Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered the treatment of choice in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, it is widely acknowledged that, in many cases, there are significant lesions in other coronary arteries. Previous randomized studies have shown that complete revascularization in a second procedure is more beneficial than intervention only in the culprit artery....
Is Complete Revascularization Really Necessary after AMI in the Elderly?
The population over 75 is growing gradually, which entails an increase in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in this group. As we all know, it is fairly common for AMI to present with multivessel disease. It has been shown that younger patients will benefit from complete revascularization vs. a simple resolution of the culprit vessel. However,...
No Reflow after Primary PCI in STEMI: An Angiographic Analysis of the TOTAL Study
In the early days of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), no reflow phenomenon was known as an indicator of the worst possible outcomes in terms of left ventricular remodeling, infarct size, ejection fraction and mortality, at long term. The TOTAL study (Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy with PCI Versus...
Mitral Valve Edge to Edge Repair for Papillary Muscle Rupture after Acute Myocardial Infarction
With an approximate incidence of 0.05% to 0.25%, post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mitral valve failure caused by papillary muscle rupture is not exactly common. However, it is associated to high mortality rate, ranging between 36% and 80%. Current guidelines recommend surgical treatment, but more often than not surgery involves prohibitive or extremely high risk, with...
What Is the Prognosis of an Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Presence of Moderate Aortic Stenosis?
Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common condition that shares risk factors with coronary artery disease. Many patients can suffer from both diseases simultaneously, something that increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction in the presence of aortic stenosis. AS can cause ischemia even in the absence of coronary artery disease, due to ventricular hypertrophy, increased...
Association Between Radial Wall Strain (RWS) and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Despite major advances in secondary prevention and reperfusion strategies, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) still causes morbidity and mortality. A significant portion of acute events arise from mild to moderate lesions identified months to years before the index event. Early detection of lesions at higher risk of progression and rupture may allow for more targeted treatment...
Early invasive Strategy for Non-ST Elevation ACS in Chronic Kidney Disease
Many randomized studies and systematic revisions have shown that an early invasive approach (within 24hrs. after diagnosis) will not reduce mortality across the non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS) population, hence the relevance of NST-ACS; patients with a GRACE score higher than 140 were the ones showing improved outcomes. Roughly 40% of NST-ACS patients have...
Watch the Highlighted Presentations of the Paraguay Sessions 2022
The 44th SOLACI Regional Sessions – 15th South Cone Region took place in a hybrid setting (F2F and online) in Asuncion, Paraguay, between June 30 and July 1, 2022. It was a successful event that featured prestigious national and international guests and a world class scientific program. Next, we share some of the presentations held...
Heparin Pretreatment in STEACS Treatment: A New Old Ally?
The treatment of ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (STEACS) is undoubtedly reperfusion therapy with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Similarly, nobody doubts that the pretreatment with more stronger antiplatelet agents has a role in such a treatment. In certain sites, unfractionated heparin (UFH) pretreatment is also administered before the patient enters the cath lab; its aim...
When is the Ideal Timing for NSTE-ACS Percutaneous Intervention?
According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC Guidelines 2021) an early invasive strategy is recommended (<24h) for high-risk patients with acute coronary syndrome with no ST elevation (NSTE-ACS), namely patients presenting a rise or fall in cardiac troponin, dynamic ST- or T-wave changes and GRACE risk score >140. Early intervention (<2h) is reserved for...