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A combination of pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and superior vena caval syndrome is an unusual first presentation of carcinoma of lung, although cardiac involvement is often a late finding in widespread malignancy. Clinical identification can be difficult antemortem. Accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention are necessary to prevent adverse outcomes. Decisions regarding treatment must take into account the clinical presentation and echocardiographic findings. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with catheter drainage and/or pericardial window is the primary treatment strategy of choice for most large or hemodynamically significant effusions. New cardiac symptoms or classic findings of cardiac tamponade should prompt aggressive investigation. We present a case of adenocarcinoma of the lung that initially presented as pericardial effusion with tamponade and superior vena cava syndrome. The patient had all the clinical features of tamponade such as pulsus paradoxus, tachycardia, elevated jugular venous pressure, hypotension, and electrical alternans on surface electrocardiography. The findings were confirmed on echocardiography and computed tomography of chest, both of which allowed for rapid confirmation of the presence of an effusion and compression of the superior vena cava. The existing literature on the subject is succinctly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous leiomyosarcomas are rare and arise predominantly in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The clinical findings are nonspecific and may precede the diagnosis by several years. IVC leiomyosarcoma is predominantly seen in women. Intracavitary extension of vascular tumors tends to result from embolization or propagation along great veins, and this is a serious risk factor for pulmonary embolism and sudden death when it reaches the right heart. Modern imaging modalities using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, individually or in combination with cavography, ultrasound, and echocardiography, allow an early and accurate preoperative diagnosis, resulting in a higher rate of surgical resection and improved survival. The authors present a 72-year-old woman who presented with pulmonary embolism and Budd-Chiari syndrome. Pathological examination revealed a leiomyosarcoma. The tumor, involving the IVC, was diagnosed with imaging techniques that showed intracardiac extension of a primary venous leiomyosarcoma. The literature discussing leiomyosarcoma of the IVC is briefly reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report a novel electrocardiographic (ECG) phenomenon in acute pulmonary embolism characterized by QT interval prolongation with global T-wave inversion.Methods: Among a total of 140 study patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for QT interval prolongation with global T-wave inversion were examined. Each of these patients had undergone a detailed clinical evaluation including testing for myocardial injury and echocardiography.Results: QT interval prolongation with global T-wave inversion was found in five patients (age 51-68 years) with acute pulmonary embolism. Four were women. Acute pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by ventilation-perfusion scan in three patients and by spiral computed tomography in other two patients. None of the patients had any right or left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography. All patients had changes characteristic of hemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism, including right ventricular stunning or hypokinesis and dilatation in five patients with paradoxical septal motion in four. Acute coronary syndrome was ruled out in each patient by clinical evaluation, serial ECGs and cardiac markers, and lack of regional wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography. Prolongation of QT intervals (QTc 456-521 ms) with global T-wave inversion was noted on presentation. The ECG changes gradually resolved in 1 week in all patients with appropriate treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. One patient died. None of the patients developed torsade de pointes.Conclusions: Acute pulmonary embolism may occasionally result in reversible QT interval prolongation with deep T-wave inversion, and, thus should be considered among the acquired causes of the long QT syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of an IV combination of diltiazem and digoxin vs IV diltiazem alone for acute ventricular rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation.Design: Prospective, randomized, open-label study.Patients and Methods: Fifty-two patients with atrial fibrillation and uncontrolled ventricular rates were randomized to receive either an IV combination of diltiazem and digoxin or IV diltiazem alone and were observed for 12 h. The successful rate control was defined as a ventricular rate < 100 beats per minute (bpm) persisting for 1 h or conversion to sinus rhythm. The loss of rate control was defined as an increase in the ventricular rate to > 100 bpm persistently for > 30 min or rebound to atrial fibrillation.Results: In both treatment arms (n = 26 each), all patients achieved successful and comparable ventricular rate control at 12 h. The mean (+/- SD) time taken to achieve successful rate control was shorter in the combination arm (15 +/- 16 vs. 22 +/- 22 min). Six patients in the combination arm and 11 in the diltiazem-alone arm experienced episodes of loss of rate control. This loss in the combination arm was less than that in the diltiazem-alone arm (14 vs 39 episodes; p = 0.05). The loss of rate control per patient in the combination arm was also less than that in the diltiazem-alone arm (2.0 +/- 1.0 vs. 3.5 +/- 1.9 episodes per patient; p = 0.04).Conclusions: This study demonstrates that in patients with atrial fibrillation who have a rapid ventricular response, the IV combination of diltiazem and digoxin results in a more efficacious ventricular rate control with fewer fluctuations than that achieved by therapy with IV diltiazem alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary anomalies are divergent and can occur in up to 1% to 2% of patients. The most common of these anomalies is separate ostia of the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries, followed by origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right coronary artery and the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva, either as a separate ostium or as a part of single coronary artery. Anomalous origin of right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva with a separate ostium or from the left main coronary artery is very rare. These coronary anomalies may be incidentally diagnosed on routine angiography or may present with myocardial ischemia, infarction, or sudden death. A case is described in which all 3 coronary arteries were originating from the left sinus of Valsalva as a common trunk (single coronary artery), which trifurcated to left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest YK serves as a consultant to Abbott Vascular. SL is an employee of Abbott Vascular. Rest of the authors have nothing to disclose.

Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Mr Liu is an employee of Abbott Vascular. Dr Kobayashi serves as a consultant to Abbott Vascular. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is increasingly performed for symptom relief and survival benefit, particularly in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes. It remains controversial whether prior PCI, and specifically when index PCI is performed on previously treated lesion(s), affects peri-procedural and in-hospital mortality. We queried an institutional PCI registry for all unique patients undergoing PCI during a 4-year period and classified them as having had or not prior PCI. If prior PCI had occurred, we further defined index PCI as a target lesion (TLR) PCI or non-TLR PCI, according to lesion(s) treated during the prior PCI. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Prior PCI was an independent predictor of in-hospital survival or lower mortality (HR 0.41 [0.22-0.76], P = 0.004), together with lower age (per 5 years, HR 0.73 [0.66-0.82], P < 0.001) and elective PCI (HR 0.63 [0.58-0.70], P < 0.0001). Among prior PCI patients, TLR PCI was associated with higher mortality (HR 3.03 [1.05-8.33]. P = 0.045), while elective PCI status was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.10 [0.01-0.80], P = 0.03). This excess mortality was only present in non-elective PCI cases (P INT = 0.02). We conclude that PCI mortality risk is decreased in patients with prior PCI, particularly when index PCI is performed electively on a lesion not previously treated., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Multiple risk models are used to predict the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chest pain. We aimed to compare the performance of these models to an experienced cardiologist's assessment utilizing coronary angiography (CA) as a reference., Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients without known CAD referred for elective CA. We assessed pretest probability of CAD using the following risk models: Diamond-Forrester (original and updated), Duke Clinical score, ACC/AHA, CAD consortium (basic and clinical) and PROMISE minimal risk tool. All patients completed self-administrative Rose angina questionnaire. Independently, an experienced cardiologist assessed the patients to provide a binary prediction of obstructive CAD prior to CA. Obstructive CAD was defined as >80% stenosis in epicardial coronary arteries by visual assessment, or fractional flow reserve <0.80 in intermediate lesions (30-80%)., Results: A total of 150 patients were recruited (100 women, 50 men). Mean age was 58 (32-78) years. Obstructive CAD was found in 31 patients (21%). The area under the curve (AUC) for all the clinical risk prediction models (except the Duke Clinical Score, AUC 0.73, P = 0.07) was significantly lower compared with the clinician's assessment (AUC 0.51-0.65 vs. 0.81, respectively, P < 0.01). The clinician's assessment had sensitivity comparable to the Duke Clinical score, which was higher than all other clinical models. There was no difference in prediction performance on the basis of sex in this predominantly female population., Discussion/conclusion: In stable patients with chest pain and suspected CAD, current clinical risk models which are universally based upon the characteristics of the chest pain, show suboptimal performance in predicting obstructive CAD. These findings have important clinical implications, as current appropriateness criteria for recommending CA are on the basis of these risk models., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize the natural progression and recurrence of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) during an intermediate-term follow-up post cardiac surgery by using continuous event monitoring., Background: New-onset POAF is a common complication after cardiac surgery and is associated with an increased risk for stroke and all-cause mortality. Long-term data on new POAF recurrence and anticoagulation remain sparse., Methods: This is a single-center, prospective observational study evaluating 42 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and diagnosed during indexed admission with new-onset, transient, POAF between May 2015 and December 2019. Before discharge, all patients received implantable loop recorders for continuous monitoring. Study outcomes were the presence and timing of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence (first, second, and more than 2 AF recurrences), all-cause mortality, and cerebrovascular accidents. A "per-month interval" analysis of proportion of patients with any AF recurrence was assessed and reported per period of follow-up time. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the time to first AF recurrence and report the first AF recurrence rates., Results: Forty-two patients (mean age 67.6 ± 9.6 years, 74% male, mean CHADS 2- VASc 3.5 ± 1.5) were evaluated during a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 1.2 years. AF recurrence after discharge occurred in 30 patients (71%) and of those, 59% had AF episodes equal to or longer than 5 minutes (median AF duration at 1 month was 32 minutes [interquartile range 5.5-106], whereas median AF duration beyond 1 month was 15 minutes [interquartile range 6.3-49]). Twenty-four (80%) of the 30 patients had their first AF recurrence within the first month. During months 1 to 12 follow-up, 76% of patients had any AF recurrences (10% had their first AF recurrence, 43% had their second AF recurrence, and 23% had more than 2 AF recurrences). Beyond 1 year of follow-up, 30% of patients had any AF recurrences (10% had their first AF recurrence, 7% had their second AF recurrence, and 13% had more than 2 AF recurrences). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, the median time to first AF recurrence was 0.83 months (95% CI: 0.37 to 6) and the detection of first AF recurrence rate at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 57.1%, 59.5%, 64.3%, 64.3%, 67.3%, and 73.2%, respectively. During follow-up, there was 1 death ([-] AF recurrence) and 2 cerebrovascular accidents ([+] AF recurrence)., Conclusions: In this study of continuous monitoring with implantable loop recorders, the recurrence of AF in patients who develop transient POAF is common in the first month postoperatively. Of the patients who developed postoperative AF, 76% had any recurrence in months 1 to 12, and 30% had any recurrence beyond 1-year follow-up. Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation for POAF for 30 days. The results of this study warrant further investigation into continued monitoring and longer-term anticoagulation in this population within the context of our findings that AF duration was <30 minutes beyond 1 month., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures The authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of outpatient furosemide intravenous (IV) infusion following hospitalization for ADHF., Methods: In a single center, prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 100 patients were randomized to receive standard of care (Group 1), IV placebo infusion (Group 2), or IV furosemide infusion (Group 3) over 3h, biweekly for a one-month period following ADHF hospitalization. Patients in Groups 2/3 also received a comprehensive HF-care protocol including bi-weekly clinic visits for dose-adjusted IV-diuretics, medication adjustment and education. Echocardiography, quality of life and depression questionnaires were performed at baseline and 30-day follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-day re-hospitalization for ADHF., Results: Overall, a total of 94 patients were included in the study (mean age 64 years, 56% males, 69% African American). There were a total of 14 (15%) hospitalizations for ADHF at 30 days, 6 (17.1%) in Group 1, 7 (22.6%) in Group 2, and 1 (3.7%) in Group 3 (overall p = 0.11; p = 0.037 comparing Groups 2 and 3). Patients receiving IV furosemide infusion experienced significantly greater urine output and weight loss compared to those receiving placebo without any significant increase creatinine and no significant between group differences in echocardiography parameters, KCCQ or depression scores., Conclusion: The use of a standardized protocol of outpatient IV furosemide infusion for a one-month period following hospitalization for ADHF was found to be safe and efficacious in reducing 30-day re-hospitalization., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: To identify patients undergoing complex, high-risk indicated percutaneous coronary intervention (CHIP-PCI) and compare their outcomes with non-CHIP patients. We created a CHIP score to risk stratify these patients., Background: Risk stratification of PCI patients remains difficult because most scoring systems reflect hemodynamic instability and predict early mortality., Methods: CHIP-PCI was defined as any of the following: age >80 years; ejection fraction <30%; dialysis; prior bypass surgery; treatment of left main trunk; chronic total occlusion; or >2 lesions in >1 coronary artery. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of 1-year mortality and the odds ratios (ORs) for those predictors were used to create a CHIP score. Patients were then classified as low, intermediate, and high risk., Results: Among 4478 patients, a total of 1730 (38.6%) were CHIP. There were 85 deaths (2.2%) at 1 year (4.1% in CHIP patients and 1.0% in non-CHIP patients; P<.001). CHIP-PCI was an independent predictor of mortality (OR, 2.57; 955 confidence interval, 1.52-4.32; P<.001). Four CHIP criteria were independent predictors of mortality: age >80 years (3 points); dialysis (6 points); ejection fraction <30% (2 points); and number of lesions treated >2 (2 points). Accordingly, there were 2752 low-risk (score of 0), 889 intermediate-risk (score of 2-3), and 267 high-risk patients (score of 4-13). The 1-year mortality rates among these 3 groups were 1.24%, 2.47%, and 10.86%, respectively (P<.001)., Conclusion: Compared with non-CHIP, CHIP-PCI is associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality, which is particularly evident among those fulfilling >1 CHIP criterion.

Dual-antiplatelet therapy is recommended for all patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), regardless of performance of revascularization. Ticagrelor (T) was shown to be superior to clopidogrel (C) in a large, randomized clinical trial, but data from real-world practice are lacking. We identified ACS patients from our institutional registry who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and received one of the two drugs at hospital discharge based on physician preference. Among 1439 patients, there were 774 patients (53.8%) in the C group and 665 patients (46.2%) in the T group. T and C patients were similar except for a higher incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and lower frequency of prior MI in the T group (P<.05 for both). The primary endpoint - 1-year all-cause death - occurred in 58 C patients and 48 T patients (6.9% vs 7.9%, respectively; P=.42). Sixty percent of these deaths (n = 62; 31 C and 31 T) were considered cardiovascular in nature based on chart review. By multivariable logistic regression model, only dialysis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-4.64; P=.01), age (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.49-2.24 per 10 years; P<.001), and prior heart failure (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.12-2.82; P=.02) were independent predictors of 1-year death. Treatment with T was not a predictor of death (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.81-1.82; P=.35) or cardiovascular death (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.72-1.94; P=.52). Landmark analysis from day 10 showed similar results (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.71-1.84; P=.59). Thus, we conclude that C and T have similar rates of 1-year all-cause mortality, which is predominantly affected by age, end-stage renal disease, and pre-existing heart failure.

Background: Determining the infarct-related artery (IRA) in non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) can be challenging. Delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) can accurately identify small MIs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether DE-CMR improves the ability to identify the IRA in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation MI., Methods and Results: In this 3-center, prospective study, we enrolled 114 patients presenting with their first MI. Patients underwent DE-CMR followed by coronary angiography. The interventional cardiologist was blinded to the DE-CMR results. Later, coronary angiography and DE-CMR images were reviewed independently and blindly for identification of the IRA. The pattern of DE-CMR hyperenhancement was also used to determine whether there was a nonischemic pathogenesis for myocardial necrosis. The IRA was not identifiable by coronary angiography in 37% of patients (n=42). In these, the IRA or a new noncoronary artery disease diagnosis was identified by DE-CMR in 60% and 19% of patients, respectively. Even in patients with an IRA determined by coronary angiography, a different IRA or a noncoronary artery disease diagnosis was identified by DE-CMR in 14% and 13%, respectively. Overall, DE-CMR led to a new IRA diagnosis in 31%, a diagnosis of nonischemic pathogenesis in 15%, or either in 46% (95% CI, 37%-55%) of patients. Of 55 patients undergoing revascularization, 27% had revascularization solely to nonculprit coronary artery territories as determined by DE-CMR., Conclusions: Identification of the IRA by coronary angiography can be challenging in patients with non-ST-segment-elevation MI. In nearly half, DE-CMR may lead to a new IRA diagnosis or elucidate a nonischemic pathogenesis. Revascularization solely of coronary arteries that are believed to be nonculprit arteries by DE-CMR is not uncommon.

Background/objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated that in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), plaque destabilization and vessel inflammation, represented by vessel edema, often occur simultaneously in multiple coronaries, as well as extend to the cerebrovascular system. Our aim was to determine whether the inflammatory vascular processes occurring within the coronaries during ACS extend simultaneously to the descending aorta., Methods: We prospectively enrolled 111 patients (56 ACS patients and 55 non-ACS patients with known coronary artery disease) to undergo cardiac magnetic resonance of the thoracic aortic wall at presentation and at three-month follow-up. The primary outcome was change in aortic wall area (AWA) and maximal aortic wall thickness (AWT) from baseline to three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were baseline and follow-up differences in AWA and AWT, and changes in C-reactive protein (CRP)., Results: There was a significant reduction in mean AWA (p = 0.01) and AWT (p = 0.01) between index and follow up scans in ACS group, with no significant changes in non ACS group (both p>0.1) and no difference between ACS and non-ACS groups (p = 0.22). There was no significant difference in AWA and AWT at baseline (p>0.36) and follow-up (p>0.2) between groups. There was a significant reduction in CRP in both groups (p<0.01), with higher reduction in ACS patients (p<0.01)., Conclusions: There was a reduction in aortic wall size, aortic wall area, and aortic wall thickness in patients presenting with ACS, and no change in non-ACS patients. There were no interval between-group differences in these measurements. We observed a reduction in C-reactive protein in both groups, with higher reduction noted in ACS patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Short-term outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has improved dramatically, but the association between clinical or angiographic characteristics and long-term outcome remains less well described. The SYNTAX (Synergy Between PCI With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery) II score has been designed to overcome the limitations of the purely angiographic SYNTAX I score by including clinical parameters and comorbidities. It has not been tested extensively in "real-world" PCI patients, outside of randomized clinical studies., Methods and Results: We identified unique patients undergoing PCI between January 1, 2011 and January 24, 2013 and followed for at least 60 days. We calculated the SYNTAX I and II scores for each patient and collected data at longest follow-up available for vital status, recurrent PCI, systolic heart failure, stroke, or Q-wave myocardial infarction. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess independent predictors of mortality. There were 831 patients followed for a mean of 4 years. The average age was 66 ± 10 years. Nearly 40% were women and 50% had diabetes mellitus. The mean follow-up interval was 4 years, during which 42 patients died (Kaplan-Meier rate, 4.3% [IQR, 3.0-6.2%]). The PCI-SYNTAX II score was significantly higher in patients who died than in survivors (43 ± 12 vs 32 ± 12, respectively; P<.001). The SYNTAX II score was the only variable associated with death at a mean follow-up of 4 years (hazard ratio per 1 point, 1.05 [95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.08]; P<.001)., Conclusion: The SYNTAX II score, incorporating angiographic and clinical parameters, is a useful tool for risk stratification and prediction of 4-year mortality in "real-world" patients.

Background: Presence of prominent left ventricular trabeculation satisfying criteria for left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) on routine cardiac magnetic resonance examination is frequently encountered; however, the clinical and prognostic significance of these findings remain elusive. This registry aimed to assess LVNC prevalence by 4 current criteria and to prospectively evaluate an association between diagnosis of LVNC by these criteria and adverse events., Methods and Results: There were 700 patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance: 42% were women, median age was 70 years (range, 45-71 years), mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 51% (±17%), and 32% had late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance. The cohort underwent diagnostic assessment for LVNC by 4 separate imaging criteria-referenced by their authors as Petersen, Stacey, Jacquier, and Captur, with LVNC prevalence of 39%, 23%, 25% and 3%, respectively. Primary clinical outcome was combined end point of time to death, ischemic stroke, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, and heart failure hospitalization. Secondary clinical outcomes were (1) all-cause mortality and (2) time to the first occurrence of any of the following events: cardiac death, ischemic stroke, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, or heart failure hospitalization. During a median follow-up of 7 years, there were no statistically significant differences in assessed outcomes noted between patients with and without LVNC irrespective of the applied criteria., Conclusions: Current criteria for the diagnosis of LVNC leads to highly variable disease prevalence in patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance. The diagnosis of LVNC, by any current criteria, was not associated with adverse clinical events on nearly 7 years of follow-up. Limited conclusions can be made for Captur criteria due to low observed prevalence., (© 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Context: Over the past three decades, industry sponsored research expanded in the United States. Financial incentives can lead to potential conflicts of interest (COI) resulting in underreporting of negative study results., Objective: We hypothesized that over the three decades, there would be an increase in: a) reporting of conflict of interest and source of funding; b) percentage of randomized control trials c) number of patients per study and d) industry funding., Data Sources and Study Selection: Original articles published in three calendar years (1988, 1998, and 2008) in The Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of American Medical Association were collected., Data Extraction: Studies were reviewed and investigational design categorized as prospective and retrospective clinical trials. Prospective trials were categorized into randomized or non-randomized and single-center or multi-center trials. Retrospective trials were categorized as registries, meta-analyses and other studies, mostly comprising of case reports or series. Study outcomes were categorized as positive or negative depending on whether the pre-specified hypothesis was met. Financial disclosures were researched for financial relationships and profit status, and accordingly categorized as government, non-profit or industry sponsored. Studies were assessed for reporting COI., Results: 1,671 original articles were included in this analysis. Total number of published studies decreased by 17% from 1988 to 2008. Over 20 year period, the proportion of prospective randomized trials increased from 22 to 46% (p < 0.0001); whereas the proportion of prospective non-randomized trials decreased from 59% to 27% (p < 0.001). There was an increase in the percentage of prospective randomized multi-center trials from 11% to 41% (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a reduction in non-randomized single-center trials from 47% to 10% (p < 0.001). Proportion of government funded studies remained constant, whereas industry funded studies more than doubled (17% to 40%; p < 0.0001). The number of studies with negative results more than doubled (10% to 22%; p<0.0001). While lack of funding disclosure decreased from 35% to 7%, COI reporting increased from 2% to 84% (p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: Improved reporting of COI, clarity in financial sponsorship, increased publication of negative results in the setting of larger and better designed clinical trials represents a positive step forward in the scientific publications, despite the higher percentage of industry funded studies., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Recent studies suggest that papillary muscle infarction (PMI) following recent myocardial infarction (MI) correlates with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and prognostic significance of PMI by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in a large cohort of patients., Methods: Retrospective study of patients who underwent CMR between January 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated for the presence of PMI in one or both of the left ventricle papillary muscles. The primary outcome was a time to a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and worsening heart failure. Secondary outcomes were time to individual components of the combined outcome., Results: 419 patients were included in our analysis, 232 patients (55%) had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Patients were followed at six-month intervals for a median follow-up time of 3.7 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.6; 6.3) years after initial imaging. During this period 196 patients (46.8%) had a primary outcome and 92 patients (22%) died. PM infarct was identified in 204 (48.7%) patients with twice as many posteromedial (PRM) (27%) than anterolateral (ARL) lesions (11%) and a similar number with infarct in both (11%). There was no association between studied outcomes and the presence of PMI in either PRM or ARL PM. The presence of infarct in both PM was a predictor of both the primary outcome (HR 1.69, CI[1.01-2.86], p<0.049.) and mortality (HR 1.69, CI[1.01-4.2], p<0.046)., Conclusion: The presence of infarct in either papillary muscle was not associated with outcomes. However, infarct involving both papillary muscles was associated with worse outcomes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the added value of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and different classifications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk model using a clinical definition of lung disease for predicting outcomes after cardiothoracic (CT) surgery., Methods: We evaluated consecutive patients who underwent nonemergency cardiac surgery and underwent PFTs before CT surgery. We used the STS risk model 2.73 to estimate the postoperative risk for respiratory failure (RF; defined as the need for mechanical ventilation for ≥72 hours, or reintubation), prolonged postoperative stay (PPLS; defined as >14 days), and 30-day all-cause mortality. We plotted the receiver operating characteristics curve for STS score for each adverse event, and compared the resulting area under the curve (AUC) with the AUC after adding PFT parameters and COPD classifications., Results: Of the 1412 patients with a calculated STS score, 751 underwent PFTs. The AUC of the STS score was 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.74) for RF, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.6-0.74) for prolonged postoperative length of stay (PPLS), and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.6-0.87) for death. None of the PFT parameters or COPD classifications added to the predictive ability of STS for RF, PPLS, or 30-day mortality., Conclusions: Adding individual PFT parameters or different COPD classifications to STS score calculated using clinically based classification of lung disease did not improve model discrimination. Thus, routine preoperative PFTS may have limited clinical utility in patients undergoing CT surgery when the STS score is readily available., (Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The significance of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), independent of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve procedures remains unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the significance of abnormal RVEF by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), independent of LVEF in predicting outcomes of patients undergoing isolated CABG and valve surgery., Methods: From 2007 to 2009, 109 consecutive patients (mean age, 66 years; 38% female) were referred for pre-operative CMR. Abnormal RVEF and LVEF were considered <35% and <45%, respectively. Elective primary procedures include CABG (56%) and valve (44%). Thirty-day outcomes were perioperative complications, length of stay, cardiac re-hospitalizations and early mortaility; long-term (> 30 days) outcomes included, cardiac re-hospitalization, worsening congestive heart failure and mortality. Mean clinical follow up was 14 months., Findings: Forty-eight patients had reduced RVEF (mean 25%) and 61 patients had normal RVEF (mean 50%) (p<0.001). Fifty-four patients had reduced LVEF (mean 30%) and 55 patients had normal LVEF (mean 59%) (p<0.001). Patients with reduced RVEF had a higher incidence of long-term cardiac re-hospitalization vs. patients with normal RVEF (31% vs.13%, p<0.05). Abnormal RVEF was a predictor for long-term cardiac re-hospitalization (HR 3.01 [CI 1.5-7.9], p<0.03). Reduced LVEF did not influence long-term cardiac re-hospitalization., Conclusion: Abnormal RVEF is a stronger predictor for long-term cardiac re-hospitalization than abnormal LVEF in patients undergoing isolated CABG and valve procedures.

Aims: To investigate the association of pericardial, mediastinal, and intrathoracic fat volumes with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), metabolic syndrome (MS), and cardiac risk factors (CRFs)., Methods and Results: Two hundred and sixteen consecutive patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and had a coronary angiogram within 12 months of the CMR were studied. Fat volume was measured by drawing region of interest curves, from short-axis cine views from base to apex and from a four-chamber cine view. Pericardial fat, mediastinal fat, intrathoracic fat (addition of pericardial and mediastinal fat volumes), and fat ratio (pericardial fat/mediastinal fat) were analysed for their association with the presence and severity of CAD (determined based on the Duke CAD Jeopardy Score), MS, CRFs, and death or myocardial infarction on follow-up. Pericardial fat volume was significantly greater in patients with CAD when compared with those without CAD [38.3 ± 25.1 vs. 31.9 ± 21.4 cm(3) (P = 0.04)]. A correlation between the severity of CAD and fat volume was found for pericardial fat (β = 1, P < 0.01), mediastinal fat (β = 1, P = 0.03), intrathoracic fat (β = 2, P = 0.01), and fat ratio (β = 0.005, P = 0.01). These correlations persisted for all four thoracic fat measurements even after performing a stepwise linear regression analysis for relevant risk factors. Patients with MS had significantly greater mediastinal and intrathoracic fat volumes when compared with those without MS [126 ± 33.5 vs. 106 ± 30.1 cm(3) (P < 0.01) and 165 ± 54.9 vs. 140 ± 52 cm(3) (P < 0.01), respectively]. However, there was no significant difference in pericardial fat, mediastinal fat, intrathoracic fat, or fat ratio between patients with or without myocardial infarction during the follow-up [33.6 ± 22.1 vs. 35.7 ± 23.8 cm(3) (P = 0.67); 115 ± 26.2 vs. 114 ± 33.8 cm(3) (P = 0.84); 149 ± 44.7 vs. 150 ± 55.7 cm(3) (P = 0.95); and 0.27 ± 0.15 vs. 0.28 ± 0.14 (P = 0.70), respectively]. There was no significant difference in pericardial fat, mediastinal fat, intrathoracic fat, or fat ratio between patients who were alive compared with those who died during follow-up [36.6 ± 26.6 vs. 35.3 ± 23.2 cm(3) (P = 0.76); 114 ± 40.2 vs. 114 ± 31.4 cm(3) (P = 0.95); 150 ± 64.7 vs. 149 ± 52.5 cm(3) (P = 0.92); and 0.29 ± 0.15 vs. 0.28 ± 0.14 (P = 0.85), respectively]., Conclusion: Our study confirms an association between pericardial fat volume with the presence and severity of CAD. Furthermore, an association between mediastinal and intrathoracic fat volumes with MS was found., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2014. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: To correlate early and late mortality with markers of reperfusion in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)., Background: Early reperfusion improves STEMI outcomes. Reperfusion can be assessed using angiographic (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] flow grade or myocardial blush grade [MBG]) or electrocardiographic markers (ST-segment recovery (STR)., Methods: We searched electronic databases for all STEMI randomized clinical studies from the last decade reporting markers of reperfusion and clinical outcome. We used a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model with logistic regression link in order to assess the correlation between each marker of reperfusion and mortality at 30 and 365 days. We also performed random effect meta-analysis for selected studies comparing mortality for specific categories of MBG., Results: We identified 44 studies with 19,955 patients. Final TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 87%, 70% had MBG 2 or 3, and 66% had complete STR. Average 30-day and 1-year mortality was 2.97 ± 2.34% and 4.11 ± 2.52%, respectively. Adjusting (study level) for age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, infarct location, ejection fraction, and female sex, there was significant correlation between each of the three markers and 1-year mortality (P=.03 for TIMI 3; P=.02 for MBG 2 or 3; and P=.04 for STR). In nearly 6000 patients, there was substantial excess mortality in those with MBG 0/1 compared with MBG 2/3 (relative risk = 2.14 [1.65-2.77] with P<.001 at 30 days; relative risk = 1.49 [1.3-1.7] and P<.001 at 1 year)., Conclusion: After correcting for clinical factors known to affect outcome, there was a significant correlation between survival and better reperfusion.

Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of using trained volunteer staff in reducing 30-day readmissions of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients.Methods: From June 2010 to December 2010, 137 patients (mean age 73 years) hospitalized for CHF were randomly assigned to either: an interventional arm (arm A) receiving dietary and pharmacologic education by a trained volunteer, follow-up telephone calls within 48 hours, and a month of weekly calls; ora control arm (arm B) receiving standard care. Primary outcomes were 30-day readmission rates for CHF and worsening New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification; composite and all-cause mortality were secondary outcomes.Results: Arm A patients had decreased 30-day readmissions (7% vs 19%; P ! .05) with a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 63% and an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 12%. The composite outcome of 30-day readmission, worsening NYHA functional class, and death was decreased in the arm A (24% vs 49%;P ! .05; RRR 51%, ARR 25%). Standard-care treatment and hypertension, age $65 years and hypertension,and cigarette smoking were predictors of increased risk for readmissions, worsening NYHA functional class, and all-cause mortality, respectively, in the multivariable analysis.Conclusions: Utilizing trained volunteer staff to improve patient education and engagement might be an efficient and low-cost intervention to reduce CHF readmissions.

Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of using trained volunteer staff in reducing 30-day readmissions of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients., Methods: From June 2010 to December 2010, 137 patients (mean age 73 years) hospitalized for CHF were randomly assigned to either: an interventional arm (arm A) receiving dietary and pharmacologic education by a trained volunteer, follow-up telephone calls within 48 hours, and a month of weekly calls; or a control arm (arm B) receiving standard care. Primary outcomes were 30-day readmission rates for CHF and worsening New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification; composite and all-cause mortality were secondary outcomes., Results: Arm A patients had decreased 30-day readmissions (7% vs 19%; P < .05) with a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 63% and an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 12%. The composite outcome of 30-day readmission, worsening NYHA functional class, and death was decreased in the arm A (24% vs 49%; P < .05; RRR 51%, ARR 25%). Standard-care treatment and hypertension, age ≥65 years and hypertension, and cigarette smoking were predictors of increased risk for readmissions, worsening NYHA functional class, and all-cause mortality, respectively, in the multivariable analysis., Conclusions: Utilizing trained volunteer staff to improve patient education and engagement might be an efficient and low-cost intervention to reduce CHF readmissions., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Current guidelines define cardiac troponin I (TnI) as an indicator of necrosis when the concentration exceeds the 99% upper limit of a healthy reference population, a reference value near the assay's lowest detectable level. We assessed the utility of a modified TnI cutoff point derived from a population at low risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluated its utility in determining acute myocardial infarction (MI)., Methods: A modified TnI cutoff point was derived by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve from 737 consecutive patients who underwent serial TnI measurements for exclusion of MI. Creatinine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) evolutionary change was used to define MI. The new derived cutoff point was validated using another subset of 320 patients who were evaluated for MI., Results: ROC-derived TnI cutoff point (A) was 0.65 μg/L, and its performance was compared to the recommended cutoff point ([B] 0.15 μg/L). Cutoff point A had greater specificity (94.5% vs. 86.9%, p < 0.001) but slightly lower sensitivity (96.5% vs. 100%, p < 0.01). Cutoff point A provided significantly greater positive predictive value (PPV) for MI (74.1% vs. 55.5%, p < 0.0001) and fewer false-positive errors, while preserving comparable negative predictive value (NPV) (98.9% vs. 100%)., Conclusion: A higher cutoff point derived from a reference population of patients at low risk for CAD may improve the TnI performance assay. The PPV for diagnosis of MI was significantly higher and false-positive values were fewer without affecting the NPV. The more reliable diagnosis of MI may have resulted, which, in turn, may have significant clinical and economic implications., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Numerous risk scores have been designed to predict the outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score has been shown to predict outcome in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) randomized to PCI or bypass surgery, but its utility in patients with less severe CAD is less well established., Methods: We calculated the SYNTAX score in 482 patients with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease (serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/ml) undergoing non-emergency PCI. The study endpoint was 3-year all-cause mortality or repeat revascularization., Results: The mean age was 69 ± 11 years, 44% were women, 82% had diabetes and they had 1.82 ± 0.78 diseased vessels. The mean creatinine clearance was 67.3 ± 37.2 ml/min. The mean SYNTAX score was 11 ± 8, median of 9 (5-15), tertiles < 7, 7-12 and > 12. There was good interobserver concordance (0.784 and 0.816, p < 0.01, respectively among two pairs of observers). The 3-year estimated survival rate was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-0.88). By multivariable analysis, creatinine clearance (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82 per 10 ml/min, p < 0.001), ejection fraction (HR 0.82 per 10%, p = 0.004) and prior infarction (HR 1.7, p = 0.03) were the only predictors of death. The SYNTAX score did not predict mortality. The incidence of repeat PCI by increasing tertiles of SYNTAX score was 19.2%, 32.2% and 33.2%, respectively, p < 0.001., Conclusion: In patients at high risk for ischemic events without severe CAD, the SYNTAX score is not associated with mortality at 3 years.

Aims: To relate late lumen loss (LLL) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation to angiographic (BAR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) in randomized clinical trials of DES., Methods and Results: We reviewed all clinical trials comparing different DES and having protocol-driven angiographic follow-up. We combined the data in a meta-regression analysis correlating LLL with BAR or TVR, with and without adjustment for diabetes mellitus, lesion length or reference vessel diameter. There were 15,846 patients in 29 trials (9 DES platforms) and 8697 had angiographic follow-up at a mean of 8 months. The mean age was 63 y, 28% were women and 33% had diabetes mellitus. Mean weighted in-segment LLL was 0.232mm (0.228-0.235mm), significantly higher in paclitaxel- and zotarolimus-eluting stents than in sirolimus-, everolimus- or biolimus-eluting stents. LLL was monotonically related to BAR (BAR=0.30×LLL+0.02, R(2)=0.53, P<0.0001) and TVR (TVR=0.20×LLL+0.02, R(2)=0.46, P<0.0001). Two thirds of patients with BAR had TVR. LLL remained significantly associated with BAR and TVR after multivariable adjustment. Reference vessel diameter and diabetes mellitus were inversely related to BAR., Conclusions: LLL is a strong, monotonically related predictor of BAR and TVR. There is no evidence of threshold phenomenon in these relationships., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Multiple studies have shown that the exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) is less accurate for predicting ischemia, especially in women, and there is additional evidence to suggest that heart size may affect its diagnostic accuracy., Hypothesis: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the exercise ECG based on heart size., Methods: We evaluated 1,011 consecutive patients who were referred for an exercise nuclear stress test. Patients were divided into two groups: small heart size defined as left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) <65 mL (Group A) and normal heart size defined as LVEDV ≥65 mL (Group B) and associations between ECG outcome (false positive vs. no false positive) and heart size (small vs. normal) were analyzed using the Chi square test for independence, with a Yates continuity correction. LVEDV calculations were performed via a computer-processing algorithm. SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging was used as the gold standard for the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD)., Results: Small heart size was found in 142 patients, 123 female and 19 male patients. There was a significant association between ECG outcome and heart size (χ(2) = 4.7, p = 0.03), where smaller hearts were associated with a significantly greater number of false positives., Conclusions: This study suggests a possible explanation for the poor diagnostic accuracy of exercise stress testing, especially in women, as the overwhelming majority of patients with small heart size were women.

The coronary vasodilatory effect of dipyridamole is competitively blocked by caffeine. The purposes of this study were to (1) assess the incidence of having detectable serum caffeine and (2) evaluate whether an intensive caffeine history screening strategy was superior to routine history screening before dipyridamole myocardial perfusion imaging. One hundred ninety-four patients who were randomized to an intensive or a routine screening history strategy were prospectively evaluated. Serum caffeine levels were determined in all patients. Outcomes data, including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and history of revascularization, were obtained at 24 months. Nearly 1 in 5 patients (19%) who screened negative by history had detectable serum caffeine. In patients who screened negative by history, there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of caffeine seropositivity between the intensive and routine arms (16% vs 22%, respectively, p = 0.31). The incidence of combined end points of death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization was 22.9% and 7.3% in patients with and without detectable serum caffeine, respectively (p = 0.01). In conclusion, despite initial negative results on screening by history, a considerably high percentage of patients had positive serum caffeine levels. These results do not support the use of an intensive screening strategy. Detectable serum caffeine was associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Antiplatelet therapy is the principal component of the antithrombotic regimen after acute myocardial infarction. It remains unclear whether additional chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) improves outcomes. We set out to evaluate the risk and benefit of long-term OAC after myocardial infarction., Methods: We pooled 10 randomized clinical trials comparing warfarin-containing regimens (OAC) with or without aspirin with non-OAC regimens with or without aspirin (No OAC) for patients with recent infarction. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Other endpoints included recurrent infarction, stroke, and major bleeding. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) (fixed effect, OR <1 indicates benefit for OAC) for death and other ischemic and hemorrhagic complications at the longest interval of follow-up available., Results: Among 24,542 patients, 14,062 were assigned to OAC and 10,480 to no OAC. The patients were followed for 3-63 months, for 89,562 patient-years. Death occurred in 2424 patients (9.9%), 1279 OAC patients, and 1145 in the no OAC group, OR 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.05), P=.43. Similarly, there was no effect on recurrent infarction. Stroke occurred in 578 patients (2.4%), 271 in the OAC group and 307 in the no OAC group, OR 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.89), P=.001. There was substantially more major bleeding (OR 1.83 [95% CI, 1.50-2.23], P <.001) in the OAC group. Separate analyses, performed for patients (n=11,920) randomized to aspirin versus aspirin and OAC yielded very similar results., Conclusion: As compared with placebo or aspirin, OAC with or without aspirin does not reduce mortality or reinfarction, reduces stroke, but is associated with significantly more major bleeding., (2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Various risk assessment scores were proposed in the last decade for prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to apply two validated scores, the Mayo Clinic Risk Score (MCRS) and the New York Risk Score (NYRS) to a contemporary cohort treated at a single institution and to simplify the NYRS, such that the parameters used in both scores are similar., Methods and Results: Patients undergoing PCI in 2005-2007 were included. MCRS and NYRS were calculated for each patient. A simplified NYRS, similar to MCRS, was constructed by deleting two variables (gender and left main coronary stenosis). Model discrimination was assessed by the C statistic and goodness-of-fit (calibration) was measured with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. There were 3,165 procedures. The in-hospital mortality was 0.56% (95% CI 0.31-0.83%). Mean MCRS was 2.7 +/- 2.4 (predicted mortality 0.3%). The C-statistic for MCRS was 0.82 (0.71-0.94) and the model was well calibrated (P = 0.79). Mean NYRS was 5.1 +/- 3.3, (predicted mortality 0.23%). The C-statistic for NYRS was 0.83 (0.74-0.95), not different from MCRS (P = 0.62) and the model was well calibrated (P = 0.29). The mean simplified NYRS was 4.6 +/- 3.1 among survivors and 10.9 +/- 5.8 among those who died, P < 0.001. The score had a C-statistic of 0.83 (0.71-0.95), not different from MCRS (P = 0.84) or NYRS (P = 0.27) and was well calibrated (P = 0.71)., Conclusion: PCI risk scores utilizing easily collected variables are useful in discriminating risk and predicting death. NYRS might be simplified by removing the gender and left main coronary stenosis variables from its algorithm.

Objectives: We sought to compare 3-year outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to recently published appropriateness criteria for PCI., Background: The choice of revascularization between PCI and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains uncertain in many patients despite numerous randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses., Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing a first PCI at a single, large-volume institution were included if they did not have prior CABG and did not need emergency PCI. Patients were classified according to PCI indication into the following groups: Appropriate (A) - 1- or 2-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), Uncertain (U) - 3-vessel CAD and Inappropriate (I) - left main coronary artery stenosis. Survival was assessed with the Social Security Death Index., Results: A total of 2,134 patients fulfilled the study criteria: 1,706 (80%) with "appropriate" PCI, 414 (19.4%) with "uncertain" PCI and only 14 (0.6%) with "inappropriate" PCI. In-hospital outcomes were very favorable, with 99.3%, 98.6% and 100% of the three groups, respectively, experiencing no complications (p = 0.31). The estimated survival in the three categories at 900 days was 92.6% (95% confidence interval 91-94%) for Group A, 91.3% (88-4%) for Group U and 66.9% (33-87%) for Group I; p = 0.014. The only predictors of mortality were advanced age and comorbidities, but not "appropriateness level" (p = 0.26)., Conclusion: The majority of PCIs performed would were classified as "appropriate." The patients classified as "uncertain" had similarly favorable outcomes, as those considered "appropriate" both during initial hospitalization and during the 3-year follow up. If confirmed, these data suggest that anatomically-based appropriateness criteria are not sufficient to inform choice of revascularization method.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs frequently after coronary bypass grafting and valve operations. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been shown to predict recurrence of AF in congestive heart failure. It is a potential biomarker for preoperative risk stratification for development of AF in at-risk patients., Methods: A total of 398 consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated for new-onset AF after heart operations. Patients with a history of AF and presence of permanent pacemaker were excluded. BNP levels were measured before and immediately after the operation., Results: AF occurred in 20%. AF was more likely to develop in patients who were older, who underwent valve operations, had a lower ejection fraction, and a larger left atrial size. Preoperative exposure to statins (62% vs 43%, p < 0.01) and angiotensin inhibitors (60% vs 45%, p = 0.02) was more common in patients without AF. BNP values were insignificantly higher preoperatively (361 vs 302 mg/dL, p = 0.3) and postoperatively (312 vs. 229 mg/dL, p = 0.15) in patients with AF. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7 to 5.6), lower ejection fraction (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.3), larger left atrial size (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.9 to 4.9), and nonuse of angiotensin inhibitors (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.8) were independently associated with AF., Conclusions: This study does not support use of BNP for prediction of AF. Age, low ejection fraction, large left atrial size, and nonuse of angiotensin blocking agents were found to be significant predictors of AF development.

Objectives: In order to determine a differential benefit from treatment, we compared the long-term outcome of high-risk versus low-risk patients and evaluated survival free from death or myocardial infarction at one year., Background: Newer anticoagulant strategies during percutaneous coronary intervention have necessitated a reanalysis of the role of intravenous GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. The Enhanced Suppression of the Platelet IIb/IIIa Receptor with Integrilin Therapy trial randomized 2,064 patients undergoing nonurgent coronary stent implantation to eptifibatide or placebo., Methods: High-risk characteristics were defined as age >75 years, diabetes, elevated cardiac markers, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction within 7 days, or unstable angina within 48 h of randomization. Age <5 years, absence of diabetes, and any other reason for admission were considered low risk characterstics., Results: There were 1,018 patients in the high-risk group (50.8% eptifibatide, 49.2% placebo) and 1,045 patients in the low-risk group (50.0% eptifibatide, 50.0% placebo). Baseline demographics were similar in both groups except for more hypertension (63% vs. 55%, respectively), peripheral vascular disease (8.2% vs. 5.2%, respectively), prior stroke (5.5% vs. 3.2%, respectively), and female gender (33% vs. 22%, respectively) in the high-risk than the low-risk group. At one year, the composite end point of death or myocardial infarction occurred in 15.89% of placebo patients and 7.99% of eptifibatide patients in the high-risk group and 9.02% of the placebo and 8.11% of eptifibatide patients in the low-risk group., Conclusions: Although eptifibatide treatment improved outcomes for all patients, preprocedural clinical characteristics can define a subgroup of patients who may derive greatest benefit from its use during coronary stent placement.

Acute peripheral arterial occlusion may be caused by thrombosis or embolism. The objectives of therapy are to preserve limb and life by restoration of blood flow. Thrombolytic therapy has been the mainstay, but is limited by a high risk of bleeding. Surgical treatment, often required, is invasive with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Rheolytic thrombectomy offers a percutaneous means of thrombus removal. A 62-year-old man with chronic atrial fibrillation, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypothyroidism presented with sudden onset of left arm pain. His medications included warfarin, digoxin, amiodarone, and synthroid. Examination revealed a harsh 3/6 systolic nonradiating murmur. The left arm was cold and weak with absent pulses. Laboratory data showed a prothrombin time (PT) of 12 sec and an international normalized ratio of 1.4. After heparinization, angiography was performed, showing a total occlusion of the brachial artery. A rheolytic thrombectomy catheter (RTC) was introduced to remove the thrombus. The RTC run time was 90 sec. Flow was restored to the vessel, but sluggish with angiographic evidence of stenosis. Intravascular ultrasound was performed, revealing a high-grade fibromuscular stenosis. Balloon angioplasty was performed, followed by intracatheter injection of alteplase restoring normal flow. Sudden arterial occlusion is a medical emergency, which can result in limb loss. RTC's have demonstrated a reduced need for thrombolytic agents and surgical intervention, thereby decreasing complications, procedural time, and resource utilization. While most reports have focused on infra-aortic thromboses, this case highlights its utility in the arm.

Purpose: To evaluate the release of cardiac troponin I in normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism in relation to the duration of symptoms., Methods: Fifty-seven normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the duration of symptoms at presentation: symptoms of < or =72 h, group A; symptoms of >72 h, group B. Serum cardiac troponin I levels were measured at presentation., Results: Mean age was 63+/-18 years and 23 (40%) patients were males. Thirty-three (58%) patients had symptoms of < or =72 h (group A) and 24 (42%) had symptoms of >72 h (group B). Both groups had similar prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography (55% [n=18] in group A vs. 42% [n=10] in group B, p=NS). Sixteen patients had elevated serum cardiac troponin I (mean+/-S.D. 3.3+/-2.3 ng/ml, range 0.6-8.3 ng/ml). Elevated serum cardiac troponin I was strongly associated with right ventricular dysfunction (p=0.015). All patients with elevated serum cardiac troponin I (n=16) were in group A (p<0.0001). Twelve of 18 (67%) patients with (p=0.0005) and 4 of 15 (27%) patients without (p=NS) right ventricular dysfunction had elevated serum cardiac troponin I. Thirteen of 16 (81%) patients with elevated serum cardiac troponin I had duration of symptoms < or =24 h at presentation., Conclusions: The dynamics of cardiac troponin I release in acute pulmonary embolism in patients who present with symptoms of < or =72 h duration could be different from those who present with longer duration of symptoms. Therefore, the use of cardiac troponin I in risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism might be limited to the patients presenting within 72 h of the onset of symptoms.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome of acute pulmonary embolism in elderly in comparison to the younger patients., Methods: Study population consisted of 136 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. Clinical characteristics and thromboembolic risk factors were analyzed between the elderly (> or =65 years of age) and the younger (<65 years of age) patients. In-hospital mortality was used as a measure of outcome., Results: Elderly group consisted of 70 patients (age 76.4+/-8.3 years, range 65-96 years; females 58%) and younger group of 66 patients (age 48.5+/-12 years, range 18-64 years, females 59%). Syncope was more frequent in elderly group (19% vs. 6%, P=0.03) but the symptoms of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain were not significantly different between groups. Malignancy was the most common risk factor for thrombo-embolism, but immobilization predominated among patients in elderly group (21% vs. 6%, P=0.01). Tachycardia was common in younger patients compared to the elderly. Ventilation-perfusion scan was used more commonly in younger patients (76% vs. 57%, P=0.02), whereas, helical computed-tomography scan was used equally in both groups. Most of the patients had lower extremity duplex study (97% in each group). Inferior vena cava filter placement was common and thrombolytic therapy rare among elderly patients. Patients in elderly group had higher in-hospital mortality (17% vs. 5%, P=0.02)., Conclusions: Syncope is a more frequent presenting symptom and immobilization a common risk factor in elderly patients with acute pulmonary embolism. In addition, they have higher in-hospital mortality.