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    ccywong@stanford.edu
    University - Scholar Department: School of Medicine Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

All Publications

  • A case report of successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention to an occluded anomalous left main coronary artery arising from the right coronary sinus. European heart journal. Case reports Wong, C. C., Pogatchnik, B. P., Clark, D. E., Sharma, R. P. 2024; 8 (4): ytae192

    Abstract

    Background: Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus is a rare congenital abnormality that may be encountered during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Case summary: A 65-year-old man presented with chest pain and signs of heart failure. Electrocardiogram demonstrated atrial fibrillation with ST elevation in the high lateral leads, and he was taken emergently to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for primary PCI. Coronary angiography identified the culprit to be an occluded anomalous left main coronary artery (LMCA) arising from the right coronary cusp, and primary PCI was successfully performed in the LMCA and the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Computed tomography angiography confirmed a benign retroaortic course of the anomalous LMCA with no additional high-risk features, as well as a new left atrial appendage thrombus. He subsequently developed deep venous thrombosis, acute pulmonary embolism, and acute kidney injury secondary to renal artery embolism with associated infarction. Workup for patent foramen ovale and thrombophilia were negative, and he was discharged in a stable condition. At 2-month follow-up, he was asymptomatic with no evidence of myocardial ischaemia on stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.Discussion: We present the first reported case of an occluded anomalous LMCA arising from the right coronary sinus in a patient presenting with STEMI. Rapid recognition of this congenital anomaly and selection of an appropriate guide catheter were keys to achieving timely reperfusion and a good outcome in this case.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae192

    View details for PubMedID 38665427

  • Quantitative Flow Ratio-Guided Revascularization: Equally Effective Between the Sexes. JACC. Asia Wong, C. C., Yong, A. S. 2024; 4 (3): 213-215

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacasi.2023.11.003

    View details for PubMedID 38463682

  • Where Do We Go With Abnormal Flow? JACC. Asia Wong, C. C., Fearon, W. F. 2023; 3 (6): 878-880

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacasi.2023.08.012

    View details for PubMedID 38155800

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10751635

  • Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Troponin T in Definitive Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY Yu, C., Meier, S., Bestawros, D., Sun, D., Trieu, J., Yong, A. C., Wong, C. Y., Yiannikas, J., Kritharides, L., Beltrame, J. F., Naoum, C. 2023; 39 (7): 936-944

    Abstract

    It is unknown whether the degree of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTropT) elevation in patients with suspected myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) presentations can help predict the likelihood of an abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan. In this study we describe the diagnostic utility of CMR in patients with MINOCA and assesses the effect of peak hsTropT levels at presentation on CMR diagnostic yield.Records of consecutive patients (n = 1407) referred for CMR at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2016 and September 2021 were reviewed. A total of 70 patients met the criteria of MINOCA including ischemic chest pain, elevated peak hsTropT, and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (< 50% stenosis). The peak hsTropT levels within 72 hours of admission were identified. CMR images were generated using a 3.0 T Siemens scanner. Predictors of having an abnormal CMR were evaluated.CMR established a diagnosis in 71% (n = 50) of patients, with the most common CMR diagnosis being myopericarditis (n = 27; 39%). Time to CMR was an independent predictor of a normal CMR scan (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-0.999). Peak hsTropT had a high diagnostic accuracy for identifying patients with an abnormal CMR scan (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.81; P < 0.001). The optimal hsTropT cutoff was 166 ng/L, with 72% sensitivity and specificity. A troponin value ≥ 166 ng/L was independently predictive of an abnormal CMR scan (odds ratio, 4.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-17.11).HsTropT and early CMR imaging are independently predictive of an abnormal CMR scan in patients with MINOCA. Additionally, the use of a hsTropT cutoff provides incremental predictive value to clinical parameters and time to CMR scanning in determining an abnormal scan.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.04.009

    View details for Web of Science ID 001041313600001

    View details for PubMedID 37080291

  • Evolution of the Coronary Microcirculation After Restoration of Epicardial Blood Flow in STEMI JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY Wong, C. Y., Yong, A. C., Keech, A., Ada, C., Vaidya, K., O'Connell, R. F., Layland, J., White, H., Fearon, W., Ng, M. C. 2022; 79 (11): 1127-1128

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.01.016

    View details for Web of Science ID 000779206000012

    View details for PubMedID 35300825

  • A unique case report of relapsing eosinophilic myocarditis causing atrial myopathy and persistent sinus arrest EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CASE REPORTS Huynh, R., Sy, R. W., Wong, S. J., Wong, C. Y. 2022; 6 (2): ytac047

    Abstract

    Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare and devastating condition. The underlying cause of EM is unknown, and the natural history is not well understood.A 20-year-old male presented in cardiogenic shock with preceding 24-h history of pleuritic chest pain associated with nausea and vomiting. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia with widespread ST elevation, significantly raised high-sensitivity troponin T, and raised white cell count with eosinophilia. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated severe left ventricular (LV) impairment and a moderate-sized pericardial effusion. Right ventricular (RV) endomyocardial biopsy and bone marrow biopsy were performed, with both demonstrating prominent eosinophilia. He was initiated on pulse methylprednisolone leading to rapid clinical improvement with normalization of LV function. Day 9 after discharge, he was readmitted to hospital with presyncope and right heart failure. Electrocardiogram revealed junctional escape rhythm, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed scarring confined to the atria. The patient was treated with mepolizumab and underwent an electrophysiology study with electroanatomical mapping, demonstrating sinus arrest and the absence of electrical activity throughout the right atrium. After much deliberation, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted with a deep septal RV pacing lead and an apical RV defibrillator lead.We present a unique case of EM with two distinct phases: the first marked by severe LV impairment resolving with immunosuppression; the second characterized by atrial cardiomyopathy leading to persistent symptomatic sinus arrest necessitating permanent pacing. Close follow-up of EM after initial remission is essential to monitor for further complications including heart failure and arrhythmias.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac047

    View details for Web of Science ID 000764048700003

    View details for PubMedID 35233495

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8874821

  • Fractional Flow Reserve and Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio Predict Pathological Wall Shear Stress in Coronary Arteries: Implications for Understanding the Pathophysiological Impact of Functionally Significant Coronary Stenoses. Journal of the American Heart Association Wong, C. C., Javadzadegan, A., Ada, C., Lau, J. K., Bhindi, R., Fearon, W. F., Kritharides, L., Ng, M. K., Yong, A. S. 1800: e023502

    Abstract

    Background The pathophysiological mechanism behind adverse outcomes associated with ischemia-inducing epicardial coronary stenoses and microcirculatory dysfunction remains unclear. Wall shear stress (WSS) plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque progression and vulnerability. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between WSS, functionally significant epicardial coronary stenoses, and microcirculatory dysfunction. Methods and Results Patients undergoing invasive coronary physiology testing were included. Fractional flow reserve, instantaneous wave-free ratio, and the index of microcirculatory resistance were measured. Quantitative coronary angiography was used to obtain the lesion percentage diameter stenosis. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed to calculate WSS parameters. Multiple regression analysis was performed to calculate the standardized regression coefficient (beta) for the coronary physiology indices. A total of 107 vessels from 88 patients were included. Fractional flow reserve independently predicted the total area of low WSS (beta=-0.44; 95% CI, -0.62 to -0.25; P<0.001) and maximum lesion WSS (beta=-0.53; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.36; P<0.001) after adjusting for percentage diameter stenosis and index of microcirculatory resistance. Similarly, instantaneous wave-free ratio also independently predicted the total area of low WSS (beta=-0.45; 95% CI, -0.62 to -0.28; P<0.001) and maximum lesion WSS (beta=-0.58; 95% CI, -0.73 to -0.43; P<0.001). The index of microcirculatory resistance did not predict either low or high WSS. Conclusions Fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio independently predicted the total burden of low WSS and maximum lesion WSS in coronary arteries. No relationship was found between microcirculatory dysfunction and WSS.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/JAHA.121.023502

    View details for PubMedID 35043698

  • Discordance Between the Index of Microcirculatory Resistance and Coronary Flow Reserve After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention JACC-CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS Wong, C. Y., Nishi, T., Yong, A. C., Murai, T., Kakuta, T., Waseda, K., Amano, T., Hirohata, A., Barbato, E., Ng, M. C., Fearon, W. F. 2021; 14 (21): 2412-2414

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcin.2021.07.053

    View details for Web of Science ID 000715082400023

    View details for PubMedID 34736742

  • Abnormal shear stress and residence time are associated with proximal coronary atheroma in the presence of myocardial bridging. International journal of cardiology Yong, A. S., Pargaonkar, V. S., Wong, C. C., Javadzdegan, A., Yamada, R., Tanaka, S., Kimura, T., Rogers, I. S., Sen, I., Kritharides, L., Schnittger, I., Tremmel, J. A. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Atheromatous plaques tend to form in the coronary segments proximal to a myocardial bridge (MB), but the mechanism of this occurrence remains unclear. This study evaluates the relationship between blood flow perturbations and plaque formation in patients with an MB.METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 92 patients with an MB in the mid left anterior descending artery (LAD) and 20 patients without an MB were included. Coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and coronary physiology measurements were performed. A moving-boundary computational fluid dynamics algorithm was used to derive wall shear stress (WSS) and peak residence time (PRT). Patients with an MB had lower WSS (0.46 ± 0.21 vs. 0.96 ± 0.33 Pa, p < 0.001) and higher maximal plaque burden (33.6 ± 15.0 vs. 14.2 ± 5.8%, p < 0.001) within the proximal LAD compared to those without. Plaque burden in the proximal LAD correlated significantly with proximal WSS (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) and PRT (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). In patients with an MB, the site of maximal plaque burden occurred 23.4 ± 13.3 mm proximal to the entrance of the MB, corresponding to the site of PRT.CONCLUSIONS: Regions of low WSS and high PRT occur in arterial segments proximal to an MB, and this is associated with the degree and location of coronary atheroma formation.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.08.011

    View details for PubMedID 34375705

  • A real-world comparison of outcomes between fractional flow reserve-guided versus angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention. PloS one Wong, C. C., Ng, A. C., Ada, C., Chow, V., Fearon, W. F., Ng, M. K., Kritharides, L., Yong, A. S. 2021; 16 (12): e0259662

    Abstract

    Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to be superior to angiography-guided PCI in randomized controlled studies. However, real-world data on the use and outcomes of FFR-guided PCI remain limited. Thus, we investigated the outcomes of patients undergoing FFR-guided PCI compared to angiography-guided PCI in a large, state-wide unselected cohort.All patients undergoing PCI between June 2017 and June 2018 in New South Wales, Australia, were included. The cohort was stratified into the FFR-guided group when concomitant FFR was performed, and the angiography-guided group when no FFR was performed. The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of death or myocardial infarction (MI). Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, cardiovascular (CVS) death, and MI. The cohort comprised 10,304 patients, of which 542 (5%) underwent FFR-guided PCI. During a mean follow-up of 12±4 months, the FFR-guided PCI group had reduced occurrence of the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 0.34, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.20-0.56, P<0.001), all-cause death (HR 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.47, P = 0.001), CVS death (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.66, P = 0.01), and MI (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.84, P = 0.01) compared to the angiography-guided PCI group. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed FFR-guidance to be an independent predictor of the primary outcome (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.75, P = 0.002), all-cause death (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08-0.59, P = 0.003), and CVS death (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.83, P = 0.02).In this real-world study of patients undergoing PCI, FFR-guidance was associated with lower rates of the primary outcome of death or MI, as well as the secondary outcomes of all-cause death and CVS death.

    View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0259662

    View details for PubMedID 34914720

  • Nonhyperemic Pressure Ratios and Their Relationship With Indices of Microvascular Function Ada, C., Wong, C., Svanerud, J., van 't Veer, M., Lo, S., Fearon, W., Yong, A. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2020: B140

    View details for Web of Science ID 000597114500309

  • Prognostic Impact of Discordance Between Coronary Flow Reserve and the Index of Microcirculatory Resistance After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Wong, C., Nishi, T., Ng, M., Yong, A., Ada, C., Kakuta, T., Barbato, E., Waseda, K., Amano, T., Hirohata, A., Fearon, W. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2020: B168–B169

    View details for Web of Science ID 000597114500375

  • Flash-forward: the emergence of angiography-derived fractional flow reserve in the catheter laboratory CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH Wong, C. Y., Yong, A. C. 2020; 116 (7): 1242-1245

    View details for DOI 10.1093/cvr/cvaa015

    View details for Web of Science ID 000538787800011

    View details for PubMedID 32016381

  • Massive Right Heart Thrombus Causing Complete Cardiac Obstruction Relieved by Thrombolysis: A Case Report. European journal of case reports in internal medicine Wong, C. C., Yiannikas, J. 2020; 7 (8): 001644

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Right heart thrombus (RHT) is a medical condition associated with acute pulmonary embolism and congestive cardiac failure. Rapid recognition is essential for instituting early treatment and preventing adverse outcomes.CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old male presented with symptoms of congestive cardiac failure complicated by cardiac arrest. Initial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated moderate impairment of both ventricles and a moderately dilated right ventricle (RV). After initial improvement with heart failure treatment, the patient subsequently had a second cardiac arrest. Bedside TTE revealed complete RV obstruction by thrombus, and intravenous thrombolysis was immediately instituted, with complete dissolution of the thrombus and haemodynamic recovery 15 minutes after treatment. Unfortunately, the patient suffered significant hypoxic brain injury and did not survive.DISCUSSION: RHT can manifest acutely in a dramatic fashion with cardiac arrest. Bedside TTE is key to making a rapid diagnosis in this setting to allow early administration of thrombolytic therapy.LEARNING POINTS: Right heart thrombus (RHT) may manifest acutely as cardiac arrest in patients with underlying cardiomyopathy.Echocardiography is essential for rapid diagnosis of RHT.Thrombolysis can lead to rapid thrombus dissolution and haemodynamic improvement.

    View details for DOI 10.12890/2020_001644

    View details for PubMedID 32789130

  • Impact of persistent anaemia on mortality in patients hospitalised with acute pulmonary embolism: an Australian retrospective observational study BMJ OPEN Chow, W., Wong, C., Lau, J. K., Chow, V., Kritharides, L., Ng, A. C. 2019; 9 (4): e027112

    Abstract

    Anaemia is associated with increased mortality in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients. However, prior studies have not examined the prognostic impact of trends in plasma haemoglobin during admission. This study investigates the impact of changes in haemoglobin level on mortality during hospital stay in acute PE.A retrospective observational study.Tertiary-referral centre in Australia.Consecutive patients from 2000 to 2012 admitted with confirmed acute PE were identified from a dedicated PE database. Haemoglobin levels on days 1, 3-4, 5-6 and 7 of admission were retrieved. Patients without both baseline haemoglobin and subsequent haemoglobin levels were excluded (n=327), leaving 1099 patients as the study cohort. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin <130 g/L for men and <120 g/L for women. There were 576 patients without anaemia throughout admission, 65 with transient anaemia (anaemic on day 1, but subsequently normalised during admission), 122 with acquired anaemia (normal on day 1 but developed anaemia during admission) and 336 with persistent anaemia. A total of 71 patients received blood transfusion during admission.6-month mortality was tracked from a state-wide death database and analysed using multivariable modelling.After adjusting for transfusion, patietns with persistent anaemia had a significantly increased 6-month mortality risk (adjusted HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.09, p=0.003) compared with patients without anaemia. There was no difference in mortality between patients with transient or acquired anaemia and patients without anaemia.Among patients who had anaemia during their admission for acute PE, only the subgroup with persistent anaemia demonstrated worse outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027112

    View details for Web of Science ID 000471157200226

    View details for PubMedID 31048446

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6502010

  • Red blood cell transfusion in acute pulmonary embolism - Reply RESPIROLOGY Wong, C., Kritharides, L., Ng, A. 2018; 23 (11): 1076-1077

    View details for DOI 10.1111/resp.13408

    View details for Web of Science ID 000447309100020

    View details for PubMedID 30318759

  • Red blood cell transfusion and outcomes in acute pulmonary embolism: A response RESPIROLOGY Wong, C., Ng, A., Kritharides, L. 2018; 23 (10): 960

    View details for DOI 10.1111/resp.13344

    View details for Web of Science ID 000445059400018

    View details for PubMedID 29890566

  • Red blood cell transfusion and outcomes in acute pulmonary embolism RESPIROLOGY Wong, C. Y., Chow, W. K., Lau, J. K., Chow, V., Ng, A. C., Kritharides, L. 2018; 23 (10): 935-941

    Abstract

    Blood transfusion has been associated with adverse outcomes in certain conditions. This study investigates the prevalence and outcomes of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).Retrospective study of consecutive patients from 2000 to 2012 admitted to a tertiary hospital with a primary diagnosis of acute PE. Transfusion status during the hospital admission was ascertained. Mortality was tracked from a state-wide death database and analysed using multivariable modelling.A total of 73 patients (5% of all patients admitted with PE) received RBC transfusion during their admission. These patients were significantly older, had more co-morbidities, worse haemodynamics, higher simplified pulmonary embolism severity index scores, and lower plasma sodium and haemoglobin (Hb) levels at admission. Unadjusted mortality for the transfused group was significantly higher at 30-day (19% vs 4%, P < 0.001) and 6-month (40% vs 10%, P < 0.001) follow-up. Multivariable modelling showed RBC transfusion to be a significant independent predictor of mortality at 30-day (odds ratio 3.06, 95% CI: 1.17-8.01, P = 0.02) and 6-month (hazard ratio (HR) 1.97, 95% CI: 1.12-3.46, P = 0.02). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that transfused patients had higher mortality than non-transfused patients in the subgroup of patients with Hb <100 g/L.RBC transfusion in patients hospitalized with acute PE is rare and appears to be associated with increased risk of short- and long-term mortality, independent of Hb level on admission. This finding underscores the need for future randomized controlled studies on the impact of RBC transfusion in the management of patients admitted with acute PE. [Correction added on 4 May 2018, after first online publication: the word 'serum' was changed to 'plasma' throughout the article where appropriate.].

    View details for DOI 10.1111/resp.13314

    View details for Web of Science ID 000445059400012

    View details for PubMedID 29693295

  • A Practical Guide for Fractional Flow Reserve Guided Revascularisation HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION Ihdayhid, A., Yong, A., Harper, R., Rankin, J., Wong, C., Brown, A. J., Leung, M., Ko, B. 2018; 27 (4): 406-419

    Abstract

    The presence and extent of myocardial ischaemia is a major determinant of prognosis and benefit from revascularisation in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is accepted as the reference standard for invasive assessment of ischaemia. Its ability to detect lesion specific ischaemia makes it a useful test in a wide range of patient and lesion subsets, with FFR guided intervention improving clinical outcomes and reducing health care costs compared to assessment with coronary angiography alone. This article will review the basic principles in FFR, practical tips in FFR guided revascularisation and the role of emerging non-hyperaemic indices of ischaemia.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.09.017

    View details for Web of Science ID 000426370600005

    View details for PubMedID 29191506

  • The prognostic impact of chest pain in 1306 patients presenting with confirmed acute pulmonary embolism INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY Wong, C. Y., Ng, A. C., Lau, J. K., Chow, V., Sindone, A. P., Kritharides, L. 2016; 221: 794-799

    Abstract

    The prognostic influence of chest pain in patients presenting with pulmonary embolism has not been well defined. We investigated whether the presence of chest pain at presentation affected the mortality of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with confirmed acute pulmonary embolism from 2000 to 2012, with study outcomes tracked using a state-wide death registry.Of the 1306 patients included in the study, 771 (59%) had chest pain at presentation. These patients were younger with fewer comorbidities, and had lower 6-month mortality compared to patients without chest pain (5% vs 15%, P<0.001). Chest pain was consistently found to be an independent predictor of 6-month mortality in three separate multivariable models (range of hazard ratios 0.52-0.60, all with P<0.05). The addition of chest pain to a multivariable model that included the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index, haemoglobin, and sodium led to a significant net reclassification improvement of 18% (P<0.001).Chest pain is a novel, favourable prognostic marker in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.07.129

    View details for Web of Science ID 000384692600150

    View details for PubMedID 27428323

  • High mortality in patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism and elevated INR not on anticoagulant therapy THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS Wong, C. Y., Ng, A. C., Lau, J. K., Chow, V., Chen, V., Ng, A. T., Yong, A. C., Sindone, A. P., Marwick, T. H., Kritharides, L. 2016; 115 (6): 1191-1199

    Abstract

    The prognostic significance of patients presenting with pulmonary embolism (PE) and elevated International Normalised Ratio (INR) not on anticoagulant therapy has not been described. We investigated whether these patients had higher mortality compared to patients with normal INR. A retrospective study of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with acute PE from 2000 to 2012 was undertaken, with study outcomes tracked using a state-wide death registry. Patients were excluded if they were taking anticoagulants or had inadequate documentation of their INR and medication status. Of the 1,039 patients identified, 94 (9 %) had an elevated INR (> 1.2) in the absence of anticoagulant use. These patients had higher mortality at six months follow-up (26 % vs 6 %, p< 0.001) compared to controls (INR ≤ 1.2). An INR > 1.2 at diagnosis was an independent predictor of death at six months post-PE (hazard ratio [HR] 2.9, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.8-4.7, p< 0.001). The addition of INR to a multivariable model that included the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI), chest pain, and serum sodium led to a significant net reclassification improvement estimated at 8.1 %. The final model's C statistic increased significantly by 0.04 (95 % CI 0.01-0.08, p=0.03) to 0.83 compared to sPESI alone (0.79). In summary, patients presenting with acute PE and elevated INR while not on anticoagulant therapy appear to be at high risk of death. Future validation studies in independent cohorts will clarify if this novel finding can be usefully incorporated into clinical decision making in patients with acute PE.

    View details for DOI 10.1160/TH15-11-0869

    View details for Web of Science ID 000377237400012

    View details for PubMedID 26843127

  • Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: Looking Beyond Anaemia HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION Wong, C. Y., Ng, A. C., Kritharides, L., Sindone, A. P. 2016; 25 (3): 209-216

    Abstract

    Iron is an essential micronutrient in many cellular processes. Iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, is common in patients with chronic heart failure. Observational studies have shown iron deficiency to be associated with worse clinical outcomes and mortality. The treatment of iron deficiency in chronic heart failure patients using intravenous iron alone has shown promise in several clinical trials, although further studies which include larger populations and longer follow-up times are needed.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hlc.2015.06.827

    View details for Web of Science ID 000370263500011

    View details for PubMedID 26669811