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Introduction and objectives: Patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis have been excluded from the trials that support the non-inferiority of the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) compared to the fractional flow reserve (FFR) in the decision-making process of coronary revascularization. This study proposes to prospectively assess the concordance between the two indices in LMCA lesions and to validate the iFR cut-off value of 0.89 for clinical use. Methods: National, prospective, and observational multicenter registry of 300 consecutive patients with intermediate lesions in the LMCA (angiographic stenosis, 25% to 60%. A pressure gudiewire study and determination of the RFF and the iFR will be performed: in the event of a negative concordant result (FFR > 0.80/iFR > 0.89), no treatment will be performed; in case of a positive concordant result (FFR ≤ 0.80/iFR ≤ 0.89), revascularization will be performed; In the event of a discordant result (FFR> 0.80/iFR ≤ 0.89 or FFR ≤ 0.80/iFR> 0.89), an intravascular echocardiography will be performed and revascularization will be delayed if the minimum lumen area is > 6 mm2. The primary clinical endpoint will be a composite of cardiovascular death, LMCA lesion-related non-fatal infarction or need for revascularization of the LMCA lesion at 12 months. Conclusions: Confirm that an iFR-guided decision-making process in patients with intermediate LMCA stenosis is clinically safe and would have a significant clinical impact. Also, justify its systematic use when prescribing treatment in these potentially high-risk patients. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( Identifier: NCT03767621).

Introducción Muchas habilidades del debriefing utilizadas cuando las personas están presentes en el mismo espacio físico se traducen pobremente al espacio virtual. El objetivo fue desarrollar una guía práctica para reconocer y manejar los desafíos propios del debriefing online. Métodos Para obtener datos cualitativos se utilizaron entrevistas focales con grupos de facilitadores que realizaron cursos con simulación a distancia, en combinación con una revisión exploratoria de la literatura. Los resultados se categorizaron utilizando el DASH© (Evaluación del Debriefing para Simulación en Salud). Resultados Entre julio de 2020 y marzo de 2021, 12 facilitadores formaron a 296 médicos y enfermeras durante 52 cursos, de 2 a 9,5 h de duración, incluyendo de 2 a 5 casos de simulación cada uno. Se seleccionaron 12 de 304 artículos publicados entre 2014 y 2021. Conclusión Los resultados analizados han permitido el diseño de una guía práctica categorizada con un marco específico de simulación. Introduction Many debriefing skills used when people are present in the same physical space translate poorly into virtual space. The objective was to develop a practical guide to recognize and manage online debriefing challenges. Methods Focus group interviews, with facilitators who participated in distance-based simulation training courses, in combination with a scoping literature review were used to obtain qualitative data. Results were categorized using the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare ©. Results Between July 2020 and March 2021, 12 facilitators trained 296 doctors and nurses from Spain and Latin America during 52 courses, 2 to 9.5 hours long, including 2 to 5 simulation cases each. Between 2014 and 2021, 12 out of 304 articles were selected for review. Conclusions The methods used have allowed to design a practical guide grounded on a simulation specific framework.

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: Los pacientes con estenosis en el tronco coronario izquierdo (TCI) han sido excluidos de los ensayos que apoyan la no inferioridad del cociente de presiones en el índice diastólico instantáneo sin ondas (iFR) respecto a la reserva fraccional de flujo (RFF) en la toma de decisiones sobre revascularización coronaria. El presente estudio propone valorar de manera prospectiva la concordancia entre los dos índices en lesiones del TCI y validar el valor de corte del iFR de 0,89 para su uso clínico. Métodos: Registro multicéntrico nacional, prospectivo, observacional, con la inclusión de 300 pacientes consecutivos con lesiones intermedias (estenosis angiográfica 25-60%) en el TCI. Se realizará un estudio con guía de presión y determinación de RFF e iFR. En caso de resultado concordante negativo (RFF > 0,80 / iFR > 0,89), no se realizará tratamiento; en caso de resultado concordante positivo (RFF ≤ 0,80 / iFR ≤ 0,89), se realizará revascularización; en caso de resultado discordante (RFF > 0,80 / iFR ≤ 0,89 o RFF ≤ 0,80 / iFR > 0,89), se realizará estudio con ecocardiografía intravascular y se considerará diferir la revascularización si el área luminal mínima es > 6 mm2. El criterio de valoración clínico primario será la incidencia del combinado de muerte cardiovascular, infarto no mortal relacionado con la lesión del TCI o necesidad de revascularización de la lesión del TCI a los 12 meses. Conclusiones: La demostración de la seguridad clínica en la toma de decisiones del iFR en pacientes con lesiones intermedias en el TCI tendría un impacto clínico importante y justificaría su uso sistemático para la decisión del tratamiento en estos pacientes de potencial alto riesgo. Registrado en ClinicalTrials.gov (identificador: NCT03767621).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Equal opportunities to access technical advances with recognized clinical value should be a priority of the publicly-funded health system. We analyzed variability among all the Spanish autonomous communities in the use of cardiovascular techniques with an established indication and its relationship with economic indicators, burden of disease, and hospital mortality. METHODS: The activity registries of various Associations of the Spanish Society of Cardiology from 2011 to 2019 were analyzed for coronary angiography, overall percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), primary PCI, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Economic indices (gross domestic product and per capita health care expenditure) were obtained from public sources and data on attendance rates and mortality from the Resources and Quality in Cardiology (RECALCAR) reports of the Spanish Society of Cardiology. We analyzed the coefficient of variation for activity and the correlation of activity with regional economic indices, attendance rates, and risk-adjusted rates of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We identified wide variability in the use of technologies, especially for primary PCI (18%), ICD (22%), cardiac resynchronization therapy (36%), and TAVR (42%). A certain correlation with attendance rates was seen only for overall PCI and ICD. In general, no significant correlation was found between the use of the techniques and the economic indices of wealth and expenditure. The correlation with in-hospital mortality showed no significant results, although this was the analysis with the greatest limitations because the impact of these techniques on survival is exerted more in the mid- and long-term. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, despite its inherent limitations, show marked variability between autonomous communities in the use of cardiovascular technologies, which is not explained by economic differences or by hospital attendance rates due to the corresponding diseases.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Los pacientes mayores de 75 anos con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST sometidos a angioplastia primaria en situacion de shock cardiogenico sufren una gran mortalidad. La identificacion previa al procedimento de variables predictoras de la posterior mortalidad seria muy util para guiar la toma de decisiones. Metodos Analisis del registro multicentrico de angioplastia primaria en pacientes mayores de 75 anos (ESTROFA MI + 75), que incluye a 3.576 pacientes. Se analizaron las caracteristicas y la evolucion clinica del subgrupo con shock cardiogenico para identificar predictores de supervivencia a 1 ano tras la angioplastia y elaborar un indice pronostico. Se valido el indice en una cohorte independiente. Resultados Se incluyo a 332 pacientes. Los predictores basales independientes fueron: la localizacion anterior (HR = 2,8; IC95%, 1,4-6,0; p = 0,005), una fraccion de eyeccion 6 h (HR = 3,2; IC95%, 1,6-7,5; p = 0,001). Se diseno un indice basado en estas variables (indice «6-ANT-40»). La supervivencia a 1 ano fue del 54,5% de aquellos con indice 0, el 32,3% con indice 1, el 27,4% con indice 2 y el 17% con indice 3 (p = 0,004, estadistico C = 0,70). En una cohorte independiente de 124 pacientes, las supervivencias a 1 ano fueron del 64,5, el 40,0, el 28,9 y el 22,2% respectivamente (p = 0,008; estadistico C = 0,68). Conclusiones Un indice basado en simples variables clinicas previas al procedimiento (localizacion anterior, fraccion de eyeccion 6 h) permite estimar la supervivencia tras una angioplastia primaria de los pacientes mayores con shock cardiogenico, y asi ayudar en la toma de decisiones.

espanolIntroduccion y objetivos: Una proporcion significativa de pacientes sometidos a implante percutaneo de valvula aortica (TAVI) presenta indicacion de anticoagulacion oral por fibrilacion auricular. En estos pacientes, con frecuencia el riesgo hemorragico es alto. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los resultados clinicos en pacientes tratados con dosis baja de apixaban o con acenocumarol, un antagonista de la vitamina K (AVK). Metodos: Registro observacional multicentrico que incluyo pacientes sometidos a TAVI tratados con dosis baja de apixaban (2,5 mg/12 h) o AVK, en ambos casos sin tratamiento antiplaquetario asociado. Se llevo a cabo un emparejamiento por puntuacion de propension para seleccionar dos cohortes comparables. Se recabo la informacion de los 12 meses posteriores al procedimiento. Se consideraron objetivos coprimarios de eficacia (muerte, infarto de miocardio e ictus) y de seguridad (hemorragias BARC ≥ 2). Resultados: Se incluyeron 236 pacientes y se obtuvieron 2 grupos de 64 pacientes comparables en cuanto a caracteristicas basales. Solo 19 (30%) cumplieron estrictamente los criterios de ajuste a la baja de la dosis de apixaban. A los 12 meses, la incidencia de muerte, infarto de miocardio e ictus fue comparable (12,5% con AVK frente a 9,3% con apixaban; p = 0,5), pero la incidencia de hemorragia BARC ≥ 2 fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de AVK (7,8 frente a 0%; p = 0,02). La mayoria de los eventos tromboticos en el grupo de apixaban se observaron en pacientes con reduccion de dosis no ajustada a criterios. Conclusiones: En este registro de pacientes con TAVI y fibrilacion auricular, el uso de la dosis baja de apixaban en comparacion con el uso de AVK, sin antiagregantes concomitantes, se asocio a una menor incidencia de hemorragias mayores con una incidencia similar de eventos tromboembolicos. EnglishIntroduction and objectives: A significant amount of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have an indication for oral anticoagulation due to atrial fibrillation. In these patients the bleeding risk is often high. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with low doses of apixaban or the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) acenocumarol in this setting. Methods: Multicenter observational registry including patients treated after TAVI with low doses of apixaban (2.5 mg/12 hours) or VKA both without associated antiplatelet therapy. Propensity score matching was conducted to select 2 comparable cohorts. Data were gathered for 12 months following the procedure. Coprimary endpoints of efficacy (death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and safety (bleeding BARC ≥ 2) were considered. Results: A total of 236 patients were included. They were divided into 2 comparable groups of 64 patients each. Only 19 patients (30%) strictly met the dose adjustment criteria for apixaban. The rate of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke was similar at the 12-month follow-up (12.5% with VKA vs 9.3% with apixaban, P = .5), but the rate of bleeding BARC ≥ 2 was significantly higher in the VKA group (7.8% vs 0%; P = .02). Most of the events seen in the apixaban group occurred in patients with incorrect dose titration. Conclusions: In this registry of patients treated with TAVI and atrial fibrillation the use of low-dose apixaban compared to VKA—both without antiplatelet agents—was associated to a lower rate of actionable bleeding and a similar rate of thrombotic events.

Introduction and objectives: A significant amount of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have an indication for oral anticoagulation due to atrial fibrillation. In these patients the bleeding risk is often high. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with low doses of apixaban or the vitamin K antagonist (VKA) acenocumarol in this setting. Methods: Multicenter observational registry including patients treated after TAVI with low doses of apixaban (2.5 mg/12 hours) or VKA both without associated antiplatelet therapy. Propensity score matching was conducted to select 2 comparable cohorts. Data were gathered for 12 months following the procedure. Coprimary endpoints of efficacy (death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and safety (bleeding BARC ≥ 2) were considered. Results: A total of 236 patients were included. They were divided into 2 comparable groups of 64 patients each. Only 19 patients (30%) strictly met the dose adjustment criteria for apixaban. The rate of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke was similar at the 12-month follow-up (12.5% with VKA vs 9.3% with apixaban, P = .5), but the rate of bleeding BARC ≥ 2 was significantly higher in the VKA group (7.8% vs 0%; P = .02). Most of the events seen in the apixaban group occurred in patients with incorrect dose titration. Conclusions: In this registry of patients treated with TAVI and atrial fibrillation the use of low-dose apixaban compared to VKA—both without antiplatelet agents—was associated to a lower rate of actionable bleeding and a similar rate of thrombotic events.

Background Triple antithrombotic therapy (TT) is recommended for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is a lack of comparative data in a real-world clinical setting between non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and vitamin K antagonists (VKA). The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of TT with NOAC or VKA after PCI in patients with AF at 1-year of follow-up. Materials and Methods This was an observational retrospective study in 2 tertiary care hospitals during 2013-2016. Patients with indication for anticoagulation due to AF from an initial registry of 5,269 patients undergoing PCI were identified. Safety primary endpoint was the occurrence of major bleeding events as defined by Bleeding Academic Consortium (BARC ≥ 3). The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results A total of 187 consecutive patients on TT were identified: 45.4% of were discharged on NOAC and 54.6% on VKA. Patients who received VKA presented more comorbidities and had a higher bleeding risk than those who received NOACs. Major bleeding events occurred in 17 patients (9%), with a higher rate in the VKA group (3.5% vs. 13% confidence interval, 0.19-0.86, P = 0.02). There were no differences in the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events, stroke or net clinical benefit. Conclusions In this real-world study, patients with AF undergoing PCI treated on NOAC-based TT showed lower bleeding rates than those on VKA, with a lower rate of major bleeding events, while efficacy was similar between groups.

Introduction and objectives: The proportion of elderly patients undergoing primary angioplasty is growing. The present study describes the clinical profile, procedural characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of outcome. Methods: A 31-center registry of consecutive patients older than 75 years treated with primary angioplasty. Clinical and procedural data were collected, and the patients underwent clinical follow-up. Results: The study included 3576 patients (39.3% women, 48.5% with renal failure, 11.5% in Killip III or IV, and 29.8% with > 6 hours of chest pain). Multivessel disease was present in 55.4% and nonculprit lesions were additionally treated in 24.8%. Radial access was used in 56.4%, bivalirudin in 11.8%, thromboaspiration in 55.9%, and drug-eluting stents in 26.6%. The 1-month and 2-year incidences cardiovascular death were 10.1% and 14.7%, respectively. The 2-year rates of definite or probable thrombosis, repeat revascularization, and BARC bleeding > 2 were 3.1%, 2.3%, and 4.2%, respectively. Predictive factors were diabetes mellitus, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, delay to reperfusion > 6 hours, ejection fraction < 45%, Killip class III-IV, radial access, bivalirudin, drug-eluting stents, final TIMI flow of III, and incomplete revascularization at discharge. Conclusions: Notable registry findings include frequently delayed presentation and a high prevalence of adverse factors such as renal failure and multivessel disease. Positive procedure-related predictors include shorter delay, use of radial access, bivalirudin, drug-eluting stents, and complete revascularization before discharge. (C) 2016 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La proporcion de pacientes de edad avanzada que se someten a angioplastia primaria esta creciendo. Este estudio describe el perfil clinico, las caracteristicas de los procedimientos, la evolucion y los predictores pronosticos. Metodos Registro en 31 centros de pacientes consecutivos mayores de 75 anos tratados con angioplastia primaria. Se recogieron variables clinicas y del procedimiento y se efectuo seguimiento clinico. Resultados Se incluyo a 3.576 pacientes (el 39,3% mujeres, el 48,5% con insuficiencia renal, el 11,5% en Killip III o IV y el 29,8% con mas de 6 h de dolor). El 55,4% presentaba enfermedad multivaso y al 24,8% se les trato ademas lesiones no culpables. Se utilizo via radial en el 56,4%, bivalirudina en el 11,8%, aspiracion de trombo en el 55,9% y stents farmacoactivos en el 26,6%. La incidencia de muerte cardiaca al mes era del 10,1% y a los 2 anos, del 14,7%. A los 2 anos la trombosis definitiva o probable era del 3,1%; la revascularizacion de lesion tratada, del 2,3% y las hemorragias BARC > 2, del 4,2%. Los predictores pronosticos fueron: diabetes mellitus, insuficiencia renal, fibrilacion auricular, retraso > 6 h, fraccion de eyeccion III - IV , via radial, bivalirudina, stents farmacoactivos, flujo final TIMI III y revascularizacion incompleta al alta. Conclusiones En este registro destaca el frecuente retraso en la presentacion y la alta prevalencia de factores adversos como la insuficiencia renal o la enfermedad multivaso. Se identificaron como factores protectores relacionados con el procedimiento el menor retraso, el uso de via radial, la bivalirudina, los stents farmacoactivos y la revascularizacion completa antes del alta.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients older than 75 years with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty in cardiogenic shock have high mortality. Identification of preprocedural predictors of short- and long-term mortality could be useful to guide decision-making and further interventions. METHODS: We analyzed a nationwide registry of primary angioplasty in the elderly (ESTROFA MI+75) comprising 3576 patients. The characteristics and outcomes of the subgroup of patients in cardiogenic shock were analyzed to identify associated factors and prognostic predictors in order to derive a baseline risk prediction score for 1-year mortality. The score was validated in an independent cohort. RESULTS: A total of 332 patients were included. Baseline independent predictors of mortality were anterior myocardial infarction (HR 2.8, 95%CI, 1.4-6.0 P=.005), ejection fraction6hours (HR 3.2, 95%CI, 1.6-7.5; P=.001). A score was designed that included these predictive factors (score "6-ANT-40"). Survival at 1 year was 54.5% for patients with score 0, 32.3% for score 1, 27.4% for score 2 and 17% for score 3 (P=.004, c-statistic 0.70). The score was validated in an independent cohort of 124 patients, showing 1-year survival rates of 64.5%, 40.0%, 28.9%, and 22.2%, respectively (P=.008, c-statistic 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: A preprocedural score based on 3 simple clinical variables (anterior location, ejection fraction6 hours) may be used to estimate survival after primary angioplasty in elderly patients with cardiogenic shock and to guide preinterventional decision-making.

Objectives Understanding the severity of aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, its impact on left ventricular (LV) structure and function, and the structural factors associated with worsening AR could lead to improvements in patient selection, implantation technique, and valve design. Background Initial studies in patients at high risk of surgical aortic valve replacement have reported both central valvular and paravalvular AR after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods Transthoracic echocardiograms were quantified from 95 patients in the REVIVAL (TRanscatheter EndoVascular Implantation of VALves) trial. Transthoracic echocardiograms were obtained before implantation of the Edwards-Sapien valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) and thereafter at selected intervals. Measurements included LV internal diameters and volumes, ejection fraction, aortic valve area, and the degree of aortic regurgitation. Measures of degree of native leaflet mobility, thickness, and calcification, as well as left ventricular outflow tract, aortic annulus, and aortic root diameters were also made. Results Eighty-four patients remained after 11 were excluded; 26 (29.8%) died over a period of 3 years. At 24 h post-implantation, 75% had some degree of AR, mostly paravalvular. By 1 year, the mean AR grade increased slightly, but not significantly (1.1 ± 0.8 to 1.3 ± 0.9), and all measures of LV structure and function improved (LV ejection fraction, 50.7 ± 16.1% to 59.4 ± 14.0%). Native aortic leaflet calcification and annulus diameter correlated significantly with the severity of AR at 1 year (p Conclusions AR after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is frequent but is rarely more than mild. Although AR progresses, it is not associated with a harmful impact on LV structure and function over the first year. Native valve calcification and aortic annulus diameter influence the degree of AR at 6 months.

Prosthetic heart valve dysfunction is an acquired condition that carries a significant risk of emergency surgery. However, the long-term natural history of the condition is not well understood. Between 1974 and 2006, 1535 isolated mitral valve replacements were performed at our hospital (in-hospital mortality 5%). In total, 369 patients needed a second operation (in-hospital mortality 8.1%), while 80 (age 59.8+/-11.4 years) needed a third. The reasons for the third intervention were structural deterioration (67.5%), paravalvular leak (20%) and endocarditis (6.3%). Some 15 patients died in hospital (18.8%). After a mean follow-up period of 17.8 years, 21 patients needed another intervention (i.e., a fourth intervention). The actuarial reoperation-free rate at 20 years was 40.1+/-13.8%. The late mortality rate was 58.5% (18-year survival rate 15.4+/-5.4%). Indications for repeat mitral valve replacement must be judged on an individual basis given the high risk associated with surgery.

La disfuncion protesica es una enfermedad adquirida con significativo riesgo quirurgico inmediato, aunque la historia natural a largo plazo es poco conocida. Entre 1974 y 2006 se realizaron 1.535 recambios mitrales aislados (mortalidad hospitalaria, 5%). Un total de 369 pacientes requirieron una segunda intervencion (mortalidad hospitalaria, 8,1%) y 80, una tercera (59,8 ± 11,4 anos). Las causas de la tercera intervencion fueron deterioro estructural (67,5%), dehiscencia periprotesica (20%) y endocarditis (6,3%). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue 15 (18,8%) pacientes. Tras un seguimiento medio de 17,8 anos, 21 pacientes precisaron nueva intervencion (cuarta intervencion) y la curva actuarial libre de reoperacion fue del 40,1% ± 13,8% a 20 anos. La mortalidad tardia fue del 58,5% (supervivencia a 18 anos, 15,4% ± 5,4%). La indicacion de una reintervencion reiterativa mitral debe evaluarse de forma individualizada, dado el alto riesgo quirurgico asociado.

ntroduccion y objetivos. Los stents farmacoactivos (SLF) consiguen reducir la reestenosis en vasos nativos. Sin embargo, los resultados en safenas son mas confusos. Se comparan los resultados de dichos dispositivos con los de los stents convencionales (SC) en estenosis de novo. Metodos. Se estudiaron las intervenciones en safenas con SLF en cinco centros desde el inicio de su uso hasta julio de 2007 y se compararon con una cohorte historica de SC en dos de los centros. Se analizan los resultados intrahospitalarios y a largo plazo y predictores de supervivencia y revascularizacion. Resultados. Se incluyo a 98 pacientes y 107 estenosis con SLF y 113 pacientes y 130 estenosis con SC. Habia diferencias basales, con mayor edad y menor frecuencia de trombo en los SLF. Tambien se encontraron diferencias en el procedimiento con mayor longitud de stent y menos implante directo y diametro de stent en SLF. La ausencia de mortalidad cardiaca a los 12, 24 y 30 meses fue: SLF, 95% ± 2%, 91% ± 3% y 89% ± 3%; SC, 95% ± 2%, 90% ± 3% y 87% ± 3% (p = 0,66), y la ausencia de revascularizacion del vaso tratado: 90% ± 3%, 86% ± 4% y 83% ± 4% en SLF y 94% ± 2%, 87% ± 3% y 87% ± 3% en SC (p = 0,49). El unico predictor de mortalidad cardiaca fue la fraccion de eyeccion y no se encontraron predictores de nueva revascularizacion. Conclusiones. En nuestra serie los SLF en safenas no se asociaron a disminucion de mortalidad ni revascularizacion del vaso tratado. El unico predictor de mortalidad cardiaca fue la fraccion de eyeccion, y no se encontraron predictores de nueva revascularizacion

Introduction and objectives Drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce the restenosis rate in native vessels. However, results in saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are less clear. The aim of this study was to compare DES and bare metal stents (BMS) in de novo stenosis in SVG. Methods The study included all percutaneous interventions involving a DES in SVG carried out at five centers up until July 2007. Findings were compared with those in a historical cohort that used conventional stents at 2 centers. The study analyzed in-hospital and long-term outcomes and predictors of survival and revascularization. Results The study included 107 stenoses treated with DESs in 98 patients and 130 stenoses treated with BMS in 113 patients. The DES group was older at baseline and had thrombus less often. There were also procedural differences: in the DES group, stents were longer, direct stenting was used less, and the stent diameter was smaller. The proportion of patients who experienced cardiac death by 12, 24, and 30 months was 95%(2%), 91%(3%), and 89%(3%), respectively, in the DES group and 95%(2%), 90%(3%) and 87%(3%) in the BMS group ( P =.66). The proportion without target vessel revascularization at 12, 24 and 30 months was 90%±3%, 86%±4% and 83%(4%), respectively, in the DES group and 94%±2%, 87%(3%) and 87%(3%) in the BMS group ( P =.49). The only predictor of cardiac death was the ejection fraction. There was no predictor of revascularization. Conclusions In our series, using DESs in SVGs was not associated with a reduction in mortality or target vessel revascularization. The only predictor of cardiac death was the ejection fraction. There was no predictor of revascularization.

Background Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura with malignant progression occurs uncommonly. Cardiac intracavitary extension of tumors is rarely seen, with left side location being exceptional. Methods and results The authors report the first case of a malignant SFT metastatic to the heart occurring in a 74-year-old woman. The tumor first presented as a slow-growing pleural SFT that in 6 years reached a size of 16 cm. Two months after a complete surgical resection, the tumor was found to spread to the left atrium by intracavitary extension from the left upper pulmonary vein, simulating a cardiac myxoma. The primary tumor showed established features of malignancy including size greater than 10 cm; gross findings of necrosis; high cellularity, cytological atypia, and eight mitoses per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemical study revealed positivity of the tumor cells for CD34, bcl-2, and CD99. Aside from the present report, 52 previous cases of sarcoma with intracavitary extension to the left side of the heart have been described. Bone sarcoma is the type most frequently found. Peripheral arterial embolism can be a complication of advanced mesenchymal malignancy in 21% (11/53) of reported cases. Conclusion Accurate histopathologic recognition of this rare type of metastatic disease is important because of the adverse prognosis as compared to cardiac myxoma.

a Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Servicio de Cardiologia, Tenerife, Spain b Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Canarias, La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain c Universidad de La Laguna, Departamento de Fisiologia, Tenerife, Spain d Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Farmacologia Clinica, Tenerife, Spain e Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Servicio de Cardiologia, Santander, Cantabria, Spain f Hospital General Universitario de Santa Lucia, Servicio de Cardiologia, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain

Background This study describes our experience with proliferation signal inhibitors in de novo heart transplant recipients with significant renal impairment. To circumvent further nephrotoxicity, calcineurin inhibitors were avoided in the peri-operative period. Methods Immunosuppression in 20 patients was with a proliferation signal inhibitor (sirolimus, 14; everolimus, 6), an anti-mitotic drug, and corticosteroids from the time of transplantation. Induction was used in 9 patients (45%). All patients had preoperative significant renal dysfunction (mean glomerular filtration rate 2 ), and 4 patients required dialysis. Results Post-operatively, the glomerular filtration rate significantly increased (>65 ml/min/1.73 m 2 at Month 1, remaining stable thereafter). No patients required dialysis after the first month of transplantation. Mean follow-up was 500 days. Rejection episodes occurred in 11 patients (55%), and 4 patients died (2 of rejection, although 1 death occurred 48 days after conversion to conventional treatment with tacrolimus). Half of the patients were eventually converted to conventional calcineurin-inhibitor therapy because of proliferation signal inhibitor adverse events. Conclusion Although this immunosuppressive approach was associated with a somewhat high rate of rejection and frequent side effects, it represents an attractive alternative in the complicated peri-operative setting of patients with significant renal impairment. This approach could serve as a temporary bridge to a conventional treatment.

Pulmonary toxicity (PT) is emerging as a frequent and serious complication of sirolimus, a proliferation signal inhibitor (PSI) used in solid-organ transplantation. Everolimus is a more recently developed PSI with molecular structure very similar to that of sirolimus. Surprisingly, although experience with everolimus is increasing and becoming substantial, there remains very little information about everolimus-related PT. Herein we report 2 heart transplant recipients who developed a non-infectious pulmonary syndrome after everolimus treatment was started. Transbronchial pulmonary biopsy specimens showed typical interstitial pneumonitis, and everolimus discontinuation resulted in rapid clinical and radiological improvement. Although PT seems to be more common after sirolimus exposure, everolimus is by no means spared from this potentially lethal complication and should always be suspected in the relevant clinical setting.

Fas ligand expression by endothelial cells is downregulated under proinflammatory conditions, facilitating the vascular infiltration by circulating cells. We have analyzed whether the forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia is associated with soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) plasma concentrations in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD).Forearm blood flow to reactive hyperemia, an indicator of endothelial function, and forearm blood flow to nitroglycerin (endothelial-independent) were measured in 110 subjects with stable CAD. sFasL and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were also determined.There was a linear trend for the increase of sFasL and forearm reactive hyperemia (p0.001). In contrast, no association was observed between sFasL and forearm blood flow to nitroglycerine. sFasL was not related with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Partial correlation coefficient adjusted by age and gender remained significant between sFasL and forearm blood flow to reactive hyperemia (r=0.35; p0.001). No association between CRP concentrations and forearm reactive hyperemia, forearm blood flow to nitroglycerin or sFasL plasma concentrations was noted.Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that sFasL levels could reflect endothelial function in subjects with CAD and suggest that sFasL plasma concentrations could be a potential biomarker of endothelial function.

Objectives Fas ligand expression by endothelial cells is downregulated under proinflammatory conditions, facilitating the vascular infiltration by circulating cells. We have analyzed whether the forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia is associated with soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) plasma concentrations in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Forearm blood flow to reactive hyperemia, an indicator of endothelial function, and forearm blood flow to nitroglycerin (endothelial-independent) were measured in 110 subjects with stable CAD. sFasL and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were also determined. Results There was a linear trend for the increase of sFasL and forearm reactive hyperemia (p