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Revascularization Procedures (revascularization + procedure)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Ambulatory Use of Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel in Association with Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Procedures in a National Managed Care Organization

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
DEBORAH SHATIN PH.D.
The aim of this study was to quantify ambulatory use of ticlopidine and clopidogrel in association -with percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures (PTCA, atherectomy, stent) in a national managed care organization. Retrospective administrative claims data over a 3-year period (1996,1998) from 12 UnitedHealth Group-affiliated health plans in four geographic regions were collected. Pharmacy and medical claims data were used to determine the patients exposed to ticlopidine and clopidogrel between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1998, the duration of use, prescriptions within 2 weeks of a coronary procedure, and stent patients prescribed either drug within 2 weeks of stent placement in 1998. Substantial short-term use of ticlopidine and clopidogrel was found. The percentage of members with duration of use , 30 days ranged from 50.4% in 1996 to 56.9% in 1998 for ticlopidine and was 52.7% for clopidogrel. In 1998, 46% and 33% of ticlopidine and clopidogrel users, respectively, had a medical claim for a coronary procedure that fell within 2 weeks of a prescription. The rate was lower for Medicare beneficiaries. In 1998, 78% of stent patients filled a prescription for either drug within 2 weeks of stent implantation. Although little difference was found overall in the use of these agents across geographic regions, a higher proportion of stent patients in the Southeast were prescribed ticlopidine within this timeframe. The findings suggest that during the study time period ticlopidine and clopidogrel are frequently used off-label in association with percutaneous coronary revascularization procedures. These results were important in considering the overall benefit-risk profile. [source]

Treatment of Palmaz-Schatz In-stent Restenosis: 6,Month Clinical Follow-up

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 5 2000
HUAY-CHEEM TAN M.D.
To identify predictors of Palmaz-Schatz in-stent restenosis and determine outcomes of treatment, we assessed 6,month outcomes in 402 patients who had coronary intervention with stent placement; 60 (15%) developed angiographic and clinical evidence of restenosis. Predictors of restenosis included family history of cardiovascular disease, prior bypass surgery, nonelective stenting, stenting of a vein graft, and multiple stents. Of 60 patients with stent restenosis, 47 had repeat percutaneous intervention and 10 had bypass surgery; only 1 of these 10 patients developed symptoms requiring repeat revascularization. Of the 47 with repeat percutaneous intervention, 32 (68%) had conventional balloon angioplasty; the others had perfusion balloon catheters, laser ablation, and repeat coronary stenting. During follow-up, 22 (47%) of these 47 patients suffered recurrent angina, myocardial infarction, or death. A third revascularization procedure was performed in 14 (30%), including 5 referred for bypass. This study shows the limitations of percutaneous modalities for patients with Palmaz-Schatz in-stem restenosis. Such patients are likely to have recurrent symptoms and to undergo repeat target-vessel revascularization. [source]

Risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with oral bisphosphonates and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a case-control study

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11 2009
M. ETMINAN
Summary Background, Gastrointestinal injuries including gastric ulcers have been reported with oral bisphosphonate therapy. However, the risk of the more serious upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) especially in the community setting with these drugs remains unknown. Similarly, the risk of UGB among users of both bisphosphonates and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the community is also unknown. Aim, To explore the risk of more serious UGB among users of bisphosphonates and the risk of UGB among users of both bisphosphonates and NSAIDs in the community. Methods, We conducted a case-control study within a cohort of Quebec residents who had received a revascularization procedure from 1995 to 2004. Cohort members were followed up from the date of their first procedure until the earliest of: (1) study outcome, (2) date of death or (3) end of health care coverage. Cases were defined as those with the first diagnosis of a UGB. For each case, 20 controls were selected and matched to the cases by index date, age and cohort entry. Adjusted odds ratios for current use of bisphosphonates, NSAIDs and co-therapy of both drugs were computed. Results, Within the initial cohort, 3253 incident cases of UGBs and corresponding 65 060 matched controls were identified. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for UGB by current users of bisphosphonates was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.72,1.43). Current NSAID use was associated with an increased risk of UGB OR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.53,1.99. The OR for use of bisphosphonates and NSAIDs was elevated OR = 2.00; 95% CI, 1.12,3.57. This risk was still elevated for users of bisphosphonates and COX-2 inhibitors [OR = 2.38 (95% CI, 1.26,4.50)]. Conclusion, We found no evidence of an increase in the risk of UGB among current users of bisphosphonates. The risk of combined NSAID and bisphosphonate therapy was increased, but this risk was not higher than the risk for NSAID users alone. [source]

Emergency Physician High Pretest Probability for Acute Coronary Syndrome Correlates with Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2009
Abhinav Chandra MD
Abstract Objectives:, The value of unstructured physician estimate of risk for disease processes, other than acute coronary syndrome (ACS), has been demonstrated. The authors sought to evaluate the predictive value of unstructured physician estimate of risk for ACS in emergency department (ED) patients without obvious initial evidence of a cardiac event. Methods:, This was a post hoc secondary analysis of the Internet Tracking Registry for Acute Coronary Syndromes (i*trACS), a prospectively collected multicenter data registry of patients over the age of 18 years presenting to the ED with symptoms of ACS between 1999 and 2001. In this registry, following patient history, physical exam, and electrocardiogram (ECG), the unstructured treating physician estimate of risk was recorded. A 30-day follow-up and a medical record review were used to determine rates of adverse cardiac events, death, myocardial infarction (MI), or revascularization procedure. The analysis included all patients with nondiagnostic ECG changes, normal initial biomarkers, and a non-MI initial impression from the registry and excluded those without complete data or who were lost to follow-up. Data were stratified by unstructured physician risk estimate: noncardiac, low risk, high risk, or unstable angina. Results:, Of 15,608 unique patients in the registry, 10,145 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients were defined as having unstable angina in 6.0% of cases; high risk, 23.5% of cases; low risk, 44.2%; and noncardiac, 26.3% of cases. Adverse cardiac event rates had an inverse relationship, decreasing from 22.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 18.8% to 25.6%) for unstable angina, 10.2% (95% CI = 9.0% to 11.5%) for those stratified as high risk, 2.2% (95% CI = 1.8% to 2.6%) for low risk, and to 1.8% (95% CI = 1.4% to 2.4%) for noncardiac. The relative risk (RR) of an adverse cardiac event for those with an initial label of unstable angina compared to those with a low-risk designation was 10.2 (95% CI = 8.0 to 13.0). The RR of an event for those with a high-risk initial impression compared to those with a low-risk initial impression was 4.7 (95% CI = 3.8 to 5.9). The risk of an event among those with a low-risk initial impression was the same as for those with a noncardiac initial impression (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.6 to 1.2). Conclusions:, In ED patients without obvious initial evidence of a cardiac event, unstructured emergency physician (EP) estimate of risk correlates with adverse cardiac outcomes. [source]

Incremental Benefit of 80-Lead Electrocardiogram Body Surface Mapping Over the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram in the Detection of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients Without ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction: Results from the Optimal Cardiovascular Diagnostic Evaluation Enabling Faster Treatment of Myocardial Infarction (OCCULT MI) Trial

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010
Brian J. O'Neil MD
ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:932,939 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Background:, The initial 12-lead (12L) electrocardiogram (ECG) has low sensitivity to detect myocardial infarction (MI) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the emergency department (ED). Yet, early therapies in these patients have been shown to improve outcomes. Objectives:, The Optimal Cardiovascular Diagnostic Evaluation Enabling Faster Treatment of Myocardial Infarction (OCCULT-MI) trial was a multicenter trial comparing a novel 80-lead mapping system (80L) to standard 12L ECG in patients with chest pain and presumed ACS. This secondary analysis analyzed the incremental value of the 80L over the 12L in the detection of high-risk ECG abnormalities (ST-segment elevation or ST depression) in patients with MI and ACS, after eliminating all patients diagnosed with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) by 12L ECG. Methods:, Chest pain patients presenting to one of 12 academic EDs were diagnosed and treated according to the standard care of that site and its clinicians; the clinicians were blinded to 80L results. MI was defined by discharge diagnosis of non,ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) or unstable angina (UA) with an elevated troponin. ACS was defined as discharge diagnosis of NSTEMI or UA with at least one positive test result (troponin, stress test, angiogram) or revascularization procedure. Results:, Of the 1,830 patients enrolled in the trial, 91 patients with physician-diagnosed STEMI and 225 patients with missing 80L or 12L data were eliminated from the analysis; no discharge diagnosis was available for one additional patient. Of the remaining 1,513 patients, 408 had ACS, 206 had MI, and one had missing status. The sensitivity of the 80L was significantly higher than that of the 12L for detecting MI (19.4% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.0014) and ACS (12.3% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.0025). Specificities remained high for both tests, but were somewhat lower for 80L than for 12L for detecting both MI and ACS. Negative and positive likelihood ratios (LR) were not statistically different between groups. In patients with severe disease (defined by stenosis > 70% at catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, or death from any cause), the 80L had significantly higher sensitivity for detecting MI (with equivalent specificity), but not ACS. Conclusions: Among patients without ST elevation on the 12L ECG, the 80L body surface mapping technology detects more patients with MI or ACS than the 12L, while maintaining a high degree of specificity. [source]

Utilization of catheterization and revascularization procedures in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome over the last decade

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 2 2005
Glenn N. Levine MD
Abstract The degree to which catheterization and revascularization procedures are utilized in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) during hospitalization has broad implications with respect to initial pharmacotherapeutic decisions (upfront therapies), treatment and hospital transfer protocols, guideline recommendations, and allocation of training, material, and financial resources. Analysis of data from multiple trials and registries of patients with NSTE-ACS has the potential to assess more broadly utilization of invasive and revascularization procedures and provide a wide angle or bird's-eye view of the management of such patients, complementing the data obtained from any one trial or registry. We therefore undertook a systematic overview of all large trials and registries of patients with NSTE-ACS conducted over the last decade that were deemed appropriate to provide information on catheterization and revascularization procedures. Although not unexpectedly the percentage of patients with NSTE-ACS managed with cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass grafting varies in different clinical trials and registries, general findings and trends were still discernable from these studies. During the initial treatment period, the majority of patients were ultimately treated with medical therapy alone (e.g., without revascularization). The percentage of those NSTE-ACS patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization who were then managed with PCI increased over the last decade and now stands at approximately 50%. Of NSTE-ACS patients who undergo revascularization, the percentage of those patients who are revascularized via PCI similarly increased, and PCI is currently the revascularization procedure utilized in approximately three-fourths of patients undergoing revascularization. The percentages of patients undergoing invasive and revascularization procedures were consistently higher in the U.S. cohorts of study subjects when compared to non-U.S. cohorts of study subjects. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Myocardial Revascularization: PCI/Stent or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft,What Is Best for Our Patients?

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
C. Richard Conti MD, MACC Editor-in-Chief
In my opinion, decisions regarding which type of revascularization is to be performed on a specific patient depends on vessel anatomic pathology, (ie, coronary lesion complexity). Thus, for proper decision-making regarding the selection of the revascularization procedure, the details of the coronary angiogram, not just the number of vessels involved, must be discussed by the interventional cardiologist as well as the cardiovascular surgeon. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Benefits of statin therapy in patients with special risks: Coronary bypass surgery, stable coronary disease, and acute coronary syndromes

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue S3 2003
W. Virgil Brown M.D.
Abstract Several major clinical studies have examined the impact of lipid lowering in patients with and without coronary heart disease and have demonstrated that lowering lipid levels can successfully and significantly delay the onset of cardiovascular events. Although epidemiologic studies and small clinical trials have suggested that more aggressive and sustained lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to < 100 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/l) can result in reductions in cardiovascular events in these populations, reducing LDL-C to these concentrations has only recently been shown in larger clinical trials. However, few clinical trials have been conducted in patients with certain special high risks, such as those who have had a recent revascularization procedure or have experienced an acute coronary event. Three trials examined the short- and long-term clinical benefits of aggressive lipid lowering in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (Post-CABG), were candidates for angioplasty (AVERT), or were hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes (MIRACL). [source]

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in renal transplant recipients: effects of statin treatment

CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2009
Inga Soveri
Abstract:, Background:, Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). They also have high prevalence of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MS). Statin treatment reduces CVD risk in RTR. The aim was to study MS as CVD risk factor in RTR, and to investigate the effect of statin treatment in RTR with MS. Methods:, In total, 1706 non-diabetic RTR from the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation trial were followed for 7,8 yr. The captured endpoints included major adverse cardiac events [MACE, defined as cardiac death (CD), non-fatal myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization procedure], and CD. MS was defined at baseline according to Adult Treatment Panel III definition with waist girth replaced by body mass index ,30 kg/m2. Results:, MS was diagnosed in 32% of the patients. During the follow-up, MACE incidence was 16% in those with MS and 11% in those without MS (p < 0.001). Statin treatment reduced MACE risk by 53% in the group with MS. CD risk was 74% higher in RTR with MS (p = 0.012), and statin treatment reduced CD risk in those with MS (p = 0.03). Conclusions:, RTR with MS have increased risk for CVD. RTR with MS are an easily identifiable group of patients who benefit from statin treatment. [source]

Recovery of renal function after 90 d on dialysis: implications for transplantation in patients with potentially reversible causes of renal failure

CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2008
Samira Siddiqui
Abstract:, Background:, Late recovery of renal function in patients requiring dialysis is a well recognized but uncommon phenomenon. Moves to increase the number of live donor transplants and the recognition that early transplantation is associated with better graft survival means it is possible that patients who are going to recover renal function may be transplanted unnecessarily. Design:, Prospective survey of patients receiving dialysis for more than 90 d in south west Scotland from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2005. Methods:, Routine measurement of residual renal function by combined urea and creatinine clearance allowed us to detect late recovery whenever this occurred. Results:, Eight of 202 (4%) patients recovered sufficient renal function to stop dialysing after 90-d treatment. The likely cause of the renal failure in five of these patients was atheroembolism. One with atherosclerotic renovascular disease had been stented and would have received a live related renal transplant had his sister not had second thoughts about the procedure. Conclusion:, It may be sensible to postpone transplantation in patients with certain types of renal failure, perhaps particularly patients with renovascular disease who have recently undergone a failed revascularization procedure. [source]

Peripheral arterial disease in diabetes,a review

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
E. B. Jude
Diabet. Med. 27, 4,14 (2010) Abstract Diabetic patients are at high risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) characterized by symptoms of intermittent claudication or critical limb ischaemia. Given the inconsistencies of clinical findings in the diagnosis of PAD in the diabetic patient, measurement of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) has emerged as the relatively simple, non-invasive and inexpensive diagnostic tool of choice. An ABI < 0.9 is not only diagnostic of PAD even in the asymptomatic patient, but is also an independent marker of increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. With better understanding of the process of atherosclerosis, avenues for treatment have increased. Modification of lifestyle and effective management of the established risk factors such as smoking, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension retard the progression of the disease and reduce cardiovascular events in these patients. Newer risk factors such as insulin resistance, hyperfibrinogenaemia, hyperhomocysteinaemia and low-grade inflammation have been identified, but the advantages of modifying them in patients with PAD are yet to be proven. Therapeutic angiogenesis, on the other hand, represents a promising therapeutic adjunct in the management of PAD in these patients. Outcomes after revascularization procedures, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and surgical bypasses in diabetic patients, are poorer, with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with that in non-diabetic patients. Amputation rates are higher due to the distal nature of the disease. Efforts towards increasing awareness and intensive treatment of the risk factors will help to reduce morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients with PAD. [source]

HOPE for patients with Type 2 diabetes: an application of the findings of the MICRO-HOPE substudy in a British hospital diabetes clinic

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2001
S. C. Jones
Abstract Aims, The MICRO-HOPE substudy demonstrated that when ramipril treatment was added to people with Type 2 diabetes and additional cardiovascular risk factors cardiovascular events were reduced by 25% in 4.5 years. We wished to determine the proportion of people with Type 2 diabetes and additional cardiovascular risk factors registered with a hospital diabetes service. Methods, Non-proteinuric people (n = 1370) with Type 2 diabetes identified on our diabetes register were subject to analysis. Anticipated reductions in cardiovascular events due to ramipril treatment were based on reductions observed in the MICRO-HOPE substudy. Results, Non-proteinuric people (n = 1075 (78%)) with Type 2 diabetes had at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor. Twenty-nine percent were already taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The remaining 764 patients were similar to ramipril-treated participants in the MICRO-HOPE substudy. Treatment with ramipril for 4.5 years would be anticipated to reduce cardiovascular deaths by 26, revascularization procedures by 19 and admissions for myocardial infarction and stroke by 18 and 26, respectively. Conclusions, Of non-proteinuric people with Type 2 diabetes, 78% have additional cardiovascular risk factors. Only a small proportion currently receive treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The incidence of cardiovascular events could be reduced if more patients were treated with ramipril and other cardiovascular risk factors were addressed. Diabet. Med. 18, 667,670 (2001) [source]

Metabolic syndrome, its preeminent clusters, incident coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality , results of prospective analysis for the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study

JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007
Y. Hong
Abstract. Objective., To investigate the prospective association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and coronary heart disease (CHD) and all-cause mortality. Subjects and Design., A bi-racial cohort of 14 699 middle-aged Americans from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study were followed for the development of new CHD and death over a period of 9 years. MetS, using the original ATP-III criteria, was defined as having at least three of the following components: elevated blood pressure (BP), elevated plasma glucose, elevated blood triglyceride (TG), increased waist circumference, and low HDL cholesterol (HDL-c). Incident CHD cases included hospitalized myocardial infarction (MI), fatal CHD, revascularization procedures, and silent MI as detected by EKG. Results., The prevalence of the MetS at baseline was 29%, 30%, 40% and 26% among CHD-free white women, white men, black women, and black men, respectively. There were 1018 incident CHD cases and 1039 deaths. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of incident CHD associated with MetS was 2.46 (1.99, 3.03) for women and 1.86 (1.59, 2.18) for men. Clear dose,response relationship between the number of MetS components and incidence of CHD was found (P for linear trend <0.001). The following three clusters of MetS components posed the highest risk for CHD: (i) the elevated BP and glucose and low HDL-c group [RR = 5.68 (3.44, 9.37)]; (ii) the elevated BP and glucose and TG group [RR = 5.08 (2.96, 8.70)]; and (iii) the elevated BP and TG and low HDL-c group [RR = 3.98 (2.75, 5.77)]. When all five components co-existed, the risk was the highest [RR = 6.24 (4.65, 8.36)]. Similar results with attenuated RR were found for all-cause mortality. Conclusions., Individuals, especially women, with the MetS have significantly higher risk of developing CHD. The riskiest combination is high-BP and glucose clustered with low HDL-c or high TG. These data highlight the importance of targeting MetS in the prevention of CHD and premature death. [source]

Ambulatory Use of Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel in Association with Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization Procedures in a National Managed Care Organization

The role of the fibrocyte in intimal hyperplasia

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 5 2006
R. L. VARCOE
Summary.,Background: Experimental animal studies have shown that the intimal hyperplasia (IH) responsible for occlusion after successful revascularization procedures may be partially caused by a bone marrow-derived cell that migrates to the site of vascular injury. Concurrent studies have demonstrated an extensive role in wound healing for the circulating fibrocyte. Objectives: We aimed to trace the path of the circulating cell that contributes to IH and determine if it is the fibrocyte. Methods and results: We established an in vitro model whereby purified monocytes from six healthy human volunteers were cultured into fibrocytes. These cells were morphometrically similar to the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) found in IH and expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin (, -SMA) as well as CD34, CD45 and Collagen I (Col I), markers indicative of the fibrocyte. In an in vivo ovine carotid artery synthetic patch graft model, carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester (CFSE) labeled circulating leukocytes were observed throughout the graft as well as in the neointima in 18 sheep. These cells were shown to produce collagen and , -SMA at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. These cells then underwent immunohistochemical analysis and were found to express a set of markers unique to the fibrocyte (CD34, CD45, Vimentin and , -SMA) and also to double stain for CD34 and , -SMA. Conclusions: IH in an ovine carotid artery patch graft model is partially derived from a hematopoietic circulating progenitor cell that acquires mesenchymal features as it matures at the site of injury. [source]

Underutilization of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Systolic Dysfunction

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010
JERRY M. JOHN M.D.
Background: Evaluation of the need for prophylactic internal cardiac defibrillators among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathies should be deferred until at least 3 months after revascularization procedures to allow adequate time for recovery of ventricular function. Methods: Among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the proportion of patients who are risk stratified postoperatively with reassessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. Results: One hundred and six patients with LVSD (LVEF < 40%) who underwent CABG during 2004,2006 and survived 3 months post CABG were evaluated. Follow-up was assessed by chart review and telephone contact. LVEF was not reassessed in 24% (25/106) of the population, none of whom underwent internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Of those with LVEF reassessed, persistent LVSD was present in 20/81 (25%), 12 of whom were referred for prophylactic ICD placement. Conclusion: One-fourth of patients with LVSD who undergo CABG do not have LVEF reassessed postoperatively which may lead to underutilization of ICDs. (PACE 2010; 33:727,733) [source]

One-year Outcomes Following Coronary Computerized Tomographic Angiography for Evaluation of Emergency Department Patients with Potential Acute Coronary Syndrome

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2009
Judd E. Hollander MD
Abstract Objectives:, Coronary computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) has high correlation with cardiac catheterization and has been shown to be safe and cost-effective when used for rapid evaluation of low-risk chest pain patients from the emergency department (ED). The long-term outcome of patients discharged from the ED with negative coronary CTA has not been well studied. Methods:, The authors prospectively evaluated consecutive low- to intermediate-risk patients who received coronary CTA in the ED for evaluation of a potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with cocaine use, known cancer, and significant comorbidity reducing life expectancy and those found to have significant disease (stenosis , 50% or ejection fraction < 30%) were excluded. Demographics, medical and cardiac history, labs, and electrocardiogram (ECG) results were collected. Patients were followed by telephone contact and record review for 1 year. The main outcome was 1-year cardiovascular death or nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Results:, Of 588 patients who received coronary CTA in the ED, 481 met study criteria. They had a mean (±SD) age of 46.1 (±8.8) years, 63% were black or African American, and 60% were female. There were 53 patients (11%) rehospitalized and 51 patients (11%) who received further diagnostic testing (stress or catheterization) over the subsequent year. There was one death (0.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01% to 1.15%) with unclear etiology, no AMI (0%; 95% CI = 0 to 0.76%), and no revascularization procedures (0%; 95% CI = 0 to 0.76%) during this time period. Conclusions:, Low- to intermediate-risk patients with a Thrombosis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 0 to 2 who present to the ED with potential ACS and have a negative coronary CTA have a very low likelihood of cardiovascular events over the ensuing year. [source]

Reperfusion normalizes motor activation patterns in large-vessel disease,

ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Mohamad Chmayssani MD
Objective Hemodynamic impairment in one hemisphere has been shown to trigger ipsilateral motor activation in the opposite hemisphere on functional imaging. We hypothesized that reversing the hypoperfusion would normalize the motor activation pattern. Methods We studied four patients with high-grade stenosis and impaired vasomotor reactivity (VMR) but no stroke. Functional magnetic resonance imaging motor activation pattern before and after VMR normalization was compared with seven healthy control subjects scanned at an interval of 3 months using voxel-wise statistical parametric maps and region of interest analysis. Subjects performed a repetitive hand closure task in synchrony with 1Hz metronome tone. We used repeated-measures analysis of variance to compute the interaction between group (patients/control subjects) and time by obtaining the average blood oxygen level dependent signal of three motor regions of interest in each hemisphere. Results Two patients normalized their VMR after spontaneous resolution of dissection, and two after revascularization procedures. Both voxel-wise statistical maps and region of interest analysis showed that VMR normalization was associated in each case with a reduction in the atypical activation in the hemisphere opposite to the previously hypoperfused hemisphere (p < 0.001). Interpretation In the presence of a physiological stressor such as hypoperfusion, the brain is capable of dynamic functional reorganization to the opposite hemisphere that is reversible when normal blood flow is restored. These findings are important to our understanding of the clinical consequences of hemodynamic failure and the role of the ipsilateral hemisphere in maintaining normal neurological function. Ann Neurol 2009;65:203,208 [source]

Serum creatinine ratio: A novel predictor of mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with normal and abnormal renal function,

CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS, Issue 1 2009
Annapoorna S. Kini MD
Abstract The occurrence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased mortality after percutaneous revascularization procedures. However, the exact correlation between various levels of creatinine elevation relative to the baseline and subsequent mortality in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is not well established. In addition, the relationship between elevated postprocedural creatinine and ensuing mortality in patients with normal baseline renal function needs to be investigated. Methods: All percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients (n = 12,997) were analyzed for any rise in serum creatinine (SCr): CRI group (BSC , 1.5 mg/dl) (n = 1,853) and normal baseline renal function (NBR BSC < 1.5 mg/dl) group (n = 11,144). Patients in each group were analyzed for any elevation in SCr postprocedure and subdivided based on the SCr ratio [peak SCr/Baseline creatinine (BSC)] of <1.25, 1.25,1.5, and >1.5. The overall incidence of CIN (defined as an increment of 25% over baseline creatinine) was 5.9%: 11.3% in the CRI group versus 5.1% in normal BSC group (P < 0.01). Recursive partitioning and Cox hazard modeling were used to assess significant variables associated with mortality within 1 year. Only serum creatinine ratio (SCrR) > 1.5 correlated with increased mortality in both CRI group as well as normal BSC group. Conclusions: SCrR > 1.5 predicts mortality at 1 year after PCI. The association between SCrR > 1.5 and increased mortality at follow-up is observed in patients with CRI as well as normal baseline renal function. SCrR may thus serve as a useful clinical tool for risk stratification and prognostication of patients after PCI. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Utilization of catheterization and revascularization procedures in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome over the last decade

Trials and tribulations associated with angina and traditional therapeutic approaches

CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue S1 2007
Prakash C. Deedwania M.D.
Abstract Ischemic heart disease is the foremost cause of death in the United States and the developed countries. Stable angina is the initial manifestation of ischemic heart disease in one half of the patients and becomes a recurrent symptom in survivors of myocardial infarction (MI) and other forms of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). There are multiple therapeutic modalities currently available for treatment of anginal symptoms in patients with stable CAD. These include anti-anginal drugs and myocardial revascularization procedures such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Anti-anginal drug therapy is based on treatment with nitrates, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. A newly approved antianginal drug, ranolazine, is undergoing phase III evaluation. Not infrequently, combination therapy is often necessary for adequate symptom control in some patients with stable angina. Howerever, there has not been a systematic evaluation of individual or combination antianginal grug therapy on hard clinical end points in patients with stable angina. Most revascularization trials that have evaluated treatment with CABGS, PTCA, or PCI in patients with chronic CAD and stable angina have not shown significant improvement in survival or decreased incidence of non-fatal MI compared to medical treatment. In the CABGS trials, various post-hoc analyses have identified several smaller subgroups at high-risk in whom CABGS might improve clinical outcomes. However, there are conflicting findings in different reports and these findings are futher compromised due to the heterogeneous groups of patients in these trials. Moreover, no prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) has confirmed an advantage of CABGS, compared to medical treatment, in reduction of hard clinical outcomes in any of the high-risk subgroups. Based on the available data, it appears reasonable to conclude that for most patients (except perhaps in those with presence of left main disease > 50% stenosis) there is no apparent survival benefit of CABGS compared to medical therapy in stable CAD patients with angina. Although these trial have reported better symptom control associated with the revascularization intervention in most patients, this has not been adequately compared using modern medical therapies. Available data from recent studies also suggest treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), a statin and a regular exercise regimen in patients with stable CAD and angina pectoris. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]