Total WBC count is confirmed to be an independent predictor of death/MI in patients with or at high risk for CAD, but greater predictive ability is provided by high N (Q4 >6.6 x 10(3)/microl) or low L counts. The greatest risk prediction is given by the N/L ratio, with Q4 versus Q1 (>4.71 versus <1.96) increasing the hazard 2.2-fold. These findings have important implications for CAD risk assessment.

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Patients presenting with STEMI can undergo successful PCI via radial artery approach without compromise in D2B times as compared to femoral artery approach.

Background: The potential of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to provide precise and reproducible measurements might not be realized currently. Methods:We acquired CMR images on 30 healthy adults and compared readings of 2 experienced physicians to determine sources of measurement variability.Results: Simultaneous review of tracings revealed 3 major sources of interobserver variability: 1) choice of enddiastolic/end-systolic frames; 2) choice of the most basal left and right ventricular short-axis slices; and, 3) approach to endocardial edge selection.Conclusions: CMR-derived volumes and mass are measurement-methodology specific. Formal measurement rules and improved computerized edge detection algorithms are needed.