Impact of ethnic variation and residential segregation on long-term survival following myocardial perfusion SPECT.

Background: Ethnic characteristics of a neighborhood may impact upon all-cause mortality (ACM). It is not known whether this consideration remains a risk modifier among those being evaluated for CAD.

Methods: 6,477 pts (60 ± 13 years, male 38%) residing in NYC with normal or abnormal stress SPECT studies were assessed for ACM during a mean follow-up of 9 ± 3.

Physiological correlates of densely calcified coronary lesions on coronary computed tomography angiography among patients with low-to-intermediate coronary artery disease likelihood.

Objectives: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is often used to assess the extent and severity of atherosclerosis. A major limitation of CCTA are densely calcified coronary plaques that obscure the underlying lumen rendering assessment difficult. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic importance of densely calcified coronary lesions on CCTA in patients with low-to-intermediate likelihood of coronary artery disease.

Synergistic effect of coronary artery disease risk factors on long-term survival in patients with normal exercise SPECT studies.

Background: Normal exercise single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies are associated with a low event rate (<1.0%/year) during short-term follow-up. The influence of cardiac risk factors on long-term outcomes in such patients has not been well studied.

Quantification of left ventricular remodeling in response to isolated aortic or mitral regurgitation.

Background: The treatment of patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) or mitral regurgitation (MR) relies on the accurate assessment of the severity of the regurgitation as well as its effect on left ventricular (LV) size and function. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is an excellent tool for quantifying regurgitant volumes as well as LV size and function. The 2008 AHA/ACC management guidelines for the therapy of patients with AR or MR only describe LV size in terms of linear dimensions (i.

Impact of weight on long-term survival among patients without known coronary artery disease and a normal stress SPECT MPI.

Background: While obesity has been shown to be associated with a worse mortality, an "obesity paradox"--lower mortality in obese patients--has been noted among many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The extent to which an obesity paradox operates among patients with only suspected CAD, is not well determined.

Methods And Results: A total of 3,673 patients (60 +/- 13 years, 36% males) with no history of heart disease and a normal stress SPECT were included in this study.