Nazario Carrabba - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Nazario Carrabba

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new-generation spiral multidetector compu... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new-generation spiral multidetector computed tomographic scanner (the Brilliance 64) in the diagnosis of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR). Forty-one patients with 87 coronary stents (70 drug-eluting stents) implanted were examined. Patients underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) 6.7 +/- 6.9 days before scheduled invasive coronary angiography, using intravenous contrast enhancement. Images were reconstructed in multiple formats using retrospective electrocardiographic gating. Stents were viewed in their long and short axes and were visually classified for the presence or absence of binary ISR (diameter reduction >50%), including the 5-mm borders proximal and distal to the stent. ISR was found by invasive coronary angiography in 13 of the stented segments (15%) and in 8 patients (19%). Of these, 11 cases of ISR were correctly detected by MDCT; additionally, 1 severely calcified stented segment was considered as occluded by MDCT (sensitivity 84%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 54% to 98%). Seventy-three of 74 stented segments without ISR were correctly classified by MDCT (specificity 97%, 95% CI 93% to 100%), whereas 2 stented segments were classified as false-negative ISR. The positive predictive value was 92% (95% CI 84% to 97%), the negative predictive value was 97% (95% CI 90% to 99%), and predictive accuracy was 96% (95% CI 90% to 99%). After the exclusion of the calcified stented segment, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and predictive accuracy were 84% (95% CI 74% to 91%), 100% (95% CI 96% to 100%), 100% (95% CI 96% to 100%), 97% (CI 90% to 99%), and 98% (95% CI 92% to 99%), respectively. In conclusion, even with improved scanner technology, the sensitivity for the detection of ISR was moderate (84%). Thus, further studies are needed to determine whether MDCT will be a clinically useful and cost-effective tool for the evaluation of ISR in the clinical arena.

In the thrombolytic era, hypertension has been shown to adversely affect the development of heart... more In the thrombolytic era, hypertension has been shown to adversely affect the development of heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We sought to examine the relation between antecedent hypertension and heart failure after mechanical reperfusion and to test the impact of postinfarction left ventricular remodeling on heart failure in hypertensive patients. A series of 953 patients (324 hypertensives) with

Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions, Jan 24, 2015

We sought to analyze whether rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) in comparison with manual thrombus aspir... more We sought to analyze whether rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) in comparison with manual thrombus aspiration (MTA) may reduce microvascular obstruction (MVO), infarct size (IS), and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Conflicting results have been reported as to whether MTA reduces MVO and IS. Eighty STEMI reperfused by primary angioplasty and abciximab were randomly allocated (1:1) to RT or MTA. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 37 patients (19 RT) and after 1 year in 19 (9 RT); baseline, 1- and 6-month 2D-echo was performed in all patients. MVO and IS were measured 8 min after gadolinium injection with late enhancement sequences and were analyzed quantitatively at a core laboratory blinded to randomization. At baseline TIMI thrombus grade were similar (RT: 4.47 ± 0.84 vs. MTA: 4.67 ± 0.76, P = 0.453). After thrombectomy, thrombus grade decreased to 1.11 ± 1.04 in RT vs. 2.17 ± 1.29 in MTA arm (P = 0.009). RT compared wi...

European heart journal cardiovascular Imaging, Jan 24, 2015

The objective was to assess in vivo culprit lesion morphologies that caused ST-segment elevation ... more The objective was to assess in vivo culprit lesion morphologies that caused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Culprit lesions in 80 patients presenting within 6 h of STEMI onset from the CompariSon of Manual Aspiration with Rheolytic Thrombectomy in patients undergoing primary PCI (SMART) trial were evaluated. Underlying morphology of 64 culprit lesions was identifiable by OCT and included 37 lesions with plaque rupture, 25 lesions without plaque rupture, and 2 lesions with calcified nodules. Patients with plaque rupture tended to be younger (64 ± 12 versus 70 ± 10 years, P = 0.08) and less often female (11 versus 40%, P = 0.007) compared with patients without plaque rupture. More thin-cap fibroatheromas were identified (60 versus 20%, P = 0.002); and residual thrombus was greater in the rupture than in the non-rupture group. OCT at 6 months showed more stent malapposition (65 versus 33%, P = 0.04) in the rupture compared wi...

Category: 5. Stable Ischemic Syndrome Session-Poster Board Number: 1180-319

Experimental studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of senescence on cardiac function and ... more Experimental studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of senescence on cardiac function and remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We sought to assess the impact of age on left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure (HF) after successful primary angioplasty for AMI. A series of 512 consecutive patients underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at admission and at 1 month and 6 months after index AMI. LV volumes, ejection fraction, and wall motion score index (WMSI) were measured. Patients were divided in group 1 (<70 years old, n = 361) and group 2 (> or =70 years old, n = 151). Group 2 patients showed a lower peak creatine kinase (p = 0.029) compared to group 1. In group 2 patients the 6-month prevalence of LV remodeling (increase >20% in end-diastolic volume) was higher (34% vs 25%, p = 0.041), recoveries of ejection fraction and WMSI were lower (p = 0.00002 for the 2 comparisons), and incidence of late HF was higher (35% vs 17%, p <0.0001) compared to group 1 patients. Independent predictors of LV remodeling were WMSI (p <0.0001), infarct size (p <0.0001), and LV end-diastolic volume (p <0.0001). Independent predictors of late HF were WMSI (hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.624 to 4.514), 6-month LV dilation (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.404 to 3.233), diabetes (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.008 to 2.595), infarct size (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.037 to 1.215), and age as continuous variables (HR 1.064, 95% CI 1.044 to 1.085). In conclusion, besides infarct size, extensive regional systolic dysfunction may play a significant role in the development of LV remodeling and HF in patients > or =70 years old after successful primary angioplasty.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention proved to be superior to thrombolysis in reducing ST-s... more Primary percutaneous coronary intervention proved to be superior to thrombolysis in reducing ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEAMI) mortality. However, whether such benefit is similar in women and men remains unclear. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the independent effect of female gender on management and on early and 1-year mortality in Florence, Italy, where primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the preferred reperfusion strategy for STEAMI. The study included a cohort of 920 unselected patients with STEAMI (men ‫؍‬ 627, women ‫؍‬ 293) prospectively enrolled in the AMI-Florence, population-based registry over 12 months. Women were older (76 vs 68 years, p <0.001) and more frequently had Killip class >I heart failure than men. The median delay to hospital admission was marginally longer in women (160 vs 130 minutes, p ‫؍‬ 0.09). Coronary reperfusion treatment was performed less often in women (49% vs 58%, p <0.013); primary percutaneous coronary intervention was perfomed more often in both genders (90% vs 91%) and with similar median door-to-balloon time (50 vs 45 minutes, p ‫؍‬ 0.44). Both in-hospital (16% vs 8%, p <0.001) and 1-year mortality (25% vs 18%, p ‫؍‬ 0.016) were higher in women. However, after adjusting for age and other baseline characteristics, reperfusion treatment (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 2.08) and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.24) were independent of female gender. Compared with conservative therapy, reperfusion treatment was associated with a similar reduction in 1-year mortality in women (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.02) and men (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92). Our data suggest that older age and several age-related factors may largely account for the higher mortality of women after STEAMI. Even in the general population, improvement in prognosis associated with reperfusion treatment is independent of gender. ᮊ2004 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.

American Journal of Cardiology, 2007

This study prospectively evaluated the prevalence, predictors, time course, and prognostic impact... more This study prospectively evaluated the prevalence, predictors, time course, and prognostic impact of left ventricular (LV) functional recovery after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 228 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) and LV dysfunction. Serial echocardiographic exams were performed within 24 hours (time 1) and at 1 month (time 2) and 6 months (time 3) after AMI. Overall, 133 patients (58%) showed significant LV functional recovery (>10% ejection fraction increase compared with time 1 or ejection fraction >50%) at time 3. Early (from time 1 to time 2) and late (from time 2 to time 3) functional recovery patterns were detected in 102 patients (45%) and 31 patients (14%), respectively. Independent predictors of LV functional recovery were enzymatic infarct size (p ‫؍‬ 0.0001), time from symptom onset to reperfusion (p ‫؍‬ 0.022), extent and severity of baseline LV wall motion abnormalities (p ‫؍‬ 0.007), and female gender (p ‫؍‬ 0.031). Six-month LV remodeling rates were 36% and 64% in patients with and without LV functional recovery (p ‫؍‬ 0.0001). The five-year cardiac death rate was significantly lower in patients with LV functional recovery than in those without (8% vs 18%, respectively, p ‫؍‬ 0.024). The time course of LV functional recovery during 6 months did not significantly affect long-term survival. In conclusion, after successful mechanical reperfusion of AMIs, nearly half of patients showed poor LV functional recovery. The presence of significant LV functional recovery 6 months after reperfused AMI, but not the specific time course of recovery, is clearly associated with a better long-term clinical outcome. Simple baseline variables can predict the improvement of cardiac function after reperfused AMI.

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2011

This study was designed to investigate the impact of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) i... more This study was designed to investigate the impact of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in degenerated saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) without distal embolic protection. BACKGROUND Distal embolic protection devices have been shown to reduce the incidence of no reflow/slow flow during PCI of de novo lesions in degenerated SVGs. It is unclear whether PCI of in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions in degenerated SVGs is associated with no reflow/slow flow and whether distal embolic protection is beneficial in these cases as well.

Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports, 2008

Abstract The treatment of coronary artery stenosis has progressively shifted over the past decade... more Abstract The treatment of coronary artery stenosis has progressively shifted over the past decades, from surgical (coronary artery bypass graft) to percutaneous (percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting). The recent introduction of drug-eluting stents further ...

International Journal of Cardiology, 2014

In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients older than 75 years old, prasugrel 10 mg maintenance th... more In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients older than 75 years old, prasugrel 10 mg maintenance therapy has shown less clinical efficacy and higher risk of bleeding. In patients older than 75 years, a prasugrel dose of 5 mg should be used if treatment is deemed necessary. The aim of this study was to compare platelet reactivity and outcomes in elderly patients receiving prasugrel 5mg therapy with non-elderly patients receiving prasugrel 10 mg therapy. Consecutive ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with prasugrel were included. Of 718 patients, 228 (32%) had ≥75 years and received prasugrel 5 mg/day. Residual platelet reactivity (RPR) was 47±18% and 36±16% in the elderly and non-elderly group, respectively (p=0.001). High RPR (≥70%) was found in 9% and 2% (p=0.0001) in elderly and non-elderly patients, respectively. In the 6-month follow-up, there was no difference in mortality, stent thrombosis, and reinfarction rates between the 2 groups but a higher rate of TIMI minor bleeding (7.9% vs 2.4%; p=0.001) in elderly as compared with younger patients. Age≥75 years was independently associated with bleeding events (HR 2.162 [1.105-4.229]; p=0.024). Elderly patients receiving prasugrel 5mg are more likely to experience high RPR than younger patients treated by prasugrel 10 mg. Despite the use of a reduced prasugrel maintenance dose and a higher level of RPR, elderly patients show increased risk of bleeding during prasugrel therapy as compared to younger patients.

Heart (British Cardiac Society), 2014

Application of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndromes... more Application of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is suboptimal in older frail individuals. This study was conducted to verify if background risk is a risk factor for underuse and diminished effectiveness of PCI in older patients. An observational cohort study was conducted using data from the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Florence 2 registry, including all ACS hospitalised in 1 year in the area of Florence, Italy. Patients aged 75+ years were selected, whose background risk was stratified with the Silver Code (SC), a validated tool predicting mortality based upon administrative data. Multivariable OR for PCI application and HR for 1-year mortality by PCI usage were calculated. In 698 patients (358 women, mean age 83 years), of whom 176 had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), for each point increase in SC score the odds for application of PCI decreased by 11%, whereas the hazard of 1-year mortality increased by 1...

Internal and Emergency Medicine, 2008

The Florence Acute Myocardial Infarction registry was a population-based, prospective study aimed... more The Florence Acute Myocardial Infarction registry was a population-based, prospective study aimed at identifying the determinants of coronary reperfusion therapy [CRT, by primary coronary intervention (PCI) in more than 95% of cases] utilization and of prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The registry involved one teaching hospital with, and five district hospitals without PCI facilities. Overall, as many as 45.6% of 930 cases of STEMI did not receive any form of CRT. In multivariable analysis, the direct admission to the teaching hospital was the strongest positive predictor, whereas the time delay, older age, and chronic comorbid conditions were negative predictors of CRT utilization. Compared to conservative therapy, CRT was associated with a remarkably reduced 12-month mortality, after adjusting for age, chronic comorbidities and Killip class, which also were significantly associated with long-term prognosis. The higher crude mortality observed in women was accounted for by older age and other age-related factors. The improvement in prognosis with CRT was larger in older patients and/or in those with a greater burden of chronic comorbidity, who less frequently received CRT. These results suggest the need for interdisciplinary reassessing the adherence to therapeutic guidelines and the criteria adopted in the real clinical world to select patients for CRT during STEMI.

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2014

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) carries a poor outcome in patients with acute myocardial i... more Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) carries a poor outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate the prognostic impact of a staged successful CTO-PCI in patients with AMI treated with primary PCI. Outcome analysis included consecutive patients treated by successful primary PCI with coexisting non-infarct-related artery CTO who survived after 1 week from AMI. A comparison between patients with successful CTO-PCI and patients with failed or nonattempted CTO-PCI was performed. The primary end points of the study were 1-year and 3-year cardiac survival. Of 1,911 patients who underwent successful primary PCI for AMI from 2003 to 2012, 169 (10%) had non-infarct-related artery CTO of a major branch. A staged CTO-PCI attempt was performed in 74 patients (44%) and was successful in 58 (success rate 78%). All patients with successful CTO-PCI received drug-eluting stents. In the successful CTO-PCI group, a complete coronary revascularization was achieved in 88% of the patients. The 1-year cardiac mortality rate was 1.7% in the successful CTO-PCI group and 12% in nonattempted or failed CTO-PCI group (p = 0.025). Successful CTO-PCI was an independent predictor of 3-year cardiac survival (hazard ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.92, p = 0.038). In conclusion, successful CTO-PCI in survivors after primary PCI is associated with improved long-term cardiac survival.

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, 2010

Infarct artery stenting with adjunctive abciximab therapy is widely used treatment for patients w... more Infarct artery stenting with adjunctive abciximab therapy is widely used treatment for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, bleeding complications have been associated with a worse clinical outcome. Randomized trials in elective patients have shown that postprocedural protamine administration is safe and associated with a significant reduction in bleeding complications. The aim of the current study was to evaluate in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with abciximab and stenting whether immediate reversal of anticoagulation by protamine is safe and associated with a reduction in the occurrence of bleeding complications. From January 2004 to June 2005, 254 patients with STEMI had immediate reversal of anticoagulation by protamine administration after infarct artery stenting and received abciximab therapy without heparin infusion (Group 1). These patients were compared with a control group of 265 patients (June 2002-December 2003 treated with the standard heparin therapy: bolus in order to achieve an activated coagulation time of 250-300 s during PCI plus 12-h infusion (7 UI/kg/h; Group 2). We excluded patients undergoing IABP implantation. The two groups were similar in all baseline characteristics. There were no differences in in-hospital mortality, reinfarction, urgent target vessel revascularization, stroke or acute or subacute stent thrombosis, while Group 1 patients showed a lower incidence of major bleeding complications (ACUITY scale: 1.1 vs. 4.0%, P = 0.035) and a shorter length of hospital stay (3.5 ± 1.7 vs. 4.0 ± 1.6 days, P = 0.002) as compared with heparin treated patients. Among patients undergoing primary stenting with abciximab administration, immediate post-PCI reversal anticoagulation by protamine without associated heparin infusion is safe and associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding complications.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2003

Women have higher mortality rates following STEMI, 'yet fewer are considered eligible for reperfu... more Women have higher mortality rates following STEMI, 'yet fewer are considered eligible for reperfusion therapy. The international TETAMI study was designed to asssss the efficacy and safety of antlthrombotic therapy in STEMI patients inekgible for reperfusion. and a concurrent registry tracked patients at the same centers which were either reperfused or not reperfused and ineligible for TETAMI. Methods:

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2001

We sought to assess the relative prognostic role of a restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling p... more We sought to assess the relative prognostic role of a restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling pattern after a first anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients treated with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). BACKGROUND In thrombolized patients, a short Doppler-derived mitral deceleration time (DT) of early filling is a powerful independent predictor of heart failure and death. However, it is still unknown whether the outcome of patients with AMI with a short DT may be improved by a more aggressive treatment.

Journal of Nuclear Cardiology, 2010

Purpose. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography cor... more Purpose. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) for detecting signifi cant coronary artery stenosis (≥50% lumen reduction) compared with conventional coronary angiography (CAG) in a male and female population. Material and methods. A total of 1,372 patients (882 men, 490 women; mean age 59.3 ± 11.9 years) in sinus rhythm imaged with CTCA (64-slice technology) and CAG were enrolled. Diagnostic accuracy and likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) of CTCA were assessed against CAG for the male and female populations. Results. The prevalence of obstructive disease was 53% (men 58%; women 43%). CAG demonstrated the absence of signifi cant coronary artery disease (CAD) in 47% (men 42%; women 56%), single-vessel disease in 25% (men 36%; women 22%) and multivessel disease in 29% (men 32%; women 23%) of patients. In the per-patient analysis, sensitivity, specifi city and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of CTCA were 99% (men 98%; women 100%), 92% (men 92%; women 92%), 94% (men

Journal of Cardiac Failure, 2008

The mechanisms by which mitral regurgitation (MR) may lead to an adverse prognosis after reperfus... more The mechanisms by which mitral regurgitation (MR) may lead to an adverse prognosis after reperfused acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have not been fully investigated. We hypothesized that in the early phase of ST-elevation AMI, MR may lead to progressive left ventricular (LV) remodeling and subsequent heart failure. A series of 184 patients with AMI successfully treated with primary angioplasty underwent serial two-dimensional echocardiography at admission, at 1 and 6 months, and at 6-month angiography. The mean follow-up was 18 +/- 7 months. On the basis of color Doppler, MR was graded from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). Patients were divided into group 1 (n = 146) with an MR grade of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; or = 1 and group 2 (n = 38) with an MR grade of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 2. The regurgitant volume and effective regurgitant orifice area of MR were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (36.7 +/- 12.9 mL/beat vs 4.67 +/- 3.2 mL/beat, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001; 22.5 +/- 7.6 mm(2) vs 5.8 +/- 5.7 mm(2), P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001, respectively). LV end-diastolic volume progressively increased in group 2 and was significantly higher than in group 1 at 6 months (113.8 +/- 31.8 mL vs 96.9 +/- 34.1 mL, P = .0002), with a higher prevalence of LV remodeling (66% vs 22%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001). At 2 years, the incidence of heart failure was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (39% vs 12%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0002). A significant correlation was found between effective regurgitant orifice area of MR and baseline to 6-month change of LV end-diastolic volume (P = .001). By stepwise multivariate regression analysis effective regurgitant orifice area of early MR was an independent predictor of LV remodeling (P = .001) and late heart failure (hazard ratio: 1.069, 95% confidence interval 1.033-1.106, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001, Cox analysis). In reperfused AMI, early high-degree MR is an important predictor of both LV dilation and subsequent heart failure.

International Journal of Cardiology, 1994

A reduction of functional capacity has been reported in severe hypertension.

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new-generation spiral multidetector compu... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new-generation spiral multidetector computed tomographic scanner (the Brilliance 64) in the diagnosis of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR). Forty-one patients with 87 coronary stents (70 drug-eluting stents) implanted were examined. Patients underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) 6.7 +/- 6.9 days before scheduled invasive coronary angiography, using intravenous contrast enhancement. Images were reconstructed in multiple formats using retrospective electrocardiographic gating. Stents were viewed in their long and short axes and were visually classified for the presence or absence of binary ISR (diameter reduction &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;50%), including the 5-mm borders proximal and distal to the stent. ISR was found by invasive coronary angiography in 13 of the stented segments (15%) and in 8 patients (19%). Of these, 11 cases of ISR were correctly detected by MDCT; additionally, 1 severely calcified stented segment was considered as occluded by MDCT (sensitivity 84%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 54% to 98%). Seventy-three of 74 stented segments without ISR were correctly classified by MDCT (specificity 97%, 95% CI 93% to 100%), whereas 2 stented segments were classified as false-negative ISR. The positive predictive value was 92% (95% CI 84% to 97%), the negative predictive value was 97% (95% CI 90% to 99%), and predictive accuracy was 96% (95% CI 90% to 99%). After the exclusion of the calcified stented segment, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and predictive accuracy were 84% (95% CI 74% to 91%), 100% (95% CI 96% to 100%), 100% (95% CI 96% to 100%), 97% (CI 90% to 99%), and 98% (95% CI 92% to 99%), respectively. In conclusion, even with improved scanner technology, the sensitivity for the detection of ISR was moderate (84%). Thus, further studies are needed to determine whether MDCT will be a clinically useful and cost-effective tool for the evaluation of ISR in the clinical arena.

In the thrombolytic era, hypertension has been shown to adversely affect the development of heart... more In the thrombolytic era, hypertension has been shown to adversely affect the development of heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We sought to examine the relation between antecedent hypertension and heart failure after mechanical reperfusion and to test the impact of postinfarction left ventricular remodeling on heart failure in hypertensive patients. A series of 953 patients (324 hypertensives) with

Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions, Jan 24, 2015

We sought to analyze whether rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) in comparison with manual thrombus aspir... more We sought to analyze whether rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) in comparison with manual thrombus aspiration (MTA) may reduce microvascular obstruction (MVO), infarct size (IS), and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Conflicting results have been reported as to whether MTA reduces MVO and IS. Eighty STEMI reperfused by primary angioplasty and abciximab were randomly allocated (1:1) to RT or MTA. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 37 patients (19 RT) and after 1 year in 19 (9 RT); baseline, 1- and 6-month 2D-echo was performed in all patients. MVO and IS were measured 8 min after gadolinium injection with late enhancement sequences and were analyzed quantitatively at a core laboratory blinded to randomization. At baseline TIMI thrombus grade were similar (RT: 4.47 ± 0.84 vs. MTA: 4.67 ± 0.76, P = 0.453). After thrombectomy, thrombus grade decreased to 1.11 ± 1.04 in RT vs. 2.17 ± 1.29 in MTA arm (P = 0.009). RT compared wi...

European heart journal cardiovascular Imaging, Jan 24, 2015

The objective was to assess in vivo culprit lesion morphologies that caused ST-segment elevation ... more The objective was to assess in vivo culprit lesion morphologies that caused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Culprit lesions in 80 patients presenting within 6 h of STEMI onset from the CompariSon of Manual Aspiration with Rheolytic Thrombectomy in patients undergoing primary PCI (SMART) trial were evaluated. Underlying morphology of 64 culprit lesions was identifiable by OCT and included 37 lesions with plaque rupture, 25 lesions without plaque rupture, and 2 lesions with calcified nodules. Patients with plaque rupture tended to be younger (64 ± 12 versus 70 ± 10 years, P = 0.08) and less often female (11 versus 40%, P = 0.007) compared with patients without plaque rupture. More thin-cap fibroatheromas were identified (60 versus 20%, P = 0.002); and residual thrombus was greater in the rupture than in the non-rupture group. OCT at 6 months showed more stent malapposition (65 versus 33%, P = 0.04) in the rupture compared wi...

Category: 5. Stable Ischemic Syndrome Session-Poster Board Number: 1180-319

Experimental studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of senescence on cardiac function and ... more Experimental studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of senescence on cardiac function and remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We sought to assess the impact of age on left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure (HF) after successful primary angioplasty for AMI. A series of 512 consecutive patients underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at admission and at 1 month and 6 months after index AMI. LV volumes, ejection fraction, and wall motion score index (WMSI) were measured. Patients were divided in group 1 (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;70 years old, n = 361) and group 2 (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =70 years old, n = 151). Group 2 patients showed a lower peak creatine kinase (p = 0.029) compared to group 1. In group 2 patients the 6-month prevalence of LV remodeling (increase &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;20% in end-diastolic volume) was higher (34% vs 25%, p = 0.041), recoveries of ejection fraction and WMSI were lower (p = 0.00002 for the 2 comparisons), and incidence of late HF was higher (35% vs 17%, p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001) compared to group 1 patients. Independent predictors of LV remodeling were WMSI (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001), infarct size (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001), and LV end-diastolic volume (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001). Independent predictors of late HF were WMSI (hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.624 to 4.514), 6-month LV dilation (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.404 to 3.233), diabetes (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.008 to 2.595), infarct size (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.037 to 1.215), and age as continuous variables (HR 1.064, 95% CI 1.044 to 1.085). In conclusion, besides infarct size, extensive regional systolic dysfunction may play a significant role in the development of LV remodeling and HF in patients &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =70 years old after successful primary angioplasty.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention proved to be superior to thrombolysis in reducing ST-s... more Primary percutaneous coronary intervention proved to be superior to thrombolysis in reducing ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEAMI) mortality. However, whether such benefit is similar in women and men remains unclear. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the independent effect of female gender on management and on early and 1-year mortality in Florence, Italy, where primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the preferred reperfusion strategy for STEAMI. The study included a cohort of 920 unselected patients with STEAMI (men ‫؍‬ 627, women ‫؍‬ 293) prospectively enrolled in the AMI-Florence, population-based registry over 12 months. Women were older (76 vs 68 years, p <0.001) and more frequently had Killip class >I heart failure than men. The median delay to hospital admission was marginally longer in women (160 vs 130 minutes, p ‫؍‬ 0.09). Coronary reperfusion treatment was performed less often in women (49% vs 58%, p <0.013); primary percutaneous coronary intervention was perfomed more often in both genders (90% vs 91%) and with similar median door-to-balloon time (50 vs 45 minutes, p ‫؍‬ 0.44). Both in-hospital (16% vs 8%, p <0.001) and 1-year mortality (25% vs 18%, p ‫؍‬ 0.016) were higher in women. However, after adjusting for age and other baseline characteristics, reperfusion treatment (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 2.08) and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.24) were independent of female gender. Compared with conservative therapy, reperfusion treatment was associated with a similar reduction in 1-year mortality in women (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.02) and men (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92). Our data suggest that older age and several age-related factors may largely account for the higher mortality of women after STEAMI. Even in the general population, improvement in prognosis associated with reperfusion treatment is independent of gender. ᮊ2004 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.

American Journal of Cardiology, 2007

This study prospectively evaluated the prevalence, predictors, time course, and prognostic impact... more This study prospectively evaluated the prevalence, predictors, time course, and prognostic impact of left ventricular (LV) functional recovery after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 228 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) and LV dysfunction. Serial echocardiographic exams were performed within 24 hours (time 1) and at 1 month (time 2) and 6 months (time 3) after AMI. Overall, 133 patients (58%) showed significant LV functional recovery (>10% ejection fraction increase compared with time 1 or ejection fraction >50%) at time 3. Early (from time 1 to time 2) and late (from time 2 to time 3) functional recovery patterns were detected in 102 patients (45%) and 31 patients (14%), respectively. Independent predictors of LV functional recovery were enzymatic infarct size (p ‫؍‬ 0.0001), time from symptom onset to reperfusion (p ‫؍‬ 0.022), extent and severity of baseline LV wall motion abnormalities (p ‫؍‬ 0.007), and female gender (p ‫؍‬ 0.031). Six-month LV remodeling rates were 36% and 64% in patients with and without LV functional recovery (p ‫؍‬ 0.0001). The five-year cardiac death rate was significantly lower in patients with LV functional recovery than in those without (8% vs 18%, respectively, p ‫؍‬ 0.024). The time course of LV functional recovery during 6 months did not significantly affect long-term survival. In conclusion, after successful mechanical reperfusion of AMIs, nearly half of patients showed poor LV functional recovery. The presence of significant LV functional recovery 6 months after reperfused AMI, but not the specific time course of recovery, is clearly associated with a better long-term clinical outcome. Simple baseline variables can predict the improvement of cardiac function after reperfused AMI.

Journal of The American College of Cardiology, 2011

This study was designed to investigate the impact of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) i... more This study was designed to investigate the impact of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in degenerated saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) without distal embolic protection. BACKGROUND Distal embolic protection devices have been shown to reduce the incidence of no reflow/slow flow during PCI of de novo lesions in degenerated SVGs. It is unclear whether PCI of in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions in degenerated SVGs is associated with no reflow/slow flow and whether distal embolic protection is beneficial in these cases as well.

Current Cardiovascular Imaging Reports, 2008

Abstract The treatment of coronary artery stenosis has progressively shifted over the past decade... more Abstract The treatment of coronary artery stenosis has progressively shifted over the past decades, from surgical (coronary artery bypass graft) to percutaneous (percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting). The recent introduction of drug-eluting stents further ...

International Journal of Cardiology, 2014

In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients older than 75 years old, prasugrel 10 mg maintenance th... more In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients older than 75 years old, prasugrel 10 mg maintenance therapy has shown less clinical efficacy and higher risk of bleeding. In patients older than 75 years, a prasugrel dose of 5 mg should be used if treatment is deemed necessary. The aim of this study was to compare platelet reactivity and outcomes in elderly patients receiving prasugrel 5mg therapy with non-elderly patients receiving prasugrel 10 mg therapy. Consecutive ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treated with prasugrel were included. Of 718 patients, 228 (32%) had ≥75 years and received prasugrel 5 mg/day. Residual platelet reactivity (RPR) was 47±18% and 36±16% in the elderly and non-elderly group, respectively (p=0.001). High RPR (≥70%) was found in 9% and 2% (p=0.0001) in elderly and non-elderly patients, respectively. In the 6-month follow-up, there was no difference in mortality, stent thrombosis, and reinfarction rates between the 2 groups but a higher rate of TIMI minor bleeding (7.9% vs 2.4%; p=0.001) in elderly as compared with younger patients. Age≥75 years was independently associated with bleeding events (HR 2.162 [1.105-4.229]; p=0.024). Elderly patients receiving prasugrel 5mg are more likely to experience high RPR than younger patients treated by prasugrel 10 mg. Despite the use of a reduced prasugrel maintenance dose and a higher level of RPR, elderly patients show increased risk of bleeding during prasugrel therapy as compared to younger patients.

Heart (British Cardiac Society), 2014

Application of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndromes... more Application of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is suboptimal in older frail individuals. This study was conducted to verify if background risk is a risk factor for underuse and diminished effectiveness of PCI in older patients. An observational cohort study was conducted using data from the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Florence 2 registry, including all ACS hospitalised in 1 year in the area of Florence, Italy. Patients aged 75+ years were selected, whose background risk was stratified with the Silver Code (SC), a validated tool predicting mortality based upon administrative data. Multivariable OR for PCI application and HR for 1-year mortality by PCI usage were calculated. In 698 patients (358 women, mean age 83 years), of whom 176 had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), for each point increase in SC score the odds for application of PCI decreased by 11%, whereas the hazard of 1-year mortality increased by 1...

Internal and Emergency Medicine, 2008

The Florence Acute Myocardial Infarction registry was a population-based, prospective study aimed... more The Florence Acute Myocardial Infarction registry was a population-based, prospective study aimed at identifying the determinants of coronary reperfusion therapy [CRT, by primary coronary intervention (PCI) in more than 95% of cases] utilization and of prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The registry involved one teaching hospital with, and five district hospitals without PCI facilities. Overall, as many as 45.6% of 930 cases of STEMI did not receive any form of CRT. In multivariable analysis, the direct admission to the teaching hospital was the strongest positive predictor, whereas the time delay, older age, and chronic comorbid conditions were negative predictors of CRT utilization. Compared to conservative therapy, CRT was associated with a remarkably reduced 12-month mortality, after adjusting for age, chronic comorbidities and Killip class, which also were significantly associated with long-term prognosis. The higher crude mortality observed in women was accounted for by older age and other age-related factors. The improvement in prognosis with CRT was larger in older patients and/or in those with a greater burden of chronic comorbidity, who less frequently received CRT. These results suggest the need for interdisciplinary reassessing the adherence to therapeutic guidelines and the criteria adopted in the real clinical world to select patients for CRT during STEMI.

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2014

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) carries a poor outcome in patients with acute myocardial i... more Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) carries a poor outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate the prognostic impact of a staged successful CTO-PCI in patients with AMI treated with primary PCI. Outcome analysis included consecutive patients treated by successful primary PCI with coexisting non-infarct-related artery CTO who survived after 1 week from AMI. A comparison between patients with successful CTO-PCI and patients with failed or nonattempted CTO-PCI was performed. The primary end points of the study were 1-year and 3-year cardiac survival. Of 1,911 patients who underwent successful primary PCI for AMI from 2003 to 2012, 169 (10%) had non-infarct-related artery CTO of a major branch. A staged CTO-PCI attempt was performed in 74 patients (44%) and was successful in 58 (success rate 78%). All patients with successful CTO-PCI received drug-eluting stents. In the successful CTO-PCI group, a complete coronary revascularization was achieved in 88% of the patients. The 1-year cardiac mortality rate was 1.7% in the successful CTO-PCI group and 12% in nonattempted or failed CTO-PCI group (p = 0.025). Successful CTO-PCI was an independent predictor of 3-year cardiac survival (hazard ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.92, p = 0.038). In conclusion, successful CTO-PCI in survivors after primary PCI is associated with improved long-term cardiac survival.

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, 2010

Infarct artery stenting with adjunctive abciximab therapy is widely used treatment for patients w... more Infarct artery stenting with adjunctive abciximab therapy is widely used treatment for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, bleeding complications have been associated with a worse clinical outcome. Randomized trials in elective patients have shown that postprocedural protamine administration is safe and associated with a significant reduction in bleeding complications. The aim of the current study was to evaluate in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with abciximab and stenting whether immediate reversal of anticoagulation by protamine is safe and associated with a reduction in the occurrence of bleeding complications. From January 2004 to June 2005, 254 patients with STEMI had immediate reversal of anticoagulation by protamine administration after infarct artery stenting and received abciximab therapy without heparin infusion (Group 1). These patients were compared with a control group of 265 patients (June 2002-December 2003 treated with the standard heparin therapy: bolus in order to achieve an activated coagulation time of 250-300 s during PCI plus 12-h infusion (7 UI/kg/h; Group 2). We excluded patients undergoing IABP implantation. The two groups were similar in all baseline characteristics. There were no differences in in-hospital mortality, reinfarction, urgent target vessel revascularization, stroke or acute or subacute stent thrombosis, while Group 1 patients showed a lower incidence of major bleeding complications (ACUITY scale: 1.1 vs. 4.0%, P = 0.035) and a shorter length of hospital stay (3.5 ± 1.7 vs. 4.0 ± 1.6 days, P = 0.002) as compared with heparin treated patients. Among patients undergoing primary stenting with abciximab administration, immediate post-PCI reversal anticoagulation by protamine without associated heparin infusion is safe and associated with a significant reduction in major bleeding complications.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2003

Women have higher mortality rates following STEMI, 'yet fewer are considered eligible for reperfu... more Women have higher mortality rates following STEMI, 'yet fewer are considered eligible for reperfusion therapy. The international TETAMI study was designed to asssss the efficacy and safety of antlthrombotic therapy in STEMI patients inekgible for reperfusion. and a concurrent registry tracked patients at the same centers which were either reperfused or not reperfused and ineligible for TETAMI. Methods:

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2001

We sought to assess the relative prognostic role of a restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling p... more We sought to assess the relative prognostic role of a restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling pattern after a first anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients treated with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). BACKGROUND In thrombolized patients, a short Doppler-derived mitral deceleration time (DT) of early filling is a powerful independent predictor of heart failure and death. However, it is still unknown whether the outcome of patients with AMI with a short DT may be improved by a more aggressive treatment.

Journal of Nuclear Cardiology, 2010

Purpose. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography cor... more Purpose. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) for detecting signifi cant coronary artery stenosis (≥50% lumen reduction) compared with conventional coronary angiography (CAG) in a male and female population. Material and methods. A total of 1,372 patients (882 men, 490 women; mean age 59.3 ± 11.9 years) in sinus rhythm imaged with CTCA (64-slice technology) and CAG were enrolled. Diagnostic accuracy and likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) of CTCA were assessed against CAG for the male and female populations. Results. The prevalence of obstructive disease was 53% (men 58%; women 43%). CAG demonstrated the absence of signifi cant coronary artery disease (CAD) in 47% (men 42%; women 56%), single-vessel disease in 25% (men 36%; women 22%) and multivessel disease in 29% (men 32%; women 23%) of patients. In the per-patient analysis, sensitivity, specifi city and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of CTCA were 99% (men 98%; women 100%), 92% (men 92%; women 92%), 94% (men

Journal of Cardiac Failure, 2008

The mechanisms by which mitral regurgitation (MR) may lead to an adverse prognosis after reperfus... more The mechanisms by which mitral regurgitation (MR) may lead to an adverse prognosis after reperfused acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have not been fully investigated. We hypothesized that in the early phase of ST-elevation AMI, MR may lead to progressive left ventricular (LV) remodeling and subsequent heart failure. A series of 184 patients with AMI successfully treated with primary angioplasty underwent serial two-dimensional echocardiography at admission, at 1 and 6 months, and at 6-month angiography. The mean follow-up was 18 +/- 7 months. On the basis of color Doppler, MR was graded from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). Patients were divided into group 1 (n = 146) with an MR grade of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; or = 1 and group 2 (n = 38) with an MR grade of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 2. The regurgitant volume and effective regurgitant orifice area of MR were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (36.7 +/- 12.9 mL/beat vs 4.67 +/- 3.2 mL/beat, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001; 22.5 +/- 7.6 mm(2) vs 5.8 +/- 5.7 mm(2), P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001, respectively). LV end-diastolic volume progressively increased in group 2 and was significantly higher than in group 1 at 6 months (113.8 +/- 31.8 mL vs 96.9 +/- 34.1 mL, P = .0002), with a higher prevalence of LV remodeling (66% vs 22%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001). At 2 years, the incidence of heart failure was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (39% vs 12%, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0002). A significant correlation was found between effective regurgitant orifice area of MR and baseline to 6-month change of LV end-diastolic volume (P = .001). By stepwise multivariate regression analysis effective regurgitant orifice area of early MR was an independent predictor of LV remodeling (P = .001) and late heart failure (hazard ratio: 1.069, 95% confidence interval 1.033-1.106, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001, Cox analysis). In reperfused AMI, early high-degree MR is an important predictor of both LV dilation and subsequent heart failure.

International Journal of Cardiology, 1994

A reduction of functional capacity has been reported in severe hypertension.