Narain Vs

Giant right atrial aneurysm presenting as right heart failure.

Idiopathic aneurysmal dilatations of the right atrium are rare anomalies. We report one such case of a young man presenting with fatigue, abdominal distension, pedal oedema, unremarkable cardiac examination except for raised jugular venous pressure, an electrocardiogram showing normal sinus rhythm with right bundle-branch block, and an radiograph of the chest showing cardiomegaly. The echocardiographic examination revealed a giant right atrium with low pressure tricuspid regurgitation. The computed tomography confirmed the findings of two-dimensional echocardiography. He was put on medical treatment and remained symptomatically controlled on follow-up.

Efficacy of multi-detector coronary computed tomography angiography in comparison with exercise electrocardiogram in the triage of patients of low risk acute chest pain.

OBJECTIVES To compare the safety and diagnostic efficacy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) with exercise electrocardiography (XECG) in triaging patients of low risk acute chest pain. BACKGROUND Noninvasive assessment of coronary stenosis by CTA may improve early and accurate triage of patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department (ED). METHODS Low risk patients of possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included in the study. The patients in CTA arm with significant stenosis (≥ 50%) underwent catheterization, while those with no or intermediate stenosis (<50%) were discharged from ED and followed up periodically for six months for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The same protocol was applied for XECG arm. Outcomes included: safety and diagnostic efficacy. RESULTS A total of 81 (41 CTA and 40 XECG) patients were enrolled. In this study CTA was observed to be 100% sensitive and 95.7% specific in diagnosing MACE in low risk patients of chest pain presenting to the ED, with a PPV of 94.7% and an NPV of 100%.The overall diagnostic efficacy was 97.6%. XECG was observed to be 72.7% sensitive and 96.6% specific in diagnosing MACE with a PPV of 88.9% and NPV of 90.3% in low risk chest pain patients presenting to the ED. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 90%. CONCLUSION CTA is an excellent diagnostic tool in ED patients with low risk of ACS, with minimum time delay as compared to XECG, and also is safe for triaging such patients.

Prognostic value of Angiographic Perfusion Score (APS) following percutaneous interventions in acute coronary syndromes

INTRODUCTION Identifying reperfusion and predicting post procedure risk is important following Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI). An Angiographic Perfusion Score (APS) combining TIMI flow (TFG) and myocardial perfusion (TMPG) grades before and after PCI can accurately measure both epicardial and myocardial perfusion and predict Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE). PATIENTS AND METHODS APS was calculated in 226 (88 ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and 138 Non STEMI) patients. Maximum score being 12, reperfusion was defined as failed: 0-3, partial: 4-9, and full APS: 10-12. Thirty day MACE were observed. RESULTS APS identified reperfusion significantly more than TMPG alone (STEMI: 50.6% vs 11.8% (p < 0.001); Non STEMI, early reperfusion: 69.4% vs 52.8% (p < 0.01) and Non STEMI late reperfusion: 38.2% vs 7.8%; (p ≤ 0.001) respectively. A significantly lower incidence of MACE was observed in the full as compared to the failed APS group (1.8% vs 22.5%) (p < 0.001). No differences were noted between TMPG 0-2 (9.8%, 9.4%, 7.3%, respectively) (p = NS). CONCLUSION Compared to MPG alone APS detects more low risk reperfused patients, post PCI.

Comparative assessment of platelet GpIIb/IIIa receptor occupancy ratio with Eptifibatide/Tirofiban in patients presenting with ACS and undergoing PCI.

BACKGROUND The level of platelet inhibition by a Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb/IIIa) antagonist therapy necessary to minimize thrombotic complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a subject of debate. The degree of platelet inhibition obtained 10 min after start of GpIIb/IIIa antagonist therapy predicts adverse events after PCI. The aim of this study was to look at platelet inhibition and to compare platelet GpIIb/IIIa receptors occupancy ratio (GpRO) with Eptifibatide and Tirofiban using various dose regimens and correlate with 30-day clinical outcomes in patients presenting with high-risk acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and undergoing PCI. METHODS The patients were divided into four sub groups: (1) Eptifibatide two intracoronary bolus (180 μg/kg) alone (E(B)); or (2) two intravenous bolus (180 μg/kg) followed by infusion at 2 μg/kg/min for 24 h (E(B + Inf)); and (3) Tirofiban standard bolus dose (0.4 μg/kg) over 30 min followed by infusion at 0.1 μg/kg/min (T(Std)); or (4) at ADVANCE dose bolus (25 μg/kg) over 3 min, followed by infusion at 0.1 μg/kg/min (T(Adv)). Number of GpIIb/IIIa receptors was assessed by flow cytometry at baseline and 10 min after the bolus and percentage of free receptors was determined to calculate the GpRO. Patients were followed for 30 days for any major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS 200 consecutive patients (including 74% with ST-elevation ACS) were enrolled. GpRO in groups E(B) (n = 48) and E(B + Inf) (n = 44) were 62.7% ± 27.2% and 61.4% ± 6.1% respectively while in the groups T(Std) (n = 96) and T(Adv) (n = 12) groups were 35.1% ± 17.74% and 68.8% ± 27.3% respectively. The GpRO was similar in E(B), E(B + Inf) and T(Adv) groups and was significantly higher than T(Std) group (p < 0.0001). The 30-day MACE rates in E(B) (4.2%), E(B + Inf) (4.5%) and T(Adv) (4.2%) were significantly lower than T(Std) group (12.5%) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Standard dose Tirofiban results in significantly lower rates of GpIIb/IIIa receptor occupancy ratio and this correlated with higher incidence of 30-day MACE in high-risk ACS patients undergoing PCI.

Correlation between carotid ultrasonography findings and SYNTAX score in South Asian patients with coronary artery disease: A single-center study

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the correlation between the carotid ultrasound findings (i.e., carotid intima-media thickness [IMT] and plaque score) and complexity of coronary artery disease (angiographic SYNTAX score) in Indian patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based, prospective, consecutive comparative case series. The study population comprised 117 Indian patients with stable ischemic heart disease, who underwent carotid ultrasonography for the estimation of mean carotid IMT and plaque score and coronary angiography for the estimation of SYNTAX score. Groups comprising patients with low SYNTAX score (0–22; n = 88) and patients with intermediate (23–32) and high (≥33) SYNTAX score (n = 29) were compared for various demographic factors and carotid ultrasound findings. Results: Patients with intermediate or high SYNTAX score had significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (51.7% vs. 15.9%), hypertension (89.7% vs. 30.7%), and hypercholesterolemia (100% vs. 31.8%) as compared to patients with low SYNTAX score (P < 0.001). Further, the mean IMT and plaque scores increased with increasing SYNTAX score. Patients with intermediate and high SYNTAX score had significantly higher mean IMT (1.1 ± 0.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 mm) and plaques score (6.6 ± 1.2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.9 mm) as compared to patients with low SYNTAX score. Significant correlation between SYNTAX score and mean IMT (r = 0.73; P < 0.01) and plaque score (r = 0.68; P < 0.01) was observed. Conclusions: Carotid ultrasound findings showed a significant correlation with the degree of complexity of coronary artery lesions.

A comparative study of tirofiban plus enoxaparin versus enoxaparin alone along with dual antiplatelet blockade in the management of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: Antithrombotic therapy in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) includes dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) along with enoxaparin. However, resistance to antiplatelet action of aspirin and clopidogrel is well known and is about 27% (0-57%) and 30%, respectively. Hence the use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor appears to be a reasonable option as they act on the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. Though frequently used in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention (PC1), their use in patients not undergoing such procedure is not popular despite evidence in literature. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 44 patients of NSTE-ACS managed conservatively. The patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion in two groups. The patients in group 1 received tirofiban(0.4μg/kg/min i.v for 30 min followed by 0.1μg/kg/min for 48 hours) in addition to aspirin (325 mg stat followed by 75 mg P.O. daily), clopidogrel (300 mg stat followed by 75 mg P.O. daily) and enoxaparin (1 mg/kg S.C bid for 5 days). The group 2 patients received DAPT and enoxaparin only, in similar doses. Both the groups received antianginal therapy as appropriate and statins. Results: The study showed the benefits of adding tirofiban to enoxaparin and DAPT irrespective of age, sex, presence or absence of diabetes and dyslipidemia, ECG changes, troponin positivity and TIMI score in patients with NSTE-ACS. There was a significant reduction {Risk reduction (RR) of 45.4% P <0.01} in composite of primary end points refractory ischemia myocardial infarction (MI) and death with Tirofiban. No major or minor bleeding episodes were seen in any patients. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that tirofiban in addition to DAPT and enoxaparin reduces the risk of refractory ischemia, MI and death in patients with NSTE-ACS without any additional risk of major or minor bleeding. Therefore, we advocate this regimen in patients with NSTE-ACS managed conservatively. Large randomized study is needed to recommend this regimen.

The prediction of left main and/or triple-vessel coronary artery disease by tissue doppler-based longitudinal strain and strain-rate imaging

Background: In the absence of evident regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) at rest, detection of severe coronary artery disease (CAD) usually requires a stress test. Ventricular strain is a more sensitive parameter of myocardial systolic function and may be abnormal in patients with severe CAD. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal strain and strain-rate imaging for prediction of left main (LM) and triple-vessel disease CAD with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and no RMWA. Materials and Methods: Patients included were of stable CAD, unstable angina, or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with LVEF >50% and without RWMA. A thorough echocardiographic evaluation to assess peak systolic longitudinal strain (PSLS) and PSLS rate (PSLSR) in 16 segments of the left ventricle was done. The visual evaluation of percent diameter stenosis of the angiographic lesions was done according to the American Heart Association classification. Patients were grouped into high-risk group (LM or triple-vessel CAD), low-risk group (CAD other than high risk), and normal group (absence of CAD). Results: A total of 86 patients were studied. Of which, 60 were male and 26 were female. The global PSLS and PSLSR were lower in the high-risk group as compared to the other two groups (P < 0.001). The combined basal plus mid-PSLS and PSLSR were lower in the high-risk group (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an optimal cutoff value of −17.3% (sensitivity 82% and specificity 80%) for global PSLS and −15.0% (sensitivity 75% and specificity 73%) for basal plus mid-PSLS for detection of high-risk CAD. Similarly, a cutoff value of −0.74 s−1 (sensitivity 82% and specificity 73.6%) for global PSLSR and −0.66 s−1 (sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 86.7%) for basal plus mid-PSLSR were calculated for the prediction of high-risk CAD. Conclusion: The PSLS and PSLSR were lower in patients having high-risk CAD that included LM and triple-vessel disease, even when resting wall motion and LVEF were normal. The study concluded that PSLS and PSLSR are sensitive and specific noninvasive modalities for predicting the possibility of high-risk CAD in the presence of normal LV systolic function and absence of resting RWMA.

Evaluation of short-term outcomes of impaired creatinine clearance in patients with acute coronary syndromes: A prospective cohort study at tertiary care center

Background: Chronic kidney disease is commonly seen in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and it has been shown to have poor outcomes. We evaluated the prevalence of impaired creatinine clearance and its impact on short-term clinical outcomes in patients admitted with ACS without prior documented chronic renal disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational, prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care center in North India. In patients admitted with a diagnosis of ACS, glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Equation. Patients with eGFR <90 mL/min were taken as study group and those with values >90 mL/min comprised control group. The study group was further categorized into three subgroups on the basis of eGFR (<30 mL/min; 30–59 mL/min; 60–89 ml/min). The primary outcomes compared between study and control group were major adverse cardiac event (MACE) (composite of death, reinfarction, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and arrhythmia). The secondary outcome measures were individual components of primary outcome. Results: Among the 200 enrolled patients with ACS, the prevalence of impaired creatinine clearance was 29.5%. The study cohort had higher rates of MACE (28.8 vs. 9.2%, P ≤≤ 0.0001), in-hospital mortality (13.6 vs. 3.5%, P = 0.009), and overall mortality (15.3 vs. 5.1%, P = 0.014) as compared to control group. However, the 30-day mortality was not significantly different. The MACE in the study subgroups was higher in eGFR 30–60 mL/min (odds ratio [OR] 3.97) subgroup followed by eGFR <30 mL/min (OR 3.04) and eGFR 60–90 mL/min (OR 1.38). Using eGFR <90 mL/min as cutoff (as compared to serum creatinine [SCr] >1.5 mg/dl) enhances the ability to predict death by 33% and MACE events by 143%. The OR for predicting death with various cutoff of eGFR was as follows: eGFR <30 ml/min – 3.61, eGFR: 30–60 ml/min – 4.2 and eGFR: 60–90 ml/min – 0.5. Conclusion: Almost one-third of the patients presenting with ACS have impaired creatinine clearance. Patients with impaired creatinine clearance have worse outcome in hospital vis-a-vis their contemporary groups with normal eGFR. eGFR is a better risk assessment parameter than SCr for predicting MACE and overall mortality in ACS patients.

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy for the treatment of recurrent malignant pericardial effusion.

Malignant disease with pericardial metastasis is one of the most common causes of recurrent pericardial effusion (PE) with tamponade. While surgical pericardiotomy in these patients is very morbid and may not be a viable option, a palliative treatment percutaneously with percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) can be a preferred treatment. We report herewith a case of PBP technique done using our day-to-day catheterisation laboratory equipment.

Fractional flow reserve-guided ‘spot stenting’ in intermediate coronary stenosis—a case report

Correspondence: Dr. Aniket Puri, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiology, CSM Medical University, Lucknow, UP. E-mail: aniketpuri@hotmail.com Fractional flow reserve is an index of the physiological significance of a coronary stenosis and is defined as the ratio of maximal blood flow in a stenotic artery to normal maximal flow.4 It can be measured during coronary angiography by calculating the ratio of distal coronary pressure measured with a coronary pressure guidewire to aortic pressure measured simultaneously with the guiding catheter. FFR in a normal coronary artery equals 1.0. The information provided by FFR is similar to that obtained with myocardial perfusion studies, but it is more specific and has a better spatial resolution, because every artery or segment is analyzed separately, and masking of one ischemic area by another, more severely ischemic, zone is avoided.5,6 Deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in nonischemic stenotic lesions, as assessed by FFR, is associated with very low annual rate of death or MI, as was seen in DEFER trial patients,2 whereas deferring PCI in lesions with an FFR of 90%.4,7,8 The recent data from recent FAME9 trial has shown that 0.80 is more accurate value to identify truly ischemic lesions. Retrospective studies suggest that in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, FFRguided PCI is associated with a favorable outcome with respect to event-free survival.10 We report a case of FFR-guided PCI, which highlights the importance of assessment of functional significance and its contribution in proper clinical decision making.