RWMAs in critically ill patients with non-obstructed coronary arteries

Introduction

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is estimated to occur in 10%–25% of the general intensive care unit (ICU) population and is frequently seen as regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Although RWMA is mostly attributed to myocardial ischemia or infarction, some studies have suggested that nonischemic RWMA might also be prevalent. We sought to establish that RWMA can be seen in critically ill patients with normal coronary arteries and to explore reasons for RWMA in this population.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data from the hospital angiography register and the ICU register were collated between 2012 and 2019. Patients were identified who underwent angiography in conjunction with their ICU stay and had RWMA on echocardiography. Patients were divided into either those with non-obstructed or those with obstructed coronary arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) examinations were reviewed if they had been performed on patients with non-obstructed coronaries.

Results

We identified 53 patients with RWMA and non-obstructed coronary arteries and 204 patients with RWMA and obstructed coronary arteries. Patients with non-obstructed coronary arteries were more often female, younger, and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors. They less commonly had ST elevation, but more frequently had T-wave inversion or serious arrhythmias. Troponin levels were higher in patients with obstructed coronary arteries, but NT-proBNP was similar between the groups. There were no differences in risk-adjusted 90-day mortality between patients with non-obstructed versus obstructed coronary arteries (OR 1.21, [95% CI 0.56–2.64], p = .628). In those with non-obstructed coronary arteries, follow-up echocardiography was available for 38 patients, of whom 30 showed normalization of cardiac function. Of the 14 patients with non-obstructed coronary arteries on whom cMRI was performed, 7 had a tentative diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome or myocardial stunning; 4 had a myocardial infarction (preexisting in 3 cases); 1 patient had acute myocarditis; 1 patient had post-myocarditis; and 1 patient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

RWMA can be seen to occur in critically ill patients in the absence of coronary artery obstruction. Several conditions can cause regional hypokinesia, and cMRI is useful to evaluate the underlying etiology.     

Renal function and outcome after heart transplantation

Objectives

To investigate whether measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) is a risk factor for death and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after heart transplantation (HTx).

Inhaled prostacyclin and platelet function after cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective: To study the effects of 6 h inhalation of aerosolized prostacyclin (PGI₂) on platelet function.¶Design: In a prospective, double-blind, randomized study, 28 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), received either 0.9 % sodium chloride (n = 8), PGI₂ 5 μg × ml^–1 (n = 10) or PGI₂ 10 μg × ml^–1 (n = 10) as an aerosol for 6 h postoperatively.¶Setting: Cardiothoracic intensive care unit at a university hospital.¶Interventions: All patients were studied immediately after surgery during mechanical ventilation and sedation. The PGI₂ solutions or saline were administered with a jet nebulizer.¶Measurements and results: Bleeding time and chest tube drainage were measured. Blood samples for platelet aggregation, thrombelastography (TEG) and analysis of coagulation parameters and the stable prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-PGF₁α were obtained immediately before inhalation and after 2, 4 and 6 h of inhalation. After 6 h of PGI₂ inhalation, regardless of administered dose, there was a lower rate of platelet aggregation and a lower maximal increase in light transmission in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) than in the control group. The TEG variable reaction time (R) was prolonged after 4 and 6 h of inhalation in the PGI₂ group receiving 10 μg × ml^–1. There were no differences between groups with respect to bleeding time and chest tube drainage or any of the other variables examined.¶Conclusion: Inhalation of PGI₂ for 6 h in patients after cardiac surgery is associated with impaired platelet aggregation detected by in vitro techniques, with no in vivo signs of platelet dysfunction.     

Recovery after minor traffic injuries: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: