A Retrospective Clinical Analysis of 216 Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objectives To analyze the clinical characteristics of 216 patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （NSTEMI）. Methods A retrospective analysis was used. Two hundred and sixteen NSTEMI patients were divided into two groups： （1） according to the age： age 〈65 years group and age ≥65 years group; （2） according to thrombolysis in myocardial ischemia trial （TIMI） lib risk stratification scoring system： score 〈4 group and ≥4 group; （3） according to serum creatinine （sCr） level： sCr level ≤ 178 μmol · L^-1 group and 〉 178 μmol · L^-1 group. Seven hundred and eighty six acute myocardial infarction （AMI） patients during the same period were divided into ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） group and NSTEMI group. Clinical characteristics of the patients in the two groups were compared. Results （1） The number of NSTEMI patients in age ≥65 years group is significantly greater than that in age 〈 65 years group. Study revealed that the patients in age ≥ 65 years group were without chest pain, had hypertension, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac and renal dysfunction （sCr 〉 178 μmol· L^-1 ）and triple vessel disease. Fewer patients in this group received coronary artery angiography （CAG）, percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） and coronary artery bypass graft （CABG）. More number of deaths in this group compared with the age 〈 65 years group. （2） The number of NSTEMI patients in TIMI score 〉 4 group is significantly greater than that in TIMI score 〈 4 group. Four major complications such as acute left ventricular failure, cardiogenic shock, serious arrhythmia and deaths, increased significantly in TIMI score 〉 4 group comparing with TIMI score ≤〈4 group. （3） Obviously, more number of elderly patients, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus （NIDDM）, patients with cardiac troponin T （CTnT） 〉3.0 ng· L^-1 and deaths occurred in sCr 〉 178 μmol · L^-1 group.（4） STEMI and NSTEMI patients were compared in same time frame as follows： fewer NSTEMI patients and more elderly patients had no chest pain, NID- DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, left main coronary artery （LMCA） disease while CTnT ≥3.0 ng· ml^- ; fewer patients with aneurysm （30 days） underwent CAG, PCI and CABG treatment. However, there were no significant differences in smokers, patients with less than 50% stenosis in any vessel, 1 - 3 vessel disease, acute left ventricle heart failure, cardiogenic shock, serious arrhythmia and deaths. （5） The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that death in NSTEMI was directly influenced by malignant arrhythmias with age ≥70 years. Conclusions Patients with NSTEMI were older, had more risk factors and presented more serious vessel disease, therefore, less of them could receive standard treatment. Complications and mortality of patients with NSTEMI were similar to that of patients with STEMI. Thus, NSTEMI is a serious disease with poor prognosis. NSTEMI patients may present with atypical chest pain and electrocardiogram changes, so are easily missed or loss diagnosed.

Invasive versus conservative strategy in consecutive patients aged 80 years or older with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a retrospective study in China

Objective To investigate whether the very elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) will benefit from an invasive strategy versus a conservative strategy. Methods 190 consecutive patients aged 80 years or older with NSTEMI were included in the retrospective study from September 2014 to August 2017, of which 69 patients received conservative strategy and 121 patients received invasive strategy. The primary outcome was death. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the statistical association between strategies and mortality. The survival probability was further analyzed. Results The primary outcome occurred in 17.4% patients in the invasive group and in 42.0% patients in the conservative group (P = 0.0002). The readmission rate in the invasive group (14.9%) was higher than that in the conservative group (7.2%). Creatinine level (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.10–1.03, P = 0.05) and use of diuretic (OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.56–8.53, P = 0.003) were independent influential factors for invasive strategy. HRs for multivariate Cox regression models were 3.45 (95% CI: 1.77–6.75, P = 0.0003), 3.02 (95% CI: 1.52–6.01, P = 0.0017), 2.93 (95% CI: 1. 46–5.86, P = 0.0024) and 2.47 (95% CI: 1.20–5.07, P = 0.0137). Compared with the patients received invasive strategy, the conservative group had remarkably reduced survival probability with time since treatment (P < 0.001). Conclusions An invasive strategy is superior to a conservative strategy in reducing mortality of patients aged 80 years or older with NSTEMI. Our results suggest that an invasive strategy is more suitable for the very elderly patients with NSTEMI in China.

One Case of Primary Thrombocythemia with Concealed Hypokalemia Complicated by Acute Myocardial Infarction

Medical history summary: Male, 47 years old, was admitted to the hospital due to “dizziness accompanied by chest tightness and pain for more than 8 days”. One week ago, the patient experienced chest tightness, chest pain accompanied by profuse sweating for 3 hours and underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a local hospital. The procedure revealed left main stem occlusion with subsequent left main stem to left anterior descending artery percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). After the procedure, the patient experienced hemodynamic instability, recurrent ventricular fibrillation, and critical condition, thus transferred to our hospital for further treatment. Symptoms and signs: The patient is in a comatose state, unresponsive to stimuli, with bilateral dilated pupils measuring 2.0 mm, exhibiting reduced sensitivity to light reflex, and recurrent fever. Coarse breath sounds can be heard in both lungs, with audible moist rales. Irregular breathing pattern is observed, and heart sounds vary in intensity. No pathological murmurs are auscultated in any valve auscultation area. Diagnostic methods: Coronary angiography results at the local hospital showed complete occlusion of the left main stem, and left main stem to left anterior descending artery percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed. However, the distal guidewire did not pass through. After admission, blood tests showed a Troponin T level of 1.44 ng/ml and a Myoglobin level of 312 ng/ml. The platelet count was 1390 × 109/L. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity was measured at 201.9%. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed active bone marrow proliferation and platelet clustering. The peripheral blood smear also showed platelet clustering. JAK-2 gene testing was positive, confirming the diagnosis of primary thrombocytosis. Treatment methods: The patient is assisted with mechanical ventilation and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation to improve coronary blood flow. Electrolyte levels are closely monitored, especially maintaining plasma potassium levels between 4.0 and 4.5 mmol/l. Hydroxyurea 500 mg is administered for platelet reduction. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are used rationally to prevent further infarction or bleeding. Antiarrhythmic, lipid-lowering, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and heart failure treatment are also provided. Clinical outcome: The family members chose to withdraw treatment and signed for discharge due to a combination of reasons, including economic constraints and uncertainty about the prognosis due to the long disease course. Acute myocardial infarction has gradually become one of the leading causes of death in our country. As a “green channel” disease, corresponding diagnostic and treatment protocols have been established in China, and significant progress has been made in emergency care. There are strict regulations for the time taken from the catheterization lab to the cardiac intensive care unit, and standardized treatments are provided to patients once they enter the intensive care unit. Research results show that the incidence of acute myocardial infarction in patients with primary thrombocythemia within 10 years is 9.4%. This type of disease is rare and difficult to cure, posing significant challenges to medical and nursing professionals. In order to benefit future patients, we have documented individual cases of treatment and nursing care for these patients. The research results show that these patients exhibit resistance to traditional oral anticoagulant drugs and require alternative anticoagulants. Additionally, there are significant differences in serum and plasma potassium levels among patients. Therefore, when making clinical diagnoses, it is necessary to carefully distinguish between the two. Particularly, nursing personnel should possess dialectical thinking when supplementing potassium levels in patients in order to reduce the incidence of malignant arrhythmias and mortality rates.

ST-segment elevation: Distinguishing ST elevation myocardial infarction from ST elevation secondary to nonischemic etiologies

The benefits of early perfusion in ST elevation myocardial infarctions(STEMI) are established; howeverearly perfusion of non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions has not been shown to be beneficial. In additionST elevation(STE) caused by conditions other thanacute ischemia is common. Non-ischemic STE may beconfused as STEMI, but can also mask STEMI on electrocardiogram(ECG). As a result, activating the primarypercutaneous coronary intervention(pPCI) protocooften depends on determining which ST elevation patterns reflect transmural infarction due to acute coronary artery thrombosis. Coordination of interpreting theECG in its clinical context and appropriately activatingthe pPCI protocol has proved a difficult task in borderline cases. But its importance cannot be ignored, asreflected in the 2013 American College of CardiologyFoundation/American Heart Association guidelines concerning the treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction. Multiples strategies have been tested and studiedand are currently being further perfected. No mattethe strategy, at the heart of delivering the best care lies rapid and accurate interpretation of the ECG. Here, we present the different patterns of non-ischemic STE and methods of distinguishing between them. In writing this paper, we hope for quicker and better stratification of patients with STE on ECG, which will lead to be bet-ter outcomes.

Risk stratification for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Acute coronary syndromes presenting with ST elevation are usually treated with emergency reperfusion/revascularisation therapy. In contrast current evidence and national guidelines recommend risk stratification for non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI) with the decision on revascularisation dependent on perceived clinical risk. Risk stratification for STEMI has no recommendation. Statistical risk scoring techniques in NSTEMI have been demonstrated to improve outcomes however their uptake has been poor perhaps due to questions over their discrimination and concern for application to individuals who may not have been adequately represented in clinical trials. STEMI is perceived to carry sufficient risk to warrant emergency coronary intervention [by primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)] even if this results in a delay to reperfusion with immediate thrombolysis. Immediate thrombolysis may be as effective in patients presenting early, or at low risk, but physicians are poor at assessing clinical and procedural risks and currently are not required to consider this. Inadequate data on risk stratification in STEMI inhibits the option of immediate fibrinolysis, which may be cost-effective. Currently the mode of reperfusion for STEMI defaults to emergency angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention ignoring alternative strategies. This review article examines the current risk scores and evidence base for risk stratification for STEMI patients. The requirements for an ideal STEMI risk score are discussed.

Long-term outcomes of staged recanalization for concurrent chronic total occlusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Background In patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),approximately 10%are concomitant with a chronic total occlusion(CTO)in a non-culprit vessel.However,the impact of staged CTO recanalization on prognosis in this cohort remains disputable.This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of staged CTO recanalization versus medical therapy in patients with STEMI after primary PCI.Methods Between January 2005 and December 2016,a total of 287 patients were treated with staged CTO-PCI(n=91)or medical therapy(n=196)after primary PCI in our center.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event(MACCE),defined as a composite of all-cause death,nonfatal myocardial infarction(MI),stroke or unplanned revascularization.After propensity-score matching,77 pairs of well-balanced patients were identified.Results The mean follow-up period was 6.06 years.Overall,the incidence of the primary endpoint of MACCE was significantly lower in staged CTO-PCI group than that in medical therapy group in both overall population(22.0%vs.46.9%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.77)and propensity-matched cohorts(22.1%vs.42.9%;HR:0.48,95%CI:0.27-0.86).In addition,staged CTO-PCI was also associated with reduced risk of the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke compared with medical therapy in both overall population(9.9%vs.26.5%;hazard ratio(HR)=0.39,95%CI:0.19-0.79)and propensity-matched cohorts(9.1%vs.22.1%;HR:0.40,95%CI:0.16-0.96).After correction of the possible confounders,staged CTO-PCI was independently associated with reduced risks of MACCE(adjusted HR:0.46,95%CI:0.28-0.75),the composite of cardiac death,nonfatal MI or stroke(adjusted HR:0.45,95%CI:0.22-0.94)and all-cause mortality(adjusted HR:0.32,95%CI:0.13-0.83).Moreover,the results of sensitivity analysis were almost concordant with the overall analysis.Conclusions In patients with STEMI and a concurrent CTO who undergo primary PCI,successful staged recanalization of CTO in the non-culprit vessels is associated with better clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up.

Post-dilatation improves stent apposition in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving primary percutaneous intervention: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial using optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUND: Stent failure is more likely in the lipid rich and thrombus laden culprit lesions underlying ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).This study assessed the effectiveness of post-dilatation in primary percutaneous coronary intervention(pPCI) for acute STEMI.METHODS: The multi-center POST-STEMI trial enrolled 41 consecutive STEMI patients with symptom onset <12 hours undergoing manual thrombus aspiration and Promus Element stent implantation.Patients were randomly assigned to control group(n=20) or post-dilatation group(n=21) in which a non-compliant balloon was inflated to >16 atm pressure.Strut apposition and coverage were evaluated by optical coherence tomography(OCT) after intracoronary verapamil administration via thrombus aspiration catheter, post pPCI and at 7-month follow-up.The primary endpoint was rate of incomplete strut apposition(ISA) at 7 months after pPCI.RESULTS: There were similar baseline characteristics except for stent length(21.9 [SD 6.5] mm vs.26.0 [SD 5.8] mm, respectively, P=0.03).In post-dilatation vs.control group, ISA rate was lower(2.5% vs.4.5%, P=0.04) immediately after pPCI without affecting final TIMI flow 3 rate(95.2% vs.95.0%, P>0.05) or corrected TIMI frame counts(22.6±9.4 vs.22.0±9.7, P>0.05); and at 7-month follow-up(0.7% vs.1.8%, P<0.0001), the primary study endpoint, with similar strut coverage(98.5% vs.98.4%, P=0.63) and 1-year rate of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).CONCLUSION: In STEMI patients, post-dilatation after stent implantation and thrombus aspiration improved strut apposition up to 7 months without affecting coronary blood flow or 1-year MACE rate.Larger and longer term studies are warranted to further assess safety(Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT02121223).

The Relationship Between Mean Platelet Volume and In-Hospital Mortality in Geriatric Patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective:We planned to investigate the effect of mean platelet volume(MPV)on in-hospital mortality and coronary risk factors in geriatric patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:We enrolled 194 consecutive STEMI patients.The study population was divided into two groups on the basis of admission MPVs.The high-MPV group(n=49)included patients in the highest tertile(>8.9 fL),and the low-MPV group(n=145)included patients with a value in the lower two tertiles(≤8.9 fL).Clinical characteristics,in-hospital mortality,cardiovascular risk factors,and outcomes of primary PCI were analyzed.Results:The patients in the high-MPV group were older,more of them had three-vessel disease,and they had higher in-hospital mortality.Patients with in-hospital death were older,had higher Gensini score,creatinine concentration,and MPV,and had lower HDL cholesterol concentration.MPV,age,HDL cholesterol concentration,creatinine concentration,and Gensini score were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital death.Conclusion:These results suggest that high admission MPV levels are associated with increased in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Staged Revascularization for Chronic Total Occlusion in the Non-IRA in Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention:An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives:Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of staged revascularization with concomitant chronic total occlusion(CTO)in the non-infarct-associated artery(non-IRA)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention(p-PCI).Methods:Various electronic databases were searched for studies published from inception to June,2021.The primary endpoint was all-cause death,and the secondary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac events(MACEs).Odds ratios(ORs)were pooled with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for dichotomous data.Results:Seven studies involving 1540 participants were included in thefinal analysis.Pooled analyses revealed that patients with successful staged revascularization for CTO in non-IRA with STEMI treated with p-PCI had overall lower all-cause death compared with the occluded CTO group(OR,0.46;95%CI,0.23–0.95),cardiac death(OR,0.43;95%CI,0.20–0.91),MACEs(OR,0.47;95%CI,0.32–0.69)and heart failure(OR,0.57;95%CI,0.37–0.89)com-pared with the occluded CTO group.No significant differences were observed between groups regarding myocardial infarction and repeated revascularization.Conclusions:Successful revascularization of CTO in the non-IRA was associated with better outcomes in patients with STEMI treated with p-PCI.

The relation between serum phosphorus levels and long-term mortality in Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background Elevated serum phosphorus levels may be associated with adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relation between serum phosphorus levels and risk of all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who had preserved renal function at baseline. Methods We enrolled patients with STEMI who had preserved renal function at baseline in Xuanwu Hospital from January 2011 to December 2016. Those patients were divided into four groups based on serum phosphorus levels. All-cause mortality rates were compared between groups. Mean duration of follow up was 54.6 months. We used Cox proportional-hazards models to examine the relation between serum phosphorus levels and all-cause mortality after adjustment for potential confounders. Results 1989 patients were involved and 211 patients (10.6%) died during follow-up. Based on serum phosphorus levels, patients were categorized into the following groups:< 2.50 mg/dL (n = 89), 2.51–3.50 mg/dL (n = 1066), 3.51–4.50 mg/dL (n = 672) and > 4.50 mg/dL (n = 162), respectively. The lowest mortality occurred in patients with serum phosphorus levels between 2.51–3.50 mg/dL, with a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of 1.19 (95% CI: 0.64–1.54), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.22–1.74), and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.35–1.83) in patients with serum phosphorus levels of < 2.50 mg/dL, 3.51–4.50 mg/dL and > 4.50 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusions Elevated serum phosphorus levels were associated with all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with STEMI who had preserved renal function at baseline.

New Cutoff for High Sensitivity Troponin to Better Risk Stratify Patients with Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction

Background: The diagnosis of Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) is dependent on elevation of high sensitivity troponin (Hs-troponin). The current cutoff point for Hs-troponin is highly sensitive but not specific for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to determine the best cutoff point for diagnosing CAD in patients presented with NSTEMI. Methods: Our study included all patients admitted as NSTEMI that underwent coronary angiography (CAG). They were grouped into two groups: A and B. Group A has obstructive CAD of 70% or more stenosis and group B with non-obstructive CAD. Patients were assessed for their demographics, clinical history, laboratory and imaging results. Using SPSS version 22, the pooled cohort of patients were analyzed at significant level < 0.05 and the data were tested for significant correlations between two predetermined groups. Results: Group A comprised 87.6% of the patients and both groups had a median age of 53 years. In Group A, 91% were males, 54% diabetics, 54% hypertensives, and median Hs-troponin was 145 ng/L. While in group B, 88% were males, 39% diabetics, 60% hypertensives, and median Hs-troponin was 54 ng/L. There was significant correlation between the two groups in the percentage of diabetes and median troponin level (p < 0.05). A ROC curve has identified a level of 127 ng/dL as the best cutoff of Hs-troponin in detecting obstructive CAD (p = 0.03). Interestingly, 60% of patients in group B had alternative diagnoses. Conclusion: Hs-troponin is sensitive but less specific for obstructive CAD. However, increasing its cutoff value will improve its specificity.

Reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 （PAI-1） levels, PAI-1 promoter 4G/5G polymorphism and acute myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate the relationship between CRP, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 （PAI-1） levels, PAI-1 gene promoter 4G/5G polymorphism and the type of acute myocardial infarction （ST elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI vs the non-ST elevation Myocardial infarction, NSTEMI）. Methods One hundred seventy-six consecutive patients with AMI were included for the study, of whom 60 had STEMI and 56 had NSTEMI, and 60 adults without cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease were selected as controls. Blood samples were obtained from patients within 6 h of AMI and the plasma PAI-1, CRP, and the gene polymorphism were measured. Results Plasma levels of PAI- 1 and CRP were higher in AMI groups, compared those in the control group, and plasma levels of PAI-1 were significantly higher in patients with STEMI compared to those with NSTEMI （80.12ng/ml VS.73.01ng/ml, P 〈0.01）, while CRP levels were not significantly different between patient with STEMI and NSTEMI （3.87 ± 0.79 mg/ml VS.4.01 ±0.69mg/ml, P〉0.05）. PAI-1 levels presented a significant correlation with CRP levels in the NSTEMI subjects. However, PAI-1 and CRP levels could explain the lack of a significant relationship between them in control and STEMI subjects.The frequencies of 4G/4G genotype in the AMI group were higher than those in the control group and higher in patient with STEMI than in patient with NSTEMI. Plasma levels of PAI-1 in subjects with 4G/4G genotype were significantly increased as compared to those in subjects with 4G/5G and 5G/5G genotype. Conclusions Plasma PAI-1 levels were associated with different myocardial infarction type, and PAI-1 promoter 4G/5G polymorphisms and CRP may be related to plasma PAI-1 levels

Long-term Prognosis of Patients with Acute non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction undergoing Different Treatment Strategies

Background： In cardiology, it is controversial whether different therapy strategies influence prognosis after acute coronary syndrome. We examined and compared the long-term outcomes of invasive and conservative strategies in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （NSTEMI） and characterized the patients selected for an invasive approach. Methods： A total of 976 patients with acute NSTEMI were collected from December 2006 to October 2012 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University Hospital. They are divided into conservative strategy （586 patients） and invasive strategy （390 patients） group. Unified tbllow-up questionnaire was performed by telephone contact （cut-off date was November, 2013）. The long-term clinical events were analyzed and related to the different treatment strategies. Results： The median follow-up time was 29 months. Mortality was 28.7% （n = 168） in the conservative group and 2.1% （n = 8） in the invasive management at long-term clinical follow-up. The secondary endpoint （the composite endpoint） was 59.0% （n = 346） in the conservative group and 30.3% （n = 118） in the invasive management. Multivariate analysis showed that patients in the conservative group had higher all-cause mortality rates than those who had the invasive management （adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 7.795; 95% confidence interval [CI]： 3.796 16.006, P 〈 0.001）, and the similar result was also seen in tile secondary endpoint （adjusted RR ： 2.102; 95% （7： 1.694-2.610, P 〈 0.001 ）. In the subgroup analysis according to each Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score （TRS）, log-rank analysis showed lower mortality and secondary endpoint rates in the invasive group with the intermediate and high-risk patients （TRS 3-7）. Conclusions： An invasive strategy could improve long-term outcomes for NSTEMI patients, especially for intermediate and high-risk ones （TRS 3- 7）.

Differences in symptoms and pre-hospital delay among acute myocardial infarction patients according to ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram: an analysis of China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry

Background: Approximately 70% patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presented without ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram. Patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) often presented with atypical symptoms, which may be related to pre-hospital delay and increased risk of mortality. However, up to date few studies reported detailed symptomatology of NSTEMI, particularly among Asian patients. The objective of this study was to describe and compare symptoms and presenting characteristics of NSTEMI vs. STEMI patients. Methods: We enrolled 21,994 patients diagnosed with AMI from China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) Registry between January 2013 and September 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to ST-segment elevation: ST-segment elevation (STEMI) group and NSTEMI group. We extracted data on patients' characteristics and detailed symptomatology and compared these variables between two groups. Results: Compared with patients with STEMI (N=16,315), those with NSTEMI (N=5679) were older, more often females and more often have comorbidities. Patients with NSTEMI were less likely to present with persistent chest pain (54.3% vs.71.4%), diaphoresis (48.6% vs.70.0%), radiation pain (26.4% vs.33.8%), and more likely to have chest distress (42.4% vs.38.3%) than STEMI patients (all P<0.0001). Patients with NSTEMI were also had longer time to hospital. In multivariable analysis, NSTEMI was independent predictor of presentation without chest pain (odds ratio: 1.974, 95% confidence interval:1.849-2.107). Conclusions: Patients with NSTEMI were more likely to present with chest distress and pre-hospital patient delay compared with patients with STEMI. It is necessary for both clinicians and patients to learn more about atypical symptoms of NSTEMI in order to rapidly recognize myocardial infarction.

Comparison of Diver CE and ZEEK manual aspiration catheters for thrombectomy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background A growing volume of data suggests that simple manual thrombus aspiration followed by direct stenting improves myocardial reperfusion and clinical outcome compared with conventional primary PCI, but there is still limited data comparing the in vivo performance among different devices. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and operability of thrombus aspiration by the Diver CE （Invatec, Brescia, Italy） and ZEEK （Zeon Medical Inc., Tokyo, Japan） aspiration catheters in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） and their impact on 3-month outcome.Methods From September 2004 to June 2008, 298 consecutive patients with STEMI who received manual thrombus aspiration were involved in a single center retrospective analysis. Of them, 229 and 69 were treated with Diver CE and ZEEK aspiration catheters, respectively. Primary endpoints were myocardial blush grade （MBG）, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction （TIMI） flow grade, ST-segment elevation resolution （STR）, device pushability and trackability as judged by the frequency of usage of dual guide wires and aspiration efficacy as indicated by size distribution of aspirated thrombi. Secondary endpoints were 3-month outcome including left ventricular end diastolic diameter （LVEDD）, left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, as well as cardiac death, target lesion revascularization （TLR）, re-infarction and their combination as major adverse cardiac events （MACE）. Results Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups expect for a higher frequency of temporary cardiac pacing in the ZEEK group （ZEEK） than in the Diver CE group （Diver CE） （0.44% vs 5.8%, P=0.002）. Visible retrieved thrombi were achieved in 65.9% of the Diver CE and 68.1% of the ZEEK （P=0.74）. Aspirated thrombi were categorized as small thrombi （〈3.5 mm）, moderate thrombi （3.5-7.0 mm） and large thrombi （〉7.0 mm）. Small thrombi were more frequently seen in the Diver CE （61.6% vs 42.6%）, whereas moderate and larger thrombi were more frequently found in the ZEEK （38.4% vs 57.4%） （P=0.021）. Rates of dual wire utilization were 1.7% of the Diver CE and 7.2% of the ZEEK （P=0.052）. There were no differences in MBG, STR and TIMI flow grade between the two groups. No differences were found in cardiac death, TLR, re-infarction, MACE, LVEDD and LVEF between the Diver CE and the ZEEK during 3-month follow-up.Conclusions Both Diver CE and ZEEK manual aspiration catheters are effective for thrombectomy in STEMI. In clinical practice, ZEEK presents a stronger aspiration capacity for moderate to large thrombi compared with Diver CE, but Diver CE displays a trend towards better pushability and trackability than ZEEK. Differences in aspiration capacity and operability between Diver CE and ZEEK in this setting do not influence myocardial reperfusion and 3-month outcome.

Sex-Related Differences in Short- and Long-Term Outcome among Young and Middle-Aged Patients for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background： Females with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） have higher in-hospital and short-term mortality rates compared with males in China, suggesting that a sex disparity exists. The age of onset of STEM1 is ahead of time and tends to be younger. However, there are relatively little data on the significance of sex on prognosis for long-term outcomes for adult patients with STEMI alter percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） in China. This study sought to analyze the sex differences in 30-day, l-year, and long-term net adverse clinical events （NACEs） in Chinese adult patients with STEMI after PCI. Methods： This study retrospectively analyzed 1920 consecutive STEMI patients （age 〈60 years） treated with PCI fYom January 01, 2006, to December 31,2012. A propensity score analysis between males and females was perfimned to adjust tbr differences in baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The primary endpoint was the incidence of 3-year NACE. Survival curves were constructed with Kaplan- Meier estimates and compared by log-rank tests between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was perforated using a Cox proportional hazards model for 3-year NACE. Results： Compared with males, females had higher risk profiles associated with old age, longer prehospital delay at the onset of STEMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease, and a higher Killip class （≥3）, with more multivessel diseases （P 〈 0.05）. The female group had a higher levels of low-density lipoprotein （2.72 [2.27, 3.29] vs. 2.53 [2,12, 3.00], P 〈 （1.001）, high-density lipoprotein （ 1.43 [1.23, 1.71] vs. 1.36 [1.11, 1.63], P - 0.003）, total cholesterol （4.98±1.10 vs. 4.70 ±1.15, t = -3.508, P 〈 0.001）, and estimated glomerular filtration rate （103.12 ± 22.22 vs. 87.55 ±18.03, t = 11.834, P〈 0.001 ） than the male group. In the propensity-matched analysis, being female was associated with a higher risk for 3-year NACE and major adverse cardiac or cerebral events compared with males. In the multivariate model, female gender （hazard ratio [HR]： 2.557, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 1.415-4.620, P=0.002）, hypertension （MR： 2.017, 95% CI： 1.138-3.576, P = 0.016）, and family history of coronary heart disease （HR： 2.256, 95% CI：1.115-4.566, P = 0.024） were independent risk factors for NACE. The number of stents （HR： 0.625, 95% CI：0.437 0.894, P = 0.010） was independent protective factors of NACE. Conclusions： Females with STEMI undergoing PCl have a significantly higher risk for 3-year NACE compared with males in this population. Sex differences appear to be a risk factor and present diagnostic challenges for clinicians.

Six-month angiographic and one-year clinical outcomes of polymer free paclitaxel-eluting stent in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction： a comparison with permanent polymer sirolimus-eluting stent

Background Since permanent polymer is implicated in adverse events associated with delayed vessel healing after drug eluting stents （DES） implantation, great efforts have been made to develop more biocompatible DES with biodegradable polymer or without polymer. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of polymer free paclitaxel-eluting stents （PF-PES） in comparison with permanent polymer sirolimus-eluting stents （PP-SES） in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI）. Methods Patients with STEMI were randomly assigned to receive PP-SES （n=55）, and PF-PES （n=50）. The 6-month angiographic and 1-year clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Target lesion failure （TLF） was defined as the composite of cardiac death, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction （Re-MI）, or target lesion revascularization （TLR）. Results Follow-up angiography at six months was performed in 72.7% of the PP-SES group and 70.0% of the PF-PES group （P=0.757）. The two groups had comparable angiographic outcomes including minimal luminal diameter, diameter stenosis, late loss and binary restenosis. All patients were clinically followed up to one year. The two groups had similar clinical outcomes with relatively low rates of target lesion failure （10.9% PP-SES vs. 12.0% PF-PES, P=0.861） and definite or probable stent thrombosis （1.8% PP-SES vs. 2.0% PF-PES, P=1.000） at one year. Conclusions The present study suggests that the safety and efficacy of PF-PES in the setting of STEMI are comparable to PP-SES. Further randomized trials with laraer study DODUlations are needed to net definite conclusions.

Presence of Severe Stenosis in Most Culprit Lesions of Patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background： Previous studies revealed that culprit vessels of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） were often related to mild or moderate stenosis. However, recent studies suggested that severe stenosis was primarily found in culprit lesions. The objective of this study was to analyze the stenosis severity of culprit lesions in STEMI patients and to clarity the paradoxical results. Methods： A total of 489 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were retrospectively studied from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients were divided into three groups based on stenosis severity using quantitative coronary analysis： Group A, 314 cases, stenosis 〉70%： Group B, 127 cases, stenosis 50-70%： and Group C, 48 cases, stenosis 〈_50%,. The clinical, demographic, and angiographic data of all groups were analyzed. Results： Patients in Group A exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of history of angina pectoris （95.9% vs. 62.5%, P 〈 0.001 ）, inultivessel disease （73.2% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.007）, and lower cardiac ejection ITaction （53.3 ± 8.6 vs. 56.8 ± 8.4, P = 0.009） than those in Group C. Multivariable analysis revealed that history of angina pectoris （odds ratio [OR]： 13.89, 95% confidence interval [（7]： 6.21-31.11 ） and multivessel disease （OR： 2.32, 95%, CI： 1.25-4.31 ） were correlated with severe stenosis of the culprit lesion in Group A. Conclusions： Most culprit lesions in STEM[ patients were severe stenosis. These patients exhibited a higher prevalence of angina history and multivessel diseases.

Value of Plasma NT-proBNP to Evaluate the Condition of Coronary Artery Lesion in Patients With ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

To investigate the value of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） in the evaiuation of the coronary artery condition （ degree of the coronary artery lesion severity and complexity） in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI）. Methods Eighty patients with STEMI diagnosed by electrocardiogram （ECG） were selected. The concentration of plasma NT-proBNP was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and the value of NT-proBNP concentration to evaluate the degree of severity and complexity in coronary artery lesion by coronary angiography （CAG） was analyzed. Results The more serious and more complex of coronary artery lesion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, the higher the concentration of plasma NT-proBNP was （ P 〈 0. 05 ）. Conclusion The concentration of plasma NT-proBNP may be a useful marker to evaluate the degree of severity and complexity of coronary artery lesion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. （ S Chin J Cardiol 2009 ; 10 （ 1 ） ： 15-18）

Red cell distribution width and KAMIR score predict in-hospital mortality of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background The incremental predictive value of red cell distribution width （RDW） on Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry （KAMIR） score in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （STE- MI） has not been assessed. This study was to investigate whether RDW had additional prognostic value on KA- MIR score for predicting in-hospital death of STEMI patients. Methods Seven hundred and seven STEMI patients were included in this study. The predictive value was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic （ROC）. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine risk predictors. Results Thirty four patients died while in hospital, who were older than those who survived, and had more proportion of Killip class/〉 2 and no in -hospital PCI. Blood glucose, serum creatinine, white blood cell count, RDW and KAMIR score were signifi- cantly higher in the Death group, among whom systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin and LVEF were lower. ROC curve analysis showed RDW could predict in-hospital death, with the optimal cut-off values being 14.1% （AUC=0.707, 95%CI, 0.618-0.796, P〈0.001）. When compared with the KAMIR score alone, the addition of RDW was associated with significant improvements in predicting in-hospital （AUC ： 0.865 vs. 0.839, P=0.039）. Conclusion RDW might provide additional information over the KAMIR score in STEMI patients.