Incremental prognostic value of coronary and systemic atherosclerosis after myocardial infarction. (15th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calais, Fredrik; Eriksson Östman, Maja; Hedberg, Pär; Rosenblad, Andreas; Leppert, Jerzy; Fröbert, Ole
• Is Part Of: International journal of cardiology. Volume 261(2018)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2018-06-15
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis -- Myocardial infarction -- Coronary artery disease -- Extra-cardiac artery disease -- Prognosis; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.02.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-5273

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The role of systemic atherosclerosis in myocardial infarction (MI) patients is not fully understood. We investigated the incremental prognostic value of coronary and systemic atherosclerosis after acute MI by estimating extra-cardiac artery disease (ECAD) and extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods and results: The study included 544 prospective MI patients undergoing coronary angiography. For all patients, the longitudinal coronary atherosclerotic extent, expressed as Sullivan extent score (SES) was calculated. In addition, the patients underwent non-invasive screening for ECAD in the carotid, aortic, renal and lower limb. SES was found to be associated with ECAD independent of baseline clinical parameters [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.04 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.06, P < 0.001]. Extensive systemic atherosclerosis, defined as the combination of extensive coronary disease (SES ≥ 17) and ECAD, was associated with higher risk for all-cause mortality compared to limited systemic atherosclerosis (SES < 17 and no ECAD) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.9 95% CI 1.9–4.5, P < 0.001, adjusted for Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score parameters 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0, P = 0.019). The risk for the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or hospitalization was significantly higher in patients with extensive systemic atherosclerosis compared to patients with limited systemic atherosclerosis (HR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1–4.7, P < 0.001, adjusted HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.1, P < 0.004). Conclusions: Visual estimation of the longitudinal coronary atherosclerotic extent at the time of MI predicts ECAD. Coexistence of extensive coronary disease and ECAD defines a group with particularly poor prognosis after MI. Highlights: Longitudinal extent of coronary disease predicts extracardiac atherosclerosis. Extensive coronary disease is associated with poor prognosis. Estimation of systemic atherosclerosis provides an incremental prognostic value.