The Association of Thyroid Hormones with Coronary Atherosclerotic Severity in Euthyroid Patients

The aim of the work was to explore the correlation between thyroid hormones and coronary atherosclerotic severity. This cross-sectional study included 340 euthyroid patients who underwent diagnostic coronary artery angiography (CAG). Gensini Score (GS) was applied to assess the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Thyroid hormones and routine biochemical parameters were measured. The associations between thyroid hormones and coronary atherosclerosis severity were analyzed. Thyroid hormones levels or parameters were taken as both continuous variables and tertiles into analysis, and the lowest tertile was usually used as the reference (OR=1) for medium and highest tertiles. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) level was associated with GS≥22 (Median GS) in Model I adjusted for age and sex [Continuous: OR=0.46, 95% CI (0.23, 0.92), p=0.029; Tertile 3: OR=0.54, 95% CI (0.30, 0.97), p=0.038], and Model II adjusted for all known risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) [Continuous: OR=0.44, 95% CI (0.20, 0.95), p=0.036; Tertile 3: OR=0.49, 95% CI (0.25, 0.96), p=0.039]. Subjects with highest tertile of FT3 to free thyroxine (FT4) ratio (FT3/FT4 ratio) appeared to have the remarkably decreased risk of CAD in both Non-adjusted Model [OR=0.49, 95% CI (0.24, 0.98), p=0.044] and Model I [OR=0.45, 95% CI (0.22, 0.93), p=0.031]. Higher FT3 level within normal range was independently and negatively associated with severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Besides, FT3/FT4 ratio was remarkably correlated with the prevalence of CAD in euthyroid population.

197 Angio-based index of microcirculatory resistance for the assessment of the coronary resistance: a proof of concept study

Aims The study of coronary microcirculation has gained increasing consideration and importance in cath-lab. Despite the increase of evidence its use still remains very limited. QFR is a novel angio-based approach for the evaluation of coronary stenosis. The aim of our study was to use the QFR assessment in stable patients to recreate the IMR formula and to correlate the result of the two techniques. Methods and results From 1 June 2019 to 29 February 2019, 200 patients with CCS and indication of coronary artery angiography and referred to the cath-lab of the University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy) were enrolled. After baseline coronary angiogram, quantitative flow ratio, fractional flow reserve and index of microcirculatory resistance evaluation were performed. Pearson correlation (r) between Angio-based index of microcirculatory resistance (A-IMR) and IMR 0.32 with R2 = 0.098, P = 0.03: McNemar test showed a difference between the two test of 6.82% with 95% CI from −12.05% to 22.89%, which is not significant (P = 0.60). Bland and Altman plot showed a mean difference of 23.3 (from −26.5 to 73.1). Sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV were 70%, 83.3%, 75% and 70% for A-IMR value > 44.2. The area under the ROC curve for A-IMR was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61–0.88, P = 0.0003). Conclusions We have validated for the first time the formula of the A-IMR, a tool for the calculation of microvascular resistance which does not require the use of pressure guides and the induction of hyperemia

Developing a prioritisation framework for patients in need of coronary artery angiography

Background Effective waiting list management and comprehensive prioritisation can provide timely delivery of appropriate services to ensure that the patient needs are met and increase equity in the provision of health services. We developed a prioritisation framework for patients in need of coronary artery angiography (CAA). Methods We used a multi-methods approach to elicit effective factors that affect CAA patient prioritisation. Qualitative data wase collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 experts. The final set of factors was selected using experts’ consensus through modifed Delphi technique. The framework was finalised during expert panel meetings. Results 212 effective factors were identified based on the literature review, interviews, and expert panel discussion of them, 37 factors were selected for modifed Delphi study. Following two rounds of Delphi discussions, seven final factors were selected and weighed by ten experts using pair-wise comparisons. The following weights were given: the severity of pain and symptoms (0.22), stress testing (0.18), background diseases (0.15), number of myocardial infarctions (0.15), waiting time (0.10), reduction of economic and social performance (0.12), and special conditions (0.08). Conclusion Clinical effective factors were important for CAA prioritisation framework. Using this framework can potentially lead to improved accountability and justice in the health system.

Giant Atrial Septal Artery Aneurysm with a Fistula to the Right Atrium

An atrial septal artery aneurysm is a rare disease, especially accompanied with a fistula. During clinical practice, it is very important to clear the anatomical details of the coronary aneurysm before operation. In the current article, we report a giant atrial septal artery aneurysm originating from a branch of the RCA combined with a coronary right atrial fistula. The coronary artery aneurysm should be evaluated using multiple diagnostic and imaging modalities, such as echocardiography, coronary artery angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cardiac CT, especially three-dimensional reconstruction, which could help us to distinguish the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the CAA and fistula.

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

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.

Impact of inhalation aromatherapy with Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) on stress, anxiety and hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary angiography: a single blind randomized clinical trial

Objectives Coronary arteries angiography is used commonly for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. In spite of the low risk of coronary artery angiography method, it could lead to stress, anxiety and consequently hemodynamic changes in patients. This study aimed to assess the effects of inhalation aromatherapy with Rosa damascena on stress, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 98 patients in Besat Educational Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Before coronary angiography, patients at aromatherapy group inhaled five drops of 40% Rosa damascena for 20 min and in the control group, patients inhaled distilled water. Stress, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after the intervention using DASS-21 questionnaire and checklist. Results Data were analysed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive and inferential statistics such as paired t-test and non-parametric tests. There were significant differences in terms of stress and anxiety severity in patients at aromatherapy group (p=0.005) and control group (p=0.001). There were significant differences in terms of hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (p=0.001), mean arterial pressure (p=0.001), systolic (p=0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001) and SpO2 (p=0.02). Conclusions Inhalation aromatherapy with Rosa damascena can significantly decrease stress and anxiety severity and improve hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Registry number This study has registered with the number IRCT201702019759N8 at Iranian Registry Clinical Trial.

Mysterious window: A right coronary artery-left ventricular fistula diagnosed by multiple imaging methods

Prevalence of primary coronary cameral fistula (CCF) is extremely rare, especially for CCF with the drainage site into the left ventricle. We describe a 45-year-old patient with chest tightness in whom a giant aneurysm associated with proximal right coronary artery (RCA), and the distal end of RCA terminated into the left ventricle through a fistula was discovered by echocardiography. Dual-source computer tomography revealed the CCF-related giant RCA aneurysm. The drainage site and coexistent abnormality could not be visualized well by coronary artery angiography because of the severely diluted contrast medium into the aneurysm. Finally, the patient received surgical treatment and is asymptomatic now.

Role of IVUS in the rectification of angiographically judged ramus intermedius and its clinical significance

Background Due to the technical limitations of coronary artery angiography (CAG), ramus intermedius (RI) is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a high-origin obtuse marginal branch or a high-origin diagonal branch. This study sought to investigate the role of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) in the rectification of angiographically judged RI. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 165 patients who were reported to have an RI based on CAG and underwent IVUS implementation from 02/01/2009 to 31/12/2019 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Taking IVUS as the gold standard, we calculated the accuracy of RI identification by CAG and evaluated the impact of RI on revascularization strategy. Results Among the 165 patients, 89 patients (54%) were demonstrated to have an RI on IVUS (IVUS-RI), 32 patients (19%) were identified to have a high-origin diagonal branch on IVUS (IVUS-h-D), and 44 patients (27%) had an actual high-origin obtuse marginal artery on IVUS (IVUS-h-OM). Among 84 patients who underwent one-stent crossover stenting because of left main furcation lesions (48 patients in the IVUS-RI group, 12 patients in the IVUS-h-D group, and 24 in the IVUS-h-OM group), 14.6% of patients in the IVUS-RI group, 33.3% in the IVUS-h-D group and 0% in the IVUS-h-OM group had CAG-RI compromise (P = 0.02), which was defined as severe stenosis of the RI ostium (> 75%) or significant RI flow impairment (TIMI < 3). Conclusions Only 54% of CAG-RIs were confirmed by IVUS, which indicates the necessity of preintervention IVUS to distinguish real RIs from other branches in LM furcation lesions.

A tale of two SCADs: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection series

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a relatively rare condition, occurs when a tear is present in the coronary artery walls, slowing the flow of blood due to potential clotting. Most patients show symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath; however, SCAD is seen mostly in relatively young and healthy women with minimal past medical history. Within this report, we present two female SCAD patients and the etiology of a SCAD case, including a complicated diagnosis and treatment. We describe a 33-year-old woman and a 40-year-old woman both presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiogram was done and coronary artery angiography was performed on both patients, demonstrating a SCAD. Both patients were treated with aspirin, bet-blockers, and statin to relieve associated symptoms and accordingly discharged. Key words: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Female, intramural hematoma