Highly sensitive troponin I assay in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with suspected stable angina

BACKGROUND Evaluation of suspected stable angina patients with probable coronary artery disease(CAD)in the community is challenging.In the United Kingdom,patients with suspected stable angina are referred by community physicians to be assessed by specialists within the hospital system in rapid access chest pain clinics(RACPC).The role of a highly sensitive troponin I(uscTnI)assay in the diagnosis of suspected CAD in a RACPC in a“real-life”setting in a non-academic hospital has not been explored.AIM To examine the diagnostic value of uscTnI(detection limit 0.12 ng/L,upper reference range 8.15 ng/L,and detected uscTnI in 96.8%of the reference population),in the evaluation of stable CAD in a non-selected patient group,with several co-morbidities,who presented to the RACPC.METHODS One hundred and seventy two RACPC patients were assigned to either functional or anatomical testing according to the hospital protocol.RESULTS The investigations offered to patients were exercise tolerance test 7.6%,24 h ECG 1.2%,Echocardiogram 14.5%,stress echocardiogram 8.1%,coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)12.8%,coronary angiogram 13.4%,17.4%were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain,3.5%treated as stable angina,8.2%reviewed by cardiologists,electronic medical records were not available in 10.4%.Receiver operating characteristic curves for CAD used uscTnI values measured in patients who underwent functional testing,angiogram or CCTA.Values>0.52 ng/L showed 100%sensitivity and at>11.6 ng/L showed 100%specificity.In the range>0.52-11.6 ng/L,uscTnI may not have the same diagnostic potential.In patients assigned to coronary angiogram higher concentrations of uscTnI was associated with severe CAD.Low levels of uscTnI and low pre-test probability of CAD(QRISK3)may decrease patient numbers assigned to CCTA.CONCLUSION The uscTnI diagnostic cut-off values in a RACPC will depend on patient population and their presenting co-morbidity.In the presence of clinical comorbidities and previous CAD the uscTnI needs to be used in conjunction with clinical assessment.

Coronary Angiography: Indications, Results and Cost-Effectiveness in the Diagnosis of Stable Angina Pectoris in Two Hospitals in Senegal

Background: The current gold standard for the diagnosis of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is invasive coronary angiography. But a large proportion of patients undergoing coronary angiography don’t have obstructive coronary artery disease. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of invasive coronary angiography for patients without known coronary artery disease presenting with stable chest pain syndrome at two hospitals structures in Senegal. Method: We conducted a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study from March 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020 in the Cardiology Departments of General Hospital Idrissa Pouye (HOGIP) and Aristide Le Dantec Hospital (HALD). During the study period a cohort of patients referred to angiography coronary for diagnostic CAD because of suspected stable angina were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, risk factors, symptoms, and noninvasive test results were correlated with the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Results: A total of 143 patients were included in our study with a median age of 60.91 ± 10.58 years;men were 96 (67.13%) and women 47 (32.87%). The prevalence of hypertension was 60.84%;diabetes was 34.27%;dyslipidemia was 32.17% and sedentary was 26.57% in our study population. Typical and atypical angina symptoms were present in 37.76% (n = 54) and 49.65% (n = 71) respectively, while 10.49% had dyspnea. Coronary angiography revealed 59 (41.26%) patients with no CAD as well as 27 (18.88%) with one-vessel;28 (19.58%) with two-vessel, and 29 (20.28%) with three-vessel disease. Independent predictive factors for stable angina with the presence of obstructive lesion were: patient age (OR, 2.36;95% CI, 1.05 - 5.29;p = 0.036);male gender (OR, 1.6;95% CI, 0.72 - 3.57;p = 0.24);diabetes (OR, 2.14;95% CI, 0.96 - 4.75;p = 0.06) and necrosis Q waves (4.75;CI, 0.98 - 23.09;p = 0.05). Conclusion: In our study, more than half of the patients (58.74%) referred for coronary angiography had a confirmed diagnosis. A better clinical and non-invasive assessment is needed to improve the efficiency of patient selection for coronary angiography.

A Meta-analysis of Ginseng combined with conventional therapy for stable angina pectoris

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Ginseng combined with conventional therapy for stable angina pectoris(SAP).Methods:From the Cochrane Library,Pubmed,Embase,Web of Science,CNKI(China National Knowledge Infrastructure),Wanfang Datebase,VIP(Chinese Scientific Journals Database),CBM(Chinese Biomedicine Database),we reviewed the clinical randomized controlled trial(RCT),after screening and assessing the risk of bias,used RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software to make the Meta-analysis.Results:Thirteen studies were included with 1176 cases,involving 606 cases in the experimental group and 570 in the control group.The results of Meta-analysis showed that Ginseng combined with conventional therapy significantly has obvious effect on clinical effective rate(RR=1.29,95%CI[1.21,1.36],P<0.00001);ECG effective rate(RR=1.35,95%CI[1.22,1.50],P<0.00001);number of angina attacks(MD=-1.77,95%CI[-2.64,-0.91],P<0.00001);duration of angina pectoris(MD=-2.16,95%CI[-2.54,-1.78],P<0.00001);nitroglycerin dosage(MD=-1.52,95%CI[-1.81,-1.23],P<0.00001),and it is better than using conventional therapy alone.Conclusion:Ginseng combined with conventional therapy for SAP can significantly improve clinical effective rate and ECG effective rate,reduce the number of angina attacks,shorten the duration of angina pectoris,and reduce nitroglycerin dosage.The development of ginseng-related proprietary Chinese medicines has good prospects.But due to the quality of studies is medium and low,it still needs to be confirmed by conducting high-quality RCTs.

Conservative Approach Might Be the Strategy by Default in Stable Angina Patients: A Case Report

Management of stable angina is still a matter of debate. Whether a conservative or invasive approach is better remains unclear. Even though recent large-scale randomized trials depict the conservative strategy as safe and efficient. In this report, we present a case of a 53-year-old male patient with cardiovascular risk factors of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. He complained about typical chest pain at exertion. The coronary angiogram (CA) revealed severe stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) ostium. After heart team discussion, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) was advocated. However, due to a lack of means, the CABG was postponed. Meanwhile, he was managed with guideline-based medical therapy. In addition, he exercised regularly and adopted a healthy diet. Evolution was favorable with excellent symptoms control. A regular follow-up was organized with his cardiologist. A new CA before an eventual CABG six years later showed a significant plaque volume regression of the proximal LAD. We decided to continue conservative management. The stress echocardiogram to assess symptoms and exercise tolerance was normal. Our patient was sent to surgery on top of optimal medical therapy even though angioplasty was a good indication and was feasible. However, while he was struggling to afford the CABG procedure, he adopted a very healthy lifestyle along with medical therapy. Six years later, the result of that approach was without appeal, suggesting and reinforcing the conservative management of stable heart disease over invasive strategy. The recent ISCHEMIA trial is a major argument supporting that approach.

Chinese patent medicine for stable angina pectoris:protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Stable angina pectoris is a common condition that affects a wide group of patients with coronary artery diseases.A number of Chinese patent drugs based on classic herbal formulations are available for angina management.A network meta-analysis is proposed to assess the relative efficacy and safety of commonly used drugs for stable angina and generate a clinically meaningful ranking for each important outcome.We composed a list of 24 widely-used oral blood-quickening Chinese patent drugs from literature review and expert consultation.Three English and five Chinese electronic databases will be searched up to July 2021 for randomised clinical trials comparing between drugs on the list or with nitrates or placebo for stable angina.Unpublished data or grey literature will be sought through trial registries and correspondence to the report authors.Two reviewers independently screen literature,extract data and assess clinical and methodological features of included studies.The WinBUGS software will be used to perform network meta-analysis and the Stata 13.0 software to generate graphic demonstrations of the results.Primary outcomes are the incidence of cardiovascular events and changes in angina frequency,duration and intensity.We will use the surface under the cumulative ranking curve and the mean value for the numeric presentation of efficacy and safety ranking probabilities of multiple treatments.Heterogeneity and inconsistency will be assessed using appropriate statistical tests,and subgroup analysis and network meta-regression will be resorted when necessary.The quality of evidence for each outcome will be graded with the web-based GRADEpro GDT.

Assessment of Acute Episodes in Chronic Stable Angina: A Clinical-Laboratory Approach to the Use of the Coronary Vasodilator Propatyl Nitrate

Background/Objectives: Propatyl nitrate is a coronary vasodilator with immediate and prolonged action, indicated in the treatment and prevention of acute angina pectoris episodes. Methods: This was an open, self-paired comparative study performed at UNIFESO Medical School evaluating the clinical and laboratory results of treatment with propatyl nitrate in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. Subjects received 10 mg of propatyl nitrate, at the dose of three sublingual tablets per day, to be taken at 8:00 A.M., 2:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. Subjects returned to the study center after 15 days of treatment for Visit 2 assessments, and at the end of the 30-day treatment period (Visit 3). Results: A total of 200 subjects were included in the study. There was a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure (p < 0.0001) and heart rate (p = 0.0001), but no change in respiratory rate (p = 0.23). Laboratory results did not vary throughout the treatment period. There was no significant change from pretreatment in the SAQ Physical Limitation scale (p = 0.7415). The Angina Stability, Angina Frequency, and Treatment Satisfaction, and Quality of Life scales showed a significant improvement from pretreatment (p < 0.0001). Adverse events were observed among 41 subjects at Visit 2 and 35 subjects at Visit 3. Conclusions: Propatyl nitrate was safe and effective in treating chronic stable angina pectoris over the course of the 30-day treatment period. Treatment with propatyl nitrate increased angina stability and reduced angina frequency while increasing treatment satisfaction and quality of life in the patient population evaluated.

Role of plasma C-reactive protein in predicting in-stent restenosis in patients with stable angina after coronary stenting

Background The role of plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） in in-stent restenosis （ISR） remains controversial. We investigated plasma hs-CRP level at both admission and follow-up in patients with stable angina （SA）after successful coronary stenting in order to clarify the predictive value of hs-CRP for ISR.Methods We summarized 303 consecutive chronic SA patients with coronary drug-eluting stent （DES） implantation.The ISR was analyzed by quantitative coronary analysis （QCA） at a mean follow-up of 8 months, and the patients were divided into two groups according to the detected ISR as ISR group （n=48） and non-ISR group （n=255）. Plasma hs-CRP was examined at both admission and 8-month follow-up in all patients, standard medication continued throughout the investigation period.Results QCA presented that 48 patients （15.8%） suffered from ISR at follow-up. The basic clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups, while plasma hs-CRP was higher in ISR group than that in non-ISR group at both admission and follow-up, P 〈0.001 respectively. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that plasma hs-CRP level at either admission or follow-up could independently predict ISR occurrence （OR=5.581, 95% Cl 2.532-12.302, P〈0.001and OR=6.299, 95% CI 2.722-14.577, P 〈0.001, respectively）.Conclusions Our data indicate that plasma hs-CRP level may independently predict ISR at both admission and follow-up in SA patients with coronary DES implantation, which implies that a chronic, sustained systemic inflammatory response might be involved in ISR pathogenesis.

Effect of Shenshao Tablet(参芍片) on the Quality of Life for Coronary Heart Disease Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris

Objective： To observe the effect of Chinese medicine Shenshao Tablet （参芍片, SST） on the quality of life in coronary heart disease （CHD） patients with stable angina pectoris （SAP）. Methods： Sixty-six patients with SAP confirmed by coronary angiography were enrolled and assigned to two groups by means of PROC PLAN using a SAS 6.12 software in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled design. Patients in the treated group were treated with SST, and the others in the control group were given placebo. The weekly angina frequency, quality of life scale [Seattle Angina Questionnaire （SAQ）] and incidence of important clinical events were observed to evaluate the intervention effect of SST on the quality of life for CHD patients with SAP. Results： During the study, one case dropped out in the treated group and two cases in the control group, respectively, and 63 cases including 32 cases in the treated group, and 31 cases in the control group completed the trial. After four weeks of treatment, the weekly angina frequency of the treated group （5.32± 2.46 times per week） was significantly less than that of the control group （7.32± 3.20 times per week, P 〈 0.05）. The total score of the quality of life in the treated group （71.30± 5.44） was obviously higher than that in the control group （63.50± 4.60, P 〈 0.01）, and the angina stability, angina frequency, and treatment satisfaction were significantly superior to those in the control group （P〈 0.01）. The incidence of important clinical events of the treated group （3.1%） was lower than that of the control group （6.5%） during the six-month follow-up period, but the difference was insignificant （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion： SST could lower the angina frequency and greatly improve the quality of life in CHD patients with SAP.

Effectiveness and Safety of Acupoint Application of Guan Xin Su He Pill (冠心苏合丸) for Patients with Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To assess the clinical effectiveness of acupoint application(AP)of Guan Xin Su He Pill(冠心苏合丸,GXSHP)for patients with chronic stable angina pectoris(CSAP).Methods This study was carried out in 3 local hospitals in Chengdu,China.After baseline evaluation,eligible patients were randomly assigned to the placebo application for acupoints(PAA)group or the herbal application for acupoints(HAA)group.Patients in the HAA group underwent AP with herbal powder,which was mainly GXSHP,and patients in the PAA group underwent AP with sham drugs.For each treatment session,unilateral acupoints including Neiguan(PC 6),Danzhong(RN 17),Xinshu(BL 15)and Jueyinshu(BL 14),were stimulated for both groups.AP was performed 3 times a week with a 2-day interval for 4 weeks.The primary outcome was the frequency of angina pectoris attacks per week,while the secondary outcomes included angina pain intensity measured by the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),dose of rescue oral drugs(nitroglycerin),scores on the Seattle Angina Questionnaire(SAQ),Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores(SDS).Clinical outcomes were measured at week 0,4 and 8.The safety of AP of GXSHP treatment for CSAP were assessed.Results A total of 121 patients were enrolled.Baseline characteristics were comparable across the 2 groups.After treatment,the angina attack numbers in the HAA group were significantly reduced from 11.00 to 4.81(P<0.05).While,for PAA group,the angina frequency was not significantly improved(baseline 10.55;post-treatment 11.05).The HAA group had significantly fewer angina attacks than the PAA group(P<0.05).Pain intensity measured by VAS in HAA group was significantly reduced from 4.06 to 3.02(P<0.05).While,for PAA group,the VAS was significantly increased(baseline 3.62;post-treatment 3.96;P<0.05).Clinical outcomes showed better improvement after treatment in the HAA group than in the PAA group in terms of oral administration of rescue drugs,SAS,SDS and SAQ scores(P<0.05).The adverse events were also reported.Conclusion AP of GXSHP is a safe and effective treatment for CSAP patients(Registration No.NCT02029118).

Relationship between coronary artery remodeling and cumulative incidence of coronary angiographic lesions with vulnerable characteristics in patients with stable angina pectoris

ackground Development of vulnerable lesions is not limited to the target lesions, but a pan-coronary process. Such lesions are identified by positive remodeling （intravascular ultrasound （IVUS） and complex lesions （angiography））. The prevalence of lesions with vulnerable characteristics in patients with stable angina was not well known. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary artery remodeling and incidence of angiographic complex lesions and its calcification in stable angina patients.Methods One hundred and sixty-one stable angina patients （95 males, aged （68±11） years） with 161 de novo target lesions were studied using pre-interventional IVUS. Remodeling index was defined as the lesion divided by reference vessel area; positive remodeling was defined as remodeling index 〉1.05. Besides the 161 target lesions, there were 613 angiographic lesions with 〉30% diameter stenoses, classified as complex or smooth. Multiple complexes were defined as more than one complex lesion in one patient. Stenoses of at least 70% were described as tight. Calcium arc area was used as a new method to quantify coronary calcification.Results Fifty-six patients had positive remodeling target lesion, while 105 did not. The overall number of lesions with a diameter stenoses 〉30% was similar in patients with or without positive remodeling, and the frequency of angiographically complex lesions was higher in positive remodeling patients, especially at non-target site. Calcium arc area was smaller in patients with positive remodeling.Conclusions Positive remodeling on intravascular ultrasound was associated with more complex lesions angiographic findings, especially at non target site. Positive remodeling was found less calcified in patients with stable angina.

A Multicenter,Randomized,Double-blind Clinical Study on Wufuxinnaoqing Soft Capsule(五福心脑清胶囊) in Treatment of Chronic Stable Angina Patients with Blood Stasis Syndrome

Objective： To confirm the efficacy and safety of Wufuxinnaoqing Soft Capsule （五福心脑清胶囊, WSC） in the treatment of chronic stable angina （blood stasis syndrome）. Methods： A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with superiority test was designed. A total of 240 patients with chronic stable angina （blood stasis syndrome） from multiple centers were randomly and equally assigned to the treatment group and the control group. Based on standard treatment of Western medicine, the treatment group was given WSC, while the control group was given WSC mimetic, both for 12 weeks. Observed indicators included the efficacy in angina, the efficacy in Chinese medicine syndrome, the withdrawal or reduce rate of nitroglycerin and routine safety indices. Results： After 12-week treatment, the significant effective rate and total effective rate of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group （23.5% vs. 9.2%, 64.7% vs. 30.8%）, respectively, with statistically significant difference （P〈0.01）. After 12-week treatment, the decreased points and the decreased rate of angina symptom score in the treatment group were better than in the control group （5.1±4.2 points vs. 2.8± 3.5 points, 44.9% ±37.2% vs. 25.4%±30.7%） respectively, with significant difference （P〈0.01）. After 12-week treatment, the significant effective rate and total effective rate of the treatment group were better than the control group （respectively, 30.3% vs. 15.0%, 67.2% vs. 45.0%, P〈0.01）. After 8- or 12-week treatment, the decreased points and the decreased rate of Chinese medicine syndrome score in the treatment group were better than the control group （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. After 12-week treatment, nitroglycerin withdrawal rate and the withdrawal or reduce rate in treatment group were better than the control group （P〈0.01）. On safety evaluation, the incidence of adverse events （7.563% vs. 7.500%） and the incidence of cardiovascular events （0.840% vs. 0.000%） in the treatment group were similar with the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant （P〉0.05）. Couch=SlOB： In treatment of chronic stable angina （blood stasis syndrome）, WSC can reduce angina attacks and consumption of nitroglycerin, decrease angina severity degree, effectively relieve the blood stasis syndromes, such as chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, dark purple tongue and other symptoms. Besides, adverse events and cardiovascular adverse events in the treatment group and the control group showed no difference. All shows that the drug is safe and effective. [This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry （ChiCTR）, with registration number： ChiCTR-TRC-14005158.]

C-reactive protein/albumin ratio as a predictor for severe coronary artery disease in patients with stable angina pectoris

Background Syntax score(SS),an angiographic tool to grade the complexity of coronary artery disease,has prognostic importance for this disease. C-reactive protein(CRP)and albumin are indicators of inflammation.And both of them are associated with high SS. Hence,we aimed to investigate whether baseline CRP to albumin ratio(CAR)is associated with SS. Method A total of 312 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris,who underwent coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease(CAD)from January 2018 to May 2019,were classified into two groups,low score group(syntax score≤22)and high score group(syntax group>22).The Multivariate logistic analysis and ROC curve were performed to detect the predictive effect of CAR for higher SS. Results There are 163 cases in the low score group while 149 cases in the high score group. CAR in the high score group was significantly higher than the other group(5.6[2.8-9.6]vs. 2.5[1.7-5.2],P<0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis,CAR was proved to be an independent predictor for high syntax score. ROC curve analyses reveal the good predictive values of CAR(AUC 0.731,95% CI:0.608-0.814,P<0.01)for high syntax score and statistical significant better than CRP or albumin alone. Conclusions CAR is independently associated with the complexity and severity of CAD,which has better predictive value than CRP or albumin alone.

Incidence, Clinical Presentation and Angiographic Findings among Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia in Gaza

Background: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare form of aneurysmal coronary heart disease. This condition increases risk of ischemia that leaded to stable angina pectoris and also acute coronary syndrome. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of CAE and to analyze clinical and angiographic characteristics among patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Methods: Retrospective trial of diagnostic coronary angiography which was performed at Alshifa hospital in Gaza, included all patients with coronary heart disease and underwent diagnostic coronary angiography from March 2014 to March 2023. We evaluate the incidence, clinical presentation and angiographic findings of patients with symptomatic coronary ectasia. Results: Of the 12,534 angiograms analyzed, CAE was found in 539 patients, an incidence of 4.3%. The mean age was 59.2 ± 11.7 years, and male gender predominate 81.8%. A 285 (52.9%) of patients found to have single ectatic vessel at their angiographic results. In two vessels 120 patients (22.3%), in three vessels 95 patients (17.6%) and in three vessel plus left main in 39 patients (7.2%). 70.9% angiograms showed pure ectasia without associated significant stenotic lesions in the same vessel. The right coronary artery (RCA) was the commonest affected vessel by ectasia. The most common presentation of patients is non ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Conclusion: The incidence of coronary ectasia was 4.3%. Non ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome was the most common clinical presenting. Only 30% of patients have additionally significant coronary artery stenosis. The majority of patients had single vessel involvement and right coronary artery was the most common involved vessel. Despite a dapper understanding of CAE in last years, there are still come critical issues about optimal treatment. Large multicenter randomized control trials are recommended to guide the clinician in the management of this complex sitting of patients.

ISCHEMIA trial:How to apply the results to clinical practice

During the last years two questions have been continuously asked in chronic coronary syndromes:(1)Do revascularization procedures(coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention)really improve symptoms of angina?and(2)Do these techniques improve outcomes,i.e.do they prevent new myocardial infarction events and cardiovascular death?Therefore,there was a need for a large definitive trial.This study was the ISCHEMIA trial,a large,multicentric trial sponsored by the National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute.The main trial compared coronary revascularization and optimal medical treatment(OMT)vs OMT alone in 5179 patients enrolled after a stress test.During a median 3.2-year follow-up,318 primary outcome events occurred;the adjusted hazard ratio for the invasive strategy as compared with the conservative strategy was 0.93(95%confidence interval 0.80-1.08,P=0.34).The ISCHEMIA trial deeply disrupted many of our prior attitudes regarding management strategies for patients with stable coronary artery disease.The findings underscore the benefits of disease-modifying OMT for stable coronary artery disease patients.The main purposes of ischemia assessment before this trial were:Diagnostic purposes,assessment of outcome,and adding to decision-making processes.Obviously,this changed after the trial results.The results of ISCHEMIA might challenge the current diagnostic approach for stable angina patients recommended in the last European Society of Cardiology guidelines on chronic coronary disease that were based on studies published before the ISCHEMIA trial.In this editorial we propose our approach based on the ISCHEMIA study and the pretest probability for a positive test in patients with chronic coronary syndromes.

Long-term effect of a large dose of iodinated contrast in patients with mild thyroid dysfunction:a prospective cohort study

Background:More than 75 million procedures with intravascular iodine-based contrast media(ICM)are performed worldwide every year,and some patients undergoing these procedures do not have normal thyroid function.The long-term effects of ICM in patients with mild thyroid dysfunction(TD)are unclear.Methods:This prospective cohort study was conducted in China.Patients with stable angina pectoris with total triiodothyronine(TT3)reduction,normal thyroid-stimulating hormone,and reverse triiodothyronine(rT3)were enrolled and divided into high-dose(≥100 mL ICM)and low-dose groups(<100 mL ICM).We dynamically investigated the trends in thyroid function,rT3,and thyroid antibodies one year after ICM exposure.Results:A total of 154 patients completed 6 months of follow-up and 149 completed 1 year of follow-up.Thyroglobulin antibody(TGAB)levels were elevated in 41(26.6%)patients before ICM exposure,11(7.1%)of whom also had elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody levels.Transient subclinical TD occurred 6 months after ICM exposure;75.5%(34/45)of post-operative TD occurred in the high-dose group.One patient developed severe hypothyroidism with myxedema,requiring drug intervention 1 year after ICM exposure.The level of rT3 showed no statistically significant changes during post-operative follow-up(P=0.848).The TGAB level decreased at 6th month(P<0.001),but increased at 1 year after ICM exposure(P=0.002).Conclusions:Patients with T3 reduction are at a risk of transient subclinical TD and hypothyroidism after a single large dose of ICM.Follow-up of this population at 9-12 months after ICM exposure is warranted.

Coronary plaque characterization of nonculprit or nontarget lesions assessed by analysis of in vivo intracoronary ultrasound radio-frequency data

Background Unheralded sudden death and acute myocardial infarction are common manifestations of coronary atherosclerosis. Such events are related to thrombotic occlusion at the site of non-flow limiting atherosclerotic plaques in epicardial coronary arteries. This study aimed to assess plaque characterization of nonculprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） compared with those with stable angina pectoris （SAP） determined by analysis of intravascular ultrasound （IVUS） radiofrequency （RF） data. Methods In 81 patients, nonculprit vessels with 〈50% diameter stenosis and nontarget segment of culprit vessels with 〈50% diameter stenosis were studied with IVUS. Tissue maps were reconstructed from RF data using IVUS-Virtual Histology software. Results Mean lipid core percentage was significantly higher in patients with ACS than in those with SAP （（25.78±6.30）% vs （9.11±4.90）%, P 〈0.001）. In addition, patients with SAP showed more fibrotic vessels （（59.66±16.87）% vs （49.07±10.20）%, P 〈0.001）. There was no significant difference in either mean calcium （（4.37±2.40）% vs （5.12±3.00）%, P=-0.225） or fibrolipid （（24.94±9.40）% vs （25.82±13.60）%, P=0.731） percentages in nonculprit vessels, but the mean calcium percentage was significantly higher in nontarget lesions of culprit vessels （（5.51±3.29）% vs （3.57±2.10）%, P=0.003）. In addition, there was a positive correlation between lipid core and remodeling index （RI） （r=0.847, P〈0.001） and a negative correlation between fibrous tissue and RI （r= -0.946, P〈0.001）. Conclusions In this study, in both nonculprit vessels and nontarget lesion of culprit vessels, plaque characterization of nonculprit lesions determined by spectral analysis of IVUS RF data was significantly different in patients with ACS. The percentage of lipid core was significantly higher in patients with ACS than in those with SAP. Conversely, SAP patients showed more fibrotic content. In vivo plaque composition and morphological changes were related to remodeling of the coronary artery tree.