NT-probrain natriuretic peptide predicts complexity and severity of the coronary lesions in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Unlabelled: NT-probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and adverse outcome in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS). However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for this association have not been well established. We sought to explore the relation between NT-proBNP levels and extension of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the presence of more complex and severe coronary lesions.

A simple prediction rule for significant renal artery stenosis in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Background: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a potentially reversible cause of hypertension and renal insufficiency and is associated with poor prognosis.

Methods: We aimed to identify simple predictors of significant RAS among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Prospective data were collected on 843 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization and abdominal aortography.

Relation of C-reactive protein to extent and complexity of coronary narrowing in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. A prospective cohort study.

Background: Inflammatory markers have been associated with adverse clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). In addition, angiographic plaque morphology and extension of coronary artery disease has been related to worse prognosis in this group of patients. The aim of the present study was to determine if the clinical prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, can by associated with the angiographic findings in patients with non-ST elevation ACS.

Early reperfusion and late clinical outcomes in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction randomly assigned to primary percutaneous coronary intervention or streptokinase.

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become an alternative to thrombolytic therapy as a reperfusion strategy for ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods: The main goal of this study was to determine whether PCI and thrombolytic therapy achieve comparable reperfusion rates, as evidenced by ST-segment resolution. Secondary end points included infarct vessel patency rates before hospital discharge and short- and long-term outcomes.

[Gadodiamide and carbon dioxide as alternative contrast media in patients with chronic renal failure].

Twelve diagnostic and therapeutic angiograms were performed in 10 patients with chronic renal failure using gadodiamide and CO2 as vascular contrast. Renal function was evaluated with serum creatinine levels 24 hours before and 24 to 48 hours after the vascular procedure. Imaging quality and tolerance of these contrast agents were also studied.