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In routine practice, FFR assessment during diagnostic angiography was performed in 6.3%. On the basis of FFR, two-thirds of patients with 'intermediate' lesions were left unrevascularized, with a favourable outcome, when FFR was above 0.80. These data suggest that routine use of FFR during diagnostic catheterization is feasible, safe, and provide help to guide decision making.

A clear relationship between the extent of guideline implementation, and 1-year mortality was shown and this relationship remained strong after stratification on the risk score at admission and the type of MI. These data emphasize the need for thorough implementation of guidelines to improve the outcome of patients suffering from acute MI.

In patients without a history of diabetes, the presence of AH indicates an increased risk of 1-year mortality, similar to that of patients with diabetes, even when the risk score and use of guidelines-recommended treatment are controlled for.

No abstract

These results suggest that ischaemic preconditioning does occur during repeated brief coronary artery occlusion in the human heart.

A 72-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for acute back pain. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) all showed the presence of intramural hematoma (IMH) located in the descending aorta, with bilateral pleural effusions. The patient was initially referred for medical therapy and 'watchful waiting'. However, he continued to have back pain, so we decided to perform invasive aortography examination and intra-aortic ultrasound (IAU) imaging. No penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) was found on multiple angiographic views, but intra-aorta ultrasound imaging clearly showed a PAU measuring 3x1 mm(2) in connection with the intramural hematoma. Even retrospective analysis of CT images failed to reveal this PAU. Therefore, we think that IAU imaging may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of PAU.

No abstract