Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a national study on the association between survival and biomarkers of hypoperfusion, inflammation, and organ failure

Background

In refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with prolonged whole-body ischemia, global tissue injury proceeds even after establishment of circulation with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the role of biomarkers reflecting hypoperfusion, inflammation, and organ injury in prognostication of patients with refractory OHCA managed with ECPR.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective study included 226 adults with refractory OHCA managed with ECPR in Denmark (2011–2020). Biomarkers at admission and consecutively two days after ECPR initiation were retrieved. Odds ratio (OR) of 90-day survival were assessed by logistic regression analyses. Cut-off values were calculated from area under the curve (AUC) via the Youden index.

Results

Fifty-six patients (25%) survived to hospital discharge, all were still alive after 90-days and 91% had a favorable neurological status at discharge. Factors independently associated with 90-day survival were: male sex, shockable presenting rhythm, low flow time, platelets, pH, lactate, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) level. Comparing the ability of standard predictive variables (age, sex, shockable presenting rhythm, witnessed arrest, and low flow time) and selected biomarkers (from multivariate analyses) in predicting 90-day survival, biomarkers day 2 after OHCA were significantly better than standard variables (AUC 0.79 vs. 0.56, p=0.01).

Conclusion

Biomarkers of hypoperfusion (low lactate and high pH), inflammation (high platelets and CRP), and organ failure (low LDH, ALP, and CK-MB) were independently associated with 90-day survival. Biomarkers on day 2 after OHCA (d-dimer, ALP, and CK-MB) were more predictive of 90-day survival than standard predictive variables.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Odense University Hospital's and Rigshospitalet's Common Research Foundation

High bleeding risk in all-comers with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and use of P2Y12-inhibitiors

Background

Bleeding has an important prognostic impact in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), yet stratification of bleeding risk to guide dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is not routinely performed in clinical practice.

Purpose

To describe high bleeding risk (HBR) patients according to the PRECISE-DAPT (predicting bleeding complications in patients undergoing stent implantation and subsequent DAPT) score and use of P2Y12-inhibitors.

Methods

This single-centre observational study included consecutive patients with STEMI who were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2009–2016. Individual linkage to Danish nationwide registries was conducted to obtain information on diagnoses, claimed drugs, and vital status. Age, prior bleeding diagnosis, and blood samples before PCI (maximum 30 days before hospitalisation) were used to calculate the PRECISE-DAPT score. A score ≥25 was considered as HBR. Due to 26.7% missing on blood parameters (mainly leucocytes), the maximum and minimum values of the missing parameters and respective imputed PRECISE-DAPT scores were calculated. If both the maximum and minimum score were ≥25 or <25, patients were categorised accordingly, and a maximum score of ≥25 and minimum score of <25 as missing. Differences between continuous (median [interquartile range, IQR]) and categorical variables (frequency [percentage]) were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and χ2-test for patients with vs. without HBR. Cumulative incidence of major bleeding (composite of bleedings leading to hospitalisation) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent MI, and ischemic stroke) 1 year after PCI were plotted for patients with and without HBR. Number of HBR patients alive and collecting a P2Y12-inhibitor prescription within 30 days from discharge was reported.

Results

We identified 6179 PCI-treated patients with STEMI, of whom 5530 (89.5%) had imputed PRECISE-DAPT scores (Figure 1). A total of 1821 (32.9%) were at HBR, and these were more often female (38.3 vs. 18.2%, p-value<0.001), elderly (median age 75 [IQR 67, 81] vs. 57 years [IQR 51, 64], p-value<0.001), and had more comorbidities (diabetes [16.7 vs. 12.1%], heart failure [16.2 vs. 7.6%], cardiac arrhythmia [24.9 vs. 12.3%], cancer [17.5 vs. 5.7%], and ischemic stroke [8.1 vs. 2.6%], all p-values<0.001) compared with patients not at HBR. One-year cumulative incidence of major bleeding and MACE for patients with and without HBR were plotted (Figure 2). Of the 1431 (78.6%) HBR patients who were alive and claimed a P2Y12-inhibitior prescription 30 days from discharge, 459 (32.1%) were treated with clopidogrel, 672 (46.9%) with ticagrelor, and 300 (21.0%) with prasugrel (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Every third PCI-treated all-comer with STEMI was at HBR according to the PRECISE-DAPT score. HBR patients were more often treated with potent P2Y12-inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor) instead of clopidogrel.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship.

The value of coronary computed tomography and very early invasive coronary angiography compared to standard intervention in older patients after non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Background

The optimal management of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) remains a challenge. The merits of both computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a rule-out test for significant coronary artery disease and early invasive coronary angiography (ICA) are debated. Furthermore, there are limited data in older NSTEACS patients, who likely have more coronary artery calcification and are at higher risk of ACS-related complications.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of patients ≥75 years included in the Very Early Versus Standard Care Invasive Examination and Treatment of Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Trial (VERDICT). The diagnostic accuracy of CTA was investigated in patients without previous coronary artery bypass grafting, renal dysfunction, or atrial fibrillation; the presence of a coronary artery stenosis ≥50% determined by ICA was used as reference. Patients were randomised to very early ICA within 12 hours of diagnosis or standard care (ICA within 48–72 hours of diagnosis) and followed for up to five years. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal recurrent MI, hospital admission for refractory myocardial ischaemia or hospital admission for heart failure.

Results

From November 2010 to June 2016, 2147 patients were included in the VERDICT trial. Of these, 452 (21%) patients were ≥75 years of age. Most older patients had a GRACE score >140 (n=388, 88.8%). At the time of admission, older patients had lower levels of haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction, and more often displayed elevated troponins and electrocardiogram changes indicating new ischaemia, than those <75 years.

Of patients ≥75 years of age, 161 (35.6%) underwent CTA before ICA. Older patients had significantly higher calcium scores than younger patients (1187±1445 vs. 499±858 Agatston units, p<0.001). 19% of CTAs excluded significant coronary artery disease. The negative predictive value of the CTAs was 94 (95% CI 79–99)% and the sensitivity was 98 (95% CI 94–100)%, figure 1.

The primary endpoint was observed more frequently in patients ≥75 years as compared to younger patients (n=222, 49% vs. n=390, 23%, p<0.001), even after adjustment for allocated treatment (adjusted HR 2.65, 95% CI 2.25–3.13, p<0.001). Among older patients randomised to very early ICA, there were no differences in the cumulated number of primary endpoints compared to older patients randomised to standard ICA (log-rank p=0.36), figure 2.

Conclusion

Among patients ≥75 years old with NSTEACS, CTA showed a high diagnostic accuracy. A very early ICA within 12 hours of diagnosis did not improve long-term composite outcome in these older patients with NSTEACS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Rigshospitalets Research Foundation

Selection of patients for mechanical circulatory support for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a Danish nationwide multicenter study

Background

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a potential salvage therapy for selected patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Purpose

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of potential ECPR patients.

Methods

This retrospective, observational cohort study included 579 patients admitted with refractory OHCA for possible ECPR at all tertiary cardiac arrest centers in Denmark between 2015 and 2020. Presenting characteristics, reasons for refraining from ECPR, and survival to hospital discharge were recorded.

Results

After initial evaluation, 221 patients (38%) proceeded to ECPR, and 358 (62%) were considered futile. Median prehospital low-flow time was 70 minutes [interquartile range 56–85] in ECPR patients and 62 minutes [48–81] in no-ECPR patients, p<0.001. Intra arrest transport was more than 50 km in 92 (42%) ECPR patients and 135 in no-ECPR patients (38%), p=0.25. Treatment decision was taken by a team of three specialists in 513 cases (97%). The leading cause for not initiating ECPR was duration of low flow time (39%). Severe metabolic derangement and low end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) were contributing factors in 35% and 31%, respectively, Figure 1. 83% of the patients had two or more contributing factors recorded as reasons for not initiating ECPR, Figure 2. The most prevailing combination of contributing factors were non-shockable rhythm, low ETCO2, and metabolic derangement or duration of prehospital low flow time combined with low ETCO2. Survival to discharge was achieved in six patients (1.7%) in the no-ECPR group and 50 (23%) in the ECPR group.

Conclusions

In this large nationwide study of patients admitted for possible ECPR, 62% were not treated with ECPR. The most frequent reasons to abstain from ECPR were duration of prehospital low flow time, metabolic derangement, and low ETCO2.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Danish Heart Foundation

Comparative diagnostic and prognostic implications of right versus left bundle branch block in patients with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Current ESC guidelines on management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) recommend emergent invasive management in patients with ischemic symptoms and bundle branch block (BBB). While left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a well-known high-risk feature in patients with acute myocardial infarction, data on the diagnostic and prognostic impact of right bundle branch block (RBBB) in comparison to LBBB in the context of STEMI are scarce.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 2,139 patients with suspected STEMI were triaged by the on-call cardiologist to acute coronary angiography based on a prehospital, tele-transmitted digital 12-lead electrocardiogram. All discharge diagnoses were independently adjudicated. The diagnostic accuracy of RBBB or LBBB was calculated. 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality were from a central national registry and compared for LBBB, RBBB and patients without BBB using the Kaplan Meier method. Unadjusted and adjusted (age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, smoking status and history of coronary artery disease) hazard ratios for 1-year mortality were calculated for both BBB-types.

Results

The final diagnosis of STEMI was adjudicated in 1,832/2,139 (85.6%) of patients. RBBB was present in 117 (5.5%), LBBB in 61 (2.9%) patients, respectively. Patients with BBB were older than non-BBB patients: Median age was 69.7 years in RBBB, 68.9 years in LBBB and 62.6 years in non-BBB patients. Comparing both BBB types, LBBB patients more often had prior heart failure (6.3% in RBBB vs 11.5% in LBBB), while RBBB patients more often developed cardiac arrest before angiography (15.3% vs 3.7% in RBBB and LBBB patients respectively) and more frequently revealed Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade flow of 0 (61.0% vs 47.2%, respectively).

Specificity for the final diagnosis of STEMI was not significantly different in both BBB-types: 95.1% (95% CI 92.1–97.0) in RBBB versus 92.8% (95% CI 89.4–95.2) in LBBB patients (p=0.25).

Patients with RBBB had significantly higher 30-day and 1-year mortality (Figure 1), while LBBB and non-BBB patients showed similar outcome. Unadjusted hazard ratio for 1-year mortality comparing RBBB to non-BBB patients was 3.35 (95% CI 2.11–5.34, p<0.001) and 1.4 (95% CI 0.57–3.44, p=0.46) when comparing LBBB to non-BBB patients. After adjustment hazard ratio for RBBB patients was 2.3 (95% CI 1.25–4.21, p=0.007).

Conclusion

In the context of suspected STEMI, RBBB is an ominous sign associated with adverse clinical features like cardiac arrest prior to PCI, TIMI grade 0 flow, compared to LBBB or non-BBB presenters. Consequently, RBBB patients had poorer outcome after 12 months. Our data therefore reinforce current guidelines in designating RBBB-patients as very high-risk, demanding immediate management and triage.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Regional Research Foundation in Region Sjaelland, Denmark

Misclassification rate of the angiographically identified culprit lesion in NSTEMI

Background

Correct identification of the culprit lesion in NSTEMI is essential, in particular for patients in whom a culprit-only strategy is attractive (e.g., elderly and frail patients). However, when identifying the culprit lesion in NSTEMI, angiography can be ambiguous and correct culprit identification can therefore be challenging when based on angiography, ECG- and echocardiographic changes alone (standard-of-care). In fact, this challenge remains unresolved and is a continuous limitation in guidelines and in the few clinical trials investigating the revascularization strategy in NSTEMI.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the agreement between angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in identifying the culprit lesion in non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods

In two centres we prospectively enrolled 104 patients. CMR was performed prior to angiography. Operators, blinded to CMR, identified a culprit lesion based on angiography and standard-of-care. OCT was subsequently performed on operator-suspected culprit lesions and stenoses ≥50% diameter. CMR and OCT were reviewed blinded to angiographic culprit identification. Myocardial oedema on CMR was considered the reference standard for a culprit. In the absence of oedema, OCT was used. In case of multiple suspected OCT-lesions, hierarchical criteria for culprit identification were used: acute thrombus > plaque rupture with a cavity > organising thrombus > dissection > calcific nodule.

Results

The majority of included patients were male (75%) at a mean 63 years of age. Obstructive disease was observed in 85 (82%) patients, of which 53 (51%) had multivessel disease. On a patient-level, angiography identified a culprit lesion in 90 (87%) patients, of which CMR/OCT only identified a culprit in 74 (82%) patients. This constituted a moderate overall positive predictive value of angiography, which was found inferior to CMR/OCT in identifying the culprit lesion. On a lesion-level, CMR/OCT identified a different culprit lesion than angiography in 12 (16%) patients. Of these, only one patient did not receive revascularization of the true culprit lesion. Moreover, in the 14 patients without an angiographic culprit, CMR/OCT identified a culprit in 7 (50%) patients. Thus, angiography including standard-of-care falsely identified the culprit lesion in overall 35 (34%) patients: 7 false negatives, 16 false positive at patient-level, and 12 misclassified angiographic culprits on lesion-level (Figure 1). Specifically, OCT identified 13% misclassified culprit lesions in proximal segments, and provided an added diagnostic value.

Conclusions

Angiography misclassified the culprit lesion in one in three patients with NSTEMI with respect to both presence and location. OCT complemented angiography in ambiguous cases which underscores the value of OCT in aiding treatment and diagnosis in NSTEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Research Grant at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, DenmarkNovo Nordisk Foundation, Denmark

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity associated to post-procedural no-or-slow-reflow phenomenon in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Over the last decades, the prognosis for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has improved due to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). However, no-or-slow-reflow phenomenon after pPCI constrains this benefit. Suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2) is released from vascular endothelial cells in response to myocyte stretch and increased sST2 level in the initial phase of STEMI is a useful prognostic biomarker for predicting mortality and heart failure (HF).

Purpose

To explore the association of sST2 with post-procedural no-or-slow-reflow phenomenon in patients with STEMI.

Method

During a 1-year period in 2015/2016, the study included consecutive STEMI patients from two heart centers who underwent acute coronary angiography (CAG). Blood samples including sST2 levels were collected at admission and before angiography and/or revascularization. Post-procedural coronary flow was assessed according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) classification for STEMI. We divided patients into two groups: TIMI 0,1 and 2 as no-or-slow-reflow, and TIMI 3 as normal reflow. Both troponin I and troponin T were used and therefore combined and grouped into 10th percentile levels. The association between sST2 and TIMI flow was explored using multiple logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, cardiogenic shock, time from onset of symptoms to CAG, and troponin levels.

Results

In total, 1,789 consecutive patients with verified STEMI and available TIMI flow classification were included in the analysis. Of these, 1,693 (94.6%) classified as normal reflow and 96 (5.4%) as no-or-slow-reflow. The proportion of male sex was similar (1,253 (74%) vs 67 (70%), p=0.36) in the two groups. No-or-slow-reflow patients were older (median 68 years (IQR 57–75) vs median 63 years (IQR 54–72), p=0.02) and more likely to develop cardiogenic shock (22 (23%) vs 146 (8.6%), p<0.001). The troponin level was similar in the two groups (no-reflow: 5.50 (2.00, 8.00) vs normal reflow: 5.00 (3.00, 7.00), p=0.38). In the regression model, sST2 was independently associated with post-procedural no-or-slow-flow (two-fold sST2 increase: OR 1.37 (1.09, 1.70, p=0.006)).

Conclusion

In patients with STEMI, sST2 level at admission before coronary angiography is associated with the post-procedural no-or-slow-reflow phenomenon.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Righospitalets Forskningsfond AND Lundbeck Foundation

Efficacy and safety of clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel in an all-comers population of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Until 2009, aspirin and clopidogrel were recommended for most patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). After 2009, this recommendation was changed to aspirin combined with prasugrel or ticagrelor since randomised trials had demonstrated reduced cardiovascular mortality and ischemic events, however with a slight increase in bleeding risk. Randomised clinical trials often include selected patients and the results may not be generalisable to an all-comers population of high-risk ACS patients.

Purpose

To compare efficacy and safety of clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel in all-comers patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

The Eastern Danish Heart Registry was utilised to identify all consecutive STEMI patients admitted to the capital region from 2009–2016. By individual linkage to Danish nationwide registries, claimed drug prescriptions and end points were obtained. Patients alive a week after discharge were included and stratified according to clopidogrel, ticagrelor, or prasugrel treatment, and followed for 18 months. The risk of the primary efficacy end point (a composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke) and the safety end point (bleeding events leading to hospital admission) were assessed by multivariate Cox proportional-hazard models.

Results

In total, 4841 STEMI patients were included (clopidogrel [n=1222], ticagrelor [n=1820], prasugrel [n=1799]). The median age was 66 (IQR 57–76) for clopidogrel, 64 (IQR 54–73) for ticagrelor, and 59 (IQR 51–67) for prasugrel, and only 19% were women of the prasugrel treated patients (29% for clopidogrel, 25% for ticagrelor). Treatment with anticoagulant therapy was 21% for clopidogrel treated patients (4% for ticagrelor, 5% for prasugrel). Number of events and incidence rates/100 years (IR) for the primary efficacy end point were 165 (IR 9.7) for clopidogrel, 134 (IR 5.1) for ticagrelor, and 107 (IR 4.1) for prasugrel, and for bleeding events 57 (IR 3.3) for clopidogrel, 60 (IR 2.3) for ticagrelor, and 55 (IR 2.1) for prasugrel treatment. Compared with clopidogrel, a reduction in the primary efficacy end point was found in patients treated with both ticagrelor (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.36–0.63, p<0.001) and prasugrel (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36–0.67, p<0.001) with no difference in bleeding events (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.45–1.13, p=0.15 and HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.44–1.17, p=0.18, respectively). No differences were found between prasugrel and ticagrelor treated patients for the primary efficacy end point (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.60–1.16, p=0.28) or safety end point (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.61–1.54, p=0.90).

Conclusion

Ticagrelor and prasugrel treatment in all-comers STEMI patients were associated with reduced rates of all-cause mortality and ischemic events without an increase in bleeding events when compared with clopidogrel treatment. No differences in efficacy or safety were found between prasugrel and ticagrelor treated patients.

Efficacy+safety end points at 18 months

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prognostic value of intracoronary imaging-derived measures for non-infarct related vessel revascularization throughout 7 years among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Underlying plaque characteristics that lead to future revascularization during long-term follow-up remain poorly understood.

Purpose

We aimed to explore intracoronary imaging-derived measures as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) associated with non-infarct related vessel revascularization (non-TVR) arising from imaged segments during long-term (up to 7 years) follow-up among patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

A total of 94 STEMI patients enrolled into the IBIS-4 (Integrated Biomarker Imaging Study-4) study undergoing serial (baseline and 13 months) IVUS and OCT in 2 non-infarct-related coronary arteries under high-intensity statin therapy were analyzed in the present study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the occurrence of non-TVR within previously imaged vessel segments (non-TVR: n=14, no non-TVR: n=80).

Results

Baseline characteristics including LDL level were comparable between groups. At baseline, lesions with future non-TVR were associated with greater percent atheroma volume by IVUS (55.6±5.4% vs. 49.6±6.1%, P<0.001), minimum lumen area by OCT (3.4±1.7 mm2 vs. 6.0±3.3 mm2, P=0.004), and a higher prevalence of fibroatheroma (60.0% vs. 20.1%, P=0.007) by OCT compared with those without. Among patients with serial imaging, lesions with non-TVR had a trend towards a less reduction of percent atheroma volume (−0.2±3.8% vs. −2.4±4.2%, P=0.083).

Conclusion

Greater plaque burden, smaller lumen area, and higher prevalence of OCT-detected fibroatheroma at baseline were associated with non-infarct related vessel revascularization. Lesions with non-TVR tend to have less-pronounced regression of coronary atheroma despite intensive statin therapy and achieved LDL levels.

Non-TVR 7 years after index PCI

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation

P612Multimodal cardiac imaging in patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction and no obstructive coronary arteries

Background

Patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and normal coronary arteries comprise a heterogeneous group with various underlying causes of disease.

Purpose

To study pathophysiology and underlying diagnoses in patients with suspected STEMI and normal coronary arteries using multimodal cardiac imaging.

Methods

We consecutively included patients with suspected STEMI, normal coronary arteries on acute coronary angiography, and elevated troponin T levels at a tertiary heart center (2012–14). Patients were examined with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and 13NH3/82Rb and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography within one week from symptom onset.

Results

We included 42 patients (60% male, median age 58 (IQR 50–65) years. Median troponin T levels were 783 (IQR 566–1208) ng/l. Multimodal cardiac imaging findings are presented in Table 1. Multimodal cardiac imaging showed signs of cardiac involvement in all but one patient (98%). Underlying diagnoses were acute myocardial infarction (36%), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (29%), perimyocarditis (10%), and cardiomyopathy (7%). The diagnosis was unclear in 19% of patients.

Echocardiography   Left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, n (%) 12 (29)   Moderate to severe left ventricular hypertrophy, n (%) 3 (7)   Moderate to severe valvular disease, n (%) 3 (7)   Pericardial effusion, n (%) 5 (12)   Apical thrombus, n (%) 1 (2) Magnetic resonance imaging   Left ventricular end diastolic volume, ml (IQR) 157 (125–185)   Left ventricular end systolic volume, ml (IQR) 75 (63–88)   Left ventricular stroke volume, ml (IQR) 73 (57–93)   Edema, n (%) 38 (91)   Late gadolinium enhancement, n (%) 22 (52) 13NH3/82Rb and 18F-FDG positron emission computer tomography   Myocardial perfusion defect, n (%) 29 (69)   Myocardial perfusion-metabolism mismatch, n (%) 12/30 (40)   Reduced myocardial viability, n (%) 6/30 (20)

Conclusion

The majority of patients with suspected STEMI and normal coronary arteries had signs of cardiac involvement by multimodal cardiac imaging and were diagnosed with cardiac disease.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Danish Heart Foundation, the A.P. Møller Foundation, the Foundation of Reinholdt W. Jorck and Wife, Rigshospitalet's Research Foundation

P885Cardiovascular events in patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction and no obstructive coronary artery disease

Background

Patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) comprise a heterogeneous group with varying prognoses.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in patients with suspected STEMI and no obstructive CAD.

Methods

Patients with suspected STEMI and no obstructive (<50% diameter stenosis) CAD were consecutively included from 2009–2014. Patients were classified as having normal cTnT, dynamic cTnT elevation, or stationary cTnT elevation. All patients were followed with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular readmission, and repeat coronary procedures, until 1 year after discharge.

Results

The study included 502 patients with suspected STEMI and no obstructive CAD: 165 (33%) had normal cTnT, 293 (58%) had dynamic cTnT elevation and 44 (9%) had stationary cTnT elevation. Within one year after admission, 40 (8%) had MACE, 81 (16%) had cardiovascular readmission, and 8 (2%) underwent repeat coronary procedures. The risk of MACE was elevated in patients with stationary cTnT elevation compared with normal cTnT (OR 13.6, 95% CI 2.3–80.2, p=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference between those with dynamic cTnT elevation and normal cTnT (OR 2.9, 95% CI 0.6–14.0, p=0.189). Adding cTnT pattern to a conventional risk model, area under the receiver operating curve for predicting the 1-year risk of MACE improved significantly (80% vs. 85%, p=0.004, Figure 1).

Figure 1

Conclusion

In patients with suspected STEMI and no obstructive CAD, cTnT pattern during acute hospitalization is associated with the 1-year risk of MACE and improves risk prediction for the individual patient.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Danish Heart Foundation, the A.P. Møller Foundation, the Foundation of Reinholdt W. Jorck and Wife, Rigshospitalet's Research Foundation

4094Microvascular dysfunction in takotsubo syndrome visualized at stress and rest using 82-rubidium PET imaging

Introduction

Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is recognized as the acute onset of reversible heart failure, often mimicking acute coronary syndrome with ECG changes and rise in cardiac biomarkers, but with no apparent coronary obstruction. The pathophysiological mechanisms of TTS are not yet fully understood, but it is well established that microvascular dysfunction and constriction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TTS.

Positron emission tomography (PET) using the radioactive tracer Rubidium-82 (Rb-82) is routinely used to asses myocardial perfusion and microvascular function in a wide array of cardiological conditions.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate myocardial perfusion and flow reserve in patients with TTS using Rb-82 positron emission tomography (PET) molecular imaging during rest and pharmacologically induced stress, in the acute phase and after 3 months of follow-up.

Methods

A total of 8 patients were diagnosed with TTS due to acute onset of symptoms, rise in cardiac biomarkers, absence of significant coronary obstruction and apical ballooning of the left ventricle. Subsequently the patients underwent Rb-82 PET scan in the acute phase (1–4 days after onset), and again at 3 months of follow-up. Rb-82 PET scans were performed both during resting conditions and during pharmacologically induced stress with infusion of adenosine. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) and total perfusion defect (TPD) were quantified during rest and stress, and the coronary flow reserve (CFR) was calculated. The AHA-17 segment model was used to determine summed rest scores (SRS) and summed stress scores (SSS). Data are presented as means ± SEM

Results

MBF during stress was significantly lower in the acute phase than at 3 months follow-up (2.99±0.35 vs. 3.82±0.19 ml/g/min, P=0.016) as opposed to resting MBF, which did not differ significantly (1.33±0.14 vs. 1.45±0.09 ml/g/min, P=0.309). The CFR of the patients was not significantly different in the acute phase compared to 3 months follow-up (2.33±0.25 vs 2.65±0.12, P=0.11), though 4 of the patients had a CFR <2.0 in the acute phase, which was normalized at follow-up. TPD was significantly lower at follow-up compared to the acute phase at both rest (21.6±5.86 vs. 0.75±0.61%, P=0.009) and stress (25.3±6.01 vs. 1.25±0.31%, P=0.006). SRS (12.6±3.24 vs. 0.75±0.59, P=0.01) and SSS (19.9±3.39 vs. 1.38±0.59, P=0.001) was significantly higher in the acute phase compared to follow-up. At follow up, all values were normalized.

Figure 1

Conclusion

These results supports the evidence that TTS is partly caused by microvascular dysfunction and constriction during the acute phase. Further studies are needed to uncover the exact mechanisms behind.

86Coronary CT angiography as the first-line diagnostic strategy in patients with non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome - The VERDICT trial

Background

In patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) coronary pathology may range from structurally normal vessels to severe coronary artery disease. Current guidelines recommend early invasive coronary angiography (ICA) to guide management strategy.

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that a strategy of first-line coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) may be used to differentiate between significant and nonsignificant coronary artery stenosis in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Methods

We included patients with NSTE-ACS confirmed by ischaemic ECG changes and/or elevated biomarkers of myocardial ischaemia, in whom ICA was feasible within 12 hours. Patients were randomised 1:1 to ICA within 12 hours (Very Early) or 48–72 hours (Standard) and CCTA was conducted prior to ICA. The primary endpoint was the ability of CCTA to rule out significant coronary artery stenosis (≥50% stenosis) expressed as the negative predictive value (NPV) using ICA as the reference standard. The VERDICT trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02061891.

Results

CCTA was conducted in 1023 patients – Very Early, 2.5 (IQR 1.8, 4.2) hours, N=583 and Standard, 59.9 (IQR 38.9, 86.7) hours, N=440 after establishment of the diagnosis. Significant coronary stenosis was found by ICA in 67.4% of the patients. NPV of CCTA (95% CI) was 90.9% (86.8%-94.1%) and the positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity were 87.9% (85.3–90.1%), 96.5 (94.9–97.8%) and 72.4 (67.2–77.1%), respectively. False negative patients (24/1023, 2.3%) mostly had lesions in coronary segments with a luminal diameter ≤2.5 mm. NPV was not influenced by patient characteristics or clinical risk profile, including abnormal cardiac troponin, ischaemic ECG changes, or a GRACE risk score>140. CCTA accuracy parameters were similar in Very Early and the Standard strategy group.

Conclusions

First-line CCTA may be used to rule out clinically significant coronary artery disease in patients with NSTE-ACS and thus potentially guide patient management.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was funded by the Danish Agency for Science, Technology, and Innovation and the Danish Council for Strategic Research (grant no. 09–066994)

P1728Cardiogenic shock patients: those with and those without out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are different clinical entities

Introduction

Cardiogenic shock (CS) due to myocardial infarction (MI) carries 30-day mortality rates as high as 50%. The vast majority of study cohorts assessing mortality in CS comprise both patients presenting with and without out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Patients with and without OHCA are likely to represent two distinctive entities, which may be problematic to combine in an intervention trial.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare CS due to MI patients presenting with and without OHCA in terms of patient characteristics and outcome.

Methods

In the period from 2010–2017 all patients admitted at two tertiary heart centres in Denmark with CS following MI were individually identified and validated through patient records. The two centres have a catchment area of 3.9 million citizens corresponding to two-thirds of the Danish population.

Results

A total of 1716 CS patients were identified, of which 42% presented with OHCA. OHCA patients were younger (mean 63 vs 67 years), more frequently male (85 vs 67%), had higher lactate concentration (median 6.2 vs 5.0 mmol/L) on admission and higher left ventricular ejection fraction (median 30 vs 25%) compared to patients without OHCA (p<0.0001 for all). Patients presenting with OHCA had lower 30-day mortality compared to patients without OHCA (49% vs. 57%, respectively, plogrank<0.0001, Figure). Cause of in hospital death differed markedly between the two groups. Not surprisingly, anoxic brain damage was the leading cause of in hospital death in the OHCA group (56%) and only seen in 4% of patients without OHCA. In contrast, cardiac failure was the main cause of death in hospital death among patients without OHCA (60%), compared to 27% in patients with OHCA (p<0.0001).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Among patients with CS due to MI, overall 30-day mortality was significantly lower in patients presenting with OHCA. Anoxic brain damage was the main cause of in hospital death among OHCA patients, whereas fatal heart failure prevailed in patients without OHCA. Combining these two groups in a single trial with one specific intervention seems inappropriate and likely to cause an imbalance in the signal-to-noise ratio.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Danish Heart Foundation and a research grant from Abiomed

P4625On women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: raised concentrations of pro-C-type natriuretic peptide predict increased one-year mortality

Introduction

Endothelial C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) contributes to the local regulation of vascular homeostasis including a vasodilatory function in the microcirculation when studied in animal models. Clinical investigations have shown that high concentrations of C-type natriuretic peptides in plasma are associated with adverse clinical outcome in subgroups of patients with cardiac disease.

Purpose

To determine the prognostic potential of pro-C-type natriuretic peptide (proCNP) measurement in plasma sampled on admission of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

In 1760 patients (470 women, 1290 men) with confirmed STEMI, we measured proCNP concentration in plasma obtained on hospital admission before coronary angiography. We divided patients into groups of low, normal or raised proCNP concentrations based on lower and upper cut-off values of sex- and age-specific 95% reference intervals from a reference population (688 individuals). We estimated differences in baseline characteristics including medical history and determined the prognostic value of proCNP measurement by Kaplan-Meier plots including log-rank tests and Cox regression survival analyses (expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval).

Results

Raised proCNP concentrations in plasma were associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension (P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P=0.009), and peripheral artery disease (P=0.023), and a higher one-year all-cause mortality rate compared with normal proCNP concentrations (Plog-rank = 0.009, HR: 1.6 (1.1–2.4)). However, when adjusted for sex, an interaction between sex and groups of normal vs. raised proCNP was found (P=0.030). In sex-stratified analyses only women with raised proCNP concentrations showed an increased one-year all-cause mortality rate (women: Plog-rank <0.001, HR: 2.6 (1.5–4.6), men: Plog-rank= 0.66, HR: 1.1 (0.6–1.9)). Furthermore, in women, stepwise increases of proCNP concentration in the upper range (proCNP concentration > median) were independently associated with increased risk of death within one year after adjusting for age, plasma concentrations of creatinine and proANP, and quartiles of plasma troponins (HR: 1.02 (1.00–1.05) per 1 pmol/L increase of proCNP, P=0.047).

One-year all-cause mortality rates

Conclusion

In patients with STEMI, a raised concentration of proCNP from plasma sampled on admission was associated with a higher risk of death within one year. However, only women displayed this difference of mortality rate in sex-specific estimates. Moreover, stepwise increases of proCNP concentration in the upper range independently predicted a higher risk of one-year death in women following STEMI after adjusting for potential confounders.

3335First-line coronary computed tomography predicts long-term clinical outcome in patients with Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome - The VERDICT trial

Background

In patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) coronary pathology may range from structurally normal vessels to severe coronary artery disease. Current guidelines recommend early invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for risk assessment and choice of treatment strategy.

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that 1) a first-line coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) predicts long term clinical outcome in patients with NSTE-ACS and 2) adding ICA to CCTA does not improve prediction of cardiovascular events.

Methods

We included patients with NSTE-ACS confirmed by ischaemic ECG changes and/or elevated biomarkers of myocardial ischaemia, in whom both CCTA and ICA were feasible within 12 hours. According to the VERDICT study protocol (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02061891) patients were randomised 1:1 to evaluation within 12 hours (Very Early) or 48–72 hours (Standard). CCTA was conducted prior to ICA and patients with an event between tests were excluded. Based on CCTA and ICA, patients were categorized according to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines as having prognostic indication for coronary revascularization ESCprog (left main stenosis, proximal left anterior descending artery stenosis or multivessel disease) or no prognostic indication – ESCnon-prog. The primary endpoint was a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality, non-fatal recurrent myocardial infarction, hospital admission for refractory myocardial ischemia or hospital admission for left sided heart failure. Discrimination of 1.5-year outcomes was assessed by time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

CCTA and ICA was conducted in 979 patients. During a median follow-up time of 4.2 (IQR 2.7–5.5) years the primary endpoint occurred in 209 (21.3%) patients. Patients with ESCprog as defined by CCTA had a hazard ratio of 1.53 (95% CI 1.16–2.03) for occurrence of the primary endpoint. AUC for the prediction of the primary endpoint by CCTA was 68.6 (95% CI: 62.7–74.5) as compared to 68.6 (95% CI: 62.8–74.5), when adding ICA to the model. Similar findings were noted in patients randomized to either Very Early or Standard treatment strategy.

Conclusions

Long-term risk assessment in patients with NSTE-ACS may be conducted using a first-line CCTA strategy and may thus potentially guide patient management. Adding invasive coronary angiography to CCTA does not improve risk assessment.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was funded by the Danish Agency for Science, Technology, and Innovation and the Danish Council for Strategic Research (grant no. 09–066994)

Clinical significance of abnormal T waves in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

T-wave abnormalities are common electrocardiographic occurrences in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. Although these abnormalities are considered relatively benign, physicians use them to guide therapies. The study objective was to examine the prognostic predictive information of T-wave abnormalities in the setting of unstable coronary artery disease. The T-wave abnormality criterion was based on a new set of normal T-wave amplitude limits differentiated by gender, age, electrocardiographic lead, and QRS axis. Four hundred sixty-eight patients suspected of an acute ischemic incident and considered ineligible for reperfusion therapy were included. Thirteen categories of T-wave abnormalities were tested prospectively. The primary 30-day end point was the combination of refractory angina, myocardial infarction, or death. Quantitative T-wave analysis in an electrocardiographic core laboratory revealed 6 of 13 prespecified categories of T-wave abnormalities that were significantly associated with an adverse outcome. T-wave abnormalities had no prognostic value when ST-segment depression was also present, but this occurred in only 7.9% of patients. T-wave abnormalities as the sole manifestation of ischemia were common (74.4%). Patients with abnormal T waves in > or =1 of 6 selected abnormality categories (70.3%) had a significantly higher risk of death, acute myocardial infarction, and refractory angina (11% vs 3%; p = 0.018). Thus, T-wave abnormalities in patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes are common and should not automatically be regarded as benign phenomena. Quantitative T- wave analysis provides optimal risk stratification.

The correlation between presenting ST-segment depression and the final size of acute myocardial infarcts in patients with acute coronary syndromes

The use of reperfusion therapy in patients with ST elevation acute coronary syndromes had been established. However, reperfusion therapy is usually considered contra-indicated in those with ST depression, despite the knowledge that regional posterior infarction is typically indicated by ST depression maximal in leads V1 to V3 and nonregional subendocardial infarction is typically indicated by marked ST depression maximal in other leads. This study of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes investigates the quantitative relationship between presenting ST depression and final QRS changes in both of these subgroups. The final QRS score was significantly higher (2.44 points) than that of a control group with not ST depression, (1.55 points) in the group with maximal ST depression in V1 to V3 (P = 0.04). However, in the entire population, there was a highly significant correlation (P = .003) between the sum of the presenting ST depression and the final QRS score. Trials of reperfusion therapy will be required to determine if such evolution to electrocardiogram documented acute myocardial infarction can be prevented in patient with marked ST depression acute coronary syndromes.

[Eptifibatide (Integrilin)]

Eptifibatide (Integrilin) is a specific blocker of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor and an effective inhibitor of platelet aggregation. It reduces coronary events in patients with acute coronary syndromes and no elevation in the electrocardiographic ST segment. The present summary discusses the indications for the use of eptifibatide/Integrilin based on recent clinical trials and cost-benefit analyses.

Reduction of myocardial damage by prolonged treatment with subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin in unstable coronary artery disease. FRISC study group. Fragmin during Instability in Coronary Artery Disease

AIMS

Several studies have proved heparin useful in treating patients with unstable coronary artery disease. The present study investigates whether Selvester QRS scoring for estimation of myocardial infarct size increases the incidence of detection of acute myocardial infarction during follow-up in a trial of patients with unstable angina/non-Q wave myocardial infarction treated with low molecular weight heparin or placebo. Finally it will be discussed how the QRS score, used for end-point identification, impacts on the power calculation in clinical trials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Electrocardiographic data on 1276 patients (644 in the placebo group, 632 in the low molecular weight heparin treatment group) were available. All ECGs were scored according to the Selvester QRS scoring method. At 40 days, more patients in the placebo than in the heparin group had achieved a threshold level of QRS score (25.9% vs 21.1%, P=0.05). Myocardial infarction, diagnosed as per the classic Q wave criteria, occurred in 3.7% of patients in the placebo group and in 0.9% in the low molecular weight heparin group at 6 days (P=0.002). At 40 days, the rates were 8.2% (placebo) and 5.7% (low molecular weight heparin, P=0.2). By combining the classic criteria with the Selvester method the myocardial infarction end-point rate in both groups was almost doubled (8.2% to 14.4% in the placebo group and 5.7% to 11.1% in the low molecular weight heparin group, P=0.07). The 216 patients with non-evaluable electrocardiograms did not differ from the 1276 patients as regards baseline characteristics; however, they had a significantly poorer prognosis, with a death/myocardial infarction rate of 20% at 40 days, compared with 8% among the patients with evaluable electrocardiograms (P<0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Long-term subcutaneous treatment with low molecular weight heparin decreases the number of subsequent myocardial infarctions - determined both conventionally and by an increase in QRS score - in patients with unstable coronary artery disease. Silent myocardial infarctions detected by QRS score, as well as clinical myocardial infarctions, could be used as end-points in clinical trials of ischaemic heart disease and thus lower the population needed for obtaining statistical power.

Relative contributions of a single-admission 12-lead electrocardiogram and early 24-hour continuous electrocardiographic monitoring for early risk stratification in patients with unstable coronary artery disease

Patients with unstable coronary syndromes are a heterogeneous group with varying degrees of ischemia and prognosis. The present study compares the prognostic value of a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained at admission to the hospital with the information from 24-hour continuous electrocardiographic monitoring obtained immediately after admission. The admission ECGs and 24 hours of vectorcardiographic (VCG) monitoring from 308 patients admitted with unstable coronary artery disease were analyzed centrally regarding standard electrocardiographic ST-T changes, ST-vector magnitude (ST-VM), and ST change vector magnitude episodes. End points were death, acute myocardial infarction, and refractory angina pectoris within a 30-day follow-up period. ST-VM episodes (> or = 50 microV for > or = 1 minute) during VCG monitoring was the only independent predictor of death or acute myocardial infarction by multivariate analysis. ST-VM episodes during vectorcardiography was associated with a relative risk of 12.7 for having a cardiac event, hypertension was associated with a relative risk of 1.7, and ST depression on the admission ECG was associated with a relative risk of 5.7. Patients with ST depression at admission had an event rate (death or acute myocardial infarction) of 17% at 30-day follow-up. Patients without ST depression could further be risk stratified by 24 hours of VCG monitoring into a subgroup with ST-VM episodes at similar (8%) risk and a subgroup without ST-VM episodes at low (1%) risk (p = 0.00005). Continuous VCG monitoring provides important information for evaluating patients with unstable coronary artery disease. It is recommended that patients not initially estimated at high risk based on the admission ECG are referred for 24 hours of VCG monitoring for further risk stratification.

Effects of revascularization after first acute myocardial infarction on the evolution of QRS complex changes (the DANAMI trial). DANish Trial in Acute Myocardial Infarction

The changes in QRS complex morphology associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can resolve spontaneously over time. Whether complete revascularization of the infarct-related myocardial territory after AMI affects this QRS resolution has not been studied adequately. The present study compares the evolution of the changes in the QRS complex associated with AMI during 1-year follow-up in patients treated with or without revascularization after their first thrombolyzed AMI. The study is a substudy of the DANish Trial in Acute Myocardial Infarction (DANAMI) (n = 1,008) that randomized patients with inducible ischemia after their first AMI, treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy, to conservative treatment or coronary angiography followed by the appropriate revascularization strategy. A total of 817 patients had complete sets of evaluable electrocardiograms. Electrocardiograms were obtained at randomization, and at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up and subjected to blinded core-laboratory evaluation according to the Selvester QRS scoring method. This score considers Q-, R-, and S-wave duration and ratios to provide a semiquantitative estimate of AMI size. The median electrocardiographic estimated infarct size in the entire population was 15% of the left ventricle at randomization. At the end of the follow-up period this estimate had decreased to 12% (p < 0.00001). There was no difference in the rate of QRS resolution whether the patients were subgrouped according to randomization or subgrouped according to actual treatment with or without revascularization. The present study confirms the findings from previous studies conducted in the prethrombolytic era, that considerable normalization of the QRS complex also occurs after AMI treated with thrombolytic therapy. This QRS normalization seems unaffected by an aggressive treatment strategy with revascularization via balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Admission standard electrocardiogram for early risk stratification in patients with unstable coronary artery disease not eligible for acute revascularization therapy: a TRIM substudy. ThRombin Inhibition in Myocardial Infarction

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic capacity of a single electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained early after admission to the hospital in patients suspected of non-Q-wave myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris.

METHODS

Six hundred twenty-nine patients from the TRIM study were included. The patients were divided into subgroups on the basis of ST-segment changes in the inclusion ECG. Death, acute myocardial infarction, or refractory angina (despite treatment) were registered during a follow-up period of 30 days.

RESULTS

Patients with ST depression had a significantly higher event rate compared with patients with other ECG changes or with normal ECG results. The difference in event rates between patients with ST depression and patients without ST depression regarding the composite of death and acute myocardial infarction was highly significant (P =.0008). A significant association between the magnitude of the ST-segment depression (in millimeters) and the risk of cardiac events was also demonstrated. Multivariate analysis proved ST depression early after admission to be an independent predictor of high risk.

CONCLUSION

In patients with unstable coronary artery disease, ST-segment depression at admission is a strong predictor of early (30 days) cardiac events and the extent of ST depression carries important prognostic information as well.

Very early risk stratification using combined ECG and biochemical assessment in patients with unstable coronary artery disease (A thrombin inhibition in myocardial ischemia [TRIM] substudy). The TRIM Study Group

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic capability of troponin T (TnT), troponin I (TnI), myoglobin, and creatine kinase (CK)-MB mass for detection of myocardial injury seems evident. Newer studies have found these sensitive markers to carry independent prognostic information in patients with unstable coronary artery disease as well. ST-segment depression in the admission ECG is known to be an important indicator of poor outcome in these patients. The present study investigates the prognostic capacities of the ECG in combination with biochemical admission measurements in 516 patients admitted to hospital with unstable coronary artery disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Baseline ECG recordings and blood samples were collected for central analysis. The patients were followed up for 30 days, and predefined end points, ie, death, myocardial infarction, and refractory angina, were registered as end points. By univariate analysis, ST-segment depression, inverted T waves in >/=5 leads, TnT >/=0.1 microg/L, TnI >/=0.5 microg/L, myoglobin >/=40 microg/L, female sex, and age >/=65 years were predictors of death and myocardial infarction at 30 days. By multivariate analysis, female sex, ST-segment depression at randomization, or inverted T-waves in >/=5 leads were the only independent predictors of death or myocardial infarction. On the basis of baseline ECG ST-T changes and CK-MB mass/TnT/TnI/myoglobin levels, the patients were divided into 3 subgroups at high (14% event rate), intermediate (6%), and low (3%) risk of early death/myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found the combination of baseline values of TnT, TnI, CK-MB mass, and ST-T changes in the ECG to be effective for early risk stratification in patients with unstable coronary artery disease.

Differences between local investigator and core laboratory interpretation of the admission electrocardiogram in patients with unstable angina pectoris or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (a Thrombin Inhibition in Myocardial Ischemia [TRIM] substudy)

The present study compares the on-site interpretation of an admission electrocardiogram (ECG) with core laboratory results in a large, multicenter trial of 516 patients diagnosed with unstable angina pectoris or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. The local investigators evaluated the admission ECG regarding ST-T changes before the ECGs were sent to the core laboratory for blinded interpretation. The strength of agreement between the observations was described by kappa statistics. There was a poor agreement regarding identification of ST-segment elevation, with 17 patients identified by the local investigator versus 92 by the core laboratory (kappa = 0.05). There was a fair agreement on ST-segment depression with 158 patients diagnosed on-site versus 64 by the core laboratory (kappa = 0.38). Identification of T-wave inversion demonstrated good agreement with 306 patients diagnosed on-site versus 280 by the core laboratory (kappa = 0.63). A moderate agreement regarding identification of a normal ECG was found with 101 patients on-site versus 135 in the core laboratory (kappa = 0.42). Independent variables, including peak creatine kinase-MB and 30-day outcome, were more closely related to core laboratory results than the local investigator's interpretation of the admission ECG. Thus, in the present study, considerable differences were demonstrated between the on-site interpretation of the admission ECG and the blinded evaluation performed in the core laboratory regarding relatively simple electrocardiographic variables. The results suggest that more widespread use of independent evaluation of clinical data should be incorporated in future clinical trials.

Serial prognostic capabilities of electrocardiographic indices of infarcted and hibernating myocardium in predicting short- and long-term outcome following coronary artery bypass surgery

The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that patients with a large amount of ischemic (hibernating) myocardium are most likely to develop a perioperative myocardial infarction undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Furthermore, we evaluated the Selvester QRS scoring system as a postoperative prognostic tool. A relationship between a high amount of hibernating myocardium determined by ventriculographic and electrocardiographic investigations and an increased risk of perioperative myocardial infarction was found. The Selvester QRS scoring system used in diagnosing and prognosing after acute myocardial infarction was proven valid in predicting prognosis after CABG as well.

[Thrombocyte aggregation and serum thromboxane B2 in patients with unstable angina pectoris treated with diltiazem or verapamil]

Patients with unstable angina pectoris have increased thrombocyte aggregation and disturbances in serum prostaglandin balance. As a pilot project, we conducted a single-blind investigation of 24 patients with unstable angina pectoris treated with dilthiazem (n = 12, 240-360 mg) or verapamil (n = 12, 240-360 mg) for ten days. At the commencement of the investigation, both patient groups had hyperaggregating thrombocytes and increased serum-thromboxan-B2 (TXB2) as compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.01). In the patient group treated with dilthiazem, the aggregation threshold rose (p < 0.01), and the serum TXB2 values fell to approximately normal (p < 0.05). In the patient group treated with verapamil, no significant changes were observed in the measurements registered. The difference between the two groups remained significant during the entire therapeutic period (p < 0.01). Thus, dilthiazem appears to counteract thrombocyte aggregation in patients with unstable angina pectoris.