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Background Nocturnal hypertension assessed by a home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) device is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, it is still difficult to assess nighttime blood pressure (BP) frequently. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify significant correlates of nocturnal hypertension assessed by an HBPM device in patients with hypertension who are treated with antihypertensive drugs. Methods We measured nighttime BP, morning BP, and evening BP by an HBPM device for 7 consecutive days in 365 medicated patients with hypertension. Results Of the 365 subjects, 138 (37.8%) had nocturnal hypertension defined as a mean nighttime systolic BP of ≥ 120 mm Hg. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the diagnostic accuracy of morning systolic BP for subjects with nocturnal hypertension was significantly superior to that of evening systolic BP (P = 0.04) and that of office systolic BP (P Conclusions Morning systolic BP of ≥ 125 mm Hg, a history of cerebrovascular disease, and bedtime dosing were significant correlates of nocturnal hypertension in medicated patients with hypertension, and may help detect this risky BP condition. Clinical trials registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000019173).

Background Distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may deteriorate microvascular reperfusion in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Reperfusion at the coronary microvascular level is important for STEMI and culprit plaque is associated with distal embolization and microvascular reperfusion. ST-segment resolution (ST-R) in the electrocardiogram reflects microvascular reperfusion after primary PCI. Longitudinal extent of lipid pool assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) may predict the risk of failure of microvascular reperfusion after primary PCI. Methods and results This study consisted of 39 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI within 24 h after the onset of chest pain. Immediately after thrombectomy, OCT was performed and length of lipid pool was measured. Microvascular reperfusion after primary PCI was assessed by ST-R, which was defined as >50% decrease in ST elevation at 1 h after primary PCI. There were 23 patients with ST-R and 16 patients without ST-R, with no significant difference in baseline clinical and angiographical variables between the 2 groups. Final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 flow was obtained in all of the patients. Peak creatine kinase was significantly higher in the ST-R (−) group than in the ST-R (+) group ( p = 0.01). Length of lipid pool was 10.1 ± 2.8 mm in the ST-R (−) group and 7.8 ± 3.2 mm in the ST-R (+) group ( p = 0.02). In receiver operating characteristics curve assessing the ability of length of lipid pool to predict ST-R, area under the curve was 0.74 ( p = 0.02). Length of lipid pool >9.0 mm best predicted the absence of ST-R with sensitivity 88% and specificity 78%. Conclusions These findings suggest that length of lipid pool estimated by OCT may predict microvascular no-reflow after primary PCI.

ObjectivesWe assessed angioscopic findings after everolimus-eluting stents (EES) implantation, compared with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES).BackgroundCoronary angioscopy (CAS) provides an opportunity to assess neointimal coverage over stent struts, thrombus, and plaque color by direct visualization. CAS is a useful tool for evaluating stent struts after drug-eluting stent implantation. Angioscopic findings after EES implantation have not been reported before.MethodsWe performed CAS in 23 patients who were treated with EES and 41 patients with SES. CAS was performed 8.5 months after stent implantation. We assessed neointimal coverage, thrombus, and plaque color. We classified neointimal coverage in 4 grades: grade 0=struts were completely exposed; grade 1=struts were visible with dull light reflexion; grade 2=there was no light reflexion from slightly visible struts; grade 3=struts were completely covered.ResultsThere was no significant difference in minimum, maximum, dominant grade of neointimal coverage, and heterogeneity index between EES and SES. Thrombus was less frequently observed in EES than SES (4% vs 29%, p=0.02). When we divided study patients into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina pectoris (SAP), there was a tendency toward less thrombus in EES than SES, in both ACS and SAP. Maximum color grade of the plaques was less advanced in EES than SES (p

The aim of the present study was to investigate the gender-specific mortality after acute myocardial infarction in those aged70 years versus ≥ 70 years. The present study consisted of 2,677 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction who had undergone coronary angiography within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1,810 patients70 years old and 867 patients ≥ 70 years old. Women were older and had a greater incidence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and a lower incidence of current smoking and previous myocardial infarction in both groups. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly greater in women ≥ 70 years old age than in men ≥ 70 years old (16.2% vs 9.3%, respectively; p = 0.003) but was comparable between women and men in patients70 years old (5.7% vs 4.9%, respectively; p = 0.59). On multivariate analysis, the association between female gender and in-hospital mortality in patients ≥ 70 years old remained significant (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidential interval 1.05 to 3.00), but the gender difference was not observed in patients70 years old (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 2.24). In conclusion, female gender was associated with in-hospital mortality after acute myocardial infarction in patients ≥ 70 years old but not in patients70 years old.

Aim Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients has been assigned a low-grade recommendation in current resuscitation guidelines. This study compared the outcomes of IHCA and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients treated with ECLS. Methods A total of 77 patients were treated with ECLS. Baselines characteristics and outcomes were compared for 38 IHCA and 39 OCHA patients. Results The time interval between collapse and starting ECLS was significantly shorter after IHCA than after OHCA (25 (21–43)min versus 59 (45–65)min, p p =0.03) and 30-day survival (34% versus 13%, p =0.03) were higher for IHCA compared with OHCA patients. IHCA patients had a higher rate of favourable neurological outcome compared to OHCA patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (26% versus 10%, p =0.07). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed improved 30-day and 1-year survival for IHCA patients treated with ECLS compared to OHCA patients who had ECLS. However, multivariate stepwise Cox regression model analysis indicated no difference in 30-day (odds ratio 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.68–1.27), p =0.67) and 1-year survival (0.99 (0.73–1.33), p =0.95). Conclusion CPR with ECLS led to more favourable patient outcomes after IHCA compared with OHCA in our patient group. The difference in outcomes for ECLS after IHCA and OHCA disappeared after adjusting for patient factors and the time delay in starting ECLS.

A 69-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were admitted to our hospital after successful resuscitation of out-of hospital cardiac arrest. In the first case, electrocardiogram showed mild ST-segment elevation in leads V3-V5. Coronary angiography did not show any obstructive coronary artery disease, and left ventriculography showed apical ballooning of the left ventricular chamber. She was diagnosed as having the classic form of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. In the second case, electrocardiogram did not show ST-segment elevation in any lead. Coronary angiography showed no coronary artery disease and left ventriculography showed basal ballooning of the left ventricular chamber. He was diagnosed as having the variant form of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. In both cases, left ventricular function returned to normal, but they died of multiple organ failure. In conclusion, cardiologists should recognize that takotsubo cardiomyopathy can occur even after successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest. Early diagnosis and appropriate intensive care are essential in these critically ill patients.

Aims Conflicting data exist about the safety of the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Previous studies have reported delayed neointimal proliferation over SES with high incidence of adhering thrombus. This study was undertaken to assess the neointimal coverage and thrombus formation after SES implantation between patients with STEMI and those with stable angina pectoris (SAP). Methods and results We studied 23 patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with SES and 18 patients with SAP who were treated with SES. Coronary angioscopic examination was performed 8.1+/-2.4 months after PCI. Neointimal coverage of the stent was classified into four grades (grade 0 to 3). Uncovered stent strut was defined as grade 0 or 1. All the patients with STEMI and 94% of patients with SAP had uncovered stent struts. There was no significant difference in minimum, maximum, and dominant neointimal coverage grade between STEMI and SAP. 96% of patients with STEMI and all the patients with SAP showed heterogeneous neointimal coverage. Thrombus adhering to uncovered stent struts was observed in eight patients after STEMI and in four patients after SAP (35% vs. 22%, p=0.38). There was no significant difference in the maximum colour grade of the plaques between STEMI and SAP (2.1+/-0.8 vs. 1.8+/-0.9, p=0.33). Most thrombus was observed at the site of yellow plaques (83%). Conclusions There was no significant difference in the neointimal coverage and thrombus formation between STEMI and SAP.

A 59-year-old man had a witnessed collapse while driving a car. Approximately 10 min after the call to emergency services, paramedics arrived and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The first electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained by paramedics showed pulseless electrical activity. Review of his prehospital records documented that he experienced approximately 13 min of no flow or low flow before return of spontaneous circulation. On admission, he was still comatose with midrange dilated pupils. Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, ST segment elevation in lead aVR, and ST segment depression in leads I, II, and V4-6. Coronary angiography showed 99% narrowing of the left main coronary artery (LMCA), but did not show any disease in the right coronary artery. A bare-metal stent was placed in the LMCA, and postdilated at 20 atmospheres. Immediately after return to the coronary care unit, therapeutic hypothermia was initiated. Hypothermia with a target temperature of 33.0 degrees C was maintained for 30 h. During this period, no significant hemodynamic instability occurred under intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) and intravenous catecholamines. Subsequently, he was slowly rewarmed at a rate of 0.3 degrees C/h up to 36.0 degrees C. Next day, the neurological condition improved and IABP was stopped. Creatine kinase increased to 2182 IU/l. Stent thrombosis did not occur despite the ad hoc loading of antiplatelet drugs. Follow-up echocardiography 9 days later showed mild hypokinesia of the anterior wall with an ejection fraction of 77%. He was discharged with no neurologic complications 18 days later.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aortic valve replacement on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with aortic valve stenosis. Methods Serial 12-lead ECGs were obtained in 15 patients with aortic valve stenosis who underwent aortic valve replacement. Three ECG indexes for left ventricular hypertrophy were manually measured in each ECG: Sokolow-Lyon index (sum of S wave in V 1 and R wave in V 5 ), Cornell voltage index (sum of R wave in aVL and S wave in V 3 ), and Gubner index (sum of R wave in I and S wave in III). Results After aortic valve replacement, Sokolow-Lyon index gradually decreased during 2 years (51.1 ± 17.9 to 34.8 ± 12.5 mm, P P P 6 was found in 14 patients (93%) before aortic valve replacement. It resolved in 9 of 14 patients during 2 years. Conclusions Electrocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy gradually resolved after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic valve stenosis.

Aim To investigate the impact of a history of diabetes mellitus on the neurologic outcome in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest of cardiac origin treated with mild hypothermia. Methods A prospective observational study was performed between September 2003 and July 2008. Eighty comatose survivors of cardiac arrest of cardiac origin were treated with mild hypothermia. Neurologic outcome at the time of hospital discharge, 30-day survival, and complications were assessed. Results Twenty-four of the 80 patients (30%) had a history of diabetes. The rate of favorable neurologic outcome was significantly lower in diabetic (17%) than in nondiabetic patients (46%) ( p =0.01). The rate of 30-day survival was lower in diabetic (33%) than in nondiabetic patients (54%), but the difference was not significant ( p =0.10). Multivariate analysis suggested that a history of diabetes was an independent predictor of unfavorable neurologic outcome (odds ratio 7.00, 95% confidence interval 1.42–46.19, p =0.03), but not for 30-day survival. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of complications. Conclusion A history of diabetes is associated with poor neurologic outcome in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest treated with mild hypothermia.

Background Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy has been gradually recognized worldwide. However, medications for the prevention remain not to be investigated in part because the precise mechanism is unclear. We sought to examine medications before the onset of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, and to prove the limitation of these medications for the prevention. Methods and results This study consisted of 21 patients with tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy who received one or more medications for hypertension or suspected angina pectoris. Each patient was assessed with history, medications, coronary angiography and left ventriculography. All patients but 1 were female, and age ranged 41 to 87 years (73±11 years). Twelve patients received calcium channel blockers, 7 patients received nitrates, and one patient received beta blocker. Three patients received angiotensin coverting enzyme inhibitors, and 4 patients received angiotensin II receptor blockers. One patient died of serious pneumonia, but there was no patient who died of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy itself. During the 3 year follow-up, one patient receiving angiotensin receptor blocker had the recurrence of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy due to recurrent epileptic seizure. Conclusions Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy can occur despite treatment with calcium channel blockers, nitrates or beta-blockers, suggesting limitation of these medications to prevent tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy.

The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of electrocardiogram on admission to predict short-term prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) associated with left main coronary artery (LMCA).Electrocardiogram was obtained on admission in 41 patients with AMI associated with LMCA who underwent reperfusion therapy. Electrocardiographic findings were compared between nonsurvivors and survivors.There were 24 nonsurvivors and 17 survivors during 30-day follow-up. Nonsurvivors had ST-segment elevation in both leads aVR and aVL (54% vs 18%, P.05), left anterior fascicular block (83% vs 41%, P.05), and right bundle-branch block (54% vs 18%, P.05) more frequently, and ST-segment depression in lead V(5) (17% vs 59%, P.05) less frequently than survivors among patients with AMI associated with LMCA.Our data suggested that electrocardiogram on admission might be useful to predict short-term prognosis in patients with AMI associated with LMCA.

The influence of admission hyperglycemia and diabetes on short- and long-term mortality of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era was investigated. From 1996 to 2003, a total of 802 consecutive patients with AMI underwent coronary angiography. Primary PCI was performed in 724 patients (90%). Three-year mortality curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify independent predictors of 30-day mortality and mortality from 30 days to 3 years. There were 261 patients with admission hyperglycemia (admission glucoseor=11.1 mmol/L) and 212 patients with diabetes. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate (8.4% vs 2.4%, p0.001). However, there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates between diabetic and nondiabetic patients (5.7% vs 3.9%, p=0.29). Conversely, diabetes significantly increased mortality from 30 days to 3 years (10.0% vs 5.5%, p=0.03), but admission hyperglycemia did not (8.4% vs 5.9%, p=0.19). Multivariate analysis showed that hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13 to 2.61, p=0.01), but diabetes was not (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.27, p=0.42). Diabetes was independently associated with mortality from 30 days to 3 years (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.97, p=0.04), but hyperglycemia had a neutral effect (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.36, p=0.92). In conclusion, in the PCI era, admission hyperglycemia was associated with short-term mortality, whereas diabetes increased long-term mortality after convalescence in patients with AMI. Admission hyperglycemia and diabetes should be treated as 2 distinct disease states.

Previous studies in the prethrombolytic or thrombolytic era have reported that right bundle-branch block (RBBB) is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between RBBB and angiographic findings or clinical outcomes in patients with AMI in the coronary intervention era. A total of 430 patients with a first anterior AMI who underwent coronary angiography within 12 h after the onset were enrolled in this study. Seventy-one patients (17%) had RBBB documented during their hospital stay. RBBB was documented on admission in 35 patients. Patients with RBBB were older (p0.01) and had prodromal angina less frequently (p=0.03) than those without. On the initial angiograms, patients with RBBB had an occluded left anterior descending artery (p0.01) and multivessel disease (p=0.01) more frequently than those without. Thirty-day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with RBBB than in those without (14.0% vs 1.9%, p0.01). Multiple logistic-regression analysis demonstrated that RBBB (odds ratio 5.89, p0.01) and multivessel disease (odds ratio 4.36, p=0.01) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality.Our data suggested that RBBB was still associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with anterior AMI even in the coronary intervention era.

Purpose: Several studies have reported gender difference in presentation, management and outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we focused the impact of age on gender difference in mortality after AMI. Methods: Between July 2012 and March 2014, 3283 patients were admitted to the 28 hospitals participating to the J-MINUET group within 48 hours after the onset of AMI. AMI was diagnosed by universal definition (type 1 or type 2). Patients were divided into 5 strata according to their age: those with age Results: There were 813 women (24.8%). Women were significantly older than men (74.5±11.8 years vs 66.6±12.3 years, P Conclusions: Women had higher in-hospital mortality than men after AMI even in the contemporary troponin era. However, their high mortality was mostly explained by their advanced age.

Background: Although thrombolysis is a standard therapy in cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), fatal outcome is often observed. We designed and investigated the efficacy of a novel percutaneous catheter therapy, rotational bidirectional thrombectomy (ROBOT), for PE. Methods and Results: Eighteen patients with acute massive PE (Miller score ≥ 20) were included in this study. We separated them into two groups [group A (n = 10), thrombolysis; group B (n = 8): thrombolysis and ROBOT or ROBOT alone]. There was no difference in the hemodynamic indices between the groups at diagnosis. ROBOT was designed to fragment emboli by rotating a regular pigtail catheter. Three deaths occurred in group A because of hemodynamic impairment, but there was no death in group B. One day after treatment, systolic pulmonary artery pressure had decreased from 53 ± 8 to 30 ± 8 mm Hg (P < 0.05) in group B and from 54 ± 5 to 42 ± 19 mm Hg (NS) in group A. The hospitalization period in group B was shorter than that in group A (17 ± 6 vs. 27 ± 10 days, P < 0.05). Conclusion: ROBOT therapy results in a significant, rapid improvement in the hemodynamic situation and in a better outcome than conventional therapy in patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Two cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy occurred after pacemaker implantation, both in elderly women who received a dual-chamber pacemaker for complete atrioventricular block. They had persistent left ventricular dysfunction even during their convalescence. (Circ J 2006; 70: 641 - 644)

A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to palpitation. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ventricular tachycardia originating from the right ventricle, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilatations of the right atrium and ventricle. The diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy was made. Eleven months later, echocardiography revealed a solid thrombus (36x32 mm) attached to the free wall of the right atrium, and it was surgically resected. Four months after the operation, a solid thrombus (48x30 mm) appeared again at the same site despite anticoagulant treatment. The patient died of both left and right heart failure 33 months after the operation.

To compare the cardioprotective effect of prodromal angina pectoris and collateral circulation, 245 patients with first anterior acute myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angioplasty within 12 hours of symptoms were studied. Prodromal angina pectoris and collateral circulation were independently associated with higher predischarge left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a combination of prodromal angina pectoris and collateral circulation afforded cumulative improvement in LVEF in patients without diabetes mellitus. In patients with diabetes mellitus, collateral circulation, but not prodromal angina pectoris, was associated with higher predischarge LVEF.

A 78-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to chest oppressive sensation. Admission electrocardiography revealed ST-segment elevation in I, II, III, aV(F) and V(2-6) leads. Left ventriculography showed apical akinesis and basal hyperkinesis with a pressure gradient of 60 mmHg between the left ventricular apex and the base. Right ventriculography also showed similar abnormal wall motion with a pressure gradient of 28 mmHg. Follow-up cardiac catheterization after 16 days showed normal wall motion with no pressure gradients. However, dobutamine stress (10 microg/kg/min) caused a pressure gradient of 60 mmHg between the left ventricular apex and the aorta.

Background In the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era, the impact of initial ST-segment elevation magnitude on left ventricular (LV) function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. Methods and Results In the present study, 239 patients with total occlusion and 81 patients with spontaneous reperfusion within 12 h of their first anterior AMI were evaluated. The sum of ST-segment elevation (ΣST) was measured in leads I, aVL and V1-6 shortly before angiography. Predischarge LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was obtained at 15±5 days. In total occlusion, the predischarge LVEF was significantly lower in patients with ΣST ≥10 mm than in those with ΣST

Background The time course of the electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients with tako-tsubo syndrome remains unknown. Methods and Results In the present study, 16 patients with tako-tsubo syndrome and 15 patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction with minimal enzymatic release (minimal AMI) were evaluated. Left ventricular dysfunction dramatically resolved approximately 2 weeks later in both groups. In the patients with tako-tsubo syndrome, the admission ECG usually showed ST segment elevation, especially in leads V3-6. T wave inversion deepened progressively to its first negative peak, which occurred at approximately 3 days. The T wave was shallow for several days and then deepened again, the second negative peak occurring at approximately 2-3 weeks. The QT interval was prolonged as the T wave deepened, and shortened as the T wave became shallow. In the patients with minimal AMI, a similar time course of ECG changes was observed after reperfusion. In general, at 3 days or later during the early phase, T wave inversion was deeper and the QTc interval was longer in tako-tsubo syndrome than in minimal AMI. Conclusions Because the time course of the ECG changes, as well as that of the left ventricular dysfunction, is similar between tako-tsubo syndrome and minimal AMI, these 2 cardiac disorders must be carefully differentiated. (Circ J 2004; 68: 77 - 81)

A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to chest oppressive sensation. Coronary angiography showed total occlusion in the proximal right coronary artery even after intracoronary nitroglycerin, but no stenosis in the left coronary artery. He was treated with aspiration thrombectomy and stent deployment. After 23 hours, he suddenly had severe chest pain, and ECG showed marked ST elevation in leads I, a VI , and V 2-6 . Surprisingly, coronary angiography showed total occlusion in the proximal left anterior descending artery even after intracoronary nitroglycerin where there had been no stenosis on first angiogram just 23 hours earlier. He was treated with aspiration thrombectomy.

Acute hyperglycemia abolishes the ischemic preconditioning effect of prodromal angina pectoris in patients with acute myocardial infarction. We investigated a potential explanation for the association between acute hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes after acute myocardial infarction.

ObjectivesWe sought to assess myocardial perfusion and metabolism in patients with peculiar transient asynergy, which consisted of basal normokinesia and apical akinesia of the left ventricle (LV) at the same time.BackgroundThis asynergy has been widely called “tako-tsubo-like LV dysfunction” in Japan, but little is known about its pathophysiology.MethodsWe performed rest tallium-201 (201Tl) and iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl penta-decanoic acid (123I-BMIPP) dual-isotope myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in 14 patients with tako-tsubo-like LV dysfunction. The LV was divided into 17 segments, and each segment was graded with scores between normal uptake (0) and defect (4). We also measured the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trial (TIMI) frame count in 28 patients and 20 control subjects.ResultsEarly SPECT (5 ± 3 days) revealed that the total defect score value with BMIPP was significantly higher than reduced uptake with 201Tl (p < 0.01). Reduced uptake of BMIPP was observed in parallel with an apical akinetic region and usually involved uptake of 201Tl. This discrepancy improved gradually during the follow-up period (29 ± 6 days) (p = 0.36). Compared with control subjects, patients had a TIMI frame count that was significantly higher in all coronary arteries immediately after onset. This higher TIMI frame count decreased but was sustained even after resolution of tako-tsubo-like LV dysfunction.ConclusionsOur data suggest that myocardial fatty acid metabolism is more severely impaired than myocardial perfusion, in parallel with an apical akinetic region during the early phase, and that impaired multivessel coronary microcirculation is involved, at least in part, in tako-tsubo-like LV dysfunction.

Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that lack of microvascular reperfusion following revascularization might be associated with a poor clinical outcome in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods We studied 134 patients with a first anterior AMI who underwent successful revascularization within 6 hours. We assessed microvascular reperfusion by using electrocardiogram recordings just before revascularization and on return to the coronary care unit. Lack of microvascular reperfusion was defined as the absence of decrease of > or = 20% in the sum of ST segment elevation (sigmaST). Results Twenty-four patients had diabetes and 110 patients did not. SigmaST before revascularization was similar between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. After revascularization, reduction of sigmaST was significantly smaller (1.3 +/- 8.4 mm vs 6.5 +/- 10.8 mm, p = 0.03), and lack of microvascular reperfusion was significantly more frequent (62.5% vs 33.6%, p = 0.01) in diabetic patients. A multivariate analysis showed that diabetes was associated with insufficient microvascular reperfusion (odds ratio 3.18, p = 0.03). Major adverse cardiac events occurred more frequently in patients with a lack of microvascular reperfusion (30.8% vs 15.9%, p = 0.04). Conclusion These findings suggest that lack of microvascular reperfusion following revascularization may be one of the mechanisms of a poor clinical outcome in diabetic patients with AMI.

To test the hypothesis that prodromal angina may favorably alter the relation between time to reperfusion and outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we studied 658 patients with a first anterior AMI: 200 patients with early reperfusion (time to reperfusion

To assess the impact of spontaneous anterograde flow of the infarct artery on outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we studied 478 patients with a first anterior wall AMI who underwent coronary angiography within 12 hours after the onset of chest pain; Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow was obtained after reperfusion therapy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 119 patients with spontaneous anterograde flow (initial TIMI 2 or 3 flow) of the infarct artery, 118 patients with an initially occluded artery (TIMI 0 or 1 flow) and time to angiographyor=2 hours (very early reperfusion), and 241 patients with an initially occluded artery and time to angiography of 2 to 12 hours (late reperfusion). Acute left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) was significantly higher in patients with spontaneous anterograde flow than in patients without (54 +/- 14% vs 47 +/- 10%, p0.001). Predischarge LVEF was 65 +/- 14% in patients with spontaneous anterograde flow, 55 +/- 14% in patients with very early reperfusion, and 52 +/- 14% in patients with late reperfusion (p0.001). Similar trends were observed in the changes in LVEF (12 +/- 14%, 8 +/- 14%, and 4 +/- 12%, p0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that spontaneous anterograde flow was an independent predictor of preserved LV function, defined as a predischarge LVEFor=55% (odds ratio 7.13, 95% confidence interval 3.10 to 16.4, p0.001). In conclusion, although very early reperfusion improved LV function more than late reperfusion, spontaneous anterograde flow was associated with better acute and predischarge LV function after AMI compared with very early reperfusion of an initially occluded artery.

To assess the changes in treatment and outcome of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) over a 15-year period, the medical records of 1,437 patients with AMI who underwent emergency coronary angiography within 24h of the onset of chest pain at Hiroshima City Hospital from 1985 to 1999 were reviewed. The patients were divided into 3 groups in chronological order: group 1 (1985-89, n=439), group 2 (1990-94, n=453) and group 3 (1995-99, n=545). Conventional balloon angioplasty and thrombolysis were frequently performed in group 1 (56% and 29%, respectively) and group 2 (71% and 13%, respectively), whereas coronary stenting and conventional balloon angioplasty were more often performed in group 3 (57% and 23%, respectively). The achievement of TIMI grade 3 flow improved in the chronological order (62%, 80% and 85%, respectively; p

The impact of coronary stenting on microvascular circulation in the infarct area was compared with that of balloon angioplasty in 94 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent coronary revascularization within 6 h of onset: 49 patients were treated with balloon angioplasty alone, and 45 were treated with coronary stenting. Microvascular circulation after revascularization was assessed by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade analysis and ST segment analysis. TIMI flow grade was assessed on the final angiographic image after coronary intervention, and the ST segment was assessed on the 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings just before revascularization and on return to the coronary care unit. The distributions of TIMI flow grade and change in ΣST (5.1±10.8 vs 5.1±9.9 mm) were similar between the 2 groups. Predischarge left ventricular ejection fraction (54±14 vs 54±15%) and in-hospital outcome were also similar between the 2 groups. The data suggest that coronary stenting did not influence microvascular circulation (improvement or detriment) in patients with reperfused AMI. (Circ J 2002; 66: 917 - 920)

OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken to assess whether prodromal angina could have beneficial effects in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND Prodromal angina occurring shortly before the onset of AMI is associated with favorable outcomes by the mechanism of ischemic preconditioning. However, little is known about the impact of diabetes on ischemic preconditioning. METHODS We studied 611 patients with a first anterior wall AMI who underwent emergency catheterization within 12 h after the onset of chest pain: 490 patients without diabetes and 121 patients with non–insulin treated diabetes. Prodromal angina was defined as angina episode(s) occurring within 24 h before the onset of AMI. Serial contrast left ventriculograms were obtained in 424 patients at the time of acute and predischarge catheterization. RESULTS In non-diabetic patients, prodromal angina was associated with lower peak creatine kinase (CK) value (3,068 ± 2,647 IU/l vs. 3,601 ± 2,462 IU/l, p = 0.037), larger increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (10.1 ± 13.0% vs. 5.8 ± 13.4%, p = 0.004) and lower in-hospital mortality (3.4% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.015). On the contrary, in diabetic patients, there was no significant difference in peak CK value (3,382 ± 2,520 IU/l vs. 3,233 ± 2,412 IU/l, p = NS), the change in LVEF (6.7 ± 13.8% vs. 7.1 ± 12.4%, p = NS) and in-hospital mortality (8.8% vs. 11.0%, p = NS) between patients with and patients without prodromal angina. CONCLUSIONS Prodromal angina limited infarct size, enhanced recovery of LV function and improved survival in non-diabetic patients with AMI. However, such beneficial effects of prodromal angina were not observed in diabetic patients, suggesting that diabetes might prevent ischemic preconditioning.

This report describes a case of atrioventricular crosstalk during a stimulation threshold test. This phenomenon was likely due to the accidental connection between the atrial and ventricular stylets. Electrocardiologists should recognize atrioventricular crosstalk during a stimulation threshold test to avoid repositioning the atrial lead unnecessarily or inducing ventricular arrhythmia.

Prodromal angina pectoris occurring shortly before the onset of acute myocardial infarction is associated with a favorable outcome by the mechanism of ischemic preconditioning. Recent experiments have reported that the beneficial effect of ischemic preconditioning are reversed in the aged heart.We studied 990 patients who underwent coronary angiography within 12 hours after the onset of acute myocardial infarction. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those aged70 years (nonelderly patients, n = 722) and those aged/=70 years (elderly patients, n = 268). Prodromal angina in the 24 hours before infarction was found in 190 of 722 nonelderly patients and in 66 of 268 elderly patients (26% vs 25%, P =.61).In nonelderly patients, prodromal angina was associated with lower peak creatine kinase levels (2438 +/- 1939 IU/L vs 2837 +/- 2341 IU/L, P =.04), lower in-hospital mortality rates (3.7% vs 8.8%, P =.02), and better 5-year survival rates (P =. 007). On the contrary, in elderly patients there was no significant difference in peak creatine kinase levels (2427 +/- 2142 IU/L vs 2256 +/- 1551 IU/L, P =.51), in-hospital mortality rate (21.2% vs 17. 4%, P =.49), and 5-year survival rates (P =.47). A multivariate analysis showed that prodromal angina in the 24 hours before infarction was associated with 5-year survival rate in nonelderly patients (odds ratio 0.49, P =.009) but not in elderly patients (odds ratio l.12, P =.65).In nonelderly patients, prodromal angina in the 24 hours before infarction was associated with a smaller infarct size and better short- and long-term survival, suggesting a relation to ischemic preconditioning. However, such a beneficial effect was not observed in elderly patients.

A 76-year-old female with atrial fibrillation and prior cerebral infarction had chest discomfort during rehabilitation for left hemiparesis, and visited the nearby hospital. Her ECG, which was obtained 10 min after the onset, showed marked ST-segment elevation in leads I, II, III, aV(F) and V(2-6), and she was referred to our hospital for cardiac examination. On admission, her ECG, which was obtained 50 min after the onset, showed poor R wave progression and mild ST-segment elevation in leads V(5-6). During only 10 min after the admission, the ST-segment level increased dynamically, and it decreased spontaneously again. Left ventriculography showed akinesia of the mid-to-distal portion and hyperkinesia of the basal portion of the left ventricular chamber, and coronary angiography showed no significant coronary artery disease despite of significant ST-segment elevation. We diagnosed her as having tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. She was discharged well 10 days later.

We report a female case of variant form of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in which wall motion of the distal segment was preserved. In the current case, left ventriculography showed akinesia of the mid portion and normokinesia of the distal and basal portions of the left ventricular chamber. ST-segment elevation was obvious in leads V1–3 rather than in leads V4–6. Because ST-segment elevation is absent in left precordial leads, cardiologists should take care not to fail to diagnose variant form of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy.

Sir, In recent years, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone and beta-adrenergic antagonists have been used to treat heart failure as first-line therapy.1 However, these medications can cause hyperkalaemia as a side-effect.2 We evaluated the medications and clinical profiles of patients with symptomatic hyperkalaemia in recent years. We studied 40 consecutive patients with symptomatic hyperkalaemia, admitted between January 2001 and December 2006. Hyperkalaemia was defined as serum potassium >6.0 mmol/l. Medications and clinical profiles were evaluated; patients who underwent haemodialysis were excluded. Data are expressed as means ± SD. Paired and unpaired Student's t-tests were used; differences were considered significant at …

A 53-year-old woman was involved in a traffic accident while driving her car. She had chest oppressive sensation 6 h after the accident, and was admitted to our hospital. On admission, she had no external injury. She was fully conscious, and felt anxiety about the accident. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram showed mild ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, aVF and V2-5. Chest X-ray did not show pneumothorax, rib fracture or pulmonary congestion. Emergency coronary angiography showed no significant coronary artery disease. However, left ventriculography showed akinesia of the mid-to-distal portion of the left ventricular chamber and hyperkinesia of the basal portion (ejection fraction=45%). She was diagnosed as having tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. Follow-up left ventriculography 11 days later showed normal wall motion of the left ventricular chamber (ejection fraction=62%). Clinicians should recognize that tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is one of etiologies of chest symptom after automobile accident. It can occur due to emotional stress even if patients have no external injury.

A 70-year-old female experienced severe anxiety due to an incident with a stranger when she was home alone at night. Immediately after the event, she had an oppressive chest sensation; 16 h later she was admitted to hospital. Left ventriculography showed akinesia of the mid-to-distal portion and hyperkinesia of the basal portion of the left ventricular chamber. However, coronary angiography showed no significant coronary artery disease. We diagnosed her as having Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy. Subsequently, left ventricular and central aortic pressures were recorded simultaneously. Initial recording showed a peak systolic gradient of 60 mm Hg. On the first sinus beat after a premature ventricular contraction, the peak systolic gradient increased to 130 mm Hg, and the pulse pressure decreased. Shortly after intravenous administration of nitroglycerin (0.5 mg), central aortic pressure decreased and the peak systolic gradient increased to 100 mm Hg. On the first sinus beat after a premature ventricular contraction, the peak systolic gradient increased to 160 mm Hg, and the pulse pressure decreased. Five minutes after intravenous nitroglycerin, the peak systolic gradient returned to 70 mm Hg. Follow-up transthoracic echocardiography 13 days later showed normal left ventricular wall motion with no pressure gradient through the left ventricular outflow tract.

This study was undertaken to assess whether reperfusion in smokers could be achieved spontaneously or therapeutically and to assess whether favorable outcome in smokers could be sustained for years after infarction. We studied 260 patients with anterior myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angiography and thrombolysis within 24 hours after the onset of chest pain. There were 158 smokers and 102 nonsmokers. Smoking was associated more with men, younger age, and less multivessel disease. On initial angiography, the distribution of Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade was similar between smokers and nonsmokers. After thrombolysis, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 3 was more frequent in smokers (32% vs 18%; p = 0.004). In-hospital mortality rates were lower (8% vs 18%; p = 0.022) and long-term cardiac survival was better in smokers (5-year survival: 82% vs 70%; p = 0.022). Our data demonstrated that the infarct artery of smokers responded more efficiently to thrombolysis and favorable outcome in smokers was sustained throughout 5 years.

Objectives. This study was undertaken to assess how prodromal angina affects long-term prognosis after acute myocardial infarction. Background. Although it has been reported that prodromal angina occurring shortly before the onset of acute myocardial infarction has protective effects against ischemia, its implication for long-term prognosis remains unclear. Methods. We studied consecutive 350 patients with anterior myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angiography within 24 h after the onset of chest pain. Follow-up was achieved for 340 patients (97%). Results. Eighty-nine patients had one or more episodes of angina within 24 h before infarction. On initial angiography, patients with prodromal angina in the 24 h before infarction had a patent infarct-related artery more frequently than did those without prodromal angina (34% vs. 22%, p = 0.03). Among 213 patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy for an occluded infarct-related artery, reperfusion was more frequently achieved in patients with prodromal angina in the 24 h before infarction (76% vs. 56%, p = 0.01). Prodromal angina in the 24 h before infarction was associated with a lower in-hospital mortality rate (6% vs. 14%, p = 0.02) and better 5-year survival (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in survival between patients with previous angina at any time (n = 202) and those without. Multivariate analysis showed that prodromal angina in the 24 h before infarction was an independent factor related to 5-year survival after acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio 0.49, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Prodromal angina occurring shortly before the onset of infarction, but not previous angina itself, has a beneficial effect on long-term prognosis after infarction, suggesting a relation to ischemic preconditioning.

Although pulmonary venous (PV) flow is closely related to left atrial (LA) pressure dynamics, few investigators have discussed it in relation to LA functions, ie, reservoir, conduit, and booster pump functions. We examined changes in PV flow rate, LA dimension, and left ventricular filling volume in 11 dogs, and assessed the effects of multistaged volume loading on PV flow and LA functions. Systolic PV flow rate (S) increased significantly and reached a plateau, reflecting a limited LA reservoir function. Diastolic PV flow rate (D) increased significantly with an increase in LA pressure. S/D ratio increased non-significantly from 0.87±0.07 before volume loading to 0.96±0.08 until S reached a plateau and then decreased to 0.76±0.08 (p

To investigate the vasodilatory effect of various doses of intracoronary verapamil on coronary resistance vessels, we studied 13 patients with normal angiograms. A coronary Doppler guide wire was inserted into the left anterior descending coronary artery, and coronary blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured. Verapamil was injected into the left coronary artery at doses of 0.1 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg at 10-min intervals. Nitroglycerin was also injected into the same artery to avoid changes in cross-sectional area. As a measure of coronary vascular resistance, coronary vascular resistance index (CVRI) was calculated as the quotient of mean aortic pressure/CBFV. An injection of verapamil produced a dose-dependent increase in CBFV: 79 +/- 38% with 0.1 mg, 131 +/- 56% with 0.5 mg, 143 +/- 46% with 1.0 mg, and 128 +/- 47% with 2.0 mg of verapamil. The percent peak decreases in CVRI were dose dependent: -42 +/- 13% with 0.1 mg, -50 +/- 17% with 0.5 mg, -62 +/- 14% with 1.0 mg, and -60 +/- 9% with 2.0 mg of verapamil. Thus, intracoronary verapamil produces a dose-dependent dilation of coronary resistance vessels, and the optimal effect is produced with an injection of verapamil at a dose of 1.0 mg into the left coronary artery. At this dose, verapamil did not affect atrioventricular conduction.

Cantu syndrome is an autosomal dominant overgrowth syndrome associated with facial dysmorphism, congenital hypertrichosis, and cardiomegaly. Some affected individuals show bone undermodeling of variable severity. Recent investigations revealed that the disorder is caused by a mutation in ABCC9, encoding a regulatory SUR2 subunit of an ATP-sensitive potassium channel mainly expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle as well as vascular smooth muscle. We report here on a Japanese family with this syndrome. An affected boy and his father had a novel missense mutation in ABCC9. Each patient had a coarse face and hypertrichosis. However, cardiomegaly was seen only in the boy, and macrosomia only in the father. Skeletal changes were not evident in either patient. Craniosynostosis in the boy and the development of aortic aneurysm in the father are previously undescribed associations with Cantu syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

To evaluate the time course of coronary flow reserve after reperfusion, 14 patients with a first anterior wall acute myocardial infarction who underwent successful coronary angioplasty within 6 hours after symptom onset were studied. After angioplasty, coronary flow reserve of the left anterior descending artery was measured with a coronary Doppler guidewire and intravenous dipyridamole (0.56 mg/kg over 4 minutes). Measurements were repeated at predischarge (16 +/- 3 days, n = 12) and at follow-up (6 +/- 3 months, n = 9). Patients with restenosis at the time of repeat catheterization were excluded. An additional 13 patients with normal angiograms served as reference patients. Coronary flow reserve was 1.33 +/- 0.29 after angioplasty. It increased to 1.88 +/- 0.36 at predischarge (p0.01) and further to 2.34 +/- 0.38 at follow-up (p0.01 vs after angioplasty and at predischarge, respectively). However, compared with reference patients (3.15 +/- 0.48), coronary flow reserve was significantly reduced in the infarct patients even at follow-up (p0.01). In infarct patients, the infarct region wall motion was initially -3.86 +/- 0.67 SD/chord. It significantly improved to -2.07 +/- 1.04 SD/chord at predischarge (p0.01) and to -1.67 +/- 1.43 SD/chord at follow-up (p0.01). However, there was no significant relation between coronary flow reserve and region wall motion after angioplasty (r = 0.10), at predischarge (r = 0.35), and at follow-up (r = 0.28). Thus, coronary flow reserve is severely impaired early after reperfusion. Coronary flow reserve improves over 2 weeks, but the impairment persists at 6 months after acute myocardial infarction. The impairment of coronary flow reserve cannot be predicted by left ventricular function. Small sample size is a potential limitation of this study, and a larger study should be performed to confirm these findings.

Although the left atrial appendage has a quite unique structure, its function remains unclear. To clarify the function of the left atrial appendage, changes in its anteroposterior, transverse and longitudinal dimensions, and in the anteroposterior dimension of the left atrial body were measured by a sonomicrometer during volume loading in open chest dogs. In the control state, fractional shortening of the transverse dimension of the appendage was greater than that of the atrial body. After dextran infusion, each dimension of the appendage and body, measured just before atrial contraction, increased curvilinearly. The percent increase in appendage dimensions was greater than that of the atrial body dimension (p < 0.05). Systolic shortenings of the appendage increased until mean left atrial pressure reached approximately 15 mmHg but after further pressure elevation, it decreased. In postmortem isolated hearts, the appendage volume was 17.2 +/- 4.4% of the whole left atrial volume. These findings indicate that the appendage has a considerable volume with a greater compliance and assists left ventricular filling during atrial contraction by a Frank-Starling mechanism.