The coronary vascular volume to left ventricular mass (V/M) ratio assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a promising new parameter to investigate the relation of coronary... Show moreThe coronary vascular volume to left ventricular mass (V/M) ratio assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a promising new parameter to investigate the relation of coronary vasculature to the myocardium supplied. It is hypothesized that hypertension decreases the ratio between coronary volume and myocardial mass by way of myocardial hypertrophy, which could explain the detected abnormal myocardial perfu-sion reserve reported in patients with hypertension. Individuals enrolled in the multicen-ter ADVANCE (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Noninvasive FFRCT in Coronary Care) registry who underwent clinically indicated CCTA for analysis of suspected coronary artery disease with known hypertension status were included in current analysis. The V/ M ratio was calculated from CCTA by segmenting the coronary artery luminal volume and left ventricular myocardial mass. In total, 2,378 subjects were included in this study, of whom 1,346 (56%) had hypertension. Left ventricular myocardial mass and coronary volume were higher in subjects with hypertension than normotensive patients (122.7 & PLUSMN; 32.8 g vs 120.0 & PLUSMN; 30.5 g, p = 0.039, and 3,105.0 & PLUSMN; 992.0 mm3 vs 2,965.6 & PLUSMN; 943.7 mm3, p <0.001, respectively). Subsequently, the V/M ratio was higher in patients with hyperten-sion than those without (26.0 & PLUSMN; 7.6 mm3/g vs 25.3 & PLUSMN; 7.3 mm3/g, p = 0.024). After correcting for potential confounding factors, the coronary volume and ventricular mass remained higher in patients with hypertension (least square) mean difference estimate: 196.3 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 119.9 to 272.7) mm3, p <0.001, and 5.60 (95% CI 3.42 to 7.78) g, p <0.001, respectively), but the V/M ratio was not significantly different (least square mean difference estimate: 0.48 (95% CI -0.12 to 1.08) mm3/g, p = 0.116). In conclusion, our findings do not support the hypothesis that the abnormal perfusion reserve would be caused by reduced V/M ratio in patients with hypertension. & COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Pub-lished by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) (Am J Cardiol 2023;199:100-109) Show less
Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is becoming the first-line investigation for establishing the presence of coronary artery disease and, with fractional flow reserve (FFRCT), its... Show moreCoronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is becoming the first-line investigation for establishing the presence of coronary artery disease and, with fractional flow reserve (FFRCT), its haemodynamic significance. In patients without significant epicardial obstruction, its role is either to rule out atherosclerosis or to detect subclinical plaque that should be monitored for plaque progression/regression following prevention therapy and provide risk classification. Ischaemic non-obstructive coronary arteries are also expected to be assessed by non-invasive imaging, including CCTA. In patients with significant epicardial obstruction, CCTA can assist in planning revascularisation by determining the disease complexity, vessel size, lesion length and tissue composition of the atherosclerotic plaque, as well as the best fluoroscopic viewing angle; it may also help in selecting adjunctive percutaneous devices (e.g., rotational atherectomy) and in determining the best landing zone for stents or bypass grafts. Show less
Kuneman, J.H.; Mahdiui, M. el; Rosendael, A.R. van; Hoogen, I.J. van den; Patel, M.R.; Norgaard, B.L.; ... ; Knuuti, J. 2022
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and may provoke structural and functional changes in coronary vasculature. The coronary volume to left... Show moreBackground: Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and may provoke structural and functional changes in coronary vasculature. The coronary volume to left ventricular mass (V/M) ratio is a new anatomical parameter capable of revealing a potential physiological imbalance between coronary vasculature and myocardial mass. The aim of this study was to examine the V/M derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with diabetes. Methods: Patients with clinically suspected CAD enrolled in the ADVANCE (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive FFRCT in Coronary Care) registry and known diabetic status were included. Coronary artery volume and left ventricular myocardial mass were analyzed from CCTA and the V/M ratio was calculated and compared between patients with and without diabetes. Results: Of the 3053 patients (age 66 +/- 10 years; 66% male) with known diabetic status, diabetes was present in 21.9%. Coronary volume was lower in patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes (2850 +/- 940 mm(3) vs. 3040 +/- 970 mm(3), p < 0.0001), whereas the myocardial mass was comparable between the 2 groups (122 +/- 33 g vs. 122 +/- 32 g, p = 0.70). The V/M ratio was significantly lower in patients with diabetes (23.9 +/- 6.8 mm(3)/g vs. 25.7 +/- 7.5 mm(3)/g, p < 0.0001). Among subjects with obstructive CAD (n = 2191, 24.0% diabetics) and non-obstructive CAD (16.7% diabetics), the V/M ratio was significantly lower in patients with diabetes compared to those without (23.4 +/- 6.7 mm(3)/g vs. 25.0 +/- 7.3 mm(3)/g, p < 0.0001 and 25.6 +/- 6.9 mm(3)/g vs. 27.3 +/- 7.6 mm(3)/g, respectively, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The V/M ratio was significantly lower in patients with diabetes compared to non-diabetics, even after correcting for obstructive coronary stenosis. The clinical value of the reduced V/M ratio in diabetic patients needs further investigation. Show less
In the absence of disease impacting the coronary arteries or myocardium, there exists a linear relationship between vessel volume and myocardial mass to ensure balanced distribution of blood supply... Show moreIn the absence of disease impacting the coronary arteries or myocardium, there exists a linear relationship between vessel volume and myocardial mass to ensure balanced distribution of blood supply. This balance may be disturbed in diseases of either the coronary artery tree, the myocardium, or both. However, in contemporary evaluation the coronary artery anatomy and myocardium are assessed separately. Recently the coronary lumen volume to myocardial mass ratio (V/M), measured noninvasively using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTCA), has emerged as an integrated measure of myocardial blood supply and demand in vivo. This has the potential to yield new insights into diseases where this balance is altered, thus impacting clinical diagnoses and management.In this review, we outline the scientific methodology underpinning CTCA-derived measurement of V/M. We describe recent studies describing alterations in V/M across a range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies and coronary microvascular dysfunction. Lastly, we highlight areas of unmet research need and future directions, where V/M may further enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Show less
Background: The role of change in fractional flow reserve derived from CT (FFRCT) across coronary stenoses (Delta FFRCT) in guiding downstream testing in patients with stable coronary artery... Show moreBackground: The role of change in fractional flow reserve derived from CT (FFRCT) across coronary stenoses (Delta FFRCT) in guiding downstream testing in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown. Objectives: To investigate the incremental value of Delta FFRCT in predicting early revascularization and improving efficiency of catheter laboratory utilization. Materials: Patients with CAD on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) were enrolled in an international multicenter registry. Stenosis severity was assessed as per CAD-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS), and lesion-specific FFRCT was measured 2 cm distal to stenosis. Delta FFRCT was manually measured as the difference of FFRCT across visible stenosis. Results: Of 4730 patients (66 +/- 10 years; 34% female), 42.7% underwent ICA and 24.7% underwent early revascularization. AFFRCT remained an independent predictor for early revascularization (odds ratio per 0.05 increase [95% confidence interval], 1.31 [1.26-1.35]; p < 0.001) after adjusting for risk factors, stenosis features, and lesion-specific FFRCT. Among the 3 models (model 1: risk factors + stenosis type and location + CAD-RADS; model 2: model 1 + FFRCT; model 3: model 2 + AFFRCT), model 3 improved discrimination compared to model 2 (area under the curve, 0.87 [0.86-0.88] vs 0.85 [0.84-0.86]; p < 0.001), with the greatest incremental value for FFRCT 0.71-0.80. AFFRCT of 0.13 was the optimal cut-off as determined by the Youden index. In patients with CAD-RADS >3 and lesion-specific FFRCT <0.8, a diagnostic strategy incorporating AFFRCT >0.13, would potentially reduce ICA by 32.2% (1638-1110, p < 0.001) and improve the revascularization to ICA ratio from 65.2% to 73.1%. Conclusions: AFFRCT improves the discrimination of patients who underwent early revascularization compared to a standard diagnostic strategy of CCTA with FFRCT, particularly for those with FFRCT 0.71-0.80. AFFRCT has the potential to aid decision-making for ICA referral and improve efficiency of catheter laboratory utilization. Show less
Hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) of transcatheter aortic valves is detected on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and reflects leaflet thrombosis. Whether HALT affects left... Show moreHypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) of transcatheter aortic valves is detected on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and reflects leaflet thrombosis. Whether HALT affects left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, a favorable effect of LV afterload reduction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association of HALT after TAVI with LV reverse remodeling. In this multicenter case-control study, patients with HALT on MDCT were identified, and patients without HALT were propensity matched for valve type and size, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), sex, age and time of scan. LV dimensions and function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before and 12 months after TAVI. Clinical outcomes (stroke or transient ischemic attack, heart failure hospitalization, new-onset atrial fibrillation, all-cause mortality) were recorded. 106 patients (age 81 +/- 7 years, 55% male) with MDCT performed 37 days [IQR 32-52] after TAVI were analyzed (53 patients with HALT and 53 matched controls). Before TAVI, all echocardiographic parameters were similar between the groups. At 12 months follow-up, patients with and without HALT showed a significant reduction in LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume and LV mass index (from 125 +/- 37 to 105 +/- 46 g/m(2), p = 0.001 and from 127 +/- 35 to 101 +/- 27 g/m(2), p < 0.001, respectively, p for interaction = 0.48). Moreover, LVEF improved significantly in both groups. In addition, clinical outcomes were not statistically different. Improvement in LVEF and LV reverse remodeling at 12 months after TAVI were not limited by HALT. Show less
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has shown great technological improvements over the last 2 decades. High accuracy of CTA in detecting significant coronary stenosis has promoted CTA... Show moreCoronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has shown great technological improvements over the last 2 decades. High accuracy of CTA in detecting significant coronary stenosis has promoted CTA as a substitute for conven-tional invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. In patients with coronary stenosis, CTA-derived physiological assessment is surrogate for intracoronary pressure and velocity wires, and renders possible decision-making about revascularization solely based on computed tomography. Computed tomography coro-nary anatomy with functionality assessment could potentially become a first line in diagnosis. Noninvasive imaging assessment of plaque burden and morphology is becoming a valuable substitute for intravascular imaging. Recently, wall shear stress and perivascular inflammation have been introduced. These assessments could support risk management for both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Anatomy, functionality, and plaque composition by CTA tend to replace invasive assessment. Complete CTA assessment could provide a 1-stop-shop for diagnosis, risk management, and decision-making on treatment. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:713-736) (c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Show less
Anastasius, M.; Maggiore, P.; Huang, A.L.; Blanke, P.; Patel, M.R.; Norgaard, B.L.; ... ; Leipsic, J. 2021
Background: CT coronary angiography (CTA) with Fractional Flow Reserve as determined by CT (FFRCT) is a safe alternative to invasive coronary angiography. A negative FFRCT has been shown to have... Show moreBackground: CT coronary angiography (CTA) with Fractional Flow Reserve as determined by CT (FFRCT) is a safe alternative to invasive coronary angiography. A negative FFRCT has been shown to have low cardiac event rates compared to those with a positive FFRCT. However, the clinical utility of FFRCT according to age is not known.Methods: Patients' in the ADVANCE (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive FFRCT in Coronary Care) registry, were stratified into those >= 65 or <65 years of age. The impact of FFRCT on clinical decision-making, as assessed by patient age, was determined by evaluating patient management using CTA results alone, followed by site investigators submitting a report on the treatment plan based upon the newly provided FFRCT data. Outcomes at 1-year post CTA were assessed, including major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality or unplanned hospitalization for ACS leading to revascularisation) and total revascularisation. Positive FFRCT was deemed to be <= 0.8.Results: FFRCT was calculated in 1849 (40.6%) subjects aged <65 and 2704 (59.4%) >= 65 years of age. Subjects >= 65 years were more likely to have anatomic obstructive disease on CTA (>= 50% stenosis), compared to those aged <65 (69.7% and 73.2% respectively, p = 0.008). There was a similar graded increase in recommended and actual revascularisation with either CABG or PCI, with declining FFRCT strata for subjects above and below the age of 65. MACE and revascularisation rates were not significantly different for those >= or <65, regardless of FFRCT positivity or stenosis severity <50% or >= 50%. With a negative FFRCT result, and anatomical stenosis >= 50%, those >= and <65 years of age, had similar rates of MACE (0.2% for both, p = 0.1) and revascularisation (8.7% and 10.4% respectively p = 0.4).Logistic regression analysis, with age as a continuous variable, and adjustment for Diamond Forrester Risk, baseline FFRCT and treatment (CABG, PCI, medical therapy), indicated a statistically significant, but small increase in the odds of a MACE event with increasing age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.006-1.08, p = 0.02). Amongst patients with a FFRCT > 0.80, there was no effect of age on the odds of revascularisation.Conclusion: The findings of this study point to a low risk of MACE events or need for revascularisation in those aged >= or <65 with a FFRCT>0.80, despite the higher incidence of anatomic obstructive CAD in those >= 65 years. The findings show the clinical usefulness and outcomes of FFRCT are largely constant regardless of age. Show less
Background: The ADVANCE registry is a large prospective study of outcomes and resource utilization in patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and CT-based fractional... Show moreBackground: The ADVANCE registry is a large prospective study of outcomes and resource utilization in patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and CT-based fractional flow reserve (FFRCT). As experience with new technologies and practices develops over time, we investigated temporal changes in the use of FERCT within the ADVANCE registry.Methods: 5083 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) on CCTA were prospectively enrolled in the ADVANCE registry and were divided into 3 equally sized cohorts based on the temporal order of enrollment per site. Demographics, CCTA and FERCT findings, and clinical outcomes through 1-year follow-up, were recorded and compared between tertiles.Results: The number of patients with a >= 70% stenosis on CCTA was similar over time (33.6%, 30.9%, and 33.8% for cohort 1-3). The rate of positive FFRCT <= 0.80 was higher for cohorts 2 (67.3%) and 3 (74.6%) than for cohort 1 (57.1%, p < 0.001). Invasive FFR rates decreased from 25.8% to 22.4% between cohort 1 and 3 (p = 0.023). Moreover, patients with a FFRCT <= 0.80 were less frequently referred for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) (from 62.9% to 52.9%, p < 0.001), and underwent fewer revascularizations between cohort 1 and 3 (from 41.9% to 32.0%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of major events was low (1.2%) and similar between cohorts.Conclusions: Growing experience with FFRCT improved the likelihood of identifying hemodynamically significant CAD and safely reduced the need for ICA and revascularization in patients with anatomically significant disease even in the instance of an abnormal FFRCT. Show less
Objectives We aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac diagnostic testing and practice and to assess its impact in different regions in Europe. Methods The online survey... Show moreObjectives We aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac diagnostic testing and practice and to assess its impact in different regions in Europe. Methods The online survey organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency Division of Human Health collected information on changes in cardiac imaging procedural volumes between March 2019 and March/April 2020. Data were collected from 909 centres in 108 countries. Results Centres in Northern and Southern Europe were more likely to cancel all outpatient activities compared with Western and Eastern Europe. There was a greater reduction in total procedure volumes in Europe compared with the rest of the world in March 2020 (45% vs 41%, p=0.003), with a more marked reduction in Southern Europe (58%), but by April 2020 this was similar in Europe and the rest of the world (69% vs 63%, p=0.261). Regional variations were apparent between imaging modalities, but the largest reductions were in Southern Europe for nearly all modalities. In March 2020, location in Southern Europe was the only independent predictor of the reduction in procedure volume. However, in April 2020, lower gross domestic product and higher COVID-19 deaths were the only independent predictors. Conclusion The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on care of patients with cardiac disease, with substantial regional variations in Europe. This has potential long-term implications for patients and plans are required to enable the diagnosis of non-COVID-19 conditions during the ongoing pandemic. Show less
OBJECTIVES This study is to determine the management and clinical outcomes of patients investigated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT)... Show moreOBJECTIVES This study is to determine the management and clinical outcomes of patients investigated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) according to sex.BACKGROUND Women are underdiagnosed with conventional ischemia testing, have lower rates of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) at invasive coronary angiography (ICA), yet higher mortality compared to men. Whether FFRCT improves sex-based patient management decisions compared to CCTA alone is unknown.METHODS Subjects with symptoms and CAD on CCTA were enrolled (2015 to 2017). Demographics, symptom status, CCTA anatomy, coronary volume to myocardial mass ratio (V/M), lowest FFRCT values, and management plans were captured. Endpoints included reclassification rate between CCTA and FFRCT management plans, incidence of ICA demonstrating obstructive CAD ($50% stenosis) and revascularization rates.RESULTS A total of 4,737 patients (n = 1,603 females, 33.8%) underwent CCTA and FFRCT. Women were older (age 68 +/- 10 years vs. 65 +/- 10 years; p < 0.0001) with more atypical symptoms (41.5% vs. 33.9%; p < 0.0001). Women had less obstructive CAD (65.4% vs. 74.7%; p < 0.0001) at CCTA, higher FFRCT (0.76 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.73 +/- 0.10; p < 0.0001), and lower likelihood of positive FFRCT <= 0.80 for the same degree stenosis (p < 0.0001). A positive FFRCT <= 0.80 resulted in equal referral to ICA (n = 510 [54.5%] vs. n = 1,249 [56.5%]; p = 0.31), but more nonobstructive CAD (n = 208 [32.1%] vs. n = 354 [24.5%]; p = 0.0003) and less revascularization (n = 294 [31.4%] vs. n = 800 [36.2%]; p < 0.0001) in women, unless the FFRCT was #0.75 where revascularization rates were similar (n = 253 [41.9%] vs. n = 715 [46.4%]; p = 0.06). Women have a higher V/M ratio (26.17 +/- 7.58 mm(3)/g vs. 24.76 +/- 7.22 mm(3)/g; p < 0.0001) that is associated with higher FFRCT independent of degree stenosis (p < 0.001). Predictors of revascularization included stenosis severity, FFRCT, symptoms, and V/M ratio (p < 0.001) but not female sex (p = 0.284).CONCLUSIONS FFRCT differs between the sexes, as women have a higher FFRCT for the same degree of stenosis. In FFRCT-positive CAD, women have less obstructive CAD at ICA and less revascularization, which is associated with higher V/M ratio. The findings suggest that CAD and FFRCT variations by sex need specific interpretation as these differences may affect therapeutic decision making and clinical outcomes. (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive FFRCT in Coronary Care [ADVANCE]; NCT02499679) (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Show less
OBJECTIVES The 1-year data from the international ADVANCE (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive FFRCT in Coronary Care) Registry of patients undergoing coronary computed tomography... Show moreOBJECTIVES The 1-year data from the international ADVANCE (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive FFRCT in Coronary Care) Registry of patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used to evaluate the relationship of fractional flow reserve derived from coronary CTA (FFRCT) with downstream care and clinical outcomes.BACKGROUND Guidelines for management of chest pain using noninvasive imaging pathways are based on short- to intermediate-term outcomes.METHODS Patients (N = 5,083) evaluated for clinically suspected coronary artery disease and in whom atherosclerosis was identified by coronary CTA were prospectively enrolled at 38 international sites from July 15, 2015, to October 20, 2017. Demographics, symptom status, coronary CTA and FFRCT findings and resultant site-based treatment plans, and clinical outcomes through 1 year were recorded and adjudicated by a blinded core laboratory. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), death, myocardial infarction (MI), and acute coronary syndrome leading to urgent revascularization were captured.RESULTS At 1 year, 449 patients did not have follow-up data. Revascularization occurred in 1,208 (38.40%) patients with an FFRCT <= 0.80 and in 89 (5.60%) with an FFRCT >0.80 (relative risk [RR]: 6.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.59 to 8.45; p < 0.001). MACE occurred in 55 patients, 43 events occurred in patients with an FFRCT <= 0.80 and 12 occurred in those with an FFRCT >0.80 (RR: 1.81; 95% CI: 0.96 to 3.43; p = 0.06). Time to first event (all-cause death or MI) occurred in 38 (1.20%) patients with an FFRCT <= 0.80 compared with 10 (0.60%) patients with an FFRCT >0.80 (RR: 1.92; 95% CI: 0.96 to 3.85; p = 0.06). Time to first event (cardiovascular death or MI) occurred cardiovascular death or MI occurred more in patients with an FFRCT <= 0.80 compared with patients with an FFRCT >0.80 (25 [0.80%] vs. 3 [0.20%]; RR: 4.22; 95% CI: 1.28 to 13.95; p = 0.01).CONCLUSIONS The 1-year outcomes from the ADVANCE FFRCT Registry show low rates of events in all patients, with less revascularization and a trend toward lower MACE and significantly lower cardiovascular death or MI in patients with a negative FFRCT compared with patients with abnormal FFRCT values. (Assessing Diagnostic Value of Non-invasive FFRCT in Coronary Wave [ADVANCE]; NCT02499679) (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Show less
Background: Coronary artery fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from CT angiography (FFTCT) enables functional assessment of coronary stenosis. Prior clinical trials showed 13%-33% of coronary CT... Show moreBackground: Coronary artery fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from CT angiography (FFTCT) enables functional assessment of coronary stenosis. Prior clinical trials showed 13%-33% of coronary CT angiography studies had insufficient quality for quantitative analysis with FFRCT.Purpose: To determine the rejection rate of FFRCT analysis and to determine factors associated with technically unsuccessful calculation of FFRCT.Materials and Methods: Prospectively acquired coronary CT angiography scans submitted as part of the Assessing Diagnostic Value of Noninvasive FFRCT in Coronary Care (ADVANCE) registry (https://ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02499679) and coronary CT angiography series submitted for clinical analysis were included. The primary outcome was the FFRCT rejection rate (defined as an inability to perform quantitative analysis with FFRCT). Factors that were associated with FFRCT rejection rate were assessed with multiple linear regression.Results: In the ADVANCE registry, FFRCT rejection rate due to inadequate image quality was 2.9% (80 of 2778 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1%, 3.2%). In the 10 621 consecutive patients who underwent clinical analysis, the FFRCT rejection rate was 8.4% (n = 892; 95% CI: 6.2%, 7.2%; P<.001 vs the ADVANCE cohort). The main reason for the inability to perform FFRCT analysis was the presence of motion artifacts (63 of 80 [78%] and 729 of 892 [64%] in the ADVANCE and clinical cohorts, respectively). At multivariable analysis, section thickness in the ADVANCE (odds ratio [ OR], 1.04; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.09; P = .045) and clinical (OR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.04; P < .001) cohorts and heart rate in the ADVANCE (OR, 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.08; P<.001) and clinical (OR, 1.06; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.07; P < .001) cohorts were independent predictors of rejection.Conclusion: The rates for technically unsuccessful CT-derived fractional flow reserve in the ADVANCE registry and in a large clinical cohort were 2.9% and 8.4%, respectively. Thinner CT section thickness and lower patient heart rate may increase rates of completion of CT fractional flow reserve analysis. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Show less
OBJECTIVETo determine whether coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) should be performed in patients with any clinical probability of coronary artery disease (CAD), and whether the... Show moreOBJECTIVETo determine whether coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) should be performed in patients with any clinical probability of coronary artery disease (CAD), and whether the diagnostic performance differs between subgroups of patients.DESIGNProspectively designed meta-analysis of individual patient data from prospective diagnostic accuracy studies.DATA SOURCESMedline, Embase, and Web of Science for published studies. Unpublished studies were identified via direct contact with participating investigators.ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIESProspective diagnostic accuracy studies that compared coronary CTA with coronary angiography as the reference standard, using at least a 50% diameter reduction as a cutoff value for obstructive CAD. All patients needed to have a clinical indication for coronary angiography due to suspected CAD, and both tests had to be performed in all patients. Results had to be provided using 2x2 or 3x2 cross tabulations for the comparison of CTA with coronary angiography. Primary outcomes were the positive and negative predictive values of CTA as a function of clinical pretest probability of obstructive CAD, analysed by a generalised linear mixed model; calculations were performed including and excluding non-diagnostic CTA results. The no-treat/treat threshold model was used to determine the range of appropriate pretest probabilities for CTA. The threshold model was based on obtained post-test probabilities of less than 15% in case of negative CTA and above 50% in case of positive CTA. Sex, angina pectoris type, age, and number of computed tomography detector rows were used as clinical variables to analyse the diagnostic performance in relevant subgroups.RESULTSIndividual patient data from 5332 patients from 65 prospective diagnostic accuracy studies were retrieved. For a pretest probability range of 7-67%, the treat threshold of more than 50% and the no-treat threshold of less than 15% post-test probability were obtained using CTA. At a pretest probability of 7%, the positive predictive value of CTA was 50.9% (95% confidence interval 43.3% to 57.7%) and the negative predictive value of CTA was 97.8% (96.4% to 98.7%); corresponding values at a pretest probability of 67% were 82.7% (78.3% to 86.2%) and 85.0% (80.2% to 88.9%), respectively. The overall sensitivity of CTA was 95.2% (92.6% to 96.9%) and the specificity was 79.2% (74.9% to 82.9%). CTA using more than 64 detector rows was associated with a higher empirical sensitivity than CTA using up to 64 rows (93.4% v 86.5%, P=0.002) and specificity (84.4% v 72.6%, P<0.001). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve for CTA was 0.897 (0.889 to 0.906), and the diagnostic performance of CTA was slightly lower in women than in with men (area under the curve 0.874 (0.858 to 0.890) v 0.907 (0.897 to 0.916), P<0.001). The diagnostic performance of CTA was slightly lower in patients older than 75 (0.864 (0.834 to 0.894), P=0.018 v all other age groups) and was not significantly influenced by angina pectoris type (typical angina 0.895 (0.873 to 0.917), atypical angina 0.898 (0.884 to 0.913), non-anginal chest pain 0.884 (0.870 to 0.899), other chest discomfort 0.915 (0.897 to 0.934)).CONCLUSIONSIn a no-treat/treat threshold model, the diagnosis of obstructive CAD using coronary CTA in patients with stable chest pain was most accurate when the clinical pretest probability was between 7% and 67%. Performance of CTA was not influenced by the angina pectoris type and was slightly higher in men and lower in older patients. Show less
Background: Coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is a promising diagnostic method for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). However,... Show moreBackground: Coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is a promising diagnostic method for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, clinical data regarding FFRCT in Japan are scarce, so we assessed the clinical impact of using FFRCT in a Japanese population.Methods and Results: The ADVANCE registry is an international prospective FFRCT registry of patients suspected of CAD. Of 5,083 patients, 1,829 subjects enrolled from Japan were analyzed. Demographics, symptoms, cCTA, FFRCT, treatment strategy, and 90-day major cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed. Reclassification of treatment strategy between cCTA alone and cCTA+ FFRCT occurred in 55.8% of site investigations and in 56.9% in the core laboratory analysis. Patients with positive FFR (FFRCT =0.80) were less likely to have non-obstructive disease on invasive coronary angiography than patients with negative FFR (FFRCT > 0.80) (20.5% vs. 46.1%, P=0.0001). After FFRCT, 67.0% of patients with positive results underwent revascularization, whereas 96.1% of patients with negative FFRCT were medically treated. MACE occurred in 5 patients with positive FFRCT, but none occurred in patients with negative FFRCT within 90 days.Conclusions: In this Japanese population, FFRCT modified the treatment strategy in more than half of the patients. FFRCT showed potential for stratifying patients suspected of CAD properly into invasive or non-invasive management pathways. Show less
Cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) has undergone rapid maturation over the last decade and is now of proven clinical utility in the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease, in... Show moreCardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) has undergone rapid maturation over the last decade and is now of proven clinical utility in the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease, in guiding structural heart disease intervention, and in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease. The next decade will undoubtedly witness further advances in hardware and advanced analytics that will potentially see an increasingly core role for CCT at the center of clinical cardiovascular practice. In coronary artery disease assessment this may be via improved hemodynamic adjudication, and shear stress analysis using computational flow dynamics, more accurate and robust plaque characterization with spectral or photon- counting CT, or advanced quantification of CT data via artificial intelligence, machine learning, and radiomics. In structural heart disease, CCT is already pivotal to procedural planning with adjudication of gradients before and following intervention, whereas in congenital heart disease CCT is already used to support clinical decision making from neonates to adults, often with minimal radiation dose. In both these areas the role of computational flow dynamics, advanced tissue printing, and image modelling has the potential to revolutionize the way these complex conditions are managed, and CCT is likely to become an increasingly critical enabler across the whole advancing field of cardiovascular medicine. (c) 2019 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Show less
OBJECTIVES This study investigated processes causing leaflet thickening and structural valve degeneration (SVD).BACKGROUND Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has changed the... Show moreOBJECTIVES This study investigated processes causing leaflet thickening and structural valve degeneration (SVD).BACKGROUND Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has changed the treatment of aortic stenosis, concerns remain regarding SVD, potentially related to valve thrombosis and thickening, based on studies using computed tomography (CT). Detailed histological analyses are provided to help attain insights into these processes.METHODS Explanted transcatheter heart valves (THVs) were evaluated for thrombosis, fibrosis, and calcification for quantification of leaflet thickness. Immunohistochemical and microscopy approaches were used to investigate SVD-associated mechanisms.RESULTS THVs (n=23) were obtained from 22 patients (median 81 years of age; 50% male) from 0 to 2,583 days post TAVR. Maximal leaflet thickness increased relative to implant duration (p = 0.427; p = 0.027). THVs explanted after >2 years were thicker than those explanted after <2 years (p = 0.007). All THVs had adherent thrombus on both aortic and ventricular sides, which beyond 60 days was seen in combination with fibrosis and beyond 4 years had calcification. Early thrombus formation (<60 days) occurred despite rapid endothetialization with an abnormal hyperplastic phenotype. Fibrosis was observed in 6 patients on both the aortic and the ventricular THV surfaces, remodeled over time, and was associated with matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression. Five THVs showed overt calcification associated with adherent thrombus and fibrosis.CONCLUSIONS There is a time-dependent degeneration of THVs consisting of thrombus formation, endothelial hyperplasia, fibrosis, tissue remodeling, proteinase expression, and calcification. Future investigation is needed to further understand these mechanisms contributing to leaflet thickening and SVD. (C) 2019 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Show less
