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Value of quantitative analysis of serum cTnT in diagnosis of cardiac disease and myocardial injury.

Serum cTnT, CK-MB and LD1 were measured in 30 patients with AMI, 76 patients with VMC, 12 patients who had undergone operation without cardioplegia, 16 patients who had received open heart operation, 15 patients who had undergone thoracotomy for non-heart surgery and 55 healthy people. Concentration of serum cTnT was 0.057 +/- 0.056 microgram/L in healthy people, 0.069 +/- 0.032 microgram/L in patients who underwent thoracotomy for non-heart surgery, 0.328 +/- 0.472 microgram/L in patients with VMC, 0.388 +/- 0.279 microgram/L in patients with DCM, 4.259 +/- 4.619 micrograms/L in patients with AMI, 8.55 +/- 6.78 micrograms/L in patients who had undergone operation without cardioplegia and 16.03 +/- 6.01 micrograms/L in heart operation patients. In patients with VCM and DCM, serum cTnT was more specific and sensitive than CK-MB and LD1 for diagnosing myocardial injury. In patients with AMI and heart operation patients, the increasing multiple of serum cTnT was obviously higher than that of CK-MB and LD1. 72 h after heart operation, cTnT was still higher than normal, while CK-MB had returned to normal level. Serum cTnT had higher specificity and sensitivity and longer diagnostic period in diagnosing myocardial injury. Moreover, cTnT assay could indicate the degree of myocardial injury. So, quantitative analysis of cTnT can be used as a routine examination in the diagnosis of myocardial injury.

Aged↗

Determination of CKMB activity and protein concentration and their application in the diagnosis of AMI.

The activity and protein concentration of CKMB in 19 patients with AMI, 17 non-AMI patients and 26 normal persons. It was found that both peak times in patients with AMI and non-AMI patients were similar but the peak values were different. At peak values the F value of CKMB (5.3) was much lower than that of CKMB protein concentration (50.1). We are led to conclude that the measurement of CKMB protein level can identify AMI much earlier than that of CKMB activity.

Aged↗

Ultrasonic integrated backscatter in early assessment of myocardial injury during open heart surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The recovery of cyclic variation of ultrasonic integrated backscatter in myocardial ischemia provides early assessment of myocardial injury and is useful in assessing myocardial injury during open heart surgery. METHODS: We studied 25 patients with valvular disease undergoing cardiac surgery--7 with aortic stenosis, 7 with aortic regurgitation, 6 with mitral stenosis, and 5 with mitral regurgitation. All underwent transesophageal echocardiography (before aortic cross-clamping: T-pre and 60 minutes after aortic declamping: T-60). The short-axis view at the papillary muscle level of the left ventricle was recorded and anterior areas were assessed. RESULTS: The magnitude of cyclic variation at T-pre and T-60 was 9.4 +/- 2.5 dB and 8.8 +/- 3.0 dB, and the ratio was 97 +/- 32%. Fractional shortening at T-pre and at T-60 was 27 +/- 7% and 20 +/- 9%, and the ratio was 79 +/- 44%. Recovery of magnitude was ahead of recovery of fractional shortening. The percent recovery of magnitude at T-60 did not correlate with aortic cross-clamping time (p = 0.91), postoperative peak creatine kinase-MB (p = 0.4), or catecholamine dosage (p = 0.13), but correlated with preoperative left ventricular mass index (p < 0.01). In patients with aortic stenosis, the percent recovery of magnitude at T-60 (66 +/- 4%) was significantly lower than in those with other types of valvular disease. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery of magnitude of cyclic variation of ultrasonic integrated backscatter provides early assessment of myocardial injury, particularly in severely hypertrophied hearts, during reperfusion after aortic declamping in open heart surgery.

Adult↗

The effects of volatile anesthetics on cardiac ischemic complications and mortality in CABG: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is associated with cardiac complications, including ischemia, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and death. Volatile anesthetics have been shown to have a preconditioning-like effect. This systematic review assesses the effects of volatile anesthetics on cardiac ischemic complications and morbidity after CABG. METHODS: Data were obtained, without language restriction, from searches of MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, PubMed, and reference lists. We included only prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating volatile anesthetics during CABG. Two reviewers independently abstracted data on myocardial ischemia, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and death. Treatment effects were calculated as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary data, and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI for continuous data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Thirty-two studies (2,841 patients) were included. In comparison with iv anesthesia, volatile anesthetics were associated with reduced all-cause mortality (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.36-1.18; P = 0.16). Enflurane was associated with increased AMI (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.68-2.64; P = 0.40), whereas sevoflurane and desflurane reduced cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at six hours, 12 hr, 24 hr [WMD, -1.45; 95% CI (-1.73, -1.16); P < 0.00001], and 48 hr after operation. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrates sevoflurane and desflurane reduce the postoperative rise in cTnI. Sevoflurane-mediated reduction in cardiac troponin was associated with improved long-term outcomes in one study. This meta-analysis was not able to show that these positive effects on troponin were translated into improved clinical outcomes. Well-designed large randomized control trials are needed to further elucidate the differential cardio-protective effects of volatile anesthetics.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Cardiac troponin T: its role in the diagnosis of clinically suspected acute myocarditis and chronic dilated cardiomyopathy in children.

This study was conducted to assess the use of the serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level as a noninvasive indicator to differentiate acute myocarditis and chronic dilated cardiomyopathy in pediatric patients. Myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy are clinically difficult to differentiate. Endomyocardial biopsy proved to be quite useful. However, the nature of the procedure--invasiveness, time-consuming, and limited sensitivity--caused some concerns, especially in pediatric patients. Hence, we attempted to find an alternative method that could give a prompt diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Twenty cases with clinically suspected myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy and a control group of 21 cases with moderate left-to-right shunt and congestive heart failure were recruited. History, physical examination, electrocardiogram, chest roentgenogram, echocardiogram, cTnT, creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB mass), and/or endomyocardial biopsy were compared. The gold standard used to diagnose myocarditis is endomyocardial biopsy (Dallas criteria) and/or recovery from cardiovascular problems within 6 months of follow-up. Ten patients were diagnosed as having myocarditis (group 1) and 10 with chronic dilated cardiomyopathy (group 2). The control group of 21 cases was designated as group 3. The median serum cTnT levels were 0.088 (0.04-3.11), 0.010 (0.010-0.990), and 0.010 (0.010-0.550) ng/ml in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean CK-MB mass level for groups, 1, 2, and 3 were 18.35 (7.14-70.00), 4.80 (0.54-108.00), and 2.26 (0.95-7.06) ng/ml. The study showed that both the cTnT and CK-MB mass levels were significantly higher in group 1 than either group 2 or group 3. Histopathology was studied in 9 cases. In 2 of 5 cases and in all 4 cases in group 1 and group 2 histopathology was pathologically proved. Levels of cTnT and CK-MB were significantly higher for myocarditis than for dilated cardiomyopathy and left-to-right shunt with CHF. Further study is needed to assess the optimum cTnT level for differentiating both conditions.

Acute Disease↗

Comparison of cardiac troponin I versus T and creatine kinase MB after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with and without perioperative myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cardiac troponins have shown to be specific markers of myocardial injury. The aim of this prospective study was to compare patterns and kinetics of troponin I and T after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 119 patients (male/female: 96/23, age 64 +/- 10 years) underwent first time elective CABG. Preoperative mean ejection fraction was 55.8% +/- 15.6%. The mean number of grafts was 3.1 +/- 1.1/patient, in 85.7% the internal mammary artery was used. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) levels, total serum activities of creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured before operation, at arrival on the intensive care unit (ICU), and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 120 h after unclamping of the aorta. Twelve lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded preoperatively and at days 1, 2, and 5. Perioperative data and postoperative cTnI and cTnT levels were correlated statistically. RESULTS: Two patients died due to refractory myocardial failure in the early postoperative period. For further evaluation, patients were divided in two groups according to postoperative ECG changes (group I: patients without PMI, n = 107; group II: patients with PMI, n = 10: six of them with Q-wave and four of them with non-Q-wave PMI). Calculated best cutoff values for cTnI and cTnT were 8.35 microg/l and 0.768 microg/l in ROC (receiver-operator characteristic) analysis. Serum concentrations of cTnI, and cTnT were in the normal range preoperatively and increased significantly after surgery in both groups. In both groups, cTnI reached its medium peak level after 24 h (group I: 2.7 microg/l, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [2.1,3.2]); group II: 70.5 microg/l). CTnT reached its medium peak level in group I without PMI after 48 h (0.298 microg/l, 95% CI: [0.254,0.354]), in group II with PMI not until 120 h (3.0 microg/l) postoperatively. In group II serum level of both troponins remained considerably high at 120 h (cTnI median = 10.75 microg/l, cTnT median = 3 microg/l). CONCLUSION: Release patterns of cTnI and cTnT after CABG are different: cTnI reaches its postoperative peak value earlier and declines more quickly than cTnT. After uncomplicated CABG, serum levels of both cardiac troponins remain continuously low. Elevated concentrations reflect perioperative myocardial ischemia or infarction. CTnT shows a different release pattern in patients with or without myocardial infarction.

Biomarkers↗

[Differential Diagnosis Macro CK Type 1 in Thoracic Pain Syndrome and Increased CK-MB].

BACKGROUND: Macro CK (creatine kinase) as a reason for high CK values has been known since 1979. Even in the era of troponin determination for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, an elevated CK value can still cause confusion, especially as CK-MB rises earlier than troponin. The case report should remind us of this often forgotten differential diagnosis of elevated CK. CASE REPORT: A 73-year-old patient was treated with leuprorelin hormone therapy for prostate cancer (stage pT1c G2). In addition, he received percutaneous radiation therapy of the prostate and high-dose-rate brachytherapy twice with 10 Gy each. Close to 1 year later, he complained for the first time of dyspnea on exertion and thoracic tightness. Serum CK was 232 U/l, and CK-MB 62 U/l, which was confirmed by several controls. Troponin T test was negative, and GOT, GPT, LDH, and PSA were all within the normal range. Acute myocardial infarction was ruled out on clinical grounds and by six sequential ECGs. Subsequently, the patient remained without further cardiac complaints and in good condition. Isoenzyme electrophoresis finally solved the problem and revealed CK-BB-IgG complex type 1 (macro CK-1). CONCLUSION: High CK-MB values in cardially healthy patients should remind us of the possibility of macro CK which is seen in approximately 0.5% of cases and should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[A 52-year-old patient with positive troponin, iron deficiency anemia and known sarcoidosis].

We report on a 52-year-old female patient with recurrent neurosarcoidosis and an "atypical" course of celiac disease, with mild clinic features, positive IgA-antibodies and histology. In our patient, the IgA-antibodies led to a false positive troponin I test, and we initially suspected an acute coronary syndrome. With dietary treatment of the celiac disease, the antibodies decreased and the troponin I test became negative. The coincidental occurrence of sarcoidosis and "potential" celiac disease (positive antibodies only) has been reported. The coincidence of an "atypical" celiac disease and sarcoidosis is rare.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Elevation of creatine kinase in acute severe asthma is not of cardiac origin.

OBJECTIVE: To study prospectively if, when plasma creatine kinase (CK) and plasma myoglobin are elevated, the origin of these abnormalities is cardiac or not, by measuring cardio-specific troponin T (cTT). METHOD: Fifteen patients with acute severe bronchial asthma (ASBA) were prospectively studied in the intensive care unit (ICU) with continuous electrocardiograph (ECG). Plasma CK, CK-MB, myoglobin and cTT were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h in the ICU. RESULTS: Five out of 15 ASBA patients had elevated CK, four of them presenting with an increase in CK-MB. Plasma cTT was normal in every patient, including those with CK and/or myoglobin elevation. At admission to the ICU, myoglobin and CK were positively correlated (r = 0.760; p < 0.001). No patient was intubated. There was no difference in clinical signs or symptoms, medical history, laboratory values or ECG in patients with or without CK elevation. CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to an ICU for ASBA may present with an elevation of plasma CK, CK-MB and myoglobin not related to any heart injury. CK and CK-MB are not good markers of myocardial injury in ASBA patients due to the multitude of potential confounders. Therefore, troponin should be measured instead.

Acute Disease↗

Soluble adhesion molecules and myocardial injury during coronary artery bypass grafting.

Cardiopulmonary bypass is acknowledged to be one of the major causes of a complex systemic inflammatory response after cardiac surgery. Leukocyte-endothelial binding followed by neutrophil migration appears to play a central role. These interactions are mediated by adhesion molecules on the surface of activated cells. The present study compared the perioperative levels of soluble adhesion molecules after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Altogether, 9 patients underwent off-pump revascularization and 11 did so with CPB. Plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules sE-selectin and sP-selectin and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured before anesthesia induction and 1, 4, and 20 hours after reperfusion to the myocardium. The baseline plasma levels of the adhesion molecules were similar in the two groups. Perioperative levels of sE-selectin remained the same and did not differ between groups. Plasma sP-selectin increased in both groups, the change being significantly greater in the CPB group than that in the off-pump group (p = 0.001). Plasma sICAM-1 decreased during an early stage after CABG with CPB, recovering at 4 hours after reperfusion; and a significant increase in ICAM-1 was observed 20 hours later. In the off-pump group, sICAM-1 levels did not change at 1 and 4 hours after reperfusion but increased 20 hours later. Postoperative creatine kinase-muscle bound (CK-MB) levels were significantly higher in the CPB group than in the off-pump group (p = 0.001). The change in sP-selectin levels also showed a correlation with CK-MB values (r = 0.676, p = 0.001). The results indicated that off-pump revascularization is associated with reduced endothelial activation and myocardial injury.

Aged↗

Effects of half-dose aprotinin in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of half-dose aprotinin in off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery have not yet been described. The present prospective study was designed to investigate its effects in OPCAB. METHODS: Seventy-six patients were randomized into two groups, receiving aprotinin (1 x 10(6) Kallikrein-inactivating units [KIU] loading dose before surgery and 5 x 10(5) KIU/h during surgery, gross dose: 2.5 x 10(6) KIU, n=36) and saline solution (control, n=40) respectively. Perioperative blood samples were collected. Hematologic and hemostatic parameters including platelet adhesion rate, D-dimer, and fibrinopeptide-A (FPA) were analyzed. Perioperative CKMB release was measured. Volume of blood loss, blood transfusion, and other clinical data were recorded throughout the perioperative period. RESULTS: Postoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in patients treated with aprotinin (2 hours; median [25th-75th]: aprotinin: 90.0 [70.0-125.0] ml, control: 145.0 [70.0-180.0] ml, P<0.05; 6 hours: aprotinin: 150.0 [100.0-220.0] ml, control: 225.0 [200.0-347.5.0] ml, P<0.01; 24 hours: aprotinin: 370.0 [220.0-510.0] ml, control: 655.0 [500.0-920.0] ml, P<0.01). The number of patients receiving blood transfusion in each group was similar. Levels of D-dimer rose significantly after surgery, and were significantly lower in the aprotinin group than in the controls (end of surgery, aprotinin, 0.4 [0.2-0.5] mg/l versus controls, 1.4 [0.8-2.3] mg/l; 2 hours, aprotinin, 0.3 [0.2-0.4] mg/l versus controls, 0.9 [0.5-1.4] mg/l; 6 hours, aprotinin, 0.3 [0.2-0.5] mg/l versus controls, 0.6 [0.4-0.9] mg/l; 24 hours, aprotinin, 0.3 [0.2-0.4] mg/l versus controls, 0.5 [0.4-0.9] mg/l; ANOVA for repeated measures, P<0.01). Platelet adhesion rate and FPA levels remained at baseline levels after the operation in the two groups. Early clinical outcomes were similar in the groups. Levels of CKMB were significantly lower in the aprotinin group than in the controls (6 hours after surgery, aprotinin, 10.0 [8.0-16.0] U/l versus controls, 15.5 [11.0-20.3] U/l; 12 hours, aprotinin, 13.5 [10.0-20.0] U/l versus controls, 19.0 [12.8-24.3] U/l; 24 hours, aprotinin, 19.0 [13.5-33.8] U/l versus controls, 25.0 [15.0-43.3] U/l; 72 hours, aprotinin, 13.0 [8.0-18.0] U/l versus controls, 16.0 [10.0-29.0] U/l; ANOVA for repeated measures, P=0.018). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that half-dose aprotinin limits fibrinolysis and myocardial injury, and reduces blood loss after OPCAB surgery.

Aprotinin↗

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on oxidative stress and ventricular function in patients with myocardial infarction.

Recent evidence suggests that postischemic myocardial dysfunction ("stunning") may be mediated by oxygen free radicals. Various studies have reported the beneficial effects of antioxidants in ischemia-reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment on oxidative stress, infarct size, and left ventricular (LV) function, as adjunct therapy in myocardial infarction (MI). Patients with acute MI received either 15 g NAC infused over 24 h (n = 15) or no NAC (n = 15), combined with streptokinase. Peripheral venous blood was serially sampled to measure creatine kinase (CK)-MB levels. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured at admission and after 4 and 24 h. Echocardiography was performed within 3 days of MI and after 3 months. At admission, plasma MDA levels were not different between the groups. In the NAC-treated patients plasma MDA levels decreased, whereas in the nontreated NAC patients MDA levels increased at 4 and 24 h (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher (P < 0.05) and LV end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters were lower (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) in patients receiving NAC on day 3. Left ventricular wall motion score index was significantly lower in patients treated with NAC on day 3 (P < 0.05). Left ventricular diastolic parameters were not different whether patients were treated with NAC or not. No difference in reduction of infarct size was detected between the groups according to CK-MB levels. It was thus demonstrated that administration of NAC in combination with streptokinase significantly diminished oxidative stress and improved LV function in patients with acute MI. These encouraging results would justify the performance of a larger controlled study.

Acetylcysteine↗

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in bypass surgery.

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury may complicate coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) had antioxidant and microcirculatory effects, and inhibits neutrophil aggregation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NAC in limiting myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in CABG operations. Twenty patients undergoing elective coronary bypass operation with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: a control group operated with a routine CABG protocol, and one where NAC was administered intravenously during the operation (NAC group). Blood samples from coronary sinus for tumor necrosis factor-alpha assay, myocardial biopsy specimens for chemiluminescent luminol, and lucigenin measurements of reactive oxygen species were taken. The luminol (specific for (*)OH, H(2)O(2), and HOCl(-) radicals) and lucigenin (specific for O(2) (*-)) levels and the difference ratios after reperfusion were significantly lower in the NAC group. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels increased in the control group but, in contrast, a significant decrease was detected in the NAC group (P < 0.01). Creatine kinase-MB levels at 6 and 12 hours were significantly lower in the NAC group (P = 0.02). N-Acetylcysteine has potential effects to limit ischemia reperfusion injury during CABG operations. We believe that its effects on clinical outcome may be more apparent in patients prone to ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Acetylcysteine↗

The use of human heart-type fatty acid-binding protein as an early diagnostic biochemical marker of myocardial necrosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome, and its comparison with troponin-T and creatine kinase-myocardial band.

Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), a new biochemical marker of sarcolemmal injury due to acute myocardial ischemia, can be used as a tool in early diagnosis and management of patients at high risk. The aim of this study was to determine the early diagnostic value of H-FABP in acute coronary syndrome (within 6-24 h of chest pain) and to compare it with troponin-T (TnT) and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) for accuracy. The study consisted of 40 consecutive patients with chest pain admitted to the coronary care unit with the diagnosis of suspected acute coronary syndrome. The patient population consisted of two groups according to the time of admission; the first group (26 patients) included patients admitted within 6 h of chest pain, and the second group (14 patients) included patients admitted within 6-24 h of chest pain. The blood samples for H-FABP, TnT, and CK-MB were obtained at admittance, at the 6th, and at the 24th hours for the first group, and at admittance and at the 24th hours for the second. Statistical analysis was performed among the 26 patients for the first 6 h values, and among all 40 patients for the values obtained within 6-24 h and at the 24th hour. The patients were then divided into groups according to the changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac enzymes as unstable angina pectoris, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI), and ST-elevation MI. Coronary angiography was performed in 38 (95%) patients. Sensitivity of TnT, CK-MB, and H-FABP in the first group (within 6 h of chest pain) were 38%, 76%, and 95% respectively. The sensitivity of H-FABP was significantly higher than TnT (P=0.014). Sensitivity of TnT, CK-MB, and H-FABP tests in the second time period (within 6-24 h of chest pain) were 100%, 90%, and 91% respectively. In this time period, the sensitivity of TnT was higher than H-FABP, but it was statistically insignificant. At the 24th hour, sensitivity of TnT was 100%, CK-MB 90%, and H-FABP 27.3%, and TnT and CK-MB were more sensitive than H-FABP for the whole group (P=0.002). In the first group (within 6 h of chest pain) H-FABP positivity was slightly but insignificantly higher in patients with two- and three-vessel disease compared with those with one-vessel disease (60.7% and 33.3%, P=0.19) and in the same group, patients who underwent primary coronary intervention had a significantly higher H-FABP positivity than others (80%, 32%, P=0.02). Within 6-24 h of chest pain, H-FABP positivity was 80% in patients with one-vessel disease and 71.4% in patients with two- and three-vessel disease (P=0.69). Within 6-24 h, positivity of H-FABP reached a peak value of 100% in patients who underwent primary coronary intervention, while H-FABP was positive in 60% of the others (P<0.001). We conclude that within the 6 h of acute coronary syndrome, H-FABP seems to be a more sensitive biochemical marker than TnT in the early detection of ischemic myocardial necrosis. But after the first 6 h of the onset of chest pain the sensitivity of H-FABP decreases, and this marker should not be used alone in patients admitted 24 h after the onset of chest pain.

Acute Disease↗

Comparison of different cardiac markers in monitoring percutaneous coronary interventions with frequent use of stents and gpIIbIIIa-antagonists.

Studies from the early 1990s found elevations of creatine kinase (CK) and its isoform CK-MB in 5-30% of patients after PCI, indicating minor myocardial damage. Less is known about the influence of modern improved PCI-techniques on the frequency of elevated cardiac markers and the correlation between different commonly used markers, especially cardiac troponins. From 1997 to 2001, 1486 patients undergoing PCI during the regular working hours were included in the prospective "Ludwigshafen Infarctlet Registry". Myocardial infarction in the past 48 hours was an exclusion criterion. Clinical and procedural data were documented. Follow-up data were obtained from discharge up to one year. PCI-related elevations of troponin T were found in 18%, of total-CK in 11%, of CK-MB in 33% and of myoglobin in 23% of cases. The correlation between the different markers was poor. Compared with troponin T, other markers showed low sensitivity (total-CK 58%, CK-MB 27%, myoglobin 22%) and, especially total-CK, low specificity. Stenting, side branch occlusion or major dissection, complex lesion morphology, gpIIbIIIa-antagonist application, proximal stenosis and unstable angina were independent predictors of an elevated troponin T in multivariate analysis. Due to this weak correlation between more specific and sensitive troponins and the other markers, troponins are preferred in monitoring after PCI. In addition to lesion characteristics, particularly stenting is associated with an increased rate of elevated troponin.

Aged↗

Coronary artery spasm of the native right coronary artery during off-pump coronary surgery of the left coronary artery system.

Native coronary artery spasm is a very rare complication during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. We report the case of a 74-year-old man who experienced angiographically documentated right coronary artery spasm while undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting on the diseased left coronary system. Despite two episodes of ventricular fibrillation and persistent ST segment elevation of the posterior wall, the off-pump procedure was successfully completed by grafting the left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery and a saphenous vein graft to the Ramus intermedius. The immediate postoperatively performed coronary angiography demonstrated patent anastomoses and two areas of significant spasticity within the course of the right coronary artery. Intracoronary nitroglycerin infusion into the ostium of the right coronary artery resolved the spasms of this nondiseased vessel as well as the associated ST segment elevations.

Aged↗

Troponin T elevation after successful directional atherectomy.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and correlates of postinterventional cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevation have not been evaluated in patients with successful directional atherectomy (DCA). METHODS: Total creatine kinase (CK) activity, CK-MB mass concentrations and cTnT levels were measured in 36 patients before, and serially 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after successful DCA. Patients were followed for death, Q-wave infarction, need for emergency bypass surgery, periprocedural vascular complications (transient in-lab vessel closure, side branch compromise, large dissection), and non-Q-wave infarction on ECG. Patients were followed for clinical outcomes and angiographic restenosis for 6 months. Vascular correlates were studied by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound before, immediately after and 4 hours after elective and successful DCA. RESULTS: 25 patients (69.4%) had elevated levels of cTnT, whereas CK-MB mass > or = 6 ng/ml and mild elevations of total CK activity were present in only 36.1 and 5.6%, respectively. Elevated cTnT was related to vascular complications in 44% of cases. Inapparent microembolization of platelets or plaque debris was considered responsible for most of the remaining micronecroses. During 6 month follow-up rates of clinical restenosis (44 vs 9%, p = 0.059) tended to be higher in patients with as compared to patients without cTnT release after DCA. CONCLUSION: Successful DCA is associated with postprocedural elevations of cTnT which relate to minor vascular complications and presumably microembolization of platelets or plaque debris. The superior diagnostic performance of cTnT compared to CK-MB mass may relate to more sensitive identification of microinfarction. Further studies are mandatory to confirm the association between elevation of cTnT and risk of restenosis and TVR.

Atherectomy, Coronary↗