Gastón Dussaillant

Successful percutaneous closure of paraprosthetic aorto-right ventricular leak using the Amplatzer duct occluder.

A 55‐year‐old male with persisting aorto‐right ventricular paraprosthetic leak after mitroaortic valve replacement was hospitalized for recurrent heart failure. Depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and severe pulmonary hypertension with increased right and left ventricular filling pressures were associated with significant left to right shunting through the leak. Elective closure of the leak was obtained with a 6–4 mm Amplatzer duct occluder. No complications were observed, and the patient experienced complete resolution of heart failure symptoms, with NYHA class I heart failure 12 months after discharge.

Microvascular Coronary Flow Comparison in Acute Myocardial Infarction Angioplasty treated with a mesh covered stent (MGUARD Stent) versus Bare Metal Stent☆ MICAMI-MGUARD

BACKGROUND Distal embolization of thrombus/platelet aggregates decreases myocardial reperfusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and is associated with worse immediate and long-term prognosis of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE Assess the efficacy of a mesh covered stent (MGuard™ stent, MGS) in preventing distal embolization and microvascular reperfusion impairment during primary PCI, compared with a bare metal stent (BMS). METHODS Forty patients with STEMI referred for primary PCI were randomized for stenting the culprit lesion with the MGS (n = 20) or a BMS (n = 20). Blinded experts performed off-line measurements of angiographic epicardial and microvascular reperfusion criteria: TIMI flow grade, myocardial blush, corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC). RESULTS At baseline clinical, angiographic and procedural variables were not different between groups. Post PCI TIMI flow grade was similar in both groups. We observed better myocardial Blush grade in group MGS compared to BMS (median value 3.0 vs 2.5, 2p = 0.006) and cTFC (mean cTFC: MGS 19.65 ± 4.07 vs BMS 27.35 ± 7.15, 2p < 0.001, cTFC mean difference MGS-BMS: 7.7, CI 95%: 3.94 to 11.46). MGS stent group had a higher percentage of successful angioplasty (cTFC ≤ 23: MGS 85% vs BMS 30%, 2p < 0.001). We had two cases of acute stent thrombosis (one for each group) at 30days follow up, but no clinical events at 6 months follow up. CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory study, MGS significantly improved microvascular reperfusion criteria compared with a BMS in primary PCI. However its safety and impact on clinical outcomes should be verified in larger randomized clinical trials.

Amelioration of persistent left ventricular function impairment through increased plasma ascorbate levels following myocardial infarction

Purpose: Percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA) has been demonstrated to reduce mortality and morbidity and thereby improve the prognosis of patients undergoing acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs). However, this procedure paradoxically increases the initial damage as the result of a condition known as ‘myocardial reperfusion injury’. Oxidative stress may contribute to the mechanism of this injury. The goal of the present study was to ascertain whether high plasma ascorbate levels could ameliorate the reperfusion injuries that occur after the successful restoration of blood flow. Methods: Patients from three clinical centers of the public health system were included in the study. The groups were formed by either-sex patients with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with an indication for primary PCA. Only the patients who presented with their first myocardial infarction were enrolled. Ascorbate was administered through an infusion given prior to the restoration of the coronary flow, which was then followed by oral treatment with vitamin C (500 mg/12 hours) plus vitamin E (400 IU/day) for 84 days. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined by using cardiac magnetic resonance on days 6 and 84 following the onset of the reperfusion. In addition, the microvascular function was assessed by an angiographic evaluation using the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). The results were grouped according to the plasma ascorbate concentration achieved immediately following the onset of reperfusion into either the HA group (high ascorbate, >1 mmol/l) or the LA group (low ascorbate, <1 mmol/l). The biochemical parameters were analyzed throughout the protocol. Results: The LVEF of the HA group was significantly higher than that of the LA group, values on day 84 in the HA group were 33% higher than those of the LA group. The amelioration of the LVEF was accompanied by an improvement in the microvascular dysfunction, after PCA, 95% of the patients in the HA group achieved a TMPG of 2–3, in the LA group only 79% of patients showed a TMPG of 2–3. Conclusions: These data are consistent with the protective effect of high plasma levels of ascorbate against the oxidative challenge caused by reperfusion injury in patients subjected to PCA following an AMI. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism accounting for this beneficial antioxidant effect.

La clasificación de lesiones coronarias de la Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions predice mejor el éxito de la angioplastia coronaria que la del American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association

Background. The classification of coronary lesion complexity, using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) is a predictor of balloon angioplasty success. Stents have improved results even in complex lesions. Aim. To compare the ACC/ AHA and the new Society for Cardiac Angiography (SCAeI) coronary lesion scores as predictors of angioplasty success. Patients and Methods. Ali consecutive angioplasty procedures (n=346, 456 lesions, 47% stents) were prospectively analized from August 1996 to March 1999. Coronary lesions were classified using the ACC/AHA and SCA&I scores. Angiographic success was assesed and its multivariate predictors determined with logistic regression analysis. Results. According to the ACC/AHA score, angiographic success was 97, 92.7, 93.3, and 82.3% in A, Bl, B2 and C lesions respectively (p=0.013). There only were significant differences in success between C and A, Bl or B2 lesions. According to the SCAeI score success was achieved in 97.3, 97.9, 75.8 and 33.3% in nonCP, CP, nonCO and CO lesions respectively (P<0.001). With the SCAeI score statistically significant differences in angiographic success were found for all lesion score comparisons, except between nonCP and CP lesions. No other variables had predictive value for angiographic success. Conclusions. Coronary angioplasty angiographic success is better predicted by the new SCAel lesion score than with the ACC/AHA lesion clasification in a group of patiens with frequent use of stents. (Rev Med Chile 2001,129: 605-10)

Treatment of paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias with acetyl-strophanthidin∗

Abstract Nine patients with ten episodes of paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias (supraventricular tachycardias and paroxysmal atrial flutter), most of them prolonged and resistant to other therapies, have been treated with acetyl-strophanthidin. Small divided doses by slow intravenous injection, not exceeding a total amount of 1 mg., have been used. The procedure was carried out under careful clinical and electrocardiographic control. Patients in whom the drug is contraindicated were carefully excluded. In nine cases conversion to normal rhythm was obtained. This occurred with great promptness during the administration of the drug or immediately after its completion. Clinical symptoms or electrocardiographic signs of digitalis intoxication were not observed in this group of patients. Acetyl-strophanthidin is a useful drug. It is potentially dangerous, as are all digitalis and related substances, but when properly administered it appears reasonably safe. With slow intravenous administration its promptness of action permits an accurate regulation of dosage.

Síndrome de Tako-Tsubo, caracterización clínica y evolución a un año plazo.

Background: Tako-Tsubo Syndrome (TTS) is characterized by transient regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV), mimicking myocardial infarction. It accounts for 0.9-1.2% of all acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Aim: To describe the incidence and characteristics of TTS within our population. Material and methods: All patients diagnosed with ACS and TTS were selected from a clinical registry of all the coronary angiographies done in our hospital. Clinical features during initial presentation, hospital evolution and one year follow-up are reported. Results: The first case diagnosed in our hospital occurred in 2001. Since then, 4433 coronary angiographies were done to patients with ACS until 2014 and 37 corresponded to TTS (0.83% incidence). The mean age of patients was 64 years, 73% were female, and 62% had hypertension. All patients had an identifiable trigger factor, abnormal EKG and elevated troponin. The coronary angiography did not show lesions in 97%. However, all had the characteristic extensive segmental-motility alteration with a mean ejection fraction of 44%. All patients were treated initially as an ACS. Seven patients had complications, namely acute cardiac failure in six and stroke in one. No patient died. At one year of follow-up, 100% showed normal segmental motility and ejection fraction, no patient had a new episode of TTS and all were alive. Conclusions: TTS is rare and the incidence found in this study is slightly lower than that reported elsewhere. TTS mimics ACS and it should be suspected by its clinical, electrocardiographic and enzymatic particularities. Coronary angiography helps to rule out other diagnosis. All patients normalize motility and ventricular function, which is the definitive differential feature respect to ACS.

Fístula coronaria gigante. Presentación clínica, caracterización angiográfica, tratamiento y seguimiento a largo plazo: Caso clínico

Coronary artery fistulae are abnormal connections between a coronary artery and any cardiac chamber or other vessels. Most of them have a congenital origin. We report a 60 years old woman referring a history of progressive dyspnea and orthopnea during the last year. A continuous heart murmur was audible in the third and fourth intercostal spaces at the left sternal border. Electrocardiogram was normal and echocardiography showed mild dilation of right cavities and an image suggesting a dilated right coronary artery with flow to right atrium. Coronary angiography was performed, showing a normal left coronary artery and a very large, tortuous right coronary artery with an extensive communication to coronary venous sinus. Surgical treatment was decided and was performed without incidents. The patient is well after five years of follow up.

Perfusión y función ventricular en SPECT cardiaco y coronariografía del mismo día según localización en enfermedad de un vaso

BACKGROUND Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be used as a non-invasive tool for the assessment of coronary perfusion. AIM To assess ventricular perfusion and function by SPECT in patients with single vessel coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS Among patients with indications for a coronary artery angiography, those with significant lesions in one vessel, were selected for the study. Within 24 hours, cardiac SPECT examinations on basal conditions and after high doses of dipyridamole, were performed. SPECT data from 38 patients with a low probability of coronary artery disease was used for comparisons. RESULTS Ten patients aged 61 ± 8 years (seven men) were studied. Visual analysis of SPECT revealed signs suggestive of ischemia in eight patients. The remaining two patients did not have perfusion disturbances. SPECT detected eight of ten abnormal vessels reported in the coronary artery angiography. There were two false negative results Summed stress, summed rest and summed difference scores were 9.78 ± 6.51, 3.22 ± 5.07 and 6.33 ± 4.97, respectively. The ejection fractions under stress and at rest were 53 ± 11.7% and 61 ± 15.7% respectively (p < 0.01). The figures for the control group were 69.1 ± 13.5% and 75.2 ± 12.04% respectively (significantly different from patients). Two patients had a summed motion score above 14.9. Likewise, two patients had a summed thickening score above 10.9. CONCLUSIONS SPECT detected 80% of coronary lesions found during coronary artery angiography. Visual analysis of perfusion is highly reliable for diagnosis. Quantitative parameters must be considered only as reference parameters.

Stents liberadores de drogas de segunda generación: ¿qué nos han aportado?

Desde la introduccion en el ano 2002 de los stents farmaco-activos (“Drug-eluting stents”, DES) de primera generacion, liberadores de sirolimus o paclitaxel, Cypher® (“Sirolimus eluting stent”, SES, Cordis/ Johnson & Johnson, NJ, EE.UU) y Taxus® (“Paclitaxel eluting stent”, PES, Boston-Scientific, MA, EE.UU) a la fecha, se han implantado mas de dos millones de unidades en el mundo para el tratamiento de diversas formas de ateroesclerosis coronaria obstructiva. Con la incorporacion de estos dispositivos, la proliferacion neointimal, la reestenosis clinica, y la necesidad de reintervencion post angioplastia han bajado de forma ostensible, generando uno de los avances mas espectaculares en la historia de la Cardiologia Intervencional 1 .

Angiografía coronaria: indicación, resultados y complicaciones en 5.000 pacientes consecutivos

Background: There are guidelines about equipment, premises, personnel, indications and complications rates for coronary angiography, that every center performing this procedure should adhere. Aim: To report the experience with 5.000 coronary angiographies and to assess the compliance of the center with the current guidelines. Material and methods: Prospective registry of 5.000 patients aged 60±11 years (3.475 males) subjected to coronary angiography since 1992, assessing all aspects of the procedure with special emphasis on complications. Results: The indications for 80% of procedures was suspected coronary atherosclerosis. The main risk factors were hypertension and smoking. Coronary atherosclerosis was demonstrated in 62%, mainly one vessel disease. These were two deaths due to the procedure (0.04%), three patients (0.06%) had an acute myocardial infarction or a stroke. These figures are lower than referential values. Conclusions: In this center, coronary angiography is a safe procedure, with complications rates that are even lower than referential values