The Association between Exercise-Induced Ventricular Premature Contractions and Long-Term Mortality in Patients without Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Background

The treadmill exercise test is widely used to determine cardiovascular risk and mortality. Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are frequently observed during exercise stress testing. The literature on the role of PVCs observed during treadmill exercise testing in predicting prognosis is controversial. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the clinical results of PVCs seen during exercise testing in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

The study population consisted of 1624 consecutive patients who were considered high risk according to the Duke treadmill risk score and had no significant stenosis on CAG from January 2016 to April 2021. The primary endpoints of the study were long-term all-cause mortality of patients who had PVCs during the exercise test or during the resting phase.

Results

Long-term mortality was observed in 53 of the 1624 patients after a mean follow-up of 47 months. PVCs were observed in 293 (18.7%) patients without long-term mortality, and in 24 (45.3%) patients with long-term mortality (p < 0.001). The model adjusted for all covariates showed that the presence of PVCs in the recovery phase [p < 0.007, hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 2.244 (1.244-4.047)] and advanced age [p < 0.001, HR (95% CI) 1.194 (1.143-1.247)] were associated with long-term all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

PVCs observed during treadmill exercise testing and the recovery phase were related to long-term mortality in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease.

The Predictive Value of the Inflammatory Prognostic Index for Detecting No-Reflow in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND

No-reflow (NR) is characterized by an acute reduction in coronary flow that is not accompanied by coronary spasm, thrombosis, or dissection. Inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) is a novel marker that was reported to have a prognostic role in cancer patients and is calculated by neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) multiplied by C-reactive protein/albumin ratio.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the relationship between IPI and NR in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

METHODS

A total of 1541 patients were enrolled in this study (178 with NR and 1363 with reflow). Lasso panelized shrinkage was used for variable selection. A nomogram was created based on IPI for detecting the risk of NR development. Internal validation with Bootstrap resampling was used for model reproducibility. A two-sided p-value <0.05 was accepted as a significance level for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

IPI was higher in patients with NR than in patients with reflow. IPI was non-linearly associated with NR. IPI had a higher discriminative ability than the systemic immune-inflammation index, NLR, and CRP/albumin ratio. Adding IPI to the baseline multivariable logistic regression model improved the discrimination and net-clinical benefit effect of the model for detecting NR patients, and IPI was the most prominent variable in the full model. A nomogram was created based on IPI to predict the risk of NR. Bootstrap internal validation of nomogram showed a good calibration and discrimination ability.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that shows the association of IPI with NR in STEMI patients who undergo pPCI.

Comparison of choroidal thickness and choroidal vascular index in normotensive dippers and nondippers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the choroidal thickness and choroidal vascular index in normotensive individuals with dipping and nondipping patterns.

METHODS

Patients who applied to the cardiology clinic for routine checkups and underwent 24-h blood pressure monitoring were included in our study. They were divided into two groups based on their dipper status. The patients in whom systolic blood pressure decreased during the nocturnal time by 10% or more of the daily blood pressure were defined as dippers. On the contrary, patients whose nocturnal systolic blood pressure decreased by less than 10% were defined as nondippers. Choroidal thickness and choroidal vascular index were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Central macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell layer (GCL) analyses were also recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 35 patients with dipper pattern and 34 patients with nondipper pattern were recruited. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 349.72±90 μm in the dipper group and 358.54±132.5 μm in the nondipper group. The groups had no significant difference in choroidal thickness, central macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell layer analyses. However, the choroidal vascular index was statistically significantly lower in the nondipper group when compared to the dipper group (0.61±0.02 vs. 0.64±0.02; p<0.001). Also, the choroidal vascular index was negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness in the nondipper group (Spearman; r=-0.419; p=0.033).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the choroidal vascular index was significantly lower in nondippers than in dippers. Nondipper individuals may be affected by vascular dysregulation, leading to alterations in the choroidal circulation.

Perspectives on the Use of Digital Health Technologies in Cardiology Among Specialists from an ESC Member Country: Results from a Survey

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to identify the reasons for and perceived challenges associated with the use of digital health technologies (DHT) in cardiology.

METHOD

We distributed an online survey to Turkish Society of Cardiology member cardiologists (n = 2789) between January 10 and March 3, 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 308 subjects responded (27.6% females, 62.0% aged 30-44 years). Of these, 42.5% worked at university hospitals, and 44.8% at state hospitals. Smart devices were used by 44.2% (136/308) for personal health monitoring. Additionally, 40.3% (117/290) used social media to provide medical information to patients, while 64.6% (193/299) did so for communication with other physicians. The self-reported recommendation frequencies of wearables, cardiac implantable electronic device telemonitorization, mobile health applications, and teleconsultation/televisit technologies were lower than the proportion of respondents who found DHT beneficial for both patients and physicians. The most frequently mentioned barriers for physicians were increased work burden and responsibilities (78.8%, 193/245), lack of financial compensation (66.9%, 164/245), and lack of relevant training (66.5%, 163/245). For patients, low technological adaptability (81.6%, 200/245), low health literacy (80.4%, 197/245), and low affordability (79.6%, 195/245) were the most frequently mentioned barriers. Additionally, the cost of technologies (69.4%, 170/245), concerns regarding data privacy and security (57.6%, 141/245), and data storage challenges (48.2%, 118/245) were the most significant technical impediments.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that although the majority of physicians believe DHT to be beneficial for both themselves and their patients, the frequency of recommendations to patients remains low. A large-scale joint effort is required to address these issues and facilitate the integration of DHT into clinical practice.

Validation of the HCM Risk-SCD model in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) risk- sudden cardiac death (SCD) model provides a convenient tool for determining the risk of SCD in patients with HCM even though some patients with low-risk scores still remain at risk of SCD. Hence, the aim of our study was to assess the performance of HCM Risk-SCD in a large series of consecutive patients with HCM who had been followed up in a tertiary center.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 389 consecutive HCM patients who had been followed up between 2004 and 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics, estimated 5-year risk using the HCM Risk-SCD model, were compiled, and survival data were collected during follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their long-term survival, and HCM risk-SCD scores of these two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The long-term mortality was observed in 47 patients out of 389 patients in the during a mean follow-up of 55.5 ± 12.7 months. The mean HCM Risk-SCD score of surviving patients was significantly lower than that of non-survivors (1.8% vs. 3.0%, p < .001). The HCM Risk-SCD score was above 6% in nine (2.6%) survivors and nine (19.1%) non-survivors (p < .001). The ROC curve based on the HCM Risk-SCD score had 61% sensitivity and 61% specificity for risk threshold of for 2.0%, 38% sensitivity and 99% specificity a threshold of ≥4%, 17% sensitivity, and 99% specificity for a threshold of ≥6%.

CONCLUSION

A new risk algorithm with higher sensitivity is needed, although the HCM risk-SCD model is still quite useful in identifying patients at a high risk for SCD.

Effect of ivabradine on ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

Heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction are at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Ivabradine, a specific inhibitor of the If current in the sinoatrial node, provides heart rate reduction in sinus rhythm and angina control in chronic coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of ivabradine on ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction patients has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ivabradine use on life-threatening arrhythmias and long-term mortality in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 1,639 patients with heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction were included. Patients were divided into two groups: ivabradine users and nonusers. Patients presenting with ventricular tachycardia, the presence of ventricular extrasystole, and ventricular tachycardia in 24-h rhythm monitoring, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks, and long-term mortality outcomes were evaluated according to ivabradine use.

RESULTS

After adjustment for all possible variables, admission with ventricular tachycardia was three times higher in ivabradine nonusers (95% confidence interval 1.5-10.2). The presence of premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardias in 24-h rhythm Holter monitoring was notably higher in ivabradine nonusers. According to the adjusted model for all variables, 4.1 times more appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks were observed in the ivabradine nonusers than the users (95%CI 1.8-9.6). Long-term mortality did not differ between these groups after adjustment for all covariates.

CONCLUSION

The use of ivabradine reduced the appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction patients. Ivabradine has potential in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction patients.

The role of smart devices and mobile application on the change in peak VO2 in patients with high cardiovascular risk: a sub-study of the LIGHT randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This investigation aims to assess the influence of a mobile application and smart devices on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) over a one-year period in individuals who have high risk for cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

This is a post-hoc subgroup analysis of Lifestyle Intervention Using Mobile Technology in Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk: A Pragmatic Randomised Clinical Trial (LIGHT). In the intervention plus standard care standard standard care arms, 138 and 103 patients were recruited, respectively. The 1-year VO2 measurements were adjusted to the baseline VO2 measurements as the study's endpoint. VO2 measurements were taken for each subject during the randomisation and final CPET examinations.

RESULTS

The intervention plus standard care improved VO2 measurements by 1.1 (adjusted treatment effect 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8, 1.4, p < 0.001) compared to standard care following 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

At a 1-year follow-up, the smart device and mobile application technologies increased VO2 measurements in individuals with high cardiovascular risk compared to conventional treatment alone.

Unexpected cause of Kounis syndrome: hypersensitivity reaction to omeprazole

Kounis syndrome is a rare type of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that occurs as a result of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction. Kounis syndrome can be induced by various medications including antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, antihypertensive medications, corticosteroids, and antineoplastic medications. Additionally, cases of Kounis syndrome associated with lansoprazole and pantoprazole have been previously reported in the literature. In this report, we present a case of Kounis syndrome associated with omeprazole use, and discuss the need for a high index of suspicion as it is often underrecognised.

Comparison of outcomes between single long stent and overlapping stents: a meta-analysis of the literature

OBJECTIVES

There is no consensus on whether to treat diffuse coronary artery lesions with a single long stent (SLS) or by overlapping two or more stents (OLS). The goal of this review was to compare the outcomes of these two approaches through a meta-analysis of the literature.

METHODS

We searched for relevant studies in MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Our meta-analysis included 12 studies (n = 6414) that reported outcomes during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Individuals who received OLS had a greater risk of cardiac mortality and target lesion revascularization (TLR) than those who received SLS (RR: 1.51, CI: 1.03-2.21, p = 0.03, I2 = 0% and RR: 1.64, CI: 1.02-2.65, p = 0.04, I2 = 38%, respectively). The fluoroscopy period in the OLS group was longer than in the SLS group (SMD: 0.35, CI: 0.25-0.46, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%). more contrast volume was sued for the OLS group; however, there was substantial variability in the pooled analysis (I2 = 95%). In terms of all outcomes, there were no differences between stent generation types.

CONCLUSION

In the first meta-analysis of mainly observational data comparing OLS vs. SLS for long coronary lesions, OLS had higher rates of cardiac mortality and TLR as well as longer fluoroscopy times compared to SLS.

Meta-analysis of the Current Research on the Relationship Between Blood Lipid Levels and the Occurrence of Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

There is still debate in the literature about the relationship between lipid profile and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). In order to assess the association between blood lipid profiles and incidence of AF, this review was conducted to perform a meta-analysis of all available studies.

METHODS

This review analysed all studies up to 28 February 2023 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library that included data regarding blood lipid levels and incidence of AF. For the purpose of calculating pooled estimates, the hazard ratios were extracted from all studies.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies including 19 cohorts with 3,990,484 patients were included in this meta-analysis. An elevation of one standard deviation in total cholesterol (TC) level was associated with an 8% reduction (HR=0.92, 0.88-0.96; p<0.01) in the risk of developing AF. Although increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with a 7% reduction in the development of AF (HR=0.93, 0.87-1.00; p=0.04), there was high heterogeneity in the random effects model (I2=92%). Changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not found to be associated with AF risk in the pooled analysis. Dose-response meta-analysis showed that TC was inversely linearly associated with the risk of AF (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher TC levels were shown to be independently attributed to an increased risk of AF in individuals without cardiovascular disease. There was no association between the incidence of AF and triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol blood levels.

Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes Between Intravascular Ultrasound-, Optical Coherence Tomography- and Angiography-Guided Stent Implantation: A Meta-Analysis

Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are alternative techniques to angiography-guided (ANG-g) PCI in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially for optimal stent deployment in coronary arteries. We conducted a network meta-analysis including studies comparing those three techniques. We searched databases for studies that compared IVUS, OCT, and ANG-g PCI in patients with CAD. Overall, 52 studies with 231,137 patients were included in this meta-analysis. ANG-g PCI had higher major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST) than IVUS-guided PCI. Of note, both OCT-guided and IVUS-guided PCI had similar outcomes. The frequency of MACEs, cardiac death, and MI were higher in ANG-g PCI than in OCT-guided PCI. The highest benefit was established with OCT for MACEs (P-score=.973), MI (P-score=.823), and cardiac death (P-score=.921) and with IVUS for all-cause death (P-score=.792), TLR (P -score=.865), and ST (P-score=.930). This network meta-analysis indicated that using OCT or IVUS for optimal stent implantation provides better outcomes in comparison with ANG-g in patients with CAD undergoing PCI.

Development and Validation of Nomogram Based on the Systemic-Immune Inflammation Response Index for Predicting Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a prominent complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The systemic immune inflammation response index (SIIRI) is a novel inflammatory marker developed by multiplying the monocyte count by the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and is associated with coronary artery disease severity. We investigated the predictive ability of SIIRI for detecting CIN in STEMI patients (n = 2289) following pPCI and developed a nomogram based on SIIRI for risk stratifying. CIN was diagnosed based on an elevation in baseline creatinine levels >.5 mg/dL or 25% within 72 h after pPCI; 219 CIN (+) and 2070 CIN (-) patients were included. CIN (+) patients had higher SIIRI than CIN (-) patients and SIIRI was an independent predictor of CIN. A nomogram based on SIIRI had good calibration and discrimination abilities for predicting CIN development. SIIRI was superior to SII in discriminating CIN (+) patients. Adding SIIRI to the baseline model, which consists of age, hypertension, hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin, ejection fraction, lesion length, and pain-to-balloon time, had a higher discriminative ability and benefit in detecting CIN (+) patients than baseline model as assessed by decision curve analysis.

Left Ventricular Mass Index Predicts Pacemaker-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Patients with Dual Chamber Permanent Pacemakers Implanted Due to Complete Atrioventricular Block

Background

Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) occurs as a result of high-burden right ventricular (RV) pacing, which usually develops in patients with complete atrioventricular (AV) block. There is a paucity of data on the association between PICM and pre-implantation left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of LVMI on PICM in patients who had dual chamber permanent pacemakers (PPMs) implanted secondary to complete AV block.

Methods

Overall, 577 patients with dual chamber permanent pacemakers (PPMs) were classified into three tertiles according to their pre- implantation LVMI. The average follow-up period was 57 ± 38 months. The baseline characteristics, laboratory and echocardiographic variables were compared between the tertiles. PICM was defined as a ≥ 10% drop in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from pre-implantation with a resultant LVEF < 50%. PICM occurred in 42 (7.2%) patients. The independent predictors of PICM development, as well as the impact of LVMI on PICM, were investigated.

Results

After controlling for confounding baseline variables, the tertile with the greatest LVMI had a 1.8 times higher risk for the development of long-term PICM compared with the tertile with the lowest LVMI, which was accepted as the reference group. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the best LVMI cut- off value for predicting long-term PICM was 109.8 g/m² with 71% sensitivity and 62% specificity (area under curve: 0.68; 95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.76; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This investigation revealed that pre-implantation LVMI had a prognostic role in predicting PICM in patients with an implanted dual chamber PPM due to complete AV block.

Admission triglyceride-glucose index is predictor of long-term mortality and appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator therapy in patients with heart failure

Background: In this study, the main aim was to evaluate the relation of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index to long-term mortality and proper shock therapy in patients with an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) implanted for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Methods: This retrospective study group consisted of 773 patients treated with ICD for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The long-term prognostic effect of the TyG index among tertiles was evaluated regarding mortality and appropriate ICD therapy. Results: In the adjusted model, the mortality rates were 14.0% (hazard ratio: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.42-6.88) in tertile 2 and 23.3% (hazard ratio: 3.88; 95% CI: 1.84-14.38) in tertile 3. Conclusion: The TyG index was found to be an independent predictive marker for both long-term mortality and appropriate ICD therapy.

Evaluation of Naples Score for Long-Term Mortality in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The Naples score (NS), which is a composite of cardiovascular adverse event predictors including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, albumin, and total cholesterol, has emerged as a prognostic risk score in cancer patients. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of NS for long-term mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients (STEMI). A total of 1889 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study. The median duration of the study was 43 months (IQR: 32-78). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to NS as group 1 and group 2. We created 3 models as a baseline model, model 1 (baseline + NS in continuous), and model 2 (baseline + NS as categorical). Group 2 patients had higher long-term mortality rates than group 1 patients. The NS was independently associated with long-term mortality and adding NS to a baseline model improved the model performance for prediction and discrimination of long-term mortality. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that model 1 had a better net benefit probability for detecting mortality compared with the baseline model. NS had the highest contributive significant effect in the prediction model. An easily accessible and calculable NS might be used for risk stratification of long-term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Evaluation of Intermountain Risk Score for Short- and Long-Term Mortality in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

The aim of this study was to examine the Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS) for short- and long-term mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and compare it with the well-known risk scores, such as the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE). In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, 1057 consecutive patients with STEMI were evaluated. The end-points of the study were short- and long-term mortality. The overall mortality rate was 16% (n = 170 patients). The IMRS was significantly higher in STEMI patients who did not survive compared with those who survived. According to multivariable COX proportional regression analysis, the IMRS was independently related to both short- (HR: 1.482, 95% CI: 1.325-1.675, p < .001) and long-term mortality (HR: 1.915, 95% CI: 1.711-2.180, p < .001). The comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that the IMRS had non-inferior predictive capability for short- and long-term mortality than the TIMI and GRACE risk scores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the IMRS can predict short- and long-term prognosis of patients with STEMI. Further, the IMRS' predictive value for overall mortality was non-inferior compared with TIMI and GRACE scores.

The Association of Serum Uric Acid/Albumin Ratio with No-Reflow in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The goal of this investigation was to explore the relationship between serum uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR) and no-reflow (NR) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients (n = 838) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Angiographic NR was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flows 0, 1, and 2 in the absence of coronary spasm or dissection. NR developed in 91 (10.9%) STEMI patients. Patients with NR had higher UAR and according to multivariable logistic regression models, a high UAR was an independent risk factor for NR. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the UAR was .760 (95%CI: .720-.801) in a receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC) assessment. Notably, the UAR AUC value was greater than that of its components: albumin (AUC: .642) and serum uric acid (AUC: .637) (P < .05 for both comparisons). The optimum UAR value in detecting NR in STEMI patients was >1.21 with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 67%. This was the first study to report that the UAR was independently associated with NR in STEMI patients who underwent pPCI.

A Rare Dermatologic Reaction in an Adult Patient Following Coronary Angiography: Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis

The Article Abstract is not available.  

The association of serum uric acid/albumin ratio with the development of coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total occluded coronary arteries

Introduction: Coronary collateral circulation (CCC) develops in chronic total occluded (CTO) vessels and protects the myocardium against ischemia in addition to the improvement of cardiac functions. Poor CCC is related to adverse cardiac events as well as poor prognosis. Serum uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to investigate whether there was an association between UAR and poor CCC in CTO patients. Methods: This study was comprised of 212 patients with CTO (92 with poor CCC and 120 with good CCC). All patients were graded based on Rentrop scores to poor CCC (Rentrop scores 0 and 1) and good CCC (Rentrop scores 2 and 3). Results: Poor CCC patients had higher frequencies of diabetes mellitus, triglyceride levels, Syntax and Gensini scores, uric acid, and UAR and lower lymphocyte, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ejection fraction when compared to good CCC patients. UAR was an independent predictor of poor CCC in CTO patients. Furthermore, UAR had a better discriminative ability for patients with poor CCC from good CCC compared to serum uric acid and albumin. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, the UAR could be used to detect poor CCC in CTO patients.

Effect of the Obesity Paradox on Mortality in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis of the Literature

Background

The protective effect of obesity in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or bypass surgery has been described as the obesity paradox in the literature.

Aims

In this comprehensive meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the pooled effect of the obesity paradox on mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Study Design

Systemic meta-analysis and metaregression.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for eligible studies that compared the mortality rates between body mass index cut-off points in acute coronary syndrome patients. This meta-analysis comprised 54 studies with 534,903 patients. Random- and fixed-effect models were used to calculate pooled effects sizes in the presence of moderately high and low heterogeneity between studies, respectively. A metaregression analysis was used to detect possible causes of heterogeneity. A dose-response meta-analysis was also conducted to detect the association between mortality risk and body mass index.

Results

Overweight patients had lower mortality risk for 30-day (RR =0.69; 0.62-0.76, p < 0.01) and long-term (RR =0.73; 0.70-0.77, p < 0.01) mortality than normal-weight patients. The 30-day mortality risk was higher in low-weight patients than in normal-weight patients (RR =1.74; 1.39-2.18, p < 0.01). Meta-regression could not explain the possible causes of between-study heterogeneity. Patients with body mass index <21.5 kg/m² and >40 kg/m² had a higher risk of mortality, which was lowest at approximately 30 kg/m².

Conclusion

Low-weight and overweight acute coronary syndrome patients had higher mortality risk than normal-weight patients. A U-shaped nonlinear association was detected between body mass index and mortality risk.

The Relationship between Uric Acid/Albumin Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypertension causes subendothelial inflammation and dysfunction in resulting atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker for predicting cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the association of UAR with CIMT in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

Two hundred sixteen consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography to classify low (CIMT < 0.9 mm) and high (CIMT ≥ 0.9 mm) CIMT groups. The predictive ability of UAR for high CIMT was compared with systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR). A two-sided p-value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Patients with high CIMT were older and had higher UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR than low CIMT. Age, UAR, SII, NLR, and CAR, but not PLR, were associated with high CIMT. In multivariable analysis, age, CRP, SII, and UAR were independent predictors of high CIMT. The discrimination ability of UAR was higher than uric acid, albumin, SII, NLR, and CAR, and UAR had a higher model fit than those variables. UAR had higher additive improvement in detecting high CIMT than other variables, as assessed with net-reclassification improvement, IDI, and C-statistics. UAR was also significantly correlated with CIMT.

CONCLUSION

UAR might be used to predict high CIMT and might be useful for risk stratification in hypertensive patients.

Digital Health Interventions in Patient Management Following Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Acute coronary syndrome patients should be closely followed-up to maintain optimal adherence to medical treatments and to reduce adverse events. Digital health interventions might provide improved outcomes for patient care by providing closer follow- up, compared to standard care. Thus, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the effect of digital health interventions on follow-up in acute coronary syndrome patients.

METHODS

We searched medical databases to obtain all relevant studies comparing digital health interventions with standard care in acute coronary syndrome patients. After reviewing all eligible studies, a meta-analysis was conducted with the remaining 11 randomized controlled studies and 2 non-randomized controlled studies. A modified Jadad scale and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality of the publications for randomized controlled studies and non-randomized controlled studies, respectively.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis consisted of 7657 patients. The all-cause mortality rate was 49% lower in the digital health intervention cases, compared to those who received standard care [relative risk (RR) = 0.51 (0.37; 0.70), P <.01]. There was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in the digital health interventions group, compared to the standard care group [mean difference = -5.28 (-9.47; -1.08), P =.01]. The rate of nonadherence to anti-aggregant drugs was 69% lower in the digital health interventions than in the standard care group [RR = 0.31 (0.20; 0.46), P <.01]. Also, nonadherence rates for statin and beta-blockers were lower in the digital health interventions group. The risk of rehospitalization was observed to be 55% less in the digital health interventions patients, compared to the standard care group [RR = 0.45 (0.30; 0.67), P <.01].

CONCLUSION

Digital health interventions can be effective in follow-up for secondary prevention in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Association of Uric Acid Albumin Ratio with Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation

Objective: Despite improvements in the technology of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), recurrences are still a major problem, even after a successful procedure. The uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR), which is an inexpensive and simple laboratory parameter, has recently been introduced in the literature as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Hence, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the UAR and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Methods: A total of 170 patients who underwent successful catheter ablation for AF were included. The primary outcome was the late recurrence after treatment. The recurrence (+) and recurrence (−) groups were compared for clinical, laboratory and procedural characteristics as well as the predictors of recurrence assessed by regression analysis. Results: In our study population, 53 (26%) patients developed AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Mean UAR was higher in the recurrence (+) group compared to recurrence (−) group (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, left atrial diameter (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01−1.16, p = 0.01) and UAR (HR:1.36, 95% CI: 1.06−1.75, p = 0.01) were found to be independent predictors of recurrence. In ROC analysis, the UAR > 1.67 predicted recurrence with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 57% (AUC 0.68, p < 0.01). Conclusion: For the first time in the literature, the UAR were found to be correlated independently with AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Association of Tp-e/QT ratio with SYNTAX score II in patients with coronary artery disease

Background. The SYNTAX score II (SS) is an angiographic tool, which grades the complexity of coronary artery lesions and predicts short- and long-term events. Tp-e/QT ratio is a novel electrocardiographic marker for the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to investigate whether there was a correlation between SS and Tp-e/QT ratio.Methods. A total of 227 consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Patients who had a lumen diameter >1.5 mm and at least % 50 diameter stenosis on coronary angiogram were determined as coronary artery disease (CAD) group, and others were identified as a control group. The SS was calculated for the CAD group, and SS ≥23 was defined as a high SS group, and SS < 23 was identified as a low SS group. Electrocardiographic indices, such as Tp-e and Tp-e/QT, were measured for all patients. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with variables age, interventricular septum thickness (IVS), hypertension, and Tp-e/QT. Results. Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were higher in the CAD group compared with the control group. Tp-e, corrected Tp-e (cTP-e) and Tp-e/QT were higher in the high SS group than in the low SS group. The cTp-e and Tp-e/QT were correlated with SS score. Age, IVS and Tp-e/QT ratio were independent predictors of high SS in the logistic regression analysis. Conclusions. Tp-e/QT ratio was an independent predictor of high SS and might be used for risk stratification in CAD patients.

Prognostic value of the TyG index for in-hospital mortality in nondiabetic COVID-19 patients with myocardial injury

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index on in-hospital mortality in nondiabetic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with myocardial injury.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study, which included 218 nondiabetic COVID-19 patients who had myocardial injury. The TyG index was derived using the following equation: log [serum triglycerides (mg/dL) ×fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2].

RESULTS

Overall, 49 (22.4%) patients died during hospitalization. Patients who did not survive had a higher TyG index than survivors. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, it was found that the TyG index was independently associated with in-hospital death. A TyG index cutoff value greater than 4.97 was predicted in-hospital death in nondiabetic COVID-19 patients with myocardial damage, with 82% sensitivity and 66% specificity. A pairwise evaluation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the TyG index (AUC: 0.786) had higher discriminatory performance than both triglyceride (AUC: 0.738) and fasting blood glucose (AUC: 0.660) in predicting in-hospital mortality among these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The TyG index might be used to identify high-risk nondiabetic COVID-19 patients with myocardial damage.

Cardiac variables associated with atrial fibrillation occurrence and mortality in octogenarians implanted with dual chamber permanent pacemakers

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of data on the predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the association between AF and long-term mortality in octogenarians with dual-chamber permanent pacemakers (PPM). We investigate the occurrence of AF and whether it is associated with overall mortality among octogenarians with dual-chamber PPM implants.

METHODS

Three hundred and fifty-four patients with PPM implants were divided into two groups based on their long-term survival status. Baseline characteristics, laboratory variables, and echocardiographic variables were then compared between the groups, and independent predictors of the long-term incidence of AF and mortality were determined.

RESULTS

Multivariable Cox regression analysis performed after adjusting for the parameters in univariable analysis revealed that diabetes, urea levels, albumin levels, paced QRS duration, and the frequency of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) were independently associated with a long-term risk of AF in octogenarians after having dual chamber PPMs implanted. The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, left atrial (LA) anteroposterior diameter, and AHRE + AF (HR 1.498, 95%CI 1.003-2.237, p = 0.048) were independent risk factors for the long-term mortality in octogenarians receiving dual-chamber PPMs implants.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of AF following dual-chamber PPM implantation is a significant prognostic factor in octogenarian patients.

Triglyceride-to-glucose index to detect a non-dipping circadian pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients

Introduction: In this investigation, we aimed to explore the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the non-dipping blood pressure (BP) pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 216 consecutive newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who had undergone 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) monitoring and had not received anti-hypertensive drugs were included. Non-dipping status was evaluated by a 24-h ABPM monitoring in all patients. We categorized the patients into two groups as; dippers (n=104 cases) and non-dippers (n=112 cases). The TyG index was derived from the fasting triglyceride and fasting glucose levels using the formula; ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Results: Non-dipper group had a higher TyG index than the dipper group. The TyG was an independent predictor of non-dipping BP in hypertensive individuals, according to multivariable analysis. The TyG index was negatively associated with a decrease in both systolic and diastolic BP during the nighttime. The ideal cutoff value of the TyG index in detecting non-dipping status was≥9.01 with 74.1% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity. A ROC comparison indicated that the area under the curve value of TyG index was superior to fasting triglyceride, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in detecting non-dipping BP. Conclusion: The TyG index was an independent predictor of non-dipping status in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who had undergone 24-hour ABPM monitoring and had not received anti-hypertensive drugs. As a simple and easily obtained parameter, the TyG index can be used to detect such pattern among these patients.

Predictive value of uric acid/albumin ratio for the prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with ST-Elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of studies supporting the association between the uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR) and the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of the UAR for predicting the occurrence of NOAF in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI.

METHODS

We recruited 1484 consecutive STEMI patients in this retrospective and cross-sectional investigation. The population sample was classified based on the development of NOAF during hospitalization. NOAF was defined as an atrial fibrillation (AF) observed during hospitalization in patients without a history of AF or atrial flutter. The UAR was computed by dividing the serum uric acid (UA) level by serum albumin level.

RESULTS

After pPCI, 119 STEMI patients (8%) were diagnosed with NOAF. NOAF patients had higher serum UAR levels than individuals who did not have NOAF. According to the multivariable logistic regression model, the UAR was an independent predictor for NOAF in STEMI patients (OR: 6.951, 95% CI: 2.978-16.28, p < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC) value of the UAR in a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) evaluation was 0.758, which was greater than those of its components (albumin [AUC: 0.633] and UA [AUC: 0.647]) and C-reactive protein (AUC: 0.714). The optimal UAR value in predicting NOAF in STEMI patients was greater than 1.39, with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 74.5%.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study indicating that the UAR was an independent predictor of NOAF development in STEMI patients.

Serum Uric Acid to Albumin Ratio Can Predict Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the common complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Serum uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) is a novel marker, which is associated with acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients. We investigated the predictive value of UAR for the development of CIN in STEMI patients (n = 1379) after pPCI. The diagnosis of CIN was made based on an increase of basal creatinine levels >.5 mg/dL or 25% within 72 h after pPCI; 128 patients were in the CIN (+) group and 1251 patients were in the CIN (-) group. CIN (+) patients had higher serum uric acid (SUA), UAR, and lower albumin levels than CIN (-) patients. Age, diabetes, hypertension, hemoglobin, glucose at admission, basal creatinine, peak troponin I, total bilirubin, contrast volume/glomerular filtration rate, and UAR were independent predictors of CIN. A cutoff value of 1.62 for UAR detected CIN development with a sensitivity of 54% and specificity of 87.4%, and the discrimination ability of UAR was better than that of SUA or albumin. In conclusion, UAR was an independent predictor of the development of CIN.

The Association between Vitamin D Levels and Thrombus Burden in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: In current practice, establishing the potential predictors of high thrombus burden (HTB) before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is crucial for its management. In this research, we aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and HTB in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted on 257 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI in Van Education and Research Hospital between March 2020 and March 2021. The thrombus burden grade was determined for each subject. The study population was divided into 2 groups: patients with HTB and those with low thrombus burden (LTB) based on the thrombus burden grade. Demographic, laboratory, and angiographic features were compared between the groups. Results: In total, 154 patients (mean age±SD=63.42±11.53 y, 65.6% male) had HTB and 103 patients had LTB (mean age±SD=61.50±10.23 y, 70.9% male). The patients stratified into the HTB group had lower vitamin D levels than those in the LTB group (8.0 ng/mL vs 17.9 ng/mL, respectively; P<0.001). The patients with HTB and low vitamin D levels had lower post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade, and post-PCI ST resolution. In a multivariable analysis, vitamin D was an independent predictor of HTB among the STEMI patients (OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.70-0.82; P<0.001). The ideal value of vitamin D to predict HTB was >17.6 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 90.3%. Conclusion: The study results showed that vitamin D levels were an independent predictor of HTB in STEMI patients treated by primary PCI.

The predictive value of the MELD-XI score for short- and long-term mortality in elderly patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

In this study, we investigated the utility of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease excluding INR (MELD-XI) score in predicting short- and long-term mortality in elderly patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who underwent coronary angiography (CAG).

METHODS

In total, we analyzed 228 elderly NSTEMI patients above the age of 75. We used the modified 5-item frailty index and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to assess the comorbidities. The MELD-XI score was calculated using the logarithmic relationship between the serum creatinine and total bilirubin.

RESULTS

The median long-term follow-up was 530 [interquartile range (IQR) = 303-817] days and the short- and long-term mortality rates were 11.8% (n = 27) and 16.4% (n = 33), respectively. Patients who did not survive had a substantially higher MELD-XI score than those who did [10.1 (IQR = 7.8-15.1) vs. 4.5 (IQR = 1.9-6.9), p < 0.001, respectively]. Multivariable Cox regression analyses indicated that the MELD-XI score predicted both short- and long-term mortality independently. When the MELD-XI score, serum creatinine, and total bilirubin area under the curve (AUC) values were compared to predict long-term mortality, the MELD-XI score had the highest value (AUC: 0.833), followed by the serum creatinine (AUC: 0.741), and the total bilirubin (AUC: 0.723). The accuracy of the MELD-XI score was further tested with the GRACE risk score, which demonstrated noninferiority.

CONCLUSION

This was the first investigation which indicated that elderly NSTEMI patients with a high MELD-XI score had poor prognosis in the short- and long-term period.

Evaluating the systemic immune-inflammation index for in-hospital and long-term mortality in elderly non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients

INTRODUCTION

This investigation aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for in-hospital and long-term mortality in elderly patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

This retrospective investigation included 314 consecutive elderly NSTEMI patients in a tertiary center. SII is computed as (neutrophils × platelets)/lymphocytes. Based on the increased SII values, we classified the research sample into three tertile groups as T1, T2, and T3. The in-hospital and long-term mortality were defined as the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients in the T3 group had lower chances of survival in the in-hospital and long-term periods compared with those in the T2 and T1 groups. According to the multivariable Cox regression models, SII independently related with in-hospital (hazard ratio (HR): 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000-1.1003, p = 0.038) and long-term mortality (HR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.002-1.006, p < 0.001). To predict long-term mortality, the optimal SII value was > 2174 with 80% sensitivity and 85.4% specificity. SII had a slightly lower but statistically non-inferior discriminative ability for long-term mortality compared with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) in the receiver operating characteristic curve comparison (AUC: 86.2 vs. AUC: 890, p > 0.05). Additionally, combining SII with traditional risk factors and the CCI revealed a significant improvement in C-statistics.

CONCLUSION

This investigation may be the first to demonstrate that SII is independently linked with in-hospital and long-term mortality in elderly NSTEMI patients.

Prognostic value of serum albumin for long-term mortality in patients with dual-chamber permanent pacemakers

Background: This investigation aims to examine the prognostic utility of albumin concentrations for long-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods: A total of 1798 patients who received permanent pacemaker implantation were divided into quartiles according to serum albumin concentrations. The significance of albumin in predicting long-term mortality was compared in these quartiles. Results: There was a higher rate of long-term mortality in the Q4 group compared with the Q1-3 groups (49.9 vs 15.8%). The risk of long-term mortality in the Q4 group was 3.6-times higher compared with the Q1-3 groups after adjustment for confounders. Conclusion: Serum albumin level at the time of device implantation has great value when assessing long-term mortality in patients with permanent pacemakers.

The association between whole blood viscosity and high thrombus burden in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Prior studies showed that patients with elevated whole blood viscosity (WBV) had a higher risk of arterial thrombosis, acute stent thrombosis, and left ventricular apical thrombus presence after acute coronary syndrome. This investigation aimed to determine the association between WBV and high thrombus burden (HTB) in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort investigation included data from consecutive 290 NSTEMI patients who received PCI at a tertiary institution. Patients with grade 1-3 thrombus burden were categorized as having low thrombus burden (LTB) (n = 178), whereas those with grade 4-5 thrombus burden were classified as having HTB (n = 112). WBV at high shear rate (HSR) and low shear rate (LSR) were estimated using hematocrit (HTC) and total protein levels.

RESULTS

Patients with HTB had higher WBV at both LSR and HSR. In HTB patients, the frequency of infarct-related artery (IRA) reference vessel diameter, distal embolization, and no-reflow was also higher. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated that WBV at LSR (odds ratio [OR], 1.028; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014-1.043; P < 0.001) and HSR (OR, 1.606; 95% CI, 1.334-1.953; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of HTB in NSTEMI patients. Notably, the area under the curve value of WBV at both shear rates was greater than that of its components, including total protein and HTC.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study showing that WBV at both shear rates is a significant predictor of HTB in NSTEMI patients.

Intravenous Leiomyomatosis with Intracardiac Extension as a Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in an Adult Patient: A Case Report

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a rare and benign smooth muscle tumor that arises from intrauterine venules or the myometrium. We herein describe a 49-year-old woman with a history of myomectomy who developed abdominal pain. An intravascular mass with extension to the right atrium was detected in the inferior vena cava. The mass was surgically resected in a single stage under cardiopulmonary bypass. IVL features were indicated by subsequent histopathology. Postoperatively, the patient was diagnosed with massive pericardial effusion and treated with a pericardial window. At 3 months’ outpatient clinical follow-up, she was asymptomatic. This case indicates that the diagnosis of IVL with extension to the heart should be kept in mind in patients presenting with abdominal pain.

Acute External Iliac Artery Occlusion as an Uncommon Complication Encountered during Coronary Angiography

A 40-year-old female patient presented to our cardiology department with typical angina of 1 month’s duration. The patient was on a combination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of hypertension. Electrocardiography showed a normal sinus rhythm with T-wave negativity in the anterior precordial leads. A cardiovascular stress test with the Bruce protocol revealed 2 mm horizontal ST-segment deviation in the inferior and lateral leads. Therefore, the patient was scheduled to undergo coronary angiography (CAG). Before CAG, she was anxious and stressed; hence, intravenous diazepam was administered. CAG, performed via the right femoral artery, demonstrated an insignificant muscular bridge in the mid-portion of the left anterior descending artery (Figure 1A). Twenty minutes after the procedure, the patient felt numbness in her right lower leg and had difficulties in her movements. On physical examination, there was no pulse in the right lower extremity. Because of the presence of the signs and symptoms of acute lower extremity ischemia, an urgent peripheral angiography via the left femoral artery was performed. It illustrated an acute occlusion in the external iliac artery (EIA) (Figure 1B and Video 1). Afterward, intravenous nitroglycerin and unfractionated heparin (5000 U) were given through the right diagnostic catheter. Following this therapy, antegrade blood flow was achieved in the EIA and the signs and symptoms of acute limb ischemia disappeared (Figure 1C and Video 2). Arterial duplex ultrasonography just after this procedure revealed a retrograde arterial dissection flap without significant stenosis (Figure 1D-E and Video 3). In addition, a triphasic blood-flow pattern was observed in the EIA (Figure 1E). During coronary intensive care, intravenous low-dose nitroglycerin and unfractionated heparin were administered for 48 hours. The in-hospital follow-up of the patient was uneventful, and there were no signs and symptoms of peripheral embolism. Arterial duplex ultrasonography, performed 2 weeks after hospital discharge, showed that there was no residual stenosis and that the dissection flap was sealed.

Arterial dissection is an infrequent clinical entity encountered during CAG. Remarkably, even though vasospasm and compression to the access site were other contributing factors, acute EIA occlusion due to retrograde dissection is an extremely rare event. As was shown in our case, medical therapy, including intravenous nitroglycerin and unfractionated heparin, could potentially allow the resolution of the total occlusion of the EIA without necessitating percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or stenting.

Evaluating systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Pro-inflammatory pathways play an important role in the follow-ups of patients with intracardiac defibrillators (ICDs) for heart failure (HF) reduced with ejection fraction (HFrEF). A newly defined index - the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII)-has recently been reported to have prognostic value in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study's aim is to evaluate the SII value regarding its association with long-term mortality and appropriate ICD therapy during a 10-year follow-up.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 1011 patients with ICD for HFrEF. The SII was calculated as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio × total platelet count in the peripheral blood. The study population was divided into two groups according to the SII's optimal cut-off value to predict long-term mortality. The long-term prognostic impact of SII on these patients was evaluated regarding mortality and appropriate ICD therapy.

RESULTS

The patients with a higher SII (≥1119) had significantly higher long-term mortality and appropriate ICD therapy rates. After adjustment for all confounding factors, the long-term mortality rate was 5.1 for a higher SII. (95% CI: 2.9-8.1). The long-term appropriate ICD therapy rate was 2.0 for a higher SII (95% CI: 1.4-3.0).

CONCLUSION

SII may be an independent predictive marker for both long-term mortality and appropriate ICD therapy in patients with HFrEF.

The Triglyceride-Glucose Index Can Predict Long-Term Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Turkish Patients With High Cardiovascular Risk

Objective

There is an evidence gap regarding the predictive accuracy of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index for long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the predictive value of the TyG index for long-term MACEs in patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods

In total, 483 patients with high cardiovascular risk were included in this analysis. The study population was separated into 2 groups depending on the occurrence of long-term MACEs. The independent predictors of long-term MACEs in patients with high cardiovascular risk were investigated. The long-term prognostic value of the TyG index in these patients was evaluated in terms of MACEs.

Results

Age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and the TyG index were demonstrated to be independent predictors of long-term MACE occurrence in patients with high cardiovascular risk. The TyG index was independently related to long-term MACEs in patients with high cardiovascular risk (hazard ratio, 1.003; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001–1.006; p=0.011). The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the optimum value of the TyG index to predict long-term MACEs in the overall study cohort was >9.68, with 65% sensitivity and 63% specificity (area under the curve, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65–0.77; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The TyG index was demonstrated to be an independent predictor of long-term MACE occurrence in patients with high cardiovascular risk who had not been previously diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

Predictors for Early Mortality in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are recommended in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients to reduce arrhythmic deaths. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with mortality within one-year following the ICD. The data from our hospital's electronic database system was extracted for patients who were implanted ICD secondary to HFrEF between 2009 and 2019. Overall, 1107 patients were included in the present analysis. Mortality rate at one-year following the device implantation was 4.7%. In multivariate analysis; age, atrial fibrillation, New York Heart Association classification >2, blood urea nitrogen, pro-brain natriuretic peptide and albumin independently predicted one year mortality.

Atrial fibrillation as a preoperative risk factor predicts long-term mortality in elderly patients without heart failure and undergoing hip fracture surgery

OBJECTIVE

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) constitute a significant portion of hip fracture patients, and both diseases tend to present more frequently in older age. Our goal was to evaluate the long-term mortality of patients with AF who were free from heart failure undergoing hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

This observational, retrospective study was done in a single research and training hospital setting. Hospital electronic health record data, National Health Registry data, and National Death Registry System data for 233 consecutive patients who were above 65 years of age and were planned to undergo surgery for hip fracture were retrieved and analyzed. An experienced cardiologist evaluated the patients prior to surgery. Each member of the research cohort was categorized into one of the two groups based on their survival status (survivor and non-survivor groups).

RESULTS

Of the 233 cases, 89 (38.2%) who were included in the investigation died during the follow-up period. The median long-term follow-up period was 34 (12-42) months. The frequency of AF was significantly higher in the non-survivor group. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, AF (HR: 2.195, 95%CI 1.365-3.415, p<0.001), advanced age, and blood urea level were determined as independent predictors for all-cause long-term mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

AF is an independent predictor for long-term death in hip fracture cases above 65 years of age who were free from heart failure.

Association of whole blood viscosity with thrombus presence in patients undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography

Whole blood viscosity (WBV) is considered as a reasonable proxy measure of blood flow, and it has been investigated in different cohort settings, including in patients with deep venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, acute stent thrombosis, and left ventricular apical thrombus formation following acute coronary syndrome. To determine the association between WBV and the presence of thrombus in the left atrium (LA) or left atrial appendage (LAA) in individuals who had transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The clinical data from 262 consecutive patients who had TEE at our facility were included in this retrospective cohort study. WBV was determined at both a high shear rate (HSR) and low shear rate (LSR) using hematocrit and total protein levels. In 22 cases (8.3%), the thrombus was detected. According to multivariable analyses, WBV at HSR and LSR were independently linked with thrombus detection in TEE. In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under curve (AUC) values of WBV at HSR and LSR were 0.77 and 0.76, respectively. To predict the presence of thrombus in TEE; the ideal value of WBV at HSR was > 16.6 with 81% sensitivity and 69% specificity and the ideal value of WBV at LSR was > 51.4 with 81% sensitivity and 70% specificity. This was the first study to indicate that significantly higher levels of WBV at both the HSR and LSR were linked to the presence of thrombus in the LA and LAA in cases who underwent TEE.

The effect of recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion on P-wave dispersion

Introduction: P-wave dispersion (PWD) obtained from the standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is considered to reflect the homogeneity of the atrial electrical activity. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of percutaneous chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization on the parameters of P wave duration and PWD on ECG in cases before and after procedure at 12^th months.

Methods: We analyzed 90 consecutive CTO cases who were on sinus rhythm and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). P-wave maximum (P_-max) and P-wave minimum (P_-min), P-wave time, and PWD were determined before and twelve months after the CTO intervention. The study population was categorized into two groups as successful and unsuccessful CTO PCI groups.

Results: The CTO PCI was successful in 71% of cases (n=64) and it was unsuccessful in 29% of cases (n=26). Both groups, except for age and hypertension, were similar in terms of demographic and clinical aspects. CRP levels were significantly elevated in the unsuccessful CTO PCI group. Pre-PCI ECG parameters showed no significant difference. Irrespective of the target vessel revascularization, we observed that PWD and P_-max values were significantly lower in the 12^th months follow-up. In all Rentrop classes, PWD values were significantly decreased at 12^th months follow-up in comparison to the pre-CTO PCI values.

Conclusion: This study has determined that PWD and P_-max, which are both risk factors for atrial arrhythmias, are significantly reduced within 12^th months after successful CTO PCI regardless of the target vessel.