scholarly journals ‘A bridge over troubled water’: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico D’Amario ◽  
Michela Cammarano ◽  
Rossella Quarta ◽  
Fabio Casamassima ◽  
Attilio Restivo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Dobutamine Infusion ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Myocardial Bridge ◽  
Benign Condition ◽  
Invasive Test ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
Coronary Artery Segment

Abstract Background Myocardial bridge (MB) is the most common inborn coronary artery variant, in which a portion of myocardium overlies a major epicardial coronary artery segment. Myocardial bridge has been for long considered a benign condition, although it has been shown to cause effort-related ischaemia. Case summary  We present the case of a 17-year-old female patient experiencing chest pain during physical activity. Since her symptoms became unbearable, electrocardiogram and echocardiography were performed together with a coronary computed tomography scan, revealing an MB on proximal-mid left anterior descending artery. In order to unequivocally unmask the ischaemic burden lent by MB, the patient underwent coronary angiography and physiological invasive test: instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were calculated, both at baseline and after dobutamine infusion (5 µg/kg/min). At baseline, iFR value was borderline (= 0.89), whereas after dobutamine infusion and increase in the heart rate, the patient suffered chest pain. This symptom was associated with a decrease in the iFR value up to 0.77. Consistently, when FFR was performed, a value of 0.92 was observed at baseline, while after inotrope infusion the FFR reached the haemodynamic significance (= 0.79). Therefore, a medical treatment with bisoprolol was started. Discussion  Our clinical case shows the importance of a comprehensive non-invasive and invasive assessment of MB in young patients experiencing chest pain, with significant limitation in the daily life. The coronary functional indexes allow to detect the presence of MB-derived ischaemia, thus guiding the decision to undertake a medical/surgical therapy.

scholarly journals Relationship of Stress Test Findings to Anatomic or Functional Extent of Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Demetrios Doukas ◽  
Sorcha Allen ◽  
Amy Wozniak ◽  
Siri Kunchakarra ◽  
Rina Verma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Stress Testing ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Coronary Cta ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
Artery Disease

Background. In the United States, functional stress testing is the primary imaging modality for patients with stable symptoms suspected to represent coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is excellent at identifying anatomic coronary artery disease (CAD). The application of computational fluid dynamics to coronary CTA allows fractional flow reserve (FFR) to be calculated noninvasively (FFRCT). The relationship of noninvasive stress testing to coronary CTA and FFRCT in real-world clinical practice has not been studied. Methods. We evaluated 206 consecutive patients at Loyola University Chicago with suspected CAD who underwent noninvasive stress testing followed by coronary CTA and FFRCT when indicated. Patients were categorized by stress test results (positive, negative, indeterminate, and equivocal). Duke treadmill score (DTS), METS, exercise duration, and chest pain with exercise were analyzed. Lesions ≥ 50 % stenosis were considered positive by coronary CTA. FF R CT < 0.80 was considered diagnostic of ischemia. Results. Two hundred and six patients had paired noninvasive stress test and coronary CTA/FFRCT results. The median time from stress test to coronary CTA was 49 days. Average patient age was 60.3 years, and 42% were male. Of the 206 stress tests, 75% were exercise (70% echocardiographic, 26% nuclear, and 4% EKG). There were no associations of stress test results with CAD > 50 % or FF R CT < 0.80 ( p = 0.927 and p = 0.910 , respectively). Of those with a positive stress test, only 30% (3/10) had CAD > 50 % and only 50% (5/10) had FF R CT < 0.80 . Chest pain with exercise did not correlate with CAD > 50 % or FF R CT < 0.80 ( p = 0.66 and p = 0.12 , respectively). There were no significant correlations between METS, DTS, or exercise duration and FFRCT ( r = 0.093 , p = 0.274 ; r = 0.012 , p = 0.883 ; and r = 0.034 , p = 0.680 ; respectively). Conclusion. Noninvasive stress testing, functional capacity, chest pain with exercise, and DTS are not associated with anatomic or functional CAD using a diagnostic strategy of coronary CTA and FFRCT.

scholarly journals Intraoperative coronary angiography and fractional flow reserve measurement with dobutamine infusion in supra-arterial myotomy for a myocardial bridge: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuichiro Yamauchi ◽  
Akihiro Hayashida ◽  
Atsushi Hirohata ◽  
Taichi Sakaguchi
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Intravenous Administration ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Myocardial Bridge ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
Coronary Artery Angiography ◽  
First Choice

Abstract Background A myocardial bridge (MB) is a congenital coronary anomaly, wherein the epicardial coronary artery tunnels through the myocardial band. Treatment is indicated when clinical symptoms occur, and β-blockers are the first choice of treatment. Symptomatic patients refractory to medical therapy are considered for other options, including stent placement, coronary artery bypass grafting, or surgical supra-arterial myotomy. Supra-arterial myotomy is effective; however, the symptoms might persist if myocardial resection is inadequately performed. Case summary We encountered a patient experiencing exertional chest pain. Coronary angiography revealed a MB at the mid-left anterior descending artery with systolic compression. The patient’s fractional flow reserves (FFRs) were 0.93 at rest and 0.72 with intravenous administration of 50 µg/kg/min dobutamine. The symptoms were refractory to drugs, and supra-arterial myotomy was performed with intraoperative coronary artery angiography, which revealed the milking effect of the residual myocardium; therefore, additional myocardial resection was performed. Postoperative coronary artery angiography showed no systolic compression, and the postoperative FFRs were 0.88 at rest and 0.92 with intravenous administration of dobutamine 50 µg/kg/min. Discussion Although surgical supra-arterial myotomy is safe and effective, inadequate myocardial resection might cause symptom recurrence. Intraoperative coronary artery angiography during the surgery can indicate whether additional resection is required. Objective assessment of ischaemia might be useful in cases with a MB, which can cause asymptomatic myocardial ischaemia and sudden cardiac death. FFRs before surgery can help in evaluating the need for surgery and for confirming the therapeutic effect and subsequent treatment.

scholarly journals Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Sheng Chao ◽  
Jennifer Horton
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Fractional Flow Reserve ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Stable Chest Pain

Computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) may predict coronary artery disease or flow-limiting stenosis in adult patients with stable chest pain better than coronary CT angiography alone, based on the relevant studies in 2 systematic reviews. CT-FFR is associated with a decreased need for invasive coronary angiography and revascularization in adult patients with stable chest pain, based on findings from 1 systematic review. In the US settings, CT-FFR was dominant (i.e., less costly and more effective) compared to stress testing for the evaluation of low-risk stable chest pain, based on findings from 1 cost-effectiveness study.

scholarly journals Encasement of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery: Association with Takotsubo Syndrome, and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Peters
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Apical Ballooning ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Takotsubo Syndrome ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Myocardial Bridging ◽  
Flow Reserve

Myocardial bridging is a rare event, which leads to chest pain, arrhythmias and discussable takotsubo syndrome (cardiomyopathy).We collected 41 patients (33 females, mean age 68.4 years) with all forms of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in most cases and 6 cases with chest pain and echocardiographic mid-ventricular hypokinesia. Left ventricular angiography revealed apical ballooning in 30 patients, mid-ventricular ballooning in 3 cases, and basal ballooning in one case.The correct diagnosis of myocardial bridging can be best made by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) with either adenosine or dobutamine injection.Beyond atherosclerosis, myocardial bridging is a prominent cause of chest pain, although ischemia is difficult to verify.

scholarly journals Acute Coronary Syndrome Mimicking Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Martin Chaumont ◽  
Marc Blaimont ◽  
Rachid Briki ◽  
Philippe Unger ◽  
Nadia Debbas
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Flow Reserve

A healthy 66-year-old female presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain, T-wave inversion in the anterior leads, and elevated troponin-I. Coronary angiography showed a stenosis in the midportion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), which did not wrap the left ventricle (LV) apex. LV angiography demonstrated a large LV apical akinetic systolic ballooning with a 45% ejection fraction. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) of LAD lesion was 0.71. Percutaneous intervention was performed. At six months, transthoracic echocardiography was normal. Fifteen months later, the patient presented with chest pain and a small rise in troponin-I. Coronary angiogram was unchanged. Repeat FFR in distal LAD was 0.86 and left ventriculography was normal. Diagnostic criteria for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) require the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. In the present case, TTC was highly suspected on the basis of typical LV apex ballooning. However, significant ischemia in the same territory was demonstrated by positive FFR, which could not be falsely positive in this context. Current TTC diagnostic criteria increase specificity for diagnosing TTC. This case reminds us that it is at the price of reduced sensitivity, since there is no reason to believe that coronary lesions may protect from TTC.

scholarly journals Myocardial Ischemia in Children With Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery With Intraseptal Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tam T. Doan ◽  
Rodrigo Zea-Vera ◽  
Hitesh Agrawal ◽  
Carlos M. Mery ◽  
Prakash Masand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Myocardial Perfusion ◽  
Myocardial Ischemia ◽  
Fractional Flow Reserve ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Benign Condition ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
Exercise Restriction ◽  
Myocardial Hypoperfusion

Background: Intraseptal anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is considered a benign condition. However, there have been case reports of patients with myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical presentation, myocardial perfusion on provocative stress testing, and management of children with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery with an intraseptal course in a prospective cohort. Methods: Patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery and intraseptal course were prospectively enrolled from December 2012 to May 2019, evaluated, and managed following a standardized algorithm. Myocardial perfusion was assessed using stress imaging. Fractional flow reserve was performed in patients with myocardial hypoperfusion on noninvasive testing. Exercise restriction, β-blockers, and surgical intervention were discussed with the families. Results: Eighteen patients (female 6, 33.3%), who presented with no symptoms (10, 55.6%), nonexertional (4, 22.2%), and exertional symptoms (4, 22.2%), were enrolled at a median age of 12.4 years (0.3–15.9). Perfusion imaging was performed in 14/18 (77.8%) and was abnormal in 7/14 (50%); fractional flow reserve was positive in 5/8 (62.5%). All 4 patients with exertional symptoms and 3/10 (30%) with no or nonexertional symptoms had myocardial hypoperfusion. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in a 4-year-old patient; β-blocker and exercise restriction were recommended in 4 patients not suitable for surgery. One patient had nonexertional chest pain and 17 were symptom-free at median follow-up of 2.5 years (0.2–7.1). Conclusions: Up to 50% of patients with intraseptal anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery had inducible myocardial hypoperfusion during noninvasive provocative testing. Long-term follow-up is necessary to understand the natural history of this rare anomaly.

Fractional Flow Reserve: Does a Cut-off Value add Value?

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Shah R Mohdnazri ◽  
◽  
◽  
◽  
Thomas R Keeble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fractional Flow Reserve ◽  
Coronary Intervention ◽  
Grey Zone ◽  
Fractional Flow ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Test ◽  
Flow Reserve ◽  
A Value ◽  
Percutaneous Coronary ◽  
Value Add

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been shown to improve outcomes when used to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There have been two proposed cut-off points for FFR. The first was derived by comparing FFR against a series of non-invasive tests, with a value of ≤0.75 shown to predict a positive ischaemia test. It was then shown in the DEFER study that a vessel FFR value of ≥0.75 was associated with safe deferral of PCI. During the validation phase, a ‘grey zone’ for FFR values of between 0.76 and 0.80 was demonstrated, where a positive non-invasive test may still occur, but sensitivity and specificity were sub-optimal. Clinical judgement was therefore advised for values in this range. The FAME studies then moved the FFR cut-off point to ≤0.80, with a view to predicting outcomes. The ≤0.80 cut-off point has been adopted into clinical practice guidelines, whereas the lower value of ≤0.75 is no longer widely used. Here, the authors discuss the data underpinning these cut-off values and the practical implications for their use when using FFR guidance in PCI.

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