Treatable Cardiac Disease in Hospitalised COPD Exacerbations

Introduction Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) are accompanied by escalations in cardiac risk superimposed upon elevated baseline risk. Appropriate treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) could improve outcomes. However, securing these diagnoses during AECOPD is difficult, so their true prevalence remains unknown, as does the magnitude of this treatment opportunity. We aimed to determine the prevalence of severe CAD and severe HFrEF during hospitalised AECOPD using dynamic computed tomography (CT).

Methods Cross-sectional study of 148 patients with hospitalised AECOPD. Dynamic CT was used to identify severe CAD (Agatston score≥400) and HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and/or right ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%).

V Severe CAD was detected in 51/148 patients (35%), left ventricular systolic dysfunction was identified in 12 cases (8%) and right ventricular systolic dysfunction was present in 18 (12%). Clinical history and examination did not identify severe CAD in approximately one-third of cases and missed HFrEF in two-thirds of cases. Elevated troponin and BNP did not differentiate subjects with severe CAD from non-severe CAD, nor distinguish HFrEF from normal ejection fraction. Under-treatment was common. Of those with severe CAD, only 39% were prescribed an antiplatelet agent, and 53% received a statin. Of individuals with HFrEF, 50% or less received angiotensin blockers, beta-blocker, or antimineralocorticoids.

Conclusion Dynamic CT detects clinically covert CAD and HFrEF during AECOPD, identifying opportunities to improve outcomes via well-established cardiac treatments.