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Inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) are associated with complications which may be due to delayed retrieval. Initiation of an automated reminder system may improve retrieval rates and reduce complications. A computerized reminder system, which provides interactive email reminders after implantation while collecting IVCF use data, was implemented. IVCF retrieval was compared before ("reminder not provided" group) and after ("reminder provided" group) implementation. Data regarding implantation, retrieval, and complications were collected. The primary efficacy outcome was retrieval rate, and the primary safety outcome was indwelling complication rate. Secondary outcomes were time to retrieval and a composite adverse outcome defined as IVCF thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and death. A total of 1,070 IVCF insertions were included, 715 in the "reminder not provided" group and 355 in the "reminder provided" group. Patient age (61 vs 64 years, p = 0.95) and gender (42% vs 40% female, p = 0.55) were similar in the "reminder not provided" and "reminder provided" groups, respectively. In the "reminder provided" group, the retrieval rate was higher (148/297 [49.8%] vs 223/715 [31.2%], p = 0.0001), the indwelling complication rate was lower (30/319 [9.4%] vs 115/715 [16.1%], p = 0.005), and the time to retrieval was shorter (112 days vs 146 days, p = 0.02). The composite adverse outcome occurred less frequently in the "reminder provided" group: (85/355 [23.9%] vs 297/715 [41.5%], p = 0.0001). The system was associated with increased odds of IVCF retrieval (odds ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.82 to 3.59; p0.0001) and reduced odds of the composite adverse outcome (odds ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.60 to 0.80; p0.0001). In conclusion, implementing a computerized email reminder system was associated with higher IVCF retrieval rates, fewer indwelling complications, and shorter dwell times.

IVCFs are usually placed under fluoroscopic guidance in dedicated angiography suites. Bedside placement of inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) is possible in patients not suitable for transportation, but data regarding their use are limited. The objective of this study is to compare utilization, procedural outcomes, complications, and long-term patient outcomes associated with bedside placement of IVCFs using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fluoroscopic placement of IVCF.All patients receiving IVCF between January 2009 and December 2011 at a tertiary care institution were retrospectively identified. Data regarding patient characteristics, IVCF indications, complications, and outcomes were collected, and comparisons were made between patients receiving fluoroscopic-guided and IVUS-guided bedside IVCF.There were 117 bedside and 571 fluoroscopic-guided IVCF placed during this period. Patients receiving bedside IVCF were younger (50.8 vs. 60.7 years, P 0.001), less often had malignancy (22.2% vs. 42.6%, P 0.001), and received prophylactic filters more commonly (59.9% vs. 29.9%, P 0.001). Placement-related complications occurred in 4.3% and 0.6%, respectively (bedside IVCF: 4 malpositions, 1 severe tilt; fluoroscopic-guided IVCF: 1 malposition, 1 severe tilt, P = 0.01). Indwelling IVCF-related complications occurred equally during median follow-up of 463 and 488 days, respectively (deep vein thrombosis: 13.7% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.92; pulmonary embolism: 5.1% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.61; filter thrombosis: 3.4% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.82). Time to indwelling complication was similar between groups (74 vs. 127 days, P = 0.29).Bedside placement of IVUS-guided IVCF is safe, but with higher procedural complications when compared with fluoroscopic placement. Long-term indwelling complications are similar between IVCF placed via bedside IVUS guidance and fluoroscopic approach.

OBJECTIVES Complete coronary revascularization has been associated with improved mortality among patients undergoing surgical bypass grafting. A similar evaluation among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for multivessel disease has produced largely concordant results, although complete percutaneous revascularization is often not achieved in this population. The present study sought to evaluate the clinical and anatomic limitations to complete revascularization among contemporary patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization for multivessel coronary artery disease. METHODS All patients undergoing nonemergent PCI for unprotected left main or multivessel coronary artery disease were identified at two academic medical centers from 2009 to 2012. Complete revascularization was determined through a review of the electronic medical records and corresponding coronary angiograms. The underlying reasons that precluded complete revascularization were then derived from a review of the clinical and angiographic findings. RESULTS Among 978 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, 267 (27%) underwent complete percutaneous coronary revascularization. Factors that prevented complete revascularization included chronic total occlusions (54%), treatment limited to the culprit lesion (24%), or persistent disease in small nondominant vessels (24%). After multivariable adjustment, the presence of a chronic total occlusion was associated with significantly reduced odds of receiving complete revascularization (adjusted odds ratio: 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.27). CONCLUSION Complete percutaneous revascularization is uncommon and is hindered by the presence of chronic total occlusions or isolated treatment of an angiographic culprit lesion. Evolving interventional techniques enabling treatment of chronic total occlusions may increase the prevalence of complete percutaneous revascularization in the future.

Mortality associated with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) remains high. Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) allows for acute hemodynamic stabilization and potentially for administration of other disease process altering therapies. We sought to compare two eras: pre-ECMO and post-ECMO in relation to high-risk PE treatment and mortality. A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted of high-risk PE patients. High-risk PE was defined as acute PE and cardiac arrest or shock. A total of 60 patients were identified, 31 in the pre-ECMO era and 29 in the post-ECMO era. Mean age was 56.1±21.1 years and 51.7% were women. More patients in the post-ECMO era were identified with computed tomography (82.8% vs 51.6%, p=0.011) and more patients in the post-ECMO era had right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography (96.4% vs 78.3%, p=0.045). No other differences were noted in baseline characteristics or clinical, laboratory and imaging data between the two groups. In total, ECMO was used in 13 (44.8%) patients in the post-ECMO era. There was greater utilization of catheter-directed therapies in the post-ECMO era compared to the pre-ECMO era ( n = 7 (24.1%) vs n = 1 (3.2%), p=0.024). Thirty-day survival increased from 17.2% in patients who presented in the pre-ECMO era to 41.4% in the post-ECMO era ( p=0.043). While more work is necessary to better identify those PE patients who stand to benefit from mechanical circulatory support, our findings have important implications for the management of such patients.

Objectives Patients with metastatic carcinoma and venous thromboembolism commonly have contraindications to anticoagulation that prompt the use of retrievable inferior vena cava filters. The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of inferior vena cava filter use, anticoagulation management, and development of inferior vena cava filter-related complications in patients with localized versus metastatic carcinoma. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of inferior vena cava filter use at a tertiary referral hospital between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Including only patients with cancer and carcinomas, both metastatic and localized, we recorded the indications for inferior vena cava filter, postfilter practices including anticoagulation use, filter retrieval rates, and filter-related complications. Results Overall, 154 patients with carcinoma underwent inferior vena cava filter placement. Basic demographics and indication for filter placement were similar between the metastatic and localized groups. Metastatic patients had more filter-related complications (25% vs 11%, P = .03) and underwent filter retrieval less often (31% vs 58%, P = .01). Time to reinitiating anticoagulation was longer in metastatic patients (5.5 vs 2 days, P = .05). In multivariate analysis, metastatic disease was associated with reduced inferior vena cava filter retrieval (odds ratio, 0.3; P = .003). Anticoagulation use was associated with a lower rate of filter-related complications (odds ratio, 0.3; P = .005). Conclusions Patients with metastatic carcinoma with an indwelling inferior vena cava filter had a higher rate of filter-related complications, a lower filter retrieval rate, and a greater median time to initiating anticoagulation. When possible, early reinitiation of anticoagulation may reduce inferior vena cava filter-related complications.

Recurrent myocardial infarctions and premature coronary atherosclerosis in a 23-year-old man with antiphospholipid syndrome

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial location of vulnerable plaques at coronary artery bifurcations using frequency domain-optical coherence tomography. BACKGROUND In-vivo data on geometric location of vulnerable plaques in relation to coronary bifurcation are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 40 patients with left anterior descending artery bifurcation were studied. Plaque characteristics in five regions in relation to a side branch were compared: opposite flow divider (OFD); bifurcation site (BF); main branch side proximal (MBP); side branch side proximal (SBP); and flow divider (FD). Frequency domain-optical coherence tomography was used for plaque characterization. RESULTS Seventy-two lipid-rich plaques and 15 thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) were detected in 220 regions of 44 bifurcations. Overall, the main branch side had more vulnerable characteristics compared with the side branch side. The FD was rarely affected by lipid accumulation. The OFD showed the highest prevalence of lipid-rich plaques [47.7% (OFD) vs. 45.5% (MBP), 43.2% (BF), 18.2% (SBP), and 9.1% (FD), P

The primary objective of this study is the compare the association between bleeding and the use unfractionated heparin (UFH) versus bivalirudin during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).In patients undergoing PCI, the risk of bleeding with use of bivalirudin compared with UFH in the absence of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors is not well defined.Patients undergoing PCI with either UFH or bivalirudin monotherapy at a single institution between 2007 and 2014 were included (n = 6,143). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for baseline characteristics yielding 2,984 well matched patients (1,492 in each group). The primary endpoint was major non-coronary artery bypass graft (non-CABG) related bleeding as defined by a Bleeding Academic Consortium type 3 or 5. Secondary outcomes included combined major and minor bleeding, in-hospital death, periprocedural myocardial infarction, and recurrent ischemia requiring urgent revascularization (repeat PCI).In the propensity matched cohort, there was no difference in major bleeding between UFH and bivalirudin monotherapy (1.8% versus 2.4%, P = 0.305). Combined major and minor bleeding was also similar between the two groups (4.3% versus 4.3%, P = 1.0). Likewise, no differences were observed between the bivalirudin and UFH groups in terms of in-hospital death (0.4% versus 0.5%, P = 0.592), periprocedural myocardial infarction (1.5% versus 2.0%, P = 0.332) and repeat PCI (0.7% versus 0.8%, P = 0.669).Among patients undergoing PCI, there was no significant difference in rate of bleeding between bivalirudin and heparin monotherapy in a real-world setting.

Background Popliteal vein aneurysm (PVA) may be an incidental finding on imaging, but often presents in the context of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). The role of anticoagulation with or without surgical excision versus expectant management is ill defined. Methods In this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, patient records from January 2002 to December 2013 were queried for terminology consistent with PVA. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were extracted via chart review. Results A total of 21 patients with PVA were identified (57% male). Mean follow-up was 38 ± 31 months. Mean PVA diameter was 2.5 ± 1.1 cm; 67% were saccular (with the remainder being fusiform), 19% contained thrombus, 67% were left sided, and bilateral PVA was present in 24% of cases. At the time of PVA diagnosis, 14% had pulmonary embolism. Treatment consisted of observation only (62%), anticoagulation (19%), surgery (5%), or both anticoagulation and surgery (14%). There were no recurrences of VTE once treated, although there was 1 acute deep venous thrombosis in a patient who was managed conservatively. Two patients had recurrent PVA after surgery, and there were 2 surgical complications (transient foot drop and hematoma). Conclusions PVA is associated with VTE. Based on our series, it is unclear if incidentally discovered PVA (without VTE) warrants treatment with anticoagulation and/or surgical repair. Further multicenter studies are needed to establish the indications for safety and durability of surgery.

Smoking is associated with high incidence of cardiovascular events including acute coronary syndrome. We sought to characterize coronary plaques in patients with ongoing smoking using optical coherence tomography (OCT) compared with former smokers and nonsmokers. We identified 465 coronary plaques from 182 subjects who underwent OCT imaging for all 3 coronary arteries. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: current smokers (n = 41), former smokers (n = 67), and nonsmokers (n = 74). OCT analysis included the presence of lipid-rich plaque, thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), calcification, maximum lipid arc, lipid core length, lipid index, and fibrous cap thickness. Lipid index was defined by mean lipid arc multiplied by lipid core length. Compared with former smokers and nonsmokers, the incidence of lipid plaques and TCFA was significantly higher in current smokers (lipid plaques: 68.0% vs 45.9% and 52.6%, p = 0.002; TCFA: 18.4% vs 7.6% and 9.9%, p = 0.018). There was a trend for higher plaque disruption in current smokers. Former smokers were more likely to have calcified plaques than current and nonsmokers (52.9% vs 32.0% and 38.0%, p = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, current smoking, low-density lipoprotein, and presentation with acute coronary syndrome were independently associated with the presence of TCFAs. In conclusion, current smokers are more likely to have lipid plaques and OCT-defined vulnerable plaques (TCFAs). Former smokers have increased number of calcified plaques. These results may explain the increased risk of acute cardiac events among smokers.

Venous thromboembolism contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Because cancer patients frequently have contraindications to anticoagulation, inferior vena cava filters are commonly placed. The use, safety, and retrieval of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in cancer patients have not been well studied.A retrospective review of retrievable inferior vena cava filter use at a tertiary referral hospital was conducted between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011. Indications for inferior vena cava filter placement, anticoagulation practices, complications, filter retrieval, and patient outcomes were analyzed for patients with and without active cancer and for cancer subtypes, including localized and metastatic cases.Of 666 patients receiving retrievable inferior vena cava filters during this time period, 247 (37.1%) had active cancer. Of these, 151 (22.7%) had carcinoma, 92 (13.8%) had sarcoma, and 115 (17.3%) had metastatic disease. Overall, follow-up was available for a median of 401.0 (interquartile range: 107.5-786.5) days. Indwelling filter-related complications occurred in 19.8% of patients without cancer and 17.7% with an active cancer (P = .50). Patients with cancer were less likely to have the filter retrieved (28.0% vs 42.0%, P.001). In multivariable analysis, cancer was not associated with filter-related complications but was associated with a lower rate of filter retrieval.In a modern cohort of patients undergoing retrievable inferior vena cava filter placement, active diagnosis of cancer is not associated with a significant increase in filter-related complications, but is associated with a reduced rate of filter retrieval.

Retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) were designed to provide temporary protection from pulmonary embolism in high-risk situations. However, little is known about their effectiveness, and many remain permanently implanted, leading to potential complications. The aim of this study was to determine patient characteristics, indications for IVCF placement, retrieval rates, complications, and post-IVCF anticoagulation (AC) practices in patients who have received IVCFs. A retrospective review of IVCF use by 3 specialty groups from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011, was conducted at a tertiary referral center. Indications for IVCF, procedural success and complications, post-IVCF AC practices, and patient outcomes were assessed. Seven hundred fifty-eight IVCFs were placed. Follow-up was available for 688 patients (90.7%) at a median of 342.0 days (interquartile range 81.5 to 758.0). Indications for IVCF placement included contraindication to AC in the presence of acute venous thromboembolism (n = 287 [41.7%]) and prophylaxis (n = 235 [34.2%]). Insertion-related complications occurred in 28 patients (4.1%). After IVCF placement, adequate AC was initiated in 454 patients (66.0%)3.0 days (interquartile range 0 to 13.0) after insertion, but the overall retrieval rate was only 252 of 688 (36.6%) within a median of 134.0 days (interquartile range 72.50 to 205.8). Significant IVCF-related complications occurred in 122 patients (17.7%) within 32 days (interquartile range 13.0 to 116.8). The most common complication (72 of 131 [55.0%]) was deep vein thrombosis. In conclusion, in a large, modern cohort of patients receiving retrievable IVCFs for a variety of indications by various specialties, IVCF insertion remains safe. However, many patients have IVCF-related complications, and often, even when IVCFs are retrieved, there is a delay between AC and retrieval. Quality improvement initiatives that facilitate the expeditious retrieval of IVCF are needed.

Background Recent studies described different clinical and underlying plaque characteristics between patients with and without plaque rupture presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In light of the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that nonculprit plaques might also express different morphological features in these 2 groups of patients. Methods Thirty-eight patients with ACS who underwent 3-vessel optical coherence tomography imaging were identified from the Massachusetts General Hospital Optical Coherence Tomography Registry. Based on culprit plaque morphology, the study population was divided into 2 groups: patients with plaque rupture at the culprit lesion (group 1) and patients with nonruptured plaque at the culprit lesion (group 2). Prevalence and features of nonculprit plaques were compared between the 2 groups. Results A total of 118 nonculprit plaques were analyzed. Patients in group 1 (n = 17) had nonculprit plaques with higher prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (52.9% vs 19.0%, P = .029) and disruption (35.3% vs 4.8%, P = .016) compared with patients in group 2 (n = 21). Nonculprit plaques in group 1 showed wider maximum lipid arc (198.9° ± 41.7° vs 170.2° ± 41.9°, P = .003), greater lipid length (7.8 ± 4.4 mm vs 5.1 ± 2.4 mm, P = .003), higher lipid index (1196.9 ± 700.5 vs 747.7 ± 377.3, P = .001), and thinner fibrous cap (107.0 ± 56.5 μm vs 137.3 ± 69.8 μm, P = .035) compared with those in group 2. Conclusions The present study showed distinctive features of nonculprit plaques between patients with ACS caused by plaque rupture and patients with ACS caused by nonruptured plaques. Patients with plaque rupture had increased pancoronary vulnerability in nonculprit plaques, suggesting that a more aggressive treatment paradigm aiming at the stabilization of vulnerable plaques may offer additional benefit to these patients.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to characterize the morphological features of plaque erosion and calcified nodule in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by optical coherence tomography (OCT).BackgroundPlaque erosion and calcified nodule have not been systematically investigated in vivo.MethodsA total of 126 patients with ACS who had undergone pre-intervention OCT imaging were included. The culprit lesions were classified as plaque rupture (PR), erosion (OCT-erosion), calcified nodule (OCT-CN), or with a new set of diagnostic criteria for OCT.ResultsThe incidences of PR, OCT-erosion, and OCT-CN were 43.7%, 31.0%, and 7.9%, respectively. Patients with OCT-erosion were the youngest, compared with those with PR and OCT-CN (53.8 ± 13.1 years vs. 60.6 ± 11.5 years, 65.1 ± 5.0 years, p = 0.005). Compared with patients with PR, presentation with non–ST-segment elevation ACS was more common in patients with OCT-erosion (61.5% vs. 29.1%, p = 0.008) and OCT-CN (100% vs. 29.1%, p

Emerging evidence suggests that neointimal degenerative changes with development of neoatherosclerosis (NA) may represent an important mechanism for late stent failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between degree of neointimal hyperplasia and incidence and characteristics of NA using optical coherence tomography. We identified a total of 252 stents with mean neointimal thickness (NIT)100 μm in 212 patients: 100 bare metal stents (BMSs) and 152 drug-eluting stents (DESs). Based on the values of mean NIT, we divided stents into tertiles and compared neointimal characteristics among the 3 groups. NA was defined as the presence of lipid-laden intima and/or calcification inside the stent. In both BMS and DES, there was a difference in the prevalence of lipid-laden intima among the tertiles (18.2% vs 36.4% vs 47.1%, p = 0.042 [BMS]; 19.6% vs 56.9% vs 88.0%, p0.001 [DES]). However, no difference in the prevalence of in-stent calcification was observed (21.2% vs 21.2% vs 2.9%, p = 0.053 [BMS]; 5.9% vs 9.8% vs 2.0%, p = 0.252 [DES]). In a multivariate model adjusting for stent type, follow-up duration, conventional coronary risk factors, statin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blockade use, mean NIT was independently associated with the presence of NA (odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval 1.96 to 3.27, p0.001). This study demonstrates the presence of a positive correlation between degree of neointimal hyperplasia after stent implantation and presence of lipid-laden intima. This association is independent from stent type and time from implantation and suggests a possible pathogenic link between the two processes.

Background— Chronic kidney disease (CKD) promotes the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the coronary plaque characteristics of patients with and without CKD using optical coherence tomography. Methods and Results— We identified 463 nonculprit plaques from 287 patients from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) optical coherence tomography registry. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate 2 . A total of 402 plaques (250 patients) were in the non-CKD group and 61 plaques (37 patients) were in the CKD group. Compared with non-CKD plaques, plaques with CKD had a larger lipid index (mean lipid arc×lipid length, 1248.4±782.8 mm° [non-CKD] versus 1716.1±1116.2 mm° [CKD]; P =0.003). Fibrous cap thickness was not significantly different between the groups. Calcification (34.8% [non-CKD] versus 50.8% [CKD]; P =0.041), cholesterol crystals (11.2% [non-CKD] versus 23.0% [CKD]; P =0.048), and plaque disruption (5.5% [non-CKD] versus 13.1% [CKD]; P =0.049) were more frequently observed in the CKD group. In the multivariate linear regression model, a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for a larger lipid index. Conclusions— Compared with non-CKD patients, the patients with CKD had a larger lipid index with a higher prevalence of calcium, cholesterol crystals, and plaque disruption. The multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate was an independent risk factor for a larger lipid index. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01110538.

To compare intracoronary near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the detection of lipid, to identify NIRS signals to differentiate superficial lipid, and to characterize the plaque with yellow block (YB) chemograms on NIRS.Intracoronary NIRS has been developed to detect lipid core plaque (LCP).We investigated a total of 17 patients who underwent both OCT and NIRS. NIRS analysis included plaque lipid core burden index (LCBI), LCP length, and the presence of YB on the block chemogram. OCT analysis included maximum lipid arc (LA), the length of lipid (LL), lipid index, and the thinnest fibrous cap thickness (FCT).Twenty-five plaques with40% plaque burden were analyzed. LCP, showing LCBI0, was observed in 20 plaques (80%) and YB was detected in seven plaques (28%). Plaque LCBI showed modest correlations with maximum LA and lipid index by OCT (r(2) = 0.319, P = 0.003 and r(2) = 0. 404, P = 0.001, respectively). Lipid length showed a significant correlation between NIRS and OCT measurements (r(2) = 0.581, P0.001). There was no significant difference in NIRS parameters between superficial and deep lipid. Plaques with YB compared with those without YB showed a larger LA, longer LL, and thinner FCT (185 ± 29° vs. 105 ± 76°, P = 0.014; 8.5 ± 3.3 mm vs. 3.3 ± 2.7 mm, P = 0.001; 112 ± 42 vs. 166 ± 61 µm, P = 0.033).NIRS and OCT parameters showed modest linear correlations in the measurement of lipid. The accurate depth of lipid in the vessel wall could not be identified by quantitative NIRS parameters. YB chemograms represented more vulnerable features on OCT.

Background— The pathophysiological basis for the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and coronary artery disease is not well understood. We sought to characterize coronary plaques in patients with MetS by using optical coherence tomography. Methods and Results— We identified 451 coronary plaques from 171 subjects who underwent optical coherence tomographic imaging in 3 coronary arteries. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: diabetes mellitus (DM, n=77), MetS (n=35), and a control group (C group, n=59) without DM or MetS. Optical coherence tomographic analysis included the presence of lipid-rich plaque, maximum lipid arc, lipid-core length, lipid index (LI), fibrous cap thickness, and thin-cap fibroatheroma. We defined LI as mean lipid arc multiplied by lipid-core length. Lipid-core length and LI were significantly greater in DM and MetS than in C group (lipid-core length: 7.7±4.0 and 7.0±3.8 versus 5.5±2.4 mm; P P =0.012, and LI: 1164±716 and 1086±693 versus 796±417 mm; P P =0.008). Maximum lipid arc was significantly greater in DM than in C group, whereas no significant difference was observed between MetS and C group (196±45°, 187±42° versus 176±52°; P =0.002 and P =0.182). Fibrous cap thickness and thin-cap fibroatheroma showed no significant difference among the 3 groups. In multivariate analysis, DM and MetS were independently associated with LI, whereas only acute coronary syndrome was the independent predictor for thin-cap fibroatheroma. Conclusions— Compared with control subjects, coronary plaques in MetS contain larger lipid. However, the MetS criteria used in this study could not distinguish the vulnerable features such as thin-cap fibroatheroma, suggesting the necessity of complementary information to identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.

Patients with previous stroke are at high-risk for myocardial infarction (MI). Concern regarding increased risk of bleeding or recurrent stroke in this patient population might alter therapeutic decisions. Data were collected from 281 hospitals in the United States in the NCDR ACTION Registry. Patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI; n = 15,997) or non-STEMI (NSTEMI; n = 25,514) entered into the registry from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 were included. We assessed use of evidence-based medications and procedures in patients with and without previous stroke. Risk-adjusted odds ratio of death, major bleeding not related to coronary artery bypass grafting, and a composite outcome (major adverse cardiac events [MACEs], i.e., death/MI/stroke/cardiogenic shock/congestive heart failure) were calculated using logistic regression. Previous stroke was reported in 5.1% of patients with STEMI and 9.3% of those with NSTEMI. Of patients with STEMI eligible for reperfusion therapy, those with previous stroke were less likely to receive reperfusion therapy compared to patients without previous stroke. Patients with previous stroke had longer door-to-needle and door-to-balloon times. Of patients with STEMI and NSTEMI, those with previous stroke were less likely to receive evidence-based therapies. Death, MACEs, and major bleeding were more common with previous stroke. When adjusted for baseline risk, patients with previous stroke were at increased risk of death (only those with STEMI) and MACEs but not bleeding. In conclusion, patients with STEMI and previous stroke are at increased risk for death and patients with STEMI and NSTEMI are at increased risk of MACE. Despite this, previous stroke patients are less likely to receive guideline-based MI therapies.