Machine learning for prediction of all-cause mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

AIMS

Prediction of adverse events in mid-term follow-up after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is challenging. We sought to develop and validate a machine learning model for prediction of 1-year all-cause mortality in patients who underwent TAVI and were discharged following the index procedure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The model was developed on data of patients who underwent TAVI at a high-volume centre between January 2013 and March 2019. Machine learning by extreme gradient boosting was trained and tested with repeated 10-fold hold-out testing using 34 pre- and 25 peri-procedural clinical variables. External validation was performed on unseen data from two other independent high-volume TAVI centres. Six hundred four patients (43% men, 81 ± 5 years old, EuroSCORE II 4.8 [3.0-6.3]%) in the derivation and 823 patients (46% men, 82 ± 5 years old, EuroSCORE II 4.7 [2.9-6.0]%) in the validation cohort underwent TAVI and were discharged home following the index procedure. Over the 12 months of follow-up, 68 (11%) and 95 (12%) subjects died in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. In external validation, the machine learning model had an area under the receiver-operator curve of 0.82 (0.78-0.87) for prediction of 1-year all-cause mortality following hospital discharge after TAVI, which was superior to pre- and peri-procedural clinical variables including age 0.52 (0.46-0.59) and the EuroSCORE II 0.57 (0.51-0.64), P < 0.001 for a difference.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning based on readily available clinical data allows accurate prediction of 1-year all-cause mortality following a successful TAVI.

Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Scores for Prediction of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using the Hybrid Algorithm

Whereas coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) exceeds invasive angiography for predicting the procedural outcome of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), CCTA-derived scores have never been validated in the hybrid CTO PCI population. In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we included 108 consecutive patients with 110 CTO lesions and preprocedural CCTA who underwent hybrid CTO PCI to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA-derived scoring systems. Successful guidewire crossing within 30 min was set as the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were final procedural success and the need for using any non-antegrade wiring (AW) strategy within the hybrid algorithm. Time-efficient guidewire crossing and final procedural success were achieved in 53.6% and 89.1% of lesions, respectively, while in 36.4% of the procedures, any non-AW strategy was applied. The median J-CTO score was 1 (interquartile range (IQR): 0, 2), while the CT-RECTOR, KCCT, J-CTOCCTA, and RECHARGECCTA scores were 2 (IQR: 1, 3), 3 (IQR: 2, 5), 1 (IQR: 0, 3), and 2 (IQR: 1, 3), respectively. All scores were significantly higher in the lesions with failed versus successful time-efficient guidewire crossing. Although all of the CCTA-derived scores had numerically higher predictive values than the angiographic J-CTO score, no significant differences were noted between the scores in any of the analyzed study endpoints. High sensitivity of the CT-RECTOR and RECHARGECCTA scores (both 89.8%) for predicting successful guidewire crossing within 30 min, and high sensitivity (90.8%) of the KCCT score for predicting final procedural success, were noted. CCTA-derived scoring systems are accurate, noninvasive tools for the prediction of the procedural outcome of hybrid CTO PCI, and may aid in identifying the need for use of the hybrid algorithm.

Embolization of Perforated Coronary Artery with a Fragment of Balloon Catheter (Cut Balloon Technique)-Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic distal coronary artery perforation can be a life-threatening complication. While there are different dedicated devices for the embolization of distal perforations, there are scarce data about the embolization using the fragmented balloon catheter, the so-called cut balloon technique (CBT).

METHODS

We included consecutive patients with distal coronary perforations treated with CBT in four cardiac centers between 2017 and 2023. Clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics as well as in-hospital outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (68% men, mean age: 71 ± 10.6 years) with 25 distal coronary perforations and one septal collateral perforation were included. Eleven patients (42%) had elective percutaneous coronary intervention, while fifteen patients (58%) were treated for acute coronary syndrome. The site of perforation was most frequently distributed in the left anterior descending artery (40%), followed by the circumflex artery (28%) and right coronary artery (24%). The diameter of balloons for CBT ranged from 1.5 to 4.0 mm, with most balloons (76%) being either 2.0 or 2.5 mm in diameter. Most balloons (88%) were previously used for lesion predilatation. The numbers of cut balloons needed to seal the perforation were 1, 2 and ≥3 in 48%, 20% and 32% of cases, respectively. The in-hospital prognosis was favorable, with cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis in only four (16%) patients. Neither emergency surgery nor cardiac death occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT is a safe, efficient and easy-to-implement technique for the embolization of coronary perforations. Most distal coronary perforations can be sealed with one or two fragments of cut balloons, obviating the need for additional devices.

Computed tomography perfusion and angiography in patients with chronic total occlusion undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and anatomical imaging with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can play an important role in the preprocedural planning of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to establish the feasibility of a novel dynamic computed tomography perfusion (CTP) analysis for the assessment of myocardial perfusion before and after a successful recanalization of CTO in patients undergoing CCTA as part of a standard preprocedural workup.

METHODS

In a prospective observational study symptomatic patients underwent dynamic CTP on a dual-source CT scanner both before and 3 months after successful CTO PCI.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients completed the study (63 ± 8 years old, 78% male). Following successful CTO PCI, there was a significant reduction in the ischemic burden (5 [5-7] versus 1 [0-2] segments, p < 0.001), and improvement in myocardial blood flow (85.3 [71.7-94.1] versus 134.6 [123.8-156.9] mL/min, p < 0.001) resulting in an increase in the relative flow reserve (0.49 [0.41-0.57] versus 0.88 [0.74-0.95], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CTP emerges as a robust and safe method for MPI in CTO patients. The single imaging session assessment of both coronary anatomy and perfusion with CT lends itself to precise disease phenotyping in the challenging population of CTO patients.

Infarct-related artery and long-term mortality following recurrent ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Insights from a Polish nationwide registry

BACKGROUND

Recurrent ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (rSTEMI) can be attributed to the same (target-vessel, TV-rSTEMI) or different culprit vessel (non-target, nonTV-rSTEMI) compared with the first infarction. We hypothesized that long-term mortality after rSTEMI depends on the infarct-related artery (the same or different compared with the first STEMI).

METHODS

Using the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) we retrospectively identified survivors of first STEMI treated with PCI who experienced rSTEMI. We divided rSTEMI into TV-rSTEMI and nonTV-rSTEMI. We compared clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics and utilized propensity score matching to adjust for baseline differences. Primary outcome was 1-, 3- and 5-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2019 a total of 3,411 patients (mean age 63.7 years, 76% male) had rSTEMI, of whom 1,916 (56%) had TV-rSTEMI and 1,495 (44%) had nonTV-rSTEMI. Median time since first infarction was 716 days (100, 1,807). Patients with nonTV-rSTEMI had higher body mass index (27.2 vs 26.7 kg/m², P = .041), more arterial hypertension (77.4 vs 73.7%, P = .015) and atrial fibrillation (4.8 vs 3.3%, P = .02), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (43 [35, 50] vs 45 [38, 50]%, P <.001) compared with TV-rSTEMI. On coronary angiography nonTV-rSTEMI more frequently presented with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction >1 flow (25.8 vs 15.7%, P < .001), multivessel disease (51.9 vs 40.8%, P =.002), culprit lesion located in circumflex artery (22.6 vs 5.6%, P < .001), and more frequently underwent stenting (88.8 vs 76.1%, P < .001) compared with TV-rSTEMI. There was no difference in unadjusted 1-, 3- and 5-year mortality between nonTV-rSTEMI and TV-rSTEMI. After propensity score analysis, 807 well-matched pairs of patients were selected. Adjusted 1-, 3- and 5-year mortality remained similar between nonTV-rSTEMI and TV-rSTEMI (14.7 vs 14.4%, P = .88; 23.6 vs 23.1%, P = .81; 30.0 vs 32.0%, P = .50 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows overall low frequency of rSTEMI. Patients with nonTV-rSTEMI have different clinical and angiographic characteristics compared with TV-rSTEMI. No long-term mortality difference was observed between both groups.

Optical coherence tomography in coronary atherosclerosis assessment and intervention

Since optical coherence tomography (OCT) was first performed in humans two decades ago, this imaging modality has been widely adopted in research on coronary atherosclerosis and adopted clinically for the optimization of percutaneous coronary intervention. In the past 10 years, substantial advances have been made in the understanding of in vivo vascular biology using OCT. Identification by OCT of culprit plaque pathology could potentially lead to a major shift in the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes. Detection by OCT of healed coronary plaque has been important in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in plaque destabilization and healing with the rapid progression of atherosclerosis. Accurate detection by OCT of sequelae from percutaneous coronary interventions that might be missed by angiography could improve clinical outcomes. In addition, OCT has become an essential diagnostic modality for myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Insight into neoatherosclerosis from OCT could improve our understanding of the mechanisms of very late stent thrombosis. The appropriate use of OCT depends on accurate interpretation and understanding of the clinical significance of OCT findings. In this Review, we summarize the state of the art in cardiac OCT and facilitate the uniform use of this modality in coronary atherosclerosis. Contributions have been made by clinicians and investigators worldwide with extensive experience in OCT, with the aim that this document will serve as a standard reference for future research and clinical application.

Impact of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions on absolute perfusion in remote myocardium

BACKGROUND

Revascularisation of a chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) impacts the coronary physiology of the remote myocardial territory.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the intrinsic effect of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on changes in absolute perfusion in remote myocardium.

METHODS

A total of 164 patients who underwent serial [¹⁵O]H_²O positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion imaging at baseline and three months after successful single-vessel CTO PCI were included to evaluate changes in hyperaemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the remote myocardium supplied by both non-target coronary arteries.

RESULTS

Perfusion indices in CTO and remote myocardium showed a positive correlation before (resting MBF: r=0.84, hMBF: r=0.75, and CFR: r=0.77, p<0.01 for all) and after (resting MBF: r=0.87, hMBF: r=0.87, and CFR: r=0.81, p<0.01 for all) CTO PCI. Absolute increases in hMBF and CFR were observed in remote myocardium following CTO revascularisation (from 2.29±0.67 to 2.48±0.75 mL·min^-1·g^-1 and from 2.48±0.76 to 2.74±0.85, respectively, p<0.01 for both). Improvements in remote myocardial perfusion were largest in patients with a higher increase in hMBF (β 0.58, 95% CI: 0.48-0.67, p<0.01) and CFR (β 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44-0.64, p<0.01) in the CTO territory, independent of clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

CTO revascularisation resulted in an increase in remote myocardial perfusion. Furthermore, the quantitative improvement in hMBF and CFR in the CTO territory was independently associated with the absolute perfusion increase in remote myocardial regions. As such, CTO PCI may have a favourable physiologic impact beyond the intended treated myocardium.

Feasibility of computed tomography perfusion in patients with chronic total occlusion undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

We aimed to establish the feasibility and safety of dynamic computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Ten consecutive CTO patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) underwent regadenoson dynamic CTP prior to and at least 3 months after successful CTO recanalization. Quantitative absolute and indexed values of stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) were measured for each myocardial segment, and perfusion defect size was defined by the number of segments with indexed MBF ≤0.78. The control group comprised 10 subjects without ischemia on CTP. Out of 20 CTP studies with 320 segments, 311 segments (97.2%) were interpretable. The dose-length product for CTP was 589.5 ​± ​144.3 mGy cm, and no severe adverse reactions to either regadenoson or contrast were observed. Successful PCI resulted in a significant increase in stress MBF in CTO (101.8 [82.9-127.1] vs. 158.4 [132.6-172] ml/100ml/min, p ​= ​0.004). Overall, there were significant reductions in both CTO and total defect size post-PCI (5 [5-6] vs. 1 [0.3-2] and 6 [5-8.5] vs. 1.5 [1-3.8] segments, both p ​= ​0.002). In segment analysis, the indexed MBF was lowest in the pre-PCI CTO group (0.90 [0.53-1.0]), followed by post-PCI CTO group (0.96 [0.88-1.0]) and the control group (0.98 [0.94-1.0]). Dynamic CTP is feasible and safe, and shows large perfusion defects in patients with CTO. While ischemic burden can be significantly improved after successful CTO PCI, it is still larger as compared with normal myocardium. NCT04465526: The Influence of Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion on Myocardial Perfusion on Computed Tomography (COPACABANA).

Intravascular Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Stent Underexpansion: The Multicenter IVL-DRAGON Registry

Background: Whereas the efficacy and safety of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) have been confirmed in de novo calcified coronary lesions, little is known about its utility in treating stent underexpansion. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IVL in treating stent underexpansion. Methods and Results: Consecutive patients with stent underexpansion treated with IVL entered the multicenter IVL-Dragon Registry. The procedural success (primary efficacy endpoint) was defined as a relative stent expansion >80%. Thirty days device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) (defined as a composite of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, or target vessel myocardial infarction) was the secondary endpoint. A total of 62 patients were enrolled. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved in 72.6% of patients. Both stent underexpansion 58.5% (47.5−69.7) vs. 11.4% (5.8−20.7), p < 0.001, and the stenotic area 82.6% (72.4−90.8) vs. 21.5% (11.1−37.2), p < 0.001, measured by quantitative coronary angiography improved significantly after IVL. Intravascular imaging confirmed increased stent expansion following IVL from 37.5% (16.0−66.0) to 86.0% (69.2−90.7), p < 0.001, by optical coherence tomography and from 57.0% (31.5−77.2) to 89.0% (85.0−92.0), p = 0.002, by intravascular ultrasound. Secondary endpoint occurred in one (1.6%) patient caused by cardiac death. There was no target lesion revascularization or target vessel myocardial infarction during the 30-day follow-up. Conclusions: In this real-life, largest-to-date analysis of IVL use to manage underexpanded stent, IVL proved to be an effective and safe method for facilitating stent expansion and increasing luminal gain.

Viability and functional recovery after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

Objectives

This study evaluated myocardial viability as well as global and regional functional recovery after successful chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using sequential quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Background

The patient benefits of CTO PCI are being questioned.

Methods

In a single high‐volume CTO PCI center patients were prospectively scheduled for CMR at baseline and 3 months after successful CTO PCI between 2013 and 2018. Segmental wall thickening (SWT) and percentage late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were quantitatively measured per segment. Viability was defined as dysfunctional myocardium (<2.84 mm SWT) with no or limited scar (≤50% LGE).

Results

A total of 132 patients were included. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction was modest after CTO PCI (from 48.1 ± 11.8 to 49.5 ± 12.1%, p < 0.01). CTO segments with viability (N = 216, [31%]) demonstrated a significantly higher increase in SWT (0.80 ± 1.39 mm) compared to CTO segments with pre‐procedural preserved function (N = 456 [65%], 0.07 ± 1.43 mm, p < 0.01) or extensive scar (LGE >50%, N = 26 [4%], −0.08 ± 1.09 mm, p < 0.01). Patients with ≥2 CTO segments viability showed more SWT increase in the CTO territory compared to patients with 0–1 segment viability (0.49 ± 0.93 vs. 0.12 ± 0.98 mm, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Detection of dysfunctional myocardial segments without extensive scar (≤50% LGE) as a marker for viability on CMR aids in identifying patients with significant regional functional recovery after CTO PCI.

Functional recovery after percutaneous revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusions: insights from cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking

To evaluate the effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) on left ventricular (LV) strain assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue tracking. In 150 patients with a CTO, longitudinal (LS), radial (RS) and circumferential shortening (CS) were determined using CMR tissue tracking before and 3 months after successful PCI. In patients with impaired LV strain at baseline, global LS (10.9 ± 2.4% vs 11.6 ± 2.8%; P = 0.006), CS (11.3 ± 2.9% vs 12.0 ± 3.5%; P = 0.002) and RS (15.8 ± 4.9% vs 17.4 ± 6.6%; P = 0.001) improved after revascularization of the CTO, albeit to a small, clinically irrelevant, extent. Strain improvement was inversely related to the extent of scar, even after correcting for baseline strain (B =  − 0.05; P = 0.008 for GLS, B =  − 0.06; P = 0.016 for GCS, B =  − 0.13; P = 0.017 for GRS). In the vascular territory of the CTO, dysfunctional segments showed minor improvement in both CS (10.8 [6.9 to 13.3] % vs 11.9 [8.1 to 15.0] %; P < 0.001) and RS (14.2 [8.4 to 18.7] % vs 16.0 [9.9 to 21.8] %; P < 0.001) after PCI. Percutaneous revascularization of CTOs does not lead to a clinically relevant improvement of LV function, even in the subgroup of patients and segments most likely to benefit from revascularization (i.e. LV dysfunction at baseline and no or limited myocardial scar).

Ischemic Burden Reduction and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to evaluate the impact of ischemic burden reduction after chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on long-term prognosis and cardiac symptom relief.

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefit of CTO PCI is questioned.

METHODS

In a high-volume CTO PCI center, 212 patients prospectively underwent quantitative [¹⁵O]H₂O positron emission tomography perfusion imaging before and three months after successful CTO PCI between 2013-2019. Perfusion defects (PD) (in segments) and hyperemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF) (in ml · min^-1 · g^-1) allocated to CTO areas were related to prognostic outcomes using unadjusted (Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test) and risk-adjusted (multivariable Cox regression) analyses. The prognostic endpoint was a composite of all-cause death and nonfatal myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

After a median [interquartile range] of 2.8 years [1.8 to 4.3 years], event-free survival was superior in patients with ≥3 versus <3 segment PD reduction (p < 0.01; risk-adjusted p = 0.04; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.34 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13 to 0.93]) and with hMBF increase above (Δ≥1.11 ml · min^-1 · g^-1) versus below the population median (p < 0.01; risk-adjusted p < 0.01; HR: 0.16 [95% CI: 0.05 to 0.54]) after CTO PCI. Furthermore, event-free survival was superior in patients without versus any residual PD (p < 0.01; risk-adjusted p = 0.02; HR: 0.22 [95% CI: 0.06 to 0.76]) or with a residual hMBF level >2.3 versus ≤2.3 ml · min^-1 · g^-1 (p < 0.01; risk-adjusted p = 0.03; HR: 0.25 [95% CI: 0.07 to 0.91]) at follow-up positron emission tomography. Patients with residual hMBF >2.3 ml · min^-1 · g^-1 were more frequently free of angina and dyspnea on exertion at long-term follow-up (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with extensive ischemic burden reduction and no residual ischemia after CTO PCI had lower rates of all-cause death and nonfatal myocardial infarction. Long-term cardiac symptom relief was associated with normalization of hMBF levels after CTO PCI.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in everyday clinical practice - an expert opinion of the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions of the Polish Cardiac Society

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) are increasingly encountered during invasive and non-invasive coronary angiography and remain the most challenging lesions for percutaneous revascularization. During recent years success rates and safety outcomes of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have substantially improved, particularly due to the introduction of new techniques and dedicated equipment as well as specialized training programs of CTO operators. Significantly, the steady advances in CTO PCI techniques have coincided with the new data from randomized clinical trials supporting the role of percutaneous recanalization of CTO in relieving angina and improving the quality of life. The current expert consensus document outlines the rationale, clinical outcomes as well as technical, safety and reimbursement issues of CTO PCI. In addition, the requirements for achieving and maintaining competency in CTO PCI among interventional cardiologists are discussed. Finally, we present the modified hybrid algorithm (the so-called Polish hybrid algorithm) providing some unique refinements to the contemporary CTO PCI strategies. Continuous efforts (including active engagement with the payer) are urgently needed to increase guideline-recommended referrals to CTO PCI, and thus improve the quality of life of CTO patients in Poland.

A computed tomography algorithm for crossing coronary chronic total occlusions: riding on the wave of the proximal cap and distal vessel segment

With wider adoption of coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA), chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are being increasingly identified and characterised by non-invasive angiography. In particular, the ability of coronary CTA to clearly delineate atherosclerotic plaque, as well as to display three-dimensional vessel trajectories, has garnered particular attention in the context of preprocedural planning and periprocedural guidance of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Single CTO features and combined scoring systems derived from CTA (mostly exceeding the diagnostic performance of the angiographic J‑CTO score) have been used to predict time-efficient guidewire crossing, and thus grade the CTO difficulty level prior to PCI. In addition, the introduction of three-dimensional CTA/fluoroscopy co-registration for periprocedural navigation during CTO PCI offers the unprecedented opportunity to resolve proximal cap ambiguity and clearly visualise the distal CTO segment, thereby potentially influencing CTO PCI strategies and techniques. In this review, the potential advantages of non-invasive evaluation of CTO by coronary CTA are described, and a CTA-based hybrid algorithm is introduced for further enhancing the efficiency of CTO PCI. Further studies are clearly needed to verify the proposed approach. However, several luminary operators have already implemented coronary CTA for planning and periprocedural guidance of CTO interventions using the hybrid algorithm.

Safety of returning patients immediately to their originating hospitals after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the immediate return of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to their originating hospitals after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Methods

This was a prospective study, conducted between January 2014 and December 2017. All patients with STEMI who were transferred for PPCI and returned back to their referring hospitals (RB group) were included and compared to the onsite STEMI population (OS group). Patient’s demographics, PPCI data, bleeding and adverse cardiovascular events (ACEs) occurring during transfer, hospital stay, and at 1-month follow-up were recorded.

Results

A total of 156 patients in the OS group were compared against 350 patients in the RB group. We found that first medical contact to balloon time and onset of symptoms to balloon time were significantly longer in the RB group than in the OS group [110 ± 67 min vs. 46 ± 35 min (p < 0.0001) and 366 ± 300 min vs. 312 ± 120 min (p = 0.04)], respectively. There were no differences between the RB and OS groups in in-hospital ACEs: 0.3% versus 0% (p = 0.8) for death, 0.3% versus 0.6% (p = 0.79) for reinfarction, 0.6% versus 2% (p = 0.72) for bleeding, and no reported cases of repeat revascularization; and 30-day ACEs: 0.3% versus 0.6% (p = 0.82) for death, 0.3% versus 1.2% (p = 0.68) for reinfarction, 0.6% versus 2% (p = 0.74) for bleeding, and 1.1% versus 1.2% (p = 0.9) for repeat revascularization.

Conclusion

The immediate return of patients with noncomplicated STEMI after PPCI to their referring hospitals is safe and feasible, and can be used as part of an effective reperfusion strategy.

On-Site Computed Tomography Versus Angiography Alone to Guide Coronary Stent Implantation: A Prospective Randomized Study

OBJECTIVES

The effect of intraprocedural coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) guidance on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown. We sought to determine the influence of CTA guidance on procedural strategies and immediate angiographic outcomes of PCI.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomized to CTA-guided PCI (29 patients, 36 lesions) or angiography-guided PCI (31 patients, 39 lesions). To enable hands-free manipulation of CTA images by the interventional cardiologist during PCI, we developed an onsite augmented-reality (AR) system comprising a mobile application and AR glass. The primary endpoints were defined as: (1) stent length; and (2) largest stent diameter according to compliance chart. Procedural strategies, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), and safety outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Whereas CTA guidance resulted in significantly higher frequency of stent postdilation using non-compliant (67% vs 31%; P<.01) and shorter balloons (16.6 ± 5.4 mm vs 20.5 ± 9.4 mm; P=.04) with numerically larger diameter (3.50 ± 0.63 mm vs 3.28 ± 0.45 mm; P=.10), it did not differ from angiography guidance with respect to lesion predilation, stent length, largest stent diameter according to compliance chart, and nominal stent diameter. The results of 2D- and 3D-QCA and safety outcomes were similar between groups. Neither death nor stroke occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

PCI under intraprocedural CTA guidance is associated with similar stent size selection and more frequent stent postdilation, resulting in comparable immediate angiographic and safety outcomes as compared with PCI under angiographic guidance alone.

Non-invasive procedural planning using computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the performance of computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve based interactive planner (FFR_CT planner) to predict the physiological benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as defined by invasive post‐PCI FFR.

Background

Advances in FFR_CT technology have enabled the simulation of hyperemic pressure changes after virtual removal of stenoses.

Methods

In 56 patients (63 vessels) invasive FFR measurements before and after PCI were obtained and FFR_CT was calculated using pre‐PCI coronary CT angiography. Subsequently, FFR_CT and invasive coronary angiography models were aligned allowing virtual removal of coronary stenoses on pre‐PCI FFR_CT models in the same locations as PCI was performed. Relationships between invasive FFR and FFR_CT, between post‐PCI FFR and FFR_CT planner, and between delta FFR and delta FFR_CT were evaluated.

Results

Pre PCI, invasive FFR was 0.65 ± 0.12 and FFR_CT was 0.64 ± 0.13 (p = .34) with a mean difference of 0.015 (95% CI: −0.23–0.26). Post‐PCI invasive FFR was 0.89 ± 0.07 and FFR_CT planner was 0.85 ± 0.07 (p < .001) with a mean difference of 0.040 (95% CI: −0.10–0.18). Delta invasive FFR and delta FFR_CT were 0.23 ± 0.12 and 0.21 ± 0.12 (p = .09) with a mean difference of 0.025 (95% CI: −0.20–0.25). Significant correlations were found between pre‐PCI FFR and FFR_CT (r = 0.53, p < .001), between post‐PCI FFR and FFR_CT planner (r = 0.41, p = .001), and between delta FFR and delta FFR_CT (r = 0.57, p < .001).

Conclusions

The non‐invasive FFR_CT planner tool demonstrated significant albeit modest agreement with post‐PCI FFR and change in FFR values after PCI. The FFR_CT planner tool may hold promise for PCI procedural planning; however, improvement in technology is warranted before clinical application.

Inter-ethnic differences in normal coronary anatomy between Caucasian (Polish) and Asian (Korean) populations

PURPOSE

Little is known about ethnic differences in the size of coronary arteries in disease-free individuals. Our aim was to compare coronary artery dimensions between Asian and Caucasian population without atherosclerosis.

METHODS

One hundred and twelve Caucasian patients without any discernible atherosclerosis detected on coronary computed tomography angiography were matched with 112 Asian patients using sex, age, coronary dominance pattern and body surface area (BSA). Maximal and minimal lumen areas (LA) and diameters (LD) of proximal and middle coronary segments were measured, and the mean values were used for analyses.

RESULTS

Caucasians had larger LA and LD than Asian patients in all proximal coronary segments. Overall, the mean difference in LA and LD was 11.4 % and 5.2 %, respectively. Significant differences were observed for all proximal segments (left anterior descending: 13 % and 6%, left circumflex 14 % and 8% and right coronary artery 8% and 4% for LA and LD), but not for mid segments. The greatest difference between Caucasians and Asians was found in left main coronary artery (LMCA) LA (21.2 ± 6.5 vs.16.8 ± 5.4 mm², p < 0.01 respectively). The independent predictors of larger LA and LD of LMCA and proximal coronary segments were male sex (p < 0.05), Caucasian ethnicity (p < 0.05), and left dominance pattern (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In subjects without atherosclerosis, Asians have smaller dimensions of all proximal coronary arteries, most prominently displayed in LMCA, than the Caucasians regardless of age, sex, or body size.

Coronary collaterals and myocardial viability in patients with chronic total occlusions

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate associations between coronary collaterals and myocardial viability as assessed by quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with a chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 218 patients with a CTO who underwent CMR between 2013 and 2018 were included. A concomitant collateral connection (CC) score 2 and Rentrop grade 3 defined well-developed collaterals in 146 (67%) patients, whereas lower CC scores or Rentrop grades characterised poorly developed collaterals. Dysfunctional myocardium (<3 mm segmental wall thickening [SWT]) and ≤50% late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) defined viability. Extensive scar (LGE >50%) was observed in only 5% of CTO segments. In the CTO territory, SWT was greater (3.72±1.51 vs 3.05±1.60 mm, p<0.01) and the extent of scar was less (7.0 [0.1-16.7] vs 13.1% [2.8-22.2], p=0.048) in patients having well-developed versus poorly developed collaterals. Viability was more prevalent in CTO segments among patients with poorly developed versus well-developed collaterals (44% vs 30% of segments, p<0.01), predominantly due to a higher prevalence of dysfunctional myocardium (51% vs 34% of segments, p<0.01) in the poorly developed collateral group.

CONCLUSIONS

The infarcted area in myocardium subtended by a CTO is generally limited. Well-developed collaterals are associated with less myocardial scar and enhanced preserved function. However, viability was regularly present in patients with poorly developed collaterals.

Comparison of Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Invasive Angiography to Assess Medina Classification in Coronary Bifurcations

The Medina classification is used to determine the presence of significant stenosis (≥50%) within each of the 3 arterial segments of coronary bifurcation in invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The utility of coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) for assessment of Medina classification is unknown. We aimed to compare the agreement and reproducibility of Medina classification between ICA and coronary CTA, and evaluate its ability to predict side branch (SB) occlusion following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In total 363 patients with 400 bifurcations were included, and 28 (7%) SB occlusions among 26 patients were noted. Total agreement between CTA and ICA for assessment of Medina class was poor (kappa = 0.189), and discordance between both modalities was noted in 253 (63.3%) lesions. Larger diameter ratio between main vessel and SB in CTA, and larger bifurcation angle in ICA were independently associated with discordant Medina assessment. Whereas the interobserver agreement on Medina classification in CTA was moderate (kappa = 0.557), only fair agreement (kappa = 0.346) was observed for ICA. Finally, Medina class with any proximal involvement of main vessel and SB (1.X.1) on CTA or ICA was the most predictive of SB occlusion following PCI with no significant differences between both modalities (area under the curve 0.686 vs 0.663, p = 0.693, respectively). In conclusion, Medina classification was significantly affected by the imaging modality, and coronary CTA improved reproducibility of Medina classification compared with ICA. Both CTA and ICA-derived Medina class with any involvement of the proximal main vessel and SB was predictive of SB occlusion following PCI.

Accuracy of RESOLVE score derived from coronary computed tomography versus visual angiography to predict side branch occlusion in percutaneous bifurcation intervention

INTRODUCTION

Visually estimated angiographic V-RESOLVE score was developed as a simple and accurate prediction tool for side branch (SB) occlusion in patients undergoing coronary bifurcation intervention. Data on the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) for guiding percutaneous coronary intervention in bifurcation lesions is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to validate the ability of quantitative CTA-derived RESOLVE score for predicting SB occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention and to compare its predictive value with that of the angiography-based V-RESOLVE score.

METHODS

We included 363 patients with 400 bifurcation lesions. Angiographic V-RESOLVE score and CTA-derived RESOLVE score were calculated utilizing the weights from the QCA-based RESOLVE score. The scoring systems were divided into quartiles, and classified as the non-high-risk group and the high-risk group. Accuracy was assessed using areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC). SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade (including the absence of flow) in the SB after main vessel stenting.

RESULTS

In total, 28 SB occlusions (7%) occurred. CTA-derived RESOLVE and V-RESOLVE scores achieved comparable predictive accuracy (0.709 vs. 0.752, respectively, p = 0.531) for predicting SB occlusion, and the analysis of AUC for each constituent element of the scores did not show any significant difference between CTA and visual angiography. The total net reclassification index was -18.6% (p = 0.194), and there were no significant differences in the rates of SB occlusion in the non-high-risk group (4.9% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.510) and the high-risk group (13.8% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.384) between CTA-derived RESOLVE and V-RESOLVE scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative CTA-derived RESOLVE score is an accurate and reliable alternative to the visually estimated angiographic V-RESOLVE score for prediction of SB occlusion in coronary bifurcation intervention.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03709836.

Impact of Specific Crossing Techniques in Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Recovery of Absolute Myocardial Perfusion

Background:

Multiple crossing techniques in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention have been developed. This study compared recovery of quantitative myocardial blood flow (MBF) after different CTO percutaneous coronary intervention techniques.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with [ 15 O]H 2 O positron emission tomography perfusion imaging before and 3 months after successful CTO percutaneous coronary intervention between 2013 and 2018 were included. Changes in hyperemic MBF, coronary flow reserve, and perfusion defect size were compared between antegrade wire escalation, retrograde wire escalation, antegrade dissection and reentry (ADR), and retrograde dissection and reentry.

Results:

One hundred ninety-three patients were treated with antegrade wire escalation (N=90), retrograde wire escalation (N=24), ADR (N=35), and retrograde dissection and reentry (N=44). Increase in hyperemic MBF (1.19±0.77, 0.94±0.65, 1.09±0.63, and 1.02±0.75 mL·min -1 ·g -1 , respectively; P =0.40) and coronary flow reserve (1.34±1.08, 1.14±1.09, 1.31±0.96, and 1.24±0.99, respectively; P =0.84) and decrease in defect size (3.2±2.1, 3.0±2.2, 2.7±2.1, and 2.9±1.9 segments, respectively; P =0.77) were comparable between the 4 approaches. In addition, recovery of hyperemic MBF was less pronounced after subintimal crossing with knuckle-wire-technique compared with CrossBoss in controlled ADR and retrograde dissection and reentry (0.93±0.69 versus 1.54±0.65 mL·min -1 ·g -1 , P =0.02), and less after reentry using subintimal tracking and reentry in ADR compared with controlled ADR (Stingray) or limited antegrade subintimal tracking (0.60±0.53 versus 1.18±0.54 [ P =0.04] and versus 1.49±0.57 mL·min -1 ·g -1 , [ P <0.01]).

Conclusions:

Recovery of hyperemic MBF, coronary flow reserve, and perfusion defect size after CTO percutaneous coronary intervention was comparable between different approaches. Although sometimes necessary to cross a complex CTO lesion, subintimal knuckle wiring and subintimal tracking and reentry resulted in less hyperemic MBF improvement compared with other subintimal crossing and reentry techniques.

P964Relationships between extent of ischemic burden and changes in absolute myocardial perfusion after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

The patient benefits after chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are being questioned.

Purpose

The present study explored the relationships between baseline ischemic burden findings and subsequent changes in absolute myocardial perfusion after CTO PCI.

Methods

Consecutive patients underwent serial [15O]H2O positron emission tomography perfusion imaging prior and 3 months after successful CTO PCI. Change in perfusion defect size (in myocardial segments), quantitative (hyperemic) myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the CTO area were compared between patients with a limited (0–1 segment), moderate (2–3 segments) and large perfusion defect (≥4 segments).

Results

193 patients were included, with 15, 61 and 117 patients having a limited, moderate and large perfusion defect at baseline. Hyperemic MBF and CFR were lower in a large perfusion defect compared to smaller defects (all comparisons p&lt;0.01). The median decrease in defect size was 1 [0–1] vs 2 [1–3] vs 4 [2–5] in patients with a limited, moderate and large defect (all comparisons p&lt;0.01), whereas hyperemic MBF and CFR improved significantly regardless of baseline defect size (between groups p=0.45 and p=0.55, respectively). Furthermore, when all 193 patients were divided in a low, median and high tertile based on hyperemic MBF and CFR at baseline, changes in hyperemic MBF and CFR after CTO PCI were comparable between patients in different tertiles (between groups p=0.75 and p=0.79, respectively)

Conclusions

Patients with a CTO and a larger perfusion defect have more severe hyperemic MBF and CFR levels. Major reductions in ischemic burden can be achieved by CTO PCI, with more defect size reduction in patients with a larger perfusion defect, whereas hyperemic MBF and CFR significantly improve irrespective of starting values before PCI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P5748Impact of specific crossing techniques in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention on recovery of absolute myocardial perfusion

Background

Multiple techniques in chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been developed to cross CTOs.

Purpose

To compare recovery of quantitative myocardial blood flow (MBF) after different CTO PCI techniques.

Methods

Consecutive patients with [15O]H2O positron emission tomography perfusion imaging before and three months after successful CTO PCI were included. Change in quantitative hyperemic MBF, coronary flow reserve (CFR) and perfusion defect size were compared between antegrade wire escalation (AWE), retrograde wire escalation (RWE), antegrade dissection and reentry (ADR) and retrograde dissection and reentry (RDR), and further between specific subintimal crossing and reentry techniques.

Results

193 patients were treated with AWE (N=90), RWE (N=24), ADR (N=35) and RDR (N=44). Significant improvements (all p<0.01) in hyperemic MBF (1.19±0.77, 0.94±0.65, 1.09±0.63, and 1.02±0.75 mL min–1 g–1, respectively), CFR (1.34±1.08, 1.14±1.09, 1.31±0.96, and 1.24±0.99, respectively), and perfusion defect size (3.17±2.13, 3.00±2.21, 2.74±2.09, and 2.93±1.92 segments, respectively) were comparable between the four approaches (p=0.40, p=0.84, and p=0.77, respectively). Recovery of hyperemic MBF was less pronounced after subintimal crossing with a knuckle-wire-technique compared to the use of CrossBoss in controlled ADR and RDR (p=0.02), and less after reentry with subintimal tracking and reentry (STAR) in ADR compared with controlled ADR (Stingray) or limited antegrade subintimal tracking (LAST) (p=0.02 and p<0.01).

Conclusions

Recovery of hyperemic MBF, CFR, and perfusion defect size was significant after CTO PCI and comparable between different crossing techniques. Improvement of hyperemic MBF was inferior after using the knuckle-wire subintimal crossing technique and STAR compared to other subintimal crossing and reentry techniques.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

The ESC ACCA EAPCI EORP acute coronary syndrome ST-elevation myocardial infarction registry

Aims 

The Acute Cardiac Care Association (ACCA)–European Association of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (EAPCI) Registry on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the EurObservational programme (EORP) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) registry aimed to determine the current state of the use of reperfusion therapy in ESC member and ESC affiliated countries and the adherence to ESC STEMI guidelines in patients with STEMI.

Methods and results 

Between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2018, a total of 11 462 patients admitted with an initial diagnosis of STEMI according to the 2012 ESC STEMI guidelines were enrolled. Individual patient data were collected across 196 centres and 29 countries. Among the centres, there were 136 percutaneous coronary intervention centres and 91 with cardiac surgery on-site. The majority of centres (129/196) were part of a STEMI network. The main objective of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI. Other objectives include to assess management patterns and in particular the current use of reperfusion therapies and to evaluate how recommendations of most recent STEMI European guidelines regarding reperfusion therapies and adjunctive pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are adopted in clinical practice and how their application can impact on patients’ outcomes. Patients will be followed for 1 year after admission.

Conclusion 

The ESC ACCA-EAPCI EORP ACS STEMI registry is an international registry of care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with STEMI. It will provide insights into the contemporary patient profile, management patterns, and 1-year outcome of patients with STEMI.

Recovery of myocardial perfusion after percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions is comparable to hemodynamically significant non-occlusive lesions

Background

The benefits of chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are being questioned. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of CTO PCI on absolute myocardial perfusion, as compared with PCI of hemodynamically significant non‐CTO lesions.

Methods

Consecutive patients with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) and a CTO or non‐CTO lesion, in whom [¹⁵O]H₂O positron emission tomography was performed prior and after successful PCI, were included. Change in quantitative (hyperemic) myocardial blood flow (MBF), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and perfusion defect size (in myocardial segments) were compared between CTOs and non‐CTO lesions.

Results

In total 92 patients with a CTO and 31 patients with a non‐CTO lesion were included. CTOs induced larger perfusion defect sizes (4.51 ± 1.69 vs. 3.23 ± 2.38 segments, P < 0.01) with lower hyperemic MBF (1.30 ± 0.37 vs. 1.58 ± 0.62 mL·min⁻¹·g⁻¹, P < 0.01) and similarly impaired CFR (1.66 ± 0.75 vs. 1.89 ± 0.77, P = 0.17) compared with non‐CTO lesions. After PCI both hyperemic MBF and CFR increased similarly between groups (P = 0.57 and 0.35) to normal ranges with higher hyperemic MBF values in non‐CTO compared with CTO (2.89 ± 0.94 vs. 2.48 ± 0.73 mL·min⁻¹·g⁻¹, P = 0.03). Perfusion defect sizes decreased similarly after CTO PCI and non‐CTO PCI (P = 0.14), leading to small residual defect sizes in both groups (1.15 ± 1.44 vs. 0.61 ± 1.45 segments, P = 0.054).

Conclusions

Myocardial perfusion findings are slightly more hampered in patients with a CTO before and after PCI. Percutaneous revascularization of CTOs, however, improves absolute myocardial perfusion similarly to PCI of hemodynamically significant non‐CTO lesions, leading to satisfying results.

Four-Layer Stent Sandwich for Recurrent In-Stent Occlusion of the Right Coronary Artery: "The Four Musketeers" Fighting for Coronary Flow

A 70-year-old man with a history of two successfully treated in-stent chronic total occlusions of the ostial right coronary artery using drug-eluting stents presented with typical angina.

Prognostic value of chronic total occlusions detected on coronary computed tomographic angiography

OBJECTIVE

Data describing clinical relevance of chronic total occlusion (CTO) identified by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) have not been reported to date. We investigated the prognosis of CTO on CCTA.

METHODS

We identified 22 828 patients without prior known coronary artery disease (CAD), who were followed for a median of 26 months. Based on CCTA, coronary lesions were graded as normal (no atherosclerosis), non-obstructive (1%-49%), moderate-to-severe (50%-99%) or totally occluded (100%). All-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiac events defined as mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and late coronary revascularisation (≥90 days after CCTA) were assessed.

RESULTS

The distribution of patients with normal coronaries, non-obstructive CAD, moderate-to-severe CAD and CTO was 10 034 (44%), 7965 (34.9%), 4598 (20.1%) and 231 (1%), respectively. The mortality rate per 1000 person-years of CTO patients was non-significantly different from patients with moderate-to-severe CAD (22.95; 95% CI 12.71 to 41.45 vs 14.46; 95% CI 12.34 to 16.94; p=0.163), and significantly higher than of those with normal coronaries and non-obstructive CAD (p<0.001 for both). Among 14 382 individuals with follow-up for the composite end point, patients with CTO had a higher rate of events than those with moderate-to-severe CAD (106.56; 95% CI 76.51 to 148.42 vs 65.45; 95% CI 58.01 to 73.84, p=0.009). This difference was primarily driven by an increase in late revascularisations in CTO patients (27 of 35 events). After multivariable adjustment, compared with individuals with normal coronaries, the presence of CTO conferred the highest risk for adverse cardiac events (14.54; 95% CI 9.11 to 23.20, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of CTO on non-invasive CCTA is associated with increased rate of late revascularisation but similar 2-year mortality as compared with moderate-to-severe CAD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01443637.

Optical Coherence Tomography for Guiding Plaque Stabilization in a Patient With Myocardial Infarction and Massive Coronary Thrombosis

An OCT-guided watchful-waiting strategy is used to avoid the invasive treatment of the LMCA in a very young patient with massive coronary thrombosis.

Measurements of Lumen Areas and Diameters of Proximal and Middle Coronary Artery Segments in Subjects Without Coronary Atherosclerosis

There are plenty of data on morphology and lumen dimensions of diseased coronary arteries. However, information on normal coronary vessel anatomy is scarce. We provided computed tomography angiography-derived reference values of lumen dimensions in proximal and middle coronary segments in a healthy population with respect to gender and vessel dominance. Consecutive 2,849 computed tomography angiography examinations were reviewed to identify 201 subjects (77 men, patient age 50 ± 13 years) whose coronary arteries were free from any sign of atherosclerosis (calcium score 0, no detectable plaque). For all proximal and middle coronary segments, lumen areas (LAs) and lumen diameters were measured. Coronary vessel segmentation and dominance pattern were defined using the Syntax Score. Normal values of LAs and lumen diameters were significantly smaller for women compared with men except for the proximal right coronary artery and the left main coronary artery (LMCA) (20.2 ± 6.6 mm² vs 23.0 ± 6.1 mm², p = 0.0003, and 5.0 ± 0.8 mm vs 5.4 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.0001). The lower limit of normal for the LMCA (defined as mean LA - 2 standard deviations) equaled 7.0 and 10.8 mm² for women and men, respectively. Subjects with left (vs right) coronary dominance had significantly larger areas and diameters of the LMCA (26.2 ± 9.2 mm² vs 20.7 ± 6.0 mm², p = 0.0017, and 5.7 ± 1.0 mm vs 5.1 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.0017, respectively) and proximal left circumflex (13.8 ± 2.7 mm² vs 10.4 ± 3.8 mm², p = 0.0001, and 4.2 ± 0.4 mm vs 3.6 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.0001, respectively) and smaller areas and diameters of the proximal right coronary artery (7.1 ± 2.0 mm² vs 13.3 ± 3.6 mm², p <0.0001, and 3.0 ± 0.4 mm vs 4.1 ± 0.6 mm, p <0.0001, respectively). In conclusion, gender and coronary artery dominance pattern significantly impact normal LAs and dimensions in subjects without coronary atherosclerosis.