bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic status influences delays in the management of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Cetran L , Lesaine E , Miganeh-Hadi S , Sevin F , Saillour-Glenisson F , Pradeau C , Coste P
Published: November 2020

Background

A prompt diagnosis to initiate the appropriate reperfusion therapy is crucial to improve clinical outcomes in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Socio-economic status (SES) refers to parameters like income, educational status and occupation. A low SES negatively interferes with the prognosis of STEMI patients. However, the impact of SES on delay time in acute STEMI remains matter of debate.

Methods

We used databases from two French multicentric and prospective registries: ACIRA (patients undergoing coronary angiography in any catheterization laboratories of Aquitaine) and REANIM (acute STEMI patients supported by emergency medical system (EMS) in Aquitaine). An ecological indicator of social deprivation Fdep09 was calculated to describe geographical inequalities in health based on municipality of residence. The higher the value, the more disadvantaged the population. Low SES was defined as Fdep09 > median value.

Results

Two-thousand-eight-hundred-and-forty consecutive patients with acute STEMI undergoing coronary angiography from January 2017 to December 2018 in Aquitaine were included. Patients with lower SES were more often initially referred to emergency departments of non-percutaneous coronary intervention capable centers whereas patients with higher SES were more often directly transferred to PCI centers by the mobile emergency care units as recommended by the most recent European guidelines (p<10–4). Patients with low SES had longer delays from symptom onset to first medical contact (FMC) (116 [60–119] vs 98 [55–233] min, p=0.0078) and were more likely to receive fibrinolysis (9.9 vs 5.2%, p<10–4). Linear regression modeling showed that each point of the Fdep09 index was associated with increase in the delay from symptom onset to FMC by a factor 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04–1.17, p<10–3) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

SES inequality has negative influence on the delays in the management of acute STEMI patients. Efforts to raise awareness of suspicious signs of acute MI among individuals in lower SES could be valuable.

FDep09 distribution

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Moving in sync – concordance betweena artificial intelligence and cardiologist on detecting normal electrocardiograms
Authors: Mehta S , Avila J , Villagran C , Fernandez F , Niklitschek S , Vera F , Rocuant R , Cardenas G , Escobar E , Frauenfelder A , Vieira D , Vijayan Y , Pinto G , Ceschim M , Luna M
Published: November 2020

Background

Merging modern technologies with classic diagnostic tests often results in a sense of insecurity within the medical community, particularly so with potentially life-saving studies such as the electrocardiogram (EKG). In order to provide a greater sense of trust between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cardiologists, we provide an AI-driven algorithm capable of accurately and reliably characterize an EKG as normal within a highly complex, cardiologist-reviewed EKG database and report the degree of concordance between this machine vs physician scenario.

Purpose

To provide a dependable and accurate AI algorithm that conducts EKG interpretation in a cardiologist-tier manner.

Methods

The International Telemedical System (ITMS) developed and tested an EKG assessing AI algorithm and incorporated it into the workflow of their Telemedicine Integrated Platform, a digital EKG reading program where cardiologists continuously report their findings remotely in real-time. During the month of April 2,019; 35 ITMS cardiologists reported a grand total of 61,441 EKG records, later submitting them to the AI algorithm implemented through the “One Click Report” process. Through this simple 2-step approach, the algorithm provides a suggestion of “Normal” or “Abnormal” to the cardiologist based on the patterns of the fiducial points included in said EKG reports. Confirmation of these suggestions by the cardiologists ensued.

Results

Overall, cardiologists confirmed 23,213 out of 25,013 AI outputs for “Normal” EKGs, demonstrating a concordance of 92.8% for Normal diagnosis.

Conclusion

Through this methodology, we provide an AI technology that can be reliably applied and trusted in EKG digital platforms to identify and suitably label a normal EKG. Further testing will accrue into a multi label algorithm compatible with abnormal cardiovascular entities, potentially precluding the role of the cardiologist for triaging, particularly in the prehospital setting. We anticipate that this approach will become a promising methodology in modern cardiology practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Clinical risk scores and integrated clinical judgment in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Boeddinghaus J , Meier M , Nestelberger T , Lopez-Ayala P , Ratmann P.D , Wussler D , Wildi K , Rubini Gimenez M , Zimmermann T , Miro O , Martin-Sanchez J , Keller D.I , Gualandro D.M , Twerenbold R , Mueller C
Published: November 2020

Background

Clinical risk scores are recommended for formal risk stratification in patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It is unknown, whether these scores still provide additional value in the era of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) compared to simple integrated clinical judgment.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of integrated clinical judgment compared to clinical risk scores.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of ACS such as acute chest discomfort. The primary prognostic endpoint was the composite of 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including all-cause death, life-threatening arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction (AMI, including the index event), and urgent coronary revascularization and was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. The performance of five well-established formal risk scores (T-MACS, HEART, GRACE, TIMI, and EDACS) for the prediction of 30-day MACE was directly compared with simple integrated clinical judgment for the ACS likelihood by the treating ED physician. Integrated clinical judgment was quantified using a visual analogue scale at 90 minutes after patient's presentation to the ED. The primary diagnostic endpoint was index AMI.

Results

Among 2031 patients, 417/2031 patients (20.5%) had at least one MACE within 30 days. Prognostic accuracy for 30-day MACE quantified by the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.87 (95% CI 0.85–0.89) for T-MACS, 0.87 (95% CI 0.85–0.89) for HEART, 0.84 (95% CI 0.82–0.86) for GRACE, 0.81 (95% CI 0.79–0.83) for TIMI, 0.75 (95% CI 0.73–0.78) for EDACS, versus 0.89 (95% CI 0.87–0.91) for simple integrated clinical judgment (p<0.01 versus GRACE, TIMI, and EDACS; Figure 1). Similarly, diagnostic accuracy was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94) for T-MACS, 0.89 (95% CI 0.87–0.90) for HEART, 0.88 (95% CI 0.86–0.89) for GRACE, 0.80 (95% CI 0.78–0.82) for TIMI, 0.74 (95% CI 0.72–0.77) for EDACS, versus 0.89 (95% CI 0.88–0.91) for simple integrated clinical judgment (p<0.01 versus GRACE, TIMI, and EDACS).

Conclusion

None of the formal clinical risk scores outperformed simple integrated clinical judgment for ACS in the prediction of 30-day MACE or the diagnosis of AMI. Therefore, in the era of hs-cTn testing as part of integrated clinical judgment, clinical risk scores seem to no longer provide incremental value.

Figure 1. Diagnostic accuracy for MACE at 30-days

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss Heart Foundation
Validation of a machine learned model to predict the diagnosis of myocardial infarction
Authors: Doudesis D , Yang J , Tsanas A , Stables C , Shah A , Anand A , Lee K , Strachan F , Pickering J , Than M , Mills N
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The myocardial-ischemic-injury-index (MI3) is a promising machine learned algorithm that predicts the likelihood of myocardial infarction in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Whether this algorithm performs well in unselected patients or predicts recurrent events is unknown.

Methods

In an observational analysis from a multi-centre randomised trial, we included all patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome and serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I measurements without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Using gradient boosting, MI3 incorporates age, sex, and two troponin measurements to compute a value (0–100) reflecting an individual's likelihood of myocardial infarction, and estimates the negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV). Model performance for an index diagnosis of myocardial infarction, and for subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death at one year was determined using previously defined low- and high-probability thresholds (1.6 and 49.7, respectively).

Results

In total 20,761 of 48,282 (43%) patients (64±16 years, 46% women) were eligible of whom 3,278 (15.8%) had myocardial infarction. MI3 was well discriminated with an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.949 (95% confidence interval 0.946–0.952) identifying 12,983 (62.5%) patients as low-probability (sensitivity 99.3% [99.0–99.6%], NPV 99.8% [99.8–99.9%]), and 2,961 (14.3%) as high-probability (specificity 95.0% [94.7–95.3%], PPV 70.4% [69–71.9%]). At one year, subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death occurred more often in high-probability compared to low-probability patients (17.6% [520/2,961] versus 1.5% [197/12,983], P<0.001).

Conclusions

In unselected consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, the MI3 algorithm accurately estimates the likelihood of myocardial infarction and predicts probability of subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.

Performance of MI3 at example thresholds

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Medical Research Council
Diagnostic and prognostic value of neopterin and RNA-ase in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI
Authors: Ciobanu L , Popovici I , Ivanov V , Cobet V , Ivanov M , Popovici M
Published: November 2020

Background

Neopterin and RNA-ase are markers of inflammation with low disclosed role in diagnosis and prognosis of either STEMI or NSTEMI, although inflammation is well documented as a leader pathogenic mechanism in these pathologies.

Aim

Evaluation of serum admission levels of neopterin and ARN-ase in pts with STEMI and NSTEMI and their prediction value concerning the risk of MACE in 1 year of follow up period.

Material and methods

The admission serum concentration of neopterin and ARN-ase was determined by ELISA in 94 pts with STEMI and 92 pts with NSTEMI which was compared with normal markers appreciated in 32 healthy persons. Likewise, the rate of MACE in both groups was estimated during 1 year of post-infarction period. Diagnostic worth and MACE prediction power of markers have been established using respectively ROC curve and odds ratio.

Results

In patients with STEMI the serum level of neopterin was significantly increased compared with normal index by 3,5 times (11,6±3,4 vs 3,3±1,4 nM/L), but RNA-ase was significantly decreased by 43,4% (24,1±3,2 vs 42,6±5,2 nM/ml). In pts with NSTEMI neopterin level was lesser than STEMI, but significantly elevated by 39% (4,6±2,5 vs 3,3±1,4 nM/L) vs normal marker. RNA-ase level didn't significantly differ from normal level. However, adjusted to diabetes mellitus established in 19 pts, RNA-ase significantly diminished (36,4±3,9 vs 42,6±5,2 nM/ml), and its diagnostic value of NSTEMI according to ROC was 69,6% (RNA-ase level indicates inversely inflammation response, such as it breaks down extracellular RNA which has proinflammatory ability). Both markers in pts with NSTEMI and diabetes mellitus demonstrated a diagnostic value of 77,6%. In pts with STEMI highest tertile level of neopterin and lowest tertile level of ARN-ase had 2,8fold (adds ratio=2,8; CI=1,98–4,62; p<0,05) and 2,3fold (adds ratio=2,3; CI=1,71–3,89; p<0,05) higher risk of MACE development. In pts with NSTEMI the combination of these markers (highest and lowest quartile levels) also had a significant prediction regarding MACE risk (adds ratio=2,1; CI=1,86–3,77; p=0,029).

Conclusions

1. In STEMI both neopterin and RNA-ase could be as diagnostic markers, due to their significant change. In NSTEMI neopterin significantly elevated, but RNA-ase didn't shift from normal. In diabetic pts with NSTEMI, however, their combination demonstrated in ROC estimation a diagnostic value of 77,6%.

2. Prediction value of markers combination regarding MACE risk in pts with NSTEMI is significant and close to each marker in partly prediction of MACE for pts with STEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Research Institute of Cardiology, Moldova Republic of
Multibiomarker model to discriminate Type 1 and Type 2 myocardial infarction
Authors: Neumann J , Soerensen N.A , Hartikainen T.S , Haller P.M , Lehmacher J , Weimann J , Blankenberg S , Zeller T , Westermann D
Published: November 2020

Background

The discrimination of patients with type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI) from patients with type 2 MI (T2MI) is often challenging in the emergency department. Earlier we presented a discrimination model, which based on clinical variables, as well as on troponin concentrations. In the present analyses we sought to investigate the discriminative power of 28 biomarkers in patients with T1MI and T2MI.

Methods

Patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of MI were recruited. The final diagnosis of all patients was adjudicated by two physicians in a blinded fashion and based on the fourth universal definition of MI. For the present analyses only patients with T1MI and T2MI were used. In total 28 biomarkers were measured in blood samples collected directly at admission. A multivariable logistic regression model for T1MI vs T2MI as the dependent variable was used and the predictors were chosen via backward step-down selection.

Results

In total 138 patients (107 T1MI and 31 T2MI) were available for the analyses. The median age of the study population was 65 years and 66.7% were males. Hypertension was present in 77.4% and dyslipidemia in 41.3%. In the multivariable model four biomarkers (apolipoprotein A-II, n-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, copeptin and high-sensitivity troponin I) were significant discriminators between T1MI and T2MI (Table 1). Internal validation of the model via bootstrap shows a for overoptimism corrected area under the curve of 0.82.

Conclusion

Using a multibiomarker approach discrimination between T1MI and T2MI could be improved. External validation of our findings is warranted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Research fellowship by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Changes in gut microbiota are associated with coronary angiographic severity and prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Gao J , Wang J , Zhao L.L , Li C.P , Cui Z , Ma J , Zhang X , Liu Y
Published: November 2020

Background

1. Studies have found that gut microbiota is a new participant and potential therapeutic target for CVD and even MI.

2. No clinical study to date, however, has investigated whether the changes of gut microbiota associated with coronary lesion degree and prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Aim

We prospectively investigated associations, of gut microbiota in their feces and coronary lesion degree, and long-term prognosis of patients with ACS.

Methods

1. In prospective cohort study, a total 502 subjects including 402 ACS patients and 100 controls. Fecal specimens were used to extract bacterial genomic DNA

2. 16S rDNA sequence of bacteria were generated to analyse specific gut microbial taxa associated with ACS onset for 60 ACS patients and 30 healthy controls.

3. Specific primers were designed according to the 16S rDNA sequence of bacteria for real time PCR reaction to determine the number of different bacteria.

4. All ACS patients calculated SYNTAX score by coronary radiography results and followed up for one year. The correlation of gut microbiota with coronary angiographic severity and prognosis in the ACS patients was analyzed.

Results

1. Compared with the control group,the number of bacteria in Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and Enterobacteriaceae increased significantly (P<0.05) and Lactobacillus decreased significantly (P<0.05) in patients with ACS.

2. Lactobacillus were independent predictors of coronary angiographic severity in patients with ACS (HR=0.953; 95% CI: 0.935–0.970, P<0.001).

3. Decreased Lactobacillus levels were independent protection factors with all-cause death (HR=0.954; 95% CI: 0.913–0.997, P=0.038) and risk of major adverse cardiac events (HR=0.952; 95% CI: 0.929–0.976, P<0.001),especially for heart failure in long-term prognosis(HR=0.960; 95% CI: 0.932–0.989, P=0.007).

Conclusion

1. Number of Lactobacillus are significantly decreased in patients with ACS,and associated with SYNTAX score,suggesting that Lactobacillus is associated with severity of coronary artery disease, all-cause death and MACE.

2. It provides new ideas for the prevention and treatment of ACS.

Real time PCR

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Major Science and Technology Projects of Tianjin Science and Technology Commission in 2016
One-year outcome of the rule-out group according to the 0-h /1-hour algorithm with suspected myocardial infarction in Asian countries
Authors: Shiozaki M , Inoue K , Suwa S , Lee C.C , Chiang S.J , Fukuda K , Hiki M , Kubota N , Tamura H , Fujiwara Y , Miyazaki T , Hirano Y , Sumiyoshi M
Published: November 2020

Background/Introduction; A rapid rule-out or rule-in protocol based on the 0-h/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Around 40–50% were stratified into “rule-out” group, and their 30-days prognosis was excellent. However, the one-year prognosis is uncertain. We aimed to better characterize these patients.

Methods

This study was a prospective, multi-center, observational study of patients with suspected non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) admitted to 5 hospitals in Japan and Taiwan from 2014 November to 2018 December, respectively.

All patients underwent a clinical assessment the included medical history, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, standard blood test, chest radiography. Exclusion criteria were ST elevated myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease (serum creatinine more than 3 mg/dL) and congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, or infection disease. The patients were divided into three groups according to the algorithm; “rule-out”, “observe” and “rule-in”. The final diagnosis was then adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists using all available information, including coronary angiography, coronary computed tomography, stress electrocardiography and follow-up data. The presence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was defined according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. After hospital discharge patients were follow after one-year b telephone or in written form. Major adverse cardiovascular events (including death myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)) were recorded by establishing contact with the patient and the family physicians. The primary prognosis end point was all-cause mortality.

Results

Of the 1,187 patients were analyzed after exclusion. The prevalence rate of AMI was 16.1%. According to the algorithm, 42% (n=493) of patients were assigned to “rule-out” group and had no AMI nor death. The most common final adjudicated diagnoses were atypical chest pain (80%), gallstone attack (3%) and vasospastic angina pectoris (2%). All patients with unstable angina (4.7%) underwent PCI.

Conclusion(s)

Our findings suggest that the “rule-out” group patients according to ESC 0-h/1-hour algorithm provides very high safety and efficacy for the triage toward AMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations at presentation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Wereski R , Lee K.K , Smith S , Chapman A.R , Lowe D , Gray A , Mills N.L
Published: November 2020

Background

The widespread adoption of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin testing has encouraged the use of pathways to accelerate the rule-out and rule-in myocardial infarction in the Emergency Department. These pathways are not recommended for patients with ST-segment elevation, but there is a risk they may be applied incorrectly given that interpretation of the electrocardiogram is subjective, dependent on experience, and signs may be masked in those with posterior myocardial infarction.

Methods

Consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome were enrolled in a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial across ten hospitals in Scotland. The index diagnosis was adjudicated two clinicians independently in all patients with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentrations above the sex-specific 99th centile on serial testing and abnormalities on the electrocardiogram recorded. The proportion of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and concentrations below the rule-out threshold (<5 ng/L), 99th centile (<16 ng/L and <34 ng/L for women and men) and rule-in threshold (<52 ng/L) at presentation were determined.

Results

In total 48,282 patients were recruited between June 2013, and March 2016 of which 22% (10,360/48,282) had peak cardiac troponin concentrations above the 99th centile. The adjudicated diagnosis was type 1 myocardial infarction in 55% (4,981/9,115) of patients and 10% (925/9,115) had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (age 65 [14] years, 68% men). The majority presented within 6 hours of symptom onset (67%, 619/925), and 84% (772/925) had cardiac troponin concentrations above the 99th centile at presentation. However, troponin concentrations were below the rule-out threshold in 2% (20/925) and the rule-in threshold in 26% (240/925) of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Discussion

In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome who have a final diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations are below the rule-out and rule-in threshold at presentation in 1 in 50 and 1 in 4 patients, respectively. Clinicians should not rely on cardiac troponin concentrations to guide initial treatment decisions in patients with possible ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation
Prospective validation of 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I in Japanese patients presenting to emergency department
Authors: Ohtake H , Ishii J , Nishimura H , Kawai H , Muramatsu T , Harada M , Motoyama S , Watanabe E , Ozaki Y , Iwata M
Published: November 2020

Background

The diagnostic performance of 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has not been evaluated in an Asian population.

Purpose

We aimed to prospectively validate the 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using hsTnI in a Japanese population.

Method

We enrolled 754 Japanese patients (mean age of 70 years, 395 men) presenting to our emergency department with symptoms suggestive of NSTEMI. The hsTnI concentration was measured using the Siemens ADVIA Centaur hsTnI assay at presentation and after 1 hour. Patients were divided into three groups according to the algorithm: hsTnI below 3 ng/L (only applicable if chest pain onset >3 hours) or below 6 ng/L and delta 1 hour below 3 ng/L were the “rule-out” group; hsTnI at least 120 ng/L or delta 1 hour at least 12 ng/L were in the “rule-in” group; the remaining patients were classified as the “observe” group. Based on the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction, the final diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists using all available information, including coronary angiography, coronary computed tomography, and follow-up data. Safety of rule-out was quantified by the negative predictive value (NPV) for NSTEMI, accuracy of rule-in by the positive predictive value (PPV), and overall efficacy by the proportion of patients triaged towards rule-out or rule-in within 1 hour.

Results

Prevalence of NSTEMI was 6.5%. The safety of rule-out (NPV 100%), accuracy of rule-in (PPV 26%), and overall efficacy (54%) were shown in Figure.

Conclusion

The 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using hsTnI is very safe and effective in triaging Japanese patients with suspected NSTEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Infarct size following loading with ticagrelor/prasugrel versus clopidogrel in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Sabbah M , Nepper-Christensen L , Koeber L , Eik Hoefsten D , Aleksov Ahtarovski K , Goeransson C , Kyhl K , Ali Ghotbi A , Malby Schoos M , Sadjadieh G , Kelbaek H , Loenborg J , Engstroem T
Published: November 2020

Background

Treatment with newer direct-acting anti-platelet drugs (Ticagrelor and Prasugrel) prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with improved clinical outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when compared with Clopidogrel.

Purpose

We retrospectively compared infarct size following non-randomized treatment with

Ticagrelor/Prasugrel versus Clopidogrel in a population of STEMI patients treated with primary PCI.

Methods

Patients were loaded with Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor or Prasugrel in the ambulance before primary PCI. Infarct size and myocardial salvage index were calculated using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) during index admission and at three-month follow-up.

Results

693 patients were included in this analysis. Clopidogrel was given to 351 patients and Ticagrelor/Prasugrel to 342 patients. The groups were generally comparable in terms of baseline and procedural characteristics. Median infarct size at three-month follow-up was 12.9% vs 10.0%, in patients treated with Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor/ Prasugrel respectively (p<0.001), and myocardial salvage index was 66% vs 71% (p<0.001). Results remained significant in a multiple regression model (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Pre-hospital loading with Ticagrelor or Prasugrel compared to Clopidogrel, was associated with smaller infarct size and larger myocardial salvage index at three-month follow-up in patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI.

Infarct size at three month follow-up

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Alfred Benzon Foundatioun.
Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in very elderly women with ACS treated with successful PCI
Authors: Zhao S.M , Wang J , Chen H , Zhao H.Q , Zhao X.Q , Li H.W
Published: November 2020

Background

Whether elderly women over 80 years old with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should actively receive PCI treatment is still controversial.

Purpose

We assessed the effectiveness and long-term clinical outcomes of PCI in very elderly women patients, and detected predictive factors which contributed to the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Methods

Female ACS patients aged ≥80 years were continuously enrolled from the hospital database bank (n=729, a mean age of 83.6±3.1 years). All patients were followed up for MACCE: non-fatal MI, stroke, heart failure (HF) re-hospitalization, cardiovascular (CV) death, and the composite of them. Before and after Propensity Score (PS) Matching (1:1), the incidences of MACCE were compared between female PCI group (n=232) and medical group (n=497). Clinical and coronary artery characteristics were analyzed in PCI treatment patients with (n=56) and without MACCE (n=176). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors which independently associated with MACCE in female PCI patients.

Results

A total of 31.8% women (n=232) received PCI treatment in the retrospective study.Compared to medical group, PCI treatment significantly reduced the incidences of non-fatal MI (6.2%, 20.2%, p<0.001), HF re-hospitalization (10.9%, 22.5%, p=0.012), CV death (12.4%, 28.7%, p<0.001) and the composite MACCE (24.0%, 44.2%, p<0.001) after PS matching (129 patients in PCI group vs 129 patients in medical group)during a follow-up period of 36 (23, 48) months. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in composite MACCE (24.1% vs 19.7%, p=0.232) and CV death (10.8% vs 10.6%, p=0.951) between very elderly women and men (≥80 years old) treated with PCI during the same period. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that STEMI (HR 1.944, 95% CI 1.11–3.403, p=0.02) and elevated NT-proBNP (HR 1.689, 95% CI 1.029–2.733, p=0.038) were independently associated with the incidence of composite MACCE, as well as adherence to P2Y12 receptor antagonist (HR 0.119, 95% CI 0.051–0.278, p<0.001) and β-blocker (HR 0.452, 95% CI 0.254–0.805, p=0.007) medications may help to attenuate the risk of MACCE within elderly women treated with PCI.

Conclusion

In very elderly women with ACS, PCI treatment significantly decreased the risks of MACCE and improves the long-term clinical outcomes.STEMI and elevated NT-proBNP value were independently associated with the increase of the composite MACCE after PCI in this population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
The clinical and pathological features of intraplaque hemorrhage in coronary artery -insights from Japan DCA registry-
Authors: Nakamura N , Torii S , Ijichi T , Jujo K , Hara M , Ikari Y , Nakazawa G
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is known to play an important role in plaque vulnerability in coronary artery. However, the biological reaction in IPH and clinical features of patients with IPH remain unknown, since most histological studies of IPH in coronary artery were performed on autopsy cases. Directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) enables the direct pathological evaluation of collected tissue from “living” patients.

Purpose

We aimed to clarify the clinical presentations and histopathologic features of IPH using specimens obtained by DCA.

Method

This multicentral prospective observational study included consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for de novo lesions using DCA from June 2015 to February 2018. Histopathological sections that were collected from coronary plaques by DCA were evaluated and classified by the presence of IPH. IPH in DCA specimens was defined as clusters of hemosiderin (Figure A, arrows), erythrocytes (Figure B, arrow heads) and fibrin (Figure C, arrows) within the coronary plaque. A total of 154 de novo lesions from 154 patients were ultimately analyzed, and were divided into IPH group (n=37) and non-IPH group (n=117).

Result

Clinical profiles of patients in the two groups were comparable, except that unstable angina rather than chronic coronary syndrome was significantly more prevalent in the IPH group (32.4% vs. 16.2%, P=0.04). Histopathological analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of cellular-rich plaque (46.0% vs. 25.6%, P=0.02) and spindle-shaped cells (18.9% vs. 6.0%, P=0.02), which indicate active cell proliferations, in the IPH group. The prevalence of necrotic core was also higher in IPH group compared to non-IPH group (48.7% vs. 13.7%, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Pathohistological analysis revealed that coronary plaques with IPH had an active cell proliferation, and patients with IPH likely to had clinical presentations of unstable angina.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Ten years of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin testing in the Netherlands: impact on the diagnosis of myocardial infarction
Authors: Kimenai D.M , Appelman Y , Den Ruijter H.M , Mills N.L , Meex S.J.R
Published: November 2020

Introduction

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have enhanced sensitivity for myocardial injury and may lead to an increase in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Few real-world studies have investigated the transition from conventional cardiac troponin (cTn) to hs-cTn. We evaluated the impact of implementing hs-cTn assays and sex-specific thresholds in the Netherlands on the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in women and men.

Methods

Twelve Dutch hospitals were included (hs-cTnI assay [sex-specific thresholds], n=4; hs-cTnT assay [uniform threshold], n=8). Data from the health insurance claims of consecutive patients with anginal symptoms were collected before (cTn period) and after (hs-cTn period) implementation from January 2008 to December 2017. The proportion of patients with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction overall, and in men and women separately, and one-year mortality was compared before and after implementation of the hs-cTn assay.

Results

Across twelve hospitals, a total number of 77,464 patients presenting with anginal symptoms were included (cTn period: 35,409 [36.6% women]; hs-cTn period: 42,055 [34.6% women]). Following implementation of hs-cTn testing the proportion of patients with anginal symptoms diagnosed with myocardial infarction doubled from 24% (3,111/12,970) to 48% (7,014/14,560) in women, and from 25% (5,712/22,439) to 51% (13,912/27,495) in men, with similar increases in sites implementing hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT. The proportion of patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction who were women increased in sites implementing sex-specific thresholds (from 36.4% [1,435/3,941] to 37.5% [1,700/4,532], absolute change 1.1%), but did not increase in sites using a uniform threshold (from 34.3% [1,676/4,882] to 32.4% [5,314/16,394], absolute change −1.9%). In patients with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, one-year mortality was 15.6% (485/3,111) and 11.6% (814/7,014) in women, and was 11.8% (673/5,712) and 9.4% (1,303/13,912) in men, before and after implementation of hs-cTn.

Conclusions

In patients presenting with anginal symptoms, the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction doubled after implementation of hs-cTn testing in both women and men. Use of sex-specific thresholds increased the proportion of patients with myocardial infarction who were women compared to use of a uniform threshold. Implementation was associated with a reduction in one-year mortality, but further research is needed to understand whether this is due to differences in the risk profile of patients with myocardial infarction or improvements in treatment.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by a grant from Abbott Laboratories to S.J.R.M.
Enriching artificial intelligence ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) detection algorithms with differential diagnoses
Authors: Mehta S , Niklitschek S , Fernandez F , Villagran C , Escobar E , Avila J , Cardenas G , Rocuant R , Vera F , Frauenfelder A , Vieira D , Quintero S , Vijayan Y , Merchant S , Tamayo C.J
Published: November 2020

Background

STEMI outcomes, although improved with systems of care, are hamstrung by delayed presentation and prevaricates of a 12-lead ECG. We report an artificial intelligence (AI) guided, single lead EKG algorithm for a self-administered tool to reliably detect STEMI and trigger ambulance dispatch.

Purpose

To provide a reliable and improved AI-guided Single Lead EKG methodology.

Methods

From our cardiologist-annotated repository, we assigned a dataset of 11,118 classified ECG. Ontology organized 5 groups apportioned for an interclass balance among commoner STEMI differential diagnoses. This anonymous, pre-classified data included 5,549 STEMI, 1,391 normal, 1,393 Bundle Branch Block, 1,393 non-specific ST-T changes and 1,392 miscellaneous. Each ECG was fragmented into individual 1-lead strips. Algorithm: 1-D Convolutional Neural Networks. Gender and age were included before the last dense layer. Training and Testing: Preset 90% dataset (10,008 ECG) train, 10% test (1,110 ECG). Statistical Analysis and ROC curves: Digitized dataset, 500 samples/second, 10s duration, total 5,000 samples per lead. Statistical mean for each lead was calculated and subtracted from the original lead. Statistical values and ROC curves were assessed.

Results

Most Accurate: Lead V2 – 91%; Most Sensitive: Lead I – 92% Most Specific: Lead III – 96%. Best AUC: Lead V2 – 91%.

Conclusions

Incorporating subtypes of STEMI differential diagnosis enriches the single lead AI algorithm. Validating the derived algorithm with our entire database of 18 million ECG will further strengthen the results.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Predictors of plaque erosion in current smokers and non-current smokers presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Wang Y , Dai J , Fang C , Zhang S , Wang J , Yin Y , Jiang S , Guo J , Lei F , Tu Y , Xing L , Hou J , Yu B
Published: November 2020

Background

Plaque erosion with subsequent coronary thrombosis is considered as an important cause of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Smoking is a major risk factor for acute coronary thrombosis. However, the relationship between current smoking status and plaque erosion has not been systematically investigated.

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate predictors of plaque erosion in current smokers and non-current smokers with STEMI by using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Between January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 1313 STEMI patients underwent pre-intervention OCT of culprit lesion were enrolled and divided into two groups based on current smoking status: current smoking group (n=713) and non-current smoking group (n=600). Using established criteria, quantitative and qualitative underlying plaque characteristics were assessed by OCT. Clinical, angiographic and OCT characteristics of all enrolled patients were recorded. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of plaque erosion in two groups.

Results

Plaque erosion were found in 30.9% (220/713) culprit lesions in current smoking group and 20.8% (125/600) of those in non-current smoking group detected by OCT. In multivariate regression analysis, the predictors that strongly related to plaque erosion in the current smoking group were nearby bifurcation (OR: 4.84; 95% CI:2.38–9.87; p<0.001); the minimum fiber cap thickness (FCT, OR:1.05; 95% CI:1.03–1.08; p<0.001); thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA, OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07–0.67; p=0.007) and lipid core length (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84–0.97; p=0.007). The predictors in the non-current smoking group were nearby bifurcation (OR: 4.84; 95% CI: 2.38–9.87; p=0.006); the minimal FCT (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06–1.13; p<0.001); multi-vessel disease (MVD, OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.97; p=0.042) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.84; p=0.020).

Conclusions

Predictors of plaque erosion causing STEMI onset are different between current smokers and non-current smoker, with nearby bifurcation and thicker minimal FCT both predicting plaque erosion in two groups of patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease: the prognostic role of infarct size predictors
Authors: Donati F , Toniolo S , Bergamaschi L , Paolisso P , D'Angelo E.C , Magnani I , Angeli F , Bartoli L , Stefanizzi A , Foa' A , Rinaldi A , Casella G , Pizzi C , Galie' N
Published: November 2020

Background

In patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) the levels of cardiac troponin T and absolute neutrophil count have been shown to correlate with infarct scar size and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as conferring a risk for major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE). In the context of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) the prognostic role of such indicators has never been explored.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic role of known myocardial infarct size indicators in a MINOCA population compared to patients with obstructive AMI (Ob – AMI).

Methods

Among 1990 patients admitted to our coronary care unit from 2016 to 2019 with AMI, we enrolled 186 consecutive MINOCA patients according to the current ESC diagnostic criteria. We compared troponin peak levels, absolute neutrophil count at the time of hospital admission and LVEF in MINOCA patients versus Ob–AMI. Furthermore we assessed the prognostic value of these indicators. All-cause mortality and a composite end - point of all-cause mortality and myocardial re-infarction were evaluated. The median follow-up time was 19.6±12.9 months.

Results

MINOCA patients were more frequently females (64,9% vs 35,1%; p<0.001), non-smokers (42,3% vs 61,8%; p<0.001) with a lower prevalence of diabetes (9.9% vs 23.7%; p<0.001) compared to the Ob-AMI population. Conversely, no differences were found in hypertension and dyslipidemia. As far as infarct size predictors are concerned, MINOCA patients showed lower levels of troponin value and absolute neutrophil count measured at the time of hospital admission (1838.27±601.0 ng/L vs 13543±3350.6 ng/L; p<0.001, 6.7±1.36x109/L vs 7.1±1.29x109/L; p=0.001, respectively). Moreover, these patients exhibited a higher LVEF (56.1±10% vs 49.3±11%; p<0.001) as compared to Ob-AMI.

Among our MINOCA patients, 13 (10.6%) all-cause deaths and 3 (4.3%) myocardial re-infarction were observed during follow-up. Multivariable Cox-regression model demonstrated that mean troponin level, absolute neutrophil count and LVEF were not independent predictors of MACE (HR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1, p=0.6; HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1, p=0.187; HR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.79–1.02, p=0. 12 respectively).

Conclusion

MINOCA patients show a similar prognosis compared to the worldwide AMI population.

However, in this study the outcome in the MINOCA population was not influenced by commonly used infarct size predictors, in contrast to what is observed in Ob-AMI patients. These results once again emphasize both the complexity of MINOCA patients and the importance of a better understanding of the different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None
Troponin T but not C-reactive protein is associated with myocardial mass and risk for, and time to future surgery for aortic stenosis; a population-based study
Authors: Soderberg S , Holmgren A , Ljungberg J , Hultdin J , Bergdahl I , Naslund U , Johansson B
Published: November 2020

Objective

High-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) may convey prognostic information in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, many association studies were cross-sectional, and the presence of myocardial hypertrophy and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) were usually not described. This study evaluated if hs-TnT and hs-CRP relate to myocardial mass, and associate with risk of and time to future surgery for AS in patients with and without concomitant CAD.

Design

In total, 336 patients who underwent surgery due to AS after participation in large population surveys were identified. Median age [interquartile range] was 59.8 [10.3] years at survey and 68.3 [12.7] years at surgery, and 48% were women. The median time between survey and surgery was 10.9 [9.3] years. Preoperatively, myocardial mass and the presence of CAD were assessed. Two matched referents were allocated for each case, and hs-TnT and hs-CRP were determined in stored plasma samples from the baseline survey. Uni- and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risk (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) related to one (ln) standard deviation increase in hs-TnT and hs-CRP. Time to surgery was evaluated by Kaplan-Mayer analysis and Cox regression.

Results

Hs-TnT was independently associated with surgery for AS in patients with concomitant CAD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) (1.22 [1.02–1.46]) and without concomitant CAD (1.39 [1.05–1.84]). Hs-CRP was not associated with surgery for AS after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (1.06 [0.92–1.23]).

Patients with high hs-TnT levels had shorter time to surgery compared those with low levels (Figure, p<0.001) whereas hs-CRP did not associate with time to surgery. Hs-TnT levels at survey associated independently with myocardial mass at surgery (p=0.002) but not with CAD and severity of stenosis.

Conclusions

Hs-TnT – but not hs-CRP – was associated with increased risk for, and shorter time to future surgery for AS. Hs-TnT associated with myocardial mass at surgery which indicates that Hs-TnT may be used as a clinical tool and allow for identification of patients with AS who could benefit from earlier intervention.

Time to surgery; tertiles of hs-TnT

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Swedish Heart–Lung Foundation
Left ventricular myocardial work in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Yedidya I , Lustosa R.P , Fortuni F , Van Der Bijl P , Namazi F , Vo N.M , Ajmone Marsan N , Delgado V , Bax J
Published: November 2020

Background

Assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) remains challenging because LV ejection fraction (LVEF) reflects changes in LV volume without taking into account the direction of the blood flow. LV global longitudinal strain better reflects active LV myocardial deformation but does not incorporate afterload. LV myocardial work derived from pressure-strain loops integrates speckle tracking echocardiography with non-invasive blood pressure measurement.

Purpose

To evaluate LV myocardial work components to better characterize LV function in patients with SMR.

Methods

378 patients (72% men, median age 68 [range 60 to 74 years]) with various grades of SMR were retrospectively analysed. LV myocardial constructive work, wasted work and work efficiency were measured with speckle tracking echocardiography.

Results

145 patients had mild SMR, 130 moderate SMR and 103 severe SMR. Patients with severe SMR had larger LV volumes, lower LVEF and more impaired LV GLS (Table 1). While LV constructive work was more impaired in patients with severe SMR, wasted work was lower as compared to mild SMR (Table 1). Consequently, patients with severe SMR had better myocardial work efficiency than patients with mild MR. This could reflect, the regurgitant volume which is pumped into a low pressure chamber (the left atrium) resulting in less myocardial wasted work and preservation of myocardial efficiency.

Conclusion

In patients with severe SMR, LVEF, LV GLS and myocardial constructive work are more impaired when compared to mild SMR. However, myocardial wasted work is lower, resulting in higher better LV myocardial work efficiency.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None