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Biomedical subjects

Abhiram Prasad

Publications and source records attributed to Abhiram Prasad.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and serum lipids with plaque regression in cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

We assessed clinical predictors of the process of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in 39 consecutive patients (mean 49 years old) using three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound (3-D IVUS) examination of the left anterior descending coronary artery at 36 +/- 38 months and 47 +/- 40 months after cardiac allotransplantation (TX). Compared with 17 patients with plaque progression, 22 patients with plaque regression were more likely to be male (P < .01), to have a higher use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI, P < .05), and to have a lower volumetric remodeling index (P < .001). The changes in plaque volume correlated with the changes in total cholesterol (P < .005) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .02). Plaque progression of CAV was independently associated with time after TX, hypertension, nonuse of ACEI, donor age, and changes in total cholesterol and triglycerides. In conclusion, plaque progression is associated with positive vascular remodeling and plaque regression is associated with lower serum lipids and ACEI in patients after TX.

Adult↗

Electrocardiography cannot reliably differentiate transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome from anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: The presentation and electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome (TLVABS) can be similar to that of anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We tested the hypothesis that the ECG on presentation could reliably differentiate these syndromes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 2002 and July 31, 2004, we identified 18 consecutive patients with TLVABS who were matched with 36 subjects presenting with acute anterior STEMI due to atherothrombotic left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. RESULTS: All patients with TLVABS were women (mean age, 72.0 +/- 13.1 years). The heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration, and corrected QT interval were similar between groups. Distribution of ST elevation was similar, but patients with anterior STEMI exhibited greater ST elevation. Regressive partitioning analysis indicated that the combination of ST elevation in lead V2 of less than 1.75 mm and ST-segment elevation in lead V3 of less than 2.5 mm was a suggestive predictor of TLVABS (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 94%). Conditional logistic regression indicated that the formula: (3 x ST-elevation lead V2) + (ST-elevation V3) + (2 x ST-elevation V5) allowed possible discrimination between TLVABS and anterior STEMI with an optimal cutoff level of less than 11.5 mm for TLVABS (sensitivity, 94%; specificity, 72%). Patients with TLVABS were less likely to have concurrent ST-segment depression (6% vs 44%; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Women presenting with TLVABS have similar ECG findings to patients with anterior infarct but with less-prominent ST-segment elevation in the anterior precordial ECG leads. These ECG findings are relatively subtle and do not have sufficient predictive value to allow reliable emergency differentiation of these syndromes.

Aged↗

Isolated elevation in troponin T after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with higher long-term mortality.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether, in patients with normal post-procedure CK-MB, an isolated elevation in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) predicts long-term survival. BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin T is a sensitive and specific marker of myonecrosis. There is little known about the incidence and prognostic significance of an isolated elevation of cTnT without a rise in creatine kinase (CK)-MB following PCI. METHODS: We evaluated the outcomes of 1,949 patients from the Mayo Clinic registry who had normal pre-procedure cTnT and CK-MB, required nonemergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and had normal CK-MB after the procedure. RESULTS: An elevation in cTnT (cTnT+) was observed in 383 patients (19.6%) (median 0.04 ng/ml, interquartile range 0.03 to 0.06 ng/ml). The TnT+ status was associated with adverse clinical and angiographic characteristics, and multivessel PCI. Over the median follow-up duration of 26 months, mortality (p < 0.001) and the combined rate of death and myocardial infarction (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in cTnT+ patients. Estimated 3-year survival for those with and without cTnT elevation was 86.9% and 93.2%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, an elevation in cTnT after PCI was an independent predictor of increased long-term mortality. A doubling in the post-PCI cTnT was associated with a partial hazard ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.40; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: An isolated minor elevation in cTnT after PCI provides long-term prognostic information regarding mortality and myocardial infarction.

Aged↗

Coronary endothelial dysfunction is associated with erectile dysfunction and elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine in patients with early atherosclerosis.

AIMS: Coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) precedes atherosclerosis and is associated with cardiovascular events. Both CED and erectile dysfunction (ED) are partly mediated by impairment in the nitric oxide pathway. ED is associated with established coronary atherosclerosis, but its relationship with early coronary atherosclerosis and CED is unknown. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that CED is associated with ED in men with early coronary atherosclerosis. Moreover, the role of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) was investigated; ADMA is a novel endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and has been shown to be an independent marker for cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-six men without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent coronary endothelial function testing were studied. ADMA levels were determined and all men were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire to assess erectile function. Patients were divided according to the presence (n = 32) or absence (n = 24) of CED. Men with CED had significant impairment of erectile function (P = 0.008) and significantly higher ADMA levels (0.50 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.45 +/- 0.07 ng/mL, P = 0.017) compared with men with normal endothelial function. Erectile function positively correlated with coronary endothelial function. This correlation was independent of age, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, and smoking status. CONCLUSION: CED is independently associated with ED and plasma ADMA concentration in men with early coronary atherosclerosis. This study further supports the role of the endothelium in systemic vascular diseases and the role of ADMA in the systemic manifestations of endothelial dysfunction.

Arginine↗

Myocardial perfusion in apical ballooning syndrome correlate of myocardial injury.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of the apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) is poorly understood. This study evaluated myocardial perfusion abnormalities at the time of presentation in patients with ABS and examined whether abnormal microvascular blood flow predicts the extent of myocardial injury. METHODS: We evaluated 42 consecutive patients, all women, with a diagnosis of ABS and technically adequate angiograms for the assessment of the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG), an index of myocardial perfusion. RESULTS: Abnormal myocardial perfusion was present in 29 (69%) patients. There were no differences in age, frequency of conventional coronary atherosclerosis risk factors, left ventricular ejection fraction at either presentation or follow-up, congestive heart failure at presentation, or length of hospital stay between patients with normal versus those with abnormal TMPG. Patients with abnormal TMPG had higher peak troponin level compared with patients with normal TMPG (0.84 +/- 0.68 vs 0.42 +/- 0.33 ng/mL, P = .047). Similarly, ST elevation or deep T-wave inversion on the electrocardiogram was more common in patients with abnormal perfusion (86% vs 46%, P = .006). CONCLUSION: Impaired myocardial perfusion due to abnormal microvascular blood flow is frequently present in patients with ABS and correlates with the extent of myocardial injury. Microvascular dysfunction likely play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of myocardial stunning in ABS.

Adult↗

Increased mitral regurgitation during the valsalva maneuver in a patient with pheochromocytoma, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and dynamic outflow tract obstruction.

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a common feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but it can also be demonstrated in other conditions that result in increased thickness of the left ventricular septal wall. Severe uncontrolled hypertension may lead to severe hypertrophy of the left ventricle and produce systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and an outflow gradient. We report a case of pheochromocytoma with echocardiographic demonstration of markedly increased mitral regurgitation during the Valsalva maneuver in a patient with left ventricular hypertrophy and a dynamic outflow tract obstruction.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

"Broken heart syndrome" after separation (from OxyContin).

We describe a 61-year-old woman with "broken heart syndrome" (Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy) after abrupt postsurgical withdrawal of OxyContin. Her medical history was remarkable for long-term opiold dependence associated with the treatment of multi-Joint degenerative osteoarthritis. The patient presented to the emergency department 1 day after discharge from the hospital following total knee arthroplasty revision with acute-onset dyspnea and mild chest pain. She had precordial ST-segment elevation characteristic of acute myocardial infarction and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Emergency coronary angiography revealed no major coronary atherosclerosis. However, the left ventricular ejection fraction was severely decreased (26%), and new regional wall motion abnormalities typical of broken heart syndrome were noted. In addition to resuming her opioid therapy, she was treated supportively with bilevel positive airway pressure, diuretic therapy, morphine, aspirin, metoprolol, enalaprilat, intravenous heparin, nitroglycerin infusion, and dopamine infusion. Ventricular systolic function recovered completely by the fourth hospital day. To our knowledge, broken heart syndrome after opioid withdrawal has not been reported previously in an adult. Our case illustrates the importance of continuing adequate opiate therapy perioperatively in the increasing number of opioid-dependent patients to prevent potentially life-threatening complications such as broken heart syndrome.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Impact of diabetes mellitus on myocardial perfusion after primary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the impact of diabetes mellitus on myocardial perfusion after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) utilizing myocardial blush grade (MBG) and ST-segment elevation resolution (STR). BACKGROUND: Diabetes is an independent predictor of outcomes after primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whether the poor prognosis is due to lower rates of myocardial reperfusion is unknown. METHODS: Reperfusion success in those with and without diabetes mellitus was determined by measuring MBG (n = 1,301) and STR analysis (n = 700) in two substudies of the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial among patients undergoing primary PCI for AMI. RESULTS: There were no differences between those with or without diabetes with regard to postprocedural Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 3 (>95%), distribution of infarct-related artery, and the frequency of stent deployment or abciximab administration. Patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely to have absent myocardial perfusion (MBG 0/1, 56.0% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.01) and absent STR (20.3% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.002). Diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17 to 2.28], p = 0.004) was an independent predictor of absent myocardial perfusion (MBG 0/1) and absent STR (HR 2.94 [95% CI 1.64 to 5.37], p = 0.005) by multivariate modeling. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar high rates of TIMI flow grade 3 after primary PCI in patients with and without diabetes, patients with diabetes are more likely to have abnormal myocardial perfusion as assessed by both incomplete STR and reduced MBG. Diminished microvascular perfusion in diabetics after primary PCI may contribute to adverse outcomes.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Systematic review: transient left ventricular apical ballooning: a syndrome that mimics ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

The transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is characterized by transient wall-motion abnormalities involving the left ventricular apex and mid-ventricle in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary disease. In this paper, we review case series that report on patients with the transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome to better characterize patients presenting with the syndrome. We identified 7 case series that reported on at least 5 consecutive patients with the transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. The syndrome more often affects postmenopausal women (82% to 100%) (mean age, 62 to 75 years). Patients commonly present with ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads, chest pain, relatively minor elevation of cardiac enzyme and biomarker levels, and transient apical systolic left ventricular dysfunction despite the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary disease. An episode of emotional or physiologic stress frequently precedes presentation with the syndrome. The in-hospital mortality rate seems to be low, as does the risk for recurrence.

Cardiomyopathies↗

Clinical characteristics and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame counts in women with transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome.

The characteristics of 16 women with transient left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning syndrome in a United States population are presented. Additionally, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame counts were evaluated during the acute period. Patients generally presented with anterior ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome in the absence of obstructive coronary disease. All patients had LV apical wall motion abnormalities. An acute emotional or physiologic stressor preceded most cases. TIMI frame counts were abnormal in all patients and often abnormal in all 3 major coronary vessels, suggesting that the diffuse impairment of coronary microcirculatory function may play a role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.

Aged↗

Outcomes of elderly patients with cardiogenic shock treated with early percutaneous revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Subgroup analysis from the Should We Emergently Revascularize Occluded Coronaries for Cardiogenic Shock (SHOCK) trial indicated that patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) who were > or =75 years old did not benefit from early revascularization and may have been harmed; their mortality rate at 30 days was 75%. The applicability of this subset analysis from a select patient population enrolled in a randomized trial to the general population is unclear. METHODS: At the Mayo Clinic between 1991 and 2000, we evaluated the outcome of all patients > or =75 years old with CS caused by MI who underwent urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). RESULTS: The study included 61 patients with a mean age of 79.5 +/- 3 years; 21% of these patients had a history of prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 41% had had a prior MI, 28% had diabetes mellitus, and 18% had a history of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). PCI was performed 8.0 +/- 7.2 hours after onset of MI. Angiographic success (<50% residual stenosis) was achieved in 91% of the lesions that were dilated. In hospital outcomes included death (44%), CABG (1.6%), and CVA (4.9%). The 30-day mortality rate was 47%. The estimated survival rate 1 year after discharge (Kaplan Meier method) was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm a high early mortality rate among patients > or =75 years old with MI complicated by CS, but suggest that among patients referred for angiography, outcomes may be better than previously believed when early revascularization is performed. In this population, 56% of patients survived to be discharged from the hospital, and of the hospital survivors, 75% were alive at 1 year.

Aged↗

Impact of ST-segment resolution after primary angioplasty on outcomes after myocardial infarction in elderly patients: an analysis from the CADILLAC trial.

BACKGROUND: Age is a strong independent predictor of outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whether lower rates of reperfusion success contribute to the poor prognosis in elderly patients is unknown. METHODS: A formal ST-segment analysis substudy was performed in 695 patients undergoing primary PCI for AMI in the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial. Reperfusion success (determined by the magnitude of ST-segment elevation resolution [STR] after PCI) was evaluated in 4 age groups: <50 years (n = 163), >or=50 to <60 years (n = 187), >or=60 to <70 years (n = 194), and >or=70 years (n = 151). RESULTS: There were no differences in the age groups for angiographic procedural success (>91% in all, P =.6), postprocedural Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow (>94%, P =.8), and the proportions of patients with complete, partial, or absent STR (P >.8). However, rates of 30-day mortality (0.6%, 1.1%, 3.6%, 6.0%, respectively) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE; 2.5%, 4.8%, 6.2% 9.3%, respectively) increased with age. Rates of mortality and MACE were also inversely related to the magnitude of STR. Absent STR (hazard ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.37-6.58; P =.006) and age (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01-1.77; P =.04) were independent predictors of 30-day MACE by using multivariable modeling. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of effective myocardial reperfusion is not a contributory mechanism responsible for the high morbidity and mortality rates observed in elderly patients. Nevertheless, advanced age and absent STR are both independent predictors of adverse outcomes after primary PCI, emphasizing the importance of successful reperfusion in the elderly population.

Abciximab↗

Abnormal coronary microvascular endothelial function in humans with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary endothelial dysfunction may potentially lead to myocardial ischemia and to the progression of heart failure. Though endothelial dysfunction is associated with advanced heart failure in humans, relatively little is known regarding their temporal relationship. Thus, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that coronary endothelial dysfunction is present in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred patients without symptoms of heart failure, with normal or mildly diseased coronary arteries at angiography underwent coronary vascular reactivity evaluation using intracoronary adenosine, acetylcholine (ACH) and nitroglycerin. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF): patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD), EF <45% (n = 11); and patients with EF > or =45% (n = 289, controls). Except for a lower high-density lipoprotein level in patients with ALVD, there were no significant differences between the groups in regards to conventional cardiovascular risk factors. There was no difference in the change (mean +/- SE) in epicardial diameter in response to ACH (-21.7% +/- 7.2% vs -13.8% +/- 1.5%, P =.3). The change in coronary blood flow in response to ACH was significantly attenuated in the patients with ALVD when compared to the controls (-18.5% +/- 14.9% vs 74.0% +/- 7.2%, P <.013). By multivariate analysis, EF was an independent predictor of coronary microvascular dilation with ACH (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction is present in ALVD. Thus, coronary endothelial dysfunction may be an early event in the pathophysiology of heart failure.

Adult↗

Current management of non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome: reconciling the results of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: Patients presenting with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome represent a heterogeneous group with regard to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and prognosis. The conventional approach to their treatment has involved admission to the hospital for pharmacologic stabilization, subsequent mobilization, and management by either a conservative or an invasive strategy. The choice of one approach over another is guided largely by local practice patterns and the availability of invasive facilities. METHODS AND RESULTS: However, recent randomized trials comparing the strategies have demonstrated a superiority of the invasive strategy, particularly in patients at higher risk. Furthermore, randomized trials have provided information on refining risk stratification. On the basis of these data, we outline criteria for assessing risk and recommend that stratification be conducted at presentation using clinical features, the electrocardiogram, and biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Higher-risk patients should be admitted for pharmacologic stabilization and assessed by coronary angiography within 48h with the aim of early revascularization, provided the risk of periprocedural complications is not prohibitive. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors are indicated, particularly in patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. The conservative strategy remains appropriate for patients admitted to hospitals without invasive facilities. Patients not at highrisk may be observed in a facility with cardiac monitoring such as a chest pain unit and undergo subsequent stress testing. The adoption of such an early risk stratification and revascularization-based approach is likely to result in a reduction in recurrent myocardial infarction and ischaemia, duration of hospitalization, repeat hospitalization, and mortality.

Anticoagulants↗