Małgorzata Zalewska-Adamiec

Impact of diabetes on mortality and complications after coronary artery by-pass graft operation in patients with left main coronary artery disease

PURPOSE Left main disease (LMD) is a severe form of coronary artery disease (CAD). Fifty percent of patients with LMD treated conservatively die within 3-5 years of diagnosis. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of type 2 diabetes on early and late (2-year) prognosis and the risk of complications after coronary artery by-pass graft (CABG) surgery in patients with LMD. MATERIAL/METHODS We enrolled 257 patients diagnosed with LMD. 169 (67%) underwent CABG, 19 (8%) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without left main stem protection. 30 (12%) patients had CABG previously. Patients treated with CABG were divided into two groups - with and without diabetes. There were 43 (25.4%) patients with diabetes and 126 (74.6%) without diabetes. RESULTS We observed more complications with wound healing (40.5% vs. 12.8%, p<0.001) and sternal dehiscence (23.8% vs. 4.0%, p<0.001) after CABG in patients with diabetes. There were no differences in 7-day, 30-day, 3-month and 1-year mortality. 2-Year mortality was also similar in both groups (11.6% vs. 11.1%, p=0.928). Patients with diabetes were more frequently hospitalized due to other reasons than angina (39.5% vs. 20.6%, p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS Patients with diabetes and LMD had more often complications with wound healing and sternal dehiscence after CABG than patients without diabetes. Type 2 diabetes did not influence early and late mortality in patients with LMD treated with cardiac surgery, but the presence of diabetes was associated with more frequent hospitalizations.

Does Neutrophil Gelatinase-Asociated Lipocalin Have Prognostic Value in Patients with Stable Angina Undergoing Elective PCI? A 3-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a widely accepted diagnostic marker of acute renal injury (AKI) may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Purpose: To assess the prognostic significance of serum and urinary NGAL and serum cystatin C in patients with stable angina undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on a 3-year follow-up. Methods: We included patients with stable angina undergoing PCI. Serum NGAL and cystatin C were evaluated before and 4h, 8h after PCI. Urinary NGAL was evaluated before and 12h and 24h after the procedure. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality on a 3-year follow-up. Results: Among 132 patients there were 63% of males (mean age 64,5±9,8 years). Mean eGFR was 86.2±28.5 ml/min. During follow-up 8% of the patients died. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with increased urinary NGAL concentration 12h after PCI (p=0.04). Urinary NGAL 12h after PCI correlated with eGFR (p<0.05), with serum NGAL evaluated before and 4h and 8h after PCI (p<0.05) and with increased serum cystatin C evaluated 4 hours after PCI (p<0.05). Conclusions: Increased urinary NGAL concentration is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with stable angina who undergo PCI and may be used for the risk stratification in this population.

Cardiac rupture in takotsubo cardiomyopathy treated surgically

A 74-year-old woman, without a history of cardiological problems or risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, was admitted to the emergency room of our hospital after 2 h of chest pain. During the transport, the patient received 5000 U of unfractionated heparin, aspirin (300 mg) and clopidogrel (600 mg). The patient had suffered from an anxiety syndrome for several years. At admission, the patient was in a serious condition generally, was vomiting, and had severe chest pain with signs of cardiogenic shock (skin pale and wet, blood presure (BP) and heart rate (HR) undetectable). Electrocardiogram demonstrated a sinus rhythm of 58 per minute with QS complex and ST segment elevation in precordial leads (V2–V6). Laboratory results revealed increased troponin I concentration (2.041 ng/ml). Following hemodynamic stabilization, the patient was transported to the catheterization laboratory. Coronarography did not reveal any significant stenosis. Left ventricle angiography (LVA) showed normal volume with contractile disturbances of apex and hyperkinesis of the basement segments, with ejection fraction (EF) of 56%. Contrast outflow to the epicardium was observed within the area of the apex, through the perforated wall of the left ventricle (Figures 1 A–C). Echo confirmed the presence of fluid in the pericardium and cardiac tamponade. The patient was supported with intra-aortic balloon contra-pulsation and transported to the cardiac surgery for urgent intervention. During transport, the patient lost consciousness. After urgent cardiac tamponade decompression, the pulse and arterial pressure increased. Active bleeding through the ruptured left ventricle was observed in the area of the apex during the operation. Left ventricular plication with sutures on a double layered Teflon pad was performed. The lines of the sutures were conducted through healthy tissues. Examination of the supported ruptured region showed left ventricle tightness and complete hemostasis. No significant complications were observed during the perioperative period. On the first day after the operation the patient was extubated, and on the fifth day the intra-aortic balloon contra-pulsation was removed. The patient was transported to the regional hospital on day 11 to continue the therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures. A discharge echocardiogram revealed akinesis of the apex and hypokinesis of the septum, with an EF of 50%. The patient was under cardiosurgical follow-up for the next 3 months. She was in good general condition without any chest pain, and the wounds from the sternotomy were healing properly. In a 2.5-year long study the patient was in good condition and the echocardiogram conformed normokinesis of the left ventricle apex. She has been treated with bisoprolol 5 mg and aspirin 75 mg since hospitalization. Figure 1 A – ventriculography (left ventricular systole – normal volume of the left ventricle, contractile disturbances of the apex and hyperkinesis of the basement segments), B – ventriculography (left ventricular diastole), C – ... Most cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) have a good prognosis. However, occasionally the clinical outcome is complicated by cardiogenic shock, serious ventricular rhythm abnormalities or even cardiac rupture [1–3]. The mechanism of cardiac rupture in TTC is not as well understood as the causes of mechanical complications in other cases without significant coronary artery stenosis, i.e. dissolving thrombus, embolization, vessel spasm and myocardial bridging [4]. According to Kumar et al. [1] the risk factors for cardiac rupture in takotsubo patients are female gender, older age, persistent ST elevation, ST elevations in inferior leads (especially in II), higher systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, low EF and LV peak systolic pressure. The present case provides evidence of the significance of monitoring patients during the first days of the TTC syndrome. Only immediate diagnosis and urgent cardiosurgical intervention leads to a favorable prognosis in patients with TTC cardiomyopathy complicated by cardiac rupture.

Prognosis in patients with left main coronary artery disease managed surgically, percutaneously or medically: a long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND Left main stenosis (LMS) occurs in 5-7% of patients with coronary artery disease. Half of patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease die within few years after the diagnosis. AIM To evaluate survival of patients with LMCA disease treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or managed medically due to lack of consent for CABG or being considered unsuitable candidatesfor CABG/PCI. METHODS In 2006-2008, a significant LMS was found in 257 (5.14%) patients, and 98.44% of these patients were followed upfor on average 15.1 months. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to the treatment used. CABG was performedin 67% of patients, PCI of an unprotected LMS in 8% of patients, and 12% of patients were treated with PCI after a previous CABG (protected LMS). The remaining patients were managed medically: 4% were not considered suitable for CABG, and9% did not give their consent for CABG. RESULTS Total mortality in the overall study group (n = 253) was 14.6%. Multivessel disease was more frequent in the CABG group (60.9% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001). Mortality in CABG and PCI groups was comparable (11.4% vs. 15.8%). Patients in the PCI group were more frequently hospitalised due to recurrent angina (21.1% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001) and the need for repeated revascularisation (15.8% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). Compared to the CABG group, patients considered not suitable for CABG hadlower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (36.55% vs. 51.04%, p < 0.001) and a higher mortality risk as estimated by the EuroScore. Mortality among patients deemed unsuitable for CABG was 54.6% (p < 0.001) and myocardial infarctions were observed more frequently in this group (18.2% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.01). In comparison to the CABG group, patients who did not consent to CABG were older (71.04 vs. 65.99 years, p = 0.027), had lower LVEF (44.05% vs. 51.04%, p = 0.004), were less frequently hospitalised due to acute coronary syndromes (17.4% vs. 40.8%, p = 0.03), and had a smaller degree of LMS (63%vs. 71%, p = 0.027). Mortality in this group was comparable to the CABG group (17.4% vs. 11.4%). The majority of patients who underwent previous CABG needed repeated revascularisation: PCI of a protected LMS was performed in 27% of patients,PCI of other native coronary arteries in 39% of patients, and PCI of a bypass graft in 7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS PCI of unprotected LMCA may be an equally effective revascularisation method as CABG. High mortality (55%) due to concomitant diseases was observed among patients with LMS who were deemed unsuitable candidates for CABG. Prognosis among patients who declined CABG was relatively good and might have been related to the small number of patients and different patient characteristics in this group.

Takotsubo syndrome and chronic kidney disease - deadly duet in long-term follow-up

Introduction The prognosis of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) was recognized as benign. However, patients with TTS and chronic kidney disease (CKD) more often experience severe complications in the acute phase of the disease, particularly sudden cardiac arrest. Objectives We aimed to assess the impact of CKD on early and long-term outcomes, including mortality, among 95 patients with TTS. Patients and methods All patients underwent coronary angiography. Clinical, biochemical, and other medical data were recorded. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was assessed using the CKD‑EPI formula. Results CKD was diagnosed in 32% of the patients. Contrast‑induced acute kidney injury (CI‑AKI) was not reported in any of the patients. Patients with CKD were older but had a lower prevalence of positive cardiovascular family history as well as higher creatine kinase activity and concentrations of inflammatory parameters. During hospitalization, sudden cardiac arrest was more common in CKD patients. In‑hospital, 1‑year, and long‑term mortality rates were the highest in CKD patients, reaching 33.3% in long‑term follow‑up. Predictors of death in a multivariate analysis were body mass index, ejection fraction, and serum creatinine concentrations. Conclusions CKD is a novel and still underestimated risk factor for TTS. It may trigger TTS but, more importantly, it adversely affects the outcomes. Thus, it is important to assess kidney function in all patients with TTS to evaluate the risk of morbidity and mortality in follow‑up, as well as to adjust drug doses and implement preventive measures to avoid CI‑AKI when coronary angiography or contrast‑enhanced computed tomography is performed.

Searching for patent foramen ovale in a 44-year-old female patient after ischemic stroke – diagnostic problems

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with the occurrence of cryptogenic strokes in young patients. Transesophageal echocardiography with contrast is the established standard in PFO diagnostics. We present the case of a 44-year-old female patient after ischemic stroke, in whom PFO was not detected by echocardiography; the defect was ultimately diagnosed by right heart catheterization.

Chronic kidney disease in patients with significant left main coronary artery disease qualified for coronary artery bypass graft operation.

According to the guidelines and experts’ opinion, chronic kidney disease can be diagnosed when estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is lower than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and such a filtration rate lasts for more than 3 months. Impaired kidney function accelerates the progress of atherosclerosis, significantly increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and worsens prognosis in patients with cardiac diseases. This risk increases in patients with slightly decreased renal function but increases drastically in patients on regular dialysis [1–3].

Complex percutaneous coronary intervention of the left coronary artery with rotational atherectomy in an 84-year-old dialysed patient

Coronary artery disease in patients with end-stage renal disease occurs several dozen times more often than in the general population. Atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries in dialysed patients are more diffused and calcified, which hampers the percutaneous coronary angioplasty. We present a case of an 84-year-old dialysed patient, in whom complex percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending artery was performed with the use of rotational atherectomy.