Relationship of Microvascular Obstruction with Global and Regional Myocardial Function Determined by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance after ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective To investigate the impact of microvascular obstruction(MVO)on the global and regional myocardial function by cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking(CMR-FT)in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods Consecutive acute STEMI patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 1-7 days after successful reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention treatment were included in this retrospective study.Based on the presence or absence of MVO on late gadolinium enhancement images,patients were divided into groups with MVO and without MVO.The infarct zone,adjacent zone,and remote zone were determined based on a myocardial 16-segment model.The radial strain(RS),circumferential strain(CS),and longitudinal strain(LS)of the global left ventricle(LV)and the infarct,adjacent,and remote zones were measured by CMRFT from cine images and compared between patients with and without MVO using independent-samples t-test.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of MVO with the impaired LV function.Results A total of 157 STEMI patients(mean age 56.66±11.38 years)were enrolled.MVO was detected in 37.58%(59/157)of STEMI patients,and the mean size of MVO was 3.00±3.76 mL.Compared with patients without MVO(n=98),the MVO group had significantly reduced LV global RS(t=-4.30,P<0.001),global CS(t=4.99,P<0.001),and global LS(t=3.51,P=0.001).The RS and CS of the infarct zone in patients with MVO were significantly reduced(t=-3.38,P=0.001;t=2.64,P=0.01;respectively)and the infarct size was significantly larger(t=8.37,P<0.001)than that of patients without MVO.The presence of LV MVO[OR=4.10,95%CI:2.05-8.19,P<0.001]and its size[OR=1.38,95%CI:1.10-1.72,P=0.01],along with the heart rate and LV infarct size were significantly associated with impaired LV global CS in univariable Logistic regression analysis,while only heart rate(OR=1.08,95%CI:1.03-1.13,P=0.001)and LV infarct size(OR=1.10,95%CI:1.03-1.16,P=0.003)were independent influencing factors for the impaired LV global CS in multivariable Logistic regression analysis.Conclusion The infarct size was larger in STEMI patients with MVO,and MVO deteriorates the global and regional LV myocardial function.

Effects of nicorandil on myocardial infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention:study design and protocol for the randomized controlled trial

Previous studies have shown that nicorandil has a protective effect on cardiomyocytes.However,there is no study to investigate whether perioperative intravenous nicorandil can further reduce the myocardial infarct size in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)compared to the current standard of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)regimen.The CHANGE(China-Administration of Nicorandil Group)study is a multicenter,prospective,randomized,double-blind and parallel-controlled clinical study of STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI in China,aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous nicorandil in ameliorating the myocardial infarct size in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI and provide evidence-based support for myocardial protection strategies of STEMI patients.

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

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 nal TIMI ow 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 ow or 1-year MACE rate. Larger and longer term studies are warranted to further assess safety.

Depression and myocardial injury in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction:A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND Depression is common in patients with myocardial infarction and has been independently associated with adverse outcomes.However,the association between depression and myocardial injury on cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)has still not been assessed.AIM To assess the association between depression and myocardial injury on CMR in patients with STEMI.METHODS A total of 107 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(P-PCI)were analyzed in this prospectivecohort study.Each subject completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms.CMR was performed at a median of 3 d after PPCI for quantifying post-MI myocardial injury.Correlations between depression identified by the PHQ-9 and myocardial injury measured on CMR were assessed.RESULTS In this study,19 patients(17.8%)were diagnosed with major depression identified by the PHQ-9≥10.PHQ-9 was analyzed both as a continuous variable and dichotomous variable.After multivariable adjustment,the proportion of patients with large infarction size was significantly higher in the major depression group(PHQ-9≥10)(OR:4.840,95%CI:1.122–20.868,P=0.034).When the PHQ-9 was evaluated as a continuous variable,after multivariable adjustment,an increased PHQ-9 score was associated with an increased risk of large infarction size(OR:1.226,95%CI:1.073–1.401,P=0.003).CONCLUSION In patients with STEMI undergoing PCI,depression was independently associated with a large infarction size.

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.

WeChat Group of Chest Pain Center for Patients with Acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction:Faster Treatment Speed and Better Prognosis

Objective:To explore the effect of establishing a WeChat platform for a chest pain center as a medium to increase the treatment speed and improve the prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI).Methods:The chest pain center,established by the creation of a WeChat group,included primary hospitals in Chongqing that are not able to perform PPCI and the First Affi liated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University,which is the core of the center and which includes medical staff of the catheter laboratory,the cardiology department,the emergency,the vascular surgery department,and the cardiothoracic surgery department.Patients with acute STEMI who underwent PPCI from January 2017 to November 2018 in the First Affi liated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled.The patients(including emergency department visitors,120 callers,and patients transferred from the critical care unit or other departments)were divided into a WeChat pre-admission startup group(n=311)and a non-WeChat pre-admission startup group(control group,n=172).Patients’door-to-balloon time,standard door-toballoon time achievement rate,artery puncture to balloon dilation time,heart failure rate,length of stay,and incidence of adverse events(including fatal arrhythmia,cardiogenic shock,and death)during hospitalization were compared between the two groups.Results:Four hundred eight-three consecutive patients were enrolled.There was no signifi cant difference in patients’sex,age,length of stay,and cardiovascular events during hospitalization between the two groups(P>0.05).The door-to-balloon time of the patients in the WeChat pre-admission startup group was much shorter than that of patients in the non-WeChat pre-admission startup group(27.35±10.58 min vs.88.15±53.79 min,P<0.05).The standard door-to-balloon time achievement rate was signifi cantly higher in the WeChat pre-admission startup group than in the non-WeChat pre-admission startup group(100%vs.72.09%,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of a WeChat platform signifi cantly shortened the door-to-balloon time of patients receiving PPCI and increased the standard door-to-balloon time achievement rate for patients with STEMI.In addition,the platform is also conducive to integrating medical resources and sharing medical information.The establishment of the platform increased the treatment speed and improved the prognosis of patients with STEMI.

Effects of Loading-Dose Statins Combined with PCSK9 Inhibitor Pre-Treatment before Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on the Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective:This study was aimed at investigating the effects of preoperative treatment with a loading dose of statins combined with a PCSK9 inhibitor on coronary blood perfusion and short-term cardiovascular adverse events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Method:Sixty-five patients with STEMI who had visited the Shanxi Cardiovascular Disease Hospital between May 2018 and May 2021 were enrolled in the study.The enrolled patients had no history of oral statins or antiplatelet therapy.The patients were divided into a combined treatment group(loading dose of statins combined with PCSK9 inhibitors,35 patients)and a routine treatment group(loading dose of statins only,30 patients).The primary endpoints were thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI)blood flow grading,corrected TIMI frame count(CTFC),and TIMI myocardial perfusion grading(TMPG),immediately after and 30 days after the operation.The secondary endpoint was a composite endpoint of cardiovascular death,nonfatal myocardial infarction,and target vessel revascularization 30 days after the operation.Results:The combined treatment group had significantly lower CTFC(14.09±8.42 vs 26±12.42,P=0.04)and better TMPG(2.74±0.61 vs 2.5±0.73,P=0.04)than the routine treatment group immediately after the operation.Similarly,the combined treatment group had a significantly lower CTFC(16.29±7.39 vs 26.23±11.53,P=0.04)and significantly better TMPG(2.94±0.24 vs 2.76±0.43,P=0.01)than the routine treatment group 1 month after the operation.Conclusion:Preoperative treatment with a loading dose of high-intensity statins combined with PCSK9 inhibitors increased coronary blood flow and myocardial perfusion after emergency thrombus aspiration in patients with STEMI.However,the treatment did not significantly decrease the incidence of cardiovascular death,nonfatal myocardial infarction,or target vessel revascularization.

Effects of intermittent cold-exposure on culprit plaque morphology in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: a retrospective study based on optical coherence tomography

Objective:Present study aimed to explore the effects of intermittent cold-exposure(ICE)on culprit plaque morphology in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)in frigid zone.Methods:Totally 848 STEMI patients with plaque rupture(N=637)or plaque erosion(N=211)were enrolled consecutively according to optical coherence tomography imaging.Data on the changes of outdoor air temperature corresponding to 24 solar terms were collected.Patients were divided into different groups according to 24 solar terms and the number of days with indoor central heating.Imaging data were measured and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.Statistical analysis was conducted to elucidate the possible association of the STEMI patients of different groups with plaque morphology of culprit vessel with alterations of ambient temperature.Results:The incidence of both plaque rupture and plaque erosion presented trough in summer.The incidence of plaque rupture reached a peak value in early winter when outdoor air temperature dropped below 0℃and declined with supply of central heating.Persistent cold exposure in early winter was positively and significantly associated with plaque rupture.The incidence of plaque erosion presented a peak in severe winter with outdoor air temperature dropping below-20℃and steady supply of central heating.ICE in severe winter was positively and significantly associated with plaque with intact intima,especially in aged male or current smoking patients.The positive correlation of cold exposure with lipid size in culprit plaque in winter weakened with central heating.Conclusion:ICE resulted from switching staying in between outdoor cold environment and indoor warm temperature with central heating in severe winter changed culprit plaque morphology in STEMI.Plaque rupture decreased whereas plaque erosion increased impacted by ICE.The effect of ICE on the transformation of plaque morphology might be explained by reduced lipid deposition.

Clinical study on the effect of Tongxinluo combined with trimetazidine on cardiac function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of Tongxinluo combined with trimetazidine on cardiac function in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention.Method: From March 2014 to September 2016, we selected 190 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with percutaneous coronary intervention, according to the admission time is divided into observation group and control group, the control group was treated with conventional therapy (aspirin, isosorbide dinitrate, metoprolol tartrate, clopidogrel sulfate, captopril, atorvastatin calcium and diuretics) and trimetazidine, observation group in the control group based on Tongxinluo combined treatment, each group of 95 cases, and hs-CRP, aldosterone, NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and cardiac function (LVEDV,LVESV,LVEF,SV) were compared.Result: The Hs-CRP in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group;The aldosterone in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group;The levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α and IL-6 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group;LVVEV and LVESV were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group, LVEF and SV were significantly higher than those in the control group.Conclusion:Tongxinluo combined with trimetazidine in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with clinical effect is better, stable plaque, effectively improve microcirculation and cardiac function, recommended a wide range of clinical application.

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.

Effect of reperfusion strategy on QT dispersion in patients with acute myocardial infarction:Impact on in-hospital arrhythmia

BACKGROUND Myocardial ischemia and ST-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)increase QT dispersion(QTD)and corrected QT dispersion(QTcD),and are also associated with ventricular arrhythmia.AIM To evaluate the effects of reperfusion strategy[primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)or fibrinolytic therapy]on QTD and QTcD in STEMI patients and assess the impact of the chosen strategy on the occurrence of in-hospital arrhythmia.METHODS This prospective,observational,multicenter study included 240 patients admitted with STEMI who were treated with either PPCI(group I)or fibrinolytic therapy(group II).QTD and QTcD were measured on admission and 24 hr after reperfusion,and patients were observed to detect in-hospital arrhythmia.RESULTS There were significant reductions in QTD and QTcD from admission to 24 hr in both group I and group II patients.QTD and QTcD were found to be shorter in group I patients at 24 hr than those in group II(53±19 msec vs 60±18 msec,P=0.005 and 60±21 msec vs 69+22 msec,P=0.003,respectively).The occurrence of in-hospital arrhythmia was significantly more frequent in group II than in group I(25 patients,20.8%vs 8 patients,6.7%,P=0.001).Furthermore,QTD and QTcD were higher in patients with in-hospital arrhythmia than those without(P=0.001 and P=0.02,respectively).CONCLUSION In STEMI patients,PPCI and fibrinolytic therapy effectively reduced QTD and QTcD,with a higher observed reduction using PPCI.PPCI was associated with a lower incidence of in-hospital arrhythmia than fibrinolytic therapy.In addition,QTD and QTcD were shorter in patients not experiencing in-hospital arrhythmia than those with arrhythmia.

Chest pain showing precordial ST-segment elevation in a 96-year-old woman with right coronary artery occlusion:A case report

BACKGROUND Typically,right coronary artery(RCA)occlusion causes ST-segment elevation in inferior leads.However,it is rarely observed that RCA occlusion causes STsegment elevation only in precordial leads.In general,an electrocardiogram is considered to be the most important method for determining the infarct-related artery,and recognizing this is helpful for timely discrimination of the culprit artery for reperfusion therapy.In this case,an elderly woman presented with chest pain showing dynamic changes in precordial ST-segment elevation with RCA occlusion.CASE SUMMARY A 96-year-old woman presented with acute chest pain showing precordial STsegment elevation with dynamic changes.Myocardial injury markers became positive.Coronary angiography indicated acute total occlusion of the proximal nondominant RCA,mild atherosclerosis of left anterior descending artery and 75%stenosis in the left circumflex coronary artery.Percutaneous coronary intervention was conducted for the RCA.Repeated manual thrombus aspiration was performed,and fresh thrombus was aspirated.A 2 mm×15 mm balloon was used to dilate the RCA with an acceptable angiographic result.The patient’s chest pain was relieved immediately.A postprocedural electrocardiogram showed alleviation of precordial ST-segment elevation.The diagnosis of acute isolated right ventricular infarction caused by proximal nondominant RCA occlusion was confirmed.Echocardiography indicated normal motion of the left ventricular anterior wall and interventricular septum(ejection fraction of 54%),and the right ventricle was slightly dilated.The patient was asymptomatic during the 9-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION Cardiologists should be conscious that precordial ST-segment elevation may be caused by occlusion of the nondominant RCA.

Relationship between serum homocysteine levels and long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background:The mortality of cardiovascular disease is constantly rising,and novel biomarkers help us predict residual risk.This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum homocysteine (HCY) levels on prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods:The 419 consecutive patients with STEMI,treated at one medical center,from March 2010 to December 2015 were retrospectively investigated.Peripheral blood samples were obtained within 24 h of admission and HCY concentrations were measured using an enzymatic cycling assay.The patients were divided into high HCY level (H-HCY) and low HCY level (L-HCY) groups.Short- and long-term outcomes were compared,as were age-based subgroups (patients aged 60 years and younger vs.those older than 60 years).Statistical analyses were mainly conducted by Student t-test,Chi-squared test,logistic regression,and Cox proportional-hazards regression.Results:The H-HCY group had more males (84.6% vs.75.4%,P=0.018),and a lower prevalence of diabetes (20.2% vs.35.5%,P<0.001),compared with the L-HCY group.During hospitalization,there were seven mortalities in the L-HCY group and 10 in the H-HCY group (3.3% vs.4.8%,P= 0.440).During the median follow-up period of 35.8 (26.9–46.1) months,33 (16.2%) patients in the L-HCY group and 48 (24.2%) in the H-HCY group experienced major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE)(P=0.120).History of hypertension (hazard ratio [HR]:1.881,95% confidence interval [CI]:1.178–3.005,P=0.008) and higher Killip class (HR:1.923,95% CI:1.419–2.607,P<0.001),but not HCY levels (HR:1.007,95% CI:0.987–1.027,P=0.507),were significantly associated with long-term outcomes.However,the subgroup analysis indicated that in older patients,HCY levels were significantly associated with long-term outcomes (HR:1.036,95% CI:1.011–1.062,P=0.005).Conclusion:Serum HCY levels did not independently predict in-hospital or long-term outcomes in patients with STEMI;however,among elderly patients with STEMI,this study revealed a risk profile for late outcomes that incorporated HCY level.

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.

Analysis of potential factors contributing to refusal of invasive strategy after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in China

Background:Reduced application of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)is associated with higher mortality rates after STsegment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).We aimed to evaluate potential factors contributing to the refusal of PCI in STEMI patients in China.Methods:We studied 957 patients diagnosed with STEMI in the emergency departments(EDs)of six public hospitals in China.The differences in baseline characteristics and 30-day outcome were investigated between patients who refused PCI and those who underwent PCI.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the potential factors associated with refusing PCI.Results:The potential factors contributing to refusing PCI were older than 65 years(odds ratio[OR]2.66,95%confidence interval[Cl]1.56-4.52,P<0.001),low body mass index(BMI)(OR 0.91,95%Cl 0.84-0.98,P=0.013),not being married(OR 0.29,95%Cl 0.17-0.49,P<0.001),history of myocardial infarction(MI)(OR 2.59,95%Cl 1.33-5.04,P=0.005),higher heart rate(HR)(OR 1.02,95%Cl 1.01-1.03,P=0.002),cardiac shock in the ED(OR 5.03,95%Cl 1.48-17.08,P=0.010),pre-hospital delay(>12 h)(OR 3.31,95%Cl 1.83-6.02,P<0.001)and not being hospitalized in a tertiary hospital(OR 0.45,95%Cl 0.27-0.75,P=0.002).Compared to men,women were older,were less often married,had a lower BMI and were less often hospitalized in tertiary hospitals.Conclusions:Patients who were older,had lower economic or social status,and had poorer health status were more likely to refuse PCI after STEMI.There was a sex difference in the potential predictors of refusing PCI.Targeted efforts should be made to improve the acceptance of PCI among patients with STEMI in China.

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.

Fibrinolysis or primary PCI in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT It is not known whether prehospital fibrinolysis, coupled with timely coronary angiography, provides a clinical outcome similar to that with primary percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） early after acute ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI）.