Ismayl, Mahmoud

Background Treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) accounts for 10% of percutaneous coronary interventions in the USA. Paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) are an alternative to uncoated balloons (UCBs) for ISR. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central for studies comparing PCB with UCB in treating ISR. Outcomes included late lumen loss, binary restenosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results Eight trials including 1410 patients [PCB in 865 (61%), follow-up 6 months to 10 years) were identified. Angiographic outcomes of late lumen loss [mean difference: −0.50 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.66 to −0.33; P < 0.01] and binary restenosis [relative risk (RR): 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13–0.40; P < 0.01] at 6–8 months were lower with PCB. TLR at 6 months (RR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06–0.40; P < 0.001) and 1 year (RR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.31–0.66; P < 0.001), MACE at 6 months (RR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.16–0.38; P < 0.001), MACE at 3–5 years (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.37–0.80; P = 0.002), and TLR at 3–5 years (RR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29–0.90; P = 0.021) were lower with PCB. Meta-regression revealed that ISR lesions in the left anterior descending artery were associated with lower rates of binary restenosis while the opposite was observed for left circumflex lesions. Conclusion Revascularization of coronary ISR with PCB is associated with reduced late lumen loss, binary restenosis, TLR, CCE, and MACE. PCB may be a preferred strategy for coronary ISR.

Background: Angina with no obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) is clinically challenging to diagnose and manage. The agreement between Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR Doppl ) and PET-derived CFR (CFR PET ) in patients with ANOCA remains unclear. Aims: To evaluate the correlation between Doppler- and PET-derived CFR in patients with ANOCA. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of adult patients (age ≥18 years) with ANOCA who were referred for evaluation of possible microvascular ischemia with Doppler- and PET-derived CFR at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between January 1, 2018, and May 1, 2024. Pearson correlation was used to quantify the association between Doppler- and PET-derived CFR. Agreement between Doppler- and PET-derived CFR was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis using a 2-way mixed effects model with measures of absolute agreement. Results: A total of 66 patients were initially identified, of which 40 were included in the final analysis (66.7% female, median age 58 years [Q1-Q3: 45-66 years]). Median time between PET- and Doppler-derived CFR was 8 days (Q1-Q3: 1-31 days). Median CFR Doppl was 2.75 (IQR: 2.23-3.28) and median CFR PET was 2.50 (IQR: 2.10-3.10). Doppler-derived CFR displayed a wider range than PET-derived CFR (0.8-5.2 vs 1.2-4.0). A strong correlation was found between Doppler- and PET-derived CFR ( r= 0.81; p<0.001). The corresponding Bland-Altman plot showed an overall bias of 0.27±0.56 (intraclass coefficient=0.85; p<0.001). Conclusions: While invasive coronary angiography with CFR Doppl is the gold-standard for the diagnostic evaluation of ANOCA, PET imaging with CFR PET offers an excellent first line non-invasive modality for diagnosis of coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Background: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) using venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a promising strategy for refractory cardiac arrest. However, the role of left ventricular (LV) unloading during ECPR remains uncertain. Methods: We queried the United States National Inpatient Sample (2016-2021) to identify adult patients with out-of-hospital (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) who received ECPR. Patients were stratified based on the use of either VA-ECMO only or VA-ECMO with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or VA-ECMO with Impella (ECPELLA) for ventricular unloading. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare in-hospital outcomes between the groups. Results: Among 6,915 patients receiving ECPR, VA-ECMO alone was used in 5,145 (74.4%), VA-ECMO-IABP in 809 (11.7%), and ECPELLA in 961 (13.9%). The LV unloading groups more frequently presented with ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (61.1% and 72.4% vs. 43.9%, both p<0.01), while the VA-ECMO only group more often presented with pulseless electrical activity/asystole (56.1% vs. 38.9% and 27.6%, both p<0.01). In IHCA patients, ECPELLA was associated with 50% lower odds of in-hospital mortality compared to VA-ECMO alone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-0.81, p<0.01). No significant difference was found in OHCA patients. VA-ECMO-IABP was not associated with a mortality benefit vs. VA-ECMO alone in either OHCA or IHCA (Figure 1). Cardiovascular complications were significantly higher in both LV unloading groups compared to the VA-ECMO only group in OHCA subgroup (90% and 95% vs. 73.3%, both p<0.01) while IHCA subgroup only showed higher significant rates in ECPELLA compared to VA-ECMO alone (89.3% vs. 81%, p=0.04) (Figure 2). After adjustment for potential confounders, VA-ECMO-IABP (aOR 2.79, 95% CI 1.02-7.60, p=0.04) and ECPELLA (aOR 6.92, 95% CI 2.09-22.94, p<0.01) were associated with significantly higher odds of cardiovascular complications compared to VA-ECMO alone among OHCA patients, but not among IHCA patient. There were no statistically significant differences in neurologic, renal, and hematologic complications between the three groups in either OHCA or IHCA patients (Figure 3). Conclusion: In this nationwide study, LV unloading with ECPELLA was associated with improved survival in IHCA patients but not in OHCA patients compared to VA-ECMO alone. The addition of IABP to VA-ECMO was not associated with a mortality benefit.

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The relationships of race/ethnicity and sex to outcomes and treatment patterns among patients with IHCA remain poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2020 to identify adult patients with IHCA and compare in-hospital outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic) and sex. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included rates of in-hospital procedures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Among 207,770 patients with IHCA, 26.6% had ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) and 73.4% had pulseless electrical activity (PEA)/asystole. In the VT/VF subgroup, Black males (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.21-1.66), Black females (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05-1.50), and Hispanic females (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.01-1.66) had higher odds of mortality compared to White males (Figure 1). In the PEA/asystole subgroup, Black males (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.11-1.39) and Hispanic males (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.40) had higher odds of mortality, while White females had lower odds (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.94) compared to White males (Figure 2). Black patients were less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.43-0.66 for males; aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.42-0.69 for females) and coronary artery bypass grafting (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.82 for males; aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.27-0.81 for females) compared to White males in VT/VF arrests. Additionally, Black males had the highest adjusted odds of renal replacement therapy in VT/VF arrests (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.21-1.80), while Hispanic males had the highest adjusted odds in PEA/asystole arrests (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.74) compared to White males. The remaining outcomes of interest in both VT/VF and PEA/asystole arrests are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively. Conclusion: Significant racial/ethnic and sex disparities exist in outcomes and treatment patterns among patients with IHCA, with differences observed in both VT/VF and PEA/asystole subgroups. Targeted efforts and further studies are needed to better understand and address these disparities and improve outcomes in these severely ill patients.

Background In‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The relationships between race and ethnicity and sex on outcomes and treatment patterns among patients with IHCA remain poorly understood. Methods and Results We conducted a retrospective study using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2020 to identify adult patients with IHCA and examine the associations between in‐hospital outcomes and race and ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic) and sex. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included rates of in‐hospital procedures. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders. Among 207 770 patients with IHCA, 26.6% had ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation and 73.4% had pulseless electrical activity/asystole. For ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation arrest, Black men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.42 [95% CI, 1.21–1.66]), Black women (aOR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.05–1.50]), and Hispanic women (aOR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.01–1.66]) had higher odds of mortality compared with White men (corresponding adjusted risk ratios [aRRs], 1.10 [CI, 1.06–1.14], 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02–1.11], and 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01–1.14], respectively). In the pulseless electrical activity/asystole arrest subgroup, Black men (aOR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.11–1.39]) and Hispanic men (aOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.07–1.40]) had higher odds of mortality (corresponding aRRs, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02–1.06] and 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01–1.06], respectively). Black patients with IHCA were less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, and mechanical circulatory support compared with White men. Conclusions Significant racial and ethnic and sex disparities exist in outcomes and treatment patterns among patients with IHCA. Targeted efforts and further studies are needed to better understand and address these disparities and improve outcomes.

Abstract Background Atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) are commonly detected in individuals with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Outcomes of atrial high-rate episodes remain unclear in those without a prior history of atrial fibrillation. Purpose This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of atrial high-rate episodes in patients who have no prior history of atrial fibrillation. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched through February 2024 for studies evaluating clinical outcomes in individuals with cardiac implantable electronic devices who experienced atrial high-rate episodes, compared to those who did not. Individuals who had a prior history of atrial fibrillation were excluded. Outcomes assessed were clinical atrial fibrillation, thromboembolic events, and all-cause mortality. A fixed-effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A subgroup analysis of thromboembolic events was conducted based on the duration of atrial high-rate episodes. Results A total of 9 studies met inclusion criteria with a combined enrollment of 7440 patients. Compared to those who did not experience atrial high-rate episodes, those who did had significantly increased risks of clinical atrial fibrillation (RR 3.33; 95% CI 1.99 - 5.57; P &lt; 0.0001) and thromboembolic events (RR 2.21; 95% CI 1.72 -2.85; P &lt; 0.0001). The risk of all-cause mortality was similar between both groups (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.95 – 1.49; P = 0.13). Subgroup analysis revealed an increased risk of thromboembolic events among atrial high-rate episodes ≥ 24 hours (RR 12.34; 95% CI 2.70 – 56.36) while atrial high-rate episodes lasting &lt; 24 hours were insignificantly associated with thromboembolic events (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.12 – 5.58). Conclusions Our study indicates a heightened risk of clinical atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic events among patients with atrial high-rate episodes, with no observed increase in mortality risk. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the duration of atrial high-rate episodes influences the risk of thromboembolism. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Abstract Background The role of anticoagulation in patients with atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE), who have no prior history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, is being extensively studied. Purpose Given the increased thrombo-embolic risk in patients who have atrial high-rate episodes, our aim was to evaluate whether anticoagulation leads to enhanced clinical outcomes compared to no anticoagulation (1). Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, through February 2024, for studies evaluating outcomes in patients with atrial high-rate episodes managed with oral anticoagulation (OAC) compared to those not managed with oral anticoagulation. Outcomes assessed were ischemic stroke, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. A fixed-effects model was used to calculate pooled risk risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 4 studies comprising 6788 patients were included. Anticoagulation was associated with a significant reduction in the risks of ischemic stroke (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49 - 0.90; P = 0.0084) and thromboembolic events (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.55 - 0.89; P = 0.0037). Compared to atrial high-rate episodes not managed with anticoagulation, there was a significantly increased risk of major bleeding with anticoagulation (RR 1.57; 95% CI 1.23 - 2.00; P = 0.0002), while the risk of all-cause mortality was similar (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.95 - 1.21; P = 0.2437). Conclusion Our study suggests that anticoagulation in patients with atrial high-rate episodes decreases the risks of ischemic stroke and thromboembolic events, while increasing the risk of major bleeding, compared patients not managed with anticoagulation. Our study does not show a mortality benefit with the use of anticoagulation in patients with atrial high-rate episodes. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation in atrial high-rate episodes.Forest Plots of Outcomes Assessed

Abstract Background Data on racial/ethnic and sex disparities in the utilization and outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) in the United States are scarce. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the impact of race/ethnicity and sex on the utilization and outcomes of TVS. Methods We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2020 to identify hospitalizations for tricuspid valve surgery. Racial/ethnic and sex disparities in tricuspid valve surgery outcomes were determined using logistic regression models. Results Between 2016 and 2020, 19,395 hospitalizations for tricuspid valve surgery were identified. The utilization rates (defined as the number of tricuspid valve surgery performed per 100,000 US hospitalizations) were lower in Black and Hispanic patients compared with White patients for surgical tricuspid valve repair (331 versus 493 versus 634, p&lt;0.01) and surgical tricuspid valve replacement (312 versus 601 versus 728, p&lt;0.01). Similarly, the utilization rates were lower for women compared with men for surgical tricuspid valve repair (1,021 versus 1,364, p&lt;0.01) and surgical tricuspid valve replacement (930 versus 1,316, p&lt;0.01). Compared to White men undergoing tricuspid valve surgery, all women had lower odds of acute kidney injury (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.55-0.78) and higher odds of blood transfusion (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.59), and Black men had higher odds of blood transfusion (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08-2.35). In-hospital mortality and other surgical complications were similar between all groups (all p&gt;0.05). Conclusions Significant racial/ethnic and sex disparities exist in the utilization of tricuspid valve surgery in the United States. Further studies are needed to understand the reasons for these disparities and to identify effective strategies for their mitigation.