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Subjects with ASCVD or stroke who better adhered to the MIND diet presented a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death, suggesting the MIND diet as a therapeutic dietary pattern with a great value in the secondary prevention of ASCVD.

In the multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled FAVOR (Comparison of Quantitative Flow Ratio Guided and Angiography Guided Percutaneous Intervention in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease) III China trial, quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-based lesion selection improved 1-year clinical outcomes compared with conventional angiographic guidance for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).The purpose of this study was to determine whether the benefits of QFR guidance persist at 2 years, particularly for patients in whom QFR changed the revascularization strategy.Eligible patients were randomized to a QFR-guided strategy (PCI performed only if QFR ≤0.80) or a standard angiography-guided strategy. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or ischemia-driven revascularization occurring within 2 years were analyzed in the intention-to-treat population.Among 3,825 randomized participants, 2-year MACE occurred in 161 of 1,913 (8.5%) patients in the QFR-guided group and in 237 of 1,912 (12.5%) patients in the angiography-guided group (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.54-0.81; P 0.0001), driven by fewer MIs (4.0% vs 6.8%; HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.44-0.77; P = 0.0002) and ischemia-driven revascularizations (4.2% vs 5.8%; HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.53-0.95; P = 0.02) in the QFR-guided group. Landmark analysis showed consistent results within the first year and between 1-2 years (PQFR-guided lesion selection improved 2-year clinical outcomes compared with standard angiography guidance. The benefits were most pronounced among patients in whom QFR assessment altered the planned revascularization strategy. (FAVOR III China Study [The Comparison of Quantitative Flow Ratio Guided and Angiography Guided Percutaneous Intervention in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease] NCT03656848).

Aims To explore the association between elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI) on 30-day mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Methods and results A total of 1321 consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency department of Fuwai Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 were enrolled. Patients had computed tomography-confirmed ATAAD and were measured serum cTnI on admission. Patients were divided into the troponin-positive (cTnI > 0.02 ng/mL) or the troponin-negative group (cTnI ≤ 0.02 ng/mL). Troponin was detected by PATHFAST instrument produced by Medins Co., Ltd., and the reference range of normal value is 0–0.02 ng/mL. A total of 522 out of 1321 patients (39.5%) in our study had elevated cTnI, who had higher 30–day mortality rate compared with the troponin-negative group (44.4% vs. 19.4% P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that elevated cTnI was an independent risk indicator for 30-day mortality (odds ratio: 2.582; 95% confidence interval: 1.357–4.914; P = 0.0039). The addition of elevated cTnI level to a clinical-based risk prediction model resulted in significant incremental prognostic value (AUC difference: 0.0261). Conclusion Elevated cTnI is common in patients with ATAAD, and is associated with increased 30-day mortality risk.

Background and Aims The present study sought to determine the rate and prognostic implications of post-procedural physiologically significant residual ischemia according to Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) after left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Consecutive patients undergoing LM bifurcation stenting at a large tertiary care center between January 2014 and December 2016 with available post-PCI μQFR were included. Physiologically significant residual ischemia was defined by post-PCI μQFR values ≤0.80 in the left anterior descending (LAD) or circumflex artery (LCX). The primary outcome was 3-year cardiovascular death. The major secondary outcome was 3-year bifurcation oriented composite endpoint (BOCE). Results Among 1,170 included patients with analyzable post-PCI μQFR, 155 (13.2%) had residual ischemia in either LAD or LCX. Patients with vs. those without residual ischemia had a higher risk of 3-year cardiovascular mortality (5.4% vs. 1.3%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-8.80). The 3-year risk of BOCE was significantly higher in the residual ischemia group (17.8% vs. 5.8%; adjusted HR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.68-4.64), driven by higher incidence of the composite of cardiovascular death and target bifurcation-related myocardial infarction (14.0% vs. 3.3%; adjusted HR 4.06, 95% CI: 2.22-7.42). A significant, inverse association was observed between continuous post-PCI μQFR and the risk of clinical outcomes (per 0.1 μQFR decrease, HR of cardiovascular death 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00-1.62; HR of BOCE 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.47). Conclusion After angiographically successful LM bifurcation PCI, residual ischemia assessed by μQFR was identified in 13.2% of patients and was associated with higher risk of 3-year cardiovascular death, indicating the superior prognostic value of post-PCI physiological assessment.

Aims To evaluate the prognostic impact of prediabetes identified by different glycemic thresholds (according to ADA or WHO/IEC criteria) and diagnostic tests (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] or hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods In this prospective cohort study, we consecutively enrolled 4,088 stable CAD nondiabetic patients with a median follow-up period of 3.2 years. Prediabetes was defined according to ADA criteria as FPG 5.6∼6.9 mmol/L and/or HbA1c 5.7∼6.4%, and WHO/IEC criteria as FPG 6.1∼6.9mmol/L and/or HbA1c 6.0∼6.4%. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction or stroke. Results The prevalence of prediabetes defined according to ADA criteria (67%) was double that of WHO/IEC criteria (34%). Compared with patients with normoglycemia, those with WHO/IEC-defined prediabetes were significantly associated with higher risk of MACE (adjusted HR 1.50, 95%CI 1.10-2.06), mainly driven by the higher incidence of events in individuals with HbA1c-defined prediabetes. However, this difference was not found in patients with ADA-defined prediabetes and normoglycemia (adjusted HR 1.17, 95%CI 0.81-1.68). Although FPG was not associated with cardiovascular events, HbA1c improved the risk prediction for MACE in a model of traditional risk factors. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff value of HbA1c for predicting MACE was 5.85%, which was close to the threshold recommended by IEC. Conclusion This study supports the use of WHO/IEC criteria for the identification of prediabetes in stable CAD patients. HbA1c, rather than FPG, should be considered as a useful marker for risk stratification in this population. Trial registration not applicable.

BackgroundThe platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a promising inflammatory biomarker contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study aims to document the value of PLR in predicting adverse events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with and without T2DM.MethodsThis study consecutively enrolled 8831 patients who received PCI, and we divided them into 4 groups according to the PLR level and glycemic metabolic statuses (PLR-low/high with non-T2DM, PLR-low/high with T2DM). The endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and stent thrombosis. Multivariate COX regression analysis was used to determine the association.ResultsDuring the 2.4-year follow-up, a total of 663 (7.5%) MACCE and 75 (0.85%) stent thrombosis were recorded. Results showed that patients with high PLR levels presented a significantly higher risk of MACCE (HR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.07 to 1.47,P= 0.005) and stent thrombosis (HR: 2.29, 95%CI, 1.39 to 3.79,P= 0.001) when compared with the PLR-low group. When focused on patients with T2DM, the PLR-high group showed a significantly higher risk of MACCE (HR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.17 to 2.00,P= 0.002) and stent thrombosis (HR: 3.79, 95%CI, 1.62 to 8.86,P= 0.002). However, these associations were not significant in patients without T2DM.ConclusionsFor the first time, PLR is documented as a great predictor for the poor prognosis and high incidence of stent thrombosis in patients with CAD, especially in those with T2DM.CLINICAL PERSPECTIVEWhat Is New?In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), high serum platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is associated with poor prognosis and a high risk of stent thrombosis.When focusing on patients with different glycemia statuses, we found that the predictive value of PLR for poor prognosis and high risk of stent thrombosis was significant in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but not in patients without T2DM.Among patients with different PLR levels and glycemia statuses, those combined with both high PLR levels and T2DM showed the highest risk of poor prognosis and stent thrombosis.In stent thrombosis events, very late stent thrombosis is the most common type in patients with high PLR.What Are the Clinical Implications?Patients undergoing PCI with high PLR levels should be monitored closely.Residual inflammation should be focused among patients with coronary heart disease after revascularization to improve the long-term prognosis.

Aims The ESC/EACTS myocardial revascularization guidelines recently standardized the definition of patients at high ischemic risk (HIR). However, the ability of ESC/EACTS-HIR criteria to stratify ischemic and bleeding risk in a contemporary real-world East Asian cohort remains unexplored. Methods A total of 10,167 consecutive patients undergoing PCI from prospective Fuwai PCI Registry (January 2013 to December 2013) were reviewed. ESC/EACTS-HIR features was defined as having at least one of the eight clinical and angiographic characteristics. The primary ischemic endpoint was target vessel failure (cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction [MI], or target vessel revascularization [TVR]); bleeding outcome was assessed using the BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Median follow-up was 29 months. Results Compared with non-HIR patients, HIR patients (n=5,149, 50.6%) were associated with increased risk for target vessel failure (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadjust]: 1.48 [1.25-1.74]) and patient-oriented composite outcome (HRadjust: 1.44 [1.28-1.63]), as well as cardiac death, MI, and TVR. By contrast, the risk of clinically relevant bleeding was not significantly different between the two groups. (HRadjust: 0.84 [0.66-1.06]). Greater than or equal to three implanted stents and diabetic patients with diffuse multivessel coronary disease emerged as independent predictors for long-term adverse outcomes. There was no significant interaction between high bleeding risk (HBR) status and clinical outcomes associated with ESC/EACTS-HIR criteria (all Pinteraction ＞0.05). Conclusion The ESC/EACTS-HIR features identified patients at increased risk of thrombotic events, including cardiac death, but not for clinically relevant bleeding. Importantly, HBR did not modify cardiovascular risk subsequent to patients with ESC/EACTS-HIR features, suggesting its potential clinical applicability in tailoring antithrombotic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a novel angiography-based physiological index for fast computation of fractional flow reserve without the use of a pressure wire or induction of hyperaemia. AIMS: We sought to investigate the prevalence and prognostic implications of achieving physiology-consistent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to the baseline angiographic QFR in an all-comers cohort. METHODS: QFR was retrospectively analysed from the angiograms of 1,391 patients enrolled in the randomised PANDA III trial. Patients in whom all functionally ischaemic vessels (baseline QFR ≤0.80) were treated and in whom all non-ischaemic vessels (baseline QFR>0.80) were deferred were termed as having had QFR-consistent treatment; otherwise, they were termed as having had QFR-inconsistent treatment. The major outcome was two-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE; a composite of all-cause death, all myocardial infarction (MI), or any ischaemia-driven revascularisation). RESULTS: Overall, 814 (58.5%) patients had QFR-consistent PCI, while 577 (41.5%) patients received QFR-inconsistent PCI. Patients with QFR-consistent versus those with QFR-inconsistent treatment had a lower risk of two-year MACE (8.4% vs 14.7%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.78). After adjusting for differences in baseline covariates, two-year rates of MACE remained significantly lower in the QFR-consistent group (8.8% vs 13.6%; adjusted HR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44-0.93), due mainly to reduced ischaemia-driven revascularisation (2.9% vs 8.0%; adjusted HR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: In this post hoc analysis of an all-comers PCI trial, approximately 60% of patients were treated in accordance with what the QFR measurement would have recommended, the achievement of which was associated with improved two-year clinical outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02017275

This study aimed to assess the risk of side branch (SB) occlusion using the V-RESOLVE (The Visual Estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation interVEntion) score in unprotected left main (LM) bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).The V-RESOLVE score is a validated score system, based on visual estimation of angiographic data, for prediction of the risk of SB occlusion after main vessel (MV) stenting in non-LM bifurcation lesions. However, its predictive value for unprotected LM bifurcation lesions remains to be validated.From January 2014 to December 2016, 855 patients undergoing unprotected LM bifurcation PCI using a provisional strategy were included. Baseline and prestenting angiographic data were analyzed, and the V-RESOLVE score was calculated. SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade or the absence of flow in the SB after MV stenting. The predictive performance of the V-RESOLVE score was judged by discrimination, calibration, and clinical application.vSB occlusion occurred in 19 (2.2%) of 855 unprotected LM bifurcation PCI procedures using a provisional strategy. The V-RESOLVE score for SB occlusion had brilliant discrimination (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77-0.84) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow: p = 0.154). Stratified by the V-RESOLVE score, significantly higher rates of SB occlusion were observed in the high-risk group (score: 12-43) compared with the nonhigh-risk group (score: 0-11) (4.4% vs. 0.6%, p 0.001).The V-RESOLVE score is a promising tool to predict the risk of SB occlusion and facilitate decision-making for unprotected LM bifurcation PCI.

To assess the impact of intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) on patients with cardiogenic shock in an intensive care unit setting.IABP counterpulsation is a widely used mechanical circulatory support device, but its performance has been questioned. However, current evidence of IABP use in cardiogenic shock is very limited (mainly from the IABP-SHOCK II trial), which was restricted to cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.This was a retrospective, real-world, cohort study based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Adult patients with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock were eligible.A total of 1028 patients with cardiogenic shock were assessed, including 384 patients who received IABP and 644 patients who did not. The in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients who received IABP (adjusted odds ratio: 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.91, p = 0.009). Analysis of secondary endpoints found that the use of IABP was associated with a significantly lower risk of 1-year mortality. After propensity score matching, the in-hospital mortality remained significantly lower in the IABP group (28.10% vs. 37.59%, p = 0.018).In the current cohort, IABP treatment was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock. Due to the complexity of pathophysiology in cardiogenic shock and the discrepancies in current evidence, our results should be validated through further studies in the future.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the value of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions for predicting cardiovascular events (CVEs) in untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) using an age- and gender-matched case-control study.MethodsIn total, 185 SCAD patients and 185 T2DM patients with SCAD were enrolled and subjected to a clinical follow-up of CVEs. HDL subfractions were analyzed using the Quantimetrix Lipoprint System. The relationship between HDL subfractions and CVEs in T2DM patients with SCAD was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsDuring a median 37.7-month follow-up, T2DM patients with SCAD had a higher percentage of CVEs compared to SCAD patients (p=0.039). The concentration of the combined intermediate and small HDL-C subfraction (defined as the mixed HDL subfraction) was related to the event incidence in T2DM patients with SCAD (p=0.004), and it was positively associated with increased CVEs even after adjustment in three models. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that T2DM patients with SCAD in the high mixed HDL subfraction group (>28 mg/dL) had lower event-free survival rates (p=0.008).ConclusionsElevated concentration of the mixed HDL subfraction concentration predicts events in T2DM patients with SCAD.

Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is considered to have multiple roles in the development of atherosclerosis, which is recently reported to participate in the thrombotic process. We aimed to examine the relationship between PCSK9 concentration, coagulation indexes and cardiovascular events. Methods A total of 2293 consecutive patients with angina-like chest pain and without lipid-lowering drugs treatment were enrolled and followed up for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Circulating PCSK9 concentration was determined by ELISA. The routine coagulation tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time were performed. The associations between PCSK9 concentration, routine coagulation indicators and MACEs were analyzed. Results Patients with high PCSK9 levels had lower PT and APTT levels (all p p Conclusions Our study firstly suggested that PCSK9 concentration was negatively correlated with plasma levels of PT. Furthermore, high PCSK9 and low PT were associated with MACEs and the combination of PCSK9 with PT had an addictive effect on predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chest pain, which was useful for further subdivision of cardiovascular risks.

Background Prediabetes is common and associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome and those undergoing revascularization. However, the impact of prediabetes on prognosis in patients with coronary intermediate lesions remains unclear. The objective of the current study is to explore the impact of prediabetes and compare the prognostic value of the different definitions of prediabetes in patients with coronary intermediate lesions. Methods A total of 1532 patients with intermediate coronary lesions on coronary angiography and not undergoing revascularization were enrolled in the current study. Patients were classified as normal glucose tolerance (NGT), prediabetes and diabetes according to various definitions based on HbA1c or admission fasting glucose. The primary endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), the composite endpoint of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and repeated revascularization therapy. Multivariate cox regression model was used to explore the association between categories of abnormal glucose category and MACE risk. Results The proportion of patients defined as prediabetes ranged from 3.92–47.06% depending on the definition used. A total of 197 MACE occurred during a median follow-up time of 6.1 years. Multivariate cox analysis showed that prediabetes according to the International Expert Committee (IEC) guideline (6.0 ≤ HbA1c

To assess the predictive value of stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) for long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with and without diabetes.We evaluated 6892 patients with AMI from the prospective, nationwide, multicentre China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry, of which 2820 had diabetes, and the remaining 4072 were nondiabetic patients. Patients were divided into high SHR and low SHR groups according to the optimal cutoff values of SHR to predict long-term mortality for diabetic and nondiabetic patients, respectively. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 2 years.The optimal cutoff values of SHR for predicting 2-year mortality were 1.20 and 1.08 for the diabetic and nondiabetic population, respectively. Overall, patients with high SHR were significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with those with low SHR, in both diabetic patients (18.5% vs. 9.7%; hazard ratio [HR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.63-2.49) and nondiabetic patients (12.0% vs. 6.4%; HR 1.95, 95%CI 1.57-2.41). After the potential confounders were adjusted, high SHR was significantly associated with higher risks of long-term mortality in both diabetic (adjusted HR 1.73, 95%CI 1.39-2.15) and nondiabetic (adjusted HR 1.63, 95%CI 1.30-2.03) patients. Moreover, adding SHR to the original model led to a slight albeit significant improvement in C-statistic, net reclassification, and integrated discrimination regardless of diabetic status.This study demonstrated a strong positive association between SHR and long-term mortality in patients with AMI with and without diabetes, suggesting that SHR should be considered a useful marker for risk stratification in these patients.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01874691.

Objectives To determine the association of extended-term (>12-month) versus short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ischemic and hemorrhagic events in high-risk "TWILIGHT-like" patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in clinical practice. Background Recent emphasis on shorter DAPT regimen after PCI irrespective of indication for PCI may fail to account for the substantial residual risk of recurrent atherothrombotic events in ACS patients. Methods All consecutive patients fulfilling the "TWILIGHT-like" criteria undergoing PCI were identified from the prospective Fuwai PCI Registry. High-risk patients (n = 8,358) were defined by at least one clinical and one angiographic feature based on TWILIGHT trial selection criteria. The primary ischemic endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 30 months, composed of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke while BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding was key secondary outcome. Results Of 4,875 high-risk ACS patients who remained event-free at 12 months after PCI, DAPT>12-month compared with shorter DAPT reduced the primary ischemic endpoint by 63% (1.5 vs. 3.8%; HRadj: 0.374, 95% CI: 0.256-0.548; HRmatched: 0.361, 95% CI: 0.221-0.590). The HR for cardiovascular death was 0.049 (0.007-0.362) and that for MI 0.45 (0.153-1.320) and definite/probable stent thrombosis 0.296 (0.080-1.095) in propensity-matched analyses. Rates of BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding (0.9 vs. 1.3%; HRadj: 0.668 [0.379-1.178]; HRmatched: 0.721 [0.369-1.410]) did not differ significantly between two groups. Conclusions Among high-risk ACS patients undergoing PCI, long-term DAPT, compared with shorter DAPT, reduced ischemic events without a concomitant increase in clinically meaning bleeding events, suggesting that prolonged DAPT can be considered in ACS patients who present with a particularly higher risk for thrombotic complications without excessive risk of bleeding.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the impact of 7-Fr sheaths on the incidence of early radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial coronary intervention (TRI) in Chinese patients. BACKGROUND RAO precludes future use of the vessel for vascular access. Transradial catheterization is usually performed via 5-Fr or 6-Fr catheters; 7-Fr sheath insertion enables complex coronary interventions but may increase the RAO risk. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 130 consecutive patients undergoing complex TRI using 7-Fr sheaths. Radial artery ultrasound assessment was performed before and after TRI. Early RAO was defined as the absence of flow on ultrasound within 6-24 hr after TRI. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors related to early RAO after TRI. RESULTS 7-Fr sheaths were mainly used for chronic total occlusion (44.6%), bifurcation (30.0%), and tortuous calcification (25.4%) lesions. All patients were successfully sheathed. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedural success was 96.2%; 119 patients (91.5%) had preserved radial artery patency after TRI. All 11 RAO cases (8.5%) were asymptomatic. The radial artery diameter was significantly larger postoperatively (3.1 ± 0.4 mm) than preoperatively (2.6 ± 0.5 mm) (p

Aims. This study sought to report the 10-year clinical outcomes of patients who underwent unprotected left main (LM) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a large centre. Methods and Results. A total of 913 consecutive patients who underwent unprotected LM PCI from January 2004 to December 2008 at Fu Wai Hospital were retrospectively analysed; the mean age was 60.0 ± 10.9 years, females accounted for 22% of patients, diabetes was present in 27.7% of patients, and an LM bifurcation lesion occurred in 82.9% of patients. During the median follow-up of 9.7 years, major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) occurred in 25.6% (234) of patients, and the rates of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke were 14.9%, 11.0%, and 7.1%, respectively. Cardiac death occurred in only 7.9% of patients. The estimated event rate was 41.9% for death/myocardial infarction/any revascularization and 45.9% for death/MI/stroke/any revascularization. Definite/probable stent thrombosis occurred in 4.3% (39) of patients. According to the subgroup analysis, IVUS-guided PCI was associated with less long-term MACCEs. Further multivariate analysis identified that age and LVEF

The clinical relevance of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is poorly understood. We investigated the prevalence, potential predictors, and prognostic significance of CAE in patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2016 to December 2018 were included and followed up for 1 year. CAE was diagnosed as an abnormal dilation >1.5-fold the diameter of adjacent normal segments on angiography. A total of 590 patients with CAE were identified from 36 790 patients undergoing PCI (overall rate of CAE: 1.6%). In multivariate analysis, variables including body mass index >30 kg/m2 (risk ratio, RR: 2.413, P = .018), ever-smoking (RR: 1.669, P < .001), hypertension (RR: 1.221, P = .025), acute myocardial infarction at admission (RR: 1.343, P = .004), no diabetes (RR: .810, P = .023), previous myocardial infarction (RR: 1.545, P < .001), no left main disease (RR: .632, P = .008) and multiple-vessel disease (RR: 1.326, P = .001), increased C-reactive protein (RR: 1.006, P = .012) were predictors of CAE. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes did not differ significantly between patients with or without CAE ( P = .203). CAE is not uncommon among patients undergoing PCI in this cohort study. The presence of CAE vs its absence had no significant impact on 1-year clinical outcomes after PCI.

Post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) residual disease is associated with clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of residual disease patterns remains unknown.This study aimed to evaluate clinical implications of 2-dimensional residual disease patterns after PCI.One thousand six hundred seven vessels that underwent successful PCI were included. Two-dimensional residual disease patterns were determined by visual assessment or the quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-derived pull back pressure gradient index (with a cutoff value of 0.78 to define predominant focal versus diffuse disease) and instantaneous QFR gradient per unit length (with a cutoff value of ≥0.005/mm to define a major gradient). The clinical outcome was the 2-year vessel-oriented composite outcome (VOCO).Residual disease patterns were classified into 4 groups: predominant focal without and with a major gradient (group 1 [n = 1,058] and group 2 [n = 63], respectively) and predominant diffuse without and with a major gradient (group 3 [n = 318] and group 4 [n = 168], respectively). At 2 years, VOCO was lowest in group 1 (1.4% vs 5.4% in group 2 vs 4.8% in group 3 vs 8.5% in group 4, all P 0.05), whereas there was no prognostic value for classifications by visual assessment. Physiological residual disease patterns were independently associated with VOCO and showed increased prognostic value when introduced to a model with clinical risk factors only (C index: 0.77 vs. 0.68, P = 0.008; net reclassification improvement: 0.65, P 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement: 0.020, P 0.001).Objective analysis of post-PCI QFR pull backs using the concept of 2-dimensional residual disease patterns is feasible and superior to visual assessments. The residual disease patterns were independently associated with VOCO at 2 years.

Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare finding in coronary angiography and associated with worse clinical outcomes. According to the extent of the dilated lesions, CAE is classified into diffuse and focal dilation. The difference in clinical outcomes between these 2 phenotypes remains unknown. Methods A cohort study was conducted comprising CAE patients identified by coronary angiography between January 2009 to December 2013. Follow-up was proceeded annually and the primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as a component of cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction(MI). Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were used to assess the clinical outcomes in diffuse CAE group and focal CAE group. Propensity score matching, propensity score weighting, and subgroup analysis were performed as sensitivity analysis. Results A total of 595 patients were included in this study, including 474 individuals with diffuse CAE and 121 with focal CAE. During a median follow-up of 87 months, Patients in diffuse CAE group showed significantly higher incidences of MACE (13.1% vs. 3.3%;HR 4.28, 95%CI 1.56–11.78, P = .005), as well as cardiovascular death (7.0% vs. 1.7%;HR 4.41, 95%CI 1.06–18.39, P = .041). Higher occurrence rate of MACE was consistent in propensity score matched cohort and propensity score weighted analysis. The same trend towards increased risk of MACE in diffuse CAE group was obtained among subgroup analysis. Conclusions Patients with diffuse CAE was associated with increased risk of MACE compared to those with focal CAE. Diffuse dilation found in coronary angiography should receive more attention by physicians.

Background Risk stratification of patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is important in terms of treatment strategy selection. Current efforts have focused on short-term risk prediction after discharge, but we aimed to establish a risk score to predict the 24-month mortality risk in survivors of NSTEMI.Methods and Results:A total of 5,509 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI between January 2013 and September 2014 were included. Primary endpoint was all-cause death at 24 months. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to establish a practical risk score based on independent risk factors of death. The risk score included 9 variables: age, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, reperfusion therapy during hospitalization, Killip classification, prescription of diuretics at discharge, heart rate, and hemoglobin and creatinine levels. The C-statistics for the risk model were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-0.85) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79-0.86) in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Mortality risk increased significantly across groups: 1.34% in the low-risk group (score: 0-58), 5.40% in intermediate group (score: 59-93), and 23.87% in high-risk group (score: ≥94). Conclusions The current study established and validated a practical risk score based on 9 variables to predict 24-month mortality risk in patients who survive NSTEMI. This score could help identify patients who are at high risk for future adverse events who may benefit from good adherence to guideline-recommended secondary prevention treatment.

The benefits and harms of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) continuation with aspirin and clopidogrel beyond 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for high ischemic or bleeding risk patients remain unclear. All consecutive patients undergoing PCI were prospectively included in the Fuwai PCI Registry from January 2013 to December 2013. We evaluated 7521 patients who were at high risk for thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications and were events free at 1 year after the index procedure. "TWILIGHT-like" patients with high risk of bleeding or ischemic events were defined by clinical and angiographic criteria. The primary ischemic outcome was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE] (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke). Median follow-up duration was 2.4 years. The risk of MACCE was significantly lower in DAPT1-year group (n = 5252) than DAPT≤1-year group (n = 2269) (1.5% vs. 3.8%; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-0.50

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether an active side branch protection (SB-P) strategy is superior to the conventional strategy in reducing side branch (SB) occlusion in high-risk bifurcation treatment. Background Accurate prediction of SB occlusion after main vessel stenting followed by the use of specific strategies to prevent occlusion would be beneficial during bifurcation intervention. Methods Eligible patients who had a bifurcation lesions with high risk for occlusion as determined using the validated V-RESOLVE (Visual Estimation for Risk Prediction of Side Branch Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Intervention) score were randomized to an active SB-P strategy group (elective 2-stent strategy for large SBs and jailed balloon technique for small SBs) or a conventional strategy group (provisional stenting for large SBs and jailed wire technique for small SBs) in a 1:1 ratio stratified by SB vessel size. The primary endpoint of SB occlusion was defined as an angiography core laboratory–assessed decrease in TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade or absence of flow in the SB immediately after full apposition of the main vessel stent to the vessel wall. Results A total of 335 subjects at 16 sites were randomized to the SB-P group (n = 168) and conventional group (n = 167). Patients in the SB-P versus conventional strategy group had a significantly lower rate of SB occlusion (7.7% [13 of 168] vs. 18.0% [30 of 167]; risk difference: –9.1%; 95% confidence interval: −13.1% to −1.8%; p = 0.006), driven mainly by the difference in the small SB subgroup (jailed balloon technique vs. jailed wire technique: 8.1% vs. 18.5%; p = 0.01). Conclusions An active SB-P strategy is superior to a conventional strategy in reducing SB occlusion when treating high-risk bifurcation lesions. (Conventional Versus Intentional Strategy in Patients With High Risk Prediction of Side Branch Occlusion in Coronary Bifurcation Intervention [CIT-RESOLVE]; NCT02644434)

Background/Aim. The relation between complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), high bleeding risk (HBR), and adverse events after coronary artery implantation of drug-eluting stents has been incompletely characterized. This study sought to investigate the ischemic and bleeding events after complex PCI including stratification according to HBR estimated by PARIS bleeding risk score. Methods. Between January 2013 and December 2013, 10,167 consecutive patients undergoing PCI were prospectively enrolled in Fuwai PCI Registry. Complex PCI was defined when having at least one of the following characteristics: 3 vessels treated, ≥3 stents implanted, ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation with 2 stents implanted, total stent length >60 mm, treatment of chronic total occlusion, unprotected left main PCI, in-stent restenosis target lesion, and severely calcified lesion. The primary ischemic endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, definite/probable stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization), and primary bleeding endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Results. The median duration of follow-up was 29 months. In adjusted Cox regression analysis, patients having complex PCI procedures experienced higher risks of MACE (hazard ratio (HR): 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–1.92; P<0.001), compared with noncomplex PCI. In contrast, the risk of clinically relevant bleeding was statistically similar between the 2 groups (HR: 0.86 [0.66–1.11]; P=0.238). There was no statistical interaction between HBR (PARIS bleeding score ≥8 or Pinteraction=0.388) and clinically relevant bleeding (adjusted Pinteraction=0.279). Conclusions. Patients who had undergone complex PCI resulted in substantially more ischemic events, without an increase in clinically relevant bleeding risk, and these associations did not seem to be modified by HBR status. More intensified antiplatelet therapy may be beneficial for patients with complex percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures.

This study sought to investigate the dynamic functional changes of coronary intermediate lesions using quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and its implication on long-term clinical outcomes. Physiology-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with angiographic intermediate lesions has been associated with favorable outcomes. This study consecutively enrolled 1130 patients with deferred intermediate lesions at baseline angiography and subsequently received second-time angiography between 9 months and 2 years later from two centers in China. The functional changes of intermediate lesions at angiographic follow-up (ΔQFR) were defined as (baseline QFR-follow-up QFR)/years. The primary outcome was vessel-oriented composite endpoint (VOCE), defined as the composite of vessel-related cardiac death, vessel-related myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (ID-TVR) at angiographic follow-up for up to 5 years. Retrospective QFR assessment was available in 820 patients (996 intermediate lesions). QFR ≤ 0.80 at second-time angiography was associated with significantly higher 5-year VOCE (41.9% vs. 13.4%, p 0.0001). In 777 intermediate lesions with baseline QFR 0.80, mean ΔQFR was 0.03 ± 0.07 (median: 0.006; Q1: 0; and Q3: 0.04). The optimal cutoff of ΔQFR for predicting the primary outcome was 0.03 (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.68). The cumulative event rate of VOCE in patients with ΔQFR ≥ 0.03 was significantly higher than in those with ΔQFR 0.03 (33.8% vs. 12.2%, p 0.0001), driven by higher vessel-related MI and ID-TVR. The ΔQFR was a useful tool for evaluating the dynamic functional change of deferred intermediate lesions, as it demonstrates good prognostic value for long-term target vessel-related adverse events.

To assess the diagnostic performance of fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) (CT-FFR) obtained by a new computational fluid dynamics (CFD) algorithm to detect ischemia, using FFR as a reference, and analyze the characteristics of “gray zone” and misdiagnosed lesions. This prospective multicenter clinical trial (NCT03692936, https://clinicaltrials.gov/) analyzed 317 patients with coronary stenosis between 30 and 90% in 366 vessels from five centers undergoing CTA and FFR between November 2018 and March 2020. CT-FFR were obtained from a CFD algorithm (Heartcentury Co., Ltd., Beijing, China). Diagnostic performance of CT-FFR and CTA in detecting ischemia was assessed. Coronary atherosclerosis characteristics of gray zone and misdiagnosed lesions were analyzed. Per-vessel sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for CT-FFR and CTA were 89.9, 87.8, 88.8% and 89.3, 35.5, 60.4%, respectively. Accuracy of CT-FFR was 80.0% in gray zone lesions. In gray zone lesions, lumen area and diameter were significantly larger than lesions with FFR < 0.76 (both p < 0.001), lesion length, non-calcified and calcified plaque volume were all significantly higher than non-ischemic lesions (all p < 0.05). In gray zone lesions, Agatston score (OR = 1.009, p = 0.044) was the risk factor of false negative results of CT-FFR. In non-ischemia lesions, coronary stenosis >50% (OR = 2.684, p = 0.03) was the risk factor of false positive results. Lumen area (OR = 0.567, p = 0.02) and diameter (OR = 0.296, p = 0.03) had a significant negative effect on the risk of false positive results of CT-FFR. In conclusion, CT-FFR based on the new parameter-optimized CFD model provides better diagnostic performance for lesion-specific ischemia than CTA. For gray zone lesions, stenosis degree was less than those with FFR < 0.76, and plaque load was heavier than non-ischemic lesions.

Background: The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and the risk-benefit ratio for long-term DAPT in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) undergoing PCI remains uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of extended duration DAPT (>12-month) versus ≤12-month DAPT in patients who received PCI for LMCAD. Methods: A total of 4,561 consecutive patients undergoing PCI and stenting of LMCAD at a single center from January 2004 to December 2016 were enrolled. The primary outcome was 3-year MACCE (death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, or stroke). The key safety outcome was BARC 2, 3, or 5 bleeding at 3 years. Results: 3,865 patients free of major ischemic or bleeding events in the first 12 months were included in the primary analysis. The distal LM bifurcation disease was involved in 80.5% of cases, in whom 27.0% were treated with a 2-stent strategy. DAPT>12-month (n=1,727) versus ≤12-month DAPT (n=2,138) was associated with a reduced risk of 3-year primary outcome (2.5% vs. 4.5%; adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.592, 95% CI: 0.414-0.948). Similar results were found for the other ischemic end points: all-cause mortality (0.9% vs. 3.0%; aHR: 0.315 [0.179-0.554]), cardiovascular mortality (0.5% vs. 1.6%; aHR: 0.354 [0.169-0.739]), myocardial infarction (0.8% vs. 1.9%; aHR: 0.451 [0.245-0.831]), and stent thrombosis (0.4% vs. 1.1%; aHR: 0.400 [0.171-0.936]). Long-term DAPT showed similar risks of BARC 2, 3, or 5 bleeding compared to short-term DAPT (1.8% vs. 1.6%; aHR: 1.109; 95% CI: 0.681-1.806). The lower risk of a net adverse clinical event (a composite of BARC 2, 3, or 5 bleeding and MACCE) was identified in patients in patients treated with extended-term DAPT (4.1% vs. 5.7%; aHR: 0.729; 95% CI: 0.543-0.980). The effect of DAPT>12-month on the reduction of primary outcome was consistent across clinical presentations (stable CAD vs. ACS), P2Y 12 inhibitor (clopidogrel vs. ticagrelor), and LM bifurcation PCI (1- vs. 2-stent strategy). Conclusions: In a large cohort of consecutive patients undergoing LM PCI, longer DAPT duration (>12 months) could achieve more favorable outcomes by reducing ischemic risk, not significantly offsetting the increases in clinically relevant bleeding events.

Background Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare finding in coronary angiography and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Unlike atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus (DM) is not commonly associated with CAE. This study aims to investigate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) on coronary artery ectasia, especially the differences in angiographic characteristics and clinical outcomes. Methods Patients with angiographically confirmed CAE from 2009 to 2015 were included. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed to measure the diameter and length of the dilated lesion. The primary endpoint was the maximum diameter and maximum length of the dilated lesion at baseline coronary angiography. The secondary endpoint was 5-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which was a component of cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). Propensity score weighting (PSW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to balance covariates. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression were performed to assess the clinical outcomes. Results A total of 1128 patients were included and 258 were combined with DM2. In the DM2 group, the maximum diameter of dilated lesion was significantly lower (5.26 mm vs. 5.47 mm, P = 0.004) and the maximum length of the dilated lesion was significantly shorter (25.20 mm vs. 31.34 mm, P = 0.002). This reduction in dilated lesion diameter (5.26 mm vs. 5.41 mm, P = 0.050 in PSW; 5.26 mm vs. 5.46 mm, P = 0.007 in PSM, respectively) and length (25.17 mm vs. 30.17 mm, P = 0.010 in PSW; 25.20 mm vs. 30.81 mm, P = 0.012 in PSM, respectively) was consistently observed in the propensity score analysis. A total of 27 cardiovascular deaths and 41 myocardial infarctions occurred at 5-year follow-up. Compared with non-DM group, there were similar risks of MACE (6.02% vs. 6.27%; HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.54–1.71, P = 0.894), cardiovascular death (2.05% vs. 2.61%; HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.29–2.05, P = 0.605) and MI (4.07% vs. 3.72%; HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.54–2.26, P = 0.782) in patients with DM2. Consistent result was observed in multivariable regression. Conclusions Compared to non-DM patients, patients with CAE and type 2 diabetes were associated with a smaller diameter and shorter length of dilated vessels, suggesting the important effect of DM2 on the pathophysiological process of CAE. Similar risks of MACE were found during 5-year follow up among diabetic and non-DM patients.

Background: Patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Whether potent antiplatelet therapy after complex PCI improves outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) remains unclear.Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel in patients with SCAD undergoing complex PCI.Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of SCAD and undergoing PCI during January 2016 to December 2018 were selected from an institutional registry. The primary efficacy endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 12 months after PCI. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding.Results: Among 15,459 patients with SCAD included in this analysis, complex PCI was performed in 6,335 (41.0%) patients. Of patients undergoing complex PCI, 1,123 patients (17.7%) were treated with ticagrelor. The primary efficacy outcome after complex PCI occurred in 8.6% of patients in the ticagrelor group and 11.2% in the clopidogrel group. Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor decreased the risk of MACE in patients undergoing complex PCI [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.764; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.615 to 0.949; p = 0.015], but not in non-complex PCI (p for interaction = 0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of major bleeding between patients treated with ticagrelor and clopidogrel (p = 0.221), while ticagrelor was associated with an increased risk of minor bleeding (adjusted HR: 3.099; 95% CI: 2.049 to 4.687; p < 0.001).Conclusion: In patients with SCAD and undergoing complex PCI, ticagrelor could substantially reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes without increasing the risk of major bleeding compared with clopidogrel.

The simulated residual quantitative flow ratio (QFR) computed from pre-intervention three-dimensional (3-D) coronary angiograms, which could theoretically predict actual post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) QFR value, can be used for enhanced PCI via augmented reality. The study sought to investigate the concordance between simulated residual QFR and actual post-PCI QFR, and the prognostic value of simulated residual QFR.QFR assessment was retrospectively performed in treated vessels from the all-comers PANDA III trial. Three-step analysis was performed: 1) concordance between simulated residual QFR and post-PCI QFR; 2) prognostic value of simulated residual QFR; and 3) forecast of outcomes by virtual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between residual QFR and angiographic guidance.Of 2989 treated vessels, 2146 (71.8%) with paired analyzable simulated residual QFR and post-PCI QFR were included. The simulated residual QFR and post-PCI QFR were strongly correlated (r = 0.976). Low simulated residual QFR (≤0.92) was independently associated with higher risk of 2-year vessel-oriented composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.50; 95% confidence interval: 3.03 to 10.0). Based upon 5000 iterations of virtual RCTs, simulated residual QFR-guided strategy was anticipated to have a 2.6% absolute reduction of 2-year incidence of target vessel failure compared with the angiography-guided strategy.With high consistency to actual post-PCI QFR, the simulated residual QFR computed from pre-PCI 3-D coronary angiograms and augmented reality could predict functional outcome of the procedure and 2-year prognosis. Using data from PANDA III trial, the present study forecasted superiority of residual QFR-guided PCI strategy over angiographic guidance. Clinical Trial Registration Information URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02017275.

Background: The prognostic implications of biomarker elevation following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions remain controversial. This study assessed the association of periprocedural myocardial injury and clinically relevant definition of periprocedural myocardial infarction with subsequent outcomes after CTO-PCI. Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients between January 2010 and December 2013 who underwent CTO-PCI at a large-volume center with serial CK-MB (creatine kinase–myocardial band) or cTnI (cardiac troponin I) measurements. The primary outcome was 5-year cardiovascular death. Results: A total of 2616 patients (2691 CTOs) with postprocedural CK-MB or cTnI undergoing PCI recanalization were included, per-lesion technical success rate was 74.4%. Postprocedural CK-MB and cTnI elevation occurred in 5.6% and 65.5% patients, respectively. For 2485 patients with serial CK-MB measurements, only postprocedural peak CK-MB ≥5× upper reference limit was associated with increased 5-year cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.88 [95% CI, 3.06–31.9]). In contrast, for 1233 patients with serial cTnI measurements, no such association was present in any threshold. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions definition of periprocedural myocardial infarction was associated with 5-year cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 8.45 [95% CI, 3.58–20.0]), whereas the ARC-2 (Academic Research Consortium-2) and fourth UDMI (Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction) were not. Conclusions: In a large cohort of CTO-PCI, moderate to high levels of peak postprocedural CK-MB were prognostically significant, whereas such association was not observed in postprocedural cTnI. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention criteria (but not ARC-2 and fourth UDMI) were identified as clinically relevant periprocedural myocardial infarction definition following CTO-PCI. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Summary Background Compared with visual angiographic assessment, pressure wire-based physiological measurement more accurately identifies flow-limiting lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. Nonetheless, angiography remains the most widely used method to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In FAVOR III China, we aimed to establish whether clinical outcomes might be improved by lesion selection for PCI using the quantitative flow ratio (QFR), a novel angiography-based approach to estimate the fractional flow reserve. Methods FAVOR III China is a multicentre, blinded, randomised, sham-controlled trial done at 26 hospitals in China. Patients aged 18 years or older, with stable or unstable angina pectoris or patients who had a myocardial infarction at least 72 h before screening, who had at least one lesion with a diameter stenosis of 50–90% in a coronary artery with a reference vessel of at least 2·5 mm diameter by visual assessment were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to a QFR-guided strategy (PCI performed only if QFR ≤0·80) or an angiography-guided strategy (PCI based on standard visual angiographic assessment). Participants and clinical assessors were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was the 1-year rate of major adverse cardiac events, a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, or ischaemia-driven revascularisation. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03656848 ). Findings Between Dec 25, 2018, and Jan 19, 2020, 3847 patients were enrolled. After exclusion of 22 patients who elected not to undergo PCI or who were withdrawn by their physicians, 3825 participants were included in the intention-to-treat population (1913 in the QFR-guided group and 1912 in the angiography-guided group). The mean age was 62·7 years (SD 10·1), 2699 (70·6%) were men and 1126 (29·4%) were women, 1295 (33·9%) had diabetes, and 2428 (63·5%) presented with an acute coronary syndrome. The 1-year primary endpoint occurred in 110 (Kaplan-Meier estimated rate 5·8%) participants in the QFR-guided group and in 167 (8·8%) participants in the angiography-guided group (difference, –3·0% [95% CI –4·7 to –1·4]; hazard ratio 0·65 [95% CI 0·51 to 0·83]; p=0·0004), driven by fewer myocardial infarctions and ischaemia-driven revascularisations in the QFR-guided group than in the angiography-guided group. Interpretation In FAVOR III China, among patients undergoing PCI, a QFR-guided strategy of lesion selection improved 1-year clinical outcomes compared with standard angiography guidance. Funding Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital.

Introduction: Recent emphasis on shorter DAPT regimen after PCI irrespective of indication for PCI may fail to account for the substantial residual risk of recurrent atherothrombotic events in ACS patients. We aim to determine the association of extended-term (>12-month) vs. short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ischemic and hemorrhagic events in high-risk "TWILIGHT-like" patients undergoing PCI for ACS in clinical practice. Methods: All consecutive patients fulfilling the "TWILIGHT-like" criteria undergoing PCI were identified from the prospective Fuwai PCI Registry. High-risk patients (n=5,404) were defined by at least 1 clinical and 1 angiographic feature based on TWILIGHT trial selection criteria. The primary ischemic endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 30 months, composed of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke while BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding was key secondary outcome. Results: The proportion of patients with 1-3, 4-5, or 6-9 risk factors was 19.7%, 58.6%, and 21.6%, respectively. Cessation of DAPT was less frequent in patients with ACS at 12 months (31.6% versus 68.4%), with 22.7% of ACS patients still on DAPT beyond 24 months. Of 4,875 high-risk ACS patients who remained event-free at 12 months after PCI, DAPT>12-month compared with shorter DAPT reduced the primary ischemic endpoint by 63% (1.5% vs. 3.8%; HRadj: 0.374, 95% CI: 0.256 to 0.548; HRmatched: 0.361, 95% CI: 0.221-0.590). The HR for cardiovascular death was 0.049 (0.007 to 0.362) and that for MI 0.45 (0.153 to 1.320) and definite/probable stent thrombosis 0.296 (0.080-1.095) in propensity-matched analyses. Rates of BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding (0.9% vs. 1.3%; HRadj: 0.668 [0.379 to 1.178]; HRmatched: 0.721 [0.369-1.410]) did not differ significantly between two groups. Conclusions: Among high-risk ACS patients undergoing PCI, long-term DAPT, compared with shorter DAPT, reduced ischemic events without a concomitant increase in clinically meaning bleeding events, suggesting that long-term DAPT can be considered in patients with ACS following PCI who are carefully assessed to be at low bleeding risk and heightened ischemic risk, and have tolerated antiplatelet therapy without a major bleeding during 1 year of DAPT.

Objective To evaluate the prognostic implications of atherosclerosis functional pattern on ischemia-causing vessels received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or conservative treatment. Background Quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-derived pullback pressure gradient (PPG) index is recently proposed to characterize atherosclerosis functional pattern, but its prognostic value remains unclear. Methods QFR-derived PPG index was retrospectively calculated in patients from the PANDA III trial. Vessels with low or high PPG treated by PCI or not were compared for the risk of 2-year vessel-oriented composite outcome (VOCO), which was a composite of vessel-related ischemia-driven revascularization, vessel-related myocardial infarction, or cardiac death. Results A total of 1444 vessels were included while 94 (6.5%) VOCOs occurred within 2 years. Among physiologically ischemic vessels (QFR ≤ 0.80) treated by PCI, those with low PPG acquired higher VOCO risk than those with high PPG (8.4% vs. 3.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18 to 3.86), and a similar VOCO risk (8.4% vs. 7.8%; adjusted HR 1.11, 95%CI 0.70-1.78) compared to those treated by conservatively. After multiple adjustment, PPG index was an independent predictor for VOCO (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05-1.62). The addition of PPG to the model of clinical risk factors substantially improved the predictions of VOCO (C-index 0.67 vs. 0.62, net reclassification index 0.42). Conclusions PCI treatment was associated with improved outcomes in vessels with high PPG, but not for those with low PPG, which acquired similar risk of VOCO compared to vessels treated conservatively. QFR-derived PPG might assist the treatment strategy selection in ischemia-causing vessels.

Objectives. To evaluate the predictive value of target lesion SYNTAX score (TL-SS) for no-reflow in the patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background. Risk assessment, prevention, and prompt management of no-reflow in urgent PCI are crucial but remain challenging. SYNTAX score emerged as a tool for prediction, but may contain redundant information. Methods. After screening of consecutive patients who underwent urgent PCI in Fuwai Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013, 487 patients with 528 lesions were involved. The endpoint was no-reflow during the PCI procedure. Results. No-reflow occurred in 52 patients (10.7%) and 53 lesions (10.0%). High TL-SS levels were strongly associated with increased risks of no-reflow in the urgent PCI procedure (all adjusted P < 0.05 ). TL-SS displayed good discrimination ability for no-reflow (C-statistics = 0.76, 95% CI 0.72–0.80), which was better than that of SYNTAX score ( P = 0.016 ). Following categorizing the lesions into two groups according to the Youden Index, the high-risk group (TL-SS ≥8) showed significantly higher no-reflow rate compared with the low-risk group (TL-SS P < 0.001 ). In the target lesions that underwent balloon predilation, maximum predilation pressure >10 atm was associated with higher rate of no-reflow in the high-risk group (odds ratio 3.81, 95% confidence interval 1.10–13.17). Conclusions. TL-SS is a potential predictor for risk stratification of no-reflow in urgent PCI. In the high TL-SS lesions that underwent balloon predilation, maximum predilation pressure >10 atm was associated with higher risk of no-reflow.

BACKGROUND In China, ischemic heart disease is the main cause of mortality. Having cardiac rehabilitation and a secondary prevention program in place is a class IA recommendation for individuals with coronary artery disease. WeChat-based interventions seem to be feasible and efficient for the follow-up and management of chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a tertiary A-level hospital, WeChat-based telemedicine intervention in comparison with conventional community hospital follow-up on medication adherence and risk factor control in individuals with stable coronary artery disease. METHODS In this multicenter prospective study, 1424 patients with stable coronary artery disease in Beijing, China, were consecutively enrolled between September 2018 and September 2019 from the Fuwai Hospital and 4 community hospitals. At 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, participants received healthy lifestyle recommendations and medication advice. Subsequently, the control group attended an offline outpatient clinic at 4 separate community hospitals. The intervention group had follow-up visits through WeChat-based telemedicine management. The main end point was medication adherence, which was defined as participant compliance in taking all 4 cardioprotective medications that would improve the patient’s outcome (therapies included antiplatelet therapy, β-blockers, statins, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers). Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to compare the primary and secondary outcomes between the 2 groups and to calculate the relative risk (RR) at 12 months. Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed as sensitivity analyses, and propensity scores were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS At 1 year, 88% (565/642) of patients in the intervention group and 91.8% (518/564) of patients in the control group had successful follow-up data. We matched 257 pairs of patients between the intervention and control groups. There was no obvious advantage in medication adherence with the 4 cardioprotective drugs in the intervention group (172/565, 30.4%, vs 142/518, 27.4%; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97-1.02; P=.65). The intervention measures improved smoking cessation (44/565, 7.8%, vs 118/518, 22.8%; RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.44-0.53; PP CONCLUSIONS The tertiary A-level hospital, WeChat-based intervention did not improve adherence to the 4 cardioprotective medications compared with the traditional method. Tertiary A-level hospital, WeChat-based interventions have a positive effect on improving lifestyle, such as quitting drinking and smoking, in patients with stable coronary artery disease and can be tried as a supplement to community hospital follow-up. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04795505; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04795505

Till now, the prognostic value of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. We therefore conducted this study to evaluate the effect of Lp(a) levels on clinical outcomes in this population.A total of 10,059 CAD patients who underwent PCI were prospectively enrolled in this cohort study, of which 6564 patients had Lp(a) ≤30 mg/dl and 3495 patients had Lp(a) 30 mg/dl. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke or unplanned revascularization. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and propensity-score matching analysis were performed. After propensity-score matching, 3449 pairs of patients were identified, and post-matching absolute standardized differences were10% for all the covariates. At 2.4 years, the risk of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels than those with normal Lp(a) levels in both overall population (13.0% vs. 11.4%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.142, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.009-1.293; P = 0.040) and propensity-matched cohorts (13.0% vs. 11.2%; HR 1.167, 95%CI 1.019-1.337; P = 0.026). Of note, the predictive value of Lp(a) levels on MACCE tended to be more evident in individuals65 years or those with left main and/or three-vessel disease. On the contrary, elevated Lp(a) levels had almost no effect on clinical outcomes in patients ≤65 years (PIn CAD patients who underwent PCI, elevated Lp(a) levels were positively related to higher risk of MACCE at 2.4-year follow-up, especially in patients65 years and those with left main and/or three-vessel disease.not applicable.