BACKGROUND Data on the prevalence of valvular heart disease in very old individuals are scarce and based mostly on in-hospital series. In addition, the potential detrimental effect of valvular... Show moreBACKGROUND Data on the prevalence of valvular heart disease in very old individuals are scarce and based mostly on in-hospital series. In addition, the potential detrimental effect of valvular heart disease on the activities of daily living is unknown. The present study evaluated the prevalence of significant valvular heart disease and the impact of valvular heart disease on the activities of daily living in community dwelling nonagenarians. Nested within the Leiden 85-plus study, a population based follow-up study of the oldest old, a sample of 81 nonagenarians was recruited. METHODS The left ventricular (LV) dimensions, function and the presence and severity of heart valvular disease were evaluated by echocardiography. Significant valvular heart disease included any mitral or aortic stenosis severity, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, moderate or severe aortic regurgitation and moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation. Activities of daily living were assessed using the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS). RESULTS LV cavity diameters (end-diastolic diameter 47 +/- 8 mm, end-systolic diameter 30 +/- 8 mm) and systolic LV function (LV ejection fraction 66 +/- 13%) were within normal for the majority of the participants. Significant valvular disease was present in 57 (70%) individuals, with mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation as the most frequent valve diseases (49% and 28% respectively). The GARS score between individuals with and without significant valvular heart disease was similar (36.2 +/- 9.2 vs. 34.4 +/- 13.2, p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS Nonagenarian, outpatient individuals have a high prevalence of significant valvular heart disease. However, no relation was observed between the presence of significant valvular heart disease and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Show less
Bijl, N. van der; Joemai, R.M.S.; Geleijns, J.; Bax, J.J.; Schuijf, J.D.; Roos, A. de; Kroft, L.J.M. 2010
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate to what extent Agatston scores may be derived from CT coronary angiography (CTA) examinations, compared with traditional unenhanced CT calcium... Show moreOBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate to what extent Agatston scores may be derived from CT coronary angiography (CTA) examinations, compared with traditional unenhanced CT calcium scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Fifty patients with a CT calcium score-Agatston score of zero and 50 patients with a CT calcium score-Agatston score of 1 or greater whose CT calcium scores had been calculated and who had undergone CTA using volumetric 320-MDCT were included. Agatston scores were obtained at 3.0-mm slices for CT calcium score and CTA. Method agreement, interobserver agreement, and diagnostic performance of CTA for detecting coronary calcium were evaluated. RESULTS. Of 50 patients with a positive CT calcium score-Agatston score, coronary artery calcium was detected with CTA in 43 patients by observer 1 (mean CTA score, 102 +/- 202; mean CT calcium score, 254 +/- 501) and in 46 patients by observer 2 (mean CTA score, 94 +/- 147; mean CT calcium score, 272 +/- 531). Of the 50 patients with a CT calcium score-Agatston score of zero, 49 (98%, observer 1) and 50 (100%, observer 2) had a zero score with CTA as well. An intraclass correlation of 0.78 and 0.62 was found between CT calcium score and CTA (p < 0.01), whereas higher Agatston scores were underestimated with CTA. For observer 1, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for detection of coronary calcium with CTA were 86%, 98%, 98%, 88%, and 92%, respectively, and the corresponding values for observer 2 were 92%, 100%, 100%, 93%, and 96%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was 0.996 for CT calcium score and 0.93 for CTA. CONCLUSION. Coronary artery calcium can be detected on CTA images with high accuracy. The Agatston calcium score derived from CTA images shows good correlation with unenhanced CT calcium score and is highly reproducible. However, higher Agatston scores are systematically underestimated when derived from CTA images. Show less
Objectives: Previous studies demonstrated beneficial short-term effects of surgical ventricular restoration on mechanical dyssynchrony and left ventricular function and improved midterm and long... Show moreObjectives: Previous studies demonstrated beneficial short-term effects of surgical ventricular restoration on mechanical dyssynchrony and left ventricular function and improved midterm and long-term clinical parameters. However, long-term effects on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function are still largely unknown. Methods: We studied 9 patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent surgical ventricular restoration with additional restrictive mitral annuloplasty and/or coronary artery bypass grafting. Invasive hemodynamic measurements by conductance catheter (pressure-volume loops) were obtained before and 6 months after surgery. In addition, New York Heart Association classification, quality-of-life score, and 6-minute hall-walk test were assessed. Results: At 6 months' follow-up, all patients were alive and clinically in improved condition: New York Heart Association class from 3.3 +/- 0.5 to 1.4 +/- 0.7, quality-of-life score from 46 +/- 22 to 15 +/- 15, and 6-minute hall-walk test from 302 +/- 123 to 444 +/- 78 m (all P < .01). Hemodynamic data showed improved cardiac output (4.8 +/- 1.4 to 5.6 +/- 1.1 L/min), stroke work (6.5 +/- 1.9 to 7.1 +/- 1.4 mm Hg . L; P = .05), and left ventricular ejection fraction (36% +/- 10% to 46% +/- 10%; P < .001). Left ventricular surgical remodeling was sustained at 6 months: end-diastolic volume decreased from 246 +/- 70 to 180 +/- 48 mL and end-systolic volume from 173 +/- 77 to 103 +/- 40 mL (both P < .001). Left ventricular dyssynchrony decreased from 29% +/- 6% to 26% +/- 3% (P < .001) and ineffective internal flow fraction decreased from 58% +/- 30% to 42% +/- 18% (P < .005). Early relaxation (Tau, minimal rate of pressure change) was unchanged, but diastolic stiffness constant increased from 0.012 +/- 0.003 to 0.023 +/- 0.007 mL(-1) (P < .001). Conclusions: Surgical ventricular restoration with additional restrictive mitral annuloplasty and/or coronary artery bypass grafting leads to sustained left ventricular volume reduction at 6 months' follow-up. We observed improved systolic function and unchanged early diastolic function but impaired passive diastolic properties. Clinical improvement, supported by decreased New York Heart Association class, improved quality-of-life score, and improved 6-minute hall-walk test may be related to improved systolic function, reduced mechanical dyssynchrony, and reduced wall stress. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010;140:1338-44) Show less
Winkel, T.A.; Schouten, O.; Hoeks, S.E.; Voute, M.T.; Chonchol, M.; Goei, D.; ... ; Poldermans, D. 2010
Background: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assays with increased sensitivity might increase the number of positive tests. Using the area under the curve (AUC) with serial sampling of cTnT an exact... Show moreBackground: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) assays with increased sensitivity might increase the number of positive tests. Using the area under the curve (AUC) with serial sampling of cTnT an exact quantification of the myocardial damage size can be made. We compared the prognosis of vascular surgery patients with integrated cTnT-AUC values to continuous and standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) changes. Methods: 513 Patients were monitored. cTnT sampling was performed on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 30 and/or at discharge or whenever clinically indicated. If cTnT release occurred, daily measurements of cTnT were performed, until baseline was achieved. CTnT AUC was quantified and divided in tertiles. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular events (cardiac death and myocardial infarction) were noted during follow-up. Results: 81/513 (16%) Patients had cTnT release. After adjustment for gender, cardiac risk factors, and site and type of surgery, those in the highest cTnT-AUC tertile were associated with a significantly worse cardiovascular outcome and long-term mortality (HR 20.2; 95% CI 10.2-40.0 and HR 4.0; 95% CI 2.0-7.8 respectively). Receiver operator analysis showed that the best cut-off value for cTnT-AUC was <0.01 days*ng m for predicting long-term cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Conclusion: In vascular surgery patients quantitative assessment of cTnT strongly predicts long-term outcome. (C) 2010 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
BACKGROUND: To assess the relationship between improved regional and global myocardial function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy in response to beta-blocker therapy or revascularization.... Show moreBACKGROUND: To assess the relationship between improved regional and global myocardial function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy in response to beta-blocker therapy or revascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in 32 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy before and 8 +/- 2 months after therapy. Patients were assigned clinically to beta-blocker therapy (n = 20) or revascularization (n = 12). CMR at baseline was performed to assess regional and global LV function at rest and under low-dose dobutamine. Wall thickening was analyzed in dysfunctional, adjacent, and remote segments. Follow-up CMR included rest function evaluation. RESULTS: Augmentation of wall thickening during dobutamine at baseline was similar in dysfunctional, adjacent and remote segments in both patient groups. Therefore, baseline characteristics were similar for both patient groups. In both patient groups resting LV ejection fraction and end-systolic volume improved significantly (p < 0.05) at follow-up. Stepwise multivariate analysis revealed that improvement in global LV ejection fraction in the beta-blocker treated patients was significantly related to improved function of remote myocardium (p < 0.05), whereas in the revascularized patients improved function in dysfunctional and adjacent segments was more pronounced (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with chronic ischemic LV dysfunction, beta-Blocker therapy or revascularization resulted in a similar improvement of global systolic LV function. However, after beta-blocker therapy, improved global systolic function was mainly related to improved contraction of remote myocardium, whereas after revascularization the dysfunctional and adjacent regions contributed predominantly to the improved global systolic function. Show less
Bommel, R.J. van; Tanaka, H.; Delgado, V.; Bertini, M.; Borleffs, C.J.W.; Marsan, N.A.; ... ; Gorcsan, J. 2010
Current criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are restricted to patients with a wide QRS complex (> 120 ms). Overall, only 30% of heart failure patients demonstrate a wide QRS... Show moreCurrent criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are restricted to patients with a wide QRS complex (> 120 ms). Overall, only 30% of heart failure patients demonstrate a wide QRS complex, leaving the majority of heart failure patients without this treatment option. However, patients with a narrow QRS complex exhibit left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony, as assessed with echocardiography. To further elucidate the possible beneficial effect of CRT in heart failure patients with a narrow QRS complex, this two-centre, non-randomized observational study focused on different echocardiographic parameters of LV mechanical dyssynchrony reflecting atrioventricular, interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony, and the response to CRT in these patients. A total of 123 consecutive heart failure patients with a narrow QRS complex (< 120 ms) undergoing CRT was included at two centres. Several widely accepted measures of mechanical dyssynchrony were evaluated: LV filling ratio (LVFT/RR), LV pre-ejection time (LPEI), interventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (IVMD), opposing wall delay (OWD), and anteroseptal posterior wall delay with speckle tracking (ASPWD). Response to CRT was defined as a reduction >= 15% in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6 months follow-up. Measures of dyssynchrony can frequently be observed in patients with a narrow QRS complex. Nonetheless, for LVFT/RR, LPEI, and IVMD, presence of predefined significant dyssynchrony is < 20%. Significant intraventricular dyssynchrony is more widely observed in these patients. With receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, both OWD and ASPWD demonstrated usefulness in predicting response to CRT in narrow QRS patients with a cut-off value of 75 and 107 ms, respectively. Mechanical dyssynchrony can be widely observed in heart failure patients with a narrow QRS complex. In particular, intraventricular measures of mechanical dyssynchrony may be useful in predicting LV reverse remodelling at 6 months follow-up in heart failure patients with a narrow QRS complex, but with more stringent cut-off values than currently used in 'wide' QRS patients. Show less
Mortensen, P.T.; Herre, J.M.; Chung, E.S.; Bax, J.J.; Gerritse, B.; Kruijshoop, M.; Murillo, J. 2010
Left ventricular pacing site (LV-PS) was prospectively collected to test the influence of the anatomical LV-PS on the outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and mortality. Four hundred... Show moreLeft ventricular pacing site (LV-PS) was prospectively collected to test the influence of the anatomical LV-PS on the outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and mortality. Four hundred and twenty-six patients with standard indications for CRT underwent echocardiographic and clinical evaluation before and after CRT implantation. The LV-PS was determined from fluoroscopy using the clockwise principle (CP). The LV-PS was categorized into three prospectively defined groups: between 3 and 5 o'clock and longitudinal basal/mid-position (Group A, 'optimal'); between 12 and 2 o'clock and longitudinal mid-apical anterior position (Group B, 'non-optimal'); and all other (Group C, 'other'). Of 333 patients, followed for 0.9 years (mean), adequate images were available to define the LV-PS. Left ventricular pacing site was Group A for 118 patients, Group B for 56, and Group C for 159. The three groups were comparable regarding gender, aetiology, and NYHA class; however, patients in Group A were younger. No relation was found between the LV-PS groups and CRT outcome or all-cause mortality. However, further exploratory subanalyses suggest that LV-PS may impact outcomes in non-ischaemic patients, those with left bundle branch block, and when LV-PS is apical in location. Using the CP to define anatomical LV-PS, no relation was found between the LV-PS groups and CRT outcome and mortality. Exploratory analyses warrant further studies. Show less
Kuijk, J.P. van; Flu, W.J.; Chonchol, M.; Valentijn, T.M.; Verhagen, H.J.M.; Bax, J.J.; Poldermans, D. 2010
Background/Aims: Serum phosphorus levels have been associated with adverse long-term outcome in several populations, however, no prior studies evaluated short-term postoperative outcome. The... Show moreBackground/Aims: Serum phosphorus levels have been associated with adverse long-term outcome in several populations, however, no prior studies evaluated short-term postoperative outcome. The present study evaluated the predictive value of phosphorus levels on 30-day outcome after vascular surgery. Methods: The study included patients scheduled for major vascular surgery (aortic aneurysm repair, lower extremity revascularization or carotid surgery), divided into four quartiles based on the preoperative fasting phosphorus level. The endpoints of the analyses were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality during the first 30 postoperative days and during long-term follow-up (median 3.6 years, interquartile range 1.8-8.0). Results: Prior to surgery, 1,798 patients were categorized into the following quartiles: <2.9 mg/dl (n = 459), 2.9-3.4 mg/dl (n = 456), 3.4-3.8 mg/dl (n = 444) and >3.8 mg/dl (n = 439), respectively. During the first 30 postoperative days, 81 (4.5%) patients died of which 66 (81%) secondary to a cardiovascular cause. In multivariate analyses, an independent association was observed between phosphorus level >3.8 mg/dl and all-cause (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.2-5.4) or cardiovascular mortality (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.1-5.7). Baseline serum phosphorus >3.8 mg/dl was also significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). Conclusions: Preoperative elevated serum phosphorus demonstrated an independent relationship with the occurrence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality during the first 30 days after major vascular surgery. In addition, an elevated serum phosphorus was independently associated with long-term mortality. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel Show less
Ewe, S.H.; Marsan, N.A.; Pepi, M.; Delgado, V.; Tamborini, G.; Muratori, M.; ... ; Bax, J.J. 2010
Background This study aimed to evaluate the impact of baseline left ventricular (LV) systolic function on clinical and echocardiographic outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation ... Show moreBackground This study aimed to evaluate the impact of baseline left ventricular (LV) systolic function on clinical and echocardiographic outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Survival of patients undergoing TAVI was also compared with that of a population undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. Methods One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients (mean age = 80 +/- 7 years) undergoing TAVI in 2 centers were included. Mean follow-up period was 9.1 +/- 5.1 months. Results At baseline, 34% of patients had impaired LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (<50%) and 66% had normal LVEF (>= 50%). Procedural success was similar in these 2 groups (94% vs 97%, P = .41). All patients achieved improvement in transvalvular hemodynamics. At follow-up, patients with a baseline LVEF <50% showed marked LV reverse remodeling, with improvement of LVEF (from 37% +/- 8% to 51% +/- 11%). Early and late mortality rates were not different between the 2 groups, despite a higher rate of combined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with a baseline LVEF <50%. The predictors of cumulative MACEs were baseline LVEF (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94-0.99) and preoperative frailty (HR = 4.20, 95% CI = 2.00-8.84). In addition, long-term survival of patients with impaired or normal LVEF was comparable with that of a matched population who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. Conclusions TAVI resulted in significant improvement in LV function and survival benefit in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, regardless of baseline LVEF. Patients with a baseline LVEF <50% were at higher risk of combined MACEs. (Am Heart J 2010;160:1113-20.) Show less
The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA)-derived left ventricular (LV) function analysis and to assess its incremental... Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA)-derived left ventricular (LV) function analysis and to assess its incremental prognostic value over the detection of significant stenosis using CTA. In 728 patients (400 males, mean age 55 +/- A 12 years) with known or suspected CAD, the presence of significant stenosis (a parts per thousand yen 50% stenosis) and LV function were assessed using CTA. LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated. LV function was assessed as a continuous variable and using cutoff values (LVEDV > 215 mL, LVESV > 90 mL, LVEF < 49%). The following events were combined in a composite end-point: all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina pectoris requiring hospitalization. On CTA, a significant stenosis was observed in 221 patients (30%). During follow-up [median 765 days, 25-75th percentile: 493-978] an event occurred in 45 patients (6.2%). After multivariate correction for clinical risk factors and CTA, LVEF < 49% and LVESV > 90 mL were independent predictors of events with an incremental prognostic value over clinical risk factors and CTA. The present results suggest that LV function analysis provides independent and incremental prognostic information beyond anatomic assessment of CAD using CTA. Show less
Approximately 20% of patients with heart failure have left bundle branch block (LBBB) on surface electrocardiogram (ECG). In this group of patients, detection of right ventricular (RV) dilatation... Show moreApproximately 20% of patients with heart failure have left bundle branch block (LBBB) on surface electrocardiogram (ECG). In this group of patients, detection of right ventricular (RV) dilatation on standard ECG can be of clinical relevance because RV enlargement is an important prognostic marker. Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic accuracy for several electrocardiographic criteria in determining significant RV dilatation in these patients. Standard 12-lead ECGs were obtained in 173 patients with heart failure and known LBBB. From the ECG, 3 criteria for RV dilatation were defined: presence of terminal positivity in lead aVR (late R wave in lead aVR), low voltage (<0.6 mV) in all extremity leads, and an R/S ratio <1 in lead V(5). In addition, all patients underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation including assessment of RV dimensions. Measurements were performed blinded to electrocardiographic results. Significant RV dilatation was defined as an RV base-to-apex length ≥86 mm or an RV diastolic area ≥33 cm(2). Eighty-six patients (50%) had a late R wave in lead aVR, 36 patients (21%) had low voltage in extremity leads, and 67 patients (39%) had an R/S ratio <1 in lead V(5). An RV base-to-apex length ≥86 mm was present in 67 patients (39%), and 62 patients (36%) had an RV diastolic area ≥33 cm(2). Any combination of 2 to 3 positive criteria could predict an RV base-to-apex length ≥86 mm with a positive predictive value of 89% and a negative predictive value of 88%. Similarly, an RV diastolic area ≥33 cm(2) was predicted with a positive predictive value of 80% and a negative predictive value of 88%. In conclusion, combining 2 to 3 distinct electrocardiographic criteria allows for accurate detection of RV dilatation in patients with heart failure and LBBB. Show less
Wall, E.E. van der; Graaf, F.R. de; Velzen, J.E. van; Jukema, J.W.; Schuijf, J.D.; Bax, J.J. 2010
The present study tested whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) the combination of increased waist circumference and increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels can predict the... Show moreThe present study tested whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) the combination of increased waist circumference and increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels can predict the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as assessed by multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA). In 202 patients with type 2 DM who were clinically referred for CTA, waist circumference and TG levels were measured. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to waist circumference measurements and TG levels. Increased waist circumference and TG levels (n = 61, 31%) indicated the presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. Patients with low waist circumference and TG (n = 49, 24%) were considered the reference group. Physical examination and blood measurements were performed. CTA was used to determine presence and severity of CAD. In addition, plaque type was evaluated. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the group with increased TG levels and waist circumference, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower than in the reference group. There was a significant increase in the presence of any CAD (odds ratio 3.3, confidence interval 1.31 to 8.13, p <0.05) and obstructive CAD (≥50%, odds ratio 2.9, confidence interval 1.16 to 7.28, p <0.05) in the group with increased TG level and waist circumference. In addition, a significantly larger number of noncalcified and mixed plaques was observed. In conclusion, in patients with type 2 DM, presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype translated into a deteriorated blood lipid profile and more extensive CAD on CTA. Accordingly, the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype may serve as a practical clinical biomarker to improve risk stratification in patients with type 2 DM. Show less
The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood on the relation between coronary calcium score (CCS) and computed tomographic coronary... Show moreThe purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood on the relation between coronary calcium score (CCS) and computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA) to determine the role of CCS as a gatekeeper to CTA in patients presenting with chest pain. In 576 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), CCS and CTA were performed. CCS was categorized as 0, 1 to 400, and >400. On CT angiogram the presence of significant CAD (≥50% luminal narrowing) was determined. Significant CAD was observed in 14 of 242 patients (5.8%) with CCS 0, in 94 of 260 patients (36.2%) with CCS 1 to 400, and in 60 of 74 patients (81.1%) with CCS >400. In patients with CCS 0, prevalence of significant CAD increased from 3.9% to 4.1% and 14.3% in nonanginal, atypical, and typical chest pain, respectively, and from 3.4% to 3.9% and 27.3% with a low, intermediate, and high pretest likelihood, respectively. In patients with CCS 1 to 400, prevalence of significant CAD increased from 27.4% to 34.7% and 51.7% in nonanginal, atypical, and typical chest pain, respectively, and from 15.4% to 35.6% and 50% in low, intermediate, and high pretest likelihood, respectively. In patients with CCS >400, prevalence of significant CAD on CT angiogram remained high (>72%) regardless of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood. In conclusion, the relation between CCS and CTA is influenced by clinical presentation and pretest likelihood. These factors should be taken into account when using CCS as a gatekeeper for CTA. Show less
The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood on the relation between coronary calcium score (CCS) and computed tomographic coronary... Show moreThe purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood on the relation between coronary calcium score (CCS) and computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA) to determine the role of CCS as a gatekeeper to CTA in patients presenting with chest pain. In 576 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), CCS and CTA were performed. CCS was categorized as 0, 1 to 400, and >400. On CT angiogram the presence of significant CAD (>= 50% luminal narrowing) was determined. Significant CAD was observed in 14 of 242 patients (5.8%) with CCS 0, in 94 of 260 patients (36.2%) with CCS 1 to 400, and in 60 of 74 patients (81.1%) with CCS >400. In patients with CCS 0, prevalence of significant CAD increased from 3.9% to 4.1% and 14.3% in nonanginal, atypical, and typical chest pain, respectively, and from 3.4% to 3.9% and 27.3% with a low, intermediate, and high pretest likelihood, respectively. In patients with CCS 1 to 400, prevalence of significant CAD increased from 27.4% to 34.7% and 51.7% in nonanginal, atypical, and typical chest pain, respectively, and from 15.4% to 35.6% and 50% in low, intermediate, and high pretest likelihood, respectively. In patients with CCS >400, prevalence of significant CAD on CT angiogram remained high (>72%) regardless of clinical presentation and pretest likelihood. In conclusion, the relation between CCS and CTA is influenced by clinical presentation and pretest likelihood. These factors should be taken into account when using CCS as a gatekeeper for CTA. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2010;106:1675-1679) Show less
The present study tested whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) the combination of increased waist circumference and increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels can predict the... Show moreThe present study tested whether in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) the combination of increased waist circumference and increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels can predict the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as assessed by multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTA). In 202 patients with type 2 DM who were clinically referred for CTA, waist circumference and TG levels were measured. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to waist circumference measurements and TG levels. Increased waist circumference and TG levels (n = 61, 31%) indicated the presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. Patients with low waist circumference and TG (n = 49, 24%) were considered the reference group. Physical examination and blood measurements were performed. CTA was used to determine presence and severity of CAD. In addition, plaque type was evaluated. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the group with increased TG levels and waist circumference, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower than in the reference group. There was a significant increase in the presence of any CAD (odds ratio 3.3, confidence interval 1.31 to 8.13, p <0.05) and obstructive CAD (>= 50%, odds ratio 2.9, confidence interval 1.16 to 7.28, p <0.05) in the group with increased TG level and waist circumference. In addition, a significantly larger number of noncalcified and mixed plaques was observed. In conclusion, in patients with type 2 DM, presence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype translated into a deteriorated blood lipid profile and more extensive CAD on CTA. Accordingly, the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype may serve as a practical clinical biomarker to improve risk stratification in patients with type 2 DM. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2010;106:1747-1753) Show less
Ng, A.C.T.; Delgado, V.; Bertini, M.; Meer, R.W. van der; Rijzewijk, L.J.; Ewe, S.H.; ... ; Bax, J.J. 2010
Background-Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can quantify myocardial triglyceride content in type 2 diabetic patients. Its relation to alterations in left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular myocardial... Show moreBackground-Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can quantify myocardial triglyceride content in type 2 diabetic patients. Its relation to alterations in left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular myocardial functions is unknown. Methods and Results-A total of 42 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited. Exclusion criteria included hemoglobin A(1c) >8.5%, known cardiovascular disease, diabetes-related complications, or blood pressure >150/85 mm Hg. Myocardial ischemia was excluded by a negative dobutamine stress test. LV and RV volumes and ejection fraction were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. LV global longitudinal and RV free wall longitudinal strain, systolic strain rate, and diastolic strain rate were quantified by echocardiographic speckle tracking analyses. Myocardial triglyceride content was quantified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and dichotomized on the basis of the median value of 0.76%. The median age was 59 years (25th and 75th percentiles, 54 and 62 years). Median diabetes diagnosis duration was 4 years, and median glycohemoglobin level was 6.2% (25th and 75th percentiles, 5.9% and 6.8%). There were no differences in LV and RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes and ejection fraction between patients with high (>= 0.76%) and those with low (<0.76%) myocardial triglyceride content. However, patients with high myocardial triglyceride content had greater impairment of LV and RV myocardial strain and strain rate. The myocardial triglyceride content was an independent correlate of LV and RV longitudinal strain, systolic strain rate, and diastolic strain rate. Conclusions-High myocardial triglyceride content is associated with more pronounced impairment of LV and RV functions in men with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Circulation. 2010;122:2538-2544.) Show less
Aims Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) is an important non-invasive imaging modality increasingly used for the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of... Show moreAims Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) is an important non-invasive imaging modality increasingly used for the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of the current study was to determine the influence of smoking status on the prognostic value of CTA in patients with suspected or known CAD. Methods and results In 1207 patients (57% male, age 57 ± 12 years) referred for CTA, the presence of significant CAD (≥50% stenosis) was determined. During follow-up (FU) the following events were recorded: all cause mortality, and non-fatal infarction. The prognostic value of CTA in smokers and non-smokers was compared using an interaction term in the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Significant CAD was observed in 327 patients (27%), and 273 patients (23%) were smokers. During a median FU time of 2.2 years, an event occurred in 50 patients. After correction for baseline characteristics including smoking in a multivariate model, significant CAD remained an independent predictor of events. Furthermore, a significant interaction (P < 0.05) was observed between significant CAD and smoking. The annualized event rate in smokers with significant CAD was 8.78% compared with 0.99% in smokers without significant CAD (P < 0.001). In non-smokers with significant CAD the annualized event rate was 2.07% compared with 1.01% in non-smokers without significant CAD (P= 0.058). Conclusion The prognostic value of CTA was significantly influenced by smoking status. The event rates in patients with significant CAD were approximately four-fold higher in smokers compared with non-smokers. These findings suggest that smoking cessation needs to be aggressively pursued, especially in smokers with significant CAD. Show less
Wall, E.E. van der; Velzen, J.E. van; Graaf, F.R. de; Jukema, J.W.; Schuijf, J.D.; Bax, J.J. 2010
Most patients with chronic ischemia and an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention do not experience therapies for ventricular arrhythmias on follow-up. The present study... Show moreMost patients with chronic ischemia and an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention do not experience therapies for ventricular arrhythmias on follow-up. The present study aimed to identify independent clinical, electrocardiographic, and echo-cardiographic predictors of death and occurrence of ICD therapy in patients with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy and ICD for primary prevention. A total of 424 patients with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy, ejection fraction <= 35%, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class >= II were recruited. All patients underwent echocardiography before ICD insertion. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality; secondary outcome was occurrence of appropriate ICD therapy on follow-up. Primary and secondary outcomes occurred in 84 and 95 patients, respectively. Patients who died were more likely to have diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to 2.79, p = 0.049), higher NYHA class (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.33, p = 0.013), lower pen-infarct strain on echocardiogram (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.46, p = 0.005), and lower glomerular filtration rate (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03, p = 0.022). Only pen-infarct strain (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.36, p <0.001) predicted the occurrence of ICD therapy on follow-up. In conclusion, in chronic ischemic patients with an ICD for primary prevention, the presence of diabetes, renal dysfunction, higher NYHA class, and impaired pen-infarct zone function were predictors of all-cause mortality. In contrast, only impaired pen-infarct zone function determined the occurrence of appropriate ICD therapy on follow-up. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2010;106:1566-1573) Show less
