were included. Below the lowest level of detection (LOD) (≤0.006 ng/mL), between LOD and assay-specific <99th percentile (0.007-0.039 ng/mL), below median of ≥99th percentile (0.040-0.149 ng/mL), and above median of ≥99th percentile (≥0.150 ng/mL) TnI were found in 18,502 (52.6%), 11,338 (32.2%), 3,029 (8.6%), and 2,336 (6.6%) patients. In the 180-day follow-up period, 4,341 (12.3%) all-cause death including 694 (2.0%) cardiovascular death and 3,647 (10.4%) non-cardiovascular death developed. The risks of all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular death increased across higher TnI strata (hazard ratio [HR]=1.3 to 2.4; 2.0 to 9.3; 1.3 to 1.7; p<0.001, all). Analyses of multivariate models showed consistent results.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients visiting ED, elevated TnI was associated with higher risk of 180-day cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death. Patients with elevated TnI may need additional evaluation or careful follow-up even without primary diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Nonspecific Chest Pain-Low Probability of Coronary Artery Disease

Patients with acute nonspecific chest pain and low probability for coronary disease remain an important clinical management dilemma. We focus on evidence for imaging, in an integrated decision-making setting. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

High-Risk Chief Complaints I: Chest Pain-The Big Three (an Update)

Nontraumatic chest pain is a frequent concern of emergency department patients, with causes that range from benign to immediately life threatening. Identifying those patients who require immediate/urgent intervention remains challenging and is a high-risk area for emergency medicine physicians where incorrect or delayed diagnosis may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This article focuses on the 3 most prevalent diagnoses associated with adverse outcomes in patients presenting with nontraumatic chest pain, acute coronary syndrome, thoracic aortic dissection, and pulmonary embolism. Important aspects of clinical evaluation, diagnostic testing, treatment, and disposition and other less common causes of lethal chest pain are also discussed.

In-Hospital Cost Comparison of Triple-Rule-Out Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Standard of Care in Patients With Acute Chest Pain

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of invasive and noninvasive tests and compare cost in patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department (ED) who underwent either triple-rule-out computed tomography angiography (TRO-CTA) or standard of care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of 2156 ED patients who presented with acute chest pain with a negative initial troponin and electrocardiogram for myocardial injury. Patient cohorts matched by patient characteristics who had undergone TRO-CTA as a primary imaging test (n=1139) or standard of care without initial CTA imaging (n=1017) were included in the study. ED visits, utilization of tests, and costs during the initial episode of hospital care were compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection were observed. Median ED waiting time (4.5 vs. 7.0 h, P<0.001), median total length of hospital stay (5.0 vs. 32.0 h, P<0.001), hospital admission rate (12.6% vs. 54.2%, P<0.001), and ED return rate to our hospital within 30 days (3.5% vs. 14.6%, P<0.001) were significantly lower in the TRO-CTA group. Moreover, reduced rates of additional testing and invasive coronary angiography (4.9% vs. 22.7%, P<0.001), and ultimately lower total cost per patient (11,783$ vs. 19,073$, P<0.001) were observed in the TRO-CTA group.

CONCLUSIONS

TRO-CTA as an initial imaging test in ED patients presenting with acute chest pain was associated with shorter ED and hospital length of stay, fewer return visits within 30 days, and ultimately lower ED and hospitalization costs.

Diagnosis and risk stratification of chest pain patients in the emergency department: focus on acute coronary syndromes. A position paper of the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association

This paper provides an update on the European Society of Cardiology task force report on the management of chest pain. Its main purpose is to provide an update on the decision algorithms and diagnostic pathways to be used in the emergency department for the assessment and triage of patients with chest pain symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin-Based Strategies for the Assessment of Chest Pain Patients-A Review of Validation and Clinical Implementation Studies

BACKGROUND

The introduction of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays has improved the early assessment of chest pain patients. A number of hs-cTn-based algorithms and accelerated diagnostic protocols (ADPs) have been developed and tested subsequently. In this review, we summarize the data on the performance and clinical utility of these strategies.

CONTENT

We reviewed studies investigating the diagnostic and prognostic performance of hs-cTn algorithms [level of detection (LoD) strategy, 0/1-h, 0/2-h, and 0/3-h algorithms) and of hs-cTn-based ADPs, together with the implications of these strategies when implemented as clinical routine. The LoD strategy, when combined with a nonischemic electrocardiogram, is best suited for safe rule-out of myocardial infarction and the identification of patients eligible for early discharge from the emergency department. The 0/1-h algorithms appear to identify most patients as being eligible for rule-out. The hs-cTn-based ADPs mainly focus on prognostic assessment, which is in contrast with the hs-cTn algorithms. They identify smaller proportions of rule-out patients, but there is increasing evidence from prospective studies on their successful clinical implementation. Such information is currently lacking for hs-cTn algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a trade-off between safety and efficacy for different hs-cTn-based strategies. This trade-off should be considered for the intended strategy, along with its user-friendliness and evidence from clinical implementation studies. However, several gaps in knowledge remain. At present, we suggest the use of an ADP in conjunction with serial hs-cTn results to optimize the early assessment of chest pain patients.

Early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome

The diagnostic evaluation of acute chest pain has been augmented in recent years by advances in the sensitivity and precision of cardiac troponin assays, new biomarkers, improvements in imaging modalities, and release of new clinical decision algorithms. This progress has enabled physicians to diagnose or rule-out acute myocardial infarction earlier after the initial patient presentation, usually in emergency department settings, which may facilitate prompt initiation of evidence-based treatments, investigation of alternative diagnoses for chest pain, or discharge, and permit better utilization of healthcare resources. A non-trivial proportion of patients fall in an indeterminate category according to rule-out algorithms, and minimal evidence-based guidance exists for the optimal evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of these patients. The Cardiovascular Round Table of the ESC proposes approaches for the optimal application of early strategies in clinical practice to improve patient care following the review of recent advances in the early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. The following specific 'indeterminate' patient categories were considered: (i) patients with symptoms and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin <99th percentile; (ii) patients with symptoms and high-sensitivity troponin <99th percentile but above the limit of detection; (iii) patients with symptoms and high-sensitivity troponin >99th percentile but without dynamic change; and (iv) patients with symptoms and high-sensitivity troponin >99th percentile and dynamic change but without coronary plaque rupture/erosion/dissection. Definitive evidence is currently lacking to manage these patients whose early diagnosis is 'indeterminate' and these areas of uncertainty should be assigned a high priority for research.