Anxiety and Perception of Disease Control in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects Treated with Natalizumab

Multiple sclerosis subjects treated with natalizumab face anxiety about developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), besides the psychological distress caused by the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate whether increasing the frequency of neurological and nuclear magnetic resonance screening may affect anxiety and the perception of disease control in patients treated with natalizumab. A total of 62 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients were recruited from 2019 to 2020. All patients received conventional infusion treatments with natalizumab, along with a screening protocol for PML. Three clinical assessments were considered: at the beginning of the study (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Patients were classified into three levels of risk, where level 1 represented a low risk of PML and level 3 a high risk. This classification determined treatment and screening protocol, i.e., the frequency of performing the Stratify test and the brain 3T NMR exam, as well as the frequency of infusion treatments. Anxiety and perception of disease control were assessed at T0, T1, and T2 by a skilled psychologist. The Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare outcomes at baseline with the two follow-ups. Statistical test results showed that the risk of PML (per 1000 patients) was significantly lower in women than in men (W = 198.5; p = 0.01). Moreover, significant differences between baseline and the two follow-ups were found, both for anxiety (F(2) = 122.6, p < 0.001) and for perception of disease control (F(2) = 123.5, p < 0.001). In both cases, there was significant improvement between baseline (T0) and the end of the study (T2) in any risk level (p < 0.001). An increase in the number of follow-ups, as well as an increase in instrumental investigations, might have a positive effect on both anxiety and the perception of disease control. However, there are many variables involved in the disease process that have an impact on patients' psychological well-being. Therefore, further and more extensive studies are necessary to evaluate how, and how much, each variable impacts the disease course.

C25 PREDICTION OF ALL–CAUSE MORTALITY FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION IN BIFURCATION LESIONS USING MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS – THE RAIN–ML PREDICTION MODEL

Aims

Stratifying prognosis following coronary bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an unmet need. Machine learning (ML) may identify patterns from multidimensional, non–linear relationships to make outcome predictions. We sought to develop a ML–based risk stratification model built on clinical, anatomical and procedural features to predict all–cause mortality following contemporary bifurcation PCI.

Methods and Results

Multiple ML models to predict all–cause mortality were tested on a cohort of 2,393 patients (training, n = 1,795; internal validation, n = 598) undergoing bifurcation PCI with contemporary stents from the real–world RAIN (veRy thin stents for patients with left mAIn or bifurcatioN in real life) registry. Among 38 commonly available features, 25 (13 patient–related, 12 lesion–related) were selected to train ML models. The best performing model (the RAIN–ML prediction model) was validated in an external validation cohort of 1,701 patients undergoing bifurcation PCI from the DUTCH PEERS (DUrable polymer–based sTent CHallenge of Promus ElemEnt versus ReSolute integrity: TWENTE II) trial and the BIO–RESORT trial cohorts. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the prediction of 2–year mortality was 0.786 (0.74–0.83) in the overall population, 0.736 (0.72–0.847) at internal validation and 0.706 (0.6919–0.794) at external validation. Performance at risk ranking analysis, k–center cross validation, and with continual learning confirmed the generalizability of the models, available also as an online interface.

Conclusions

The RAIN–ML prediction model represents the first tool combining clinical, anatomical and procedural features to predict all–cause mortality among patients undergoing contemporary bifurcation PCI with a good discriminative performance.

Neuropsychological Disability in the Case of Natalizumab-Related Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a viral disease characterized by progressive damage or inflammation of the cerebral white matter that can be encountered in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There are cases of PML caused by pharmacological agents including natalizumab. Therefore, in patients treated with this drug, early identification of PML allows changes in the treatment plan, reducing the risks of morbidity and mortality.

CASE PRESENTATION

We reported the case of a 57-year-old female diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, who presented with PML related to natalizumab. The patient presented with change in behavioral, radiological abnormalities in the left parieto-temporal lobes. We described the longitudinal course of PML, from the diagnosis until the patient's death, documenting the progressive deterioration of her cognitive functioning, supported by changes on sequential brain scans and neurophysiological data.

CONCLUSION

The neuropsychological impairment documented in this case study expands the range of treatment-related complications associated with natalizumab, and provides evidence that occurrence of "atypical" cognitive deficits in MS may support the early diagnosis of PML.

[Devices for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in interventional cardiology]

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) consists in acute decline in renal function following iodinated contrast media exposure. It has a significant impact on long-term prognosis and mortality, development of chronic kidney disease and on the rate of hospitalization due to cardiovascular or renal events. Anamnestic and procedural aspects linked to higher risk of CI-AKI have been investigated and new devices have been designed in order to prevent it. This paper deals with CI-AKI in interventional cardiology, focusing on patients' risk stratification, contrast media agent selection and contrast media volume reduction strategies, in order to suggest a standardized algorithm.

Performance of Thin-Strut Stents in Non-Left Main Bifurcation Coronary Lesions: A RAIN Subanalysis

OBJECTIVES

This study assesses the safety and efficacy of thin-strut stents in non-left main (non-LM) bifurcation coronary lesions.

BACKGROUND

Thinner struts of recent drug-eluting stent (DES) devices are associated with improved outcomes, but data about their performance in challenging scenarios are scant.

METHODS

RAIN was a retrospective multicenter registry enrolling patients with coronary bifurcation lesions or left main (LM) disease treated with thin-strut DESs. Target-lesion revascularization (TLR) was the primary endpoint, while major adverse clinical event (MACE) rate, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), target-vessel revascularization (TVR), TLR, and stent thrombosis (ST), and its single components were the secondary endpoints. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of TLR. Outcome incidences according to stenting strategy (provisional vs 2-stent technique), use of final kissing balloon (FKB), and intravascular ultrasound/optical coherence tomography optimization were further investigated in prespecified subanalyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1803 patients (59% acute coronary syndrome, 41% stable coronary artery disease) with non-LM bifurcations were enrolled. After a median follow-up of 12 months, TLR incidence was 2.5% (2.2% for provisional stenting and 3.5% for 2-stent technique). MACE rate was 9.4% (all-cause death, 4.1%; MI, 3.2%; TVR, 3.7%; definite ST, 1.1%). After multivariable adjustment, postdilation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.71; P<.01) and provisional stenting (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.55-0.89; P=.03) were associated with lower TLR rates. FKB was associated with a lower incidence of TLR in the 2-stent subgroup (P=.03). Intracoronary imaging had no significant impact on the primary endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

Thin-strut DES options represent an effective choice in bifurcation lesions. Postdilation and provisional stenting are associated with a reduced risk of TLR. FKB should be recommended in 2-stent techniques.

Comparison of ECMO vs ECpella in patients with non post-pericardiotomy cardiogenic shock: An updated meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The impact of Impella and ECMO (ECPELLA) in cardiogenic shock (CS) remains to be defined. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the benefit of ECPELLA compared to VA-ECMO in patients with non post-pericardiotomy CS.

METHODS

All studies reporting short term outcomes of ECpella or VA ECMO in non post-pericardiotomy CS were included. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Vascular and bleeding complications and LVAD implantation/heart transplant within 30-days were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 407 studies identified, 13 observational studies (13,682 patients, 13,270 with ECMO and 412 with ECpella) were included in this analysis. 30-day mortality was 55.8% (51.6-59.9) in the VA-ECMO group and 58.3% (53.5-63.0) in the ECpella group. At meta-regression analysis the implantation of IABP did not affect mortality in the ECMO group. The rate of major bleeding in patients on VA-ECMO and ECpella support were 21.3% (16.9-26.5) and 33.1% (25.9-41.2) respectively, while the rates of the composite outcome of LVAD implantation and heart transplantation within 30-days in patients on VA-ECMO and ECpella support were 14.4% (9.0-22.2) and 10.8%. When directly compared in 3 studies, ECpella showed a positive effect on 30-day mortality compared to ECMO (OR: 1.81: 1.039-3.159).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that ECpella may reduce 30-day mortality and increase left ventricle recovery, despite increased of bleeding rates.

Ultrasound versus fluoroscopy-guided femoral access for percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions: Insights from FOUND BLOOD CTO Registry

OBJECTIVE

To compare vascular complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTO) using ultrasound guidance (USG) versus fluoroscopy guidance (FSG) for femoral access.

BACKGROUND

In patients undergoing PCI, using the arterial femoral access increases the risk of vascular complications compared using the radial access. USG reduces time to access, number of attempts, and vascular complications compared with FSG, but the efficacy of USG has never been tested in the setting of CTO-PCI.

METHODS

A total of 197 patients undergoing CTO-PCI using at least a femoral vascular access from November 2015 to September 2020 were screened. The primary outcome was a composite of local hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, arteriovenous fistula or hemoglobin drop ≥3 g/dL during hospitalization. The independent association between USG and the primary outcome of interest was explored.

RESULTS

The primary outcome occurred in 17.3% of patients. Patients in the USG group had a significantly lower incidence of vascular complications compared with patients in the FSG group (8.5% vs. 21.0%, p = 0.039), driven by a reduction of localized hematomas (3.4% vs 13.0%, p = 0.042). After adjustment for type of CTO approach and heparin dose, USG was significantly associated with a reduced relative risk of the composite primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0.16, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.51; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

USG in CTO-PCI is associated with a decreased risk of vascular complications, primarily driven by a reduction in local hematomas, especially in complex CTO-PCI where the larger use of heparin increases the risk of vascular complications.

Impact of stent thickness on clinical outcomes in small vessel and bifurcation lesions: a RAIN-CARDIOGROUP VII sub-study

BACKGROUND

The clinical impact of stent strut thickness in coronary bifurcation lesions in small vessels has not been assessed in a real-world population.

METHODS

All 506 patients enrolled in the RAIN study, undergoing PCI in a vessel with a diameter 2.5 mm or less were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups according to stent strut thickness: 74 μm (n = 206) versus 81 μm (n = 300); 87.1% of the lesions involved bifurcations. TLF [defined as a composite of myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR)] was the primary endpoint, with MACE (a composite of death, MI and TLR), its components and stent thrombosis the secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

After 16 (14-18) months, a lower incidence of TLF (4.3 vs. 9.8%, P = 0.026) and ST (1.0 vs. 3.0%, P = 0.042) was seen in the 74 μm group, whereas MACE occurred in 60 of 506 patients, with no statistical difference between the two groups (9.7 vs. 13.3%, P = 0.070). At multivariate analysis, chronic renal failure increased the risk of TLF while thinner strut was an independent protective factor (hazard ratio 0.51, CI 0.17-0.85, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In this real-world population, patients being treated for small vessels lesions with thinner strut stents had lower rates of TLF, MI and ST.

The role of teriflunamide in multiple sclerosis patient: an observational study

Teriflunomide is a drug with immunosuppressive and selective immunomodulatory action, characterized by anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this drug in Multiple Sclerosis, estimating a significant improvement in cognitive performance.The aim of our study is to evaluate the effects of teriflunomide by analysing the correlation between brain atrophy and the general cognitive profile and evaluating long-term changes. The effect of teriflunomide was studied in 30 patients with multiple sclerosis and 30 control subjects. Patients underwent a full cognitive profile assessment using the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests and a neuroimaging examination with a 3.0 T working scanner.Our results suggested that treatment with teriflunomide could potentially not only slow down the accumulation of microstructural tissue damage in Grey Matter and With Matter, but also better preserve the cognitive profile, particularly by highlighting the benefits in the memory domain. Thanks to drug therapy, brain volume in our patients has remained constant, leading to improvements in memory, indicating teriflunomide as a neuroprotective potential and further strengthening the evidence of a link between loss of brain volume and cognitive impairment.

Accuracy of the PARIS score and PCI complexity to predict ischemic events in patients treated with very thin stents in unprotected left main or coronary bifurcations

BACKGROUND

The PARIS risk score (PARIS-rs) and percutaneous coronary intervention complexity (PCI-c) predict clinical and procedural residual ischemic risk following PCI. Their accuracy in patients undergoing unprotected left main (ULM) or bifurcation PCI has not been assessed.

METHODS

The predictive performances of the PARIS-rs (categorized as low, intermediate, and high) and PCI-c (according to guideline-endorsed criteria) were evaluated in 3,002 patients undergoing ULM/bifurcation PCI with very thin strut stents.

RESULTS

After 16 (12-22) months, increasing PARIS-rs (8.8% vs. 14.1% vs. 27.4%, p < .001) and PCI-c (15.2% vs. 11%, p = .025) were associated with higher rates of major adverse cardiac events ([MACE], a composite of death, myocardial infarction [MI], and target vessel revascularization), driven by MI/death for PARIS-rs and target lesion revascularization/stent thrombosis for PCI-c (area under the curves for MACE: PARIS-rs 0.60 vs. PCI-c 0.52, p-for-difference < .001). PCI-c accuracy for MACE was higher in low-clinical-risk patients; while PARIS-rs was more accurate in low-procedural-risk patients. ≥12-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was associated with a lower MACE rate in high PARIS-rs patients, (adjusted-hazard ratio 0.42 [95% CI: 0.22-0.83], p = .012), with no benefit in low to intermediate PARIS-rs patients. No incremental benefit with longer DAPT was observed in complex PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of ULM/bifurcation PCI, the residual ischemic risk is better predicted by a clinical risk estimator than by PCI complexity, which rather appears to reflect stent/procedure-related events. Careful procedural risk estimation is warranted in patients at low clinical risk, where PCI complexity may substantially contribute to the overall residual ischemic risk.

Does the left circumflex coronary artery location impact on the success of chronic total occlusion recanalization? A single-center cohort study

We sought to determine whether the chronic total occlusions (CTO) recanalization results differ between circumflex artery (CX) and other coronary arteries in our center. The study dataset encompassed 428 consecutive procedures. J-CTO score was highest in the right coronary artery (RCA) and lowest in CX lesions. After adjusting for the J-CTO score, age, body mass index, baseline creatinine, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension the odds ratio for procedural success in CX compared to the other arteries was not statistically significant. We found no difference in success rates of recanalizing CTO in CX compared to other coronary arteries.

When antegrade microcatheter does not follow: The "facilitated tip-in technique"

The introduction of retrograde techniques in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) has significantly improved the success rates. After crossing the CTO lesion in the retrograde approach, wire externalization is a pivotal step to complete the PCI. Many techniques have been described to accomplish externalization in different scenarios of increasing difficulty. We describe the novel "facilitated tip-in technique" which involves the insertion of the back end of an extra-guidewire into and through the antegrade microcatheter (MC) in order to increase antegrade support and overcome demanding CTO cases where, even after successful tip-in technique, the antegrade MC does not cross the CTO segment.

A Sex-Based Analysis From the RAIN-CARDIOGROUP VII Study (VeRy Thin Stents for Patients With Left MAIn or BifurcatioN in Real Life) on Left Main Stenting

INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of data on clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with ultrathin stents on unprotected left main (ULM) coronary artery comparing women and men.

METHODS

All patients treated with ULM-PCI with ultrathin stents (struts ≤81 μm) enrolled in the RAIN-CARDIOGROUP VII study were analyzed according to a sex-assessment evaluation. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target-lesion revascularization [TLR], and stent thrombosis) was the primary endpoint, whereas single components of MACE were the secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Out of a cohort of 793 patients, a total of 172 women (21.7%) and 621 men (78.3%) were included. Compared with men, women were older and less frequently smokers, had more frequently a history of previous PCI, and presented more frequently with an acute coronary syndrome. Among women, ostial lesions were more prevalent and mean stent diameter was lower compared with men. After 13.4 months (range, 8.4-21.6 months), 32 women (18.6%) and 106 men (17.1%) experienced MACE (P=.64). Censoring follow-up data at 3 years, no differences were observed in MACE (16.9 vs 14.7 per 100•patient-years; log-rank P=.61) and their single components between women and men. At multivariate analysis, chronic kidney disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.91: 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23 to -2.95; P<.01) and acute coronary syndrome presentation (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.22-2.77; P=.01) were independent predictors of MACE overall. Larger stent size (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.89; P<.01) and longer dual-antiplatelet therapy duration (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99; P=.03) were associated with a reduced risk of MACE during the subsequent follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Ultrathin stents offer low rates of MACE and TLR in the overall population without significant differences between sexes.

Using the coronary lithotripsy system for coronary artery disease

Severe coronary artery calcification increases percutaneous treatment complexity and the risk of intraprocedural complications, affecting acute and long-term outcomes. Current use of specialty balloons and atherectomy technologies is limited due to the higher risk of complications, degree of technical difficulty and operator experience. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel technology for severe calcified coronary artery disease that facilitates vessel preparation, enhancing vessel compliance. IVL system emits sonic waves that penetrate through vascular layers and disrupt both superficial and deep calcium, leaving the soft tissue unharmed. The purpose of the present review is to provide a summary of the evidence currently available on this therapy, including a practical description of the components and function of the shockwave coronary IVL system.

[Management of coronary perforations during angioplasty]

Coronary perforation represents a terrible complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) which, if not promptly recognized and treated, can lead to catastrophic consequences for the patient. Hence, acquisition of the basic techniques for the treatment of coronary perforations is critical for the interventional cardiologist in order to safely perform PCIs. Although the incidence of coronary perforations remains low during PCI, it is possible to recognize some subgroups of patients and some types of coronary lesions, such as chronic coronary total occlusions, that are associated with increased risk. The treatments currently available depend on the type and site of coronary perforation, therefore timely recognition is of paramount importance in order to be able to quickly establish the most appropriate treatment.

Comparison of bioresorbable vs durable polymer drug-eluting stents in unprotected left main (from the RAIN-CARDIOGROUP VII Study)

BACKGROUND

There are limited data regarding the impact of bioresorbable polymer drug eluting stent (BP-DES) compared to durable polymer drug eluting stent (DP-DES) in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention using ultrathin stents in left main or bifurcations.

METHODS

In the RAIN registry (ClinicalTrials NCT03544294, june 2018 retrospectively registered) patients with a ULM or bifurcation stenosis treated with PCI using ultrathin stents (struts thinner than 81 μm) were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR); major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, TLR and stent thrombosis) and its components, along with target vessel revascularization (TVR) were the secondary ones. A propensity score with matching analysis to compare patients treated with BP-DES versus DP-DES was also assessed.

RESULTS

From 3001 enrolled patients, after propensity score analysis 1400 patients (700 for each group) were selected. Among them, 352 had ULM disease and 1048 had non-LM bifurcations. At 16 months (12-22), rates of TLR (3.7% vs 2.9%, p = 0.22) and MACE were similar (12.3% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.74) as well as for the other endpoints. Sensitivity analysis of outcomes after a two-stents strategy, showed better outcome in term of MACE (20.4% vs 10%, p = 0.03) and TVR (12% vs 4.6%, p = 0.05) and a trend towards lower TLR in patients treated with BP-DES.

CONCLUSION

In patients with bifurcations or ULM treated with ultrathin stents BP-DES seems to perform similarly to DP-DES: the trends toward improved clinical outcomes in patients treated with the BP-DES might potentially be of value for speculating the stent choice in selected high-risk subgroups of patients at increased risk of ischemic events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03544294. Retrospectively registered June 1, 2018.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in aorto-ostial coronary chronic total occlusion: outcomes and technical considerations in a multicenter registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for aorto-ostial chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) can be a particularly challenging lesion subset. The aim of this study was to analyze the technical aspects and outcomes of aorto-ostial CTO PCI in a multicenter registry.

METHODS

Patients undergoing aorto-ostial CTO PCI at 4 centers between February 2013 and December 2018 were included. Success rates, as well as procedural aspects and outcomes, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included. Mean age was 64±10 years and the mean J-CTO score was 3.1±1.1. Thirty-one lesions (30.4%) were flush ostial CTOs. Technical and procedural success were achieved in 79 (76.7%) and 78 (75.7%) of the patients, respectively. The retrograde approach was the most frequent successful crossing technique (n=49; 62.0%), especially in flush vs nonflush aorto-ostial CTOs (82.6% vs 53.5%; P=.02). The only variable independently associated with technical failure was the absence of interventional collaterals (OR, 12.38; 95%CI, 4.02-38.15; P <.001). Coronary perforation occurred in 4 patients (3.9%) requiring covered stent implantation (without subsequent cardiac tamponade) and 2 patients (1.9%) had a stroke (one of which was a transient ischemic attack). During a median follow-up of 31 months, 3 (2.9%) patients died from cardiovascular causes and 13 (12.6%) required repeat target vessel revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Aorto-ostial occlusions represent a challenging subset for PCI. However, an acceptable success rate with favorable outcomes during follow-up can be achieved by experienced operators. The presence of interventional collaterals allowing the use of the retrograde approach is key for achieving procedural success.

Incidence of Adverse Events at 3 Months Versus at 12 Months After Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Cessation in Patients Treated With Thin Stents With Unprotected Left Main or Coronary Bifurcations

Incidence and predictors of adverse events after dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) cessation in patients treated with thin stents (<100 microns) in unprotected left main (ULM) or coronary bifurcation remain undefined. All consecutive patients presenting with a critical lesion of an ULM or involving a main coronary bifurcation who were treated with very thin strut stents were included. MACE (a composite end point of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction [MI], target lesion revascularization [TLR], and stent thrombosis [ST]) was the primary endpoint, whereas target vessel revascularization (TVR) was the secondary endpoint, with particular attention to type and occurrence of ST and occurrence of ST, CV death, and MI during DAPT or after DAPT discontinuation. All analyses were performed according to length of DAPT dividing the patients in 3 groups: Short DAPT (3-months), intermediate DAPT (3 to 12 months), and long DAPT (12-months). A total of 117 patients were discharged with an indication for DAPT ≤3 months (median 1: 1 to 2.5), 200 for DAPT between 3 and 12 months (median 8: 7 to 10), and 1,958 with 12 months DAPT. After 12.8 months (8 to 20), MACE was significantly higher in the 3-month group compared with 3 to 12 and 12-month groups (9.4% vs 4.0% vs 7.2%, p ≤0.001), mainly driven by MI (4.4% vs 1.5% vs 3%, p ≤0.001) and overall ST (4.3% vs 1.5% vs 1.8%, p ≤0.001). Independent predictors of MACE were low GFR and a 2 stent strategy. Independent predictors of ST were DAPT duration <3 months and the use of a 2-stent strategy. In conclusion, even stents with very thin strut when implanted in real-life ULM or coronary bifurcation patients discharged with short DAPT have a relevant risk of ST, which remains high although not significant after DAPT cessation.

Cracking the Plaque With Coronary Lithotripsy: Mechanistic Insights From Optical Coherence Tomography

Coronary lithoplasty is a promising technique that can overcome issues regarding the treatment of undilatable, heavily calcified, de novo, and in-stent restenotic lesions, allowing plaque modification and successful stent deployment, as demonstrated by intravascular imaging.

Impact of structural features of very thin stents implanted in unprotected left main or coronary bifurcations on clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the independent clinical impact of stent structural features in a large cohort of patients undergoing unprotected left main (ULM) or coronary bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a range of very thin strut stents.

BACKGROUND

Clinical impact of structural features of contemporary stents remains to be defined.

METHODS

All consecutive patients enrolled in the veRy thin stents for patients with left mAIn or bifurcatioN in real life (RAIN) registry were included. The following stent structural features were studied: antiproliferative drugs (everolimus vs. sirolimus vs. zotarolimus), strut material (platinum-chromium vs. cobalt-chromium), polymer (bioresorbable vs. durable), number of crowns (<8 vs. ≥8) and number of connectors (<3 vs. ≥3). For small diameter stents (≤2.5 mm), struct thickness (74 vs. 80/81 μm) was also tested. Target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of target lesion revascularization and stent thrombosis, was the primary endpoint. Multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Out of 2,707 patients, 110 (4.1%) experienced a TLF event after 16 months (12-18). After adjustment for confounders, an increased number of connectors (adjusted hazard ratio [adj-HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.99, p = .04) reduced risk of TLF, driven by stents with ≥2.5 mm diameter (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.93, p = .02). This independent relationship was lost for stents with diameter <2.5 mm, where only strut thickness appeared to impact. Conversely, no independent relationship of polymer type, number of crowns, and the specific limus-family eluted drug with outcomes was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Among a range of contemporary very thin stent models, an increased number of connectors improved device-related outcomes in this investigated high-risk procedural setting.

Conventional vascular access site approach versus fully trans-wrist approach for chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter registry

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of vascular complication and major bleeding in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a fully trans-wrist access (TWA) approach versus a conventional approach based on trans-femoral access (TFA).

BACKGROUND

TFA is the preferred vascular access in CTO PCI, but it has been associated with a non-negligible risk of complications.

METHODS

This retrospective registry included all patients undergoing CTO PCI at five institutions between July 2011 and October 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: Conventional (patients treated with at least one TFA) and Fully TWA (subjects exclusively treated with one or two TWA). The primary safety endpoint was a composite of vascular complications and major bleeding. The primary efficacy endpoint was procedural success.

RESULTS

We included 1,900 patients (Conventional n = 1,496 and Fully TWA n = 404). Conventional patients showed higher occlusion complexity (J-CTO score 2.1 ± 1.2 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1, p < .001). Procedural success showed no significant difference between both groups (85.7 vs. 83.0%, p = .17). The primary safety endpoint occurred more frequently in the Conventional group (10.3 vs. 4.5%, p < .001), driven by vascular complications (9.4 vs. 3.7%, p < .001). On multivariate analysis, not using a Fully TWA approach was an independent predictor of the study endpoint, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, prior coronary artery bypass graft, and J-CTO score.

CONCLUSIONS

Embracing a Fully TWA approach for CTO PCI might be associated with lower incidence of a composite endpoint of vascular complications and major bleeding, compared with a Conventional approach.

Therapeutic adherence and coping strategies in patients with multiple sclerosis: An observational study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system and targets the myelin sheaths around nerves. Local problem: Medical advances have enabled patients to lead a better quality of life (QoL) than before. However, because of its chronicity and unpredictability, it remains a very challenging disease for both patients and their families, as it involves the continued use of medication to slow down progression. The aim of this study is to assess drug adherence in patients with MS. In particular, we will examine how the way drugs are administered (oral or injective) affects compliance with therapy, including the correlation with coping strategies and the QoL of each patient.We enrolled 88 patients with MS, divided into 2 groups according to therapy (injective or oral). The Morisky Medication Adherence scale was administered to evaluate adherence to treatment, the MS QoL 54 to estimate mental and physical health, and Brief coping orientation to problems experienced Inventory for coping strategies.The results showed that in both groups the patients showed a good therapeutic alliance and trust in treatment. In particular, a correlation has been found between therapeutic adherence, adaptive coping strategies, and mental health when drug therapy is administered by injection. In conclusion, this result suggests that for patients receiving injection treatment to have greater adherence to therapy, appropriate coping strategies and good mental health must be developed in order for patients receiving injection therapy to have greater adherence to therapy; they need to develop appropriate coping strategies and good mental health to address this mode of administration successfully.

Optical coherence tomography evaluation of the absorb bioresorbable scaffold performance for overlap versus non-overlap segments in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion: insight from the GHOST-CTO registry

The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) promised to avoid some of the disadvantages of its metal predecessors. Even though it has been taken off the market, limited data is available about its use in coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) and its performance in overlap segments, which would be of special research interest due to its large thickness. This data is still pertinent since the platform of bioresorbable devices has not been abandoned, with several companies working on it. We aimed to compare healing and performance between overlap (OL) and non-overlap regions (NOL) of CTO lesions treated with BVS, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fourteen patients with overlapping BVS were included from the GHOST-CTO registry, resulting in 25 OL and 38 NOL regions. OCT based parameters were compared between OL and NOL groups at baseline (post-implantation) and 12-month follow-up. The mean age was 61.7 ± 7.2 years and 12 (86%) were males. Twelve (86%) patients underwent PCI for stable coronary artery disease and 2 (14%) had unstable angina. At 12-month follow-up, mean lumen area decreased in both NOL and OL regions, but the decrease was significantly larger in the OL region (NOL - 0.7 ± 1.33 vs. OL - 2.4 ± 1.54 mm²; p = 0.002). Mean scaffold area increased in both regions, but increased significantly more in NOL ( + 1.1 ± 1.54 vs. + 0.4 ± 1.16 mm²; p = 0.016). The percent of uncovered struts was lower in the OL group (5.0 ± 6.6% vs. 3.75 ± 8.7%, p = 0.043), whereas the percentage of malapposed struts was similar (0.3 ± 0.5% vs. 0.7 ± 2.3%, p = 0.441). Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) was more pronounced in the OL region (0.13 ± 0.04 vs. 0.24 ± 0.10 mm², p = 0.001). The OL and NOL segments showed comparable healing in terms of coverage and malapposition. However, NIH was more prominent in OL region. The long-term clinical implications of these findings needs further evaluation. The present study provides important insights for future development of BVS technology.

Impact of Final Kissing Balloon and of Imaging on Patients Treated on Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery With Thin-Strut Stents (From the RAIN-CARDIOGROUP VII Study)

Few data are available about the impact on outcomes of procedural strategies for percutaneous coronary intervention with thin-struts stents on unprotected left main (ULM): 792 patients with an ULM stenosis treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with thin-strut stents were enrolled in the present multicenter registry. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was the primary end point. MACE (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, TLR, and stent thrombosis) and its single components, along with target vessel revascularization were the secondary end points. Subgroup analyses were performed according to complex versus noncomplex bifurcation lesions. After 16 months, 5.5% of patients experienced a TLR. At multivariate analysis, provisional stenting (odds ratio [OR] 0.46: 0.85 to 0.23, p = 0.006), use of imaging (OR 0.45: 0.23 to 0.98, p = 0.003) and final kissing balloon (FKB) (OR 0.41: 0.83 to 0.21, p = 0.001) reduced risk of TLR. FKB reduced risk of overall TLR only for 2 stents-strategy (6.2% vs 32.4%, p <0.05), but not for provisional strategy (3.8% vs 3.7%, p = 0.67). Intracoronary imaging reduced risk of overall TLR both for provisional (2.2% vs 5.4%) and for 2-stents strategy (7.3% vs 14.1% p <0.05 for both, all confidence interval 95%). In conclusion, TLR for ULM patients treated with thin-strut stents is infrequent. Provisional stenting was noninferior compared with 2-stents apart from complex lesions. Benefit from intracoronary imaging is consistent for different strategies, whereas that from FKB persists only for 2-stents.

Daily risk of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing complex lesions revascularization: A subgroup analysis from the RAIN-CARDIOGROUP VII study (veRy thin stents for patients with left mAIn or bifurcatioN in real life)

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex lesions, including unprotected left main (ULM) and bifurcations, is gaining a relevant role in treating coronary artery disease with good outcomes, also thanks to new generation stents. The daily risk of adverse cardiovascular events and their temporal distribution after these procedures is not known.

METHODS

All consecutive patients presenting with a critical lesion of ULM or bifurcation treated with very thin struts stents, enrolled in the RAIN-Cardiogroup VII study, were analyzed. The daily risk of major acute cardiovascular events (MACE), target lesion revascularization (TLR) and stent thrombosis (ST) and their temporal distribution in the first year of follow-up was the primary endpoint. Differences among subgroups (ULM, patient presentation, kind of stent polymer) were the secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

2745 patients were included, mean age 68 ± 11 years, 33.3% diabetics, 54.5% had an acute coronary syndrome (ACS); 88.5% of treated lesions were bifurcations, 27.2% ULM. Average daily risk was 0.022% for MACE, 0.005% for TLR and 0.004% for ST, in the first year. Bimodal distribution of adverse events, especially TLR, with an early peak in the first 50 days and a late one after 150 days, was observed. Patients with ULM presented a significantly higher daily risk of events, and ACS patients presented higher MACE risk. No difference emerged according to the type of stent polymer.

CONCLUSIONS

The daily risk of adverse events in the first year after complex PCI in our study is acceptably low. PCI on ULM carries a higher risk of complications.

Impact of Incomplete Revascularization on Long-Term Outcomes Following Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

We aimed to evaluate the impact of incomplete revascularization (ICR) on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients undergoing CTO PCI at 4 centers were included. Baseline SYNTAX score (bSS: low [≤ 22], intermediate [>22 and <33], high [≥33]), residual SYNTAX score (rSS: 0, >0 and ≤8, >8), and SYNTAX revascularization index (SRI: 100 × (bSS-rSS)/bSS: 100%, 50% to 99%, <50%) were calculated. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; cardiac death, any myocardial infarction, any revascularization) on follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of MACEs. Overall, 686 patients were included (low bSS: n = 437; intermediate bSS: n = 187; high bSS: n = 62). Occlusion complexity, crossing strategies, and procedural success rates were similar across groups. The degree of ICR increased with higher bSS categories (rSS was 2.5 ± 4.7 in low vs 6.2 ± 9.3 in intermediate vs 9.1 ± 12.2 in high bSS, p <0.001). The SRI followed a similar pattern. Median follow-up was 781 (369 to 1,217) days. Three-year MACE rates increased with higher bSS and rSS, and decreasing SRI categories (bSS: low 19.4% vs intermediate 25.9% vs high 33.3%, p = 0.02), which was driven by a higher incidence of repeat revascularization. Compared with an rSS = 0, both an rSS >0 and ≤8 (hazard ratio 2.06, p = 0.004) and an rSS >8 (hazard ratio 3.19, p <0.001) were independent predictors of MACEs. Similar findings were observed when the SRI was entered in a separate model. In conclusion, even a mild degree of ICR is associated with a higher incidence of MACEs on long-term follow-up after CTO PCI.

High-risk patients with mild-moderate left ventricular dysfunction after a previous myocardial infarction. A long-term prognostic data by cardiac magnetic resonance

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored prognosis in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) with mild-moderate (MM) left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (D). The aim of our study was to investigate whether combining LV parameters obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improves risk stratification of patients with previous MI and MM-LV-D.

METHODS

In 418 consecutive patients (63.3±11.3years old, female 12.9%) with previous MI, we quantified LVEF, volumes and wall motion score index (WMSI) and measured the infarct extent by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). According to LVEF, patients were considered with normal LVEF (>55%), MM-LV-D (LVEF>30 and ≤55%) and severe (S) LV-D (LVEF ≤30).

RESULTS

During follow-up (median, 39.7months) cardiac events (cardiac death or appropriate intra-cardiac defibrillator shocks) occurred in 17/99 of patients with S-LV-D, in 15/201 with MM-LV-D, and in only 1/118 of those with normal LV-EF. After adjustment for age, an extent of LGE >11.3%, a dilated LV (male >112ml/m²; female >92ml/m²) and a WMSI>1.59 were associated with adverse cardiac events in patients with MM-LV-D. In patients with MM-LV-D, when each of these 3 factors was observed, the prognosis was worse respect to those with 1-2 factors and no factor (p=0.035 and p=0.004, respectively). Prognosis was similar (p=0.61) between MM-LV-D patients with all 3 factors and those with S-LV-dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

A multiparametric CMR approach, which includes LGE, dilated LV and WMSI, permits to identify post MI patients with MM-LV-D with a risk of cardiac events similar to those with S-LV-D. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm our data.

[Effects of surgery and anesthesia on serum immunoglobulins]

Serum immunoglobulins levels after surgery with and without anaesthesia are reported. No significant change was found after surgery without anaesthesia; significant changes of serum Ig (A,G,M) were observed in surgery with anaesthesia (60-180 m') group on day 1 following operation. This Ig decrease is probably due to a reduced immunologic response by long anaesthesia.