1
|
Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Bournia VK, Sfikakis PP, Mavrogeni SI. Raynaud phenomenon and microvasculopathy in systemic sclerosis: multi-modality imaging for diagnosis and evaluation. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:324-333. [PMID: 37582056 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the clinical significance of and the diagnostic approach to Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in the peripheral extremities and the heart. RECENT FINDINGS Nailfold capillaroscopy has recently been standardized in an expert consensus paper. Abnormal capillaroscopy in combination with specific autoantibody profiles and clinical signs are highly predictive of progression of RP to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also perform tissue characterization of both the extremities and the heart. Microvascular wall abnormalities detected using nailfold capillaroscopy in patients with SSc may lead to deposition of erythrocyte-derived iron, due to microhemorrhages, which may predispose to fibrosis. MRI can assess the presence of iron using T2∗ measurements. SUMMARY RP is a hallmark of the microvasculopathy in SSc and can affect both the peripheral extremities and the heart. Nailfold capillaroscopy is the current gold standard for the evaluation of the peripheral microvasculature. Other imaging modalities include thermography, laser Doppler-derived methods, 99m Tc-pertechnetate hand perfusion scintigraphy, power Doppler ultrasonography, dynamic optical coherence tomography, MRI, and photoacoustic imaging, but these are currently not widely used. Cardiac RP can be investigated with positron emission tomography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance, with the latter offering the additional possibility of tissue characterization and iron content quantification secondary to microhemorrhages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Markousis-Mavrogenis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital
| | | | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School
| | - Sophie I Mavrogeni
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair in Adolescent Health Care, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Hospital, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gulhane A, Ordovas K. Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of cardiac involvement in autoimmune diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1215907. [PMID: 37808881 PMCID: PMC10556673 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1215907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as the modality of choice to assess early cardiovascular involvement in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) that often has a silent presentation and may lead to changes in management. Besides being reproducible and accurate for functional and volumetric assessment, the strength of CMR is its unique ability to perform myocardial tissue characterization that allows the identification of inflammation, edema, and fibrosis. Several CMR biomarkers may provide prognostic information on the severity and progression of cardiovascular involvement in patients with ARDs. In addition, CMR may add value in assessing treatment response and identification of cardiotoxicity related to therapy with immunomodulators that are commonly used to treat these conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss the following objectives: •Illustrate imaging findings of multi-parametric CMR approach in the diagnosis of cardiovascular involvement in various ARDs;•Review the CMR signatures for risk stratification, prognostication, and guiding treatment strategies in ARDs;•Describe the utility of routine and advanced CMR sequences in identifying cardiotoxicity related to immunomodulators and disease-modifying agents in ARDs;•Discuss the limitations of CMR, recent advances, current research gaps, and potential future developments in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avanti Gulhane
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santangelo G, Henein MY, Faggiano A, Carugo S, Faggiano P. Cardiology consultation on non-cardiac wards: the need for optimal skills and competences. Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2023; 71:1-4. [PMID: 36321888 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.22.06186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Santangelo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, University of Umea, Umea, Sweden
| | - Andrea Faggiano
- Cardiac Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Cardiac Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pompilio Faggiano
- Cardiothoracic Department, Poliambulanza Foundation, Brescia, Italy -
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Casian M, Jurcut C, Dima A, Mihai A, Stanciu S, Jurcut R. Cardiovascular Disease in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Raising Clinicians' Awareness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865373. [PMID: 35757738 PMCID: PMC9219550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the ever evolving landscape of systemic immune mediated diseases, an increased awareness regarding the associated cardiovascular system impairment has been noted in recent years. Even though primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) is one of the most frequent autoimmune diseases affecting middle-aged individuals, the cardiovascular profile of this specific population is far less studied, at least compared to other autoimmune diseases. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease specific risk factors are inextricably intertwined in this particular case. Therefore, the cardiovascular risk profile in pSS is a multifaceted issue, sometimes difficult to assess. Furthermore, in the era of multimodality imaging, the diagnosis of subclinical myocardial and vascular damage is possible, with recent data pointing that the prevalence of such involvement is higher in pSS than in the general population. Nevertheless, when approaching patients with pSS in terms of cardiovascular diseases, clinicians are often faced with the difficult task of translating data from the literature into their everyday practice. The present review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on pSS associated cardiovascular changes in a clinically relevant manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihnea Casian
- Cardiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania.,2nd Internal Medicine Department, Central Military University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ciprian Jurcut
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Central Military University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Dima
- Department of Rheumatology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuta Mihai
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Central Military University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Rheumatology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Stanciu
- Cardiac Noninvasive Laboratory, Central Military University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Internal Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Jurcut
- Cardiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Cardiology, Expert Center for Rare Genetic Cardiovascular Diseases, Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Feher A, Boutagy NE, Oikonomou EK, Thorn S, Liu YH, Miller EJ, Sinusas AJ, Hinchcliff M. Impaired Myocardial Flow Reserve on 82Rubidium Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis. J Rheumatol 2021; 48:1574-1582. [PMID: 34266986 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.210040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between Raynaud phenomenon (RP) and coronary microvascular dysfunction, we measured myocardial flow reserve (MFR) using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with primary and secondary RP and controls. METHODS Patients with RP, patient controls, and healthy participants who underwent dynamic rest-stress 82-rubidium PET/CT were studied. Differences in heart rate-blood pressure product-corrected MFR and clinical predictors of reduced MFR (< 2.0) were determined. RESULTS Forty-nine patients with RP (80% female; aged 65 ± 11 yrs; 11 with primary RP, 18 with systemic sclerosis [SSc], and 20 with other autoimmune rheumatic diseases [AIRDs] including 6 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 with rheumatoid arthritis, 4 with overlap syndrome, 2 with Sjögren syndrome, and 2 with inflammatory arthritis), 49 matched patients without RP or AIRD (78% female; 64 ± 13 yrs), and 14 healthy participants (50% female; 35 ± 5 yrs) were studied. Patients with primary RP, matched patient controls, and healthy participants had comparable MFR. Patients with SSc-RP had significantly reduced MFR (1.62 ± 0.32) compared to matched patient controls (P = 0.03, 2.06 ± 0.61) and to healthy participants (P = 0.01, 2.22 ± 0.44). In multivariable logistic regression, SSc was an independent predictor of reduced MFR. We identified a correlation between time since AIRD diagnosis and MFR (r = -0.30, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.02, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that only secondary, not primary, RP is associated with reduced MFR, and that patients with SSc-RP have reduced MFR compared to those with primary RP and patients with other AIRDs. Larger prospective studies are warranted to fully elucidate the prognostic value of MFR in patients with secondary RP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Feher
- A. Feher, MD, PhD, E.K. Oikonomou, MD, PhD, S. Thorn, PhD, Y.H. Liu, PhD, E.J. Miller, MD, PhD, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Nabil E Boutagy
- N.E. Boutagy, PhD, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, and Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Evangelos K Oikonomou
- A. Feher, MD, PhD, E.K. Oikonomou, MD, PhD, S. Thorn, PhD, Y.H. Liu, PhD, E.J. Miller, MD, PhD, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Stephanie Thorn
- A. Feher, MD, PhD, E.K. Oikonomou, MD, PhD, S. Thorn, PhD, Y.H. Liu, PhD, E.J. Miller, MD, PhD, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Yi-Hwa Liu
- A. Feher, MD, PhD, E.K. Oikonomou, MD, PhD, S. Thorn, PhD, Y.H. Liu, PhD, E.J. Miller, MD, PhD, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Edward J Miller
- A. Feher, MD, PhD, E.K. Oikonomou, MD, PhD, S. Thorn, PhD, Y.H. Liu, PhD, E.J. Miller, MD, PhD, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- A.J. Sinusas, MD, BSc, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University
| | - Monique Hinchcliff
- M. Hinchcliff, MD, Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ordovas KG, Baldassarre LA, Bucciarelli-Ducci C, Carr J, Fernandes JL, Ferreira VM, Frank L, Mavrogeni S, Ntusi N, Ostenfeld E, Parwani P, Pepe A, Raman SV, Sakuma H, Schulz-Menger J, Sierra-Galan LM, Valente AM, Srichai MB. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in women with cardiovascular disease: position statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2021; 23:52. [PMID: 33966639 PMCID: PMC8108343 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-021-00746-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This document is a position statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) on recommendations for clinical utilization of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in women with cardiovascular disease. The document was prepared by the SCMR Consensus Group on CMR Imaging for Female Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and endorsed by the SCMR Publications Committee and SCMR Executive Committee. The goals of this document are to (1) guide the informed selection of cardiovascular imaging methods, (2) inform clinical decision-making, (3) educate stakeholders on the advantages of CMR in specific clinical scenarios, and (4) empower patients with clinical evidence to participate in their clinical care. The statements of clinical utility presented in the current document pertain to the following clinical scenarios: acute coronary syndrome, stable ischemic heart disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy, cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, aortic syndrome and congenital heart disease in pregnancy, bicuspid aortic valve and aortopathies, systemic rheumatic diseases and collagen vascular disorders, and cardiomyopathy-causing mutations. The authors cite published evidence when available and provide expert consensus otherwise. Most of the evidence available pertains to translational studies involving subjects of both sexes. However, the authors have prioritized review of data obtained from female patients, and direct comparison of CMR between women and men. This position statement does not consider CMR accessibility or availability of local expertise, but instead highlights the optimal utilization of CMR in women with known or suspected cardiovascular disease. Finally, the ultimate goal of this position statement is to improve the health of female patients with cardiovascular disease by providing specific recommendations on the use of CMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiara Bucciarelli-Ducci
- Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, UK
- Bristol National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical , Research Centre, Bristol, UK
- University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol, UK
- University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - James Carr
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Vanessa M Ferreira
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luba Frank
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sophie Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
- Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ntobeko Ntusi
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ellen Ostenfeld
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Physiology, Skåne University Hospital Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Purvi Parwani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, Fondazione G. Monasterio C.N.R., Pisa, Italy
| | - Subha V Raman
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Hajime Sakuma
- Department of Radiology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- harite Hospital, University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- HELIOS-Clinics Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Feng C, Liu W, Sun X, Wang Q, Zhu X, Zhou X, Xu Y, Zhu Y. Myocardial involvement characteristics by cardiac MR imaging in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:572-580. [PMID: 33742670 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myocardial involvement is frequently observed in polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) but typically remains subclinical. This study aimed to investigate characteristics of myocardial involvement and compare differences between patients with PM and DM by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. METHODS From March 2017 to December 2019, a total of 17 PM and 27 DM patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. In all patients, clinical assessment and CMR examination were performed. CMR parameters, including left ventricular (LV) morphologic and functional parameters and CMR tissue characterization imaging parameters, such as native T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were analyzed. RESULTS Patients in both PM and DM groups, elevated global native T1 and ECV values were observed. Global ECV values were higher in the PM group when compared to the DM group (33.24 ± 2.97% vs. 30.36 ± 4.20%; P = 0.039). Furthermore, patients in PM and DM groups showed a different positive segment distribution of LGE, native T1 and ECV, whereas the number of positive segments in PM patients was greater compared to that in DM patients. No significant differences in LV morphological and functional parameters were observed between patients in PM and DM groups and most were in normal range. CONCLUSION CMR tissue characterization imaging could detect early myocardial involvement in PM and DM patients without overt LV dysfunction. Furthermore, characteristics of myocardial involvement were different between PM and DM patients with more serious seen in PM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changjing Feng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wangyan Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhou
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Ldt., Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinsu Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Galea N, Rosato E, Gigante A, Borrazzo C, Fiorelli A, Barchetti G, Trombetta AC, Digiulio MA, Francone M, Catalano C, Carbone I. Early myocardial damage and microvascular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis: A cardiovascular magnetic resonance study with cold pressor test. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244282. [PMID: 33351821 PMCID: PMC7755221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cardiac involvement in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is increasingly recognized as a mayor cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of present study is to investigate the early stages of cardiac involvement in SSc by Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), combining the non-invasive detection of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis using T2 and T1 mapping techniques and the assessment of microcirculatory impairment through perfusion response to cold pressor test (CPT). Methods 40 SSc patients (30 females, mean age: 42.1 years) without cardiac symptoms and 10 controls underwent CMR at 1.5 T unit. CMR protocol included: native and contrast-enhanced T1 mapping, T2 mapping, T2-weighted, cineMR and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. Microvascular function was evaluated by comparing myocardial blood flow (MBF) on perfusion imaging acquired at rest and after CPT. Native myocardial T1 and T2 relaxation times, extracellular volume fraction (ECV), T2 signal intensity ratio, biventricular volumes and LGE were assessed in each patient. Results SSc patients had significantly higher mean myocardial T1 (1029±32ms vs. 985±18ms, p<0.01), ECV (30.1±4.3% vs. 26.7±2.4%, p<0.05) and T2 (50.1±2.8ms vs. 47±1.5ms, p<0.01) values compared with controls. No significant differences were found between absolute MBF values at rest and after CPT; whereas lower MBF variation after CPT was observed in SSc patients (+33 ± 14% vs. +44 ± 12%, p<0.01). MBF variation had inverse correlation with native T1 values (r: -0.32, p<0.05), but not with ECV. Conclusions Myocardial involvement in SSc at preclinical stage increases native T1, T2 and ECV values, reflecting inflammation and fibrosis, and reduces vasodilatory response to CPT, as expression of microvascular dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Galea
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit- Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit- Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Borrazzo
- Statistical Unit, Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Radiotherapy Unit, Ospedale San Pietro Fatebenefratelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Chiara Trombetta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit- Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Digiulio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit- Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Catalano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Iacopo Carbone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mavrogeni S, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Dimitroulas T, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Boki K, Katsifis G, Vartela V, Kallenberg CG, Kolovou G, Kitas G. Combined Brain/Heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Curr Cardiol Rev 2020; 16:178-186. [PMID: 31368877 PMCID: PMC7536815 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x15666190801122105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) has an estimated prevalence of 50% and 40%, respectively and both constitute major causes of death among SLE patients. In this review, a combined brain/heart Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for SLE risk stratification has been proposed. The pathophysiologic background of NPSLE includes microangiopathy, macroscopic infarcts and accelerated atherosclerosis. Classic brain MRI findings demonstrate lesions suggestive of NPSLE in 50% of the NPSLE cases, while advanced MRI indices can detect pre-clinical lesions in the majority of them, but their clinical impact still remains unknown. Cardiac involvement in SLE includes myo-pericarditis, valvular disease/endocarditis, Heart Failure (HF), coronary macro-micro-vascular disease, vasculitis and pulmonary hypertension. Classic and advanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) indices allow function and tissue characterization for early diagnosis and treatment follow-up of CVD in SLE. Although currently, there are no clinical data supporting the combined use of brain/heart MRI in asymptomatic SLE, it may have a place in cases with clinical suspicion of brain/heart involvement, especially in patients at high risk for CVD/stroke such as SLE with antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE/APS), in whom concurrent cardiac and brain lesions have been identified. Furthermore, it may be of value in SLE with multi-organ involvement, NPSLE with concurrent cardiac involvement, and recent onset of arrhythmia and/or heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Cees G Kallenberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - George Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, Manchester University, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mavrogeni SI, Sfendouraki E, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Rigopoulos A, Noutsias M, Kolovou G, Angeli C, Tousoulis D. Cardio-oncology, the myth of Sisyphus, and cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. Heart Fail Rev 2020; 24:977-987. [PMID: 31134427 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-019-09805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The number of breast cancer (BC) survivors has been increasing lately, due to the improvement in early detection strategies and oncological treatments. However, BC survivors are 3 times as likely to develop heart failure (HF) within 5 years of cancer diagnosis, and 7/100 of them will develop HF in a median follow-up of 8.5 years. Furthermore, HF in BC survivors has a worse prognosis compared to other causes of HF. Anthracyclines and trastuzumab have been proven to improve survival. However, they are also considered as the main causative factors of HF in BC survivors. Old patients, those with a pre-existing cardiovascular (CV) risk factors/disease, prior exposure to chemotherapy and radiotherapy are at increased risk. Serial evaluation of troponins and cardiac imaging parameters using echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance can significantly contribute to the early diagnosis of cardiac involvement before overt HF will develop. Assessment and immediate treatment of traditional CV risk factors is the first step for cardiotoxicity prevention. In BC survivors with known heart disease, the clinical stabilization is strongly recommended for cardiotoxicity prevention. Finally, in high-risk CV patients, primary prevention including cardioprotectants and/or CV drugs should be applied. According to recent studies, the early start of ACE inhibitors and β-blockers and the modification of anti-cancer treatment can prevent the decline in left ventricular ejection fraction. However, further multicenter studies are needed to establish both prevention and treatment protocols to successfully overcome HF development in BC survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie I Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 50 Esperou Street, 175-61 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece.
| | - Elisa Sfendouraki
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Markousis-Mavrogenis
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 50 Esperou Street, 175-61 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Rigopoulos
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Internal Medicine III (KIM III), Division of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Medical Care, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michel Noutsias
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Internal Medicine III (KIM III), Division of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Medical Care, University Hospital Halle, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, D-06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 50 Esperou Street, 175-61 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina Angeli
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Impact of baseline calibration on semiquantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion reserve by adenosine stress MRI. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019; 36:521-532. [PMID: 31728679 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-019-01729-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of baseline calibration, which is used in quantitative cardiac MRI perfusion analysis to correct for surface coil inhomogeneity and noise, on myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) and its contribution to previously reported paradoxical low MPRI < 1.0 in patients with unobstructed coronary arteries. Semiquantitative perfusion analysis was performed in 20 patients with unobstructed coronary arteries undergoing stress/rest perfusion CMR and in ten patients undergoing paired rest perfusion CMR. The following baseline calibration settings were compared: (1) baseline division, (2) baseline subtraction and (3) no baseline calibration. In uncalibrated analysis, we observed ~ 20% segmental dispersion of signal intensity (SI)-over-time curves. Both baseline subtraction and baseline division reduced relative dispersion of t0-SI (p < 0.001), but only baseline division corrected for dispersion of peak-SI and maximum upslope also (p < 0.001). In the assessment of perfusion indices, however, baseline division resulted in paradoxical low MPRI (1.01 ± 0.23 vs. 1.63 ± 0.38, p < 0.001) and rest perfusion index (RPI 0.54 ± 0.07 vs. 0.94 ± 0.12, p < 0.001), respectively. This was due to a reversed ratio of blood-pool and myocardial baseline-SI before the second perfusion study caused by circulating contrast agent from the first injection. In conclusion, baseline division reliably corrects for inhomogeneity of the surface coil sensitivity profile facilitating comparisons of regional myocardial perfusion during hyperemia or at rest. However, in the assessment of MPRI, baseline division can lead to paradoxical low results (even MPRI < 1.0 in patients with unobstructed coronary arteries) potentially mimicking severely impaired perfusion reserve. Thus, in the assessment of MPRI we propose to waive baseline calibration.
Collapse
|
12
|
Mavrogeni SI, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Karapanagiotou O, Toutouzas K, Argyriou P, Velitsista S, Kanoupakis G, Apostolou D, Hautemann D, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Silent Myocardial Perfusion Abnormalities Detected by Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case-Control Study. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8071084. [PMID: 31340567 PMCID: PMC6678220 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8071084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To examine the prevalence of silent myocardial ischemia and fibrosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), using stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: Forty-four consecutive APS patients without prior cardiac disease (22 primary APS, 22 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/APS, mean age 44 (12.9) years, 64% women) and 44 age/gender-matched controls were evaluated using CMR at 1.5 T. Steady-state free precession imaging for function assessment and adenosine stress-CMR for perfusion-fibrosis evaluation were employed. The myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI), and myocardial fibrosis expressed as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), were evaluated. Coronary angiography was indicated in patients with LGE. Associations with APS characteristics, classic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and high-sensitivity Troponin (hs-TnT) levels were tested. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Results: Median MPRI was significantly lower in APS patients versus controls [1.5 (0.9–1.9) vs. 2.7 (2.2–3.2), p < 0.001], independently of any LGE presence. LGE was detected in 16 (36.3%) patients versus none of controls (p < 0.001); 12/16 were subsequently examined with coronary angiography and only two of them had coronary artery lesions. In multivariable analysis, none of the APS-related and classic CVD risk factors, or hs-CRP and hs-TnT covariates, were significant predictors of abnormal MPRI or LGE. At the twelve month follow-up, three (6.8%) patients experienced coronary artery disease, notably those with the lowest MPRI values. Conclusions: Abnormal MPRI and LGE are common in asymptomatic APS patients, independently so of any APS-related and classic CVD risk factors, or coronary angiography findings in cases with LGE. Stress-CMR is a valuable tool to detect silent myocardial ischemia and fibrosis in APS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- First Cardiology Department, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - David Hautemann
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gigante A, Galea N, Borrazzo C, Tubani L, Liberatori M, Ciolina F, Fiorelli A, Romaniello A, Barbano B, Romaggioli L, Francone M, Catalano C, Carbone I, Rosato E. Role of autonomic dysfunction in the regulation of myocardial blood flow in systemic sclerosis evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance. Int J Rheum Dis 2019; 22:1029-1035. [PMID: 30989785 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is an early feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc). A regular endothelial function is a prerequisite for normal response of the myocardial blood flow (MBF) to cold pressure test (CPT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between MBF and AD at rest and after CPT in asymptomatic SSc patients. METHODS Twenty SSc patients and 10 age-, sex- and body mass index-matched healthy controls underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at rest and after CPT. All subjects underwent 24 hours ambulatory 3-channel electrocardiogram Holter to evaluate AD by heart rate variability. RESULTS We did not observe any significant difference in MBF (mL/g/min) at rest and after CPT between SSc patients and healthy controls. Delta of MBF (difference between MBF after CPT and rest MBF) was lower (P = 0.039) in SSc patients than healthy controls (0.28 [0.04-0.40] vs 0.33 [0.24-0.54]). The low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) was higher (P = 0.002) in SSc patients than healthy controls (3 [1.7-6] vs 1.8 [1.1-2.8]). The high frequencies (HF), modulated mainly by paraympathetic system, was lower (P = 0.003) in SSc patients than healthy controls (30 [16-42] vs 36.5 [24-44]). Sympathetic hyperactivity, due to reduction of parasympathetic activity (HF), is present in SSc patients. A negative correlation was observed between Delta of MBF and LF/HF (r = -0.572, P = 0.0031). CONCLUSION AD, characterized by sympathovagal imbalance due to a reduced parasympathetic tone with high LF/HF ratio, could be responsible for the reduced myocardial vasodilatory response after CPT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Gigante
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Galea
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Tubani
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Liberatori
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ciolina
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Romaniello
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio Barbano
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Romaggioli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Catalano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Iacopo Carbone
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Rosato
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit-Scleroderma Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Mavrogeni SI, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Kolovou G. "Save the Last Dance" for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. Eur Cardiol 2019; 13:95-97. [PMID: 30697352 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2018.19.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is underestimated in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), due to its atypical presentation. The multi-faceted nature of CVD in ARDs created the need of a dedicated outpatient cardio-rheumatic clinic. Clinical examination, rest/exercise ECG, echocardiography, nuclear techniques and cardiac catheterisation were used as first-line diagnostic tools. Although the currently used non-invasive modalities perform well in cardiology, they are unable to diagnose the complex CVD pathophysiology of ARDs. The application of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers some significant advantages. CMR is versatile and can be used to perform functional, stress-rest perfusion, fibrosis and evaluation of great, peripheral and coronary vessels patency, without the use of ionising radiation, allowing early diagnosis of CVD and prompting modifications of anti-rheumatic and cardiac treatment.
Collapse
|
16
|
The heart in systemic lupus erythematosus - A comprehensive approach by cardiovascular magnetic resonance tomography. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202105. [PMID: 30273933 PMCID: PMC6167090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cardiac manifestations, e.g. coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocarditis are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of subclinical heart disease in SLE is unknown. We studied whether a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol may be useful for early diagnosis of heart disease in SLE patients without known CAD. Methods In this prospective, observational, cross-sectional study CMR including cine, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and stress perfusion sequences, ECG, and blood sampling were performed in 30 consecutive SLE patients without known CAD. All patients fulfilled at least 4/11 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Criteria for the classification of SLE. Results 30 patients (83% female) were enrolled, mean age was 45±14 years and mean SLE disease duration was 10±8 years. 80% had low to moderate disease activity. All had a low SLE damage index. CMR was abnormal in 13/30 (43%), showing LGE in 9/13, stress perfusion deficits in 5/13 and pericardial effusion (PE) in 7/13. Patients with non-ischemic LGE had more often microalbuminuria while patients with stress perfusion deficits a history of hypertension, renal disorder as ACR criterion, repolarisation abnormalities on ECG and larger LV enddiastolic volume index. There was no correlation between clinical symptoms and CMR results. Conclusion Our study shows that cardiac involvement as observed by CMR is frequent in SLE and not necessarily associated with typical symptoms. CMR may thus help to detect subclinical cardiac involvement, which could lead to earlier treatment. Additionally we identify possible risk factors associated with cardiac involvement.
Collapse
|
17
|
The emerging role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of cardiac involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2018; 38:1355-1362. [PMID: 29876652 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest rheumatic disease in childhood and presents several subtypes according to the ILAR classification. JIA, specifically in its systemic form, may seriously damage various structures of the cardiovascular system. Other JIA phenotypes are also of interest, as cardiovascular disease (CVD) is underestimated and understudied, but chronic systemic inflammation and risk factors remained important contributors for CVD development. The currently applied non-invasive modalities, although they are important for the initial evaluation of JIA patients, frequently fail to detect the silent, subclinical forms of CVD. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), due to its multifaceted capability in the detection of cardiovascular disease, can offer early, reproducible, non-invasive information about cardiovascular disease in JIA, allowing risk stratification and timely initiation /modification of cardiologic and anti-rheumatic treatment. However, lack of availability/expertise and high cost still hamper its application in the clinical cardio-rheumatic practice. The aim of the current article is to present an overview of CVD in JIA emphasizing the emerging role of CMR in early diagnosis and treatment follow-up of CVD in JIA patients.
Collapse
|
18
|
Erre GL, Buscetta G, Paliogiannis P, Mangoni AA, Carru C, Passiu G, Zinellu A. Coronary flow reserve in systemic rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatol Int 2018; 38:1179-1190. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
19
|
Can cardiovascular magnetic resonance prompt early cardiovascular/rheumatic treatment in autoimmune rheumatic diseases? Current practice and future perspectives. Rheumatol Int 2018. [PMID: 29516170 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Life expectancy in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) remains lower compared to the general population, due to various comoborbidities. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the main contributor to premature mortality. Conventional and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have considerably improved long-term outcomes in ARDs not only by suppressing systemic inflammation but also by lowering CVD burden. Regarding atherosclerotic disease prevention, EULAR has recommended tight disease control accompanied by regular assessment of traditional CVD risk factors and lifestyle changes. However, this approach, although rational and evidence-based, does not account for important issues such as myocardial inflammation and the long asymptomatic period that usually proceeds clinical manifestations of CVD disease in ARDs before or after the diagnosis of systemic disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can offer reliable, reproducible and operator independent information regarding myocardial inflammation, ischemia and fibrosis. Some studies suggest a role for CMR in the risk stratification of ARDs and demonstrate that oedema/fibrosis visualisation with CMR may have the potential to inform cardiac and rheumatic treatment modification in ARDs with or without abnormal routine cardiac evaluation. In this review, we discuss how CMR findings could influence anti-rheumatic treatment decisions targeting optimal control of both systemic and myocardial inflammation irrespective of clinical manifestations of cardiac disease. CMR can provide a different approach that is very promising for risk stratification and treatment modification; however, further studies are needed before the inclusion of CMR in the routine evaluation and treatment of patients with ARDs.
Collapse
|
20
|
Cardiac Tissue Characterization and Imaging in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 10:1387-1396. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|