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• Patients with COVID-19 infection and heart failure (HF) had a mortality excess during the pandemic. • Decedents presenting HF and COVID-19 infection were mainly males, aged more 65-years old resident in rural counties. • HF-related mortality due to COVID-19 infection was also different between race subgroups. HF can be encountered at different stages in the course of COVID-19 disease. However, data regarding the HF-related mortality during COVID-19 pandemic are scant We investigate the heart failure (HF)-related mortality rate in the US among patient with or without COVID-19 infection during the first two pandemic waves in 2020 and to compare them to those of previous years (2014–2019). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100.000 person-years, with relative 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined using the free-available dataset for Multiple cause-of-death, provided by the Center for Disease Control. Throughout the 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 522.848 HF-related deaths were registered (461.594 and 61.254 in subjects without and with COVID-19 infection, respectively). The overall HF-related AAMR was 124.6 (65% CI 123.4–125.6), reflecting an increased HF-related mortality of 13.2% and 25.9% compared to 2019 and 2018 (p < 0.0001). HF-related AAMR was 111.0 (95% CI: 110.7–111.4) and 14.8 (95% CI: 14.6–14.9) per 100.000 population for decedents without and with COVID-19 disease, respectively. The proportionate mortality of HF in COVID-19 patients was 11.7%. HF-related AAMR in COVID-19 patients was higher in men (18.0 per 100.000, 95% CI: 17.8–18.2), in patients aged more 65 years (104.0 per 100.000, 95% CI: 103.1–104.9), in African Americans (22.5 per 100.000, 95% CI: 22.0–22.3) and in those living in rural counties (18.4 per 100.000, 95% CI: 18.0–18.7). A significant increase in the HF-related mortality during the 2020 was observed synchronously with the COVID-19 pandemic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A better selection of patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) might increase the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the Strauss criteria, absence of S wave in V5-V6, the Selvester score and response to CRT.Methods and Results: The retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients having undergone implantation of biventricular defibrillators in primary prevention between 2018 and 2020. The final analysis included 236 patients (mean age 69.7 ± 9.9; 77.5% of males). The Strauss criteria were significantly associated with CRT response (p < 0.01) with a sensitivity of 71.3% and specificity of 64.1%. The Strauss criteria along with the absence of S wave in V5 and V6 showed a sensitivity of 56.7%, a specificity of 82.6% and a positive predictive value of 90.5%. The Selvester score was significantly and inversely associated with CRT response (OR 0.818, 95% CI 0.75-0.89; p < 0.001). The multivariable model showed that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and QRS duration (≥140 ms in males and ≥ 130 ms in females) were independently associated with CRT response (respectively OR 0.92, CI 95% 0.86-0.98, p = 0.01 and OR 3.70, CI 95% 1.12-12.21, p = 0.03).Conclusions: Strauss criteria, especially in association with absence of S wave in V5 and V6, were able to increase specificity and positive predictive value for predicting CRT response. The Selvester score was inversely associated with CRT response. Finally, LVEF and QRS duration were independently associated with echocardiographic response to CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bempedoic acid (BA) is a novel first-in-class oral lipid-lowering therapy. BA has been approved by the European Medicinal Agency and Food and Drug Administration and has been commercialised throughout Europe since the end of 2020 as an add-on therapy in patients at high/very-high cardiovascular risk that are not at LDL-C goals with current lipid-lowering treatments. Recently, Italian lipid management experts gathered to discuss several open questions on BA characteristics and BArelated practical clinical issues. The panel permitted collection of its opinions in a ten Q&A format.Aim: The aim of this viewpoint is to discuss and answer several open questions on BA characteristics and BA-related practical clinical issues.Data Synthesis: The data includes main phase III studies, subanalysis and meta-analysis on BA.Conclusions: The panel permitted collection of its opinions in a ten Q&A format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of narrow paravisceral aorta (NPA) on target vessel instability (TVI) after fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair. We conducted a single-center retrospective study (2014-2023) of patients treated by fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) or pararenal aortic aneurysms. The paravisceral aorta was defined as the aortic segment limited by the diaphragmatic hiatus proximally and the emergence of lower renal artery distally, and was considered "narrow" in case of a minimum inner diameter of <25 mm. The minimum aortic diameter, location, longitudinal extension, angulation, calcification, and thrombus thickness of NPA were evaluated at the preoperative computed tomography angiogram. End points were 30-day technical success and freedom from TVI. There were 142 patients with JRAA/pararenal aortic aneurysm (n = 85 [59%]) and extent IV (n = 24 [17%]) or extent I-III (n = 33 [23%]) TAAA, with 513 target arteries successfully incorporated through a fenestration (n = 294 [57%]) or directional branch (n = 219 [43%]). A NPA was present in 95 patients (70%), 73 (86%) treated by fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) and 22 (39%) by branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR). The overall 30-day mortality was 2% and technical success was 99%, without differences between NPA and non-NPA (P =.99). Kaplan-Meier estimated freedom from TVI at 4 years was 82%, 81% (95% CI, 75-95) in patients with a NPA and 80% (95% CI, 68-94) and in those without NPA (P =.220). The result was maintained for both FEVAR (NPA: 81% [95% CI, 62-88]; non-NPA: 76% [95% CI, 60-99]; P =.870) and BEVAR (NPA: 77% [95% CI, 69-99]; non-NPA: 80% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66-99]; P =.100). After multivariate analysis, the concomitant presence of a NPA <20 mm and angulation of >30° was significantly associated with TVI in FEVAR (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.03-48.70; P =.036), being the result mostly driven by target vessel occlusion. In BEVAR, a NPA diameter of <25 mm was not associated with TVI (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 0.59-5.23; P =.948); after multivariate analysis, the use of outer branches in case of a NPA longitudinal extension of >25 mm (hazard ratio [HR], 3.02; 95% CI, 1.01-36.33; P =.040) and NPA severe calcification (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00-22.42; P =.048) were associated with a higher chance for TVI. FEVAR and BEVAR are both feasible in cases of NPA and provide satisfactory target vessels durability. The use of outer branches should be avoided in cases with an inner aortic diameter of <25 mm with a longitudinal extension of >25 mm or moderate to severe NPA calcifications. In FEVAR, bridging stent patency may be negatively influenced by NPA of <20 mm in association with aortic angulation of >30°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nerium oleander is an evergreen small tree, very used in some countries such as India and in Sri Lanka as a self-medication method. We report a case of a 55 year-old man with intermittent, advanced AV block secondary to oleander intoxication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern Medicine, team working has become crucial to guarantee favorable outcomes in most therapeutical procedures. Electrophysiology (EP) represents an exemplary paradigm of it. Herein, the role of the EP staff members and the importance of cooperation before, during and after the procedure is highlighted. Moreover, the strategies and the future challenges for developing a strong and efficient teamwork through a continuous process of improvement (the so-called "Kaizen Methodology") are widely discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the prevalence and potential role of myocardial bridging in the pathogenesis of apical ballooning syndrome (ABS). Background: ABS is characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction, frequently precipitated by a stressful event, but the pathogenesis remains still unclear. Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients (40 female, mean age 66 ± 7 years) with ABS underwent echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, coronary angiography (CA) with intravascular ultrasound, and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Myocardial bridging was diagnosed by CA when a dynamic compression phenomenon was observed in the coronary artery and by CTA when a segment of coronary artery was completely (full encasement) or incompletely (partial encasement) surrounded by the myocardium. The prevalence of myocardial bridging detected by CTA and CA in ABS patients was compared with 401 controls without ABS who underwent both CTA and CA. Results: Myocardial bridging by CTA was observed in 32 ABS patients (76%): 23 with partial encasement and 9 with full encasement. All myocardial bridging was located in the mid segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) with a mean length of 17 ± 9 mm. CA revealed myocardial bridging in 17 subjects (40%) (9 with partial encasement and 8 with full encasement by CTA). All subjects in which dynamic compression was observed by CA showed myocardial bridging by CTA, while none of the subjects with negative findings for myocardial bridging by CTA revealed dynamic compression by CA. Compared with controls, ABS patients showed a significant higher prevalence of myocardial bridging in the LAD either by CA (40% vs. 8%; p < 0.001) or by CTA (76% vs. 31%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study showed that myocardial bridging of the LAD is a frequent finding in ABS patients as revealed both by CA and, mostly, by CTA, suggesting a role of myocardial bridging as potential substrate in the pathogenesis of ABS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Severe aortic stenosis with a low transvalvular gradient and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is often misdiagnosed, leading to undertreatment of such patients with no clear indication for surgical intervention. This study investigated the outcome of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis and a low transvalvular gradient despite normal LVEF. Methods: Between 1985 and 2008, we evaluated 73 patients who underwent AVR compared with 29 patients who did not. Overall, aortic valve area was 1.0 cm2 or smaller, LVEF was 0.50 or higher, and transvalvular gradient was 30 mm Hg or less. Multivariate and Cox analyses were used to compare these two groups according to AVR. Results: Compared with controls, AVR patients were younger and with higher body mass index. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed simultaneously in 38 AVR patients (52%). At follow-up (median, 42 months; interquartile range, 23 to 75 months), survival was longer in AVR patients. By Cox analysis, AVR remained a major predictor of lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.237; 95% confidence interval, 0.119 to 0.470; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In patients with severe aortic stenosis and low transvalvular gradient despite a normal LVEF, AVR was associated with significant improvement in long-term survival and functional status and with a low operative mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The efficacy of reperfusion therapy is dependent not only by the duration of symptoms before therapy but also by the baseline risk of the individual and the circumstances (time and context) of the occurrence. All these variables play a crucial role in determining the choice of best therapy (fibrinolysis or primary angioplasty [primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PPCI]), thereby confirming the admonition that one size does not fit all. It is generally accepted that patients are best served by PPCI when times to therapy are equal between PPCI and fibrinolysis, whereas pivotal issues that are less well supported by evidence include whether a single time interval is appropriate with regard to the “acceptable” PPCI-related delay and what degree of transfer-related delay is acceptable in patients presenting “early” to a non–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable facility. The aim of this perspective is to use available data to individualize the approach to reperfusion therapy, taking into account temporal delays and the overall mortality risk on a case-by-case basis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The prognostic role of serial electrocardiographic modifications in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) have been poorly investigated. We evaluate the electrocardiographic changes in PE patients during their hospitalization and the prognostic role of such ECG modifications in respect to 30-day mortality in patients enrolled in the Italian Pulmonary Embolism Registry (IPER). Subjects enrolled into the IPER (September 2006–August 2010) were stratified according to their hemodynamic status, as high- (hemodynamically unstable) and non-high-risk (hemodynamically stable) patients. ECG features were analysed at three fixed time points: at presentation, on day 3 and at discharge. Overall, 687 patients (286 males, mean age 69.0 ± 15.5 years) were included in the study. Among these, 71 (10.3 %) were at high-risk. In these patients, multivariate analysis revealed that the persistence of right ventricular strain (RVS) after three days from hospitalization was a predictor of 30-day mortality [HRa: 2.78 (95 % CI: 1.05–7.31, p = 0.003)]. Moreover, the persistence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) [HRa: 2. 48 (95 % CI: 1.03–5.09, p = 0.002)], negative T waves in V1-V4 (NTWs) [HRa: 1.63 (95 % CI: 1.04–2.55), p < 0.0001] and qR complex in lead V1 [HRa: HR: 5.44, (95 % CI: 3.22–9.44, p < 0.0001)] were associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality. When RBBB, NTWs and qR complex in V1 lead were present concomitantly, the 30-day risk of death resulted significantly higher [HR: 12.5 (95 % CI: 3.39–46.4,) p < 0.0001]. Persistence of RBBB, NTWs, and qR pattern in V1 lead at day 3 of hospitalization are independent prognostic factors of death within 30 days in high-risk acute PE patients. The prognostic power of any single ECG abnormality is lower compared to the combination of the three ECG variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational research (OR) methods have been successfully applied in many industrial process. The objective of this work is to discuss the application of computational tools and OR to the study and optimisation of industrial co-generation systems. After reviewing the literature a collection of technical data on co-generation systems is made and a complete OR model (objective function and constraints) for the co-generation problems is done. In order to find the optimal solutions for the co-generation systems a computer code that solves the resulting linear programming problem was developed. The first problem presented consists in a work production system, here considered as electrical power, and heat through multi-stage turbines and condenser, respectively. The second one is a simplified system of co-generation, which will be generated electrical power from a turbine in multi-stage and heat by two heat exchangers. Finally, it was possible to note that the computational tools combined with operational research have proven to be effective in solving industrial co-generation problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population-based data on high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) mortality trends in the United States (US) are scant. To assess current trends in US mortality related to high-risk PE over the past 21 years and determine differences by sex, race, ethnicity, age and census region. Data were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) to determine trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 people, due to high-risk PE. To calculate nationwide annual trends, we assessed the average (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC) with relative 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using Joinpoint regression. Between 1999 and 2019, high-risk PE was listed as the underlying cause of death in 209,642 patients, corresponding to an AAMR of 3.01 per 100,000 people (95 % CI: 2.99 to 3.02). AAMR from high-risk PE remained stable from 1999 to 2007 [APC: −0.2 %, (95 % CI: −2.0 to 0.5, p = 0.22)] and then significantly increased [APC: 3.1 % (95 % CI: 2.6 to 3.6), p < 0.0001], especially in males [AAPC: 1.9 % (95 % CI: 1.4 to 2.4), p < 0.001 vs AAPC: 1.5 % (95 % CI: 1.1 to 2.2), p < 0.001]. AAMR increase was more pronounced in those <65 years, Black Americans, and residents of rural areas. In an US population analysis, high-risk PE mortality rate increased, with racial, sex-based, and regional variations. Further studies are needed to understand root causes for these trends and to implement appropriate corrective strategies. [Display omitted] • High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) mortality rate increased in US between 1999 and 2019. • The high-risk PE mortality trend showed racial, sex-based, and regional variations. • Differences across demographic groups and rural versus urban populations persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destruction of a corpse in caustic acid can cause complex forensic scenarios to deal with. Furthermore, the literature on the subject is poor, having been the few studies carried out only on animal bones. We carried out an experimental analysis on human cranial, ribs, vertebrae, and femur bone fragments. These samples were sent for dissolution by hydrochloric acid (HCl) at two different concentrations in the lab: 10% and 37%. We have performed macroscopic and microscopic histological and cytological observations at set time intervals: 3, 4, 19, 24, 48, and 72 h of immersion in acids. The purpose of the study was threefold: to investigate the temporal evolution of bone dissolution, evaluate the destructive effect of the two hydrochloric acids, and establish whether or not the human pattern of histological structure could be recognized. A more significant destructive action of HCl at 37% has been observed. In the 10% acid, the bone nature of the samples was demonstrable up to 24 h of immersion, but the human pattern of histological structure was already compromised at 19 h, being lost at 24 h. Instead, in the 37% acid, the bone nature of the sample was demonstrable only within 4 h of immersion, and the human pattern of histological structure was markedly compromised within 3 h. At 19 h of immersion, neither the recognition of the bone nor its human nature was feasible. These preliminary findings and observations may be of practical use in forensic investigations of bodies found in acidic substances, for which there is no scientific evidence to refer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut is often a receptacle for many different pathogens in feed and/or the environment, such as Salmonella spp. The current knowledge about pathogenicity of Salmonella is restricted to few serotypes, whereas other important ones like S. Coeln, S. Thompson, S. Veneziana, have not been investigated yet in human and animal models. Therefore, the aim of our work was to verify the ability of widespread environmental Salmonella strains to penetrate and modulate innate immunity in pig intestinal IPEC-J2 cells. Our results outline the different ability of Salmonella strains to modulate innate immunity; the expression of the IFN-β gene was increased by S. Typhimurium, S. Ablogame and S. Diarizonae 2, that also caused an inflammatory response in terms of Interleukin (IL)-1β and/or IL-8 gene espression. In particular, IL-8 gene expression and protein release were significantly modulated by 5 Salmonella strains out of 7. Interestingly, S. Typhimurium, S. Coeln and S. Thompson strains, characterized by a peculiar ability to penetrate into IPEC-J2 cells, up-regulated both IL-8 and TNF-α gene expression. Accordingly, blocking IL-8 was shown to decrease the penetration of S. Typhimurium. On the contrary, S. Diarizonae strain 1, showing lesser invasion of IPEC-J2 cells, down-regulated the p38-MAPK pathway, and it did not induce an inflammatory response. Our results confirm that IPEC-J2 cells are a useful model to evaluate host-gut pathogen interaction and indicate IL-8 and TNF-α as possible predictive markers of invasiveness of Salmonella strains in enterocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Postconditioning (PC) has been suggested to reduce myocardial damage during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), nevertheless clinical experience is limited. We aimed to explore the cardioprotective effect of PC using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated by PPCI. Methods: A total of 78 patients with first STEMI (aged 59±12years) referred for PPCI, were stratified for STEMI location and randomly assigned to conventional PPCI or PPCI with PC. All patients, with occluded infarct related artery and no collateral circulation, received abciximab intravenously before PPCI. After reperfusion by effective direct stenting, control subjects underwent no further intervention, while in treated patients PC was performed within 1min of reflow by 4 cycles of 1-minute inflation and 1-minute deflation of the angioplasty balloon. Primary end-point was infarct size (IS) reduction, expressed as percentage of left ventricle mass assessed by delayed enhancement on CMR at 30±10days after index PPCI. Results: All baseline characteristics but diabetes (p=0.06) were balanced between groups. Postconditioning patients trended toward a larger IS compared to those treated by standard PPCI (20±12% vs 14±10%, p=0.054). After exclusion of diabetics, PC group still showed a trend to larger IS (p=0.116). Major adverse events seem to be more frequent in PC group irrespective to diabetic status (p=0.053 and p=0.080, respectively). Conclusions: This prospective, randomized trial suggests that PC did not have the expected cardioprotective effect and on the contrary it might harm STEMI patients treated by PPCI plus abciximab. (Clinical Trial Registration-unique identifier: NCT01004289). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Infarct size has been considered an established marker of left ventricular (LV) remodeling. We assessed the predictive value of myocardial/microvascular injury assessed by delayed enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on LV remodeling and LV ejection fraction after primary coronary intervention (PCI) compared with peak troponin levels, an established index of myocardial infarct size. We performed MRI in 76 patients with first acute myocardial infarction 6 ± 2 days after successful PCI. Necrosis was judged as transmural when delayed enhancement was extended to ≥75% of LV segment thickness. Severe microvascular obstruction was identified as areas of late hypoenhancement surrounded by delayed enhancement. Infarct size was expressed as an index by dividing the total percentage of delayed enhancement involvement by the number of LV segments. LV end-diastolic volume index and function were quantified by 2-dimensional echocardiography at 6 ± 1 months after acute myocardial infarction. Remodeling was evaluated as a change in LV end-diastolic volume index at follow-up compared with baseline. At univariate analyses, transmural necrosis, severe microvascular obstruction, infarct size, and troponin level were correlated directly with remodeling and inversely with LV function at follow-up (p <0.001). At multiple regression, only transmural necrosis and troponin level remained independent predictors of LV remodeling and function. With respect to troponin, transmural necrosis improved the predictive power of LV remodeling (R2 for change = 0.19) and function (R2 for change = 0.16). In conclusion, in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing PCI, the amount of transmural necrosis as assessed by MRI is a major determinant of LV remodeling and function, with significant additional predictive value to infarct size and severe microvascular obstruction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The outcome of moderate-to-severe ischemic mitral regurgitation with multivessel coronary artery disease is still debated. We analysed the effect of different treatments, i.e. medical therapy (MT), coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) alone and CABG with mitral valve surgery (MVS), on the survival and rehospitalization of these patients. Methods: Between 1990 and 2002, we identified 111 consecutive patients, aged 73±8 years, with chronic moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation and multivessel coronary artery disease at cardiac catheterization, in absence of primary valve disease. Twenty-two patients were treated by MT, 50 by CABG and 39 by CABG+MVS. Overall, the median clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups were 34.9 and 14.6 months, respectively. Results: Groups differed significantly (p <0.03) for left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (MT 153±54, CABG 125±35, CABG+MVS 129±38, ml/m2), ejection fraction (MT 35±14, CABG 38±13, CABG+MVS 50±14, %) and mammary artery graft use (CABG 60, CABG+MVS 74, %). While in-hospital mortality was higher in surgical patients (MT 13.6, CABG 18, CABG+MVS 17.9, %, p =0.09), 7-years mortality showed a trend in favour of CABG+MVS compared to other groups (MT 100, CABG 57, CABG+MVS 29, %, p =0.1). After adjusting for baseline differences, CABG alone or with MVS had a 57% (HR 0.43, p =0.005) and 53% (HR 0.47, p =0.02) risk reduction of combined cardiac death and rehospitalization rate compared to MT. However, only CABG+MVS independently predicted mortality (risk reduction 65%, HR 0.35, p =0.027). Conclusions: In moderate-to-severe ischemic mitral regurgitation and multivessel coronary artery disease, surgery reduced total cardiac events but only a concomitant MVS significantly improved survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the relationship between duration of ischemia and both myocardial transmural necrosis (TN) and severe microvascular obstruction (SMO), by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (CE-MR), in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with angioplasty (PCI), and to estimate the risk of TN and SMO with the duration of ischemia. BACKGROUND: The impact of ischemic time on myocardial and microvascular injury is not well characterized in people. METHODS: We performed CE-MR in 77 patients with first AMI, 5 +/- 3 days after successful PCI. The AMI was labeled as transmural if hyperenhancement at CE-MR was extended to > or =75% of the thickness in two or more ventricular segments. The SMO was identified as areas of late hypoenhancement surrounded by hyperenhanced tissue. The relationship between ischemic time and CE-MR evidence of SMO or TN was evaluated by logistic regression. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were excluded because of preprocedural Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 of the infarct-related artery. For the remaining 64 patients, the mean time to treatment was 190 +/- 110 min, 45 (65%) patients had TN and 23 (39%) had SMO. Mean pain to balloon time was 90 +/- 40 min, 110 +/- 107 min, and 137 +/- 97 min in patients without TN and SMO, with TN but without SMO, or with both TN and SMO, respectively (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that time delay was significantly associated both with TN (odds ratio per 30 min, 1.37, p = 0.032), and SMO (odds ratio per 30 min, 1.21; p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In AMI patients with impaired coronary perfusion undergoing PCI, the risk of TN and SMO increases with the duration of the ischemic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to evaluate myocardial reperfusion and its prognostic value after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in patients admitted for cardiogenic shock. Lack of myocardial reperfusion despite restored coronary flow affects the survival of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Myocardial blush grade (MBG) is an angiographic measure of myocardial perfusion. We assessed MBG in 41 consecutive patients admitted to our department within 12 hours from the onset of AMI and in cardiogenic shock. PTCA was successful in 83% of patients. Thrombolysis In Mycardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow was demonstrated in 22 patients (53%). MBG 2/3 was found in 14 patients (34%); among them, 12 had TIMI 3 flow. Compared with patients with MBG 2/3, those with MBG 0/1 were older (71 ± 11 vs 57 ± 13 years, p = 0.001), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (48% vs 14%, p = 0.04) and hypertension (63% vs 29%, p = 0.04), showed a trend toward longer ischemic time (6.1 ± 2.4 vs 4.9 ± 1.1), and had larger enzymatic infarct size (peak creatine kinase 7,690 ± 3,516 vs 5,500 ± 2,977 IU/L). Mortality was higher in patients with MBG 0/1 both in the hospital (81% vs 14%, p <0.001) and at follow-up (81% vs 29%, p = 0.001). After adjustment by multivariate analysis, MBG 0/1 (odds ratio 16, p = 0.01) and age (odds ratio 3.8/10 years, p = 0.04) were correlated with in-hospital mortality. MBG 2/3 was achieved in a few patients in cardiogenic shock after AMI who were treated with PTCA; this was a strong predictor of in-hospital survival. Also, risk stratification after mechanical revascularization should include assessment of restoration of myocardial reperfusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our study evaluated the interaction across mortality risk, time delay related to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and survival benefit of PCI over thrombolytic therapy (risk-time benefit analysis). Mortality risk and angioplasty-related time delay were independently correlated to 30-day survival benefit of primary angioplasty over lytic therapy. A PCI-related delay >60 minutes could be justified for high-risk patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]