Delayed PTCA of an occluded LAD can frequently restore vessel patency. Success appears to be associated with better ventricular function and a lack of chronic dilation. Large randomized studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of delayed PTCA on late mortality.
Our study confirms that perfusion abnormalities are present in most syndrome X patients. Additionally, the data show that reverse redistribution (a perfusion defect that develops or becomes more evident on delayed imaging) is a common finding in these patients. The mechanisms of the phenomenon remain obscure: we suggest that it is due to inhomogeneous perfusion, and the hyperaemic response induced by exercise masks resting underperfusion of certain areas.
These observations suggest that the presence of left ventricular thrombus is related to the extent of myocardial damage. Thrombolytic therapy reduces thrombus probably by salvaging myocardium at risk.
Objective-To assess exercise performance and resting left ventricular filling dynamics in patients with syndrome X (SX) in basal conditions and after 10 days treatment with oral atenolol. Design and patients-Exercise performance was studied and left ventricular filling assessed by Doppler-derived transmitral flow pattern analysis in 22 patients (16 female, mean (SD) age 53 (4) years) with angina, a positive exercise test, and angiographically smooth coronary arteries. Patients were studied after two 10 day treatment periods with either atenolol or placebo in a single-blind, randomised, crossover trial. The same protocol was followed in 10 patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) and in 13 controls (C). Results-Unlike the controls, patients with SX and those with CAD consistently showed exercise-induced ST segment abnormalities and impaired resting left ventricular filling while on placebo. Atenolol significantly reduced episodes of angina, completely prevented exerciseinduced ST segment changes in 18 SX patients, and delayed their onset in all patients with CAD: in both groups the agent significantly improved Dopplerderived indices (mean (SD)) of ventricular filling (E/A 0 97 (0.27) v 1-22 (0.32) and 0-84 (0.21) v 1 19 (0.37), respectively).Conclusions-The objective documentation of left ventricular filling abnormalities may be useful in confirming the clinical diagnosis of SX and in providing objective evidence of therapeutic benefit. The similarity of the symptoms and electrocardiographic and ventricular filling abnormalities found in patients with SX and in those with CAD suggests that ischaemia is involved in both groups.
In the last twelve years the clinical management of patients with atrial fibrillation has been revolutionised by the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants. Despite the large amount of evidence produced, some populations remain relatively poorly explored regarding the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants, such as the oldest and/or frailest individuals. Frailty is clinical syndrome characterized by a reduction of functions and physiological reserves which results in individuals having higher vulnerability. While current evidence underlines a relationship between atrial fibrillation and frailty, particularly in determining a higher risk of adverse outcomes, data regarding effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in frailty atrial fibrillation patients are still lacking, leaving uncertainty about how to guide prescription in this specific subgroup. On these premises, this multidisciplinary consensus document explains why it would be useful to integrate the clinical evaluation performed through comprehensive geriatric assessment to gather further elements to guide prescription of direct oral anticoagulants in such a high-risk group of patients.
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