Prakash Suryanarayana

Benefit of statin pretreatment in prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in different adult patient population: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective Previous studies have suggested that statin pretreatment prevents contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). However, single randomised trials are limited in their number of patients. This meta-analysis aims to assess the role of statin use in CIN prevention, as well as to determine patient subgroups that will benefit from statin pre-treatment. Methodology We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing statin pretreatment versus placebo for preventing CIN. Our main outcome was the risk of CIN within 1–5 days after contrast administration. Results Data analysed from nine randomised studies with a total of 5143 patients, where 2559 received statins and 2584 received placebo, showed that statin pretreatment was associated with significant reduction in risk of CIN (MH-RR=0.47, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.64, Z=4.49, p<0.00001). This beneficial effect of statin was also seen in patients with baseline renal impairment (MH-RR=0.46, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.72, p=0.0008) and also those who were cotreated with NAC (MH-RR=0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.83, p=0.01). Conclusions Statin pretreatment leads to significant reduction in CIN, and should be strongly considered in all patients who are planned for diagnostic and interventional procedures involving contrast-media administration.

Presence of Anomalous Coronary Seen on Angiogram Is Not Associated with Increased Risk of Significant Coronary Artery Disease

It is unclear if anomalous coronary arteries are at higher risk for atherosclerosis. The link between anomalous coronary artery and early coronary artery disease has been suggested. The aim of this study is to determine whether the coronary artery anomaly predisposes to development of significant coronary disease. Using retrospective chart review, patients with documented anomalous coronary arteries recognized during coronary angiography between years 2000 to 2007 were analyzed. Prevalence of significant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (defined as more than 50% luminal narrowing) was compared between normal and anomalous coronaries. A total of 147 patients with anomalous coronary arteries were found. Right coronary artery was the most common anomalous artery 128 of 148 (86.5%) in our dataset. There was no difference in the occurrence of atherosclerosis between anomalous and nonanomalous coronaries. Significant atherosclerosis was present in 59 of the 148 anomalous coronary arteries (37.8%), and 112 of the 293 nonanomalous coronary arteries (38.2%, p = 0.9). On the basis of our study, there is no evidence that anomalous coronary arteries predispose to significant coronary artery disease in comparison to normal coronary arteries.

Comparison of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with fractional area change for the evaluation of right ventricular systolic function: a meta-analysis

Background Accurate determination of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) is challenging because of the unique geometry of the right ventricle. Tricuspidannular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC) are commonly used echocardiographic quantitative estimates of RV function. Cardiac MRI (CMRI) has emerged as the gold standard for assessment of RVEF. We sought to summarise the available data on correlation of TAPSE and FAC with CMRI-derived RVEF and to compare their accuracy. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library databases for studies that assessed the correlation of TAPSE or FAC with CMRI-derived RVEF. Data from each study selected were pooled and analysed to compare the correlation coefficient of TAPSE and FAC with CMRI-derived RVEF. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with pulmonary hypertension. Results Analysis of data from 17 studies with a total of 1280 patients revealed that FAC had a higher correlation with CMRI-derived RVEF compared with TAPSE (0.56vs0.40, P=0.018). In patients with pulmonary hypertension, there was no statistical difference in the mean correlation coefficient of FAC and TAPSE to CMR (0.57vs0.46, P=0.16). Conclusions FAC provides a more accurate estimate of RV systolic function (RVSF) compared with TAPSE. Adoption of FAC as a routine tool for the assessment of RVSF should be considered, especially since it is also an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. Further studies will be needed to compare other methods of echocardiographic measurement of RV function.

Anomalous right coronary artery: case series and review of literature

Anomalous right coronary arteries (ARCA) are extremely rare in general population. Although mostly asymptomatic and recognized incidentally on cardiac catheterizations, they can be catastrophic and can cause sudden cardiac death. Sudden cardiac deaths are more common when the anomalous vessel runs an inter-arterial course between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Asymptomatic patients with malignant course of anomalous coronaries can pose clinical dilemmas. Based on prior experience, management of asymptomatic ARCA with malignant course should be subjected to a risk-benefit analysis. This case series begins with a brief description of four separate cases of ARCA. They had their origin in the left coronary sinus or off left anterior descending artery (LAD). Three of them had anterior course between aorta and pulmonary trunk, confirmed by coronary CT angiography (CTA). Whereas two of our patients presented with chronic symptoms, two presented as acute cases with electrocardiographically proven STEMI. These cases were managed differently; by conservative, surgical or interventional approaches. All four cases had good final outcomes. This goes to show how different treatment options can be employed in management of complications associated with anomalous coronary arteries. It is also interesting to note that the radial access provides better guide support that is needed to tackle complex lesions. Many operators have been using radial approach for anomalous coronary interventions. We have successfully employed radial technique after failed trans-femoral attempts and also in STEMI situations. Based on our experience, right radial approach appears to be safer and quicker.

Cardiac Transplantation in African Americans: A Single-Center Experience

In view of limited data on the subject of graft and patient survival differences between African American (AA) and non‐AA heart transplant recipients, we reviewed our experience.

High incidence of ST-T changes in women during tilt-table testing

INTRODUCTION We have observed electrocardiographic (ECG) changes primarily in women during tilt table testing. METHODS We reviewed 12 lead ECGs during tilt studies between 2012 and 2016 for changes in ST segments and T waves during tilt table testing. Patients with distinctly abnormal baseline ECGs were excluded. RESULTS Of the 180 tilt studies, 117 (65%) were in women. There were 32 patients with ECG changes during tilting. Of these, 28 (87.5%) were in women with an average age of 45years. None had a history of CAD or exertional chest pain. Echocardiograms were available in 21 of the 28 women with tilt induced ECG changes and all were normal. ECG changes during tilt table testing were found in 4/64 (6.25%) of men. The occurrence of ST-T wave changes during tilt testing was significantly higher among women compared to men, with a p value of 0.008. Of the 28 women with ECG changes during tilt, 11 had T wave inversions alone. ST segment depression alone was noted in 7 women. There were 10 women who had both ST segment depression and T wave inversions. Changes occurred immediately upon tilting in 6. In the remaining, they occurred at an average of 4.8±4min after tilting. The slight increase in heart rate in patients with ECG changes was similar to that in the patients without new ECG changes. The ECG changes were not related to the presence of syncope. CONCLUSIONS ECG changes during the testing was observed at a relatively high incidence primarily in women. The clinical significance of these repolarization changes during tilt testing is unknown. These ECG changes during tilt testing may correlate with the high incidence of false positive ECGs in women during exercise testing but do not necessarily indicate the presence of ischemic coronary disease. Additional research is needed to explain this phenomenon.

COMPARISON OF BASELINE CHARACTERISTICS, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOMES OF HISPANIC AND NON-HISPANIC WHITE PATIENTS IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES: A META-ANALYSIS OF REGISTRIES FROM THE UNITED STATES FROM 1982 TO 2007

Hispanics are a unique population with multiple barriers to healthcare. Studies show that Hispanics have more risk factors, are less likely to get revascularized, but have better outcomes when compared to Non-Hispanic Whites in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This meta-analysis aims to

Spontaneous Resolution of Catheter-Induced Iatrogenic Vein Graft Dissection: First Case Report and Review of Literature

An 86-year-old female patient with a history of bypass surgery was admitted for recurrent dyspnea and chest pain on exertion. She underwent coronary angiography showing high-grade saphenous vein graft stenosis supplying the right coronary. During an attempt to perform percutaneous intervention, saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery was injured by the guide catheter resulting in dissection with thrombus formation but with normal distal blood flow. The procedure was abandoned since she had normal distal flow and also due to a fear of causing extension of the dissection with further manipulation. The patient was hemodynamically stable and free of chest pain after 30 minutes of observation. The patient was later discharged home on medical treatment. After 1 month, a repeat angiography showed patent saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery with healed dissection. This is the first case report of spontaneous recovery of iatrogenic saphenous vein graft dissection. This case is followed by the review of literature.

From bone to heart: a case of MRSA osteomyelitis with haematogenous spread to the pericardium

We report a case of a 55-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Charcot arthropathy and end-stage renal disease, who presented with a syncopal episode after undergoing haemodialysis. She had a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia from an unknown source 3 months earlier, which was treated with an 8-week course of intravenous antibiotics. At the time of presentation to the emergency room, she was found to be in refractory shock. Bedside echocardiogram was performed, which showed moderate pericardial effusion. The effusion was later found to be due to MRSA, which was identified in blood and in pericardial fluid cultures. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous daptomycin for 6 weeks. Acute osteomyelitis of her right foot was the source of the MRSA, for which a right below-knee amputation was ultimately performed.

Dissecting the unspeakable: a fatal case of aortic dissection

A 47-year-old man with diabetes and hypertension presented with sudden onset of chest pain and subsequently developed expressive aphasia. Brain imaging revealed multiple areas of ischaemic infarcts. Transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed aortic dissection with a free-floating thrombus on the dissection flap, which was the source of emboli. Given the poor prognosis, surgical intervention was not pursued and artificial support was withdrawn. Aortic dissection is a highly fatal condition with varied presentation including heart failure, myocardial infarction, neurological deficits, abdominal pain or acute renal failure. Aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon but catastrophic condition. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for early and accurate diagnosis since mortality is high and increases by the hour. The mechanism for stroke in our case was due to an artery-to-artery embolism from a thrombus, which developed on the intimal surface of the dissected artery. This is an infrequent complication with a very unique mechanism.