Cardiology Research最新文献

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, little is known about the combined effect of coronary artery disease (CAD) and COVID-19 on mortality. We aimed to investigate the incidence of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients with CAD.

Methods: This multicenter retrospective study identified 3,336 COVID-19 patients admitted between March and December 2020. Data points were manually reviewed in the patients' electronic health records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess whether CAD and its subtypes were associated with mortality.

Results: This study shows that CAD was not an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.512, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1529 - 14.95, P = 0.723). However, there was a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality in patients with CAD compared to those without (OR: 6.89, 95% CI: 2.706 - 17.53, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality in patients with left main artery and left anterior descending artery disease (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.80 - 2.08, P = 0.29). However, CAD patients with a history of interventions (e.g., coronary stenting or coronary artery bypass graft) showed increased mortality compared to those solely treated by medical management (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.12 - 3.33, P = 0.017).

Conclusions: CAD is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular mortality but not all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients. Overall, this study will help clinicians identify characteristics of COVID-19 patients with increased risk of mortality in the setting of CAD.

Background: Serum levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are associated with various vital physiological functions and thus elevation in circulating levels results in several metabolic disturbances. Serum levels of BCAAs are strong predictors of various metabolic disorders. Their association with cardiovascular health is uncertain. The study aimed to investigate the association of BCAAs with circulating levels of vital cardiovascular and hepatic markers.

Methods: The study population of 714 individuals was included from the population tested for the vital cardio and hepatic biomarkers at the Vibrant America Clinical Laboratories. The subjects were stratified into four quartiles based on the serum levels of BCAAs, and their association with vital markers was studied using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Pearson's correlation analyzed the univariant relationship of BCAAs with selected cardio and hepatic markers.

Results: BCAAs exhibited a strong negative correlation with serum HDL. Serum triglycerides were found to have a positive correlation with serum levels of leucine and valine. Univariant analysis exhibited a strong negative correlation between serum levels of BCAAs and HDL, and a positive correlation was observed between triglycerides and amino acids isoleucine and leucine. Among analyzed hepatic markers, alanine transaminase exhibited a considerable association with BCAAs.

Conclusions: The elevated levels of serum BCAAs are strongly associated with serum HDL and triglycerides. Consumption of these supplements must be in coordination with healthcare providers to avoid metabolic and cardiovascular risk.

Venous thromboembolism is a very common presentation in the hospital setting. In patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) or PE and hemodynamic instability, systemic thrombolytic treatment is generally indicated. In those with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed local thrombolytic therapy and surgical embolectomy are currently considered. In particular, catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a drug delivery system coupling the endovascular drug administration nearby in the thrombus and the local facilitating effect of ultrasounds. The applications of CDT are currently debated. Here we provide a systematic review of the clinical utilization of CDT.

Background: It is still very controversial whether the characteristics of pain in the acute myocardial infarction could be related to the culprit coronary artery. There are no data about associations of pain with the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and left ventricular (LV) fibrotic segments.

Methods: Data from 328 participants who had STEMI and were included in the B and T Types of Lymphocytes Evaluation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (BATTLE-AMI) study were analyzed. The culprit artery was identified by coronary angiography and the injured myocardial segments by cardiac magnetic resonance. The statistical significance was established by P value < 0.05.

Results: A total of 223 patients (68%) were selected. Association was not observed between chest pain and the culprit artery (P = 0.237), as well as between pain irradiation and the culprit artery (P = 0.473). No significant difference was observed in the pain localization in relation to the segments in the short axis basal, mid, apical, and long axis, except for the mid inferior segment. The data were not considered clinically relevant because this association was observed in only one of 17 segments after multiple comparisons.

Conclusions: In patients with STEMI, no associations were observed between the location or irradiation of acute chest pain and/or adjacent areas and the culprit artery, or between pain and segmental myocardial fibrosis in the LV.

Background: Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) coronary system is a very useful new technology for de novo severely calcified coronary artery plaques before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The device uses a semi-compliant low-pressure balloon, integrated into a sterile catheter, to deliver by vaporizing fluid an expanding bubble that generates high-pressure ultrasonic energy by waves that create multiplane longitudinal micro-macro fractures in calcified plaques, which facilitate optimal stent placement and expansion, and luminal gain.

Methods: The use of Shockwave IVL coronary system in our cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath lab) at the "Clinique Saint-Hilaire" in Rouen, France, started in March 2019, with 42 procedures performed since this date: two patients in 2019, two patients in 2020, seven patients in 2021, 23 patients in 2022, and eight patients since the beginning of 2023.

Results: We had experienced problems at the beginning of our activity for the first 11 patients (two patients in 2019, two patients in 2020, and seven patients in 2021): after less than five pulses, the shock therapy stopped. We used initially for Shockwave IVL semi-compliant low-pressure integrated balloons a mixture of 50% contrast and 50% water preparations injectable (PPI). After changing water PPI by sodium chloride physiological saline solution, we never encountered this problem again for the following 31 patients (23 patients in 2022, and eight patients since the beginning of 2023). In fact, the proper functioning of Shockwave IVL system requires ions in balloon mixture in addition to the contrast. It is thanks to the ions contained in sodium chloride physiological saline solution that the spark necessary for shocks delivery after balloon inflation is produced.

Conclusions: Water PPI or sodium chloride physiological saline solution is used in angioplasty balloons in a lot of Cath labs worldwide. It is therefore essential to disseminate in the worldwide Cath lab the obligation to put in Shockwave IVL semi-compliant low-pressure integrated balloons sodium chloride physiological saline solution, rather than water PPI for optimal performance, and the importance of Shockwave Medical reporting this to interventional cardiologists.

Background: In mitral stenosis (MS), the combination of an increase in left atrium (LA) pressure and atrial inflammatory response is accompanied by increase in interstitial fibrosis of the atrial wall with disorganization of atrial muscle bundles, LA dysfunction and subsequently LA dilatation. We aimed to assess the effect of severe rheumatic MS on LA volumes and mechanics.

Methods: We enrolled 40 patients with pure severe rheumatic MS and sinus rhythm as a patient group and 30 healthy subjects as a control group. All patient and control groups underwent two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echo to measure left ventricle (LV) dimensions, function, LA deformations, estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (EPAP), and left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV GLS). Also LA volumes and mechanics (LA strain during LV systole (reservoir function) and LV diastole (early = conduit, and late = booster pump = atrial contraction)) were measured by three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echo; mitral valve (MV) area was measured by 3D transesophageal echo (as routine pre-percutaneous MV commissurotomy using multiplanar reconstruction in mid-esophageal apical long-axis view from LA prospective).

Results: By 2D transthoracic echo, patient group revealed significantly lower all LA function vs. control group including LA strain during reservoir (24 ± 6 vs. 43 ± 3, P < 0.001), LA strain during conduit (-11 ± 3 vs. -25 ± 2, P < 0.001), and during booster pump (-13 ± 4 vs. -18 ± 1, P < 0.001). EPAP was significantly higher in patient group (48 ± 7 vs. 27 ± 4 in control group). LV GLS was significantly lower in patient group (-16±2% vs. -23±2% in control group). All 3D LA volumes were significantly higher in patient group than control group including maximum LA volume (LAVmax) (76 ± 18 vs. 50 ± 5, P < 0.001), indexed LA volume (LAVi) (44.6 ± 10.1 vs. 28.7 ± 3.7, P < 0.001), LV minimum volume (LAVmin) (51 ± 15 vs. 30 ± 4, P < 0.001), and LA volume pre atrial contraction (LAVpre A) (63 ± 15 vs. 41 ± 6, P < 0.001). Also, there was significantly decreased LA strain using 3D speckle tracking echo in patient group including systolic deformation of LA (reservoir function) (23 ± 6 vs. 41 ± 3, P < 0.001) and diastolic deformation, early diastole (conduit function) (-10 ± 2 vs. -24 ± 2, P < 0.001), and late diastole (booster pump function) (-13 ± 4 vs. -18 ± 1, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: All LA function markedly reduced in pure severe rheumatic MS. The reduction of LA mechanics is directly related to the degree of reduction of the stenotic MV area. LV GLS significantly reduced in severe MS and its reduction is directly related to the degree of reduction of the stenotic MV area and the LAVi by 3D echo.

Background: The alterations in the endomysium and perimysium might cause compaction and gradual mechanical compression of cardiomyocytes resulting in their immobilization. This process finally leads to severe stiffening, so that the newly formed frame around individual cardiomyocytes and their clusters hinders normal diastole, and later systole. This phenomenon is referred to as immobilizing interstitial cardiac fibrosis (IICF). Deciphering the molecular and structural elements of myocardial changes is the key to understanding the pathogenetic foundations of heart failure development.

Methods: The study included 69 patients. Group I (n = 32) included patients with IICF; group II (n = 37) was comparison group. We evaluated the clinical picture, anamnesis of the disease, the results of physical examination, laboratory and instrumental examination of patients and autopsy data.

Results: In the anamnesis, patients with IICF were more likely to have diseases than patients in the control group: arrhythmia and impaired conductivity (88% vs. 19%, odds ratio (OR): 30.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.918 - 113.7, P < 0.001), systemic connective tissue diseases (78% vs. 5%, OR: 62.5; 95% CI: 11.9 - 326.5, P < 0.001), viral infections (including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)) (53% vs. 19%, OR: 4.86; 95% CI: 1.66 - 14.25, P = 0.003), type 2 diabetes mellitus (47% vs. 8%, OR: 10.0; 95% CI: 2.54 - 39.34, P < 0.001), radiation therapy for mediastinal lymphoma and other oncological diseases (19% vs. 0%, P = 0.008), focal infections (sinusitis, osteomyelitis, periodontitis, nephritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, pleurisy, etc.) within 12 months (31% vs. 11%, P = 0.069), chronic kidney disease (25% vs. 8%, P = 0.097), and tuberculosis (9% vs. 0%, P = 0.095). We have identified a statistically significant difference between the groups: the volume of the fibrosis zone (17.5±9.2% vs. 4.9±2.3%, P = 0.001), the expression of type I collagen (5,182 ± 1,301 vs. 2,189 ± 754 in 1 mm², P = 0.0001), type III collagen (7,562 ± 1,405 vs. 2,320 ± 541 in 1 mm², P = 0.0001), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 (12,850 ± 6,200 vs. 9,501 ± 7,145 in 1 mm², P = 0.005), MMP-9 (15,745 ± 5,695 vs. 6,920 ± 3,125 in 1 mm², P = 0.0001), connexin-43 (25,689 ± 14,871 vs. 37,523 ± 12,561 in 1 mm², P = 0.001), fibronectin (3,448 ± 720 vs. 1,544 ± 610 in 1 mm², P = 0.0001), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) (5,121 ± 1,243 vs. 2,531 ± 1,489 in 1 mm², P = 0.001).

Conclusion: IICF is a separate pathological condition and one of the main causes of chronic heart failure. It is induced by changes in the myocardial connective tissue that prevent normal functioning of the myocardium.

Background: During thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, the spinal cord is placed under ischemic conditions. Elevation of systemic blood pressure is thus recommended as a method of increasing the blood supply from collateral networks. This study examined the mechanisms by which noradrenaline administration increases spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) by elevating systemic blood pressure.

Methods: In beagles (n = 7), the thoracoabdominal aorta and L2-L7 spinal cord segmental arteries (SAs) were exposed and a distal perfusion bypass was created to simulate clinical practice. SCBF was measured by laser flowmetry at the L5 dura mater and spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP) was measured inside the clamped aorta. The six pairs of SAs from L2 to L7 were clamped, and mean systemic blood pressure (mSBP), SCBF, and SCPP were measured before and after clamping and after starting continuous infusion of noradrenaline at 0.5 µg/kg/min. Rates of change in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and spinal cord vascular resistance (SCVR) were calculated from the measured values.

Results: With no SA clamping (control), the rate of increase in SCVR was 0.74 times the rate of increase in SVR (y = 0.2 + 0.74x, r = 0.889, r² = 0.789; P < 0.01). When all six pairs of SAs were clamped, a weak correlation was evident between rate of change in SCVR and rate of change in SVR, and the rate of increase in SCVR was lower than the rate of increase in SVR (y = 0.39 + 0.07x, r = 0.209, r² = 0.039; P < 0.01). When all six pairs of SAs were clamped in the absence of distal perfusion, a weak correlation was also evident between rate of change in SCVR and rate of change in SVR, and the rate of increase in SCVR was lower than the rate of increase in SVR (y = 0.19 + 0.08x, r = 0.379, r² = 0.144; P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The rate of increase in SCVR induced by noradrenaline administration was lower than the rate of increase in SVR in the control group with no spinal cord SA clamping and in both experimental groups with clamped SAs (with and without distal perfusion), creating an environment conducive to spinal cord flow distribution.

Background: From the Fukuoka University Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (FU-CCTA) registry, we present major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in hypertensive patients who have undergone CCTA, and the association between MACEs and the Gensini score of coronary arteries or the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score.

Methods: Of the patients who underwent CCTA for coronary artery disease (CAD) screening at Fukuoka University Hospital, 318 hypertensive patients who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor or suspected CAD were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: MACEs and non-MACEs groups. The severity of atherosclerosis of coronary arteries was assessed by the Gensini score. The CAC score was also defined by computed tomography (CT) images at the time of CCTA. A primary endpoint was MACEs (all-cause death, ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization). The patients were followed for up to 5 years.

Results: The patients were 68 ± 10 years, and 50% were males. The percentages of smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were 39%, 70%, 26% and 37%, respectively. The %males, %smoking, CAC score and Gensini score in the MACEs group were significantly higher than those in the non-MACEs group. On the other hand, the differences in age, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease between the groups were not seen. A multivariate analysis was performed regarding the presence or absence of MACE by logistic regression analysis of the CAC score or Gensini score in addition to conventional risk factors as independent variables. A Cox regression analysis revealed significant relationships for both the CAC score (P = 0.043) and the Gensini score (P = 0.008).

Conclusions: The CAC score and the Gensini score could predict MACEs in hypertensive patients who have undergone CCTA.