Reference values of the carotid elastic modulus using shear wave elastography and arterial stiffness change in coronary slow flow.

Purpose: Shear wave elastography (SWE) accurately and sensitively evaluates arterial wall stiffness by quantifying the elastic modulus (EM); however, the absence of reference values has precluded its widespread clinical application. This prospective cohort study aimed to establish reference values for the carotid EM using SWE; investigate the main determinants of the EM; and evaluate EM changes in coronary slow flow (CSF), which is characterized by delayed coronary opacification without evident obstructive lesion in epicardial coronary artery on angiography.

Method: This study enrolled 169 healthy volunteers and 30 patients with CSF.

Association between increased serum alkaline phosphatase and the coronary slow flow phenomenon.

Background: Despite marked advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP), the exact mechanism remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that CSFP might be associated with generalized atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and low-grade chronic inflammation. High serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are associated with vascular calcification, atherosclerotic disease, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Evaluation of Plasma Thrombomodulin in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow.

Background: It has been reported that coronary slow flow (CSF) is associated with acute myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and even sudden cardiac death. Although studies concerning the etiopathogenesis of CSF are scarce, diffuse atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction are thought to play important roles. It has been suggested that a high plasma thrombomodulin (TM) level seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction.

Statin-ezetimibe versus statin lipid-lowering therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Studies comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of intensive statin therapy with ezetimibe-statin combination therapy are still rare at present, especially in Asian population.

Methods: We enrolled 202 patients who suffered acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between May and July in 2016. Patients were allocated into three groups based on the lipid lowering strategy: moderate-intensity statin group (n=118), ezetimibe combined with moderate-intensity statin group (ezetimibe-statin combination, n=55) and intensive statin group (n=29).

Efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel with different dosage in high-risk patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended as a standard antiplatelet strategy in acute coronary syndrome. For those with reduced pharmacologic response to clopidogrel, strengthening antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel 150mg daily) may reduce adverse clinical events. Ticagrelor is a direct-acting inhibitor of the adenosine diphosphate receptor P2Y12 that has a more rapid onset and offset than clopidogrel.

Evaluation of left ventricular twist in acute myocardial infarction patients using speckle tracking imaging.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences of left ventricular (LV) twist and untwisting rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as compared with healthy subjects by means of Speckle Tracking Imaging (STI). 45 AMI patients (AMI group) and 48 healthy subjects (NOR group) were studied. Two-dimensional STI was performed in all patients.