Clinical experience with dual pathway inhibition therapy: case series and mini review

BACKGROUND: Dual pathway inhibition (DPI) with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin has demonstrated reductions in major adverse cardiovascular and limb events in eligible patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease, or both. Patients with polyvascular disease, heart failure, renal impairment, or diabetes can benefit particularly from this therapy. We present our clinical experience to elucidate practical issues regarding the selection of patients eligible for DPI and the timing of initiation. CASE SUMMARY: The first patient was at high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events due to his history of multi-vessel CAD, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and diabetes. Following a period of post-myocardial infarction dual antiplatelet therapy, he was transitioned to DPI therapy. The second patient was at high risk of cardiovascular events due to his history of polyvascular disease, diffuse CAD, and diabetes. He was hospitalized for unstable angina, which was medically managed because no target lesion was identified. DPI was initiated a day after admission. The third patient was at high risk of cardiovascular events due to an extensive history of polyvascular disease, revascularization, and renal impairment. Although the patient was asymptomatic at routine follow-up, DPI was initiated to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events. DISCUSSION: In eligible patients who are at high risk of cardiovascular events, DPI therapy with low-dose rivaroxaban should be considered. Treatment can be started at various times, including at the end of dual antiplatelet therapy, at routine follow-up, or after new events or diagnoses.