Search

Background Inhibition of the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) innate immunity pathway is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and a reduced risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in stable patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) and elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). However, the prognosis value of IL-1β level in acute myocardial infarction patients has never been evaluated. We aim to assess the association between IL-1β level with all-cause mortality in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention and the interplay between IL-1β and hs-CRP concentrations on the risk of premature death. Methods IL-1β concentration was measured among 1398 STEMI patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Crude and hazard ratios for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were analyzed at 90-days and one-year using a multivariate-cox proportional regression analysis. Major cardiovascular events (MACE) were also analyzed. Results In a STEMI population, IL-1β concentration measured at admission was independently associated with all-cause mortality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio [adjHR], 1.43 per 1SD increase; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.83; p10 pg/mL that was markedly associated with higher mortality rates at 90 days (adjHR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.63–4.80, p=0.0002) and one-year (adjHR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.09–2.78, p=0.019), regardless of the hs-CRP concentration. The relationship was even stronger when considering cardiovascular mortality and MACE at 90 days (adjHR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.30–4.10, p=0.004 and 2.17; 95% CI: 1.24–3.80, p=0.006) and at one year (adjHR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.31–3.87, p=0.03 and 2.25; 95% CI: 1.33–3.79, p=0.004). Conclusion IL-1β measured at admission in acute MI patients is associated with the risk of mortality and recurrent major cardiovascular events, regardless of the CRP level. A threshold of 10 pg/mL identifies patients at higher risk of events. Survival Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Coronary thrombosis remains the leading cause for cardiovascular death in France. Great advances have been made in the knowledge of the basic mechanism involved in coronary thrombogenesis and in antithrombotic treatments. They have led to substantial survival benefit after myocardial infarction and enabled development of tailored therapeutic strategies, especially for high-risk patients. Direct oral anticoagulants have now entered the game for secondary prevention after coronary thrombosis.

Atrioventricular block (AVB) is common after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is needed in up to 30% of patients. Main predictors of long term AVB are electrocardiographic. The purpose of this study is to assess the prognostic value of serial HV intervals measured before and after TAVR to shorten the timing of PPM implantation.His bundle recordings were performed before (HV1), immediately after TAVR (HV2) and at day 2 for Edwards Sapien (ES) and 5 for Medtronic CoreValve (CV) (HV3). PPM indications were high degree AVB before day 5 or prolonged HV interval ≥80ms at the last recording. High degree AVB after discharge was evaluated from the pacemaker memories and ECG at 1 and 6months.Data were obtained in 84 patients (33% CV and 67% ES). HV values were not associated with early or late AVB. PPM were implanted in 27 patients (34%) for documented AVB (n=17, 24%), prolonged HV interval (n=9) or sick sinus syndrome (n=1). Persistent complete AVB during the procedure and postoperative high degree AVB were the only perioperative factors associated with further long term occurrence of high degree AVB (p=0.001 and p0.001). On multivariate analysis, only postoperative high degree AVB was significant (p=0.001).Pre- and post-operative HV measurements were not correlated with late AVB after TAVR. Perioperative persistent complete AVB and postoperative high degree AVB are the only factors to predict late AVB and should be considered for the decision of PPM implantation.

Background The respective ischemic and bleeding risks of early aspirin discontinuation following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain. Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early aspirin discontinuation in ACS or PCI patients treated with P2Y12 inhibitors with or without anticoagulants. Methods We performed a review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a P2Y12 inhibitor-based single antiplatelet strategy following early aspirin discontinuation to a strategy of sustained dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in ACS or PCI patients requiring or not anticoagulation for another indication. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding while non-major bleeding and all bleeding were secondary safety endpoints. The primary efficacy endpoint was all-cause mortality while secondary efficacy endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), myocardial infarction (MI), definite stent thrombosis (ST) or any stroke. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effect models. The study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019139576). Results We included 9 RCTs comprising 40,621 patients.Compared to prolonged DAPT, major bleeding (2.2% vs. 2.8%; RR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.87; p=0.002; I2: 63%), non-major bleeding (5.0% vs. 6.1%; RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.94; p=0.02; I2:87%) and all bleeding (7.4% vs. 9.9%; RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.79; p Conclusions In patients on DAPT after an ACS or a PCI, early aspirin discontinuation prevents bleeding events with no effect on the ischemic risk or mortality. Figure 1. Central illustration Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Left Ventricular Thrombus (LVT) is associated with a high risk of thromboembolic complications such as stroke. Contemporary data are lacking on the management, prognosis and treatment of LVT, particularly with the emergence of the non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs). Purpose To study the time and predictive factors associated with thrombus regression on treatment and its association with survival, embolic and bleeding complications. Methods From January 2011 to January 2018, a computerized case sensitive search of LVT was performed on 90 065 consecutive echocardiogram reports. All patients with a confirmed LVT were included in this analysis after imaging review by two independent experts. Repeated echocardiographic data, treatment management and clinical outcomes were collected during follow-up. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI) or embolic peripheral artery occlusion were analyzed as well as major bleeding events (BARC ≥3) and the predictive factors and impact of LVT regression. Results We identified 174 patients with a suspected LVT of whom 159 had confirmed LVT on two different cardiac imaging exams. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was the main cause of LVT (n=125, 78.6%) including 56 (35.2%) patients with an acute ST segment elevation MI. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31.9±12.5% with predominant (98.1%) apical location of the LVT. Anticoagulation therapy was achieved with vitamin K antagonists, NOACs and parenteral heparins in 48.7%, 22.8% and 27.8% of patients, respectively. Concomitant antiplatelet therapy was prescribed in 67.9% of patients. Total LVT regression was reached in two third of patients (62.3%, n=99) within a median time of 103 [32–392] days. Independent predictors of total LVT regression were an ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR: 0.36 [0.19–0.70], p=0.002), a larger baseline thrombus area (HR=0.66 [0.45–0.96], p During a median follow-up of 632 [187–1126] days, MACE occurred in 59 (37.1%) patients with a 18.9% rate of mortality and 13.2% of major bleeding. Patients with a total LVT regression had a non-significant lower rate of MACE as compared with patients without total LVT regression (35.4% vs. 40.0%; HR=0.71 [0.42–1.21]; p=0.20), and a significant lower rate of mortality (15.2% vs. 25.0%; HR=0.48 [0.23–0.98]; p=0.039). Occurence of mortality (A) and MACE (B) Conclusions The prognosis of LVT remains severe with a high risk of major cardiovascular event and mortality. Total LVT regression, mostly reached in 3 months, can be obtained with both vitamin K antagonists and NOACs and is associated with a better prognosis.

Background Hyperglycemia is a well-known prognostic marker in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), associated with higher mortality compared with normoglycemia. Whether the prognostic impact of glycemic status at the acute stage of AMI is similar in patients with chronic dysglycemia has not been extensively explored. Aims and methods Using data from the nationwide French FAST-MI cohorts (2005, 2010 and 2015), we analysed the association between glycemia at entry and 30-day death, according to HbA1c level. From the 13,130 patients included, 5,452 had both glycemia and HbA1c assessed at entry. Of those, 1173 (21.5%) had an HbA1c ≥7%. Results In patients with HbA1c 180 mg/dl); a graded association between admission glycemia and 30-day mortality was observed, ranging from 0.7% in normoglycemic patients to 6.3% in patients with admission glycemia >180 mg/dl. In contrast, in patients with HbA1c ≥7%, LVEF was not correlated with glycemia (180 mg/dl 49±12%), and mortality was the highest in patients with normoglycemia (9.2%) and the lowest in patients with glycemia between 140 and 180 mg/dl (3.1%) (Figure). In multivariate analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics and early management, normoglycemia was associated with a decreased risk of 30-day mortality in patients with HbA1c Figure 1. 30-day death Conclusion In AMI patients with high HbA1c levels on admission, normoglycemia is associated with higher early mortality than hyperglycemia. In contrast, a graded correlation is observed between admission glycemia and early mortality in patients with HbA1c Acknowledgement/Funding Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli-Lilly, GSK, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Servier

Background Recent studies have emphasized the prognostic value of mild left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment in severe aortic stenosis. However, despite adaptive mechanisms to pressure overload, subtle impaired systolic function could be worsened by increased afterload and partly reversible immediately after its correction. Objectives The aim was to evaluate the short terms effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on LV systolic function assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS). We hypothesized that abrupt decrease of LV afterload after TAVR could lead to immediate improvement of LV systolic function. Methods Patients referred to our Department for TAVR were included from January 2018 to July 2018 in this observational prospective single center study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately before and 1–5 days after TAVR by the same operator and reviewed in a blind fashion. Results 35 symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for TAVR (age 84±5 y, 18 male, NYHA 2–3, orifice area 0.7±0.2 cm2, LVEF 66±13%, GLS −15.1±4.7%) were included. Only 9/35 (26%) had a LVEF ≤60%. Overall, no significant change in LVEF (65±14%; p=0.55) or GLS (−16.1±4.8%; p=0.11) occurred immediately after TAVR despite a dramatic decrease in transoartic mean pressure gradient (44±15 mm Hg versus 6±3 mmHg; p Improvement in GLS according to the LVEF Conclusion Following TAVR, an early improvement in LV systolic function assessed by GLS was observed only in patients with pre-existing mild LV systolic dysfunction. Further studies should evaluate whether this improvement is associated with better long term outcome.

Background Incidence and correlates of readmission for heart failure in all-comers, after successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain unclear. Objective We sought to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of readmission for HF after successful TAVR in an unselected patient population. Methods All patients who underwent successful TAVR in two high-volume French tertiary centers from February 2010 to December 2016 were prospectively included and followed-up for one year. Cox multivariate model was used to assess risk factors of readmission for heart failure, evaluated a time-updated covariate and mortality. Results A total of 1139 patients (mean age 82.4±7.7 years, 52.2% male) were included. Readmission for heart failure occurred in 99 (8.7%) patients. Risk factors of readmission for HF were chronic pulmonary disease (adjHR 1.8; 95% CI [1.2–2.8], p=0.008), chronic kidney disease (adjHR 1.7; 95% CI [1.1–2.6], p=0.01), diabetes mellitus (adjHR 1.7; 95% CI [1.1–2.5], p=0.01), prior atrial fibrillation (adjHR 1.6; 95% CI [1.1–2.4], p=0.02) and post-TAVR left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% (adjHR 2.1 95% CI 1.2–3.7, p=0.009). Readmission for HF was strongly associated with mortality (Figure) along with increased STS score (adjHR 1.07 95% CI 1.03–1.12, p=0.002), prior atrial fibrillation (adjHR 2.13 95% CI 1.53–2.96, p Figure 1 Conclusion Readmission for heart failure occurs in one out of ten patients after successful TAVR and is strong risk factor of mortality. Comorbidities and post-TAVR LVEF≤35% are the main correlates of readmission for heart failure. Acknowledgement/Funding ACTION study group

Background Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow is a prognostic factor which assessment is complex in life-threatening situations. Because TIMI flow evaluation by site investigator (SI) is subject to bias, independent Core-Laboratory (CL) adjudication is the reference standard in clinical trials. Purpose To evaluate the concordance between CL and SI in the evaluation of the culprit artery TIMI flow, and the associated prognosis in the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial. Methods All patients of the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial with CL adjudications were included in this analysis. CL adjudicators were blinded to patient's characteristics and outcomes: pre and post-PCI TIMI flows were solely evaluated on the basis of coronary angiograms. SI determined the TIMI flow before and immediately after PCI of the culprit lesion. The concordance was determined by Cohen's κ coefficient. A multivariate analysis was used to evaluate 1) factors of discordance 2) the association between each method of evaluation and the mortality at 30 days and 1 year. Results Among CULPRIT-SHOCK patients, 663 patients were eligible for this analysis. Of the 214 patients adjudicated TIMI flow 3 by CL before PCI, SI over-estimated the obstruction to TIMI flow 0–1-2 in 121 (56.5%). Of the 139 patients scored TIMI flow 0–1-2 by CL after PCI, SI over-graded their results to TIMI flow 3 in 79 (56.8%). Overall, the K coefficient of agreement was 0.44, 95% CI [0.36; 0.51] before PCI and 0.44, 95% CI [0.35; 0.53] after PCI. Mechanical circulatory support and culprit left main were the main factors of discordance of TIMI flow after PCI. The association between TIMI flow 0–1-2 after PCI and 30-days mortality was significant, whether adjudicated by SI or CL (figure). Post-PCI TIMI-flow 0–1-2 was associated to 1-year mortality only when evaluated by SI (figure). Association between TIMI and mortality Conclusions In comparison to the independant CL evaluation, SI overestimated the severity of coronary slow flow before PCI, and the success of PCI in improving coronary flow. The level of agreement between CL and SI was moderate. While both evaluations predicted 30-days mortality, only SI scoring was associated to 1-year mortality. Acknowledgement/Funding European Union Seventh Framework Program, the German Heart Research Foundation, German Cardiac Society.

Background The optimal management of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is unknown, particularly with the emergence of the non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs). Purpose To identify the independent correlates of LVT regression and clinical outcomes. Methods A computerized case sensitive search on 90 065 consecutive echocardiograms performed between January 2011 and December 2017 identified patients with a LVT. Repeated echocardiographic data, treatment and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, stroke, myocardial infarction or acute peripheral artery emboli were analyzed as well as major bleeding events (BARC ≥ 3) and all-cause mortality. Results We included 159 patients with an LVT confirmed by two independent experts. Patients were treated by vitamin K antagonists (48.4%), parenteral heparins (27.7%) and NOACs (22.6%) with additional antiplatelet therapy in 67.9% of the population. Total LVT regression was reached in 62.3% of the patients in a median time of 103 [32–392] days. The independent correlates associated with LVT regression were a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 0.36; 95%CI [0.19–0.69], P = 0.002) and a smaller baseline thrombus area (HR 0.66; 95%CI [0.45–0.96], P = 0.031). Cardiovascular events were frequent with 37.1% of MACE, 18.9% of major bleeding and 13.2% of all-cause mortality during a median follow-up of 632 [187–1126] days. A left ventricular ejection fraction >35% (HR 0.46; 95%CI [0.23–0.93], P = 0.029) and an anticoagulation therapy > 3 months (HR 0.42; 95%CI [0.20–0.88], P = 0.021) were independently associated with less MACE. A reduced risk of mortality was observed among patients that obtained a total LVT regression (HR 0.48; 95%CI [0.23–0.98]; P = 0.039) ( Fig. 1 ). Conclusions The presence of LVT was associated with a very high risk of MACE and mortality. Total thrombus regression, obtained with either vitamin K antagonists or NOACs, led to a better prognosis.

Introduction Recent studies have emphasized the prognostic value of mild left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment in severe aortic stenosis. However, despite adaptive mechanisms to pressure overload, subtle impaired systolic function could be worsened by increased after load and partly reversible immediately after its correction. The aim was to evaluate the short terms effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on LV systolic function assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS). We hypothesized that abrupt decrease of LV after load after TAVR could lead to immediate improvement of LV systolic function. Method Patients referred to our Department for TAVR were included from January 2018 to July 2018 in this observational prospective single center study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed immediately before and 1–5 days after TAVR by the same operator and reviewed in a blind fashion. Results Thirty-five symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for TAVR (age 84 ± 5 y, 18 male, NYHA 2-3, orifice area 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2, LVEF 66 ± 13%, GLS - 15.1 ± 4.7%) were included. Only 9/35 (26%) had a LVEF ≤ 60%. Overall, no significant change in LVEF (65 ± 14%; P = 0.55) or GLS (−16.1 ± 4.8%; P = 0.11) occurred immediately after TAVR despite a dramatic decrease in transoartic mean pressure gradient (44 ± 15 mm Hg versus 6 ± 3 mmHg; P Conclusion Following TAVR, an early improvement in LV systolic function assessed by GLS was observed only in patients with pre-existing mild LV systolic dysfunction. Further studies should evaluate whether this improvement is associated with better long term outcome.

Background To assess the impact of impaired renal function (IRF) and timing of catheterization (immediate versus delayed intervention) on outcomes in intermediate/high risk NSTE-ACS patients. Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of the randomized ABOARD population to compare 1) patients with vs. without IRF and 2) the two intervention strategies in patients with IRF. A creatinine clearance Results Among the 345 patients, 75 (21.7%) had IRF. Patients with IRF were older, had more comorbidities and were at higher cardiovascular risk. Radial catheterization was predominant (84%). Among IRF patients, 37 (49%) and 38 (51%) patients were randomized to an immediate and delayed strategy, respectively. The primary and secondary endpoints rates were not different for the two comparisons. IRF was associated with more death (5.3% vs. 1.1%, p =0.043) and non-CABG MB (9.3% vs. 2.2%, p =0.001). In patients with IRF, a delayed strategy was associated with more recurrent ischemia (28.9% vs. 8.1%, p =0.021). Absence of clopidogrel pretreatment, insulin therapy and left main culprit lesion were independently associated with death/MI/UR/RI, while age and CABG surgery were related with MB. Conclusion IRF is associated with worse outcomes in NSTE-ACS patients. The primary results of the ABOARD study apply also to patients with IRF in which the timing of catheterization does not impact hard outcomes.

SummaryIn this executive summary of a Consensus Document from the European Heart Rhythm Association, endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Thrombosis, we comprehensively review the published evidence and propose a consensus on bleeding risk assessments in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The main aim of the document was to summarise ‘best practice’ in dealing with bleeding risk in AF patients when approaching antithrombotic therapy, by addressing the epidemiology and size of the problem, and review established bleeding risk factors. We also summarise definitions of bleeding in the published literature. Patient values and preferences balancing the risk of bleeding against thromboembolism as well as the prognostic implications of bleeding are reviewed. We also provide an overview of published bleeding risk stratification and bleeding risk schema. Brief discussion of special situations (e.g. periablation, peri-devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators [ICD] or pacemakers, presentation with acute coronary syndromes and/or requiring percutanous coronary interventions/stents and bridging therapy) is made, as well as a discussion of the prevention of bleeds and managing bleeding complications. Finally, this document puts forwards consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps and assist in everyday clinical practice.

Purpose: Although Clopidogrel pretreatment is recommended for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and stable coronary patients scheduled for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), the benefit of this strategy compared to an administration at the time of PCI has not been shown on hard clinical outcome. In this new analysis, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) and registries to evaluate the impact of clopidogrel pretreatment on mortality, MACE and major bleeding after PCI, as compared with no pretreatment. Methods: We included studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases and references lists of qualifying articles that reported clinical data on mortality and major bleeding. A random-effect model was applied. Pretreatment was defined as the administration of clopidogrel before PCI or catheterization. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were all-cause mortality and major bleeding, respectively. Results: Of the 392 titles identified, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria, published between August 2001 and September 2012, including 37 914 patients: 13 628 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), 15 650 with Non ST Elevation ACS (NSTE ACS) and 8 536 with ST elevation ACS (STEMI) presentation. Results for Death, Major Bleeding and MACE are shown in Figure I. ![Figure][1] Figure 1. Main ischemic and bleeding end point Conclusion: Among patients scheduled for PCI, clopidogrel pretreatment was not associated with a lower risk of mortality nor with an increase in major bleeding overall but with differential effect according clinical presentation. Only STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI appear to draw a benefit from pre treatment with clopidogrel. In other patients, treatment at the time of PCI appears to be sufficient. [1]: pending:yes

Background: A recent study has suggested that ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily (bid) provides stronger platelet inhibition than prasugrel 10mg once daily (od) when measured with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (VN-P2Y12), in ACS patients. Aim: To compare the effect of ticagrelor 90mg bid and prasugrel 10mg od on platelet reactivity in STEMI patients using different platelet function tests including the VN-P2Y12 Methods: Platelet reactivity was prospectively evaluated using VN-P2Y12 platelet reaction unit (PRU), light transmission aggregometry (LTA) residual platelet agregation (RPA), and Vasodilator-Stimulated-Phosphoprotein (VASP) platelet reactivity index (PRI) 30 days after an acute STEMI. We studied 92 STEMI patients who received either prasugrel 10mg od (n=54) or ticagrelor 90 mg bid (n=38) after primary coronary stenting. Results: On-treatment platelet reactivity evaluated with the VN-P2Y12 assay (PRU) was lower with ticagrelor compared to prasugrel: 20±4.6 vs 55±8.3 (p=0.001). But these results were not confirmed with the other platelet function tests. The more specific test, VASP PRI (%) was 13.6±2.4 on ticagrelor vs. 18.0±2.1 on prasugrel (p=0.18); the more global test, LTA showed a mean RPA (%) of 12.9±2.0 vs. 9.0±1.7 for ticagrelor and prasugrel, respectively (p=0.15) (Figure). High on-treatment platelet reactivity rates were 2.6% with VASP (defined as PRI>50%) and 0% with VN-P2Y12 (PRU>235) and LTA (% RPA > 46.2%) on ticagrelor, while it was 0% with VASP, 1.8% with VN-P2Y12 and LTA on prasugrel. ![Figure][1] Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Conclusions: VASP and LTA measurements do not confirm the pharmacological superiority of ticagrelor over prasugrel when measured with VN-P2Y12 in STEMI Patients. These results suggest that VN-P2Y12 assay could overestimate the platelet inhibitory effect of ticagrelor. [1]: pending:yes

Purpose: To assess the benefit of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure compared to medical therapy alone. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of 4 randomized trials (MIST, Closure-1, RESPECT, PC) including a total of 1224 patients treated by PFO closure compared to 1226 patients treated medically. P values were calculated using arcus sinus transformation to take into account studies with no events. Results: The rates of the primary end point (Death/Stroke/±TIA) (figure1) and stroke were significantly reduced by the PFO closure by 30% (RR 0.70, p=0.02) and 37% (RR 0.63, p=0.005) respectively. (Figure 1). The rates of major bleeding were comparable between groups (RR 1.1) while the risk of atrial fibrillation was significantly increased in the closure arms (RR 4.43, p=0.0003) ![Figure][1] Forest plot for primary endpoint Conclusions: The meta-analysis of randomized trials demonstrates a significant reduction of the risks of primary endpoints and stroke but an increase of the risk of atrial fibrillation by PFO closure as compared to medical therapy. [1]: pending:yes

1 . Introduction markable. The Troponin I measurement was 5 mg/ml on admission. Transthoracic echocardiography reTranexamic acid (TA) is a synthetic derivative of vealed an akinetic motion of the left ventricle apex the amino lysine (4-aminomethyl cyclohexane carwith a global ejection fraction of 45%. An association boxylic acid) which exerts a reversible blockade of of aspirin, clopidogrel, sub-Q low molecular weight the lysine binding sites of plasminogen. It is utilised heparin plus eptifibatide was initiated during the first to prevent major bleedings. The resulting inhibition 48 h of hospitalization. ECG signs resolved rapidly. of fibrinolysis increases the risk of thrombosis but no The diagnostic coronary angiogram revealed a single acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been reported vessel disease with a 30% focal stenosis of the to be related to TA so far. In the present observation, middle portion of the left anterior descending artery we report an AMI after the initiation of oral TA. (Fig. 1). No percutaneous coronary intervention was performed. Serum lipid measurements and coagulation tests were normal. 2 . Case report