Impact of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction on Functional Left Ventricular Remodeling and Diastolic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common complication of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and can lead to adverse cardiovascular events. Whether CMD after STEMI is associated with functional left ventricular remodeling (FLVR) and diastolic dysfunction, has not been investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This is a nonrandomized, observational, prospective study of patients with STEMI with multivessel disease. Coronary flow reserve and index of microcirculatory resistance of the culprit vessel were measured at 3 months post-STEMI. CMD was defined as index of microcirculatory resistance ≥25 or coronary flow reserve <2.0 with a normal fractional flow reserve. We examined the association between CMD, LV diastolic dysfunction, FLVR, and major adverse cardiac events at 12-month follow-up. A total of 210 patients were enrolled; 59.5% were men, with a median age of 65 (interquartile range, 58-76) years. At 3-month follow-up, 57 patients (27.14%) exhibited CMD. After 12 months, when compared with patients without CMD, patients with CMD had poorer LV systolic function recovery (-10.00% versus 8.00%; P<0.001), higher prevalence of grade 2 LV diastolic dysfunction (73.08% versus 1.32%; P<0.001), higher prevalence of group 3 or 4 FLVR (11.32% versus 7.28% and 22.64% versus 1.99%, respectively; P<0.001), and higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (50.9% versus 9.8%; P<0.001). Index of microcirculatory resistance was independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction and adverse FLVR.

CONCLUSIONS

CMD is present in ≈1 of 4 patients with STEMI during follow-up. Patients with CMD have a higher prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction, adverse FLVR, and major adverse cardiac events at 12 months compared with those without CMD.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT05406297.

The impact of primary percutaneous coronary intervention strategies during ST-elevation myocardial infarction on the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and can lead to adverse cardiovascular events. This is a non-randomized, observational, prospective study of STEMI patients with multivessel disease who underwent primary PCI, grouped based on whether they underwent balloon pre-dilatation stenting or direct stenting of the culprit lesion. Coronary physiology measurements were performed 3 months post-PCI including coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) measurements at the culprit vessel. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of CMD at 3 months, defined as IMR ≥ 25 or CFR < 2.0 with a normal fractional flow reserve. Secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 12 months. Two hundred ten patients were enrolled; most were men, 125 (59.5%), with a median age of 65 years. One hundred twelve (53.2%) underwent balloon pre-dilatation before stenting, and 98 (46.7%) underwent direct stenting. The prevalence of CMD at 3 months was lower in the direct stenting group than in the balloon pre-dilatation stenting group (12.24% vs. 40.18%; p < 0.001). Aspiration thrombectomy and administration of intracoronary glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were associated with lower odds of CMD (OR = 0.175, p = 0.001 and OR = 0.113, p = 0.001, respectively). Notably, MACE in patients who underwent direct stenting was lower than in those who underwent balloon pre-dilatation before stenting (14.29% vs. 26.79%; p = 0.040). In STEMI patients with multivessel disease, direct stenting of the culprit lesion, aspiration thrombectomy and administration of intracoronary glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were associated with a lower prevalence of CMD at 3 months and lower incidence of MACE at 12 months compared with balloon pre-dilatation stenting.This trial is registered at https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT05406297 .

A Simple Strategy to Reduce Contrast Media Use and Risk of Contrast-Induced Renal Injury during PCI: Introduction of an "Optimal Contrast Volume Protocol" to Daily Clinical Practice

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury is the leading cause of iatrogenic acute nephropathy. Development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) increases the risk of adverse long- and short-term patients outcomes, the hospital costs, and length of hospitalization. There are a couple of methods described for CIN prevention (statin prescription, prehydration, contrast media (CM) clearance from the blood system, and decrease amounts of contrast volume). The CM volume to patient's creatinine clearance ratio is the main factor to predict the risk of CIN development. The safe CM to creatinine clearance ratio limits have been established. The usage of CM amount depends on personal operators habits and inside center regulations. There is no standardized contrast usage protocol worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish an easy to use, cheap, and efficient protocol to estimate a personalized safe CM dose limit for every patient based on their kidney function. These limits are announced during the "Time Out" before the procedure. Our study included 519 patients undergoing interventional coronary procedures: 207 patients into the "Optimal Contrast Volume" arm and 312 into the control group. Applying the protocol into a daily clinical practice leads to a significant reduction in CM volume used for all type of procedures and the development of CIN in comparison with a control group.

Instantaneous wave free ratio value impact on left internal mammary artery graft patency

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether instantaneous wave - free ratio (iFR) value is associated with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft failure at 12 months follow-up post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

BACKGROUND

Data suggests bypass to a non-significant left anterior descending artery (LAD) lesion due to visual over-estimation may lead to LIMA graft failure. Implementing iFR may result in better arterial graft patency.

METHODS

In iCABG (iFR guided CABG) study patients planned to undergo an isolated CABG procedure was prospectively enrolled and iFR was performed for LAD. Coronary computed tomography angiography was performed at 2 and 12 months follow-up. The primary endpoint of this study was to determine the rate of LIMA graft occlusion or hypoperfusion at 2 and 12-months follow-up. We considered a composite secondary endpoint of Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

In total 69 patients were included with no differences regarding age, sex and risk factors. At 2 months, 50 of LIMAs with pre-CABG iFR median 0.855 (0.785 - 0.892) were patent. Hypoperfusion was found in 8 LIMAs (median iFR 0.88 (0.842 - 0.90)). While, 7 LIMAs (median iFR 0.91 (0.88 - 0.96)) were occluded (p = 0.04). At 12 months, when iFR of LAD was >0.85: just 12 (31.6% out of all patent LIMAS) grafts were patent and 24 (100.0% out of all hypoperfused/occluded) grafts were hypoperfused or occluded (p < 0.001). In terms of MACCE, no difference (p = 1.0) was found between all 3 groups divided according to iFR value.

CONCLUSIONS

Instantaneous wave - free ratio value above 0.85 in LAD is a powerful tool predicting LIMA graft failure at 1-year follow up period.

The Impact of Trimethylamine N-Oxide and Coronary Microcirculatory Dysfunction on Outcomes following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

INTRODUCTION

Persistent coronary microcirculatory dysfunction (CMD) and elevated trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may drive negative structural and electrical cardiac remodeling, resulting in new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

AIMS

TMAO and CMD are investigated as potential predictors of new-onset AF and left ventricular remodeling following STEMI.

METHODS

This prospective study included STEMI patients who had primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by staged PCI three months later. Cardiac ultrasound images were obtained at baseline and after 12 months to assess LVEF. Coronary flow reserve (CFR), and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were assessed using the coronary pressure wire during the staged PCI. Microcirculatory dysfunction was defined as having an IMR value ≥25 U and CFR value <2.5 U.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were included in the study. Patients were categorized according to whether or not they had CMD. Neither group differed from the other with regards to known risk factors. Despite making up only 40.5% of the study population, females represented 67.4% of the CMD group p < 0.001. Similarly, CMD patients had a much higher prevalence of diabetes than those without CMD (45.7% vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001). At the one-year follow-up, the LVEF in the CMD group had decreased to significantly lower levels than those in the non-CMD group (40% vs. 50%; p < 0.001), whereas it had been higher in the CMD group at baseline (45% vs. 40%; p = 0.019). Similarly, during the follow-up, the CMD group had a greater incidence of AF (32.6% vs. 4.5%; p < 0.001). In the adjusted multivariable analysis, the IMR and TMAO were associated with increased odds of AF development (OR: 1.066, 95% CI: 1.018-1.117, p = 0.007), and (OR: 1.290, 95% CI: 1.002-1.660, p = 0.048), respectively. Similarly, elevated levels of IMR and TMAO were linked with decreased odds of LVEF improvement, while higher CFR values are related to a greater likelihood of LVEF improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

CMD and elevated TMAO levels were highly prevalent three months after STEMI. Patients with CMD had an increased incidence of AF and a lower LVEF 12 months after STEMI.

Impact of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Gene NR3C2 on the Prediction of Functional Classification of Left Ventricular Remodeling and Arrhythmia after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The NR3C2 gene encodes the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is present on cardiomyocytes. Prior studies reported an association between the presence of NR3C2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and an increased cortisol production during a stress response such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which may lead to adverse cardiac remodeling. Objective: To study the impact of the NR3C2 rs2070950, rs4635799 and rs5522 gene polymorphisms on left ventricular (LV) remodeling, rhythm and conduction disorders in AMI patients. Methods: A cohort of 301 AMI patients who underwent revascularization was included. SNPs of the NR3C2 gene (rs2070950, rs4635799 and rs5522) were evaluated. A total of 127 AMI patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography follow-up after 72 h and 6 months. Results: The rs2070950 GG genotype and rs4635799 TT genotype were most common in patients who had LV end-diastolic volume increase < 20% and the same or increased LV ejection fraction, indicating a possible protective effect of these SNPs. The rs5522 TT genotype was associated with a higher frequency of arrhythmias, while the presence of at least one rs5522 C allele was associated with a lower risk of arrhythmias. Conclusion: SNPs of the NR3C2 gene appear to correlate with better ventricular remodeling and a reduced rate of arrhythmias post-AMI, possibly by limiting the deleterious effects of cortisol on cardiomyocytes.

A prospective observational study on impact of epinephrine administration route on acute myocardial infarction patients with cardiac arrest in the catheterization laboratory (iCPR study)

BACKGROUND

Epinephrine is routinely utilized in cardiac arrest; however, it is unclear if the route of administration affects outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients with cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of epinephrine administered via the peripheral intravenous (IV), central IV, and intracoronary (IC) routes.

METHODS

Prospective two-center pilot cohort study of acute myocardial infarction patients who suffered cardiac arrest in the cardiac catheterization laboratory during percutaneous coronary intervention. We compared the outcomes of patients who received epinephrine via peripheral IV, central IV, or IC.

RESULTS

158 participants were enrolled, 48 (30.4%), 50 (31.6%), and 60 (38.0%) in the central IV, IC, and peripheral IV arms, respectively. Peripheral IV epinephrine administration route was associated with lower odds of achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC, odds ratio = 0.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.05-0.36, p < 0.0001) compared with central IV and IC administration. (There was no difference between central IV and IC routes; p = 0.9343.) The odds of stent thrombosis were significantly higher with the IC route (IC vs. peripheral IV OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.5-14.3, p = 0.0094; IC vs. central IV OR = 6.0, 95% CI = 1.9-19.2, p = 0.0025). Post-ROSC neurologic outcomes were better for central IV and IC routes when compared with peripheral IV.

CONCLUSION

Epinephrine administration via central IV and IC routes was associated with a higher rate of ROSC and better neurologic outcomes compared with peripheral IV administration. IC administration was associated with a higher risk of stent thrombosis. Trial registration This trial is registered at NCT05253937 .

Intracoronary epinephrine during cardiac resuscitation for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (iCPR study)

Background

Despite significant progress in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), outcomes remain relatively poor. Epinephrine administration remains a cornerstone in the treatment of in-hospital cardiac arrest. Various routes of administration, including intravenous, intramuscular, intraosseous and endotracheal routes have been studied; however, the optimal route is debated.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes following peripheral intravenous (IV), central IV, or arterial intracoronary (IC) epinephrine administration in patients undergoing CPR in the catheterization laboratory.

Methods

This was a prospective two-center pilot cohort study conducted in high-volume percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities in the republic of Lithuania. The study enrolled patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who suffered a cardiac arrest in the cardiac catheterization laboratory during PCI. Cardiac resuscitation was performed according to the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines. Central IV was the first choice for epinephrine administration if it was available. However, in cases without central access, the route of epinephrine administration (peripheral IV or arterial IC) was at the discretion of the physician. The primary endpoint was the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We tested for overall differences in patient characteristics and outcomes between groups using Chi-Square (or Kruskal-Wallis) tests and used the Holm-Bonferroni adjustment (or Dunn's tests) for subsequent pairwise tests. We also performed logistic regression.

Results

There were 158 participants in this study, with 48 (30.4%), 50 (31.6%), and 60 (38.0%) receiving epinephrine via central IV, IC, and peripheral IV routes, respectively. The median age was 71 [61, 80] years and 56% of participants were men. Patient characteristics were similar across routes, except for age (higher for peripheral IV than IC), serum potassium (although no significant post-hoc differences), hemoglobin (lowest in peripheral route), and heart rhythm before CPR (higher rates of electromechanical dissociation in peripheral route). There were 111 (70%) patients who achieved the primary outcome of ROSC (Table 1). Peripheral IV administration was associated with 7-fold decreased odds of achieving ROSC (odds ratio = 0.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.05–0.36, p&lt;0.0001) compared to central IV (no difference between central IV and IC; p=0.9343). By itself, adrenaline route yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73, indicating good predictive ability.

Conclusion

Epinephrine administration route was a significant predictor of ROSC for patients with AMI undergoing CPR in the catheterization laboratory. ROSC rates for patients who received epinephrine via IC or central IV were superior to those who received it via peripheral IV.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Baylor Health Care System Foundation (USA)National Interventional Cardiology Association (Lithuania)

A comparison of risk scores' long-term predictive abilities for patients diagnosed with ST elevation myocardial infarction who underwent early percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective. To compare the long-term (5 year) prognostic values of commonly used risk scores on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a cohort of patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI. Design. We created a composite endpoint of MACE, defined as the occurrence of any of the following events within 5 years: ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, target vessel revascularization, nonfatal myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death. We dichotomized risk scores into high risk and not high risk according to the literature's pre-existing cutoffs as follows: GRACE score >127 = high risk, SYNTAX I score ≥33 = high risk, SYNTAX II ≥32 high risk, TIMI >8 = high risk. We utilized the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) as the metric for predictive ability. Results. There were 768 patients in this study and 416 (54.2%), 209 (27.2%), 511 (66.5%), and 74 (9.6%) were at high risk according to the GRACE, SYNTAX I, SYNTAX II, and TIMI scores, respectively. The AUCs for 5-year MACE were 0.54 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.59, p = .0947), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75-0.83, p < .0001), 0.58 (95% CI: 0.54-0.62, p = .0004), and 0.5 (95% CI: 0.48-0.53, p = .7259), respectively. Conclusion. SYNTAX I score was superior in predicting MACE in patients with STEMI and a high burden of CAD. Utilizing the basal SYNTAX I score in STEMI patients with significant non-culprit CAD may improve risk stratification, decision-making, and outcomes.

Blood direct PCR: impact of CYP2C19 and CYP4F2 variants for bleeding prediction in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with ticagrelor

Aims: The goals of this study were to develop a new technique that could pave the way for a quicker determination of CYP4F2 rs3093135 and CYP2C19 rs4244285 variants directly from a patient's blood and to attempt to apply this technique in clinical practice. Patients & methods: The study included 144 consecutive patients admitted with ST elevation myocardial infarction. A blood-direct PCR and real-time PCR were used to detect variants of interest. Results & conclusion: Patients with bleeding events had the CYP2C19 GG (*1*1) variant more frequently than patients without bleeding events. The CYP4F2 TT variant was more frequently detected in patients with bleeding events 3 months after hospitalization.

Genito-thyroid index (Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) and basophils as predictors of left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with inflammation. The theory of Endobiogeny is a complex systems theory of physiology that evaluates the relationship between biomarkers and endocrine management of adaptation response. NLR is referred to in this system as the "Genito-thyroid index" (GTI) due to the roles of estrogen and thyroid hormones in immune response. Basophils correlate with worse outcomes in critical illness and are stimulated by ACTH when there is delayed cortisol excretion from the adrenal cortex. These biomarkers are routinely obtained after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but their relationship to AMI and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) have not been established.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the GTI and %Basophils to LVEF in first time AMI.

Methods

This prospective study included 52 consecutive patients diagnosed with AMI, admitted to the intensive care unit of our university hospital from April 2017 to November 2017. Percent neutrophils, lymphocytes and basophils were determined on admission (GTI1, Basophil1) and before discharge (GTI2, Basophil2). Diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed for all patients. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography within hospitalization period (LVEF1) and after 6 months (LVEF2) during follow up period. Echocardiography was performed using a Philips machine. LV function was assessed by the measurement of EF using the biplane Simpson’s disc summation method through QLAB ultrasound cardiac analysis on apical two- and four-chamber views. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 20.0 software. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between different variables. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Study population mean age was 63.9 ± 11.6 years. Mean GTI1 was 4.5 ± 2.8 (1.5-2.5). Mean GTI2 was 2.8 ± 1.4. Δ GTI1-2 significantly and positively correlated with Δ LVEF1-2 (r = 0.380, p = 0.019). Mean Basophils1 was 0.3 ± 0.2% (&lt;0.2%). Mean Basophil2 was 0.4 ± 0.3%. Δ Basophil1-2 positively correlated with Δ LVEF 1-2 (r = 0.435, p = 0.015). No significant correlation was found between GTI1 and Δ LVEF1-2 (r = 0.137, p = 0.332), or Basophil1 and Δ LVEF1-2 (r = -0.186, p = 0.196).

Conclusion

Admission values of GTI and basophils, while both elevated did not correlate with LVEF1-2. However, Δ GTI1-2 and Δ basophils1-2 did. From this we conclude that relative recovery of the systemic response to AMI is more significative than initial response and affects myocardial recovery. Monitoring GTI and basophils is commonly performed and inexpensive. It reflects a role of the endocrine system not before investigated in myocardial recovery post-AMI. It may be useful for identifying patients at risk of poor LVEF post-AMI.

The prognostic value of the basal SYNTAX score I after early percutaneous coronary intervention using second generation drug eluting stents in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction

The SYNTAX score is an angiographic tool used to grade coronary artery disease (CAD) burden and complexity. SYNTAX score predicts 1-year adverse outcomes for patients with multivessel and/or left main CAD who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relationship of the pre-PCI (basal) SYNTAX score to long-term outcomes of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary PCI is unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the short-term (in-hospital) and long-term (5-year) prognostic value of basal SYNTAX score in patients with STEMI who were treated with primary PCI.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of consecutive patients presenting with STEMI, admitted from January 2014 to December 2016, who underwent primary PCI. We categorized patients into two groups according to SYNTAX scores: low/intermediate (≤22, 23–32) and high (&gt;33). We utilized the Cochran-Armitage test for trend, Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes as appropriate. We used logistic regression and calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the prognostic ability of SYNTAX score groups on 5-year outcomes for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular death, target vessel revascularization (TVR), all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

There were 768 patients who met inclusion criteria for this study. 559 (72.8%) patients were in the low/intermediate SYNTAX score group and 209 (27.2%) patients were in the high SYNTAX score group. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. In-hospital pacemaker implantation, in-hospital stent thrombosis, and in-hospital cardiac arrest and in-hospital death were rare and did not differ according to SYNTAX group (Table 1). However, the odds of experiencing stroke, MI, cardiovascular death, TVR, all-cause mortality, and MACE at 5 years were significantly higher in the high SYNTAX score group, even when adjusted for heart failure, total cholesterol, and age. The associated areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated moderate-to-strong prognostic ability of the basal SYNTAX score (Table 2).

Conclusion

A high SYNTAX score in patients with STEMI who undergo primary PCI is associated poorer long-term outcomes, compared to patients with an intermediate/low score. This work confirms that a high burden of CAD in patients with STEMI portends a poorer long-term prognosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic Value of Cortisol Index of Endobiogeny in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background and Objectives: Serum cortisol has been extensively studied for its role during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Reports have been inconsistent, with high and low serum cortisol associated with various clinical outcomes. Several publications claim to have developed methods to evaluate cortisol activity by using elements of complete blood count with its differential. This study aims to compare the prognostic value of the cortisol index of Endobiogeny with serum cortisol in AMI patients, and to identify if the risk of mortality in AMI patients can be more precisely assessed by using both troponin I and cortisol index than troponin I alone. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 123 consecutive patients diagnosed with AMI. Diagnostic coronary angiography and revascularization was performed for all patients. Cortisol index was measured on admission, on discharge, and after 6 months. Two year follow-up for all patients was obtained. Results: Our study shows cortisol index peaks at 7–12 h after the onset of AMI, while serum cortisol peaked within 3 h from the onset of AMI. The cortisol index is elevated at admission, then significantly decreases at discharge; furthermore, the decline to its bottom most at 6 months is observed with mean values being constantly elevated. The cortisol index on admission correlated with 24-month mortality. We established combined cut-off values of cortisol index on admission > 100 and troponin I > 1.56 μg/las a prognosticator of poor outcomes for the 24-month period. Conclusions: The cortisol index derived from the global living systems theory of Endobiogeny is more predictive of mortality than serum cortisol. Moreover, a combined assessment of cortisol index and Troponin I during AMI offers more accurate risk stratification of mortality risk than troponin alone.

Six-Month Outcomes for COVID-19 Negative Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Before Versus During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way patients seek medical attention and how medical services are provided. We sought to compare characteristics, clinical course, and outcomes of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the pandemic compared with before it. This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of consecutive COVID-19 negative patients with AMI in Lithuania from March 11, 2020 to April 20, 2020 compared with patients admitted with the same diagnosis during the same period in 2019. All patients underwent angiography. Six-month follow-up was obtained for all patients. A total of 269 patients were included in this study, 107 (40.8%) of whom presented during the pandemic. Median pain-to-door times were significantly longer (858 [quartile 1=360, quartile 3 = 2,600] vs 385.5 [200, 745] minutes, p <0.0001) and post-revascularization ejection fractions were significantly lower (35 [30, 45] vs 45 [40, 50], p <0.0001) for patients presenting during vs. prior to the pandemic. While the in-hospital mortality rate did not differ, we observed a higher rate of six-month major adverse cardiovascular events for patients who presented during versus prior to the pandemic (30.8% vs 13.6%, p = 0.0006). In conclusion, 34% fewer patients with AMI presented to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those who did waited longer to present and experienced more 6-month major adverse cardiovascular events compared with patients admitted before the pandemic.

Edoxaban in atrial fibrillation patients with percutaneous coronary intervention by acute or chronic coronary syndrome presentation: a pre-specified analysis of the ENTRUST-AF PCI trial

Aims 

To compare the safety and efficacy of edoxaban combined with P2Y₁₂ inhibition following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Methods and results 

In this pre-specified sub-analysis of the ENTRUST-AF PCI trial, participants were randomly assigned 1:1 to edoxaban- or vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-based strategy and randomization was stratified by ACS (edoxaban n = 388, VKA n = 389) vs. CCS (edoxaban n = 363, VKA = 366). Participants received edoxaban 60 mg once-daily plus a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor for 12 months, or VKA combined with a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor and aspirin 100 mg (for 1–12 months). The primary bleeding endpoint at 12 months occurred in 59 (15.2%) vs. 79 (20.3%) ACS patients [hazard ratio (HR): 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–1.02, P = 0.063], and in 69 (19.0%) vs. 73 (19.9%) CCS patients (HR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.68–1.31, P = 0.708) with edoxaban- and VKA-based therapy, respectively [P for interaction (P-int) = 0.2741]. The main secondary endpoint (composite of CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolic events, or definite stent thrombosis) in ACS patients was 33 (8.5%) vs. 28 (7.2%) (HR: 1.16, 95%CI: 0.70–1.92), compared with 16 (4.4%) vs. 18 (4.9%) (HR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.47–1.78) CCS patients with edoxaban and VKA-based therapy, respectively (P-int = 0.5573).

Conclusions 

In patients with AF who underwent PCI, the edoxaban-based regimen, as compared with VKA-based regimen, provides consistent safety and similar efficacy for ischaemic events in patients with AF regardless of their clinical presentation.

Intraoperative angiography during coronary artery bypass grafting

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of technical failure of graft patency while performing intra-operative angiography after coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

This prospective pilot study included 50 patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, in addition to intra-operative angiographic graft assessments, on open-chest. Overall, 144 grafts and 160 distal anastomoses were assessed in a hybrid operating room.

RESULTS

Intra-operative angiography allowed the identification of 23 angiographic defects (15.9% of all grafts) in 22 patients (44%): three graft defects (2% of all grafts), 17 anastomotic defects (10.6% of all distal anastomoses), and three target artery errors (1.8% of all grafted arteries). Ten re-interventions (43.4%) were performed based on the angiographic defects detected. During the follow-up period, computed tomography angiography of the attached grafts at a mean of 224 days (range, 80-318 days) showed that all repaired grafts were patent. During surgery, the total mean dose of radiation was 1.848 ± 0.54 mSv (range, 0.78-3.4 mSv) per patient and investigation time was 19.4 ± 4.94 minute (range, 9-31 minute).

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-operative angiography is a powerful tool allowing the identification of graft defects, anastomotic defects and target vessel errors. Assuming relatively low level of exposure to radiation and short investigation time, intra-operative angiography could be included in routine practice as safe procedure improving surgery quality.

Correlation between Preoperative Coronary Artery Stenosis Severity Measured by Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio and Intraoperative Transit Time Flow Measurement of Attached Grafts

Background and Objectives: To assess the correlation between the degree of target coronary artery stenosis measured by instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and the intraoperative transit time flow measurement (TTFM) of attached grafts as well as evaluate flow competition between the native coronary artery and the attached graft according to the severity of stenosis. Materials and Methods: In total, 89 grafts were subjected to intraoperative transit time flow measurement after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 25 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). The iFR was evaluated for all coronary arteries with grafts. The coronary artery stenoses were divided into three groups based on the iFR value: iFR < 0.86 (group 1); iFR 0.86–0.90 (group 2); and iFR > 0.90 (group 3). Results: The mean graft flow (MGF) was 46.9 ± 18.4 mL/min for group 1, 45.3 ± 20.9 mL/min for group 2, and 31.3 ± 18.5 mL/min for group 3. A statistically significant difference was confirmed between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.002) and between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.025). The pulsatility index (PI) was 2.49 ± 1.20 for group 1, 2.66 ± 2.13 for group 2, and 4.70 ± 3.66 for group 3. A statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.006) and between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.032). Backward flow was detected in 7.5% of grafts for group 1, in 16.6% of grafts for group 2, and in 16% of grafts for group 3. A statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.025) and between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.029). Conclusions: The iFR is a useful tool for predicting the impact of competitive flow observed between a native artery and an attached graft. The effect of competitive flow significantly increases when the graft is attached to a vessel with mild coronary stenosis. In a coronary artery where the iFR was not hemodynamically significant, the MGF was lower, the PI was higher, and a larger proportion of grafts with backward flow (BF) was detected compared to when there was significant stenosis (iFR < 0.86).

Delays in Presentation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has had a major impact on the behavior of patients, as well as on the delivery of healthcare services. With older and more medically vulnerable people tending to stay at home to avoid contracting the virus, it is unclear how the behavior of people with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has changed. The aim of this study was to determine if delays in presentation and healthcare service delivery for AMI exist during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period a year prior.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective study, we evaluated patients admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) during early months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 11, 2020 to April 20, 2020) compared to patients admitted with same diagnosis during the same period a year prior.

Results

There were 30 and 62 patients who presented with NSTEMI in the pandemic and pre-pandemic eras, respectively. The median pain-to-door time was significantly larger during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic era (1,885 (880, 5,732) vs. 606 (388, 944) min, P < 0.0001). There was a significant delay in door-to-reperfusion time during the pandemic with a median time of 332 (182, 581) vs. 194 (92, 329) min (P = 0.0371). There were 24 (80%) and 25 (42%) patients who presented after 12 h of pain onset in pandemic and pre-pandemic eras, respectively (P = 0.0006). There were 47 and 60 patients who presented with STEMI during the pandemic timeframe of study and pre-pandemic timeframe, respectively. The median pain-to-door time during the pandemic was significantly larger than that of the pre-pandemic (620 (255, 1,500) vs. 349 (146, 659) min, P = 0.0141). There were 22 (47%) and 14 (24%) patients who presented after 12 h of pain onset in the pandemic and pre-pandemic eras, respectively (P = 0.0127). There was not a significant delay in door-to-reperfusion time (P = 0.9833). There were no differences in in-hospital death, stroke, or length of hospitalization between early and late presenters, as well as between pandemic and pre-pandemic eras.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study found that patients waited significantly longer during the pandemic to seek medical treatment for AMI compared to before the pandemic, and that pandemic-specific protocols may delay revascularization for NSTEMI patients. These findings resulted in more than a threefold increase from the onset of symptoms to revascularization increasing the risks for future complications such as left ventricular dysfunction and cardiovascular death. Efforts should be made to increase patients’ awareness regarding consequences of delayed presentation, and to find a balance between hospital evaluation strategies and goals of minimizing total ischemic time.

P955 left ventricle cardiac remodeling among lithuanian football versus basketball players

Background

Regular physical exercise causes a continuous gradual increase of the cardiac left ventricular (LV) mass known as physiological adaptive hypertrophy. The extent of LV remodeling depends on the type, amount, and intensity of the exercise.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare structural changes of the heart among Lithuanian football, basketball players and unathletic controls.

Methods

A total of 50 Lithuanian males aged between 20-29 years volunteered to participate in the study. Football players (n = 15) playing for local II league football clubs,and Basketball players (n = 15) playing for local minor league basketball teams. All athletes had been regularly engaged in their sport for at least three years. Inactive healthy volunteers (n = 20) of similar age served as controls. Routine transthoracic echocardiographic examinations to measure end-diastolic LV dimensions were performed by cardiology fellow under the supervision of a fully licensed cardiologist. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 20.0 software. The value of p &lt; 0,05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

No structural or functional pathologies were evident during the echocardiographic examination in any of the subjects. Absolute interventricular septum (IVS) thickness and LV posterior wall thickness, but not LV diameter, were higher in athletes than in inactive controls (P &lt; 0,001). Indexed LV diameter was higher in football players as compared with non-athlete controls and basketball players (P &lt; 0,05). Left ventricular mass of all athletes were higher as compared with controls (p &lt; 0.001). Relative wall thickness was not increased in football players but was higher in basketball players as compared with controls (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion

Cardiac remodeling in Lithuanian football players resulted in left ventricle eccentric hypertrophy due to the LV dilation, increased LV mass and relatively normal relative wall thickness. However in Lithuanian basketball players we noticed an increase in both relative wall thickness and LV mass resulting in LV concentric hypertrophy.

Echocardiographic characteristics Groups n End-diastolic LV diameter(mm) End-diastolic Interventricular septum (mm) End-diastolic LV posterior wall LV mass Football Players 15 56.9 10.8 10.8 242 Basketball players 15 53.6 11.5 11.3 254 Inactive individuals 20 53.2 9.1 9.5 182 P value 0.01 &lt;0.001 &lt;0.001 &lt;0.01

Abstract P955 Figure.

P1438 the impact of on-admission hyperglycemia in patients with STEMI on the left ventricular function and 60 days mortality

Background

Impaired on-admission glucose (AG) levels in patient with acute myocardial infarction is an often finding, even in the absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) within the patient past medical records. However, data regarding the relationship between hyperglycemia and LV function in STEMI are scarce. Furthermore it is unclear whether on-admission hyperglycemia tends to have any short to mid term-prognostic significance.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of on-admission hyperglycemia on myocardial damage and evaluate the Short to mid term-prognostic significance of hyperglycemia in a high-risk STEMI population.

Methods

234 Consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively selected. Plasma glucose level was measured on admission in all selected patients. Hyperglycemia was defined as admission plasma glucose level equal or more than 11.1 mmol/l. LV function was assessed by the measurement of EF using Simpson"s biplane method and by measurement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). The primary clinical end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events at 60 days follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 20.0 software. The value of p &lt; 0,05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

Patients were categorized on the basis of glucose level. 71 patients with high plasma glucose on admission were classified as a hyperglycemia group. Other 163 patients were assigned to a normoglycemia group. LV ejection fraction was significantly impaired within hyperglycemic group (44.9 ± 10,6% vs 50,4 ± 7,5%, p &lt; 0.02), as well as, GLS was similarly impaired in hyperglycemia group (-12.9 ± 4.2% vs. -15.5 ± 3.4, p &lt; 0.001). Occurrence of 60-days mortality was significantly higher in patients with hyperglycemia compared with normoglycemia group (10,3 % vs. 2%, p &lt; 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed admission glucose level is independently associated with LV GLS (B = 0.08, 96 % CI 0.04 - 0.17, p &lt; 0.01). In multivariable logistic regression analysis was showed that admission glucose level is independently associated with 60-days mortality after adjustment of clinical variables (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.25, p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion

Our Study reveals that on-admission hyperglycemia is strong and independent predictor of left ventricular function and 60 days mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction .

Abstract P1438 Figure.