2013 Vol. 10, No. 3
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2013, 10(3): 211-212.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.016
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2013, 10(3): 213-216.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.015
Abstract:
Rotational atherectomy (RA) was introduced in the interventional arena in 1988 as a dedicated device for calcified lesions. Due to the complexity of the technique, the development of alternative methods such as the cutting balloon procedure, and the high restenosis rate of subsequent bare metal stenting in long lesions, its use had later declined. However, with the increasing use of drug-eluting stents (DES) and the aggressive treatment of longer lesions, the number of procedure performed with RA has increased significantly again in recent years. In this article, we reviewed the application of RA in DES era.
Rotational atherectomy (RA) was introduced in the interventional arena in 1988 as a dedicated device for calcified lesions. Due to the complexity of the technique, the development of alternative methods such as the cutting balloon procedure, and the high restenosis rate of subsequent bare metal stenting in long lesions, its use had later declined. However, with the increasing use of drug-eluting stents (DES) and the aggressive treatment of longer lesions, the number of procedure performed with RA has increased significantly again in recent years. In this article, we reviewed the application of RA in DES era.
Rotablation in the treatment of high-risk patients with heavily calcified left-main coronary lesions
2013, 10(3): 217-225.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.009
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Objective Heavily calcified left-main coronary diseases (LMCA) remain a formidable challenge for percutaneous interventions (PCI). This study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of using rotational atherectomy (RA) in treating such lesions in actual practice. Methods From February 2004 to March 2012, all consecutive patients who received RA for heavily-calcified LMCA lesions in our cath lab were enrolled. The relevant clinical and angiographic characteristics at the time of index PCI, as well as the clinical follow-up outcomes, were retrieved and analyzed. Results A total of 34 consecutive patients were recruited with a mean age 77.2 ± 10.2 years. There were 82.4% presented with acute coronary syndrome and 11.8% with cardiogenic shock. Chronic renal disease and diabetes were seen in 64.7% and 52.9%, respectively. Triple-vessel coronary disease was found in 76.5% of them. The mean SYNTAX score was 50 ± 15 and EuroSCORE II scale 5.6 ± 4.8. The angiographic success rate was 100% with a procedural success rate of 91.2%. The mean number of burrs per patient was 1.7 ± 0.5. Crossing-over stenting was used in 64.7%. Most stents were drug-eluting (67.6%). Intra-aortic ballon pump was used in 20.6% of the procedures. Three patients died during hospitalization, all due to presenting cardiogenic shock. No major complication occurred. Among 31 hospital survivors, the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 16.1%, all due to target lesion revascularization or target vessel revascularization. Conclusions In high-surgical-risk elderly patients, plaque modification with RA in PCI of heavily-calcified LMCA could be safely accomplished with a minimal complication rate and low out-of-hospital MACE.
Objective Heavily calcified left-main coronary diseases (LMCA) remain a formidable challenge for percutaneous interventions (PCI). This study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of using rotational atherectomy (RA) in treating such lesions in actual practice. Methods From February 2004 to March 2012, all consecutive patients who received RA for heavily-calcified LMCA lesions in our cath lab were enrolled. The relevant clinical and angiographic characteristics at the time of index PCI, as well as the clinical follow-up outcomes, were retrieved and analyzed. Results A total of 34 consecutive patients were recruited with a mean age 77.2 ± 10.2 years. There were 82.4% presented with acute coronary syndrome and 11.8% with cardiogenic shock. Chronic renal disease and diabetes were seen in 64.7% and 52.9%, respectively. Triple-vessel coronary disease was found in 76.5% of them. The mean SYNTAX score was 50 ± 15 and EuroSCORE II scale 5.6 ± 4.8. The angiographic success rate was 100% with a procedural success rate of 91.2%. The mean number of burrs per patient was 1.7 ± 0.5. Crossing-over stenting was used in 64.7%. Most stents were drug-eluting (67.6%). Intra-aortic ballon pump was used in 20.6% of the procedures. Three patients died during hospitalization, all due to presenting cardiogenic shock. No major complication occurred. Among 31 hospital survivors, the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 16.1%, all due to target lesion revascularization or target vessel revascularization. Conclusions In high-surgical-risk elderly patients, plaque modification with RA in PCI of heavily-calcified LMCA could be safely accomplished with a minimal complication rate and low out-of-hospital MACE.
2013, 10(3): 226-229.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.014
Abstract:
We describe a patient suffering from late stent thrombosis in a paclitaxel-eluting stent which had an underexpanded ring due to the three-hundred-sixty-degree circumferential calcified plaque. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) revealed rotational atherectomy could successfully ablate both the metallic ring and the calcified ring. The ablated segment was scaffolded with a new paclitaxel-eluting stent, well expanded and documented by IVUS. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of stent ablation for an unexpanded paclitaxel-eluting stent. From the Medline index, there were only six case reports of stent ablation. We review and summarize the operation details of stent ablation from these reports.
We describe a patient suffering from late stent thrombosis in a paclitaxel-eluting stent which had an underexpanded ring due to the three-hundred-sixty-degree circumferential calcified plaque. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) revealed rotational atherectomy could successfully ablate both the metallic ring and the calcified ring. The ablated segment was scaffolded with a new paclitaxel-eluting stent, well expanded and documented by IVUS. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of stent ablation for an unexpanded paclitaxel-eluting stent. From the Medline index, there were only six case reports of stent ablation. We review and summarize the operation details of stent ablation from these reports.
2013, 10(3): 230-234.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.013
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Entrapment of the burr within calcified lesion is an uncommon, but serious complication during rotational atherectomy and usually needs surgical retrieval. We report a case series of this complication and also review the possible mechanisms, such as kokesi phenomenon or insufficient pecking motion with decreased rotational speed. We also review the potential techniques ever proposed to rescue this complication percutaneously, including simple manual traction, balloon dilation to release the trap, snaring the burr as distal as possible for forceful local traction and wedging the burr with a child catheter to facilitate retrieval. Gentle pecking motion of the burr for sufficient ablation and shortening the run less than 15 s may avoid such complications. Interventional cardiologists using the rotablator should be familiar with the tips and tricks to avoid and rescue this complication.
Entrapment of the burr within calcified lesion is an uncommon, but serious complication during rotational atherectomy and usually needs surgical retrieval. We report a case series of this complication and also review the possible mechanisms, such as kokesi phenomenon or insufficient pecking motion with decreased rotational speed. We also review the potential techniques ever proposed to rescue this complication percutaneously, including simple manual traction, balloon dilation to release the trap, snaring the burr as distal as possible for forceful local traction and wedging the burr with a child catheter to facilitate retrieval. Gentle pecking motion of the burr for sufficient ablation and shortening the run less than 15 s may avoid such complications. Interventional cardiologists using the rotablator should be familiar with the tips and tricks to avoid and rescue this complication.
2013, 10(3): 235-241.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.008
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of an invasive strategy for elderly (aged ≥ 75 years) patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). Methods Data on 366 of 409 elderly CS patients from a total of 6,132 acute STEMI cases enrolled in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry between January 2008 and June 2011, were collected and analyzed. In-hospital deaths and the 1-month and 1-year survival rates free from major adverse cardiac events (MACE; defined as all cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization) were reported for the patients who had undergone invasive (n = 310) and conservative (n = 56) treatment strategies. Results The baseline clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. There were fewer in-hospital deaths in the invasive treatment strategy group (23.5% vs. 46.4%, P vs. 66%, P = 0.001). Conclusions In elderly patients with acute STEMI complicated by CS, the outcomes of invasive strategy are similar to those in younger patients at the 1-year follow-up.
Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of an invasive strategy for elderly (aged ≥ 75 years) patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). Methods Data on 366 of 409 elderly CS patients from a total of 6,132 acute STEMI cases enrolled in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry between January 2008 and June 2011, were collected and analyzed. In-hospital deaths and the 1-month and 1-year survival rates free from major adverse cardiac events (MACE; defined as all cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization) were reported for the patients who had undergone invasive (n = 310) and conservative (n = 56) treatment strategies. Results The baseline clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. There were fewer in-hospital deaths in the invasive treatment strategy group (23.5% vs. 46.4%, P vs. 66%, P = 0.001). Conclusions In elderly patients with acute STEMI complicated by CS, the outcomes of invasive strategy are similar to those in younger patients at the 1-year follow-up.
2013, 10(3): 242-246.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.006
Abstract:
Objective Multidector computed tomography (MDCT) is now commonly used for the evaluation of coronary artery disease. Because MDCT images include many non-cardiac organs and the patient population evaluated is highly susceptible to extracardiac diseases, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of extracardiac findings in the MDCT evaluation of ischemic heart disease. Methods From March 2007 to March 2008, a total of six-hundred twenty patients, who underwent 64-slice MDCT evaluations for chest pain, or dyspnea, were enrolled in this study. Cardiac and non-cardiac findings were comprehensively evaluated by a radiologist. Results Enrolled patients included 306 men (49.4%), with a mean age of 66 years. Significant coronary artery stenosis was found in 41.6% of the patients. A total of 158 extracardiac findings were observed in 110 (17.7%) patients. Commonly involved extracardiac organs were lung (36.7%), hepatobiliary system (21.5%), thyroid (19.6%), kidney (10.8%), spine (9.7%) and breast (0.6%). Of those 110 patients, 50 (45.5%) patients underwent further diagnostic investigations. Malignant disease was detected in three (2.7%) patients (lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer). Conclusions Extracardiac findings are frequently present and should be a concern in the MDCT evaluation of chest pain syndrome
Objective Multidector computed tomography (MDCT) is now commonly used for the evaluation of coronary artery disease. Because MDCT images include many non-cardiac organs and the patient population evaluated is highly susceptible to extracardiac diseases, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of extracardiac findings in the MDCT evaluation of ischemic heart disease. Methods From March 2007 to March 2008, a total of six-hundred twenty patients, who underwent 64-slice MDCT evaluations for chest pain, or dyspnea, were enrolled in this study. Cardiac and non-cardiac findings were comprehensively evaluated by a radiologist. Results Enrolled patients included 306 men (49.4%), with a mean age of 66 years. Significant coronary artery stenosis was found in 41.6% of the patients. A total of 158 extracardiac findings were observed in 110 (17.7%) patients. Commonly involved extracardiac organs were lung (36.7%), hepatobiliary system (21.5%), thyroid (19.6%), kidney (10.8%), spine (9.7%) and breast (0.6%). Of those 110 patients, 50 (45.5%) patients underwent further diagnostic investigations. Malignant disease was detected in three (2.7%) patients (lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer). Conclusions Extracardiac findings are frequently present and should be a concern in the MDCT evaluation of chest pain syndrome
2013, 10(3): 247-252.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.007
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Objective To evaluate the utility of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in assessing acute non-reperfused myocardial infarct size. Methods Seven domestic pigs (mean weight 17.3 ± 1.9 kg) underwent ligation of the distal left anterior descending artery to establish a model of acute myocardial infarction (MI). MSCT and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were performed two hours later. The following data were acquired and analyzed: MI volume (%), CT values of the infarcted region, left ventricular cavity and normal cardiac tissue at various scanning time-points (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 min after contrast injection). Results Using MSCT, the overall MI volume showed a time-dependent decrease, with a reduction of 28.87% after 20 min. The greatest reduction occurred at the 5 min time-point. In TTC staining, MI volume was 9.87% ± 2.44%. When MI size, as determined by MSCT, was compared with that by TTC staining in Bland-Altman plots, there was a better agreement at 5, 10, and 15 min time-points at 1 and 20 min. Conclusions The study indicates that double-phase scanning examination using MSCT is a useful tool to assess MI size, and the optimal late-phase scanning time-point set within 5–15 min of contrast injection.
Objective To evaluate the utility of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in assessing acute non-reperfused myocardial infarct size. Methods Seven domestic pigs (mean weight 17.3 ± 1.9 kg) underwent ligation of the distal left anterior descending artery to establish a model of acute myocardial infarction (MI). MSCT and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were performed two hours later. The following data were acquired and analyzed: MI volume (%), CT values of the infarcted region, left ventricular cavity and normal cardiac tissue at various scanning time-points (1, 5, 10, 15, 20 min after contrast injection). Results Using MSCT, the overall MI volume showed a time-dependent decrease, with a reduction of 28.87% after 20 min. The greatest reduction occurred at the 5 min time-point. In TTC staining, MI volume was 9.87% ± 2.44%. When MI size, as determined by MSCT, was compared with that by TTC staining in Bland-Altman plots, there was a better agreement at 5, 10, and 15 min time-points at 1 and 20 min. Conclusions The study indicates that double-phase scanning examination using MSCT is a useful tool to assess MI size, and the optimal late-phase scanning time-point set within 5–15 min of contrast injection.
2013, 10(3): 253-257.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.012
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Background Intrathoracic impedance monitoring has emerged as a promising new technique for the detection of impending heart failure (HF). Although false positive episodes have been reported in case reports and clinical trials, the efficacy and false positive rate in real-world practice remain unclear. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the utility and reliability of the OptiVol alert feature in clinical practice. Methods We continuously recruited patients who underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation with feature of intrathoracic impedance monitoring system in our center from Sep. 2010 to Oct. 2012. Regular in-office follow-up were required of all patients and the following information was collected at each visit: medical history, device interrogation, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and an echocardiogram. Worsening HF was defined as hospitalization or the presentation of signs or symptoms of HF. Results Forty three patients (male: 76.7%, mean age: 57 ± 15 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 33% ± 14%) were included in this observational study. Fifty four alert events and 14 adjudicated worsening HF were detected within 288 ± 163 days follow-up. Eleven (20.4%) alert episodes were associated with acute cardiac decompensation in 9 patients with a positive predictive value of 78.6%. Forty three audible alerts showed no connection to worsening HF. The unexplained alerts rate was 79.6% and 1.27 per person-year. Thirty seven alarm alerts were detected in patients with EF vs. 2/17; P = 0.47). Conclusions Patients with normal or nearly normal left ventricular systolic function also exhibited considerable alert events. The OptiVol fluid index predicted worsening cardiac events with a high unexplained detection rate, and any alert must therefore be analyzed with great caution. Efforts to improve the specificity of this monitoring system represent a significant aspect of future studies.
Background Intrathoracic impedance monitoring has emerged as a promising new technique for the detection of impending heart failure (HF). Although false positive episodes have been reported in case reports and clinical trials, the efficacy and false positive rate in real-world practice remain unclear. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the utility and reliability of the OptiVol alert feature in clinical practice. Methods We continuously recruited patients who underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation with feature of intrathoracic impedance monitoring system in our center from Sep. 2010 to Oct. 2012. Regular in-office follow-up were required of all patients and the following information was collected at each visit: medical history, device interrogation, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and an echocardiogram. Worsening HF was defined as hospitalization or the presentation of signs or symptoms of HF. Results Forty three patients (male: 76.7%, mean age: 57 ± 15 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 33% ± 14%) were included in this observational study. Fifty four alert events and 14 adjudicated worsening HF were detected within 288 ± 163 days follow-up. Eleven (20.4%) alert episodes were associated with acute cardiac decompensation in 9 patients with a positive predictive value of 78.6%. Forty three audible alerts showed no connection to worsening HF. The unexplained alerts rate was 79.6% and 1.27 per person-year. Thirty seven alarm alerts were detected in patients with EF vs. 2/17; P = 0.47). Conclusions Patients with normal or nearly normal left ventricular systolic function also exhibited considerable alert events. The OptiVol fluid index predicted worsening cardiac events with a high unexplained detection rate, and any alert must therefore be analyzed with great caution. Efforts to improve the specificity of this monitoring system represent a significant aspect of future studies.
2013, 10(3): 267-271.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.005
Abstract:
Objective To examine whether diabetes mellitus increases the risk of pneumonia mortality among seniors in the U.S. general population. Methods & Results The NHANES III follow-up study data were used. After excluding individuals from other minorities, being hospitalized with pneumonia in the previous year at baseline, or death of pneumonia during the first year of follow-up, a total of 3,707 subjects aged 65 years or older (1,794 men and 1,913 women) who had no missing information on variables for the analysis were included. Approximately 16% of seniors at baseline were diabetics, which was defined as either having been diagnosed by a physician, currently taking pills/insulin lowering blood glucose, or HbA1c higher than 6.4%. During an average 11 years of follow-up, a total of 98 deaths due to pneumonia were recorded (ICD-10: J12–J18). Cox-regression models were used to estimate the risk association between pneumonia mortality and diabetes mellitus. After adjustment for the covariates at baseline, the hazard ratios of pneumonia death were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.64–2.70) for pre-diabetics and 2.28 (95% CI: 1.18–4.39) for diabetics, respectively. Among those covariates, only age (HR (95% CI); 1.16 (1.13–1.20)), gender as female (0.35 (0.22–0.61)) and physical fitness measured as having no problem walking 1+ mile during the previous month (0.38 (0.20–0.67)) reached statistical significance. Conclusions The results suggest that diabetes mellitus is a strong risk predictor of pneumonia mortality and the evaluation of physical fitness may also be useful in the risk prediction of pneumonia mortality for seniors.
Objective To examine whether diabetes mellitus increases the risk of pneumonia mortality among seniors in the U.S. general population. Methods & Results The NHANES III follow-up study data were used. After excluding individuals from other minorities, being hospitalized with pneumonia in the previous year at baseline, or death of pneumonia during the first year of follow-up, a total of 3,707 subjects aged 65 years or older (1,794 men and 1,913 women) who had no missing information on variables for the analysis were included. Approximately 16% of seniors at baseline were diabetics, which was defined as either having been diagnosed by a physician, currently taking pills/insulin lowering blood glucose, or HbA1c higher than 6.4%. During an average 11 years of follow-up, a total of 98 deaths due to pneumonia were recorded (ICD-10: J12–J18). Cox-regression models were used to estimate the risk association between pneumonia mortality and diabetes mellitus. After adjustment for the covariates at baseline, the hazard ratios of pneumonia death were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.64–2.70) for pre-diabetics and 2.28 (95% CI: 1.18–4.39) for diabetics, respectively. Among those covariates, only age (HR (95% CI); 1.16 (1.13–1.20)), gender as female (0.35 (0.22–0.61)) and physical fitness measured as having no problem walking 1+ mile during the previous month (0.38 (0.20–0.67)) reached statistical significance. Conclusions The results suggest that diabetes mellitus is a strong risk predictor of pneumonia mortality and the evaluation of physical fitness may also be useful in the risk prediction of pneumonia mortality for seniors.
2013, 10(3): 272-280.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.003
Abstract:
Objective To obtain a pure population of smooth muscle cells (SMC) derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and further assess their functions. Methods A vector, expressing both puromycin resistance gene (puror) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene driven by smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) promoter, named pSM22α-puror-IRES2-EGFP was constructed and used to transfect ESC. Transgenic ESC (Tg-ESC) clones were selected by G418 and identified by PCR amplification of purorin vivo. After induction of SMC differentiation by all-trans retinoic acid, differentiated Tg-ESC were treated with 10 μg/mL puromycin for three days to obtain purified SMC (P-SMC). Percentage of EGFP+ cells in P-SMC was assessed by flow cytometer. Expressions of smooth muscle specific markers were detected by immunostaining and Western blotting. Proliferation, migration and contractility of P-SMC were analyzed by growth curve, trans-well migration assay, and carbachol treatment, respectively. Finally, both P-SMC and unpurified SMC (unP-SMC) were injected into syngeneic mouse to see teratoma development. Results Tg-ESC clone was successfully established and confirmed by PCR detection of puror+ percentage as high as 98.2% in contrast to 29.47% of unP-SMC. Compared with primary mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), P-SMC displayed positive, but lowered expression of SMC-specific markers including SM α-actin and myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) detected either, by immunostaining, or immunoblotting, accelerated proliferation, improved migration (99.33 ± 2.04 vs. 44.00 ± 2.08 migrated cells/field, P vs. 16.50 ± 3.76 % in cell area reduction, P In vivo injection of unP-SMC developed apparent teratoma while P-SMC did not. Conclusions We obtained a pure population of ESC derived SMC with less mature (differentiated) phenotypes, which will be of great use in research of vascular diseases and in bio-engineered vascular grafts for regenerative medicine.
Objective To obtain a pure population of smooth muscle cells (SMC) derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and further assess their functions. Methods A vector, expressing both puromycin resistance gene (puror) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene driven by smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) promoter, named pSM22α-puror-IRES2-EGFP was constructed and used to transfect ESC. Transgenic ESC (Tg-ESC) clones were selected by G418 and identified by PCR amplification of purorin vivo. After induction of SMC differentiation by all-trans retinoic acid, differentiated Tg-ESC were treated with 10 μg/mL puromycin for three days to obtain purified SMC (P-SMC). Percentage of EGFP+ cells in P-SMC was assessed by flow cytometer. Expressions of smooth muscle specific markers were detected by immunostaining and Western blotting. Proliferation, migration and contractility of P-SMC were analyzed by growth curve, trans-well migration assay, and carbachol treatment, respectively. Finally, both P-SMC and unpurified SMC (unP-SMC) were injected into syngeneic mouse to see teratoma development. Results Tg-ESC clone was successfully established and confirmed by PCR detection of puror+ percentage as high as 98.2% in contrast to 29.47% of unP-SMC. Compared with primary mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), P-SMC displayed positive, but lowered expression of SMC-specific markers including SM α-actin and myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) detected either, by immunostaining, or immunoblotting, accelerated proliferation, improved migration (99.33 ± 2.04 vs. 44.00 ± 2.08 migrated cells/field, P vs. 16.50 ± 3.76 % in cell area reduction, P In vivo injection of unP-SMC developed apparent teratoma while P-SMC did not. Conclusions We obtained a pure population of ESC derived SMC with less mature (differentiated) phenotypes, which will be of great use in research of vascular diseases and in bio-engineered vascular grafts for regenerative medicine.
2013, 10(3): 281-285.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.002
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK 2) level in peripheral blood lymphocytes with cardiac function in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods This study enrolled 40 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 40 patients with unstable angina. All patients were 65 years or older. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and the GRK 2 level in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured. Patients with STEMI were followed up for 2 years. Results The GRK 2 level in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with STEMI than in patients with unstable angina, and was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular fractional shortening. The GRK 2 level was significantly elevated in some patients with acute STEMI and poor cardiac function. Conclusions Increased GRK 2 level in patients with acute STEMI may contribute to poor myocardial systolic function and myocardial remodeling. Measurement of the GRK 2 level in peripheral blood lymphocytes may assist in the evaluation of cardiac function and myocardial remodeling in elderly patients with acute STEMI.
Objective To investigate the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK 2) level in peripheral blood lymphocytes with cardiac function in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods This study enrolled 40 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 40 patients with unstable angina. All patients were 65 years or older. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and the GRK 2 level in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured. Patients with STEMI were followed up for 2 years. Results The GRK 2 level in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with STEMI than in patients with unstable angina, and was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular fractional shortening. The GRK 2 level was significantly elevated in some patients with acute STEMI and poor cardiac function. Conclusions Increased GRK 2 level in patients with acute STEMI may contribute to poor myocardial systolic function and myocardial remodeling. Measurement of the GRK 2 level in peripheral blood lymphocytes may assist in the evaluation of cardiac function and myocardial remodeling in elderly patients with acute STEMI.
2013, 10(3): 286-290.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.001
Abstract:
Background Serum cystatin C levels can be used to predict morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical relevance of serum cystatin C levels in patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has rarely been investigated. We designed the present study to investigate whether serum cystatin C levels are associated with cardiac structural and functional alterations in hypertensive patients. Methods We enrolled 823 hypertensive patients and classified them into two groups: those with LVH (n = 287) and those without LVH (n = 536). All patients underwent echocardiography and serum cystatin C testing. We analyzed the relationship between serum cystatin C levels and LVH. Results Serum cystatin C levels were higher in hypertensive patients with LVH than in those without LVH (P r = 0.247, P r = 0.216, P r = 0.347, P P P P Conclusion Serum cystatin C concentration is an independent marker for hypertensive LVH.
Background Serum cystatin C levels can be used to predict morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical relevance of serum cystatin C levels in patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has rarely been investigated. We designed the present study to investigate whether serum cystatin C levels are associated with cardiac structural and functional alterations in hypertensive patients. Methods We enrolled 823 hypertensive patients and classified them into two groups: those with LVH (n = 287) and those without LVH (n = 536). All patients underwent echocardiography and serum cystatin C testing. We analyzed the relationship between serum cystatin C levels and LVH. Results Serum cystatin C levels were higher in hypertensive patients with LVH than in those without LVH (P r = 0.247, P r = 0.216, P r = 0.347, P P P P Conclusion Serum cystatin C concentration is an independent marker for hypertensive LVH.
2013, 10(3): 291-301.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.010
Abstract:
The flow properties of blood play significant roles in tissue perfusion by contributing to hydrodynamic resistance in blood vessels. These properties are influenced by pathophysiological processes, thereby increasing the clinical relevance of blood rheology information. There is well-established clinical evidence for impaired blood fluidity in humans of advanced age, including enhanced plasma and whole blood viscosity, impaired red blood cell (RBC) deformability and enhanced RBC aggregation. Increased plasma fibrinogen concentration is a common finding in many studies owing to the pro-inflammatory condition of aged individuals; this finding of increased fibrinogen concen-tration explains the higher plasma viscosity and RBC aggregation in elderly subjects. Enhanced oxidant stress in advanced age is also known to contribute to altered blood fluidity, with RBC deformability being an important determinant of blood viscosity. Several studies have shown that physical activity may improve the hemorheological picture in elderly subjects, yet well-designed observational and mechanistic studies are required to determine the specific effects of regular exercise on hemorheological parameters in healthy and older individuals.
The flow properties of blood play significant roles in tissue perfusion by contributing to hydrodynamic resistance in blood vessels. These properties are influenced by pathophysiological processes, thereby increasing the clinical relevance of blood rheology information. There is well-established clinical evidence for impaired blood fluidity in humans of advanced age, including enhanced plasma and whole blood viscosity, impaired red blood cell (RBC) deformability and enhanced RBC aggregation. Increased plasma fibrinogen concentration is a common finding in many studies owing to the pro-inflammatory condition of aged individuals; this finding of increased fibrinogen concen-tration explains the higher plasma viscosity and RBC aggregation in elderly subjects. Enhanced oxidant stress in advanced age is also known to contribute to altered blood fluidity, with RBC deformability being an important determinant of blood viscosity. Several studies have shown that physical activity may improve the hemorheological picture in elderly subjects, yet well-designed observational and mechanistic studies are required to determine the specific effects of regular exercise on hemorheological parameters in healthy and older individuals.
2013, 10(3): 302-304.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.011
Abstract:
Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and left main coronary artery disease is called left main shock syndrome. It is reported that the morbility and mortality of the syndrome is approximately 0.46% and 55%–80%, respectively. However, the best treat-ment strategy in these cases is unknown. In this article, we present a patient with LMSS who successively underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting with hemodynamic support within 5 days. The patient is now on his three month uneventful out-patient follow-up.
Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and left main coronary artery disease is called left main shock syndrome. It is reported that the morbility and mortality of the syndrome is approximately 0.46% and 55%–80%, respectively. However, the best treat-ment strategy in these cases is unknown. In this article, we present a patient with LMSS who successively underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting with hemodynamic support within 5 days. The patient is now on his three month uneventful out-patient follow-up.
2013, 10(3): 258-266.
doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.03.004
Abstract:
Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the predictive abilities of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in stroke and thromboembolism risk stratification of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE for English-language literature on comparisons of the diagnostic performance between CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in predicting stroke, or systemic embolism, in AF. We then assessed the quality of the included studies and pooled the C-statistics and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results Eight studies were included. It was unsuitable to perform a direct meta-analysis because of high heterogeneity. When analyzed as a continuous variable, the C-statistic ranged from 0.60 to 0.80 (median 0.683) for CHADS2 and 0.64–0.79 (median 0.673) for CHA2DS2-VASc. When analyzed as a continuous variable in anticoagulation patients, the subgroup analysis showed that the pooled C-statistic (95% CI) was 0.660 (0.655–0.665) for CHADS2 and 0.667 (0.651–0.683) for CHA2DS2-VASc (no significant difference). For non-anticoagulation patients, the pooled C-statistic (95% CI) was 0.685 (0.666–0.705) for CHADS2 and 0.675 (0.656–0.694) for CHA2DS2-VASc (no significant differ?ence). The average ratio of endpoint events in the low-risk group of CHA2DS2-VASc was less than CHADS2 (0.41% vs. 0.94%, P 2 (11.12% vs. 30.75%, P Conclu?sions The C-statistic suggests a similar clinical utility of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting stroke and thromboembolism, but CHA2DS2-VASc has the important advantage of identifying extremely low-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as classifying a lower proportion of patients as moderate risk.
Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the predictive abilities of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in stroke and thromboembolism risk stratification of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE for English-language literature on comparisons of the diagnostic performance between CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in predicting stroke, or systemic embolism, in AF. We then assessed the quality of the included studies and pooled the C-statistics and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results Eight studies were included. It was unsuitable to perform a direct meta-analysis because of high heterogeneity. When analyzed as a continuous variable, the C-statistic ranged from 0.60 to 0.80 (median 0.683) for CHADS2 and 0.64–0.79 (median 0.673) for CHA2DS2-VASc. When analyzed as a continuous variable in anticoagulation patients, the subgroup analysis showed that the pooled C-statistic (95% CI) was 0.660 (0.655–0.665) for CHADS2 and 0.667 (0.651–0.683) for CHA2DS2-VASc (no significant difference). For non-anticoagulation patients, the pooled C-statistic (95% CI) was 0.685 (0.666–0.705) for CHADS2 and 0.675 (0.656–0.694) for CHA2DS2-VASc (no significant differ?ence). The average ratio of endpoint events in the low-risk group of CHA2DS2-VASc was less than CHADS2 (0.41% vs. 0.94%, P 2 (11.12% vs. 30.75%, P Conclu?sions The C-statistic suggests a similar clinical utility of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting stroke and thromboembolism, but CHA2DS2-VASc has the important advantage of identifying extremely low-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as classifying a lower proportion of patients as moderate risk.
