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Background CHA2DS2-VASc Score is widely used to predict thromboembolic risk in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). We sought to study if this score predicts outcomes in elderly patients with Non-ST segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (NSTEACS). Methods The multicenter LONGEVO-SCA prospective registry included 532 unselected patients with NSTEACS aged ≥80 years. Data to calculate CHA2DS2-VASc Score were available in 523 patients (98.3%). They were classified according to CHA2DS2-VASc Score: group 1 (score ≤ 4), and 2 (5-9). We studied outcomes in terms of mortality or readmission at 6 months follow-up. Results A total of 266 patients (51%) had a high CHA2DS2-VASc Score (group 2). They were more often women, with more cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus, and history of previous stroke and cardiovascular disease and heart failure (all, P = .001). Geriatric syndromes (Barthel Index, Lawton Brody, cognitive impairment, and frailty) and Charlson Index were worse in this group (all, P = .001). They had poorer clinical status on admission, with worse Killip class and lower left ventricle ejection fraction (all, P = .001), and developed new-onset AF more often during admission (12.4% vs. 6.6%, P = .024). At six months follow-up, patients in group 2 had higher reinfarction, all-cause mortality, and mortality or readmission rates. A CHA2DS2-VASc Score > 4 was associated with mortality or readmission at 6 months (HR 2.07, P < .001). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this last association was not significant (P = .175). Conclusions A CHA2DS2-VASc Score > 4 is present in half of octogenarians with NSTEACS and is associated with poorer outcomes. However, it is not an independent predictor of events and should not replace recommended tools for risk prediction in this setting. Sin financiación 3.149 JCR (2021) Q2, 77/172 Medicine, General & Internal 0.646 SJR (2021) Q2, 979/2489 Medicine (miscellaneous) No data IDR 2021 UEM

Introduction and objectives The COVID-19 outbreak has had an unclear impact on the treatment and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to assess changes in STEMI management during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods Using a multicenter, nationwide, retrospective, observational registry of consecutive patients who were managed in 75 specific STEMI care centers in Spain, we compared patient and procedural characteristics and in-hospital outcomes in 2 different cohorts with 30-day follow-up according to whether the patients had been treated before or after COVID-19. Results Suspected STEMI patients treated in STEMI networks decreased by 27.6% and patients with confirmed STEMI fell from 1305 to 1009 (22.7%). There were no differences in reperfusion strategy (> 94% treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in both cohorts). Patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention during the COVID-19 outbreak had a longer ischemic time (233 [150-375] vs 200 [140-332] minutes, P

Background: Statins are recommended for secondary prevention. Our aims were to describe the proportion of very elderly patients receiving statins after non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) and to determine the prognostic implications of statins use. Methods: This prospective registry was performed in 44 hospitals that included patients ≥80 years discharged after a NST-ACS from April 2016 to September 2016. Results: We included 523 patients, the mean age was 84.2 ± 4.0 years and 200 patients (38.2%) were women. Previous statin treatment was recorded in 282 patients (53.4%), and 135 (32.5%) had LDL cholesterol levels >2.6 mmol/L. Mean LDL cholesterol levels during admission were 2.3 ± 0.9 mmol/L. Statins were prescribed at discharge to 474 patients (90.6%). Compared with patients discharged on statins, those that did not receive statins were more often frail (22 [47.8%] vs. 114 [24.4%], p < 0.01) and underwent an invasive approach less frequently (30 [61.2%] vs. 374 [78.9%], p = 0.01). During a 6-month follow-up, 50 patients died (9.5%). There was a nonsignificant trend to higher mortality in patients not treated with statins (6 [15%] vs. 44 [9.6%], p = 0.30), but statins were not independently associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–2.11, p = 0.65), nor with a reduction in the combined endpoint mortality/hospitalizations (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.52–1.55, p = 0.69). Conclusions: Although most octogenarians presenting a NST-ACS are already on statins before the episode, their LDL cholesterol is frequently >2.6 mmol/L. Octogenarians who do not receive statins have a high-risk profile, with significant frailty and comorbidity.

Contemporary data on the incidence and prognosis of heart failure (HF) and the influence of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are scant. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between LVEF and HF with long-term prognosis in a cohort of patients with ACS.This is a retrospective observational study of 6208 patients consecutively admitted for ACS to 2 different Spanish hospitals. Baseline characteristics were examined and a follow-up period was established for registration of death and HF rehospitalization as the primary endpoint.Among the study participants, 5064 had ACS without HF during hospitalization: 290 (5.8%) had LVEF40%, 540 (10.6%) LVEF 40% to 49%, and 4234 (83.6%) LVEF ≥ 50%. The remaining 1144 patients developed HF in the acute phase: 395 (34.6%) had LVEF40%, 251 (21.9%) LVEF 40% to 49%, and 498 (43.5%) LVEF ≥ 50%. Patients with LVEF 40% to 49% had a demographic and clinical profile with intermediate features between the LVEF40% and LVEF ≥ 50% groups. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that mortality and HF readmissions were statistically different depending on LVEF in the non-HF group but not in the HF group. Left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50% was an independent prognostic factor in the non-HF group only.In ACS, long-term prognosis is considerably worse in patients who develop HF during hospitalization than in patients without HF, irrespective of LVEF. This parameter is a strong prognostic predictor only in patients without HF.

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of the Xience Prime everolimus-eluting stent (EES) in long coronary lesions in a real-world population. Background Long lesions are considered difficult technically and in terms of achieving successful clinical outcomes. With first generation DES, MACE can be as high as 10% at a short-medium term follow-up. There are a few data available in this subset regarding the use of second generation DES METHODS: A prospective, multicenter registry of consecutive patients (aged 64.8 ± 11.2 years, 77% men and 33% diabetics) in 29 tertiary hospitals with de novo > 24 mm lesions in vessels of 2.25-4 mm was performed. The primary and secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE; cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) and stent thrombosis (ST) at 1, 12, and 24 months. Patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy during 12 months. Results A total of 610 patients with 705 long lesions were included (1.2 per patient). Lesion length was 34.59 ± 11.17 mm and vessel size 2.93 ± 0.41 mm. Stented length was 39.83 ± 14.08 mm (1.4 stents per lesion). Predilatation/postdiltatation was performed in 75 and 33% of the cases, intravascular ultrasound in 15%. The device success rate was 99.1%. MACE and ST rates at 1, 12, and 24-months follow-up were 0.3, 2.1, and 5.4% and 0.2, 0.7, and 1.5%, respectively. Conclusion In this real-world population, the Xience Prime EES performs extremely well in long lesions, with a very low rate of both MACE and ST.

Introduction and objectives Malignancies are the second cause of death in developed countries after cardiovascular disease and both share common risk factors. Methods This prospective study assessed the prevalence and postdischarge incidence of malignancies in all consecutive patients admitted for an acute coronary syndrome. Results A total of 1819 patients were included. On admission, the prevalence of malignancies was 3.4%, and 41.9% of the patients were considered disease-free; of the 1731 discharged patients, the incidence was 3.1% (53 cases) and the most common locations were the colon, lung, bladder, and pancreas. Patients with prevalent malignancies were older and had more comorbidities and complications. There were no differences in the revascularization rate, but implantation of drug-eluting stents was less frequent in patients with prevalent malignancies. During follow-up, the median time to diagnosis of incident malignancies was 25 months. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors were age and current or former smoking. All-cause mortality was much higher in patients with incident (64.2%) or prevalent (40.0%) malignancies. Multivariate analysis showed that prevalent and incident malignancies increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 4-fold. Conclusions Among patients admitted for an acute coronary syndrome, 3.8% had a history of malignancy, with less than 50% considered cured. The incidence of new malignancies was 3.4% and both types of malignancies substantially impaired the long-term prognosis.

Introduction: HF remains a frequent complication following MI and adversely affects prognosis. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of HF following MI and to design a risk score for its prediction. Methods: Retrospective study of all consecutive patients admitted forMI. Primary end pointwas time to incident HF. Patients with previous history of HF were excluded. Death was modelled as competing risk. Results: 5737 patients were included. Mean age was 66.32 +/- 12.80. During a median follow-up of 47.0 months (23.0-73.0), 686 patients (12%) developed HF. Age, diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease, renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, persistent atrial fibrillation, haemoglobin, troponin peak, diuretic at admission, ventricular function, and revascularizationwere independent predictors for HF development. According to this multivariate regression analysis, we developed a novel score that allows for the identification of patients at high (>= 16), medium (9-15) and low risk (

Background Elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) may present delirium but its clinical relevance is unknown. This study aimed at determining the clinical associated factors, and prognostic implications of delirium in old-aged patients admitted for NSTE-ACS. Methods LONGEVO-SCA is a prospective multicenter registry including unselected patients with NSTE-ACS aged ≥ 80 years. Clinical variables and a complete geriatric evaluation were assessed during hospitalization. The association between delirium and 6-month mortality was assessed by a Cox regression model weighted for a propensity score including the potential confounding variables. We also analysed its association with 6-month bleeding and cognitive or functional decline. Results Among 527 patients included, thirty-seven (7%) patients presented delirium during the hospitalization. Delirium was more frequent in patients with dementia or depression and in those from nursing homes (27.0% vs. 3.1%, 24.3% vs. 11.6%, and 11.1% vs. 2.2%, respectively; all P < 0.05). Delirium was significantly associated with in-hospital infections (27.0% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.001) and usage of diuretics (70.3% vs. 49.8%, P = 0.02). Patients with delirium had longer hospitalizations [median 8.5 (5.5–14) vs. 6.0 (4.0–10) days, P = 0.02] and higher incidence of 6-month bleeding and mortality (32.3% vs. 10.0% and 24.3% vs. 10.8%, respectively; both P < 0.05) but similar cognitive or functional decline. Delirium was independently associated with 6-month mortality (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.13, P = 0.04) and 6-month bleeding events (OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.98–4.16, P < 0.01). Conclusions In-hospital delirium in elderly patients with NSTE-ACS is associated with some preventable risk factors and it is an independent predictor of 6-month mortality.

Introduction and objectives: The proportion of elderly patients undergoing primary angioplasty is growing. The present study describes the clinical profile, procedural characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of outcome. Methods: A 31-center registry of consecutive patients older than 75 years treated with primary angioplasty. Clinical and procedural data were collected, and the patients underwent clinical follow-up. Results: The study included 3576 patients (39.3% women, 48.5% with renal failure, 11.5% in Killip III or IV, and 29.8% with > 6 hours of chest pain). Multivessel disease was present in 55.4% and nonculprit lesions were additionally treated in 24.8%. Radial access was used in 56.4%, bivalirudin in 11.8%, thromboaspiration in 55.9%, and drug-eluting stents in 26.6%. The 1-month and 2-year incidences cardiovascular death were 10.1% and 14.7%, respectively. The 2-year rates of definite or probable thrombosis, repeat revascularization, and BARC bleeding > 2 were 3.1%, 2.3%, and 4.2%, respectively. Predictive factors were diabetes mellitus, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, delay to reperfusion > 6 hours, ejection fraction < 45%, Killip class III-IV, radial access, bivalirudin, drug-eluting stents, final TIMI flow of III, and incomplete revascularization at discharge. Conclusions: Notable registry findings include frequently delayed presentation and a high prevalence of adverse factors such as renal failure and multivessel disease. Positive procedure-related predictors include shorter delay, use of radial access, bivalirudin, drug-eluting stents, and complete revascularization before discharge. (C) 2016 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Introduction and objectives Emergency care systems have been created to improve treatment and revascularization in myocardial infarction but they may also improve the management of all patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods A comparative study of all patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome before and after implementation of an infarction protocol. Results The study included 1210 patients. While the mean age was the same in both periods, the patient group admitted after implementation of the protocol had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension but more active smokers and higher GRACE scores. The percentage of ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (29.8%-39.5%) and coronary revascularizations (82.1%-90.1%) significantly increased among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome, and primary angioplasty became routine (51.9%-94.9%); there was also a reduction in time to catheterization and an increase in early revascularization. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter after implementation of the infarction protocol. In-hospital mortality was unchanged, except in high-risk patients (38.8%-22.4%). After discharge, no differences were observed between the 2 periods in cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, reinfarction, or major cardiovascular complications. Conclusions After implementation of the infarction protocol, the percentage of patients admitted with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and the mean GRACE score increased among patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Hospital stay was reduced, and primary angioplasty use increased. In-hospital mortality was reduced in high-risk patients, and prognosis after discharge was the same in both periods.

The incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is high in the elderly. Despite a high prevalence of frailty and other aging-related variables, little information exists about the optimal clinical management in patients with coexisting geriatric syndromes. The aim of the LONGEVO-SCA registry (Impacto de la Fragilidad y Otros Sindromes Geriatricos en el Manejo y Pronostico Vital del Anciano con Sindrome Coronario Agudo sin Elevacion de Segmento ST) is to assess the impact of aging-related variables on clinical management, prognosis, and functional status in elderly patients with ACS. A series of 500 consecutive octogenarian patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS from 57 centers in Spain will be included. A comprehensive geriatric assessment will be performed during the admission, assessing functional status (Barthel Index, Lawton-Brody Index), frailty (FRAIL scale, Short Physical Performance Battery), comorbidity (Charlson Index), nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form), and quality of life (Seattle Angina Questionnaire). Patients will be managed according to current recommendations. The primary outcome will be the description of mortality and its causes at 6 months. Secondary outcomes will be changes in functional status and quality of life. Results from this study might significantly improve the knowledge about the impact of aging-related variables on management and outcomes of elderly patients with ACS. Clinical management of these patients has become a major health care problem due to the growing incidence of ACS in the elderly and its particularities.

Introduction and objectives The recommendation for dual antiplatelet therapy following drug-eluting stent implantation ranges from 6 months to 12 months or beyond. Recent trials have suggested the safety of a 6-month dual antiplatelet therapy regimen, yet certain caveats to these studies limit the applicability of this shorter duration dual antiplatelet therapy strategy in real world settings. Methods A registry was constructed with consecutive recruitment of patients undergoing new-generation drug-eluting stent implantation and prescribed 6 months of dual antiplatelet therapy. Propensity score matching was undertaken with a historical cohort of patients treated with second-generation drug-eluting stents who received 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy from the ESTROFA-2 registry. The sample size was calculated using a noninferiority basis and the primary endpoint was the combination of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, or major bleeding at 12 months. Results The analysis included 1286 patients in each group, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The primary endpoint occurred in 5.0% and 6.6% in the 6-month and 12-month groups, respectively ( P = .001 for noninferiority). The incidence of definite or probable stent thrombosis was 0.5% and 0.7% in the 6-month and 12-month groups, respectively ( P = .4). Major bleeding events were lower in the 6-month group than in the 12-month group (0.8% vs 1.4%; P = .2) Conclusions In selected patients in this large multicenter study, the safety and efficacy of a 6-month dual antiplatelet therapy regimen after implantation of new-generation drug-eluting stents appeared to be noninferior to those of a 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy regimen.

Objective Functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis is performed by measuring the fractional flow reserve (FFR) under hyperemic conditions (Adenosine). However, the use of adenosine portends limitations. Objective We sought to investigate the relationship and correlation between FFR and the Pd/Pa value obtained just after the intracoronary infusion (acute drop) of nitroglycerin (Pd/Pa-NTG) and if this parameter enhances diagnostic accuracy for FFR prediction compared to the resting baseline Pd/Pa. Methods We conducted a multicenter study including prospectively patients presenting intermediate coronary artery stenosis (30–70%) evaluated with pressure wire. Resting baseline Pd/Pa, Pd/Pa-NTG and FFR were measured. Results 283 patients (335 lesions) were included. Resting baseline Pd/Pa value was 0.72 to 1.0 (0.93 ± 0.04), Pd/Pa-NTG was 0.60 to 1.0 (0.87 ± 0.07) and FFR 0.55 to 1.0 (0.83 ± 0.08). The ROC curves for resting baseline Pd/Pa and for Pd/Pa-NTG, using a FFR ≤ 0.80 showed an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92, P 0.80, were >0.96 and >0.88, respectively. These values were present in a 29.8% (n = 100) and a 47.1% (n = 158), of the total lesions. Scatter plots showed a better correlation and agreement points with Pd/Pa-NTG than resting baseline Pd/Pa. The cutoff value of Pd/Pa-NTG > 0.88 showed an excellent NPV (96.2% for FFR > 0.8 and 100% for FFR > 0.75) and sensitivity (95% for FFR > 0.8 and 100% for FFR > 0.75) which were consistently high across all the subgroups analysis. Conclusion The cutoff value of acute Pd/Pa-NTG > 0.88 has a high NPV meaning adenosine-FFR can be avoided in almost half of lesions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether drug-eluting stents (DES) are superior to bare-metal stents (BMS) in octogenarian patients with angina. Background Patients ≥80 years of age frequently have complex coronary disease warranting DES but have a higher risk of bleeding from prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy. Methods This multicenter randomized trial was conducted in 22 centers in the United Kingdom and Spain. Patients ≥80 years of age underwent stent placement for angina. The primary endpoint was a 1-year composite of death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, target vessel revascularization, or major hemorrhage. Results In total, 800 patients (83.5 ± 3.2 years of age) were randomized to BMS (n = 401) or DES (n = 399) for treatment of stable angina (32%) or acute coronary syndrome (68%). Procedural success did not differ between groups (97.7% for BMS vs. 95.4% for DES; p = 0.07). Thirty-eight percent of patients had ≥2-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention, and 66% underwent complete revascularization. Patients who received BMS had shorter stent implants (24.0 ± 13.4 mm vs. 26.6 ± 14.3 mm; p = 0.01). Rates of dual antiplatelet therapy at 1 year were 32.2% for patients in the BMS group and 94.0% for patients in the DES group. The primary endpoint occurred in 18.7% of patients in the BMS group versus 14.3% of patients in the DES group (p = 0.09). There was no difference in death (7.2% vs. 8.5%; p = 0.50), major hemorrhage (1.7% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.61), or cerebrovascular accident (1.2% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.77). Myocardial infarction (8.7% vs. 4.3%; p = 0.01) and target vessel revascularization (7.0% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.001) occurred more often in patients in the BMS group. Conclusions BMS and DES offer good clinical outcomes in this age group. DES were associated with a lower incidence of myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization without increased incidence of major hemorrhage. (Xience or Vision Stent–Management of Angina in the Elderly [XIMA]; ISRCTN92243650 )

Coronary angioplasty Intracoronary ultrasound Fractional flow reserve A B S T R A C T Introduction and objectives: Intracoronary ultrasound estimation of the functional significance of intermediate angiographic lesions has mainly been based on measuring the minimal lumen area. These estimates take no account of lesion length and pay insufficient attention to long coronary lesions. Methods: We included 61 lesions with visual angiographic stenosis of 40% to 70% that required treatment with a � 20 mm stent, studied with ultrasound and fractional flow reserve. Three-dimensional analysis of the ultrasound study was conducted offline and blinded to fractional reserve values. Angiographic and ultrasound parameters were correlated with fractional reserve. Results: From the angiography we obtained data on mean reference diameter (2.87 (0.57) mm), length (29.8 (10.01) mm), and severity of stenosis (50.3% (8.7)%). Mean fractional flow reserve was 0.78 (0.09). We found a weak linear correlation (R) between fractional reserve and the ultrasound parameters that did not include lesion length: fractional reserve-minimal luminal area (R=0.4; P=.003). The correlation was stronger when lesion length was included: fractional reserve-volume of plaque (R=-0.65; P

This article summarizes the main developments reported in 2013 on ischemic heart disease, together with the most important innovations in the management of acute cardiac patients. 3.792 JCR (2014) Q2, 34/123 Cardiac & cardiovascular systems UEM

Objective: To assess the relationship between lesion length and other angiographic parameters on the functional significance of long coronary lesions with moderate stenosis. Background: Coronary revascularization is usually based on angiographic percent stenosis. Coronary stenosis length is not usually considered in daily clinical practice for revascularization decision-making. The relevance of lesion length might be greater in longer lesions with intermediate stenosis. Methods: All coronary lesions >20 mm and of 40–70% percent stenosis assessed by intracoronary pressure wire between 2007 and 2009 were included. Interventionists performing digital quantification of lesion stenosis were blinded to the result of fractional flow reserve (FFR). Correlations between angiographic data and FFR were analyzed. Results: One hundred and six lesions from 103 patients were included. Reference diameter: 2.9 6 0.56 mm; maximal stenosis: 49.0 6 8.7%; minimal luminal diameter (MinimalLD): 1.48 6 0.4 mm; mean luminal diameter (MeanLD): 2.3 6 0.5 mm; mean lesion length: 28.7 6 10.6 mm. Lesions with FFR 20 mm) with moderate angiographic stenosis, lesion length might be the strongest determinant of functional repercussion. Lesion length should be considered when judging the benefit of revascularization or perform functional functional measures that overcome the limitations of simple stenosis quantification. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypertension is 1 of the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors; nevertheless, some studies have reported that the antecedent of hypertension does not impair prognosis in patients with established cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of hypertension on readmission and 1-year mortality in patients admitted to a single cardiology hospitalization unit. All consecutive hospitalizations in a single cardiology department through 10 months were included, and 1-year follow-up was performed. Clinical antecedents, risk factors, and main discharge diagnoses were collected. A total of 1,007 patients were included (mean age 71.1 ± 13.5 years). The antecedent of hypertension was present in 69.0%, and these patients had older mean age and higher prevalence of risk factors and previous cardiovascular disease. No differences in hospital discharge main diagnoses were observed according to the antecedent of hypertension. During a mean follow-up period of 404.82 ± 122.2 days, patients with hypertension had higher rates of rehospitalization for cardiac causes (31.1% vs 17.9%, p = 0.01) and of total (17.4% vs 9.3%, p

Objectives This study is a prospective validation of 6 mm(2) as a minimum lumen area (MLA) cutoff value for revascularization of left main coronary artery (LMCA) lesions. Background Lesions involving the LMCA are prognostically relevant. Angiography has important limitations in the evaluation of LMCA lesions with intermediate severity. An MLA of 6 mm(2) assessed by intravascular ultrasound has been proposed as a cutoff value to determine lesion severity, but there are no large studies evaluating the prospective application and safety of this approach. Methods We have designed a multicenter, prospective study. Consecutive patients with intermediate lesions in unprotected LMCA were evaluated with intravascular ultrasound. An MLA Results A total of 354 patients were included in 22 centers. LMCA revascularization was performed in 90.5% (152 of 168) of patients with an MLA Conclusions Angiographic measurements are not reliable in the assessment of intermediate LMCA lesions. An MLA of 6 mm(2) or more is a safe value for deferring revascularization of the LMCA, given the application of the clinical and angiographic inclusion criteria used in this study.

Introduction and objectives Drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce the restenosis rate in native vessels. However, results in saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are less clear. The aim of this study was to compare DES and bare metal stents (BMS) in de novo stenosis in SVG. Methods The study included all percutaneous interventions involving a DES in SVG carried out at five centers up until July 2007. Findings were compared with those in a historical cohort that used conventional stents at 2 centers. The study analyzed in-hospital and long-term outcomes and predictors of survival and revascularization. Results The study included 107 stenoses treated with DESs in 98 patients and 130 stenoses treated with BMS in 113 patients. The DES group was older at baseline and had thrombus less often. There were also procedural differences: in the DES group, stents were longer, direct stenting was used less, and the stent diameter was smaller. The proportion of patients who experienced cardiac death by 12, 24, and 30 months was 95%(2%), 91%(3%), and 89%(3%), respectively, in the DES group and 95%(2%), 90%(3%) and 87%(3%) in the BMS group ( P =.66). The proportion without target vessel revascularization at 12, 24 and 30 months was 90%±3%, 86%±4% and 83%(4%), respectively, in the DES group and 94%±2%, 87%(3%) and 87%(3%) in the BMS group ( P =.49). The only predictor of cardiac death was the ejection fraction. There was no predictor of revascularization. Conclusions In our series, using DESs in SVGs was not associated with a reduction in mortality or target vessel revascularization. The only predictor of cardiac death was the ejection fraction. There was no predictor of revascularization.

Introduction and objectives Primary angioplasty is the treatment of first choice for patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. However, its use is limited as the majority of patients present at hospitals without a catheterization laboratory. The objective of this study was to determine shortand long-term outcomes of systematically implementing a primary angioplasty program at 2 hospitals, one of which did not have a catheterization laboratory. Methods This prospective observational study involved consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction and an indication for reperfusion therapy who were admitted to the two participating hospitals (hospital 1 had a catheterization laboratory, while hospital 2 did not) between January 2000 and April 2001. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 6, and 12 months. Results The study included 222 patients: 158 in hospital 1 and 64 in hospital 2. The median (interquartile range) delays from door to angiography at hospital 1 and hospital 2 were 49.5 min (30.0–88.0 min) and 62.5 min (53.5–93.7 min), respectively (P=.001), and from symptoms to angiography, 162.5 min (105.0–247.5 min) and 187.5 min(131.2–288.7 min), respectively (P=.04). In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were 12.2% and 15.3%, respectively, with no difference between the hospitals. The hospital of origin was not a determinant of either in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR],=1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–7.8) or 1-year mortality (HR,2.04, 95% CI, 0.74–5.61). Conclusions Patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction who require interhospital transfer for primary angioplasty have a similar clinical outcome to those who are admitted to a hospital at which the procedure is available, provided transfer is undertaken under optimal conditions (ie, with a suitable means of transport and a short transfer time).

The minimum in-stent lumen diameter is a predictor of restenosis. Stent dimensions provided by manufacturers are derived from in vitro tests. The aim of this study was to compare actual stent dimensions obtained by angiography and intracoronary ultrasound with dimensions that would be expected theoretically for a given inflation pressure in a cohort of 100 non-complex lesions suitable for direct stenting. Significant differences were found between the theoretical diameters and those observed by angiography and ultrasound. The actual-to-theoretical diameter ratio was 0.83 (0.09) when measured using angiography and 0.78 (0.10), using intravascular ultrasound. In lesions without severe calcification, stent dimensions were significantly smaller than indicated by the manufacturer. Nominal figures should not be used as reference values for stent implantation.

This article presents the findings of the Spanish Society of Cardiology registry of cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiology in the year 2004. Data were obtained from 121 centers, which comprise almost all cardiac catheterization laboratories in Spain. Of these, 110 performed catheterization mainly in adults, and 11 carried out procedures in only pediatric patients. In 2005, 111,451 diagnostic catheterization procedures were performed, including 97,785 coronary angiograms. This was 6.6% higher than in 2003. The population-adjusted rate was 2263 coronary angiograms per million inhabitants. A total of 45,469 coronary interventions were performed, 12% more than in 2003. The population-adjusted rate was 1052 per million inhabitants. Coronary stents were used in 91.4% of procedures; 68,892 stents were implanted, which was 12% more than in 2003. Of these, 25,148 (36.5%) were drug-eluting stents. Some 7326 percutaneous coronary interventions were carried out in patients with acute myocardial infarction, 20.5% more than in 2003. These accounted for 16.1% of all percutaneous coronary interventions. Among non-coronary interventions, there was a decrease in the number of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasties (8%) and atrial septal defect closures (7%). In addition, there was a small increase in pediatric interventions (12%). Finally, it is important to note that the percentage of centers participating in the registry was high, what ensures that the data presented here are highly representative of the work carried out in cardiac catheterization laboratories in Spain.

To assess the effect of gender on the in-hospital management of patients with acute inferior or posterior myocardial infarction (MI).Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Gender differences in management and prognosis were assessed by stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis.University, large-volume, tertiary hospital.We studied 1,178 consecutive patients admitted to our coronary care unit with an acute inferior or posterior MI, and evaluated the influence of gender on clinical management and outcome.None.Women were older (73 years vs 66 years), had a higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, presented later (8 h vs 6 h after symptom onset), and had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (26% vs 9%) [all p values0.01]. Women underwent reperfusion therapy (45% vs 61%, p0.01), noninvasive studies (30% vs 62%, p0.001), and coronary angiography (34% vs 48%, p0.01) less often than men. Multivariable analysis revealed that female gender was an independent predictor of a lower use of noninvasive studies (odds ratio [OR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24 to 0.63; p0.005) and coronary angiography (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.93; p = 0.02). A significant interaction between age and gender was found (p = 0.002); therefore, womenor = 75 years old had a much lower probability of undergoing noninvasive tests and coronary angiography than men of the same age.Despite their worse prognosis, women undergo noninvasive studies and coronary angiography less frequently than men after an acute inferior or posterior MI. The gender gap increases in patientsor = 75 years old.

The results of the Registry of the Working Group on Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for 2003 are presented. Data were obtained from 112 centers representing nearly all cardiac catheterization laboratories in Spain; 104 centers performed mainly adult catheterization and 8 carried out pediatric procedures only. In 2003, 105,939 diagnostic catheterization procedures were performed, including 90 939 coronary angiograms, representing a total increase of 8.5% in comparison to 2002. The population-adjusted rate was 2171 coronary angiograms per 106 inhabitants. Coronary interventions increased by 14.4% in comparison to 2002, with a total of 40,584 procedures and a rate of coronary interventions of 969 per 106 inhabitants. Coronary stents were used in 92.5% of the procedures (47,249 units implanted, for a total increase of 22% in comparison to 2002). About one fifth (20.2%) of the implanted stents were drug-eluting stents (11,699 units). A total of 6080 percutaneous coronary interventions were done in patients with acute myocardial infarction, representing an increase of 27.5% in comparison to 2002, and accounting for 14.9% of all interventional procedures. Of the noncoronary interventions recorded, we note the increase in percutaneous mitral valvuloplasties (21.6%) and atrial septal defect closures (86%), and also the increase in pediatric interventions (13.3%). In conclusion, we emphasize the high rate of reporting by laboratories, which allows the Registry to compile data that are highly representative of the activity at cardiac catheterization laboratories in Spain.

Aims The evaluation of in-stent restenosis (ISR) is usually based on angiographic quantification. This evaluation is sometimes difficult and it has not an accurate clinical correlation. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measured by intracoronary pressure wire has demonstrated its value in determining the functional repercussion of coronary stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between quantitative angiography-FFR in borderline in-stent restenotic lesions and the accuracy of FFR in deciding the treatment of ISR. Methods and results Quantitative angiographic values of 65 lesions in 62 patients with angiographically moderate ISR are compared with the FFR value obtained by pressure wire. An FFR value < 0.75 was considered significant. Patients with non-revascularized ISR (FFR P0.75) were clinically followed during a year. An FFR value P0.75 was obtained in 41 lesions (63%), 21 of them with stenosis P50%. The co-efficient of correlation between parameters of quantitative angiography and FFR value was