In-hospital and 1-year outcomes of patients without modifiable risk factors presenting with acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI: a Sex-stratified analysis

Aim

A considerable proportion of patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have no standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cigarette smoking). The outcomes of this population following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are debated. Further, sex differences within this population have yet to be established.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 7,847 patients with ACS who underwent PCI. The study outcomes were in-hospital mortality, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The association between the absence of SMuRFs (SMuRF-less status) and outcomes among all the patients and each sex was assessed using logistic and Cox proportional hazard regressions.

Results

Approximately 11% of the study population had none of the SMuRFs. During 12.13 [11.99-12.36] months of follow-up, in-hospital mortality (adjusted-odds ratio (OR):1.51, 95%confidence interval (CI): 0.91-2.65, P:0.108), all-cause mortality [adjusted-hazard ratio (HR): 1.01, 95%CI: 0.88-1.46, P: 0.731], and MACCE (adjusted-HR: 0.93, 95%CI:0.81-1.12, P: 0.412) did not differ between patients with and without SMuRFs. Sex-stratified analyses recapitulated similar outcomes between SMuRF+ and SMuRF-less men. In contrast, SMuRF-less women had significantly higher in-hospital (adjusted-OR: 3.28, 95%CI: 1.92-6.21, P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (adjusted-HR:1.41, 95%CI: 1.02-3.21, P: 0.008) than SMuRF+ women.

Conclusions

Almost one in 10 patients with ACS who underwent PCI had no SMuRFs. The absence of SMuRFs did not confer any benefit in terms of in-hospital mortality, one-year mortality, and MACCE. Even worse, SMuRF-less women paradoxically had an excessive risk of in-hospital and one-year mortality.

Evaluating the role of intravenous pentoxifylline administration on primary percutaneous coronary intervention success rate in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (PENTOS-PCI)

Ischemia reperfusion injury can lead to further myocardiocyte damage in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine derivative with known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasodilator, and rheological properties which can be a promising agent in preventing reperfusion injury. PENTOS-PCI is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which evaluated the efficacy and safety of preprocedural administration of intravenous pentoxifylline in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with acute STEMI who were eligible for PCI were randomized to receive either 100-mg intravenous infusion of pentoxifylline or placebo, prior to transferring to catheterization laboratory. Overall, 161 patients were included in our study of whom 80 patients were assigned to pentoxifylline and 81 to the control groups. Per-protocol analysis of primary endpoint indexing PCI's success rate as measured by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 was not significantly different between pentoxifylline and placebo (71.3% and 66.3% respectively, P = 0.40). In addition, pentoxifylline could not improve secondary angiographic endpoints including myocardial blush grade 3 (87.5% and 85.2%, P = 0.79) and corrected TIMI frame count (22.8 [± 9.0] and 24.0 [± 5.1], P = 0.33) in the intervention and placebo groups respectively. The rates of major adverse cardiac and treatment emergent adverse effects were not significantly different between the two groups. Administration of intravenous pentoxifylline before primary PCI did not improve the success rate of the procedure in patients with STEMI. Intravenous administration of pentoxifylline was well tolerated, and there were no significant differences regarding adverse drug reactions in the two groups. Panel A, background: pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine derivative with known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasodilator, and rheological properties which can be a promising agent in preventing reperfusion injury. Panel B: study design and main results of the PENTOS-PCI trial. cTFC corrected TIMI frame count, ED emergency department, IRI ischemia reperfusion injury, MBG myocardial blush grade, PCI percutaneous coronary intervention, PPCI primary PCI, PTX pentoxifylline, ROS reactive oxygen species, SD standard deviation, STEMI ST-elevation myocardial infarction, TIMI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction.

Factor V Leiden but not the factor II 20210G>A mutation is a risk factor for premature coronary artery disease: a case-control study in Iran

Background

Factor V Leiden (FVL) and factor II c.∗97G>A (rs1799963) are genetic risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Their contribution to coronary artery disease (CAD) is less clear.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between FVL, rs1799963, and premature CAD in Iranians.

Methods

We performed a genetic case-control study of 944 cases and 1081 controls from the premature CAD Milano-Iran study, including patients aged 18-55 (female) and 18-45 years (male) who underwent coronary angiography at the Tehran Heart Centre (Iran) in 2004-2011. Cases had luminal stenosis ≥50% in at least 1 main coronary artery or branch. Controls were age- and sex-matched with no CAD history. FVL and rs1799963 were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Association was tested by logistic regression adjusted for matching factors and ethnicity. Effect modification by sex and cardiovascular risk factors (metabolic [obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes], and smoking) was assessed.

Results

The risk of premature CAD was increased by 50% in FVL carriers (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 1.54 [95% CI, 0.95-2.48]) and slightly reduced in rs1799963 carriers (adjOR 0.71 [95% CI, 0.40-1.27]). These effects were more pronounced in women than men (FVL, adjOR 1.66 vs 1.25; rs1799963, adjOR 0.60 vs 1.07). The risk of premature CAD was substantially increased in carriers of FVL with at least 1 metabolic risk factor compared with noncarriers without metabolic risk factors (adjOR 25.14 [95% CI, 12.51-50.52]).

Conclusion

FVL but not FII rs1799963 was associated with an increased risk of CAD in young Iranians. This risk increased considerably when combined with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors.

Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Old Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Octogenarians (age≥80 years) with coronary artery disease constitute a high-risk group and the elderly undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to young patients. In this study, we aimed to describe the outcomes of the elderly with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent PCI and also to identify the predictors of short-term major adverse cerebrocardiovascular events (MACCE) in octogenarians.

METHODS

In this registry-based cohort study, we reviewed the data of patients (aged≥65 years) who underwent PCI. Univariate Cox-regression model was used to assess the univariate effects of covariates on mortality and MACCE and multivariate Cox-regression analysis were used to discover MACCE predictors.

RESULTS

We reviewed the data of 3332 patients (2722 elderly [65 to 79 years], and 610 octogenarians [≥80 years]). The cumulative hazard of MACCE was significantly higher in the octogenarian group compared with the younger group (P<0.001). MACCE in octogenarians presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was significantly higher than those with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction/Unstable angina (NSTEMI/UA) (P<0.001); however, the cumulative hazard of mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.270). Successful PCI, left main stenosis and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independent predictors of MACCE in octogenarians with ACS.

CONCLUSION

Octogenarians undergoing PCI had a higher rate of MACCE and mortality compared with a younger population. In octogenarians, MACCE in those with STEMI was significantly higher than those with NSTEMI/UA and the mortality trend was similar; however, the 1-year trend was in favor of the STEMI subgroup.

Intramyocardial echo-free space with a turbulent flow within, suggestive of an aneurysmal coronary artery

Coronary artery aneurysms are well known, and intramyocardial coronary artery aneurysms comprise a rare type of this condition. This case image presents an incidentally detected intramyocardial aneurysm in the left anterior descending artery of a 32-year-old man with atypical chest pain evaluated by multimodality imaging. The presence of an intramyocardial echo-free space may flag up this condition.

Prevalence and trends of coronary artery disease risk factors and their effect on age of diagnosis in patients with established coronary artery disease: Tehran Heart Center (2005-2015)

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a universal public health challenge, more prominently so in the low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we aimed to determine prevalence and trends of CAD risk factors in patients with documented CAD and to determine their effects on the age of CAD diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a registry-based, serial cross-sectional study using the coronary angiography data bank of the Tehran Heart Center. Adult patients who had obstructive (> 50% stenosis) CAD were included in the study. The prevalence and 11-year trends of conventional CAD risk factors were analyzed by sex and age, and their adjusted effects on the age of CAD diagnosis were calculated.

RESULTS

From January 2005 to December 2015, data for 90,094 patients were included in this analysis. A total of 61,684 (68.5%) were men and 28,410 (31.5%) were women. Men were younger at diagnosis than women, with a mean age of 60.1 in men and 63.2 in women (p < 0.001), and had fewer risk factors at the time of diagnosis. Mean age at diagnosis had an overall increasing trend during the study period. Increasing trend was seen in body-mass index, hypertension prevalence, diabetes mellitus. All lipid profile components (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) decreased over time. Of particular interest, opium consumption was associated with 2.2 year earlier age of CAD diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The major results of this study (lower age of CAD diagnosis in men, lower age of diagnosis associated with most risk factors, and lower prevalence of serum lipids over time) were expected. A prominent finding of this study is confirming opium use was associated with a much younger age of CAD onset, even after adjusting for all other risk factors. In addition to recommendations for control of the traditional risk factors, spreading information about the potential adverse effect of opium use, which has only recently been associated with higher risk of CAD, may be necessary.

Clinical implications and indicators of mortality among patients hospitalized with concurrent COVID-19 and myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

Acute ischemic cardiac events can complicate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We report the in-hospital characteristics of patients with acute myocardial infarction and concomitant COVID-19.

METHODS

This was a registry-based retrospective analysis of patients admitted with positive COVID-19 tests who suffered acute myocardial infarction either before or during hospitalization; from 1 March 2020 to 1 April 2020 in a tertiary cardiovascular center-Tehran Heart Center. We performed an exploratory analysis to compare the clinical characteristics of patients who died during hospitalization or were discharged alive.

RESULTS

In March 2020, 57 patients who had acute myocardial infarction and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. During hospitalization, 13 patients (22.8%) died after a mean hospital stay of 8.4 days. The deceased were older than the survivors. No significant association between mortality and sex or length of hospital stay was observed. Hypertensive individuals were more likely to have a fatal outcome. Previously receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers did not show any association with mortality. Regarding the laboratory data during hospitalization, higher cardiac troponin T, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, urea, and blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio were observed in the mortality group. The deceased had a lower lymphocyte count than the survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Markers of worsening renal function and immune system disturbance seem to be associated with mortality in concurrent acute myocardial infarction and COVID-19. Optimizing the management of acute coronary syndrome complicating COVID-19 requires addressing such potential contributors to mortality.

One-Year Outcome of Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Clinical Implications and Question Marks

Background: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare condition with unclear pathophysiology, optimal treatment, and prognosis. We aimed to determine the prognostic implications of CAE following coronary angioplasty.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 385 patients, including 87 subjects with CAE, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were considered to consist of mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), repeated revascularization, and stroke.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 57.31±6.70 years. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that patients with diabetes, ST-segment–elevation MI at presentation, and high thrombus grades were more likely to have suboptimal post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow. However, CAE was not a predictor of a decreased TIMI flow (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.78–8.32; P=0.391). The Cox-regression model showed that CAE, the body mass index, and a family history of MI were risk factors for MACE, while short lesion lengths (<20 vs >20 mm) had an inverse relationship. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the prediction of MACE in the presence of CAE was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.08–4.78; P=0.391). All-cause mortality (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.12–3.81; P=0.830) and nonfatal MI (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.72–4.21; P=0.341) occurred similarly in the CAE and non-CAE groups. Conversely, CAE increased urgent repeat revascularization (HR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.13–5.86; P=0.013).

Conclusion: Although CAE had no substantial short-term prognostic effects on post-PCI TIMI flow, considerable concerns regarding adverse outcomes emerged during our extended follow-up. Stringent follow-ups of these patients should be underscored due to the high likelihood of urgent revascularization.

Single Long Stents versus Overlapping Multiple Stents in the Management of Very Long Coronary Lesions: Comparisons of Procedures and Clinical Outcomes

Background: Different percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies, including the use of single long stents (SLSs) and overlapping multiple stents (OMSs), have been introduced to treat very long coronary lesions (VLCLs). The aim of this study was to compare procedural and long-term clinical outcomes between SLSs and OMSs in patients with VLCLs. Methods: In this historical cohort study, 1709 patients who underwent PCI with the new generation of drug-eluting stents (length ≥38 mm) were stratified into the SLS [PROMUS /Resolute/XIENCE (PRX), (=38 mm), n=1121 (65.59%) and BioMime, (≥40 mm), n=124 (7.26%)] and OMS [(59.43±10.80 mm), n=464 (27.2%)] groups and followed up for 440.93±361.32 days. The study endpoints comprised immediate post-PCI outcomes, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE), and the device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) at the long-term follow-up. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.28±10.60 years, and 69.6% of them were male. Flow grade 3 (P=0.296) and residual stenosis (P=0.533) were statistically similar between all the groups. A lower level of post-PCI troponin was observed in the BioMime group [14.52 (IQR25%-75%:10.44–22.42) ng/L; P=0.031] than in the PRX and OMS groups [18.63 (IQR25%-75%:10.51–34.02) ng/L and 18.96 (IQR25%-75%:11.17–35.34) ng/L; respectively]. Similarly, the PRX and BioMime groups received lower amounts of the contrast agent [206.29±49.15 mL and 208.06±55.23 mL; respectively] than did the OMS group [265.50±74.69 mL; P<0.001]. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of MACE [81 (7.2%), 7 (5.6%), and 28 (6.0%); P=0.603], the POCE [141 (12.6%), 13 (10.5%), and 54 (11.6%); P=0.731], and the DOCE [51 (4.5%), 4 (3.2%), and 21 (4.5%); P=0.791] between the PRX, BioMime, and OMS groups, respectively. Conclusion: In the treatment of VLCLs, the SLS and OMSs appear to have similar clinical outcomes. BioMime ultra-long stents may have comparable results to PRX coronary stents.

Single Long Stents versus Overlapping Multiple Stents in the Management of Very Long Coronary Lesions: Comparisons of Procedures and Clinical Outcomes

Background: Different percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies, including the use of single long stents (SLSs) and overlapping multiple stents (OMSs), have been introduced to treat very long coronary lesions (VLCLs). The aim of this study was to compare procedural and long-term clinical outcomes between SLSs and OMSs in patients with VLCLs. Methods: In this historical cohort study, 1709 patients who underwent PCI with the new generation of drug-eluting stents (length ≥38 mm) were stratified into the SLS [PROMUS /Resolute/XIENCE (PRX), (=38 mm), n=1121 (65.59%) and BioMime, (≥40 mm), n=124 (7.26%)] and OMS [(59.43±10.80 mm), n=464 (27.2%)] groups and followed up for 440.93±361.32 days. The study endpoints comprised immediate post-PCI outcomes, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), the patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE), and the device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) at the long-term follow-up. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.28±10.60 years, and 69.6% of them were male. Flow grade 3 (P=0.296) and residual stenosis (P=0.533) were statistically similar between all the groups. A lower level of post-PCI troponin was observed in the BioMime group [14.52 (IQR_25%-75%:10.44-22.42) ng/L; P=0.031] than in the PRX and OMS groups [18.63 (IQR_25%-75%:10.51-34.02) ng/L and 18.96 (IQR_25%-75%:11.17-35.34) ng/L; respectively]. Similarly, the PRX and BioMime groups received lower amounts of the contrast agent [206.29±49.15 mL and 208.06±55.23 mL; respectively] than did the OMS group [265.50±74.69 mL; P<0.001]. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of MACE [81 (7.2%), 7 (5.6%), and 28 (6.0%); P=0.603], the POCE [141 (12.6%), 13 (10.5%), and 54 (11.6%); P=0.731], and the DOCE [51 (4.5%), 4 (3.2%), and 21 (4.5%); P=0.791] between the PRX, BioMime, and OMS groups, respectively. Conclusion: In the treatment of VLCLs, the SLS and OMSs appear to have similar clinical outcomes. BioMime ultra-long stents may have comparable results to PRX coronary stents.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score as an Independent Predictor of Suboptimal Reperfusion and Short-Term Mortality after Primary PCI in Patients with Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background and objectives: We aimed to demonstrate the clinical utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score in risk assessment of patients with STEMI regarding adverse clinical outcomes particularly no-reflow phenomenon. Materials and Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort study using the data of Tehran Heart Center registry for acute coronary syndrome. The study included 1331 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary angioplasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to low and high CHA2DS2-VASc score. Angiographic results of reperfusion were inspected to evaluate the association of high CHA2DS2-VASc score and the likelihood of suboptimal TIMI flow. The secondary endpoint of the study was short-term in-hospital mortality of all cause. Results: The present study confirmed that CHA2DS2-VASc model enables us to determine the risk of no-reflow and all-cause in-hospital mortality independently. Odds ratios were 1.59 (1.30–2.25) and 1.60 (1.17–2.19), respectively. Moreover, BMI, high thrombus grade, and cardiogenic shock were predictors of failed reperfusion (odds were 1.07 (1.01–1.35), 1.59 (1.28–1.76), and 8.65 (3.76–24.46), respectively). We showed that using a cut off value of ≥ two in CHA2DS2-VASc model provides a sensitivity of 69.7% and specificity of 64.4% for discrimination of increased mortality hazards. Area under the curve: 0.72 with 95% CI (0.62–0.81). Conclusions: Calculation of CHA2DS2-VASc score applied as a simple risk stratification tool before primary PCI affords great predictive power. Furthermore, incremental values are obtained by using both CHA2DS2-VASc and no-reflow regarding mortality risk assessment.

Potential Role of Vitamin C Intracoronary Administration in Preventing Cardiac Injury After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of intravenous (IV) and intracoronary administration of Vitamin C on the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

In this prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, that was conducted in Tehran Heart Center, Iran, between October 2016 and March 2017, 252 patients undergoing primary PCI were enrolled to receive either 3 g of IV Vitamin C before PCI and 100 mg of intracoronary Vitamin C during PCI in addition to the routine treatment (n = 126) or just the routine treatment (n = 126). Cardiac biomarkers were measured before and then 6 and 12 h postprocedurally. We determined the occurrence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), according to the levels of serum creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and platelet activation biomarker (P-selectin) in a subset of 119 patients before and 6 h after PCI.

Findings:

In the patients who received Vitamin C, the serum levels of troponin T after 12 h and creatine kinase-MB after 6 h were significantly lower than those in the placebo group (P = 0.003 andP = 0.00, respectively). CI-AKI occurred in 6 (4.7%) patients in the study group and 8 (6.3%) patients in the control group; there was no significant reduction in CI-AKI in the study group. In addition, the two groups were statically similar as regards the changes in the level of P-selectin.

Conclusion:

In primary PCI patients, the prophylactic use of IV and intracoronary Vitamin C can confer additional clinical benefits such as cardioprotection.

Comparing Serum Level of Vitamin D3 in Patients With Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia and Normal Coronary Artery Individuals

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is identified as dilation of one or more segments of coronary arteries that reaches 1.5 times or more, compared with near segments that are normal. Several etiologies like atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases and congenital anomalies have been proposed for this condition. Vitamin D deficiency activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which affects the cardiovascular system. For these reasons, we investigated the serum level of vitamin D in patients with CAE compared with individuals with normal coronary arteries.

METHODS

The study group included 30 patients (20 males and 10 females, mean age: 57 ± 9 years) with isolated CAE without any stenotic lesions, and the control group consisted of 60 age/gender matched subjects who had normal coronary angiograms (CAG) (40 males and 20 females, mean age: 57 ± 8 years). All participants underwent CAG at Tehran Heart Center between December 2015 and March 2016. Along with routine lab tests, vitamin D, serum albumin, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were analyzed and the unadjusted and adjusted effects of vitamin D on CAE were evaluated using logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The median vitamin D level of the patients with CAE was lower than that of the control group (6.5 [3.0, 18.8] ng/mL vs. 17.7 [8.9, 27.1] ng/mL; P = 0.002). The logistic regression model showed that vitamin D deficiency was a predictor for the presence of CEA (P = 0.013). After adjustment for confounding variables, this association remained significant (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

An association between CAE and vitamin D deficiency was found in our study.

Predictors of Long-term Major Adverse Cardiac Events Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Elderly

BACKGROUND

We aimed to recognize the predictors of long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the elderly candidates for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at our center.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the data of the elderly (age ≥65 years) candidates for elective PCI who met our study criteria, at Tehran heart center between 2004 and 2013. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, angiographic, procedural and follow-up data of the enrolled patients were retrieved from the angiography/PCI databank of our center. The study characteristics of the patients with or without MACE were compared in a univariable Cox-regression analysis. A multivariable Cox-regression model was applied using variables selected from the univariable model to determine the predictors of MACE.

RESULTS

We reviewed the data of 2772 patients (mean age=70.8±4.7 years, male sex=1726 patients [62.3%]) from which 393 patients (14.4%) developed MACE. In the multivariable regression model, female sex was a protective factor for MACE (hazard ratio [HR]=0.701; P=0.001), while presence of diabetes mellitus (HR=1.333; P=0.007), family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (HR=1.489; P=0.003) and plain balloon angioplasty (HR=1.810; P=0.010) were independent risk factors for MACE.

CONCLUSION

PCI is a safe and effective method of revascularization in the elderly patients, and some clinical and procedural factors can predict MACE in this group of patients.

Protection from Reperfusion Injury with Intracoronary N-Acetylcysteine in Patients with STEMI Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Cardiac Tertiary Center

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a principal role in myocardial damage following ischemia/reperfusion events. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may have cardioprotective effects in high doses, but-to the best of our knowledge-few studies have assessed this.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to investigate the impact of high-dose NAC on ischemia/reperfusion injury.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in which 100 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned to the case group (high-dose NAC 100 mg/kg bolus followed by intracoronary NAC 480 mg during PCI then intravenous NAC 10 mg/kg for 12 h) or the control group (5% dextrose). We measured differences in peak creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) concentration, highly sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, myocardial blush grade (MBG), and corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (cTFC).

RESULTS

The peak CK-MB level was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.327), but patients receiving high-dose NAC demonstrated a significantly larger reduction in hs-TnT (P = 0.02). In total, 94% of the NAC group achieved TIMI flow grade 3 versus 80% of the control group (P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of changes in the cTFC and MBG.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, NAC improved myocardial reperfusion markers and coronary blood flow, as revealed by differences in peak hs-TnT and TIMI flow grade 3 levels, respectively. Further studies with large samples are warranted to elucidate the role of NAC in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01741207, and the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT; http://irct.ir ) registration number: IRCT201301048698N8.

Predictors of major adverse cardiac events following elective stenting of large coronary arteries

Objective

Diameter of the affected coronary artery is an important predictor of restenosis and need for revascularization. In the present study, we investigated the frequency and potential risk factors for major adverse cardiac events following elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting of large coronary arteries.

Methods

We reviewed the data of elective candidates of PCI on a large coronary artery who presented to our center. Demographic, clinical, angiographic and follow-up data of the eligible patients were retrieved from our databank. The study characteristics were then compared between the patients with and without MACE in order to find out the probable risk factors for MACE in patients with large stent diameter.

Results

Data of 3043 patients who underwent single vessel elective PCI with a stent diameter of ≥3.5 mm was reviewed. During a median follow up period of 14 months, 64 (2.1%) patients had MACE. TVR was the most common type of MACE that was observed in 29 patients, while 5 patients had cardiac death. Higher serum levels of creatinine, history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and use of a drug eluting stent (DES) were significantly associated with MACE. In the multivariate model, history of CVA (odds ratio = 5.23, P = 0.030) and use of DES (odds ratio = 0.048, P = 0.011) were the independent predictors of MACE in patients underwent large coronary artery stenting.

Conclusion

This study showed that prior CVA and the use of BMS were the potential risk factors for MACE in patients who were stented on their large coronary arteries.

Effect of Coronary Slow Flow on the Longitudinal Left Ventricular Function Assessed by 2-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

The coronary slow flow phenomenon is defined as the slow progression of an angiographic contrast agent to the distal part of the coronary arteries on selective coronary angiography in the absence of stenosis. There are some studies with different results about the effect of this phenomenon on left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of our study was to evaluate the longitudinal LV function in the coronary slow flow phenomenon using 2-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography.

METHODS

In a study with a patient-to-patient matched design, 36 patients with the coronary slow flow phenomenon and 36 individuals with normal coronary flow matched for age (±5 years), sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were compared in terms of the longitudinal LV systolic and diastolic functions by pulsed wave tissue Doppler echocardiography and 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography-derived indices.

RESULTS

Lateral s' and e' waves were lower in the patients with the coronary slow flow phenomenon, but there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the other tissue Doppler echocardiographic indices and longitudinal systolic strain and systolic and diastolic strain rates derived by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the coronary slow flow phenomenon could not impair the longitudinal LV systolic and diastolic functions.